Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Card-Bearing

I am now a bona fide card-bearing senior citizen. I turned sixty last March, but I could not apply for a card immediately as time did not allow me to. But, as always, I had to find some time for this.

First I went to the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) in our barangay hall in San Bartolome and found out that I was in the wrong place. The old ladies directed me to the third floor of the barangay hall where I could apply for a barangay clearance.

I proceeded to the third floor, only to find out that I had to get a certification from our homeowners’ association to qualify for a barangay clearance. A young lady checked a computer data base of registered voters in the locality and my name was included. I presented my office ID which clearly indicates my residence address.

The barangay secretary was apparently satisfied that I am a bona fide resident of the barangay, but she double-checked by calling the number of our homeowners’ association. Then she gave the go-signal for the preparation of my barangay clearance.

I had to bring the clearance to the OSCA office near the Quezon City Hall. I found the place which did not have any signage at all after making inquiries with at least four security guards. When I finally found it, the atmosphere was quite lively and many senior citizens went about their tasks cheerfully.

A lady who goes by the name Carmen helped me with my application form, my requirements and my pictures. In just a few minutes, my name was called and I was ready to receive my senior citizen credentials. Of course, I was asked if I wanted some lamination for my card, for which I had to shell out P30. I did and presto I got my laminated card, my free movies pass and a booklet for my drugstore discounts.

I noted, however, that all the entries on my card and pass were all done on a manual typewriter. This simply means that no electronic inputs were made and therefore no electronic data base of whatever nature was produced. This also means that I will be part of a physical data base, consisting of the files of accomplished application forms that will be kept in a filing cabinet, for how long, I don’t really know.

Nevertheless, I guess there should be no need for any verification procedures once I present my card to any establishment. Of course, I have heard stories of senior citizen cards being “manufactured” or Recto-made, perhaps to take advantage of the benefits attached to being a card-bearer. This should not be news, I suppose, judging from our predilection for such things.

When I present my card for any useful purpose, I hope no one doubts its authenticity, or worse, no one accuses me of “misrepresentation”. Some of my friends say that I don’t look like a senior citizen, with my dyed hair and all. Some categorically say that I look fifty nine years old.

Monday, March 30, 2009

12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country

FROM THE FOREWORD:

“It is good to read about Filipinos like Alex Lacson who continue to be very positive about our country. Very often, we hear people complaining about conditions in our country and always putting the blame on someone else. It is good that Alex believes that the answer to our problems lies in each and every Filipino. Each of us should ask ourselves – What can I do for my country?

“This book is very timely and practical because it is comparatively easy to do the suggested 12 little things to help our country. I truly hope that this book will be read by many, many Filipinos.”

CORAZON C. AQUINO
President of the Philippines, 1986-92

Last Christmas I was gifted with a small 100-page book with the title: “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country”. The little book was written by Alexander L. Lacson who is a lawyer by profession, an “activist” by avocation.

As the title suggests, Alex simply listed down 12 “little things” which every Filipino can do to improve the way things are in this, our one and only beloved country.

The first “little thing” is – Follow Traffic Rules. According to Alex, traffic rules are the simplest of our laws. If we follow these rules, it is a potent form of national discipline that we can develop.

I agree with him completely. Since I drive practically every single day, I am confronted with the rules of the road from morning till night. The challenge whether to follow these rules or not therefore confronts me every day. I follow the rules by choice.

John Maxwell says that if we do an act repeatedly for 30 consecutive days, it becomes a habit. If we follow traffic rules every day, this becomes a habit and can become a form of national discipline. It promotes us as a people of good manners.

The second “little thing” is – Whenever You Buy or Pay for Anything, Always Ask for an Official Receipt. Not just any receipt, but with emphasis on the word “official”.

We may or may not realize it, but the price we pay for any goods or service includes the tax which should be remitted to the government. As consumers, we are actually paying taxes for everything that we buy or pay for.

With more taxes collected, there may be hope for better and more social services like education, medicare and infrastructure. Even hoping against hope. Presumably, the government is now awash with cash because of the increase in VAT.

Unfortunately, professionals like doctors and lawyers seldom, if ever, issue official receipts. And yet they can be the bigger earners on a day to day basis.

Always ask for an official receipt and help our country. You might even win a million pesos in the BIR’s Kuwarta sa Resibo promo which was launched by Commissioner Willie Parayno.

Listen to Benjamin Franklin, the Great American: “Our people’s habits can be the destiny of our nation”. Talaga!

The third “little thing” is – Do Not Buy Smuggled Goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino. Shades of President Carlos P. Garcia.

Atty. Lacson says that there are two things we can do: stop buying smuggled goods and report any kind of smuggling activity to the proper authorities. Kaya ba natin yan?

He observed that the Koreans are really patriotic people because they patronize their own products, from basic commodities to cars. They are supposed to have aversion to foreign products, especially Japanese and Chinese made.

Can we say the same thing about us? Palagay ko hindi, given our penchant for imported goods, and aversion for our own local products. It seems that Atty. Lacson realizes this and suggests that we adopt a 50-50 buying attitude – 50% for local goods and 50% for our imported choices.

This may be a good compromise, for a start, but the real key is to develop quality Filipino products and brands. And this is possible if we get rid of the “puwede na yan” attitude and aim for real quality in every product and service delivered.

William Brann says you can’t be a patriot without sacrificing for your country.

Umpisahan mo sa di pagbili ng pirated DVD.

The fourth “little thing” is – When You Talk to Others, Especially to Foreigners, Speak Positively of Our Race and Our Country. This will really take some effort and a lot of practice.

Sanay na sanay na tayong pagtawanan ang pasaway na Pinoy. We relish this self-bashing and self-flagellating rituals, especially when we talk to foreigners. I am guilty of this myself.

Atty. Lacson says this is socially irresponsible and unpatriotic, especially for the rich and the middle class people who are often in contact with foreigners.

We should start focusing on the positive aspects of our national being, sabi pa niya, like talking about our great heroes and Filipinos who have earned world acclaim.

He advocates a revolution, one that will fight the negative energies in our minds so that we don’t pass them on to the next generation. Sali ako diyan!

This revolution will raise a “new generation who will have respect for their past … and faith in their own selves”. Mukhang posibleng solusyon sa marami nating problema. Wala pang gastos. We simply need a change in attitude, at the way we look at things.

The fifth “little thing” is – Respect Your Traffic Officer, Policeman, Soldier and Other Public Servants. The author accompanies this with a reminder: “As always, the educated, knowing what needs to be done must not wait for those who do not know what to do. The learned has the solemn obligation to show the way, the sacred duty to take the first move”.

