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My Friends Noel has 747 friends. View all of Noel's friends. |
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Posted 4/4/2008 9:04:45 AM
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Posted 8/16/2007 5:20:51 PM
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Posted 8/15/2007 9:58:03 PM
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Posted 7/16/2007 7:12:30 AM
 This is without a doubt one of the nicest good luck forwards I have received.. Hope it works for you --! and me! |
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Posted 5/14/2007 7:59:03 AM
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Posted 5/13/2007 10:48:34 PM
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Posted 4/24/2007 6:02:02 PM
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Posted 4/10/2007 8:37:21 AM
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Posted 3/16/2007 12:50:33 AM
Dear Fellow Filipino, Good day to all of you! Before I begin my letter... just a disclaimer, for people who know me they know that I love the Philippines very much and I am not really one who rants and complaints to high heavens about what is happening to our country and does nothing about it, in fact, I feel that at my relatively young age of 27, I have done much service to the Philippines by setting up Pathways to Higher Education which has sent more than 500 poor but deserving students to college and AHON Foundation which has already built two public elementary school libraries that have benefitted more than 3,500 students. Yet, after seeing how events in our nation have transpired the past few weeks and talking with some friends, I feel the urge to share with you my own thoughts and feelings. Over the weekend, we saw the completion of two major political alliances for this coming Senate Elections that has just began here in the Philippines . Now we have two political forces with familiar faces nonetheless on opposite sides of the fences. On one end, you have Tito Sotto and Tessie Aquino-Oreta who were two major stalwarts of the opposition and the FPJ Campaign in 2004 hobnobbing with the woman (Pres. GMA) whom they claimed to have cheated FPJ in the last Presidential Elections.On the other side of the fence, you see Manny Villar, the former house speaker who was actually responsible for impeaching Erap now part of the United Opposition who is led by no less than... Erap himself. Now if you don't see anything wrong with this picture then you must be one of the many Filipinos who have accepted this very sad reality that there is indeed no permanent ideals that our government leaders stand up for but rather they just go where there self-interests can best be served. It is this kind of politics why I no longer wonder why good people like Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City or outstanding Bulacan Governor Josie Dela Cruz will find it hard or worse, never be elected to national positions. It is with these in mind that I'd like to share with you what are events this coming May elections that will make me consider leaving the Philippines : 1.) If former COMELEC Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano of Hello Garci fame wins in his bid to become Congressman of Bukidnon...seeking to replace a good man no less in incumbent Cong. Neric Acosta... We would really be the laughing stock of the whole world if we allow a man with the reputation of Garci to be one of our so called "Honorable Gentlemen". 2.) If Dancing Queen Tessie Aquino Oreta reclaims her seat at the Senate... I hope that all of us would still remember that dance that she did during the 2001 impeachment hearings after they voted to overrule the decision of then Chief Justice Davide... let us make sure that people like her never make it to the Senate again. 3.) If Richard Gomez becomes a senator... what does he know about making laws? We already have the likes of Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid in the Senate and their performance or lack of it would be reason enough not to elect another actor who has no prior experience in government to the distinguished halls of the Senate. 4.) If Gringo Honasan wins again.... have we not learned our lesson? I cannot believe that just because someone is charismatic then we will just elect him to become one of our senators despite the fact that he has time and again caused so much instability in our country... if we want a military junta similar to that of Thailand ... then lets all vote for this guy.... 5.) If Manny Pacquiao becomes Congressman of General Santos City... everybody loves Manny the Boxing Champ but Manny the Lawmaker? Lets be realistic here, Manny is our Hero alright but I think it takes more than just great boxing skills and a desire to serve to be able to make appropriate laws that would help uplift the lives of the many Filipinos who live in Poverty. 6.) If Lito Lapid wins for Mayor of Makati City... I don't like Jojo Binay as well but Lito Lapid as city mayor of the country's finance and business center?!?! And do you really think he is from Makati and has good plans for the city? The Arroyos asking someone like him to run just goes to show you how much love and concern this government has for our country. 7.) If Chavit Singson becomes a Senator, Illegal Gambling = Chavit... enough said. Now if all of these 7 things happen during this coming elections then don't be surprised if I decide to leave this country that I love dearly. Like I said during the first part of my letter, I feel that I have done much for this country but I think its time that Filipinos become more vigilant and critical in selecting our leaders for the sake of our future and the generations that will go beyond us. So I appeal to every Filipino who asks what can I actually do for my country... Choose and vote for the right people this coming elections, huwag na tayong magpaloko sa mga kandidatong maganda lang ang jingle o gwapo lang sa mga poster. Let us choose leaders who have a good track record for service and who are genuinely committed towards serving our country. Manindigan naman tayong lahat para sa ating Kinabukasan at para sa Kapakanan ng ating Bayan! Thank you very much for your time in reading this letter.
