The Manila International Book Fair 2016: Our first!

I really have no plans of going to Manila International Book Fair if not for the Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch.

I recently bought used good books from our Sister in Christ and I'm trying to control my self from hording books.

We came there on a Saturday afternoon with my boys: hubby and the kiddos. The place was packed with shoppers. There was a long line in the entrance. Good thing we have our tickets printed so no need to line-up for it. I also have a list of books with me that I needed to buy for our homeschooling.

Our first stop was Tahanan Books. The booth was packed so it was hard to check on the items. 

I've been wanting to buy the book "A Lolong Story" after seeing it from Donna Simpao's post. We are planning to use it as supplement for civics.

A Lolong Time Ago, Php150

Then, we headed to National Historical Commission of the Philippines which is just across Tahanan. I tried checking for the Philippine History book that I'm wanting to buy. Sadly, they don't have it. But they have good history books for higher levels.

After that, we went to Batang Adarna, they have a lot of colorful books and storybooks for Php60.

I've mentioned that I'm with my boys and the hubby started complaining that he was tired. We came from my eldest soccer game and he has been carrying our toddler along. He advised me to avoid window shopping. So we headed directly to Rex Bookstore. My other sisters who went here before me mentioned that they have a pretty good deal.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

We purchased Science Links, another supplement book and I also got a copywork book, each for Php50.

Each costs, Php50

Next, we went to Philippine Bible Society. They have a lot of bibles on sale and some good books as well.

We bought a set of Bible Comics. Good thing my son loves them. As of writing, he already finished 6 comics.

13pcs for Php145

We also had a quick tour at Shepherd's House Publishers, Inc, Learning is Fun and Disney.

Shepherd's House Publishers, Inc

Learning is Fun

Disney

Finally, my last stop was in the OMF Lit Bookstore for the book launch, read about it here. As for my boys, they stayed in one side because they're all tired. My poor kids took their nap there.

I guess my take-home lesson from this experience: Do not bring younger kids and do not go on weekends (if possible). It was hard if you are carrying a toddler especially if the place is full of book hunters.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the experience.

The Manila International Book Fair 2016: Our first!

I really have no plans of going to Manila International Book Fair if not for the Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch.

I recently bought used good books from our Sister in Christ and I'm trying to control my self from hording books.

We came there on a Saturday afternoon with my boys: hubby and the kiddos. The place was packed with shoppers. There was a long line in the entrance. Good thing we have our tickets printed so no need to line-up for it. I also have a list of books with me that I needed to buy for our homeschooling.

Our first stop was Tahanan Books. The booth was packed so it was hard to check on the items. 

The Manila International Book Fair 2016: Our first!

I really have no plans of going to Manila International Book Fair if not for the Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch.

I recently bought used good books from our Sister in Christ and I'm trying to control my self from hording books.

We came there on a Saturday afternoon with my boys: hubby and the kiddos. The place was packed with shoppers. There was a long line in the entrance. Good thing we have our tickets printed so no need to line-up for it. I also have a list of books with me that I needed to buy for our homeschooling.

Our first stop was Tahanan Books. The booth was packed so it was hard to check on the items. 

I've been wanting to buy the book "A Lolong Story" after seeing it from Donna Simpao's post. We are planning to use it as supplement for civics.

A Lolong Time Ago, Php150

Then, we headed to National Historical Commission of the Philippines which is just across Tahanan. I tried checking for the Philippine History book that I'm wanting to buy. Sadly, they don't have it. But they have good history books for higher levels.

After that, we went to Batang Adarna, they have a lot of colorful books and storybooks for Php60.

I've mentioned that I'm with my boys and the hubby started complaining that he was tired. We came from my eldest soccer game and he has been carrying our toddler along. He advised me to avoid window shopping. So we headed directly to Rex Bookstore. My other sisters who went here before me mentioned that they have a pretty good deal.

Sale! Sale! Sale!

We purchased Science Links, another supplement book and I also got a copywork book, each for Php50.

Each costs, Php50

Next, we went to Philippine Bible Society. They have a lot of bibles on sale and some good books as well.