Kasali ako sa “public servants” and, certainly, I expect people to respect me, as long as I show them respect, too. Ganoon lang talaga. Respect begets respect.

Nowadays, however, it is really a challenge to show respect to a traffic officer or a policeman, realizing that the dominant feeling is one of fear and worry. I know, and I’m sure you know, many police officers who have earned our respect, but we read of a few scoundrels who lend a bad image to law enforcers.

Atty. Lacson makes the important point about the power of respect. He says that when we show respect, the other person is empowered, is dignified and feels honorable. It is an expression of the value and dignity of the other person. Giving respect is, to him, a most profound mark of an educated person.

Totoo naman, if we treat traffic cops with respect, they will also be respectful of us. If we look at and speak to them with dignity, they will consider themselves with dignity.

This can be said of others, but it may as well be said about us. As they say, what is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. Hindi talaga mamumunga ng mansanas ang itinanim na puno ng bayabas.

The sixth “little thing” is – Do Not Litter. Dispose Your Garbage Properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve. It is not difficult to learn to do these things. The more difficult thing is to unlearn our bad habits relating to littering and garbage disposal.

One can easily imagine how much garbage is being produced by about 14 million residents of Metro Manila. Estimates put it at about 8,000 tons of solid waste daily, up from 6,000 tons in 2002. Araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, nagtatapon ng basura ang more than 1.5 million households in Metro Manila alone!

Sabi pa: the government spends some 7 billion pesos a year just to haul our garbage and DPWH earmarks another 18 million pesos to unclog our rivers and canals of plastics, etc. So much funds “wasted” which may be put to better use. Only if we can follow Atty. Lacson’s simple advice.

Para sa akin, our bad littering habit is a strong indictment of the weakening and misdirected basic education – lalo na yong tungkol sa good manners and right conduct. I refer to this as one of the 5 Rs of basic education – responsible citizenship.

The seventh “little thing” is – Support Your Church. As a Christian family, we regularly attend mass at the San Bartolome Parish Church in Novaliches, very near the QC Polytechnic.

My wife and I always give something to the church during collection time, often a few peso bills each. Like Atty. Lacson, we are oftentimes confronted with the situation: walang barya. So I end up giving one hundred pesos, or any bill that I have.

I really don’t have any qualms about that since, for me, giving to the church is a duty, an obligation. We need to believe that the church is doing its share in maintaining peace and sanity in the world. Whether you are Christian, Muslim or Jew.

Found in Abe Lincoln’s pocket noong nabaril siya: “I shall walk through this world but once. Therefore, if there is any good thing that I need to do, let me do it now, for I shall not walk this way again.” Very true, there is no best time to do good but NOW!

The eighth “little thing” is – During Elections, Do Your Solemn Duty. The author quotes John F. Kennedy who said: “The people always get the government they deserve.”

It is fast approaching, so let’s get ready to vote. But whom should we vote into office? Atty. Lacson gives some examples, some models, to be precise.

He begins with South Korean leader Park Chung Hee who was installed into office through a successful coup d’etat. Because of the ravages of war and bad economic situation, Seoul could not borrow money from any country. He sent mine laborers, railway workers and nurses to Germany so they could remit part of their earnings to help the South Korean economy.

Park Chung Hee did not have superlative credentials. But he was honest, both in the eyes of the public and in real life. When he died in 1981, the Koreans were pleasantly shocked to discover that he owned only one property, an old apartment which he bought for his family before he became president. At the time of his death, South Korea has become an emerging economic tiger.

Perhaps, similar to President Park, we had our own President Ramon Magsaysay who did not have superlative credentials, too.

During his time the country recorded 7.3% annual GNP rate, but it is said that at the time of his death, he had only P2000 to leave to his family. He did not even own a house in Manila.

President Magsaysay was perceived to be honest, so he had credibility which is what makes people follow the leader. The credibility of a leader is what makes people follow a common vision. Can say the same things about our leaders today?

Sabi ni Abraham Lincoln, “power is best used by a leader who has character”. Dagdag naman ni Lolo Plato, “He who does not seek power is the most qualified to hold it.”

The ninth “little thing” is – Pay Your Employees Well. Although this does not apply to us now, we are undeniably better off if we are paid well, according to the kind of work that we put in on a day-to-day basis.

Employers should definitely not shortchange their workers because to do so will deprive their families some comfort and a lot of opportunities. Sabi pa ni Atty. Lacson, money that is kept to oneself does not build a family; it does not build a community.

Tandaan ang mga salita ni Abraham Lincoln: “The ultimate measure of success is not what you have become, or who you have become, but what others have become because of you.”

In other words, we should always be ready to share, not only the profit that we generate, but also our thoughts and our ideas, to lift someone else, to serve others.

Maganda ang sinabi ni Pareng Kahlil Gibran tungkol dito: “You give but little when you give of your material possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

The tenth “little thing” is – Pay Your Taxes. This is another timely reminder since this is the tax-payment period for government employees and workers in the private sector.

Kunsabagay, I guess we need not really be reminded. As government employees, our taxes are withheld at source, in the payroll, even before we catch sight of the small amount that remains after all our deductions.

But those of us who may be engaged in some business outside of our work in government, let’s do our duty to our country. After all, as Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “By the taxes he pays, a citizen has every right to demand for a good and honest government.”

Atty. Lacson says that we have to pay our taxes properly because we have to share in the cost of governance. The task of building our country is a task that we all must share. I agree.

The eleventh “little thing” is – Adopt a Scholar or Adopt a Poor Child. Atty. Lacson cites Luke 3:11 – “whoever has two shirts must give one to the person who has none, and whoever has food must share it with the hungry”.

Sabi pa niya: “We can all make a difference in the future of our country if we make a difference in the world of children.” Let’s not even look far – our relatives, our clan. There will surely be one child to help, especially with his or her education and training.

We pride ourselves as a Christian nation, so it should be second nature for us to help our kindred, the poor and the hungry among us. If we do help, it is indeed a very Christian act.

If one million young Filipinos can be adopted and given good education, we will end up with a million kids with a better future.

The twelfth “little thing” is – Be A Good Parent. Teach Your Kids To Follow The Law & To Love Our Country. Sabi pa niya: “Today’s children will someday rule and lead this world. But whether they will be bad rulers or good leaders will depend largely on how we raise them today.”

If our children are taught how to listen to each other at home, they will someday know how to listen to other people in school and in their workplace.

If we teach our children to respect each other’s views, they will very likely respect other people’s views in the larger society.

If they are taught to follow some house rules, they will someday learn to follow the rules and laws of the land.

Every child in this world acquires the concept of right and wrong from his or her parents, so let us be good models.