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Posted 1/19/2007 6:11:23 PM
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Posted 1/19/2007 8:05:58 AM
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Posted 1/19/2007 7:55:30 AM
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Posted 1/19/2007 7:55:03 AM
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Posted 1/17/2007 4:11:31 PM
Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25Angel was named after the guardian angel, Michael, but as she was growing up, she was the antithesis of her name. Her friends would call her "satanas" behind her back because she was really (in)famous as a backbiter, fence-sitter, boyfriend-grabber, cheater, liar, borrower-who-never-returns and — as a daughter — would disappear for days without informing her parents where she was, drinking to her heart's content, and smoking with impunity. At age 24, her mother caught a bug, stayed in the hospital for three days, and then passed away. Angel was stunned! She thought her mother, who loved her and covered up for her indiscretions, would live forever. It is sad and ironic that it took the death of her mother to jolt her into mending her ways. So after 10 years of excessive living, she went to confession, had counseling, and began a new life far removed from the one she lived before. Today she tells anyone who will listen that her mom loved her so much that she willed herself to die for her, so that she may live in grace. She says that God loves her and forgave her, and gave her another chance to live like a real Angel.
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Posted 1/17/2007 6:32:07 AM
But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. - Luke 2:19I treasure my mornings! I've learned that if you want to win the day, you've got to win the mornings. That's why I wake up earlier than anyone else does at home. And in the darkness of the room and the stillness of the wee hours, all I can hear are my fingers dribbling at the keyboard of my laptop, writing my prayers to God. And I get this awesome feeling of being transported to another world. (I'm addicted.) Yes, that's how I pray. I've long learned that you should pray the way you're most able to express yourself to God. For me, it's through my journal. And through this journal, I practice what Mary did. She "kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." You need to do that: To reflect. To think. And to thank profusely. A wise man once said, "An unreflected life is not worth living." Is your life worth living?
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Posted 1/13/2007 7:37:48 AM
TEATea has been implicated in protecting against heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer and even possibly skin cancer if the tea is drunk with lemon! The most recent studies published in 2002 showed that tea drinking can reduce the risk of death after a heart attack by 44% (read abstract on-line) and may also help to maintain total bone mineral density, thus reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis Read abstract on-line Tea Types There are three types of tea: green black oolong. Green tea is the least processed of all the teas, made by quickly steaming or heating the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Black tea is prepared by exposing tea leaves to air which causes oxidation, which turns them a deep brown and intensifies their flavour. The leaves are then crushed. Black tea contains as much of the protective phytochemicals as green tea, though the form may differ. Oolong is between the two: more processed than green tea but less so than black tea. It is exposed to heat, light and crushing for less time than black tea. Herbal teas, on the other hand, come from a wide variety of plants other than the tea plant and may include roots and flowers as well as leaves. Most herbal teas do not possess the antioxidant properties of real tea, although they may contain certain other biologically active compounds. A few also contain caffeine. Antioxidants The main antioxidants in tea are polyphenols, such flavonoids and catechins. The catechins includes the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG seems to inhibit cell growth and play a role in apoptosis (programmed cell death) - both of which appear to be important in the prevention and control of cancer. Polyphenols are also potent antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage to cells and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. These two functions seem to inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow blood vessels and can lead to heart disease. The bulk of evidence for tea's health benefits comes from studies in animals that were treated with amounts of tea polyphenols equivalent to what might be consumed by a regular tea drinker. Cardiovascular disease Several prospective studies have provided inconsistent results regarding tea intake and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 1. In a long-term study of a Dutch cohort, the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke was significantly lower in men with a high intake of tea which was independent of the major established risk factors. 2. In a Norwegian cohort the risk of dying from heart disease was 36% lower in tea drinkers compared with non-tea drinkers. 3. A Californian study found no effect of tea on cardiovascular risk. 4. Tea drinking was positively associated with increased coronary risk in a Welsh population. The investigators suggested that the addition of milk to tea may bind the tea phytochemicals thereby preventing their absorption. However, subsequent experiments by other investigators have not been able to show that milk decreases the absorption of tea flavonoids. Also, in the Welsh study, men with the highest intake of tea tended to smoke more, eat more fat, and consume less alcohol. This result may be residual confounding by unmeasured or imperfectly measured coronary risk factors which clustered with tea intake. 5. A Harvard study by Dr. Howard Sesso indicated that people who drank one or more cups of black tea a day were half as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who did not drink tea, regardless of other risk factors for heart disease. 6. Several cross-sectional studies in Japan have found an inverse relationship between the consumption of green tea and serum cholesterol levels. An inverse association between black tea and blood cholesterol levels has also been observed. 7. A study of 1,330 Chinese men found a significantly lower level of serum cholesterol and triglycerides among those who drank more than 10 cups of green tea a day. However, short-term controlled trials in humans have not been able to show any effect of green or black tea on blood lipids. 