We bought a set of Bible Comics. Good thing my son loves them. As of writing, he already finished 6 comics.

13pcs for Php145

We also had a quick tour at Shepherd's House Publishers, Inc, Learning is Fun and Disney.

Shepherd's House Publishers, Inc

Learning is Fun

Disney

Finally, my last stop was in the OMF Lit Bookstore for the book launch, read about it here. As for my boys, they stayed in one side because they're all tired. My poor kids took their nap there.

I guess my take-home lesson from this experience: Do not bring younger kids and do not go on weekends (if possible). It was hard if you are carrying a toddler especially if the place is full of book hunters.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the experience.

Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch

From Trans to Transformed

Vins Santiago was one of the country’s first transsexuals until he met his Creator and found real transformation in Him.

The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer) issue has been a hot-button topic among Christians, more so now with the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. There are various stances and judgment calls from the church, and a lot of hurt and anger has been stirred up.

But this is not what Vins’s Santiago’s book, TransFormed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman, is all about.

Written in Taglish, this is the true life story of a bullied little boy Benny who grew up to become the beautiful transsexual woman Vina and eventually became Vins, a man of God. Vins’s account is raw, honest, at times tragic, and finally filled with hope. It is a story of a person who tried everything to fill an emptiness inside him, only to find that he couldn’t until he met the One who knew him and loved him all the same. But even as he had found salvation, healing and transformation still took time, with a lot of stops and starts, forgiveness to be found and given to others.

I am so honored and blessed to be invited on Vins Santiago's formal book launch held last September 17, 2016, during the 37th Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center. 

We were also privileged to have a short interview with him and I like what he said when asked about the issues concerning the LGBT community. He said (not his exact words), "What's the difference of their sin to your sin?", his statement left me dumbfounded. The reality is, it's so easy to look at other people's fault and make a quick judgment about them without even looking at the speck in our own eye. What he said is a good reminder for me not to judge and cast the first stone because I, too, am a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23). 

Photo with fellow bloggers, courtesy of Rowena of traveleatpinas.com

With all the noise surrounding the LGBTQ issue these days, TransFormed passes no judgments, rather it sheds a light on the story of one gay and transsexual Filipino, who, like all of us, is looking for the true love, healing, and salvation that can be found in Christ.

Here's a message from Vins to all the readers out there:

Vins Santiago’s life story was featured in Maalaala Mo Kaya in 2003, starring Fanny Serrano. He now serves as a pastor at Bagong Ilog Christian Fellowship. He is also a spiritual counselor at the Back to the Bible Counseling Center, as well as a spiritual counselor and co-host for Family Matters, a radio show on 702 DZAS every Wednesday morning. A minister for the Body of Christ, Pastor Vins is also a discipleship leader for people with gender issues at the Christ Commission Fellowship. He may be reached at vins.santiago@gmail.com and his Facebook fan page at facebook.com/santiagovins.

Book signing

TransFormed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman by Vins Santiago will be available at OMF Lit bookshops, Passages bookshops, PCBS, National Book Store and other leading bookstores nationwide for P295. For more information please call OMF Lit Bookshop at +63(2)531 43 03 local 411 or email inquire@omflit.com.

Part of the income from this book will be donated to HIV patients in the Philippines who have been abandoned by their families.

Thank you LIGHT NETWORK Channel 33, "Magaan Dito Kaibigan", the event's media partner and OMF Lit Bookshop. 

Meeting a very authentic person like Vins was such a blessing. I'm moved by his life testimony and seeing him living a transformed life. It makes me stand in awe of our Creator. Truly, nothing is impossible to Him!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch

From Trans to Transformed

Vins Santiago was one of the country’s first transsexuals until he met his Creator and found real transformation in Him.

The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer) issue has been a hot-button topic among Christians, more so now with the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. There are various stances and judgment calls from the church, and a lot of hurt and anger has been stirred up.

But this is not what Vins’s Santiago’s book, TransFormed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman, is all about.

