Clinics that Provide Free Psychiatric Consultation in the Philippines

Fidget Spinner helps ease anxiety

I recently watched the Hollywood film, "Joker" starring Joaquin Phoenix. And although Phoenix gave justice to the lead role, I can’t help but I felt sort of devastated after seeing the said film. I felt "heavy" and I wish mental health would be given more attention here in the Philippines. Although the first mental health act legislation in the history of the Philippines has been officially signed into law and was enacted as the Republic Act no. 11036 last June 2018, still it needs more help. 

The said controversial bill provides a rights-based mental health bill and a comprehensive framework for the implementation of optimal mental healthcare in the Philippines. As a mental health advocate, I'd like to share with you a list of clinics that provides free psychiatric consultation  in the Philippines. 

Let us make it clear that setting an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist isn't synonymous to mental illness. Stigma is when someone sees you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Discrimination is when someone treats you in a negative way because of your mental illness. Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need. This also prevents someone from making that first step on getting that first consultation. 

Now the question is, where can we seek solace when we feel the blues? It is common knowledge that psychiatric consultation may cost us a leg and an arm. Luckily, due to the initiative of certain individuals and organizations, there are clinics that offers free psychiatric consultations in the country today. The key is to book an appointment and to come early during your given slot. 

Check out these clinics that care for our minds as well:

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)

Address: Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Contact Number: (02) 8554.8400

Individuals seeking free psychiatric help need to get a referral from the Out-Patient Department (OPD) which is open from Mondays-Fridays from 9AM-4PM.

National Center for Mental Health

Address: Nueve de Pebrero St. Mauway, Mandaluyong City

Contact Number: (02) 85319001

Consultation Hours: 8AM-4PM (Mondays to Sundays)

Individuals who are seeking free psychiatric help have to undergo an interview with a group of social workers. 

Ateneo Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM)

Address: Seminary Road, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila

Çontact Number: (02) 84264289

Consulation Hours: 8AM-5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Provides free consultation, family and individual counseling via a psycho-spiritual approach.

*Donation basis, no set fees charged.

Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

Address: Sumulong Highway Sto. Nino, Marikina

Contact Number: (02) 89415854

Consultation Hours:8AM-5PM (Mondays to Fridays)

University of Sto. Tomas Graduate School Psychotrauma Clinic (UST)

Address: Espana Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila

Room 104, Ground Floor, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex

University of Sto. Tomas

Contact Number: (02) 4061611 (loc 4012)

Email: ustgspc@yahoo.com

Consultation Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays 10AM-5PM (except during holidays, class suspensions and school breaks.)

Provides free psychological services (e.g. assessment and evaluation, counseling, and individual and group psychotherapy)

Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC)

Address: Corner Enage St., Magsaysay Blvd. Tacloban City, Leyte

Contact Number: (053) 3237110

Email: evrmcmcoffice@gmail.com

Provides free consultation and medication assistance.

Batangas Medical Center 

Address: Bihi Road, Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City

Contact Number: (043) 7408307

Consultation Hours: Mondays-Wednesdays and Thursdays 8AM-5PM

Cainta Municipal Hospital

Address: Bonifacio Avenue, Rose Pack Compound, Cainta, Rizal

Contact Number: (02) 6962604

Clinic Hours: 24 Hours

Provides free consultation for residents, and free medication (if available from the hospital)

Gundam Celebrates 40th Year via an Exhibit and Gundam Caravan Workshop and FREE Toy Kits!

Gundam Caravan

If you're a Gundam Toy fanatic, you may want to check out the ongoing Gundam Caravan happening at the SM Mall of Asia from January 27 until February 2, 2020. In line with the 40th anniversary celebration of Gundam, there will be a Gundam exhbit at the said mall's main atrium as well as sale gunpla, new arrivals and exclusive access to limited items of Gundam toy collections. 

Celebrate Arts Month with Metropolitan Art Museum of Manila Appreciation Art Workshop

If you're into art, you'd be happy to know that there are fellow art enthusiasts who are celebrating Arts Month at the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Manila) with a two-hour art appreciation workshops happening from February 1 to February 29, 2020. 

Museum workers will share with you some tips as well as exercises to better understand and appreciate the various forms of arts. There's definitely a lot of exciting activities during the said lined up workshop where you'll get the chance to enhance your knowledge on the art in the bigger picture. Don't miss this rare opportunity to visit the museum and learn all the how to's on everything there is to know about art! 

