Feature:

Dining with ease

Six helpful tips in ordering food during dine outs

By Pepin

It’s nice to dine out once in a while, especially during birthdays or any other special occasions, or even just hanging out with friends. It is always a special moment sitting around the table with delectable dishes on it; and added are the giggling and exaggerated expressions during chitchats.

But it is always a big problem on who will be the one to decide for the meal. You may not be aware of it, but your group will more likely to do a lot of pushing and pressuring on who will order the food.

If you are tasked to do the “food-picking” thing, here are some helpful tips on how you can do it successfully without compromising the taste buds of your dinner mates.

TIP 1: Never do it if you are not a food-lover

Just say “No!” if you think you can’t decide for the group, or else you will pick the wrong choices. If your mind is always crammed with computer games, shoes, or selling house and lots, then you are not qualified to order the food, because you might do it hurriedly and shift to discussing the topics you are more interested at. Furthermore, if you are fond of fasting to control your waistline, then skip this task, because there might be other extreme food-cravers who can do the job better than you.

TIP 2: Expand your flavours

Do not just opt for food that you like, but think of others as well. Ask yourself some helpful questions, like “I love kare-kare, will they like it too?” or “I hate dinuguan a lot, but I think some of us here like it a lot!” Do not only go for foods that you usually eat at home. If you are a vegetarian, try putting your shoes on meat-lovers’ and try to select dishes that most people will eat. If you are only deciding with what you like, you will end up eating everything that will be served in your table.

TIP 3: Ask others of what they are craving for

Some of your group mates are shy to tell you of what they want to eat, so the best thing for you to do is to allow them to select their own food. If they are too withdrawn to tell you of what they desire, go ahead and ask them, “Do you like pochero or sinigang?” or “What do you prefer to drink, mango shake or orange juice?” Giving them two options is already good enough to let them participate in the food discussion.

TIP 4: Be reminded of the budget

If you will go out for diner with your family, always remind them beforehand of the budget that was reserved for the meal. If you will be the one to pay, this tip is very crucial because you may end up bankrupt before your grandmother finishes her meal. Tell them that only the important courses will be ordered, and keep them away from other extra dishes. If you already ordered a hototai soup, tell them to rub out the chopseuy order. You already have too much of the vegetable garden in hototai and you do not need the other one.

TIP 5: Do try bizarre dishes

To make the dinning experience a lot more fun, convene with your friends and decide to try other dishes as well. Don’t just opt for adobong manok or fried pork chop, because everyone usually eats these stuffs at home, unless the restaurant has a really mouth-watering taste of their adobo and pork chop. But try something that you think you can only eat for once a year. So if there are items in the menu that says Coconut crab in coco milk, fried ice cream, or adobong palaka, then sign these up in your order.

TIP 6: Eat healthy

If you are with a large group, expect that there are some people who are suffering from certain disease conditions, like diabetes, heart diseases, food allergies, or even weight problems. So always keep in mind to order food that they are capable of eating, and are not contraindicated with their conditions. Some of you might be enjoying a lot of lechon kawali, pork chop, binagoonang baboy, and aligue rice, and they are just staring at all of you with a thought, “feed me?” so please, have mercy on them also.

These five helpful tips will allow you to get the best dishes for the people you love, and these will enable you to show your care and concern to them in a simple way.

The Great Summer Escape 7:

Dip ‘n Tickle

Experience awesome treats at Tibiao Fish Spa

By Pepin

There is an array of refreshing treats that awaits anyone who visits the Municipality of Tibiao, Antique. What’s the main course? Of course, it’s the Fish Spa. Founded by Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag and two of his friends, this ultimately soothing treat can definitely free anyone from stress.

A fish spa is considered as a natural form of exfoliation. A lot of these can be found in countries, like Japan and Thailand. It is a recommended treatment for those who are suffering from psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Here in the Philippines, Tibiao Fish Spa is considered as one of the pioneers. At first, it was just a hobby, but now this business is one of the prime movers of the tourism industry of the province of Antique.

It is an extraordinary tourist attraction in the town, and it catches a lot of attention of travellers and sightseers from all over Panay and even from other provinces and foreign countries. What is exciting about this is that it can be enjoyed by people of different ages. It is a bit tickling but it will make anyone feel relieved from his or her stresses.

