One Philippines Grand Matriarch Celebrates 80th Birthday

Felisa Hilotin, mother of One Philippines publisher, John Hilotin, celebrated on May 16, 2008 her 80^th birthday. John and her sister, Maricel, surprised her mother (Mama Felisa) with a big bash at the Filipino Community Center. Mama Felisa was ushered to the ballroom by her sister and family. She was given a bouquet by 2008 Queen of the Filipino Community Center, Queen Asuncion while the “Highlight Band” played the birthday song. Tez Mendoza and Edgar Mesina were the band’s vocalists. The band played old time favorites to the delight of the evening’s guests.

The Filipinas Performing Arts of Washington (FPAWS) entertained the guests with Filipino Folk Dances. Their opening number was Silong sa Gandingan, a dance that originated from the island of Mindanao. This was followed by Estudiantina, a favorite dance in social gatherings by young women who live in the catholic dorms and attend catholic schools. The finale was one of our famous dances from the rural areas, the Tinikling. This dance imitates the hopping and running of the bird “tikling” as they run over branches or dodge bamboo traps set by farmers.

Incidentally, the dance group under the direction of Juliet Cheattle is now preparing for their trip to Anchorage, Alaska. The group will perform and conduct workshops at the 12^th Biennial National Conference of the Filipino American National Historical Society which will be held at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel from July 3 to 5, 2008. If you would like to help the kids raise funds to defray the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals and educational activities during their visit to Anchorage, you may send your donation to FPAWS. Your donation is tax deductible.

The Fil-Am Association of Oak Harbor had a special number for Mama Felisa. The mothers and their daughters of Oak Harbor presented one of the Filipino favorite dances, “Carinosa.” It was a well applauded number during the evening.

As a surprise number, “Kontagious, led by Albee Abigania, did a hip-hop number. Eva Sabiniano and Julien Mella serenaded Mama Felisa with love songs. And to open the evening’s dancing, John danced with her mother to the tune of “Can I have this Dance.” The celebration was capped by the blowing of birthday candles and a “thank you” message from the overwhelmingly happy celebrant, Felisa Hilotin.

Fr. Tolang Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Priesthood

Immaculate Conception Church honored 16 Filipino Americans as Nine O’clock VIPs (Very Immaculate Pinoys). The honorees have been participating in the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Seattle for years – even decades for those who grew up in the parish.

For Fr. Tolang, the award was a very special occasion. He’s celebrating his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood. The citation was presented during the Filipino American History Month.

The event was very festive. There were cultural dances, songs, and “Pabitin.” Community leaders gave inspirational messages expressing appreciation for Fr. Tolang’s community service.

Malate, Manila

Whenever I am in the Philippines, I never miss visiting Malate, Manila. The word Malate is believed to have stemmed from the corruption of the Tagalog word “ma-alat,” meaning “salty.” Legends have it that tidewaters from Manila Bay flowed inland as far as where the Remedios Circle is presently located.

On February 7, 2008 I was the honored guest at the grand opening of Socialista, a night club-restaurant owned and operated by Yoko and Joseph “Jong” Garcia. Socialista brings back the glamour of Remedios, Malate. For those who grew up during my time, you will recall that Remedios Malate is the home to 604 Café Gallery, formerly the Penguin Café, a well-loved place by artists. Around Remedios Circle, the creations of Larry Cruz, arguably Manila’s most successful restaurateur, predominate and each with a theme of its own. Café Adriatico is known for Spanish-based Filipino food and refined ambience, Café Havana for Cuban cooking and Hemingway-inspired cigar room, Bistro Remedios for regional Filipino delicacies, Guernicas for traditional Spanish food, and Larry’s Bar as a hangout of rich kids.

On the other side of the Remedios Circle is the Remedios extension, along which can be found Arkadia, where you can listen to some live musical acts over pizza. The Red Crab serves seafood and steaks while Tia Maria has the best Tex-Mex flavors. Dematisse is for Italian snacks while Café El Dorado is for Spanish ones.