The workshop is open to anyone ages 13 years old and above. If you're interested, please sign up through the following link: 

www.tinyurl.com/artappreciationworkshop

For inquiries, please contact 8708.7929

You may also email them at info@metmuseum.ph

Disclaimer: I am not compensated with this post. Opinions expressed are 100%my own. 

Pag-ibig Fund Sponsors FREE Wedding Ceremonies for its Active Member Couples this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Probably one of the most anticipated events of the year, malls will be spruced up and adorned again with everything in red colors along with flowers 🌷, heart shaped ❤️ stuff and chocolates 🍫 to the delight of the women. Truly, love is in the air this month of February! For singles out there, Valentine’s Day may not exactly be something to look forward to, but it is an entirely different story for couples—and practically anyone who has someone special to share it with.  

I have good news for couples who have been living together as well as those who are in serious relationships who have plans of getting married but unable to do so because of not having enough money or savings to get married even in civil rites. Pag-ibig Fund has annually sponsored unmarried couple members who would like to settle down legally by means of holding a mass wedding for their active members.

Now on their 9th year, Pag-ibig Fund grants every couple active members' wish to be able to get married sans the hassle of an expensive and lavish wedding because Pag-ibig Fund shall be shouldering all the necessary expenses during your wedding rites. How good can that be, right? 

So how can you avail of the free wedding? What are the requirements needed in order to be part of thhe free PAG-IBIG Fund's Valentines Day Mass Wedding?

Here's how:

1. The couple must be both an active Pag-ibig Fund members. 

2. You must go to the nearest Pag-ibig Fund office to submit necessary documents as well as to fill up the form. 

3. Submit a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage)

4. PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority formerly known as National Statistics Office of NSO) Bith Certificate

5. Bring 2 valid ID's of each couple

Here's the Perks that awaits each couple:

Pag-ibig Fund will be providing the venue, food, transporation from branch to the venue and guess what, you also stand a chance to win House and Lot for Free as well as other exciting prizes during the raffle! Yes, you read it right, one lucky couple gets to go home with their very own house and lot from Pag-ibig Fund so that they can start their own family soon. 

So for couples who would like to settle down and be married, this might be your chance. The Pag-ibig Fund mass wedding will be held on February 14, 2020. What are you waiting for? Grab this once-in-a-lifetime chance to show your significant other how much you love them and seal your love forever. 

For more information, please visit Pag-ibig Fund's website at www.pagibig.gov.ph. 

You may also visit the Pag-ibig Fund office nearest you for further details. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Koomi PH The First Purple-Rice Yoghurt Specialty Shop in the Philippines

Koomi PH

First there was the rise of coffee shops. Then it was followed by the milk tea craze. And now, with the arrival of Koomi Philippines, the popular purple-rice yoghurt drink specialty shop from Australia has finally made it to the Philippine shore.

You can get your hands on this trendy drink at Koomi’s branches: SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood, Robinson’s Magnolia, and Podium. Soon they can also be found at SM Megamall, Uptown BGC, Power Plant Mall, Lucky China Town, Estancia and SM North Edsa. 

Koomi Yoghurt Drink

If you’re like me who loves to both drink and chew on beverages, this one’s definitely for you. I’m no health expert, but I’d like to believe that Koomi’s a better alternative to sugar-laden milk tea. After all, Koomi’s made from honest-to-goodness yoghurt from cow’s milk. 

Koomi's Guiltless Goodness

 Koomi PH has two blend choices: Aussie and Pinoy blend. Aussie blend is more on its natural sourness. And to suit the Filipino palate, Koomi PH has tweaked the drink a bit so they also have Pinoy blend which has a creamy texture and a bit sweeter than its Aussie counterpart.

I’d like to emphasize though that this isn’t a bubble tea shop (although Koomi has their own bobba flavor on yoghurt drink). They have an array of creamy yoghurt drinks for you to choose from, which includes purple rice (Koomi’s signature drink), fruit toppings from dragon fruit, strawberry, coconut, jujube [read: that’s dates for you] and charcoal activated stuff to pistachio and almond nuts to mangoes. 

Koomi PH Signature Purple Rice Yoghurt Drink

Ways to Score an Extra Bottle of Novuhair

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14th Spring Film Festival Chinese Movie Line Up and Schedule

你好 - Nĭ hăo! It's that time of the year again folks when every corner begins to have touches of red. Yes, the 14th Spring Film Festival is upon us. At the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, it's been a tradition to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year with Free film screenings, Chinese Painting Exhibit, Chinese Concert and Chinese Painting Workshops. The good news is, these line up of activities are FREE. Admission to the film screenings are also free but seats will be given on a first come, first served basis. 