8. The most recent US study published in 2002 showed that drinking tea can cut the risk of death after a heart attack by up to 44%. A study of 1900 patients found that those who drank the most tea were least likely to die during the three or four years after a heart attack. Death rates for moderate tea drinkers were 28% lower than those who drank no tea. Death rates for heavy tea drinkers were 44% lower (read abstract on-line). How does tea protect against heart disease? Evidence suggests that a substantial effect of tea drinking on blood fats can now be ruled out and that a role in limiting oxidation of blood LDL cholesterol is possible. More likely mechanisms by which green or black tea reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke is probably through its effect on blood vessel health, dilation, inflammation and thrombosis. a) Prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol? The antioxidant catechins in green tea and the aflavins in black tea have been shown in bench top studies to inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and to chelate free metal ions which can act as pro-oxidants. Oxidised LDL cholesterol is more atherogenic (i.e forms a fatty plaque in blood vessels) more readily than unoxidised LDL cholesterol. However, studies in humans have not found that there is resistance to LDL oxidation when consuming 6 cups of green or black tea (Hof et al. Am J Clin 1997; 66: 1125-32). It is believed that if tea polyphenols protect LDL from oxidation the mechanism is more likely to be at play in the blood vessel wall than in the LDL particle itself. This avenue of research is currently being explored (Tijburg et al. Food Sci Nutr 1997; 37 (8): 771-85). b) Inhibit inflammation? Coronary heart disease is considered to be a disease with a strong inflammatory component and tea polyphenols may inhibit inflammation. Tea polyphenols have a pronounced antagonism to bradykinin, which is released during some inflammatory responses, they can also inhibit arachidonic acid and histamine metabolism. However, most of these studies have been conducted in isolated cells or in animals. There are indications that both green and black tea taken orally may inhibit platelet activity in experimental animals and possibly humans, but more evidence from human trials is needed. c) Improved blood vessel dilation? Nitric oxide is a chemical produced by blood vessel cells (endothelium). It prevents blood clots and inflammation occuring in blood vessels. One of the most important functions of nitic oxide is as a potent dilator of blood vessels, to permit the passage of a greater volume of blood. Healthy people with few cardiovascular risk factors have an appropriate production of nitric oxide, normal vessel dilation and normal formation and breakdown of blood clots. A healthy artery can dilate 13%. In individuals with heart disease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes etc blood vessel dilation is markedly reduced because normal production of nitric oxide is lost. High levels of free radicals (created by smoking, pollution, UV, diabetes) inactivate nitric oxide. Antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamin C) and phytochemicals (such as flavonoids) appear to be involved in blood vessel dilation. A study by Duffy et al (Circulation 2001) showed that consuming 450ml black tea significantly improved blood vessel dilation (flow mediated dilation) 2 hours after drinking tea. The observed effect was shown to be due to the effect of tea on blood vessel cells (endothelium) and not due to caffeine. There were no effects of drinking tea on blood pressure or blood fats. d) Prevents blood clots? A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2002, conducted by Hodgson et al on 20 healthy people in Australia, were unable to show that black tea had any effect on platelet aggregation (clumping) and thus the prevention of blood clot formation. How does tea protect against cancer? There is evidence that tea, especially green tea, can prevent the spread of cancerous cells by of inhibiting angiogenesis (i.e. preventing new blood vessel formation). Several dozen animal studies indicate that the polyphenols and related compounds in tea are protective, especially against cancers of the oral cavity and digestive tract. Tea chemicals are believed to act by preventing damage to DNA that could result in a loss of control over cell growth. Tea is one of the few agents that can inhibit carcinogenesis at the initiation, promotion and progression stages. However, it is not yet known how effective tea can be in preventing human cancer, what dose is most effective or what is the best way to administer the active compounds. A study of more than 35,000 postmenopausal women in Iowa suggested that women who drank two or more cups of tea daily were less likely to develop cancers of the digestive tract and urinary tract. However, no protection was found against other cancers. However, a study in the Netherlands among 58,000 men and 62,000 women found no link between tea drinking and a reduced risk of cancers of the lung, breast or colon. Skin cancer? Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Public Health, in Tucson, compared the abilities of hot and cold black tea - and each with citrus peel - to protect against squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common form of skin cancer. About 450 people, half with a history of SCC, were interviewed. Subjects who drank hot black tea had only 60% of the SCC risk and participants who consumed citrus peel only had 30% of the risk compared to those who consumed neither black tea nor citrus peel. Those who consumed both hot black tea and peel had almost 80% lower SCC risk. Cold tea had no effect, possibly because it is often diluted. Tea and bone health High caffeine intake is reportedly a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Most studies, however, are from populations in which coffee drinking predominates and is the major caffeine source. Tea contains caffeine but also has other nutrients, such as antioxidants (e.g flavonoids), that may influence bone mass in different ways. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2002 showed that habitual tea drinkers in Taiwan (number of people studied was 1037) had a higher bone mineral density. People who consumed tea for at least -610 years had a higher total bone mineral density as well as a higher bone density at the lumbar spine and hip bone, than non-habitual drinkers. This was true for green, black and oolong tea. This study is supported by another study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000 which investigated the tea intake and BMD of 1256 free-living women aged 65-76 years in the United Kingdom. This study also found that tea drinkers had higher BMD measurements than non-tea drinkers. These findings were independent of smoking status, use of hormone replacement therapy, coffee drinking, and whether milk was added to tea. The mechanism for bone protection is not certain, but it probably involes fluoride and antioxidants. Tea is a good source of fluoride and it is known that fluoride is protective against bone loss. The antioxidants in tea (e.g polyphenols) are probably also important for bone, as are fruits and vegetables in general, by mechanisms which include antioxidation. Conclusion Consider consuming some tea daily (green, black or oolong) - maybe with a twist of lemon.