On February 7, 2008 I was the honored guest at the grand opening of Socialista, a night club-restaurant owned and operated by Yoko and Joseph “Jong” Garcia. At the last minute, I was requested by Jong to do the ribbon cutting in the absence of Vice Mayor Isko Moreno. I was told the Vice Mayor had to attend a special session and could not make it in time for the grand opening. I had the pleasure of meeting some movie celebrities and prominent members of the business industry like Councilor Yul Servo and Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. Director, Office of Tourism Coordination.

Socialista brings back the glamour of Remedios, Malate. For those who grew up during my time, you will recall that Remedios Malate is the home to 604 Café Gallery, formerly the Penguin Café, a well-loved place by artists. Around Remedios Circle, the creations of Larry Cruz, arguably Manila’s most successful restaurateur, predominate and each with a theme of its own. Café Adriatico is known for Spanish-based Filipino food and refined ambience, Café Havana for Cuban cooking and Hemingway-inspired cigar room, Bistro Remedios for regional Filipino delicacies, Guernicas for traditional Spanish food, and Larry’s Bar as a hangout of rich kids.

On the other side of the Remedios Circle is the Remedios extension, along which can be found Arkadia, where you can listen to some live musical acts over pizza. The Red Crab serves seafood and steaks while Tia Maria has the best Tex-Mex flavors. Dematisse is for Italian snacks while Café El Dorado is for Spanish ones.

On Friday and Saturday nights, Malate is the place to be seen. It is the place for artists, expats, and gays – a bohemian hangout. Malate has been called the center of gay night life, and has a Gay Pride Parade every year.

Today, if you visit the Remedios extension, you will still see Arkadia, Tia Maria, Café Adriatico, and Dematisse. Arkadia and Dematisse are owned and operated by Yoko and Jong. Because of the ingenuity of Yoko and Jong, a fully renovated Socialista is born in place of Red Crab. Socialista is a total party heaven. It is alive with pumping music. It is the place for fine dining and international gourmet.

MAY FESTIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES

May is the merriest and the most beautiful month of the year. It is the season of colorful festivals and Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan is one such festival. During the month of May, the fragrance of flowers floats in the air. Pagpatak ng ulan, humahalimuyak na ang amoy ng ibat-ibang uri ng mga bulaklak. The Filipinos don’t need to stop to smell the flowers. The fragrance of sampaguitas (Philippines’ National Flower), kalachuchis, roses and other blooms, floats in the air. When the rains begin to pour after a long dry spell, flowers magically bloom overnight. And being predominantly Catholic, the Filipinos celebrate the beneficial rains by giving praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The townsfolk gather the colorful flowers to decorate the Parish Church altars and aisles. They bundle the blooms in exotic arrangements for the many different festivities all together referred to as the “Flores de Mayo” (Flowers of May).

Flores de Mayo History

Flores de Mayo is celebrated in the month of May in tribute to the Virgin Mary. The Santacruzan was a novena procession remembering St. Helena’s mythical finding of the cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death of Christ, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ’s. St. Helena’s feast day falls on August 8 but the anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3^rd, in the Philippines, this celebration took the form of the Mexican Santa Cruz de Mayo.

Nine days of prayer (a novena) in respect of the Holy Cross lead the Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan. This festival was introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines and has since become part of Filipino traditions recognized with youth, love, and romance.

Over the years, this flower festival has lost its true fragrance, if not its spirit. In Spanish times, daughters of the wealthy were chosen by the parish cura to serve as hermanas. As sponsor or hermana mayor, they were responsible for planning the festival and for decorating Mary’s caroza and the church in preparation for the nine-day novena that precedes the big procession. They were also responsible for shouldering the various expenses associated with the festival.