In early 2010, Mr. Caluwag and his team established the business in Iloilo City, and he occupied a small space at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo. This move helped him to promote more his business, as well as the tourist destinations and activities of Tibiao.  They also organized more special treats for the visitors of Tibiao. In his so-called “Katahum Tours (http://katahum.com/)”, anyone will surely enjoy a lot of activities in this awesome town Aside from the fish spa, other activities included in the tour package are kawa hot bath, white water kayaking, lambaklad fishing, pottery making, a visit to Bugtong Bato waterfalls and a thrilling sunset moment at Tiguis Beach.

For more information about Tibiao Fish Spa, you can contact the following:

+639198139893, +639264151424

Email at flord@tibiaofishspa.com

Or visit their website at http://tibiaofishspa.com/

KULBA tale 3:

The latest attacks of the Aswang

By Pepin

The invasion of a group of people, labelled as aswang, has been on the news lately. It was in the month June that accounts of their activities were first reported, and according to some people, a lot of innocent children are still missing until this very moment.

According to Marie, a 41 year-old native of San Joaquin, Iloilo, the dreaded family of aswang arrived in one of the municipalities of Antique. They distributed themselves in the different provinces of Panay that some of them went to Iloilo, Aklan, and Capiz. A couple stayed in Antique. Their mission is to capture little children and pregnant women.

At first, people declared that they are a group of kulto (cults) who are on a mission to gather new members. But because stories of them attacking people spread, they were then considered as aswang. According to many, members of the kulto do not attack or slay a person.

One account of how they victimize innocent lives was circulating in the southern part of Iloilo. Marie shared that one of these alleged male member of the aswang family captured a child at around ten in the evening. But a group of baranggay tanod (safeguards of the community) saw this horrendous creature. They ran after him to kill him and get the child back. However, when they were about to grab him and the child he was holding, he transformed into a black bird with red eyes and flew away. The child was left on the ground and was immediately secured by the group of tanod. At a distance, the people present at the scene saw how the aswang altered its form from a black bird to a black dog and then it finally disappeared.

A similar incident was even reported in the local newspaper, The News Today, last June 9, 2010. Here is the link of the full story:

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2010/06/09/city.residents.claim.aswang.attacked.their.village.html

Today, little children are instructed by their elders to get inside the house before the clock strikes six in the evening. Pregnant women are also heavily guarded by the community against the possible attack of these members of the aswang family. Although a lot of people claim that this is hoax news, but then again there is no single proof that they are not true, and these stories of people, who encountered them, are giving the people of Panay a stronger evidence of their (aswang) presence.

Here is a clip from ABS-CBN's Magandang Gabi Bayan. This was a halloween special report on some encounters with paranormal creatures. This Youtube video was uploaded by Mykolcabrera from Novaliches, Philippines.

Eco-chic:

Not another Frank, please

By Pepin

An amateur video that shows the destructive upshots of Typhoon Frank that hit Iloilo City in 2008. Credits to glennalpino of the Philippines.

 

It was in June of 2008, when the entire region of Panay was turned into a menace zone because of the typhoon Frank. Thousands of lives were lost, and billions of properties were carried away by a fuming floodwater. It left cities and major parts of the provinces in gloom for a long time. But did it leave any regret in the hearts of the people?

Two years have passed, and a lot have been done to hinder another round of a heavy typhoon. Flood control projects were established, disaster management trainings were conducted, and people learned so many techniques on how to save their lives and properties. But until now, they hadn’t put an end to the actual causes of the catastrophe.

Illegal logging, uncouth dumping of garbage, and poor utilization of public funds to raise awareness and to build earth-friendly projects are only some of the reasons that a great flood once drowned the Panay region. And the same reasons can trigger the same intensity of tragedy when a super typhoon will come again. People in power have resumed their ghastly hobbies that destroy mother earth, and many others do not care much about what they are up to, not even the local government.

Everybody wishes that there won’t be another “Frank” to happen. But if everything is just an aspiration without action, it will definitely be a dead dream. It is time for everyone to get active and to help save the dying planet.

Health Update:

Saving your heart

By Pepin

A heart disease can set in anytime. Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you can die from it. But you can shun away from the fatal effects of a heart disease if you know how to take good care of your blood-pumping organ.

Here are some tips you should take to reduce your risk of heart disease:

• Consume a heart-healthy diet that is low in fat and bad cholesterol. Remember that the more your blood cholesterol level increases, the more that your blood vessels will clog up, making it hard for your blood to pass. To compensate for this hurdle, your heart will exert more effort; oftentimes too much effort that it begins to feel exhausted.

• Control you blood pressure. If any of your parents was diagnosed to be hypertensive, then you are also at risk of developing one. Talk to your heart doctor on how you can deal with it and take the medications that he will prescribe.

