Christmas is a season of giving, but let us not forget that the real reason for it is Jesus! This year, give your children, pamangkins, and inaanaks gifts that would remind them about the real meaning of Christmas.
SuperGifts for Kids of All Ages
Are you still finalizing your Christmas shopping list? Don’t worry because we can help you with that! If you’re looking for Christ-centered and engaging gifts for the kids and adults alike, visit SuperGiftsPH on Shopee and Lazada! The best part? You can get these items for a minimum donation of 95 pesos only!
SuperGiftsPH offers many gift options for kids of all ages. You can find shirts and hoodies that are perfect for your holiday family matching outfits! Children will enjoy Superbook Activity and Coloring Books! There are also new Superbook Tracing Books to help younger kids practice their writing and drawing skills while having fun.
Also, during this pandemic, it’s essential to be extra careful in avoiding the virus to stay healthy. It’s a good thing that you can get Superbook face masks with inspiring messages for a gift of only 100 pesos!
Superbook DVDs are also available so the whole family can watch their favorite episodes anytime!
Perfect Time to Shop For Christmas Gifts
11.11 is the best time to shop for Christmas gifts! Because of the holiday rush, some shops take a while to ship items. But when you check out items on 11.11, you’d have enough time to receive them before Christmas! Did you know that you can also you can get your SuperGifts with zero shipping fee on 11.11?
When we neglect our mental and emotional health, especially during these trying times, it can start to worsen – sometimes to the point that it becomes anxiety and depression.
Good news! There are ways to get our mental and emotional health back on track!
Here are three ways we can improve your mental and emotional health, from Licensed Clinical Counselor, Mental Health Advocate, and Beyond Small Talk guest, Dr. Tito Almadin:
1. Accept the reality
It is time to stop resisting reality.
The pandemic is real. The troubles we’re experiencing right now are actually happening. The changes might be hard to accept, but you can only move forward when you learn to accept that they are happening.
Acceptance isn’t a passive state of contentment. Psych Central says it’s good to practice radical acceptance. Radical acceptance means accepting life on life’s terms. Doing so helps you conserve emotional energy and gain clarity on what you need and how to get it.
Embrace the past and find ways on how you can move forward today!
2. Behave appropriately
“When is this pandemic going to end?”
If you’ve asked this question to yourself, you are not alone. Everyone deals with the uncertainty brought by the crisis, and many have spiraled into overwhelming panic.
Do your best to focus on what you can control, plan for what you can, and ease your “pandemic panic” by refusing to succumb to negative thinking.
As Dr. Tito puts it, “Let’s not panic. Let’s not be too paranoid and scared or think negative thoughts so that we don’t get discouraged.”
3. Commit to be better each day
You can make the changes you need to improve your mental health. But to be able to do that, you need to commit.
You need to commit to take steps to improve your condition. Seek help from loved ones and mental health professionals. Make a commitment to yourself that you will take care of yourself more.
You’re not stuck! Find support. Seek help. Seek God’s help.
“Adjust every day. Give yourself a chance to get better. Find people who can help you and talk to them about your feelings and struggles. Don’t keep your problems to yourself,” Dr. Tito encouraged.
Are you struggling with your mental and emotional health?
Stay tune for more tips about mental health! Watch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
After 28 long years of working as a therapist in Kuwait, 60-year-old Adelina was forced to come home to the Philippines when the Kuwaiti government did not renew her work permit.
“Losing my job made me sad. That was my only source of income,” Adelina lamented.
It’s easy to panic and get frustrated when financial challenges come our way. Though losing a job could make anyone down and blue, Adelina chose to look at the brighter side. She prayed and trusted that God would provide for her retirement.
With her hard-earned savings, Adelina flew back to the Philippines and opened two beauty salons. Her business was booming at first—until her income dwindled down. She had to close her beauty salons. Once again, she was left wondering how to make ends meet.
Then something surprising happened.
Instead letting her financial challenges beat her down, Adelina longed to give. Her heart desired to bless those who are in need, even though she, too, was in need.