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Posted 1/11/2007 3:37:33 AM
FROM the 1896 Revolution to the first Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth period, the EDSA Revolt, and the tiger cub economy, history marches on. Thankfully, however, some things never change. Like the classics, things irresistibly Pinoy mark us for life. They're the indelible stamp of our identity, the undeniable affinity that binds us like twins. They celebrate the good in us, the best of our culture and the infinite possibilities we are all capable of. Some are so self-explanatory you only need mention them for fellow Pinoys to swoon or drool. Here, from all over this Centennial-crazed country and in no particular order, are a hundred of the best things that make us unmistakably Pinoy.1. Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat five times a day? 2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi, suka at sili, patis. 3. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want. 4. Pinoy humor and irreverence. If you're api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really. 5. Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life's essentials in small affordable amounts? 6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be. 7. Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect--a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times. 8. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt. 9. Beaches! With 7,000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan--over here, life is truly a beach. 10. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible. 11. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that cold beer and some pulutan ready for the troops. 12. The Balikbayan box. Another way of sharing life's bounty, no matter if it seems like we're fleeing Pol Pot every time we head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are carted home to be distributed. 13. Pilipino komiks. Not to mention "Hiwaga," "Aliwan," "Tagalog Classics," "Liwayway" and"Bulaklak" magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Dyesebel, characters of a time both innocent and worldly. 14. Folk songs. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle. 15. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best. 16. Aswang, manananggal, kapre. The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our storytelling. 17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat. 18. Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto. Best when mined with jalape¤o peppers. Messy but delicious. 19. Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies--and the most beautiful gowns. 20. Balut. Unhatched duck's embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup, with gusto. 21. Pakidala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well. 22. Choc-nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M's and Hershey's. 23. Kamayan style. To eat with one's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners--ah, heaven. 24. Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. There is in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with beer. 25. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo!" invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is. 26. Adobo, kare-kare, sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes. 27. Lola Basyang. The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes. 28. Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort. 29. Tricycle and trisikad, the poor Pinoy's taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as PHPesos3.00, with a complimentary dusting of polluted air. 30. Dirty ice cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there's the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art. 31. Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent--if you don't mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soap and movie stars. 32. Sarsi. Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them with an egg beaten in. 33. Pinoy fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, papaya, singkamas--the possibilities! 34. Filipino celebrities. Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public officials, all-around controversial figures: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin, Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L. Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta, Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V. 35. World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: Lea Salonga, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Lilia Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori, Manny Pacquiao 36. Pinoy tastes. A dietitian's nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened macapuno and garbanzos. Remember, we're the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum! 37. The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pi?s Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes. 38. Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting. Love potions and amulets. How the socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes. 39. Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA and basketball. How the verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights. 40. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine history overnight. 41. San Miguel Beer and pulutan. "Isa pa nga!" and the Philippines' most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers. 42. Resiliency. We've survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, Robin Padilla, and Tamagochi. We'll survive Erap. 43. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walk the dog" and "rock the baby," using just a piece of string. 44. Pinoy games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good time for all. 45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that "the Filipino is worth dying for,'' and proving it. 46. Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage. 47. Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket _ and help the true Pinoy answer nature's call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilet habits. 48. Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot. 49. Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it's invaded the Middle East, as well? 50. The butanding, the dolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters. They're Pinoys, too, and they're here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing. 51. Pakikisama. It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home. 52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well! 53. Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun. 54. Handwoven cloth and native weaves. Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it's the fiber of who we are. 55. Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch the same movie several times. 56. Bahala na. We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear. 57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything. 58. English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in the global marketplace. 59. The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued to TV. 60. Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket's paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus. 61. Barong Tagalog. Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan look marvelously makisig. 