• Be active. There are many activities you can do to help lower your risk of heart disease. Hobbies, like gardening and walking, are good exercises for your heart.

• Get into a healthy weight and maintain it. Excess pounds in your body will strain your heart. If you are overweight and you already developed a heart disease, better jump into an exercise program to control your condition.

• Deal properly with stress. If you are always tense and you bear a lot of pressure from work, your heart’s condition will also wane.

• Control your anger. Research studies have shown that people who are often angry or hot-tempered die early with heart disease. Type A personalities are more likely to be gnashing their teeth, but they still have a choice to cool down and save their heart.

• Quit smoking. A cigarette is a perpetrator of thousands of diseases, including heart problems. So if you have been smoking for years now, better stop your habit.

Remember, you only have one heart, and you should do your best to take good care of it. Because if ever it will break down, you will surely be suffering a lot of consequences.

Feature:

Crafting the Capiz Shells

By Pepin

For many centuries now, Capiz shells have been used in so many ways. But it was during the sixteenth century when they were first made into windows by the Spaniards, because they are translucent and light cannot easily pass on them. In addition to that, they also glitter whenever the sunlight touches them; that is why they were highly favoured because they can create a magical backdrop in living rooms and bedrooms during the day.

At present, they are widely seen as home decors and accessories. A number of craftsmen have already mastered how to cut and shape these. And because they are elegant and more versatile compared to other raw materials, they are turned into various products, such as lamps, picture frames, wall decors, candle holders, wind chimes, necklaces, tiles, plates, weeding giveaways, and chandeliers. These artisans’ detailed works can make perfect gifts during special occasions.

Capiz shells are some of the popular products you can take home as souvenirs when you visit the Province of Capiz. There a wider range of colorful products you can choose from. Of course, you can always consult a local handicraftsman if you want to bring home fine-looking Capiz shell window panes.

KULBA tale 2:

Tayho

Pepin

Life at the province of Aklan is uncomplicated. Everything is there, and the place can easily satisfy your wants and needs. But there is more to this province than its simple living.

Not a long time ago, Petzy, a university student, was walking alone on a wide and grassy road going to her home. She passes the same pathway everyday, and even if she is blindfolded she knows her way home.

It was Monday, and the moon was on its last quarter. It was kind of breezy and cold, but she knew that it was just a change in the climate, after all it was almost Christmas season. Her handbag was hanging on her right shoulder and a pile of reaction papers were cuddled on her left arm. Although it was strange that night, after she heard several noises that were unusual to her, she continued her walk.

But her heart pounded harder when she suddenly heeded the sounds of running horses at her right. She knew that no one was tending any horses in their community. She walked faster, and she wanted to run, but she was afraid that someone might suddenly capture her if she makes too much running sounds. She walked hurriedly but she made her steps light on the ground.

She reached their gate, but her peripheral vision caught something. There were two “tayho (centaurs)” standing at one hill, staring at her. She was more terrified that time, and she was not certain what will happen to her next. She was afraid that they might hurt her or curse her to death. Their half human and half horse forms appeared as unreal silhouettes to Petzy, but she was wide awake at the very moment. She knew that she can’t be wrong of what she was seeing.

The two centaurs walked away, and she realized that they meant no harm to her and to her community that sleeps quietly at night. Until this moment, nobody really can tell what these creatures are up to, but for Petzy, they are here on this earth to let everybody know that they are not just products of fantasies.

This is a video of a mythical creature caught on tape. It is up for you to decide whether it is real or not. Credits to purelyME89 of Malaysia.

Kata-kata: Blab 06

Sapat-sapat nga kasakit mangagat

By pepin

Kahibalo ka bala sang sapat-sapat nga ini? Sang madumduman ko daw halin pa sang Hulyo nag atake ang mga ini, pero asta subong daw wala pa ako makahibalo sang ngalan sini.

Ang lain pa mga ninong kag ninang kay kasakit gid sila mangagat. Nagahabal ang akon butkon kag batiis taga gab-i. Pati sa pagtulog ko ara sila. Bisan anu ko kapanabon habol, ara man sila guihapon.

Ang bal-an ko gina lagas ni nila ang suga, pero ambot kung anu ara sa suga nga die hard gid sila. Labi na gid kung manog ulan, ga guluwa sila ya. Very many gid sila. Pati ang mga suga sa billboard sa highway gina dumtan nila.