Adelina looked for a way to help her kababayans and found Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm, as a good soil to plant her blessings to.
“Whenever I watch The 700 Club Asia, I am changed. All the stories speak to me, especially how Operation Blessing helps people in need. So I prayed, ‘Lord, I want to be part of what Operation Blessing is doing,’” Adelina recalled.
She prayed, and prayed, and did not hesitate to give Php 10,000 to the ministry. She then spoke a simple prayer for someone to rent her small commercial space and believed that God will provide.
Like Adelina, have you also desired to bless others even in your lack? Are you praying for provision so you can help others, too?
Like how God saw Adelina’s heart, He sees yours too.
Adelina received God’s answer to her prayers when a money transfer services rented her space. She now has all her needs provided for and more—she was even blessed with a new car and a small food business!
As you pour your cup into others, you won’t run out. God’s provision overflows through you. Now, Adelina overflows with thanksgiving!
“I’m very thankful to God! All I have is daily gratitude to Him,” Adeline shared.
Debts, bills, job loss. All these financial struggles could make a person feel down and blue. Turn your eyes to Jesus, you will have the confidence that He will carry you through.
God will provide, because He cares for you.
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)
No parent ever wants their child diagnosed with a mental illness.
But the truth is, mental health disorders know no age. It could happen to anyone, even to young children, teens, and older adults. Knowing what to do to help their child struggling with their mental health is a big challenge for most parents.
If you’re wondering how you can support your child, Beyond Small Talk guest Paolo Punzalan shares 6 parenting tips to help your child on their mental health journey:
Tip #1: Make your home a safe space for your children
Everyone needs a safe place to flourish. To fully support your child, make sure that your home is a safe place to come home to – both physically and emotionally.
Assure your child that you are willing to understand and listen to their concerns. Start a conversation, and allow them to open up when they want to or when they’re comfortable.
“I tell my children that no matter what happens, they can always come home. Our home should be a place where they can be themselves. That doesn’t mean we won’t discipline or put boundaries. But it should be a safe space. So we listen, we validate. Sometimes we just hug them and not force them to talk,” Paolo shared.
Tip #2: Don’t take things personally
Does your child keep ignoring you? Do they seem rather irritated and a little less than friendly?
Don’t take it personally. Symptoms of mental illnesses differ from one another, but they all affect how your child respond to their environment. Use empathy, not argument.
Paolo recalled, “That became my problem, too. I took it personally. I’d tell them, ‘Why don’t you talk to me? I want to help you but you’re ignoring me!’ It was painful, but we just really need to be there. Those were some of the lessons I learned as my children went through different things during this pandemic.”
Tip #3: Turn to God
No matter how you try to carry everything on your own, you can’t do it all alone. There is no need to be overwhelmed. You can always pray and seek God’s strength, hope, and comfort for you and your child.
“If we love our children, God loves them more. We can surrender all our worries to God,” Paolo reminds.
Tip #4: Be very patient
Looking after anyone who is struggling with their mental health can be physically and emotionally draining. If you find your patience being tested, take the time to think about what your child is going through and remember to take care of your own mental health, too.
Paolo has a suggestion for you, “I know sometimes we want to question them why they wouldn’t talk to us or even want to eat. But that’s not the time to correct them, it’s a time to be patient.”
Tip #5: Ask for help
It’s good to ask for help. Sometimes, people want to help you and your child, but they do not know how. Give people the opportunity to bless you however they can.
Likewise, Paolo encourages you to seek help from doctors and mental health professionals, “Mental health problems are treatable. I know there’s a stigma, but God can bring healing. If there’s a need to go to a professional, it’s perfectly okay to go to a counselor or a psychiatrist.”
Tip #6: Be present
Every parent should be intentional about “Present parenting.” It’s challenging, but don’t just find time—make time for your child. And whenever you’re together, it’s best to give them your undivided attention.
“More than anything, be present. Love them unconditionally. Tell them, ‘No matter what happens, anak, I’m here. I will love you.’”
As you connect with your child, gently connect them to Jesus, too. Everyone—including you and your child—will go through challenges in life, and you can’t be around them 24/7, forever. But when they get to know God, He can guide them.