Parents are indeed true models for children. Becoming a good father or mother is certainly one of the best acts, yet the simplest, that one can do to make this country of ours a little better.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Live a Life That Matters

(I simply want to share this nice piece sent to me by a good friend - layout artist Johnny Dimapilis)

Live a Life That Matters

Ready or not,
someday it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises,
no minutes, hours, or days.

All the things you collected,
whether treasured or forgotten,
will pass to someone else.

Your wealth,
fame and temporal power
will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned
or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations,
and jealousies will finally disappear.

So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans,
and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses
that once seemed so important
will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from,
or on what side of the tracks you lived,
Or at the end.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you had bought,
but what you had built;
not what you had gotten,
but what you had given.

What will matter is not your success,
but your significance.

What will matter is not what you had learned,
but what you had taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity,
compassion,
courage or sacrifice that enriched,
empowered or encouraged others
to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence,
but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.

What will matter is not your memories,
but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered,
by whom,
and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident,
nor is it a matter of circumstance.

Living a life that matters happens only by choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

~ M. Josephson

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Bridgeway

It was our first visit to the Sky Garden at the refurbished SM North EDSA, an additional destination for mall rats like the wife and me. We had some healthy lunch at Pixie’s, a place in the garden that specializes in inihaw na bangus.


From the garden, I took this photo of the EDSA weekend noonday traffic as vehicles take a smooth turn towards the Muñoz and Balintawak area. But when I checked my shot I noticed some details that needed some elaboration.

Most noticeable is the Eurotel, very likely so-called because the owners or operators possibly have some affinity with the colors of Italy, red, white and green. Or with the Iglesia ni Cristo which has adopted the same color scheme as its own. I suppose it is more of the first because its nomenclature suggests that it offers some kind of service based on European standards.

It is probably barely noticeable but at the middle of the picture are rusting steel bars which are supposed to be part of the structures for the expansion of the MRT line from its North Avenue end to the Balintawak area where it will “connect” with the old LRT line which runs all the way to Baclaran.

I have written another piece about this unfinished structure using another photo, taken from another angle, which shows how it slows down the flow of traffic towards the Cubao area. Is it possible that some debate is still raging whether there is any way to get SM North EDSA directly accessible from the MRT line, similar to the access available to TriNoma? The Landmark MRT station is just a few hundred meters away from the SM complex, however, making the possibility of another station quite unthinkable. But the unthinkable is not necessarily impossible.

The Sky Garden is of course easily accessible to pedestrians at several points through Chairman BF’s pedestrian bridgeways which adorn the entire intersection of EDSA and North Avenue. But it is easy to presume that more customer traffic can be generated if the Sky Garden is also directly accessible from the MRT line.

If such debate is really on-going, how do you think will it end?

Friday, March 27, 2009

Floating Hotel

It is docked at the bay area at the side of the Tent City of the Manila Hotel. I don’t really remember how long it has been stationed at that area but I took notice about a year ago when I attended a conference at the Tent City.

The big ship is the Floating Hotel and Restaurant, something that graced the pages of the dailies at the time of its entry into a Philippine port. It is a large ship, actually, and I guess its charges, both for food and billeting, will be boosted by the inevitable “ambience” which is sometimes more expensive than the taste and comfort that we pay for.

When I saw it, I simply marveled in awe because there is just probably no way that I can afford its amenities on government salary. I took the photo sometime ago from the uppermost floor of the new Philippine Ports Authority building along Bonifacio Drive. The tall structure on the left is of course the Manila Hotel high rise while the low buildings on the foreground are the usual port area warehouses cum office spaces.

The floating hotel is barely visible, although the ship’s smoke stack (with black and white paint) towers above the horizon. I have no way of determining whether the ship is making any money or not, or whether it is also a casino of some sort.

Maybe it’s a good place where our shipboard bound cooks, messmen, deck and cabin stewards and even housekeeping personnel can receive hands-on training. It is possible that the ship is not permanently docked at pier side but also make short rounds at the Manila Bay especially in the late sunset hours. Such short rounds by the bay may be the best and most fitting ambience that people will be most willing to pay for.

Of course I won’t be surprised if the floating hotel and restaurant also offers short cruise trips for honeymooners. If it does maybe the wife and I can go for another honeymoon.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Carjacking

Here's another item from my email inbox that may save us a lot of trouble.

"Just last weekend on Friday night we parked in a public parking area. As we drove away I noticed a sticker on the rear window of the car. When I took it off after I got home, it was a receipt for gas. Luckily my friend told me not to stop as it could be someone waiting for me to get out of the car. Then we received this email yesterday:

"WARNING FROM POLICE - THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN:
BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE -- NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)

"Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating. ... You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside... You start the engine and shift into Reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!

"BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED

"If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women.. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands."

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Asparagus

I got this from my inbox sent by a colleague. It is supposed to be from an article,entitled, `Asparagus for cancer ' printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979.

Richard R.Vensal, D.D.S. discovered that asparagus might cure cancer. He has accumulated a number of favorable case histories.

Case No. 1,
A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin ' s disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.

Case No. 2,
A successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.


Case No. 3,
A man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared.

Case No. 4,
A woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by asking specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease, which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.

`The elements of Material Medica ' , edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones.

For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh.

PROCEDURE:
1) Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy it make a puree, and store in the refrigerator.

2) Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.

Patients usually show some improvement in 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.

Fact or fiction?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Pastillas

If you have been to Iba in Zambales, you probably did not miss this sight – the pastillas stalls along the detour road back to Manila. Juliet’s is not actually a favorite but it offered the best shot from the car.

These roadside joints offer a wide variety of pastries and sweets but I am not really sure if these are all home-made in Iba or elsewhere. Many of the sweets and cookies and candies displayed appear to be the same products that one finds in the stalls at the Market!Market! or in SM Hypermart.

Of course, there’s going to be a lot of difference if these same things are given as “pasalubong” coming from a place four or five hours away from the metropolis for expecting city folks.

Juliet’s emphasizes the fact that it is D’original, as many others have done. Naalala ko tuloy yong bilihan ng buko pie sa Los Baños – The Original. While there are many other pretenders like the ubiquitous Collete’s or the Divinia’s, people still insist on lining up for “the original” buko pie, whether the price, or the better taste, real or imagined, makes all the difference.

Iba folks like Juliet have somehow found a niche market of a sort. We have been to Zambales for short summer trips a number of times and we always make it a point to add to the daily sales of these pastillas joints, not so much from the business side of it but more on the pleasure that their sweets give us.

They are probably really not uniquely Zambales products but one gets a feeling that there is some sort of a different sensation that they produce in the palate.