Nag kadto ako sa coffee break sang isa ka adlaw; ay abaw infested ang kapihan. Pati mga koryano ga talabid baba nila ka ugtas. Indi kasarang ang electric insect trap kag mosquito swatter sa ila. Pati mga butiki kag damang diri sa balay namun nasum-uran na sa mga sapat-sapat nga ini. Indi man katalab ang insecticide (daw nanamitan pa gani sila sprayhan). Indi ko man sila maubos kuha sang vacuum cleaner. Indi man effective ang insect repellant sa mga ini. Ang lain pa pagka kaagahon, damu-damu sila nga nagkalamatay sa sulog sang casing sang suga kag daw gin sunog ang baho nila.

Ahay, anuhon ta ni sila man? Saguron ta na lang guro ay kag sud-anon. basi pwede pa mahimu torta… batihon lang sa itlog.

Feature:

City Slayers: They just
can’t get enough!

By Pepin

Let me get this straight, I know in any other cities around the world, there are many folks who want to do some vicious stuff. But the only question lingering on my mind is “Why?”

I strolled in downtown Iloilo last Saturday. It was in the middle of the day and I felt the scorching heat of the sun on my skin. It was terribly hot. I had just finished lunch, but my stomach was craving for more foods and fluids. I only got my digital camera with me, and my mission was just simple – to find out the crimes of people whom I labelled as “city slayers.” And these are what I discovered:

The missing link

As far as I can remember, it was last 2007 that the Mulley Loney bridge was finally restructured. It was quite a picturesque site with the Iloilo River as its perfect backdrop. But three years have passed, and the concrete fences at the sides are already ruined. Some of the pillars that hold these fences were already having cracks and were leaning towards the water. Some of the probable causes for these are the extreme forces of nature, but let us not discount the fault of human nature. Those feral and fuming selves of some people can put this bridge down in no time.

The scrambled words

Who would have not liked “self-expression?” its great to let the world hear about what you think. But for people who cannot speak up, they put it in writing – not on paper but on every single public property. From the walls of government buildings to the large columns that support the flyovers, you would always notice these peculiar signs and words that would make you burst your hearts out against vandalism. Those words are definitely not art, and the thoughts of the words are not even worthy of an attention, so I hope those darned kids will stop scribbling with spray paints.

The remains of anxieties

Well, a lot of people in the city are smoking despite the strict ordinance against this habit. But people will smoke, no matter what, especially if they bear a lot of problems on their heads, or simply just to chill out. But what is niggling is that a lot of these smoke-weeds do not know how to dispose their butts; I mean cigarette butts, on the proper place (and it’s on the trash can). They just toss their finished or unfinished stick anywhere in the city and it is so ghastly.

The reasons for the final destruction

Garbage! Darn, these things are everywhere! When you are on your way at the sidewalks, they are there. When you are sitting on the park, they are still visible around you. Can’t this world ever know how to dispose them properly? What is sad is that a lot of these have been lurking on the river too for a long time (boxes, shoes, diapers, sanitary pads, soda cans, etc.), and people are becoming dormant when they see them. They do not know what to do about this problem, or they just don’t want to participate. If these pieces of garbage will pile up for the next twenty to thirty years, let’s just flip our luck to be saved from the upshots of global warming.

The tangles

All around the city proper, you will notice a lot of electrical cables intertwining with each other. They surely look like a mess, and they are a mess to look at! Not only that, but these can most likely start a fire disaster anytime. What’s worst, you cannot identify if there are any “jumpers” or illegal connections affixed on those knotty cables.

The other hitches

This list will go on, but I have to mention other stuffs that probably need our attention. The broken landmarks, the unrepaired pathways, the unattended landscapes, and the hundred of ads that are posted illicitly everywhere make this city look appalling. We can’t just boast our tourism industry through loud noises of drums every Dinagyang, or serving our guest with the finest Ilonggo cuisine. We need to make this place pleasing to the eyes, not only for them, but most especially for all the people living in this city.

I ended my trip not with a happy memory. On the last hour, I had an encounter with a male teenager at one part of the city. He was throwing large stones at the light post, and he is aiming for the bulb. People, young and old, were laughing at him because he can’t simply hit it. And there I stood behind him, calling his attention and scolded him. He fled away as if he has done nothing. Errr… if only you were not a kid! I finally went home and with a sigh, I finally exclaimed “what a day!”

KULBA tale 1:

The ghost children

By Pepin

Hospitals are the most haunted places on earth. How can’t it be, when hundreds, even thousands of people die in there every year? Hospitals are battle grounds of life and death; the last place, where some people stricken with a disease, will expel their last breath.

Sir Noe’s story, a nurse in one of Iloilo’s tertiary hospitals, happened inside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or PICU. It was about three in the morning, and his eyes are near to shutting off. But he kept his wakefulness through a story-telling session with a fellow nurse.