62. Filipinas. They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can't say the same for Filipinos. 63. Filipinos. So maybe they're bolero and macho with an occasional streak of generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one. 64. Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly planted on Philippine soil. 65. Dolphy. Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag. 66. Style. Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright. 67. Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, overaccessorized jeepneys and altars--the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it. 68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package. 69. Unbridled optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale. 70. Street food: Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here's cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience. 71. The siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy. 72. Honorifics and courteous titles: Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship. 73. Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom. Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest cabbie Emilio Advincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn't let Jalosjos get away with rape. 74. Flora and fauna. The sea cow (dugong), butanding, tarsier, calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique. 75. Pilipino songs, OPM and composers: "Ama Namin," "Lupang Hinirang," "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita Malilimutan," "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante--living examples of our musical gift. 76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos' groupies, but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to godliness--especially now that those darned candidates' posters have to be scraped off the face of Manila! 77. Sari-sari store. There's one in every corner, offering everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and bakya. 78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help us help each other. 79. Favorite TV shows through the years: "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "John and Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan, Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "Public Forum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television. 80. Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in: "Bababa ba?" "Bababa!" 81. "Sayang!" "Naman!" "Kadiri!" "Ano ba!?" "pala." Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy. 82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes). 83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere. 84. Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look. 85. Noranian or Vilmanian. Defines the friendly rivalry between Ate Guy Aunor and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for many Filipino fans. 86. Filipino Christmas. The world's longest holiday season. A perfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a touch of religion. 87. Relatives and kababayan abroad. The best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral. 88. Festivals: Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones. 89. Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, kari?sa, kuratsa, itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm. 90. Native wear and costumes. Baro't saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress. 91. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake? 92. Calesa and karitela. The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year's provisions. 93. Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, the latest fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market? 94. All Saints' Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to live. 95. Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home. Hindi lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa! 96. Pinoy greens. Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo. Dahon ng Sili. Kangkong. Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahay will never be the same without them. 97. OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we'd go for a better life for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy. 98. The Filipino artist. From Luna's magnificent "Spoliarium" and Amorsolo's sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok's jarring abstractions and Borlongan's haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you're hanging one of Asia's best. 99. Tagalog soap operas. From "Gulong ng Palad" and "Flor de Luna" to today's incarnations like "Mula sa Puso"--they're the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them, MariMar notwithstanding. 100. Midnight madness, weekends sales, bangketas and baratillos. It's retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.
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Posted 1/10/2007 4:17:20 PM
By Woodrow KrollJan 10, 2007 When you've trusted God and walked his way When you've felt his hand lead you day by day But your steps now take you another way ... Start over. When you've made your plans and they've gone awry When you've tried your best and there's no more try When you've failed yourself and you don't know why ... Start over. When you've told your friends what you plan to do When you've trusted them and they didn't come through And you're all alone and it's up to you ... Start over. When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong And now your grandchildren come along ... Start over. When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still ... When you want to stop cause you've had your fill ... Start over. When you think you're finished and want to quit When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit When you've tried and tried to get out of it ... Start over. When the year has been long and successes few When December comes and you're feeling blue God gives a January just for you ... Start over. Starting over means "Victories Won" Starting over means "A Race Well Run" Starting over means "God's Will Done" Don't just sit there .............. START OVER
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Posted 1/8/2007 6:34:13 PM
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Posted 1/7/2007 1:46:08 AM
THE New Year is like a fresh start, a new beginning, a time of hope. It is time again to make new resolutions. We may not always be able to follow them through, but it is still good to make them . What will this New Year bring? Prosperity? Progress? Peace? Or will it bring misfortune, suffering, and pain? We do not know. What is certain is that we will have "good days" and "bad days" – or so it may seem – until later. You may lose your job and think, that's a bad day. But then, you get a better job - and the bad day turns out to be a good day. You prepare well for a meeting. For once, you beat the traffic, and get to your meeting on time – a good day. Then you find out the meeting has been cancelled. That's a bad day. However, isn't life exciting? Wouldn't it be boring if God hadn't put in all these twists and turns in our life? At least, these keep us alert and full of wonder on what will happen next! No matter how unpleasant the circumstances may seem, we can find good in every situation if we look for it. As we look for the good in every situation, let us remain calm, full of hope, and ready to accept the challenges at