The big procession is really a grandiose affair. In socially-conscious Philippines, this is called the “pabongga,” the height of ostentation. Sagalas handpicked for their wealth and beauty by the hermanas are dressed to kill, so to speak. After all, it is the hermanas reputation as sponsor of the festival that is at stake. Elegantly dressed and coiffed, these ladies adorn the procession. Not to be outdone however, the hermanas themselves come last, dressed in ternos to end all ternos, fanning themselves and smiling piously at every stop at the whole admiring, gawking town.

The Pabitin

Isang kaugalian na lubos kong kinagigiliwan ay ang “Pabitin.” After the procession, there is a pabitin that serves as a culminating activity for all the children and adults to enjoy. Pabitin is a square trellis where goodies (candies, fruits like pina and buko, etc.) are hung by strings. This trellis in turn is tied to a rope and is suspended on a strong branch or pole. The children and adults gather under the trellis and they jump as high as they can to try to pick the goodies as the trellis gets lowered to them while someone pulls it up and down until the goodies are gone. Usually they have separate pabitins for the children and the adults.

Kabayan, sana inyong naibigan ang aking sinaysay tungkol sa ating mga kaugalian ngayong buwan ng Mayo. Hala magempake na ng gamit at umuwi sa Pilipinas para muling pagbalikan ang alaala ng Santacruzan at Flores de Mayo. Magandang araw sa inyong lahat!

SEMANA SANTA

In April, just as the summer heat begins to reach its peak, the Philippines joins the rest of the Christian world in the observance of the Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa. Holy Week recalls Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. Of Hispanic heritage, the Filipino mourns and celebrates Semana Santa, infusing it with a distinct pagan fervor.

From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday a piercing lamentation fills the air as the life of Christ is chanted in gatherings called “pabasa,” also known as “pasyon.” Participants of the pabasa recite the passion and death of Christ from the Holy Book. There are many versions of it as there are dialects. The reading is usually done by old women in a singsong in the town chapel or visita. Sometimes it is sung before home altars and electronically amplified for the townspeople.

When I was a kid, I remember Lenten season transforms the church patios in the provinces into a miniature Jerusalem. Every Sunday during the Lent thousands of devotees flock to their nearby churches to make the Stations of the Cross or the Via Crusis before fourteen crosses planted in the church courtyard.

On the sixth Sunday of Lent, the Domingo de Ramos, Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is celebrated amid cries of “Hosannah” and a colorful array of “palaspas,” made from coconut leaves artistically woven together at the base, ribboned, and delicately knotted into butterfly-like danglers simulating the palm and olive that admiring zealots waved during Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

Lenten Procession

As a kid and up to this time, I am extremely fascinated with Holy Week processions. Natatandaan ko pa ng ako ay maliit na bata pa, I remember watching the karos (floats or carrozas) on Taft Avenue near our house. I used to cover my eyes every time the gory scenes pass by; I was particularly frightened by the Roman centurions with bulging eyes as they scourge Jesus.

Baliuag’s main Lenten attraction during holy week, is the “Prosisyon ng mga Santo.” It is a parade of 60 lavishly decorated floats. It is one of the places in Bulacan that feature magnificent antique and/or life-size images, or santo, depicting almost all the scenes of Christ’s Passion. The images have now become a living testament to the rich blend of Christian and folk traditions in the Philippine religious observance. The affluent families own the images and they dole out their own resources to finance the processions.

Penitencia (Self-Flagellation) sa Pilipinas

Isang kaugalian sa Pilipinas na malinaw na nakaukit sa aking isipan ay ang Penitencia (self-flagellation). Self-flagellation is performed during Holy Week, on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, as a ritual re-enactment of the scourging of Jesus Christ at the pillar. Penitencia is practiced in the Philippines as a contractual sacrifice, based on a vow (panata) to God, sworn for a fixed period, usually between five and fifteen years, often during a crisis or time of difficulty, most commonly the illness of close kin. The link with health or ill-health is pervasive. Aside from the culturally important task, particularly for adult males, of sharing the suffering of Christ, the flagellant is also sharing (damay), and thus trying to ease the pain of sick relative by offering himself as a sacrifice.