It was a peaceful night duty for both of them – no toxic cases, no resuscitations, and no intubations happened. There were only three children and a neonate who were confined inside the unit, and they were not complaining about anything that night.

Sir Noe was laughing out loud over some jokes that his colleague are telling him, when suddenly a cold breeze opened wide the entrance door of the unit. And with his two eyes and vigilant mind, he witnessed two ghost children entered the calm space. They were running and giggling at each other as if they were in a play pen. Sir Noe pointed his fingers at them to notify his colleague, but his mouth remained shut and his whole being was shocked at that very moment. The apparition lasted for a short time, and the ghosts vanished in thin air. Frightened, Sir Noe alerted his self right away and calmed his nerves. He did not know what to say, he was just taken aback by the incident.

What he saw is “what he saw,” and his story was added to the many more encounters of health care workers who are toiling in an institution that provides a place of birth and a lair of death – and even a playground for innocent souls.

Here is a video of a child ghost caught on camera. Credits to Cluffo of the United Kingdom

Kata-kata: Blab 05

Ang Manamit Kag Mainit Nga Kape

By Pepin

Naanadan na sang kadam-an ang pagpangape kada kaagahon, labi na gid ang mga tigulang. Sin-o bala ang indi manami-an sang sabor sang kape? Siguro madamu man ang indi hilig sini, pero mas madamu pa gid ya ang indi makabatas nga indi maka-inom bisan isa lang ka tasa sang kape sa isa kaadlaw.

Ang matuod, madamu ka gid may madumduman kung ikaw gapangape. Tilawi bala sa bwas sa aga, mga alas singko y media, mag pungko sa balkonahe ninyo kag mangape (kung wala kamu balkonahe, mag lumpiga sa lupa sagwa balay niyo), kay damu dayon masulod sa inyo panumduman, pareho sang mga manami ninyo nga plano sa bilog nga adlaw, mga pag huna-huna nga indi mapatihan, kag labi na gid ang mga masadya nga nagkalatabo sa kabuhi mu sang una. Amu ini siguro ang rason nga-a mahilig ang mga tigulang mangape kay madamu lang sila may mapaminsar nga makapasadya sa ila (drama si lola! Hibi-hibi to the max dayon?).

Manami man mag inum kape tapos kaon kay daw kainit sa sulok-sulok, labi na gid kung busog-busog ka (tungod sa ka sungak-sungak mu man kis-a), ga talab gid dayon ang epekto sang kape sa tiyan mo. Daw mabatyagan mu nga daw kadasig ka matunawan sang kina-on mo (pati lugay mo nalumos sa kape).

Pero ako ya, hilig ako mangapi kung naga ubra ako, pareho subong nga ga-type ako sini. Dasig ako tuyhon kung wala kape sa tupad ko. Para sa akon, ang hamot pa lang  sang kape nagapamukaw na.

Te, mangape-ngape na ta mga coffeemates?

Health Update:

Be A Stress-fighter

There are easy ways to get out from work pressure

By Pepin

Everyday, millions of people go home from work. They do not only take home their accomplishment (or failure) of the day, but also the intense pressure of stress. It is inevitable that after the long hours spent at the workplace, you will really get exhausted after the end of the shift. But what most people do not know is that the stress they are enduring is killing them at a steady pace.

Whether you are working as a businessman, a nurse, a doctor, an engineer, a street sweeper, a market vendor, or even being a full time student, you will surely feel that mind-numbing and waning experience at the end of the day. Some exasperating symptoms you may be suffering are migraine, muscle pain, sweaty palms, diarrhea, shortness of breath, pounding heart, confusion, lack of concentration, lack of sense of humor, emotional outburst, and negative self-talk. All of these happen when you are strained from work.

Stress is a factor in many diseases. For instance, you can easily get infections because your immune system also deteriorates if your mind and body are tattered. There are also some studies that linked stress and the development of certain fatal disease-conditions, such as cancer, stroke, and myocardial infarction or heart attack. Moreover, if you are hypertensive or suffering from diabetes mellitus, it is more likely that these conditions will worsen if you are always frazzled after work.