The 14th Spring Film Festival is one of the many highly anticipated film festivals for film enthusiasts. It officially kicks off the numerous annual film festivals at the Shangri-la Plaza mall. So mark those dates people: From January 19-26, 2020, tag along your family and friends to come and watch these awesome line up of Chinese movies with you at the Red Carpet Theater of the Shangri-La Plaza. 

The 14th edition of the Spring Film Festival will be featuring films from different genres so there will surely be something for everyone to enjoy. Worry not, each film will be having English subtitles/translations so you'd be able to understand the stories. 

For the complete schedule please read on. 

Here are the exciting line up of Chinese movies for this year and their synopsis:

Jian Bing Man 煎餅侠 (5.6/10, IMDb)

Director Dong Chengpeng, China, 2015

Popular TV personality Da Peng (played by the real-life Da Peng) is a comedian by day and superhero by night. The dilemma kicks in when Da Peng uses a movie budget to purchase an engagement ring that costs 10 million RMB and loses both the ring and his girlfriend in the nightclub. He then tries to produce a film based on his childhood dream of becoming “Jian Bing Man” (literally, Pancake Man) to pay off his debt to the financier—a gangster businessman. Audiences will certainly be amazed by the hilarious antics and the course of action that springs from his creative ways to make content for his film.

Prepare to be wowed by the countless cameos of Chinese celebrities starring as themselves throughout the film. Spiraling in an amusing two hours of jam-packed thrill and comedy sketches, this movie is a must-watch for an adventurous and imaginative audience. 

Written by Justin Tembresa and Kaitlyn Tan

Edited by Patrick Ang and Aaron Medina

Citations: 

Letterboxd

Rotten Tomatoes

Cinema Escapist

Our Shining Days 闪光少女 (2017) (Running time: 100 mins)

Cultural. Youthful. Inspiring.

The directorial debut of Wang Ran, Our Shining Days (2017) is a teen comedy that circles around the challenges Chen Jing (Xu Lu) faces in her pursuit to revive the traditional Chinese orchestra in her school. Treated as outcasts in the film, the ensemble of protagonists consists of a pair of nerdy students and four ‘otaku’ geeks from an emerging subculture of animation, comics, and games (ACG) in China. They aim to garner equal respect for traditional Chinese instruments as those of the conventional Western orchestra. It is entertaining to watch as the musical scores successfully integrate Oriental and Western classical music into impressive performances that feature Chinese culture, which may inspire future musicians.

Aside from the main conflict, this film also journeys around teenage struggles such as desperation, rejection, self-esteem, gaining confidence, and most importantly, on standing firm for one’s passion. Although this film brushes a bit on rom-com, it is fit for young audiences. 

Written by Kaitlyn Tan

Edited by Patrick Ang and Aaron Medina

 

Little Door Gods 小门神 (2017)

In modern times, as each generation passes, people no longer believe in spirits guarding them. A restless spirit god, however, dares to travel back to the human world to bridge the two again, proving his value as a door god. As he gets involved with a family struggling to keep their soup shop open, what follows is unexpected encounters and a chaotic quest that shocks both worlds.

Producing an animated film that highlights traditional Chinese culture and legends has been anticipated by audiences in Chinese cinema for a long time. The stunning animation brings to life stories of old through segments of hand-drawn backstories and a modernized computer-generated imagery type of style. However, the story leaves viewers wanting more from a lackluster plotline needing thoughtful and practical touches to it. The film still delivers with beautiful aesthetics from the characters and its reinterpretation of classic mythologies.

Written by Hazel Lam

Edited by Patrick Ang and Aaron Medina

Monkey King 2 (Running time: 119 mins)

Based on the 16th Century Classic novel "Journey to the West" about Sun Wu Kong who is a monkey with supernatural powers which he acquired through Taoist practices. The story revolves around the adventures of Sun Wu Kong together with Buddhist monk Tang San Zang. 

The Great Wall (Running time: 104 mins)

It's the story of a European mercenary who joined the soldiers of the flameless Order who are protecting The Great Wall in fighting the monster Tao Tie.

Battle of Memories (Running time: 118 mins)

The story took place in 2025, where advance technology removed the memories of a man and later on finds himself in a serial killer's mind. 