Cenaculo

Isang kaugalian na aking nakagisnan ay ang pagdaraos ng Cenaculo kung Mahal na Araw. Cenaculo is a reenactment of the Passion of Christ that begins on the eve of the Holy Week (Palm Sunday or Palaspas) and ends on the night of East Sunday (Salubong). Kasama ko ang aking mga Tia at mga pinsan, dumadayo kami sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa Pasay, gaya ng Malibay, para manood ng Cenaculo. Ang Cenaculo ay parang teleserye. Sinusubaybayan mo bawat kabanata hanggang sa katapusan.

Reliving the Lenten Season in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the commemoration of Christ’s death becomes a witness to a culture bursting with life and lore. As I watch the Prosisyon, I can easily relate to the story of the Passion. The symbolisms are impeccable. I am not shy to let you know that I have aged but I am proud that I have been a part of the many beautiful Lenten rites and practices in our country. Marami akong naging karanasan na hindi maaring tumbasan ng anomang halaga ng salapi. They are priceless.

Taking Care of the Elderly

Sometimes I wonder what will happen to me when I get old. Will someone take care of me? Or will I be one of the unfortunate people who will spend Christmases and other memorable events alone or with other unfortunate abandoned elderly?

The graying population in the United States is rapidly growing. In the years to come the baby boomers would be in this group. Filipinos are no exception. As we look around, we would notice that the aging population includes a lot of Filipinos in America. The children brought their parents here to help the family as they struggle for better life.

All over the world, in rich and poor countries alike, populations are ageing – and rapidly. People everywhere are living longer and having fewer children. Consequently, societies around the globe are facing the daunting prospect of having to support huge numbers of older people with smaller families and fewer workers to put money in the pension program.

The Elderly in the Philippines

In the Philippines, living alone in the twilight of one’s life is unthinkable as it means that the family has somehow reneged on its implied duty to care for its own. Iyan ang maipagmamalaki ko sa ating bayan. Hindi ka basta itatakwil ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay kung dumating ang panahon na ikaw ay matanda na at hindi mo na kayang mabuhay na magisa. In our country, the norm is for the elderly to be taken care of by kin – chiefly spouse and/or children among the ever married and other relatives such a siblings, nephews, and nieces. Children are reared to respect their parents, and that means taking care of them when they grow old. In the same way that children, especially those who made good in life, are taught to support their whole families including parents.

But still there are times when one will see some elderly who are left wondering around with no place to stay. They end up at Golden Acres, a government institution that cares for senior citizens aged 60 and above, both male and female, who are abandoned and needy. When you visit the Golden Acres, however, it is a place you would not want to be when you grow old. The facility does not provide the acceptable amenities to do the activities of daily living and live a comfortable elderly life.

As we all know, the absence of nursing homes in the Philippines is evident because our culture dictates that we take care of our old folks. Earlier studies found the idea of institutionalization of the elderly as “almost taboo.” Lately, however, there is the seeming acceptability of homes for the aged in the Philippines. This is very true in the United States. When the old Filipino folks in America can no longer live independently, they end up in nursing homes or adult family homes.

Aging in America

The defining social change that is taking place in this country is the aging of America. Studies show that the number of people over 65 has grown tenfold since the turn of the last century. But we’re only at the beginning of the curve – the baby boomers are moving across the demographic chart in a huge wave. The aging of the American society has created new demands and problems. Currently a quarter of all households are caring for an older relative.

Unlike in the Philippines, the U.S. government provides a range of programs that offer services and opportunities for older Americans, especially those at risk of losing their independence. The government has programs to help vulnerable older persons to remain their own homes by providing supportive services. The government has a range of services including nutrition, senior center, health promotion and homemaker services. They put emphasis on elder rights programs, including the nursing home ombudsman program, legal services, outreach, public benefit and insurance counseling and elder abuse prevention efforts. Program funding is allocated to each State Agency on Aging to plan, develop and coordinate systems of supportive in-home and community-based services.