To save yourself, it is best that you do something to combat a stressful lifestyle. You should relax your mind and body and find a moment to unwind. One of the best things you can do is to go out of your house and spend a vacation to some of tranquil destinations in the country. You can go to the beach or do some island hopping (Agho Island in Concepcion Iloilo and Baybay Beach in Roxas, Capiz are good spots), or dine at restaurants that serve delicious dishes (Café del Mar and Fridays Boracay, both in Boracay Island, Aklan, serve tasty treats). Another effective way to get out from being totally stressed out is to visit a spa and treat yourself with a massage or facial care. Some of the noteworthy spas in Panay region are Tirta Spa and Mandala Spa in Boracay, Body and Sole and Spa Riviera in Iloilo City, and Tibiao Fish Spa in Antique. Aside from these, you can also go shopping and pay a visit to your relatives and friends.

If you opt to stay home, you can just read a book, eat dinner with the family, and watch movie or your favorite show (telenovelas or game shows, maybe?). You can also do or learn some hobbies, like gardening or playing with pets. Another best way to relieve yourself from pressure is to take a bath and pamper your self with your most wanted beauty products. You can also listen to your favorite music or sing your heart out in a videoke.

Above all, find time to be with yourself. You can reflect on something or simply just pray. You can do this before you go to sleep. And also never forget to always eat right and stay away from vices that can further harm your health.

You can fight stress, and there are many ways to do it. But it would be a lot better if you don’t get into too much labor in your workplace. Find time to loosen up in between your work schedules. If heavy tasks are inescapable, it best to organize things before you start doing them. Remember, learning to manage your stress will keep you hale and hearty at all times.

Stanza No. 006:

You will realize that life is less complicated if you allow yourself to experience the simplest things on earth.

Feature

Lola Ems and Lola Monat:

Shaping and reshaping the family
with their stories

By Pepin

Their hands may have been injured several times and their backs have drooped for several degrees, but their love for their children and grandchildren is never ceasing. Until now, they are giving more of their strength and their wisdom has always been our day-to-day reminders.

Lola Monat and Lola Ems are my two beloved grandmothers from the maternal side of my family. At age 74 and 71 respectively, they would rather prefer to spend more of their time at rice paddies or tending the farm animals than sit indolently at one corner. They would wake up as early as four in the morning, start the day in prayer and boil water for breakfast at five. They would then pick up the walis tingting and gather the dried leaves that fell overnight. At six in the morning, the backyard would already be completely clean and the plants have already been watered.

Their struggles in life are unrivalled and I can label them as inimitable experiences. These all began when they were given the responsibility to raise my mom and her siblings after their mother died from a certain disease. I did not get a chance to see my real grandmother, but Lola Monat and Lola Ems have done well to let me experience her “would-be” kind of care and love.

Life is as hard as I can imagine every time they share the tales of their past. I couldn’t utter any “buts and what if’s” whenever they tell me how difficult it is to provide food for the family and hike for miles to look for an income. They endured a lot of physical scourges and verbal curses from people whom they worked with for several years. They sacrificed decisions of their own satisfaction to accommodate the daily needs of the entire family. All of these are because of their unselfish and selfless love for my mother, her two brothers, and her younger sister.

I, my sisters and my cousins are added characters to their life story. We were not spared from their autocratic system at home. They would penalize us for our wrongdoings and restrain us from doing the things that we want. They would always tell us the same pieces of advice over and over again even if we are too exhausted of listening. But we never despised any of these, because everything they did moulded us of who we are today and what we will become in the future. We believe that we won’t be better persons without them

If there is one gift that I am very much thankful about, it’s my grandparents. I appreciate life more because they taught me how to live each day in simplicity, and that there is no need to complicate. They influenced me to appreciate every gift that I receive no matter how small and simple it is. They taught me how to find contentment and joy in serving the family and not over material wealth. And most of all, they helped me to value God and to build a strong faith in him. I will never exchange any of the wisdom that they have imparted to me ever since I was a kid.

Lola Ems and Lola Monat continue to age with their aspiration to live an undemanding life, and the heavens have never failed them, because for such a simple desire, God is giving them more than what they have asked of him – good health, a loving family, and a life well lived.

Feature

Especially JD

Dine in Iloilo’s finest bakery-café

By Pepin

A human being will always continue on his quest to search for edible stuffs to eat. There is a demanding quest for survival even until these times. The only difference now is that humans do not engage in spiteful brawl over food, especially if at the middle of the city, there is a perfect place to sit and enjoy appetizing dishes, as well as mouth-watering desserts.

A place just like JD bakery café – an all-time favorite eating place in Iloilo City, not only because of their luscious offerings, but more so of the price tags that goes well with a thrifty pocket.

One of the budget-friendly meals to save you for lunch is the friend-chicken and ensaladang langka combo meal. This perfect combination of delectable entrées will satisfy your growling stomach.