hand. Sometime ago, we were fortunate to listen to "Anne," a lay apostle of Jesus Christ, the Returning King. She states that she receives messages in her heart that she believes are from God the Father, Jesus and Mary. The clergy has claimed that these messages are authentic. Anne says that today we are in the Age of Disobedience and must make a transition to the Age of Obedience. She speaks of the 2nd Coming of Christ. This will happen or is already happening, through the transformation of souls, one at a time. She says there is so much confusion in the world, so much talk (to which I agree). What we need is more silence, or we can't hear Christ talking to us each day. Think of Christ at the top of the mountain. The world is at the bottom. Jesus marks the path for each one of us to climb to Him. As we climb up, our face is towards Christ, not the world. We will then, not be too worried or be attached to worldly things. The problem is that we are dirt, earth. That's why things of the earth have such a draw on us.Perhaps, this is one of the priorities we can set as the New Year begins — to find our way to Christ. What can I change about myself to have a better tomorrow? What prevents me from climbing faster up the mountain to reach Christ? Is it the lure of materialism? Prestige? Ambition? Pride? As Anne says, the decision is up to each one of us to follow Jesus. Even if we don't feel holy when we wake up in the morning, make a Morning Offering to Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. My personal prayer goes this way: "Lord, I offer You all my thoughts, words, and works; all my sufferings. and all my joys today, for the greater glory of God." Anne says this is like offering flowers to Our Heavenly Father. In our family, we can please God by helping one another. In the greater family of God, we can reach out to our fellowmen.- Beginning with our soul, we can help other souls to turn from "rubble to a heavenly garden." We have the means to turn this world around to climb the mountain one soul at a time. Life is short. Life is uncertain. For some of us, this may well be our last year. Or, we may have many, many years ahead of us let us hope so. But whatever the future holds, let us ask the Lord for strength and courage, and place our hope and trust in Him. As He says, "Be Not Afraid." Cardinal Newman ended one of his sermons with this prayer: "May He support us all the day long: till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.Then in his mercy, may He grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last." Amen.
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Posted 1/7/2007 1:18:48 AM
Maureen Cohen read a newspaper article about cancer-causing acrylamide in her kids' favorite snacks and wanted to know more."I just got curious," said Cohen, a mother of three. "If it's known that it's a cancer-causing substance, I sure would like somebody to look into it and find out."Acrylamide turns up in all kinds of tasty foods, including french fries, potato chips, breakfast cereals, cookies and crackers. But it is difficult for consumers to figure out how much acrylamide is in a particular meal or snack.Nobody puts acrylamide in food. The chemical is a natural by-product of cook¬ing starchy food at high temperature.So while you might find acrylamide in potatoes that are fried or baked at high tem¬peratures, you might not find it in potatoes that are boiled and mashed.French fries and potato chips already are well up on the list of bad-for-you foods.Acrylamide also forms in plenty of other starches, like the toasted oats in Cheerios, the flour in hard pretzels or even the sweet potatoes in Gerber Tender Harvest organic baby food.But compared with other worrisome chemicals in food, such as mercury in fish or benzene in soda, relatively little is known about how acrylamide forms, how it affects people or what to do about it.High levels of acrylamide in food were first reported by Swedish researchers in 2002.Cohen looked on the Food and Drug Administration Web site to see how much acrylamide was in her potato chips — re¬duced-fat Pringles — but that kind of Prin¬gles was not listed. She called the company but was told to provide a letter from her doctor.Then she mentioned it to her father-in-law, who works for a nutrition and health advocacy group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest.Already aware of the chemical, CSPI began surveying manufacturers of 30 products. None provided information on how much acrylamide is currently in their products.Now the group wants the government to publish more data on acrylamide in major brands. The most recent FDA data on brand-name foods is more than two years old. Consumers, especially parents of young children, need the information so they can pressure companies to reduce the amount of acrylamide in food, the center's executive director said in a letter to the FDA."It's simply impossible for consumers to try to keep track of how much acrylamide is in different foods and different brands," said CSPI's Michael Jacobsen. "Consumers rely on the government to ensure the safety of these products, and the government simply isn't doing it."Ina statement, the FDA said it is research¬ing whether acrylamide poses a health risk to people.The agency's focus is trying to calculate exposure to the chemical. "We have already done extensive sam piing to make this determination on expo¬sure," FDA spokeswoman Julie Zawisza said."We doWt believe additional sampling will inform our exposure assessment sig¬nificantly."Also unknown is exactly how acrylamide affects people — studies have shown it causes cancer in lab mice and rats. Yet studies that looked at specific cancers in people have not shown there is a link to acrylamide.Food companies are concerned about acrylamide and are trying hard to find out more about it, said Pat Verdun, chief science officer for the Food Products Association, which represents major food makers.Companies are reluctant to provide information on acrylamide levels because the chemical doesn't form consistently, Verdun said.Test results differ even for the same brand of food, according to the FDA. The agency found that french fries from seven different McDonald's restaurants all had different levels of acrylamide.The federal limit for acrylamide in drink¬ing water is .5 parts per billion. That is equal to about .12 micrograms in an eight ounce (227 grams) glass of water. By comparison, a oneounce serving of Cheerios has about seven micrograms of acrylamide, and a six-ounce serving of french fries has about 60 micrograms of acrylamide, according to CSPI. So what should consumers do about acrylamide? It is hard to imagine people giving up foods like french fries or potato chips, which are made from the most commonly eaten vegetable in the United States."A product can have high acrylamide levels but also have wonderful nutritional value," Verdun said. "So you have this risk-benefit issue at play here."The Center for Science in the Public In¬terest does not want people to stop eating whole grains, either, Jacobsen said.His advice is to eat less of the foods with high acrylamide levels and low nu¬tritional value, such as french fries and potato chips.Maureen Cohen does not want to elimi¬nate foods from her family's diet. She just wants more information such as the warn¬ing signs the state of California is trying to make McDonald's and other companies post about acrylamide.