Be present, pray, and teach your child that they can turn to God every time.
Is your child struggling with their mental health?
Allow us to comfort you through prayers. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.
If you’re having a hard time answering that question, you are not alone.
Some people feel that they don’t have much to be grateful for during the pandemic because of its impact on their health, jobs, and relationships. These days, it takes tremendous strength to be grateful and say, “Thank God.”
So, how do we hold on to gratitude even when times are tough?
Angie Garcia’s story is here to inspire you.
One day, Angie woke up with an excruciating pain on her left knee. Brushing it off as a simple leg pain, she endured it for two months until she couldn’t take it any longer.
When they rushed to the hospital, Angie found out that she had a torn ligament which required her to undergo an emergency surgery.
Suffering in physical pain, Angie was also mentally distressed about where she would get the surgery fee amounting to Php 100,000.
“It was painful. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t move. All I could do was pray, ‘Please, Lord. I’ve had enough. This would’ve been my 11th surgery, so I didn’t want to go through it,’” lamented Angie.
Like Angie, have you ever come to a point when you’re frustrated about your situation?
How did you overcome it?
At her breaking point, Angie chanced upon The 700 Club Asia and the hosts were praying for someone who has a torn ligament. Deep down, she knew that the prayer was for her.
Angie joined the prayer without second thought. She remembered to trust God and thank Him for her life. She thanked him for the healing that she is yet to experience.
Angie recalled, “I prayed, ‘Lord, thank You! I claim that I will be healed!”
And it happened.
Angie felt instant healing right after the prayer. She immediately texted the program and expressed her gratitude, “I told them, ‘Thank you for your prayers.’ Then I claimed healing of my torn ligament.’”
Brimming with excitement, Angie went to have her knee checked by the doctor again. To her doctor’s surprise, Angie’s knee was well and healed!
“My doctor told me that my condition looked even better than before!” Angie said while smiling.
How about you, how do you remain thankful when you are going through a suffering?
Angie chose to thank God even before she received healing. She chose to believe that God is greater than her current circumstances. She chose to trust that He will always carry her through.
“The joy in my heart comes from the Lord. That’s the most important thing for me. The joy in my heart, His healing, His provision… everything — big or small— comes from Him. And I would like to thank Him for that,” Angie ended.
What are you grateful for today?
Being thankful isn’t easy in times of suffering. It takes faith to look beyond your current situation and look to God — the one who is in control of everything.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV)
Actor and singer-songwriter Neo Rivera and social media influencer Jericho Arceo have teamed up for Neo’s uplifting new song, 2AM Wide Awake. You can stream it on October 29 on all digital streaming platforms worldwide!
Inspired by the story of The Prodigal Son in the Bible, Neo penned his first single for 2021 as a message of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness. The lyrics tell the story of a person who’s wide awake at 2 AM, wondering how God can still love someone like him who has failed countless times.
“We’ve been a Prodigal Son or Daughter at some point. My journey with Christ isn’t perfect. Many times, I’d question my worth, I couldn’t sleep because of fears. (downtownvictoria.ca) I’d ask, ‘Lord, will Your promises come true? Am I late? If I didn’t rebel, would I be in a different place? Would I meet You?’” Neo said.
The singer-songwriter continued, “That’s when I remind myself of God’s grace, and His plans and timing always prevail. It’s a collection of those moments that made up the song.”
Neo’s personal story and musing from the timeless parable, together with Jericho’s intricately crafted Tagalog rap verse and some smooth, laid back beats, gave birth to the masterpiece that is 2AM Wide Awake.
This relatable song is a perfect anthem for anyone seeking God’s grace and comfort during these trying times.
“You are not alone. I get you. I understand your struggle of having so many questions for God. Sometimes, we ask for answers but what He shows us is His love for us. Even though we have many mishaps in life, He’s ready to bring us back in His arms. He alone is enough,” Neo shared.