You can also try the breakfast meals early in the morning, and you can choose from a good selection of beef tapa, hotdog, longganisa, pancakes, and many more. To complete your meal, a cup of original coffee blend or hot chocolate is a soothing relief to start your day.

If you’re not at the mood to eat rice, you can go for pastas, such as their special palabok, baked macaroni, and Italian spaghetti. If you wish to have more, then try the unique flavors of pizza.

For dessert, you will be treated with different pastries. The Black Forest Cake is one of the top-sellers. You can also try the Cappuccino cake, Sans rival, Brazos de Mercedes, or Ube Cake. If you want to save more for dessert, there are slices of sweets you can try, like the Buko Royal, Butter Chewies, Macapuno Bar, Carrot cake, Truffle bar, and Revel Bar.

There’s always an option for you to bring home as your pasalubong from Iloilo City. JD Bakeshop is full of delectable products, such as the ensaymada, toasted mamon, broas, choco twirl, cream tile bread, cake bread, ciabatta bread, and hopia baboy – All in prices that you can afford.

JD Roadhouse bakery-café located at General Luna Street, Iloilo City

Opinion

Is it the Heart or Mind?

By Pepin

I joined the frenzied chat world one day to seek answers to one question that will definitely make anybody think for quite some time. The question goes this way, “What is more important to you, a beautiful mind or a beautiful heart, and why?” This surely sounds like a pageant-patty query, but this can be asked to anyone, including me and you. I needed to be a little serious and polite to raise this to exaggerated chatters, so that I won't get hysterical replies and end up lying over a gag on me.

You may be expecting a lot of cliché answers, but let’s try to probe on some of the statements of our Ilonggo chat mates concerning this matter. Well, it is up to you to disagree or not!

“I’ll go for a Beautiful Heart. You can nourish your mind and make it beautiful through proper education, but you cannot change a horrible heart. That is why you need a beautiful one from the very start.” (radiant_skin, 29, female)

“I think I choose to have a beautiful heart because it is pure and unlearned. We can learn new lessons and the mind can carry on with new learning experiences, therefore it can improve. But you can never force the heart to be kind.” (queer_eye, 23, male)

“A beautiful heart is what I opt. No matter how smart you are if you do not have a good heart, your wisdom is still useless.” (heyzlara, 20, female)

“ The Mind. If you will have a beautiful mind, you can train your heart to become beautiful as well.” (Juicydude, 25, male)

“I would choose to have both, because they could not be independently exclusive of each other. Your thoughts spring forth from the desires and motives of the heart.” (ysabelle, 24, female)

Health Update:

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever:

Becoming an intense burden for the Filipinos

By Pepin

Transmitted through a mosquito bite, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a deadly disease and it is now causing a nationwide distress to all Filipinos. Those who are greatly affected are people living in areas where the incidence of the disease is high. In Panay, the number of reported dengue cases surge up in a matter of weeks, putting the entire region in a critical state.

Those who are working in the health care settings are doing their best to provide prompt intervention to patients of all ages, but many of them are even suffering the disease. Supplies of mosquito repellent lotions in drugstores became scarce as thousands of people are in intense fear that they too will become victims of this dreadful disease.

Dengue-carrying mosquito is hard to find, and fogging the area might not totally scare them away. It is still best that you keep your surroundings clean and provide no breeding ground for them to lay their eggs by emptying any water reservoir at your home.

A simple fever during these times might mean that you are having the virus in you. It is best that you immediately go to the nearest health center and have a check-up. Do not wait for more complications to set in. Other symptoms you should also take note of are gum bleeding, joint pain, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and black stools.

No single treatment is available for this disease. You will just be advised to increase your oral intake of water and to avoid dark-colored foods. You will also be prescribed with medications to lower your fever. But avoid taking drugs that has any component of aspirin, because it can induce bleeding, and bleeding is a worst symptom of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Since the virus is self-limiting, it will just die if you can build a better resistance against it. Therefore, eat nutritious foods and take a daily dose of your vitamins.

You can put a stop to dengue and save yourself. Be responsible enough for you and your family’s health and well-being.

Events:

Her Secrets Revealed To The World

The visit of the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in Iloilo City

By Pepin

A grand celebration welcomed the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima from Portugal last September 7, 2010 at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City. Hundreds of devotees from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Jaro gathered as one to witness the event.

At around one in the afternoon, the image arrived at Jaro Cathedral and together with a motorcade participated by different religious groups, it was brought to the parish where it will stay for almost a week. At the entrance of the village, a solemn procession was held and school children from catholic schools waved blue and white flags to express their gratefulness to the Holy Mother. After which, a simple, yet meaningful ceremony was held at the church, and white doves where released to honor her. The local leaders, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Governor Arthur Defensor, crowned the statue as a symbol of consecration.