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Posted 1/5/2007 8:16:21 PM
Microwave Ovens and HealthMuch research is under way on microwaves and how they might affect the human body. It is known that microwave radiation can heat body tissue the same way it heats food. Exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause a painful burn. The lens of the eye is particularly sensitive to intense heat, and exposure to high levels of microwaves can cause cataracts. Likewise, the testes are very sensitive to changes in temperature. Accidental exposure to high levels of microwave energy can alter or kill sperm, producing temporary sterility. But these types of injuries - burns, cataracts, temporary sterility - can only be caused by exposure to large amounts of microwave radiation, much more than can leak from a microwave oven. Less is known about what happens to people exposed to low levels of microwaves. To find out, large numbers of people who had been exposed to microwaves would have to be studied for many years. This information is not available. Much research has been done with experimental animals, but it is difficult to translate the effects of microwaves on animals to possible effects on humans. For one thing, there are differences in the way animals and humans absorb microwaves. For another, experimental conditions can't exactly simulate the conditions under which people use microwave ovens. However, these studies do help to better understand the possible effects of radiation. One experiment, for example, showed that repeated exposure to low-level microwave radiation (less than 10 milliwatts per square centimeter) does not cause cataracts in rabbits. On the other hand, some animals display an avoidance reaction when exposed to low levels of microwaves - that is, they try to get away from the microwaves. Other effects noted in experimental animals include a decreased ability to perform certain tasks, genetic changes and an "immune response" (the body acts as if it were responding to protect itself from a disease). While these and similar effects have been observed in animals, their significance for human health remains unclear. These kinds of findings, together with the fact that many scientific questions about exposure to low-levels of microwaves are not yet answered, point to the need for FDA to continue to enforce strict radiation controls. They also underscore the need for consumers to take certain common sense precautions. Tips on Safe Microwave Oven Operation * Follow the manufacturer's instruction manual for recommended operating procedures and safety precautions for your oven model. * Don't operate an oven if the door does not close firmly or is bent, warped, or otherwise damaged. * Never operate an oven if you have reason to believe it will continue to operate with the door open. * To add to the margin of safety already built into the oven, don't stand directly against an oven (and don't allow children to do this) for long periods of time while it is operating. * Users should not heat water or liquids in the microwave oven for excessive amounts of time. Erupted Hot Water Phenomena in Microwave Ovens The FDA has received reports of serious skin burns or scalding injuries around people's hands and faces as a result of hot water erupting out of a cup after it had been over-heated in a microwave oven. Over-heating of water in a cup can result in superheated water (past its boiling temperature) without appearing to boil. This type of phenomena occurs if water is heated in a clean cup. If foreign materials such as instant coffee or sugar are added before heating, the risk is greatly reduced. If superheating has occurred, a slight disturbance or movement such as picking up the cup, or pouring in a spoon full of instant coffee, may result in a violent eruption with the boiling water exploding out of the cup. What Can Consumers Do to Avoid Super-Heated Water? Users should follow the precautions and recommendations found in the microwave oven instruction manuals, specifically the heating time. Users should not use excessive amounts of time when heating water or liquids in the microwave oven. Determine the best time setting to heat the water just to the desired temperature and use that time setting regularly. Other Tips for Microwave Oven Use * Some ovens should not be operated when empty. Refer to the instruction manual for your oven. * Clean the oven cavity, the outer edge of the cavity, and the door with water and a mild detergent. A special microwave oven cleaner is not necessary. Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, or other abrasives.
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Posted 1/3/2007 6:46:34 AM
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Posted 1/3/2007 5:48:50 AM
1 - Most Important LessonDuring my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello'." "I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 2 - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied." The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies - You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. 4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The Obstacle in Our Path In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?" Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. You see, after all, understanding and attitude, are everything.