2AM Wide Awake is produced by Reverb Worship PH, CBN Asia’s music arm. It is the third on the roster of fresh Christian Contemporary songs that the record label is releasing this year.
“I am excited for 2AM Wide Awake! As we thrive to bring songs about our faith to a wider audience, 2AM’s pop sound will surely be popular among today’s music lovers. I pray that as they hear this song, they will also think about God’s endless love for all of us,” said John Valdes Tan, CBN Asia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Mental illness could happen to anyone and it could be difficult to recognize.
Unlike a physical wound that is easy to spot, mental illness is an internal war hidden behind a smile, a hello, and the telltale phrase, “I’m okay.”
According to Mayo Clinic, some of the warning signs you should watch out for are “excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt, significant tiredness, low energy, and inability to cope with daily problems or stress.”
If you recognize these symptoms in a friend, colleague, or family member, check out these tips from Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Kakilala and psychotherapist Alain Dizon to know how you can better support them in this journey.
1. Make the person feel that nothing has changed
You might feel awkward when approaching them, but try to relax. Make them feel that you’re the same person they have known and you still see them the same way. Create a safe place for them to unload and share their struggles without judging nor condemning them.
2. Ask them how you could help
It’s okay to be honest and to admit that you don’t know what to do. Ask them how you could help. Always take the cue from the person.
Tell them your limitations and boundaries when helping, but assure them that you’ll journey with them to recovery.
3. Learn how to listen
Avoid acting like an expert by trying to fix your loved ones’ problems. What they need are your heartfelt presence and listening ear to make them feel that you genuinely care.
Also, don’t force them to speak if they are not yet ready to open up. Just make yourself available whenever they are comfortable to finally talk.
Did these tips help you? Feel free to comment on the online discussion and make sure to catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk! Watch it next Saturday, October 23, 2021, 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!
Also, we would love to pray for you and your loved ones who are suffering from mental health problems.
Call 8-737-0-7-00 if you’re in Metro Manila. If you’re outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, contact us through CBN Asia Prayer Center.
Taking care of your overall well-being is integral to being a healthy and productive person.
It enables you to be more productive, it boosts your immune system, enhances your self-esteem, and improves your compassion towards others, says Katherine Hurst of The Law of Attraction in her article What Is Self-Care And Why Is Self-Care Important?.
But then, a lot of people still think that self-care is being selfish and inconsiderate.
In this webisode of Beyond Small Talk, hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Calit, and Zenia Panahon discuss the importance of self-care. They also share tips that you can apply to have a healthier body, soul, and spirit. (https://publishedreporter.com/)
1. Learn to listen to your body
Are the pressures of life crushing you down? Swamped by your daily tasks and cannot function well?
Be sensitive to detect the messages that your body sends to you.
“Self-care is not being selfish, it is being healthy,” Zenia Panahon emphasized.
Can you hear your body groan and complain? It’s okay to take a step back and retreat.
2. Set aside some time for yourself
Stress is everywhere. It is inevitable.
You need to find some time to slow down, clear your thoughts, and get replenished. You may try meditating, take a 10-15 minute walk every day, or clean and declutter your desk.
According to Zenia Panahon, “Self-care routines vary for different people. It still depends on what works for you and what recharges you.”
3. Make a habit of spending time with God.
Dedicate a time for just you and God.
Say a word of prayer, give thanks to Him, and read what He wants to say to you through His Word.
You can come to God in all your brokenness. Allow Him to make you whole and to comfort you while in the midst of your raging sea of stress and negative emotions.
Peter Kairuz says it beautifully, “When God comforts you, it’s all-encompassing. It’s not just your spirit, but your body benefits from that moment with God.”
If you’re suffering from mental illness, Beyond Small Talk is here for you and ready to listen.
Do not hesitate to join our online discussion and share your struggles with us.
You may also call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.
These are real battles people with mental illness deal with every day because of stigma from society.
In fact, the Department of Health, as cited by Philippine Star in their article DOH: It’s time to talk about, address depression made an alarming statement, “We need to start talking about depression to end the stigma surrounding mental health because, when left unattended, it can lead to suicide.”