Monday, March 23, 2009

"Normal"

I parked at the SM Manila parking building and took a leisurely stroll to the MARINA office located some two big street blocks away to attend a meeting. I passed by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and snapped this photo which is worth a thousand words.

For one, more than a century old na pala ang university, matanda pa sa University of the Philippines. The “eternal” flame of education, as expected, is enshrined in its gates, signifying, perhaps, the necessity of lifelong learning.

I am told that in the old days the university used to be called the Philippine Normal School (PNS), until someone suggested and everyone else probably agreed that it should be called Philippine Normal College (PNC). That’s the time when my sister (panganay among my siblings) went to the institution with the intention of becoming a Ma’am.

Unfortunately, she did not make it to any classroom for reasons that I no longer remember.

Then some other bright guys thought that it’s time to call it Philippine Normal University. So the name used consistently is Philippine Normal.

Even in my younger years, I have been puzzled by the use of “normal” in its nomenclature. Ordinarily, I would have thought that there is such a thing as “abnormal” college, but I guess that’s not the intended meaning of the word “normal”.

I will just leave it at that. If someone comes up with some answers, I will learn something new.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

St. Luke's at the Fort

It may be opening its doors soon – perhaps only to those who can afford. That’s the new St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Fort which boasts of the most modern medical facilities and equipment, even surpassing many of the hospitals in the US of A.

Well and good, but it is almost certain that the fees that will be charged from patients will also rival those which are charged in the better American Hospitals, maybe even more.

Such is the reality that confronts people now, many of whom can simply afford public hospital wards, in many cases, charity wards.

Some weeks ago, my 87 years young mom suffered a stroke and was rushed to the Victor R. Potenciano Medical Center along EDSA where she spent three whole days in a small windowless private room. When it was time to go, we had to shell out something like P36,000 for the room, board, laboratory expenses, etc., etc.

By a stroke of luck, my doctor niece was able to get the services of other colleagues for Jolibee hamburgers, so professional fees were not included in the bill except the guy who worked on the anesthesia.

It is no wonder that many have resorted to herbal concoctions to relieve their pains or malady. This is not to say that herbal remedies do not work. Not at all. This is just the way we react to the reality of huge expenses the moment we get admitted to a hospital especially on extended stay for intensive care or prolonged illness.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Fruits First

It’s actually the game of tug of war at the Caylabne Beach Resort in Ternate, Cavite. Sometime ago we spent two days of strategic planning exercises which I facilitated.

The resort is nestled in a cove and one sees the spectacular view of the whole resort from its sentry post at the peak of a mountain. Before one reaches this post, the still-guarded gates of the now-closed Puerto Azul Beach Club will not be left unnoticed. The beach club used to be a favorite hang-out of Department of Labor officials for year-end assessment and planning sessions, mid-year conferences, and the usual summer team-building trips.

I am not sure whether teams are really built during these once-a-year trips.

Caylabne is reputed to be owned and managed by the Virata family, with the former Prime Minister Cesar Virata as its patriarch, I think.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Caylabne are often eat-all-you-can buffet meals and it is sometimes difficult for many to fight the urge to over-eat. I don’t have any trouble with that.

Often, people are quite amused when I eat my fruits first during these buffet “bouts” but I tell them that I do that for very good reasons.

Fruits rot very easily whether these are in our digestive cavity or on the dinner table. When fruits are taken before anything else, the body can benefit from their flavor, nutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals and everything else that go with them.

When these are taken at the end of a meal, especially a carnivore’s meal, fruits become putrid even before they make it to the small intestines. All we get is an ephemeral flavor on our tongue and nothing much else.

So remember, whether in Caylabne Beach Resort or not, eat your fruits first.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Tiger City

Mayor Ben Hur Abalos of Mandaluyong City suddenly grew green hair in this billboard along Ortigas near the Greenhills area. It seems that no one ever bothered to get rid of the cadena de amor that has begun to creep on the billboard that calls the attention of city taxpayers.

If you notice there’s a tiger’s image beside the good mayor’s marble name plate to signify Mandaluyong City’s claim as a Tiger City. I am not sure why it wants to be referred to as such, because the only “tiger” that I often see in Mandaluyong is the endless heavy traffic especially in Kalentong and in Shaw Boulevard, the city’s main thoroughfares.

In the old days (some 30 odd years ago), I rented an apartment in the area (which was not a city then) and the situation in Kalentong then is practically the same situation now. Maybe I should even contradict myself. It may be worse now.

The worst place to be is the area just at the foot of the Lambingan Bridge. I know that this is not Mandaluyong territory but this is the place that one has to go through to get to the city from the Sta. Ana, Manila area. On a lucky day, during rush hours, it takes some half an hour to get through the Lambingan Bridge to Shaw Boulevard, a distance of about a kilometer, give or take a few meters.

I say lucky because you have to be both a patient and skillful driver to avoid being hit or hitting the ubiquitous jeepneys who make turns every which way, stop at any which place and load or unload passengers anywhere they wish to.

City traffic enforcers and even uniformed police officers seem to be perfectly at home with the chaos. I am not sure whether Manila Mayor Fred Lim or Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Hur Abalos even give a damn about this whole chaos. It’s probably the least of their worries.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Skid Marks

It’s the airport runway in Busuanga, Palawan with all the skid marks of past landings. I took this photo just after we made it to solid ground and as the plane was taxiing to the terminal.

We usually see such skid marks in the roads or highways where a vehicle makes a sudden stop, for whatever reason. These skid marks take a big toll on the rubber wheels of planes and I wonder how long each tire can last.

More than three years ago my car had brand new tires and they still look good. In fact I haven’t even used the spare tire which I hope is still serviceable. Also, I haven’t been to a vulcanizing shop for the same length of time.

It means that I haven’t made any skid marks on any road. I think pilots can’t help it, not only because of the sheer weight of the plane, its landing speed and the relative length of the runway.

If I remember right the Puerto Princesa runway is about 3,000 meters or 3 kilometers which is fit for Airbus or 747 landings. But I won’t be surprised if that runway also sports the same old skid marks.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Gaganda Ang Buhay Mo

Nobody will miss Tito Boboy’s big smile on this vehicle which appears to be a TESDA service vehicle as it comes with a red plate. Of course, nobody will also miss PGMA’s equally broad smile.

I am not sure what their smiles convey but it must have something to do with the statement emblazoned on the vehicle: “Sa TESDA Gaganda (ang) Buhay Mo”.

This sounds some kind of a promise, but you know how promises are. Be that as it may, Tito Boboy will have some undue advantage if he ever decides to throw in his hat into the forthcoming political rampage.