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Posted 1/1/2007 4:25:07 AM
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Posted 12/31/2006 10:35:24 AM
  AS December draws to a close each year, many parts of Metro Manila resemble a war zone after dusk, reverberating to the repeated booms of firecrackers which sound like heavy artillery. The holiday season celebrations sadly come hand in hand with deaths and injuries, many among children. Before the New Year’s Eve revelries could even kick off, police reported that injuries from the traditional merrymaking had already exceeded by 88 percent the recorded number when the country welcomed 2006. Fearing the number of injuries could increase by tomorrow, New Year’s Eve, Dr. Enrique Tayag, the Department of Health’s chief epidemiologist, has issued fresh warnings against firecrackers and advised the public on what to do in case of accidents. The public has heard all before but it bears repeating: Stop using firecrackers and settle for safer noise-makers like horns (torotot). Celebrate with concerts or parties, not with firecrackers. If you must have pyrotechnics, go to specific locations in your community where professionals hold fireworks displays. The key word here is professional, meaning the show is handled by experts. Never use firecrackers while under the influence of liquor. Always have water on standby. Firecrackers that don’t explode should be hosed down. People are often injured when they pick up firecrackers that blow up after appearing to be duds. Do not experiment with firecrackers. People sometimes fill bottles with gunpowder along with metals. Administer first aid to a firecracker explosion victim by washing the injured body part with soap and running water. A child who ingests watusi, or the dancing firecracker, should be made to swallow six egg whites. The dose should be doubled for adult victims. The egg white absorbs the yellow phosphorus, the toxic substance in the watusi. Whatever the injury, be it serious or minor, victims should be immediately brought to the hospital. From Dec. 21 to 28, the Department of Health recorded 205 injuries, against 109 during the same period in 2005, said Tayag. Of the total, 194 people were hurt by firecrackers while 10 were hit by stray bullets. A lone victim swallowed the highly toxic watusi. Some of the firecrackers are homemade, cans filled with explosive powder with a crude fuse attached. Many are churned out in small workshops and factories around Manila’s suburbs. Hundreds are maimed each year when the firecrackers burst prematurely. Most victims male Tayag said 32 of the firecracker injuries were caused by the “piccolo,” 25 by the “five star,” 14 by the “whistle bomb,” and 13 by the “triangle.” Most of the victims were male (165), including 71 bystanders. Sixty-eight of the victims were injured in the eye while 10 required amputation. This year, some of the fireworks on sale have prompted the government to take action. Police in Metro Manila have banned the sale and use of a bazooka look-a-like called “boga,” which consists basically of a plastic pipe with a trigger, painted to make it look like the real thing. Scores have been injured, blinded or deafened by the pipes, many because they peered inside the barrel after pulling the trigger. Police have ordered the confiscation of the device, but with hundreds of bogas already sold, few have confidence police will be able to fully implement the order. Tayag said the boga, which is triggered using denatured alcohol, had injured 38 people, 24 of them in the eyes. One of the victims needed amputation, he said. Looks like real thing “These devices really cause serious injuries and people should stay away from them,” Tagay said. Ronald Baranda, who gave up his job as a taxi driver last year to manufacture the device full time, says it is not as dangerous as other fireworks. “It looks like a real weapon, though different in style with an attached toy gun as a prop,” he told Reuters after demonstrating how the device worked. “So it will be fun, clean,” he said. Other vendors also say their wares are not dangerous but that they get a bad press. “Sales are very bad because of TV news,” said Susan Endaya, who has sold firecrackers at the Divisoria market for five years. “There is so much bad news. But what I am selling is not dangerous,” she said. Parents say they are not taking any chances. With little regulation of the industry and lax safety standards, customers say they will not risk starting the New Year with tragedy. “We want to avoid any accidents. I am scared we will get hurt. Money for food might end up being used to pay for hospital bills,” said Net Paruelo, a mother of three. With a report from Inquirer wires
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Posted 12/30/2006 7:49:36 AM
By Sally I. KennedyDec 30, 2006 You are precious and honored in my sight, and... I love you. Isaiah 43:4 She was maybe 5 or 6. She was waiting for her mom there in the drugstore, and she was standing near the cash register with her eyes glued to the candy shelves. For that little girl, paradise was just a few feet and a few dimes away. Different times, different things. When we are little we want our bottle. Grade school we want to only be with our friends. Teenagers want romance, and ... a car! Then we want a job, a home, a family. And a fulfilling life. Happiness. Security in a changing world. Retirement investments. Good health. Throughout all our ages and stages we want a LOT of different things. But God always wants the same thing. Us. In the Bible, God tells us that He created us for fellowship with Him, and He relentlessly pursues us and that relationship. We are restless in our spirits until we are "with Him". He won't give up, and He won't give in. He will continue to lovingly gaze upon you as if you, yourself, are those candy shelves. That is good news.
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Posted 12/29/2006 10:43:32 PM
We celebrate "THE RIZAL DAY" every 3oth of december, since im also the member of Order of the knights of rizal, this is me and with my partner.   
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Posted 12/29/2006 9:59:45 AM
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was make them proud. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process. That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...
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Posted 12/29/2006 12:47:13 AM
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