Written in Taglish, this is the true life story of a bullied little boy Benny who grew up to become the beautiful transsexual woman Vina and eventually became Vins, a man of God. Vins’s account is raw, honest, at times tragic, and finally filled with hope. It is a story of a person who tried everything to fill an emptiness inside him, only to find that he couldn’t until he met the One who knew him and loved him all the same. But even as he had found salvation, healing and transformation still took time, with a lot of stops and starts, forgiveness to be found and given to others.

I am so honored and blessed to be invited on Vins Santiago's formal book launch held last September 17, 2016, during the 37th Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center. 

We were also privileged to have a short interview with him and I like what he said when asked about the issues concerning the LGBT community. He said (not his exact words), "What's the difference of their sin to your sin?", his statement left me dumbfounded. The reality is, it's so easy to look at other people's fault and make a quick judgment about them without even looking at the speck in our own eye. What he said is a good reminder for me not to judge and cast the first stone because I, too, am a sinner in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23). 

Photo with fellow bloggers, courtesy of Rowena of traveleatpinas.com

With all the noise surrounding the LGBTQ issue these days, TransFormed passes no judgments, rather it sheds a light on the story of one gay and transsexual Filipino, who, like all of us, is looking for the true love, healing, and salvation that can be found in Christ.

Here's a message from Vins to all the readers out there:

Vins Santiago’s life story was featured in Maalaala Mo Kaya in 2003, starring Fanny Serrano. He now serves as a pastor at Bagong Ilog Christian Fellowship. He is also a spiritual counselor at the Back to the Bible Counseling Center, as well as a spiritual counselor and co-host for Family Matters, a radio show on 702 DZAS every Wednesday morning. A minister for the Body of Christ, Pastor Vins is also a discipleship leader for people with gender issues at the Christ Commission Fellowship. He may be reached at vins.santiago@gmail.com and his Facebook fan page at facebook.com/santiagovins.

Book signing

TransFormed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman by Vins Santiago will be available at OMF Lit bookshops, Passages bookshops, PCBS, National Book Store and other leading bookstores nationwide for P295. For more information please call OMF Lit Bookshop at +63(2)531 43 03 local 411 or email inquire@omflit.com.

Part of the income from this book will be donated to HIV patients in the Philippines who have been abandoned by their families.

Thank you LIGHT NETWORK Channel 33, "Magaan Dito Kaibigan", the event's media partner and OMF Lit Bookshop. 

Meeting a very authentic person like Vins was such a blessing. I'm moved by his life testimony and seeing him living a transformed life. It makes me stand in awe of our Creator. Truly, nothing is impossible to Him!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman Book Launch

From Trans to Transformed

Vins Santiago was one of the country’s first transsexuals until he met his Creator and found real transformation in Him.

Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

September marks the month-long commemoration of Alopecia Areata awareness worldwide. Alopecia areata is a condition when hair loss occurs due to faults in the immune system attacking the hair follicles which results in partial or total loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.

Leading this year’s celebration in the country is Alopecia The Philippines, a group founded by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio in 2012. She has been championing the cause of empowering citizens with this condition.

Abby is no stranger to alopecia, having been diagnosed with alopecia areata since she was four years old. Abby’s decision to come out in public with her condition was a major turning point in her life.

On September 2012, Abby decided to start an online campaign in time with Alopecia Awareness Month by inviting family and friends to pose with the double “A” (inverted “V”) sign using their fingers on the photo sharing site, Instagram. It quickly caught on and Abby was overwhelmed by the response from netizens, with over a thousand photo contributions to date.

This paved the way for the beginnings of Alopecia Philippines. It aims to raise awareness about alopecia and correct common misconceptions and perceptions about it, provide encouragement to people afflicted with it, and create an online support community for them.

Inspired by Abby’s honesty and courage, men and women, kids and teens from different walks of life began sharing their own stories and struggles living with alopecia. What started out as a group of ten is now more than 300 members strong and its Facebook page – Alopecia Areata Awareness, draws followers from all over the world.

Novuhair has been supporting the cause for Alopecia Philippines through Abby Asistio. Abby have been using the brand continuously since March 2013 and she has only praises to share using the product.

Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders. Novuhair is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, Instagram: @NovuhairOfficial and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Abby Asistio Alopecia Awareness Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/18z01PGOW0w

Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

September marks the month-long commemoration of Alopecia Areata awareness worldwide. Alopecia areata is a condition when hair loss occurs due to faults in the immune system attacking the hair follicles which results in partial or total loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.

Leading this year’s celebration in the country is Alopecia The Philippines, a group founded by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio in 2012. She has been championing the cause of empowering citizens with this condition.

Novuhair Supports Alopecia Areata Awareness in Celebrating Inner Strength

September marks the month-long commemoration of Alopecia Areata awareness worldwide. Alopecia areata is a condition when hair loss occurs due to faults in the immune system attacking the hair follicles which results in partial or total loss of hair on the head and other parts of the body.

Leading this year’s celebration in the country is Alopecia The Philippines, a group founded by singer and songwriter Abby Asistio in 2012. She has been championing the cause of empowering citizens with this condition.

Abby is no stranger to alopecia, having been diagnosed with alopecia areata since she was four years old. Abby’s decision to come out in public with her condition was a major turning point in her life.

On September 2012, Abby decided to start an online campaign in time with Alopecia Awareness Month by inviting family and friends to pose with the double “A” (inverted “V”) sign using their fingers on the photo sharing site, Instagram. It quickly caught on and Abby was overwhelmed by the response from netizens, with over a thousand photo contributions to date.

This paved the way for the beginnings of Alopecia Philippines. It aims to raise awareness about alopecia and correct common misconceptions and perceptions about it, provide encouragement to people afflicted with it, and create an online support community for them.

Inspired by Abby’s honesty and courage, men and women, kids and teens from different walks of life began sharing their own stories and struggles living with alopecia. What started out as a group of ten is now more than 300 members strong and its Facebook page – Alopecia Areata Awareness, draws followers from all over the world.

Novuhair has been supporting the cause for Alopecia Philippines through Abby Asistio. Abby have been using the brand continuously since March 2013 and she has only praises to share using the product.

Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders. Novuhair is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, Instagram: @NovuhairOfficial and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Abby Asistio Alopecia Awareness Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/18z01PGOW0w

Buffet at Cafe' Maria Jerica

We had our Sunday fellowship at Cafe' Maria Jerica in 13th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City last September 04,2016. When we arrived, I started taking photos of the place and took advantage of the few people dining in.

Buffet at Cafe' Maria Jerica

We had our Sunday fellowship at Cafe' Maria Jerica in 13th Avenue, Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City last September 04,2016. When we arrived, I started taking photos of the place and took advantage of the few people dining in.

Let me give you a quick tour of the place.

Upon entering the gate, you will pass by these decorations.

Since our reserved place was on the second floor, you will also pass over these colorful bottles.

We were told that once you start eating buffet, time will start ticking and you'll only have two hours to enjoy it. This is my first time to eat here and I was surprised by their policy. But no biggie since it's an ample time anyway and before our time runs out, for sure our tummies are already satisfied.

So, we wasted no time and grabbed our meal.

They have a wide selection of Italian Cuisine

Sumptuous food

Fresh Salads

Pizza and Nachos Station

Unlimited Drinks

Kid's favorite, dessert station!

My first plate

My Second Plate. I love pasta and pizza!

As I've mentioned, it was our Dgroup fellowship, so while we were munching our food, we also enjoyed our sharing. It was wive's fellowship but our husbands are with us on the other side. I am so blessed that God gave us a second family, our Dgroup family. These people are our source of comfort and strength. They are our prayer warriors. Our lives are not perfect and we are all "work in progress" but we are blessed to grow in the Lord together. We all have our own struggles but I'm grateful to God that we are not alone in this journey.

What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:26 NASB.

Image credit to Bro Val

What I like about Jerica is, you can stay for as long as you want. The place we occupied has no extra costs. We were also told that you can celebrate special occasions on that secluded area without being charge of the place, just pay the buffet price per head, that's it. Pretty good deal, huh?

We enjoyed good buffet food at a reasonable price of Php 299 per person. By the way, I had my third plate of desserts. Hahaha.

For more details, check their Facebook Page here.