TESDA has service vehicles in all corners of the archipelago since it has organizational presence down to the provincial level. With the kind of print technology and materials that are available now, it will be a breeze to have all the agency’s service vehicles undergo some make-over to look like the vehicle in the photo.

I have a little concern though with the vehicle sporting the presidential seal. I have always thought that only the President can use the seal and vehicles with that seal which are not vehicles of the President are unauthorized to use it.

The Office of the President has a seal of its own which is being used by agencies under that Office. These offices are authorized to use that seal. In any case, if all TESDA vehicles will have this make-over, Tito Boboy may have some edge over other would-be candidates, granting, of course, that face recognition will make all the difference.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Another Distraction

She is another distraction as you drive along EDSA towards the Rockwell area from Guadalupe. Her photo probably spans some twenty floors of the high rise, all glass building which dominates that part of Makati.


I remember that before her photo graced that same spot, the whole façade of the building was literally made into a giant billboard to advertise a brand of jeans. The lady in the photo is wearing some denim shorts of the same brand, I think.

I used to see a smaller version of her photo in the SEC Building near Ortigas but it was taken out recently.

It must cost a little fortune to put up these kinds of ads, not to count the fees paid to the “talents” or models. This may be a good way to explain why the advertised brand of jeans costs so much more than those you can buy from Uniwide or from Divisoria which come with some unfamiliar “etiketa”.

This reminds me about three long-sleeves shirts that I got from Uniwide some three years ago for P60 each. Their “etiketas” do not sound familiar but I continue to wear them to the office without seeing any eyebrows raised.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Yvonne

That’s her web name in MyDailyFlog, a photoblog site where you can share photos with your friends and contacts, if you have signed up to the site. I visited her site because I wanted to have my own photo in that same big screen at the baseball field.

I found out that she made the photo at commentcafe.com, a website dedicated to the art or technique of putting photos on such ready-made templates.

I signed up to the site but I haven’t been able to make my own because the photo-editing portion of the program was not working. So I wrote a small message to Yvonne to get her advice.


When she replied, she sounded like I am some kind of “idiot” (in IT parlance, that is) so she promptly gave me directions on how to do it. I did try again but commentcafe.com gave me the same problem.

I gave up and went looking for something else – and found MagMyPic.com where you can put your photo in a magazine cover of your choice. MagMyPic.com was a breeze (as you can see from the sample of a photo that I took from a billboard along EDSA).

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Mascot

He is some kind of a mascot at the bar of the Tapyas Hotel in Coron, supposedly the coziest place in town. He carries a small wooden beer barrel on his right arm and a liter mug on his left hand, while standing on top of a regular-sized beer barrel.

He reminds me of the time when we went to a place in Germany which the locals call “English Park” (during that time in 1977 when the Berlin Wall was still up and Checkpoint Charlie was still a spot to reckon with).

We had something which they called “lunch” at the park which was principally large salted pretzels, inihaw na isda and a liter of beer in a large mug. It was fun having lunch outdoors in the German summer when morning temperature was still a cold nine or eleven degrees.

I got my ice-cold light beer in Tapyas Hotel, minus the pretzels, the grilled fish and the liter-sized mug.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Happy Fiesta!

Happy Fiesta! Congratulations to the Graduates! Mag-ingat sa Sunog! Lumabas at Magparehistro! – all these and more – except what these things are really covertly intended for – vote for me in the coming elections! I took this photo the other day somewhere in Quezon City.

The entire Metro Manila is now flooded with these tarpaulins – and all the guys who are posting these or having these posted are quick to say that they are NOT YET CAMPAIGNING – so they are not violating any election law.

I think my officemates have a good and amusing word to describe these antics – they call them KA-EKEKAN – from the root word EK-EK. In earlier days, the equivalent word from which this “endearing” term was derived is ECHING or KA-ECHINGAN.

When I was in my early secondary school years, we had a favorite expression which actually meant many things, depending on the context. The term is UPAK, which actually survives to this day and which is now often used interchangeably with the word BANAT.

In fact, this should probably be the term which is most appropriate for the action to be taken against those guys who insist on doing things which are NOT illegal. Never mind if these things are IMMORAL.

Maybe we should take note of all the names of these guys on the tarpaulins and do some serious cross-checking in December after the period for filing certificates of candidacy. I bet my last SINKONG DULING that my cross-checking will yield close to a perfect score!

Is it too much to expect some measure of decency among politicos? Di naman siguro.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Multi Level

Although life was politically complicated during the Marcos era, life was still relatively simple at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue.

A lone traffic light regulated the flow of traffic in this intersection quite efficiently. After the bloodless EDSA revolution, a second and third level elevated roadway was built to accommodate the growing number of motorists flocking to Greenhills, to the Mega Mall, to Robinson’s Galleria and to the sprouting high-rise buildings in the Ortigas Center.

Then the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) was built presumably to have a more efficient mass-transit system in this part of the metropolis.

Chairman BF of MMDA believes that Metro Manila citizens can be healthier if they are afforded the needed exercise by ascending and descending one or two flights of stairs leading to a maze of steel foot bridges in that intersection.

I wonder why BF chose the yellow and blue theme for the concrete posts of the pedestrian foot bridges instead of the usual pink and blue. Is there more to this than meets the eyes?

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Early Morn

There was still some fog when I took this shot at the UP Diliman Oval which has been declared a one-direction road to accommodate the early morning joggers and bikers.

The leftmost lane is now a no-vehicle zone, demarcated by two thick yellow lines, similar to the MMDA’s yellow bus lanes at EDSA. Only joggers, bikers, brisk walkers and even slow walkers are allowed inside this yellow lane.

This seems to have resulted to more people taking advantage of this set-up which ensures safety from vehicles, the four-wheeled variety, that is. These days, the acacia trees in UP and elsewhere are all in “full bloom”, resplendent in their green foliage outstretched to the warm blue sky.

There are a few other places in Metro Manila that have a similar spectacle of age-old acacia trees, arching towards each other on either side on the road producing a canopy that provides some relief from the sweltering heat of the summer sun.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Home-based

Along Ortigas Avenue one drizzling morning I took this shot on my way to the office. Its an owner-type jeep with an extended contraption at the rear where a number of wooden crates fit.

If you look closely, the crates contain “long-neck” bottles which were actually filled with patis, the salted-fish sauce that makes the Ilocano “dinengdeng” really delectable. From the look of it, the guys on the jeep are on their way to make another delivery to a distribution outlet.

I have seen this delivery vehicle a number of times along Ortigas so I can say that these deliveries may be as regular as clockwork. These guys are possibly home-based entrepreneurs who are making good in the patis business, despite the growing threat of imported brands, notably form Thailand and Vietnam, or even the ever-present competition from the big-time players in the food industry.