You can help your struggling friend, workmate, or family member with mental health problems. You just have to be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn hard truths about it.
Take time to check out these 10 common myths on mental illness debunked by Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Calit, and Zenia Panahon.
Myth #1: Mental health problems can only be experienced at a certain age.
Truth: Mental health problems could manifest at any age. According to Mayo Clinic in their article Mental illness in children: Know the signs, like adults, children can also develop the same mental illness such as anxiety disorders, Schizophrenia, and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Myth #2: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Truth: Not all who people who have mental health problems act violently. It still varies on the condition and MentalHealth.gov says in their article Mental Health Myths and Facts, “only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.”
Myth #3: People with mental health problems cannot deal with jobs and/or school.
Truth: There are people with mental health issues who are highly functional and productive members of society. This is why you should be sensitive to signs of mental illness in your loved ones.
Myth #4: Personality flaws are often cause of mental health issues. You could snap out of it over time.
Truth: Mental health issues can be sourced from different factors such as genetics, environment, socio-economic standing, and temperament, says Zenia Panahon.
Also, you can’t snap out of it. You need professional help and ongoing family support which are both vital toward healing from mental health issues.
Myth #5: Once you experience mental health problems, you will never get out of it.
Truth: Mental illness is treatable. If you seek help and gain support, you can recuperate from it.
Myth #6: Taking medications is the only answer.
Truth: Some recover from mental health issues solely with the help of friends, family, and mental health professionals, but there are others who also need medication.
Myth #7: It is impossible to prevent mental illness.
Truth: You cannot really control life’s trials and challenges, so there are times that it may push you to your limit.
But, Mayo Clinic explained in Mental Illness that “If you have a mental illness, taking steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control.”
Myth #8: Mental illness is a form of brain damage.
Myth #9: I can’t do anything for people who have mental health issues.
Truth: You can do something about it by being a good support system to them. Show your support by learning how to deal with your loved ones who have mental health issues and accompanying them when seeking professional help, Zenia Panahon explained.
Myth #10: If I seek help, others would think I’m crazy.
Truth: When you seek help, you are investing in taking care of yourself, says Zenia Panahon.
If you’re facing an overwhelming barrage of challenges because of the pandemic and don’t know how to handle it, we want to pray for you. Just call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.
Now that election day is getting closer, we see more and more campaign ads on public spaces and media outlets.
Candidates all over the country are putting their best foot forward to prove to Filipinos that they deserve a seat in the national and local government.
While their attributed charisma and campaign jingles make them look convincing, these political publicity stunts should not be the only guide to making your decision on whom to vote.
Your vote matters. So, here are 3 things you must do before casting that crucial vote next election as advised by Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Jericho Arceo, and Paul Herrera.
1. Research the candidate’s background.
There’s more to campaign materials than meets the eye. Of course, candidates will not show you their weaknesses and wrongdoings. It’s your responsibility to do your research.
Look at their political records, leadership skills, and where they stand on important issues. Among other things, these will help you weigh whether he/she is qualified for the position they are running for.
2. Assess candidate’s character.
You wouldn’t want to vote for a leader who is just eloquent in speech. Instead, look for a leader who has integrity, commitment, faithfulness – one who stays true and fulfills his/her promises, and someone who would be always available in times of need.
A leader who serves and sacrifices for the good of his/her people just like how it was demonstrated by Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, is worth our vote.
3. Pray before you vote.
Above all else, seek for God’s wisdom and discernment. Make a decision to fervently pray for the right candidates for the position because your vote determines the direction of the future of our country.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV, it says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Follow this prayer with us:
“Lord, we come humbly before Your throne today. We acknowledge Your sovereignty and power over our beloved nation, the Philippines. We know that when we pray, You hear us. So with confidence, we ask for a safe and peaceful election process. We ask for divine encounters for our government and future leaders, and wisdom to every Filipino voter. May You hold everything in the palm of Your hands. We ask all these in the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen!”
Let us know what you think about these tips. Don’t hesitate to join our online discussion and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this October 16, 2021, 7:00 PM, at The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