January 19 (Sun)    Movie Title

3:00 PM                  Our Shining Days

5:10 PM                  Little Door Gods

7:30 PM                  The Monkey King 2

January 20 (Mon) 

2:55 PM                    The Great Wall

5:10 PM                    Jian Bing Man

7:30 PM                   The Monkey King 2

January 21 (Tues) 

3:00 PM                    Little Door Gods

5:20 PM                   Our Shining Days

7:30 PM                   Battle of Memories

January 22 (Wed) 

2:45 PM                    Jian Bing Man

5:00 PM                    The Monkey King 2

7:30 PM                    The Great Wall

January 23 (Thurs) 

2:50 PM                     Our Shining Days

5:00 PM                     Battle of Memories

7:30 PM                      Little Door Gods

January 24 (Fri) 

2:45 PM                   The Monkey King 2

5:15 PM                    The Great Wall

7:30 PM                     Jian Bing Man

January 25 (Sat) 

2:40 PM                  Battle of Memories

5:10 PM                   Little Door Gods

7:30 PM                  Our Shining Days

January 26 (Sun) 

3:00 PM                   Our Shining Days

5:10 PM                    Little Door Gods

7:30 PM                 The Monkey King 2

See you at the movies! 😊

Mall guests can also look forward to other activities apart from the free film screenings. Traditional Chinese paintings and scrolls will be on display at the Confucius Institute Painting Exhibit from January 19 to 26. If luck is on your side, you may also witness the special Chinese musical event led by the Philippine Cultural College Chinese Orchestra which will feature both an exciting Wu Shu and Lion Dance exhibition at the same time by Northern Rizal Yorklin School--it'll be happening on January 25 from 2:00PM-3:30PM. 

On January 26, from 2:00PM-4:00PM, you may learn interesting fine craft of traditional Chinese art with the Chinese Painting Workshop by Art Association of the Philippines President Master Fidel M. Sarmiento and Vice President Roger Santos. 

For more information, visit Shangri-la Plaza's official facebook page or follow them on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial. 

Yakikai Grill and Fusion Buffet Restaurant Food Review

YakiKai Fusion Buffet Restaurant

Sink your teeth and experiment with different types of grills at the newly opened YakiKai Fusion Buffet Restaurant in Scout Lazcano Street near Sacred Heart area and Tomas Morato in Quezon City.  This latest BBQ spot allows you to try both Japanese and Korean dishes starting at their promotional opening price rate of Php 399 (this offer is extended up until January 31, 2020) for thheir Premium Set (Regular Price is Php499) where you can already feast on the following mouthwatering barbecue based dishes like: Chicken Teriyaki, Spicy Chicken Yakiniku, Samgyupsal, Spicy Samgyupsal, Galbi Sauce Pork, Peppered Pork Shoulder Loin, Sliced Beef, Beef Tare Yakiniku, Spicy Beef and Fresh Shrimps. That's on top of the usual unlimited banchan.

For their Emperor Set which is currently also on opening promotional price rate at Php 599 (Regular Price is at Php699) has an overload of Chicken Teriyaki, Spicy Chcken Yakiniku, Samgyupsal, Spicy Samgyupsal, Galbi Sauce Pork, Peppered Pork Shoulder Loin, Sliced Beef, Beef Tare Yakiniku, Spicy Beef, Fresh Shrimps, Beef Steak (Chuck Eye roll), Jjampong Nabe, Salmon Sashimi and Ebi Tempura. You can get all these and more because you can eat as much as you can with their wide array of banchan. You practically roll on your tummies as you feast on these awesome Japanese and Korean fusion buffet spread.

I was in awe watching the staff prepare the foods from their open kitchen where you can actually see the foods as they are being done, so you can be assured that your food is made clean and fresh. The staff also does refills fast although you have to be reminded that due to the overwhelming response from  the huge number of customers they receive each day--they are still on soft opening as of this writing as Yakikai Grill and Fusion Buffer Restaurant had just opened its doors to the public last December 11, 2019. Barely a month since their opening, they had been a word of mouth among foodies and samgyupsal enthusiasts. People come not only for finding a good value for their money, but also because they wanted to sample and experience what the buzz is all about. 

If you ask me. I think there are only a few not-so-pleasant things I've noticed about YakiKai Grill and Fusion Buffet. Number one is the very limited parking. Yes guys, if you happen to have cars, make sure that you come really early to have a guaranteed parking slot. Unfortunately, that area in Scout Lazcano isn't exactly a good place to find ample parking space. That had always been a problem in many food establishments in the same area so it's pretty much understandable but still it would be best if they had some place where they can usher more guests with vehicles. Number two, due to the limited seating capacity of the restaurant (they can accommodate around 150 pax at the same time), guests are required to either come in early or book in advance to make seat reservations. Number three, since the venue gets quite jampacked especially on weekends, the restaurant gets a bit hotter than you can expect. Chances are, you might also finish your meal smelling like barbecues. While the exhaust actually works, it might not be enough when all the grillers from the other tables would start grilling their own meats. 