I say, stay on guys! Modest investment and equity, loyal and satisfied customers, equally modest returns plus peace of mind and joy in doing something you like to do – good ingredients for a satisfying day.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Moymoy

That's his name. We found him at the out-of-town resthouse in Coron where we stayed for a few days during a short respite from our daily grind. Moymoy is a "domesticated" monkey who doesn't really have much opportunity to monkey around because he is tied up on the waist.

Moymoy had this small ceramic coated pan where he takes his meals - I really don't know what his favorite is, but I can always guess that it is the proverbial ripe banana. I did not see him have one during our stay in the resthouse, though.

A nephew of the resthouse proprietor passed by one morning and spent a few minutes with Moymoy who appeared to be so enthusiastic in going about his task of combing through the guy's hair and relishing whatever he got from it. I wonder if this kind of behavior is instinctive.

I am not sure whether, Gigi, the resthouse owner, chose to give him his name after viewing Moymoy Palaboy on You Tube. These brothers have finally made their way to fame after posting quite a number of videos about their songs and antics while "tita" is busy doing her chores in the kitchen.

These guys are not really exceptional but they do have talent, imagination and some funny bone. They are now doing the mall rounds and occasionally do some TV guesting. I hope they will stay around for sometime.

Moymoy in Coron will probably stay around for sometime since he doesn't have anything to worry about - food, water, roof above his head and safety from any predator. He is not in his natural habitat but that may be an advantage.

Maybe Moymoy will never become famous like his distant cousins, but I am sure that that is the last thing on his mind.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Panunumpa

Early Monday, I attended the flag raising ceremony at the Department of Labor and Employment together with the wife. The Institute for Labor Studies was taya’ and the ILS guys managed to put together a program that focused on the environment, most likely because of the recent commemoration of Earth Day.

When it was time to sing the National Anthem, everyone stood up and started singing. I noticed that some people were not facing the flag, as they should, maybe because they were not sure where the flag was or they didn’t really care. Singing the anthem every Monday morning must have become a chore for some people, instead of a true patriotic act.

I remember that when I was in the grades, we sang the hymn every morning and recited the Panatang Makabayan after. I felt somewhat proud during those bygone days because I was often asked to lead in reciting the pledge. But I am not sure now whether employees really put their hearts to it when they recite the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno. I notice that people simply go through the motions of reciting it without really getting into it.

For instance, it says “Magsasalita ako laban sa katiwalian at pagsasamantala”. Do people still do this nowadays? Or do they just stand on the sidelines, knowing fully well what befalls whistleblowers? Does anybody lift a finger to really “hindi ako hihingi o tatanggap ng suhol”? Why doesn’t anyone do a survey in the government whether these lines still make sense?

Not to be beaten to the draw, Sonny Alvarez came up with something called Panata ng Bayan sa Kalikasan. Did I hear someone say that he is the Environment Czar? But like its age-old predecessor, this panata’ may meet the same fate – to be recited every time Earth Day comes and quickly relegated to oblivion when the weather changes.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

National Geographic

No, it’s not a daguerrotype, the kind of photograph produced by using the original silver oxide and mercury formula developed by Daguerre, the inventor of photo making.

It’s actually a photo of my Dad (with hat) and my uncle Nard (who is now an accomplished doctor) which was taken by a photographer from the National Geographic and subsequently published in that magazine nine years before my Mom brought me out into this world.


According to my Dad, the picture was taken at the Nichols Air Base (Villamor Air Base to the latebloomers). They were supposed to participate in a competition for the best model airplane. Unfortunately the event was postponed without their knowledge. But this misfortune led to this fortunate event – they unwittingly got themselves into the pages of National Geographic.

This turn of events was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise. Many things in life are such – we don’t get things that we want, but we always get things that we need. The trouble is that we often go into a let-down feeling when we don't get what we want, instead of discerning the essence of what we get in terms of what we really need in life.

As I always say, life is truly a matter of perspectives.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Garbanzos

By itself, minus its halo-halo cousins, chickpeas may be considered the preferred ingredient. There’s a small study which indicates the efficacy of chickpeas or garbanzos in lowering cholesterol levels in the human body.


As reported in Real Age, one useful site in the Internet, people who ate roughly 25 ounces of chickpeas per week for 12 weeks (3 months) showed an improvement in their total cholesterol levels compared with the times when their diet did not contain any for 4 weeks.

Surprisingly, even their insulin levels also improved, while losing a small amount of weight, without dieting or exercise. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen garbanzos in Sta. Lucia, my neighborhood talipapa, although I have spotted canned garbanzos in my favorite grocery. I wonder if this will register the same results.

Researchers speculate that the fiber, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids in chickpeas should get the credit for the lower cholesterol results. Garbanzos is also a great source of vitamins, minerals and polyestrogens.

Here’s more: sesame seeds also help fight high cholesterol. They are tiny but rich and nutty and they lower cholesterol by keeping our intestines from absorbing the stuff. They contain an antioxidant known as lignan which is found both in the seeds and in sesame oil, which is a regular resident in my cupboard.

Sesame seeds also contain a powerful antioxidant that may play a role in blocking cancer. We can make a chickpea puree and mix it with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. The chickpea puree is called hummus. First time I heard about it but it is supposed to be good as spread on pita bread or whole-wheat crackers or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.

You can bet your last centavo that hummus will be on my kitchen on the weekend.

Friday, March 6, 2009

White Horse

My dad majored in Shakespearean literature and got some minor subjects in journalism. He went to college at a ripe age of 45, although he caught the writer’s itch quite early in his life. He is a stickler to good grammar and one of his pre-occupations is reading the dailies from the front page to the last, including the boxed ads.

And so it came to pass that the company which carried the “White Horse” whiskey brand came up with an ad that turned out to be an ungrammatical copy. And true to his pre-occupation, my dad dutifully wrote the company about the error and his suggested correction. If I remember right, it all revolved around the use of the word “everyday” instead of “every day”. The first means “ordinary or commonplace” while the second means “each day”.

My dad left it at that, content that he has made his point. However, the company apparently took notice and wrote him back to thank him about his comment and suggestion and assured him that the ad will be stricken out of the papers in the meantime that the ad agency is putting things in order.

A day after he received the reply, a company service vehicle came. The company representative thanked him profusely and gifted him with a “White Horse” clock which my dad has kept for posterity in his watch repair shop. He is the “original” relojero in the family while my elder brothers and I are mere apprentices.

I have had my own brush with companies whose products or services I have commented on. For instance, I have received a check for $3 USD from Kraft USA because I complained about the salty taste of the CheezeWhiz that I bought from a local grocery. I have also received some snack items and a packet of coffee creamer from Robina, the producer of SwissMiss, the non-dairy creamer that turned out to be too unwieldy to tear open.