Hundreds more of devotees from all over Panay are expected to pay homage to the pilgrim image as the days goes by. There will be novenas, masses, praying of the rosary, and simple gatherings of the faithful followers to take place. On September 8, volume of devotees is also anticipated to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Mother at the parish.

The title, Our Lady of Fatima, of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given to her after she appeared to the three shepherd children, namely Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco on May 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal. Her apparition did not only happen once but for six consecutive times. During those events, she revealed three secrets to the children, which includes ways on how to save souls from hell. At present, these secrets are fully revealed, and through these visits of her pilgrim statue to different parts of the world, the people are being informed.

Feature:

President Manuel A. Roxas
and his bewildering smile

By Pepin

Everyday you see his face in your one hundred peso bill, but he is not just there for any reason. This brave son of Capiz has contributed his wisdom and life for the glory of the Philippines.

Elected as the fifth president of the country (the last president of the commonwealth system and the first president of the Third Republic), Manuel Acuña Roxas faced a lot more tasks than what his office holds for him. He led the country towards a new hope as the pains of the Second World War were yet to be mended. Many Filipinos were expecting a lot from him, and in some point, he never failed them.

His administration functioned with a big budget deficit, but he was able to reconstruct schools and reprocessed the industries that were scratched during the battle. He went to the United States to ask for the country’s independence from their rule, and he succeeded on his quest. He also brought two important laws approved by the US congress when he went back home, and these are the Philippine Trade Act (Bell Trade Act) and the Philippine Rehabilitation Act.

He died from heart attack after he gave a speech at the Clark Air Force Base in April 15, 1948.

He may have shed blood as a soldier during the war, became a nation builder throughout his public life, challenged himself to become a master lawmaker, and survived a lot of controversies during his term; President Manuel Roxas will always be a hero who continues to inspire this generation and the more to come.

So be thankful because this guy that smiles mysteriously on your one hundred peso bill has served the country to the best of his abilities.

Feature:

One ripe Atis, please!

By Pepin

In the Philippines, sugar apple is more famous for its local name, “Atis.” It is light green in color and turns even lighter when it’s ripe enough. Its skin appears to be lumpy and rough. This peculiar-looking fruit is being sold for quite a steep price when in season, and Filipinos can’t get enough of it because they love its sweet taste. Yes, it is totally sugary because it contains a lot of fructose or fruit sugar.

In Panay, the Atis grows almost anywhere. You can find a tree of it in most people’s backyard. You can grow a tree even if you just accidentally scattered its seeds on the ground. But the big problems are the aphids (or plant lice) that would often infest the fruit, making the most delicious one hard to produce. Birds and insects would also consume the fruit before they are ripe.

Aside from the sugary taste of its fruits, this tree can give a lot more benefits than you can ever imagine. Its leaves are turned into a decoction and it can provide a soothing relief for menstrual problems and pain due to arthritis. The pounded leaves are cure for hair lice, while the crushed leaves can alleviate vertigo or light-headedness when inhaled. If you are suffering from diarrhea, you can make a decoction from its bark and drink it to ease out the symptom.

Atis is a sought-after “pasalubong” by tourists when they visit Panay. Its sweet taste and aroma are indeed hard to resist, and its medicinal properties are hard to ignore.

Health Update:

Happy Feet: Don’t leave them dry

 By Pepin

Whether the weather is hot or cold, your feet are at risk of becoming dry. Extreme temperatures (too low or too high) can dehydrate every single drop of moisture in them.

It’s about time that you do something to save your precious feet. One way to do so is by applying moisturizer before going to bed to soften the skin and to prevent it from scaling. It is also best if you wash them with mild soap and lukewarm water every time you come home from school, office, or night parties. But be sure to let them rest for awhile (at least 30 minutes to an hour) before you get them wet. Let them breathe, especially if you put on closed shoes for the entire day.

When you are going to wear your flip-flops during a hot summer, be sure to keep your feet safe from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sun block lotion before going out to the beach. Do not expose them for long hours under the blazing heat of the sun. On the other hand, during cold seasons, you can wear cotton socks to keep your feet warm while you’re asleep.

Learn to take good care of your feet and never allow them to look cracked and dry. Always maintain a good amount of moisture in them so that they will look at their best at all times.

Satanza No. 005:

A short poem about a pregnant teen, confused and frightened to make a decision at the moment. Is she going to opt for something depraved?