Rib eye is one of the must try at YakiKai Fusion Buffet

Also due to a great volume of customers on any given day, the staff may have some difficult time giving in to certain requests like refilling a pitcher of water or refilling some banchan or barbecue set, but again, that's pretty much understandable especially when it's peak hours. It happens even to the best of restaurants. It is also advisable to come in huge groups because the receptionist would most likely prioritize big groups to further maximize the tables rather than groups of two or three. 

How to be successful in MLM Business?

Chances are, when a long time friend of yours whom you lost touch with for the last 10 years gives you a call and asks to meet up, he or she might have introduced to you a new revolutionary product and how you stand to get rich by selling it. When you start hearing familiar jargons like passive income and downlines, binary style--then you must have guessed it right, your friends is inviting you to an MLM/Network Marketing business.  Edmark International is one example of a legitimate MLM business. 

Multi Level Marketing (MLM) is a business model or marketing strategy in which the distributors' income includes their own sales, and a percentage of the sales group they recruit, which is commonly known as their ‘downline’. Customers can also sign up as a distributor to sell the company’s product. Usually, the sign up fee will be the price paid to purchase the product.

If you've ever seen an Edmark product, I'm pretty sure you might want to make your own purchase. They have products ranging from food supplements, coffee, kitchen wares to other household products. Although some of their products are currently being sold at SM Department store outlets (where most often than not they even hold a product demo), their exclusive line of food supplements and nutritional drinks are solely available via distributorship only. Meaning, one must become a member in order to make their purchase or knows a member to het access to special discounts too (one of the many perks of being an Edmark member). 

While you probably have a firm image planted on your minds of what network marketing should be, the reality is that it isn't neither a hobby nor a get-rich-scheme but instead it is an opportunity for you to earn money running your own part-time business or you may also want to go full-time.  You might e wondering, what does it take to succeed in this kind of industry? Purple Plum Fairy got some ideas from Ms. Cyline Cabello, distributor emerald manager at Edmark's that I may want to share after talking to one of the many successful managers at Edmark. 

First you have to know how it is to become a member as well as what awaits you when you become one. You have to get to know what are the exciting perks that comes with membership. Is it going to be worth what you're paying for? But you have to keep an open mind when you plan to get into MLM type of business because if you aren't, then I'd have to say that you're a failure from the start. 

Here's what you need:

You need a soft copy of an ID picture with either 1x1 or 2x2 photos. Photocopies of 2 valid ID issued by the Philippine government with 3 specimen signatures. Pay 1,738 for a box of Shake Off and 250ml of Splina. You will then be given a BDO ATM mastercard which you can use as your membership ID at Edmark. You also need to fill up an application. Automatically, each time you make a purchase, you are given discounts exclusively for members and you also earn points which could make your status go higher to become a manager. 

Ms. Cabello also stated that unlike other MLM marketing, Edmark follows a 14 pax MLM style. It means its got 14 legs widh and 8 depths, roll up and roll down. Ensuring one a deeper and wider reach. With 51 percent of Edmark profit sharing calculated by point system beginning from the time you join the membership and start making your purchase.

You actually had nothing to worry about if you have no prior experience in marketing or selling because Edmark International does it all for you. They will be helping you to achieve your life goals--from eyeing that house and lt, to having your dream car or making that first out of the country travel with your family. Edmark International offers seminars for you to attend from Mondays to Saturdays where you will be honed into a more knowledgable businessman or at least someone who has an extensive knowledge of what a legitimate MLM business is all about as well as the fast track ways on how to become successful in this type of industry. 

The best part? When you're industrious enough and probably goal-oriented, you also get a performance bonus of 5% to 20% percent depending on how you generate your sales volume. 

The entire membership kit has everything an anything you need to sample with Edmark's products. It is also called the 4-step healthy slimming programme where according to their managers had seen a lot of testimonials from products users and first time consumers. It is priced at Php5,360 pesos. It may sound like quite a lot of money but they guarantee you will like the product yourself that you may even want others to get to know about it too. 

For more information on Edmark Philippines and its products, visit their office at Edmark Building, P. Tuazon Blvd. Corner 21st Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.