Honda Motor Philippines has improved its vehicle check-up and maintenance package after I gave them a feedback that although I am “satisfied” with their service, I was not really “delighted”. The next time I brought my car for servicing, the Honda guys made sure that I left with some measure of delight.

Many things are still well in the world!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Open-Closed System

Unlike the South Expressway and the Star Tollway which have yet to be directly linked together, the North Luzon Expressway, the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the old Subic Diversion Road are all joined together in one continuous flow.

I found this out during our Lenten sojourn to Zambales to lay our eyes on the touted beauty of Potipot Island off the coast of Candelaria.

My mom-in-law, the wife and I gained entry to the NLEX through the Valenzuela toll gate where we had to pay a toll fee that will take us up to Bocaue. When the toll teller handed me a receipt, I protested that our destination is SCTEX. With some hint of understanding, the teller said that we are entering the “closed” where we have to pay a fix amount up to Bocaue where we will have to get another card to gain entry to the rest of the expressway.

The “open” system was supposed to be in operation from the Bocaue toll gate onwards. For almost twenty minutes, we lined up for the exit toll booth to pay for the distance that we have traveled from Bocaue. We then took a sharp curve towards the elevated interchange that took us to the long line of vehicles queuing for a card to gain entry to the SCTEX. Another half hour passed by before I could lay my hands on that precious access card.

The SCTEX route to Subic is 55 kilometers of well-paved scenic road, portions of which were carved through hills, or what urbanites would often refer to as mountains. The first 53 kilometers of our trip was sheer heaven, as I had to fight the urge to get the speedometer past the 100 km/hr mark, especially in sections where the expressway mobile cars were nowhere to be seen.

Of course, signs proclaiming that speed monitoring is done through radar can be seen every five kilometers or so. But I seriously wonder whether there is any trick behind these signs. I do realize though that keeping the speed limit, radar or no radar, is best for everyone’s health and well-being.

The last two kilometers of the SCTEX was pure hell, as it took us two whole hours to make this short final lap to the Tipo exit gate where we had to pay toll again. Thinking that another long line will be waiting for us at the Subic exit gate, I asked the guys near the exit booth whether this will be the case. They assured us that the toll for the Subic Diversion Road will be collected at the Tipo exit gate of the SCTEX. The rest of the way, they reassured us, would be a breeze.

Could it have been possible that at our entry point in Valenzuela I could have declared that we are going all the way to Subic so that I can pay for the whole stretch once and just present my receipt at the exit gate in Subic? What on earth is the rationale for the “closed” system and the “open” system?

At this time and age where computers and the Internet have made it possible to send missions to the moon and to the other planets in the solar system, why can’t it be possible to do a one-ticket, one-payment system in the NLEX, SCTEX and the Subic Diversion Road? Is the monitoring or the accounting that complicated that no software or system can be used?

It seems that the last thing on the minds of the guys who manage these expressways is the convenience of their customers. Do they belong to our own species? Or are they humanoids who have absolutely no sense of empathy?

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Potipot Island

The long vacation destination was Potipot Island in Candelaria, dubbed as the tiny Bora of Zambales. In Ilokano, the island’s name means “entwine” or pulupot, in Tagalog.

I didn’t have time to find out how it got its name but I presume it must have a colorful history. It is a tiny corral island and you can go around it on foot in less than half an hour.

A five-minute boat ride from the Candelaria mainland took us to the island, like almost everybody else staying in a number of beach resorts in the area. Very few people stay in the resorts during the day or even take a dip in the sea because the sand is dark and the water is a bit murky.

So people troop to the island after they settle for the steep price of P500 pesos for a round trip arrangement per motorized banca. We settled for the same price and brought along some baon for lunch as we intended to return to Manila in the afternoon.

The wife liked the place with its white corral sand, clear blue waters and warm summer wind. About half a dozen kubo were all taken but we noticed that many brought along their tents. After some inquiry with the island caretakers, the wife decided that we should join the crowd and stay for the night in the island.

We did not have appropriate provisions for the night so we returned to the mainland after lunch and proceeded to the local market for some fresh fish, some kandila and bottled water. We returned to the island late in the afternoon complete with a three-person tent, rolled mattress, some pillows and blankets, and my cooking paraphernalia.

The moon was full and we came at a time when the island manager decided to test run the electricity generator. So we had lights all around the place up to an hour before midnight. No one around seemed to call it a day while the lights were on and many people still went for a night dip and enjoy the lukewarm sea.

In the morning I claimed that I almost did not sleep a wink but the wife quickly retorted that I in fact kept her awake with my snoring. Well, I almost said the same thing to her, but I thought it was best to keep things at that. A night in Potipot Island is truly a wonderful experience.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

How To Control Emotions

I found this in my email inbox. It may be a helpful guide on how to control our emotions towards our spouse, our friends, officemates and all the people around us, especially our boss.

The first rule is very basic but many of us do not even realize this. Ang naunang magalit ang may karapatang magalit. Pag naunahan ka na ng galit niya, tumahimik ka na lang muna. Yes, quite often when someone gets mad at us, we get mad too and so everything explodes.

Ang sabi pa ay walang taong nag-aaway mag-isa. Oo nga naman. Pag hindi tayo sumagot o pumatol, titigil din daw ang taong nakikipag- away sa atin. I guess this makes sense but we seldom can resist the urge to fight back.

Bingi raw ang taong galit. If someone is angry, wala raw pinakikinggan, so, don't try to explain and fight back. Hindi ka niya iintindihin dahil wala siyang naririnig kundi ang sarili niya. I suppose we can easily prove this ourselves.

Ang taong galit ay 'abnoy.' It is a modern term for people who are always mad, so you better not get angry para huwag kang matawag na abnoy.

Here’s a positive way of looking at things - persons who make our day bad are jewels, because we need them for us to mature. Hangga't andiyan daw sila at kinaiinisan mo, ibig sabihin, immature ka pa. The Lord will not take away these people - it's for us to take away our bad feelings towards them. You'll know that you have matured kapag dumating 'yung time na hindi ka na naiinis sa mga taong ito because you have learned to accept them and to have patience with them.

Of course, the best part of this is to tell ourselves that, because of this person, "I will grow mature," at dahil sa contribution niya sa maturity mo, kukunin din siya ni Lord. Well said.

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Alkaline-Acid Issue

Based on an interesting article on the Web, all kinds of food can be categorized into three: alkaline-forming foods, acid forming foods and neutral foods. It is relevant to take note of these categories because all activities carried out by the body are acidic in nature and an alkaline environment is necessary to carry these out.

Our body cells take in oxygen and nutrients and expel toxins. In an acidic environment, our cells will not be able to do so and we will eventually get sick. Acid forming foods, they say, are seriously injurious to health.


Take note – acid forming foods are like poison because diseases thrive in an acidic environment created by such foods. In a highly acidic environment our immune system gets overwhelmed with various forms of micro-organisms which attack our vital organs, leaving them unable to carry out normal body functions.

High on the acid forming food chart is animal flesh – meat like beef, lamb, chicken, fish and oysters leave an acid ash in the body – the residue that food leaves in the human body after it is metabolized. No more than 20% of our food intake should be acid forming foods. The remaining 80% should be in the alkaline forming category.

So here’s a list of some of the more common acid forming foods on our everyday meals – animal fats and vegetable oils (except olive oil which is not acid forming), corn, lentils, winter squash, cooked spinach, cranberries, blueberries, wheat, barley, bread, macaroni, rice, noodles, cheese, butter, ice cream, milk (except soy milk), walnuts, cashew nuts, peanuts, pecans (except almonds), sugar, corn syrup (except stevia) alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, soda, vinegar and processed foods.

That’s quite a long list. And as a fair warning – acid forming foods will take us to our grave – so let’s look at the 80% alkaline forming foods for balance.

Here’s a list – fruits like apples, bananas, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, raisins, blackberries, dates, vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, mushrooms, squash, turnips, buckwheat, sprouted beans, sprouted seeds, chestnuts, fresh coconuts, molasses, maple syrup and honey.

The Web offers a more comprehensive list of acid forming and alkaline forming foods. You can bet that I have downloaded this checklist to make sure that the 20%-80% ratio will always get into the picture while I play around with my wok and pans.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Lampara

Another manifestation of Filipino ingenuity is evident in a small village that we visited sometime ago in Puerto Galera. This is in the form of "lampara" made out of discarded tin cans and mayo jars.

We found this is a sari-sari store at the foot of a hanging bridge that we crossed as part of a "tour" arranged for our group. Later, I told some friends about this hanging bridge and I was told that we were lucky that we did not have any "encounter" with people with No Permanent Address who are said to frequent the place.

I suppose they also visit the sari-sari store to buy the "lampara" for their own use, wherever their address may be.

When the wife and I visited Coron a few weeks ago, we stayed in an out-of-town resort with no regular supply of electricity. I noticed that the place also had its own version of "lampara" made out of discarded wine bottles.

The problem with these "lamparas" is that they are still dependent on kerosene or "gaas", although they can probably also work with cooking oil. I understand that a lamp can also be made out of table salt and cooking oil with a matchstick serving as wick. I haven't tried this but it probably works.

Maybe I should also try getting oil from dried malunggay seeds as many do in Africa. I understand that malunggay seeds can be processed to produce bio-diesel. This is one of the many benefits that can be derived from the lowly malunggay.

Lampara from discarded materials fed by oil from dried malunggay seeds - this should be a step towards recycling and away from the use of fossil fuel.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

QC Trash

It's not really surprising, but I was surprised just the same. Filipinos are Pinoys, wherever they are. Many of us just leave our trash behind as if we always expect some other people to take care of them.

As I have written a few pieces ago, the Quezon Memorial Circle is undergoing a lot of facelifting, including new concrete picnic tables, trash bins, decorative fountains and park benches. But the old bad habits, like all other bad habits, do not die easily.

Park-goers enjoy sharing their early morning coffee and breakfast on the picnic tables, but some just leave their refuse behind without regard for others who will use the same picnic tables.

My dad, who is twelve years shy of his centenary, insists that this is due to the fact that Good Manners and Right Conduct is no longer a vital component of early education, unlike the school system during the American period. Quite a long time ago, of course.

But there must be something to what he is saying - if you were taught and you learned early how to dispose of your trash properly - you will most likely do the same thing the rest of your life.

GMRC is part of what I refer to as the 5 Rs of basic education - Responsible Citizenship, along with Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmeric and Research.

Come to think of it, these are the 5 Rs of lifelong education.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Choco Castle

You must have seen it if you have passed through D. Tuazon in Cubao near the old LVN Studios. It's the castle, or at least a place that looks like a castle, and seems like made of blocks of chocolate.

It is supossed to be the Castle of Baking and Confectionary Arts, a culinary school established in 1995 by Annie Carmona-Lim, a pastry chef and entrepreneur, based on a posting in Wikipedia.

Chef Annie started commercial baking in 1977. She trained in local culinary schools and opened a homebaking business. Then she took a course in Master in Cake Decorating and in Gumpaste and Pulled Sugar Technique at the Wilton Cake Decorating School in Woodridge, Illinois.

She also attended the Culinary Institute of America in California, where she studied the making of European pastries, chocolate fundamentals and flavor dynamics. Later, she studied Chocolate Manufacturing and other confectionery skills in Solingen,Germany.

She also opened Chocolate Lovers Incorporated, a retailer and wholesaler of baking and confectionery supplies.

I am sure that Chef Annie is doing very well, not just on the basis of her "castle" but simply on the fact that very few people can resist Hersey's or M&M or Cadbury or even Goya.

I am probably one of the few.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Garbanzos

By itself, minus its halo-halo cousins, chickpeas may be considered the preferred ingredient. There’s a small study which indicates the efficacy of chickpeas or garbanzos in lowering cholesterol levels in the human body.

As reported in Real Age, one useful site in the Internet, people who ate roughly 25 ounces of chickpeas per week for 12 weeks (3 months) showed an improvement in their total cholesterol levels compared with the times when their diet did not contain any for 4 weeks.

Surprisingly, even their insulin levels also improved, while losing a small amount of weight, without dieting or exercise. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen garbanzos in Sta. Lucia, my neighborhood talipapa, although I have spotted canned garbanzos in my favorite grocery. I wonder if this will register the same results.

Researchers speculate that the fiber, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids in chickpeas should get the credit for the lower cholesterol results. Garbanzos is also a great source of vitamins, minerals and polyestrogens.

Here’s more: sesame seeds also help fight high cholesterol. They are tiny but rich and nutty and they lower cholesterol by keeping our intestines from absorbing the stuff. They contain an antioxidant known as lignan which is found both in the seeds and in sesame oil, a regular occupant in my cupboard.

Sesame seeds also contain a powerful antioxidant that may play a role in blocking cancer. We can make a chickpea puree and mix it with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. The chickpea puree is called hummus. First time I heard about it but it is supposed to be good as spread on pita bread or whole-wheat crackers or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.

You can bet your last centavo that hummus will be on my kitchen on the weekend.