Kahit malungkot isipin na mahirap tumanda sa America dahil kadalasan ay napapabayaan ng mga kamaganak ang kanilang magulang, it’s still the best place to live as an elderly dahil suportado ang mga elderly dito sa America.

Salamat sa lahat, Inay

Today, the nation celebrates Mother’s Day. Without being biased, Filipino mothers deserve more accolades than their counterparts in the United States. In the United States, children become independent when they reach the age of 18. Here in America, we have financial aid and other sources of revenues for the children to go to college. We don’t have such financial assistance in the Philippines. I have seen Filipino mothers shed tears to help their children. Kahit gumapang sa kahirapan ang isang ina, maitaguyod lamang ang kanyang mga anak at mapagtapos ang mga ito sa pagaaral. Freddie Aguilar’s song, “Anak,” is an excellent tribute to Filipino mothers.

During my elementary days in the 50’s, the kids would come to school with pink cadena de amor, pinned on their shirts or blouses while others wear white cadena de amor. The pink color would symbolize that the wearer’s mother was still alive and the white symbolized that their mothers had passed away. I feel sad because my mother passed away in 1993. I envy those who still have the opportunity to let their mothers know how much they love her. I wish I could bring back the times when I could pick up the phone on Mother’s Day and call my mom to let her know how much I love her. Filipinos are not very vocal and showy about their feelings and emotions. We only realize the need to let our mothers know how much we love her after she’s gone. Very often we would say, “if I could only bring back the time.” My dear readers, before it’s too late say it now, “Mom, I love you!” “Inay, mahal kita. Kahit marami akong pagkukulang hindi mo ako pinagkaitan ng iyong pagibig at pagkalinga.”
“Salamat sa lahat, Inay!”

Learning From Our Past

Trivia: The official residence of the President of the United States is called the White House. There is a rumor that if Obama wins the election, the name of the official residence of the President of the United States will be changed. What do you think will it be called? (Check your answer at the end of my thoughts for today, Learning From our Past.”

Today is no ordinary day. It is a new day. A new day for new beginnings, hope for those who had little hope, and yesterday is a reminder of the past. But past is part of our life. Each day we grow in wisdom because we have learned something from the past. Kung meron tayong mga pagkakamali na nagawa kahapon, sana magsilbing aral ito sa atin. Today is a new day and we have a chance to correct our mistakes. New beginnings are a chance to remember the best of the past and dream new dreams for tomorrow. With the start of a new day, our hearts should be filled with the hope of future brighter than the past.

I have high regard for Filipinos. Kahit anong daming pagsubok at dagok ang dumarating sa ating buhay, hindi tayo nawawalan ng pagasa. Sa mga dagok ng buhay na nagiging bahagi ng ating nakaraan, lalo tayong nagiging matibay sa ating paniniwala na mayroong pang bukas tayong haharapin. Most Filipinos live by faith. We are able to handle all the challenges that come our way. Panibagong araw, panibagong buhay, panibagong pagasa.

Mabuhay ang Filipino!

Answer to Trivia: Black House

About Dying

To die nowadays is very expensive. In the past, to think about buying a funeral plan for your mother-in-law is a “no, no.” Your mother-in-law will never forgive you for thinking about her death. That’s now a thing of the past. Filipinos are now more realistic and rationale. Even in the Philippines, they buy now funeral package. Particularly the rich family, they would like to see how their casket would look like when they die.

It is unfortunate that in the Philippines, death scares a lot of people. It is not the idea of dying that scares Filipinos but the expenses associated in dying. Nagpapatay ng baboy para may maipakain sa mga nagsisipaglamay. Hindi lamang merienda kundi pati na tanghalian at hapunan. Maghapong painom ng kape. May sugalan pa gaya ng madyong at baraha. Ang patay sa Pilipinas ay lalo pang pinapatay sa gastos. This practice is as old as the “jueteng” and as old as the corruption in our government. Kailan kaya mababago ang ganitong kaugalian sa Pilipinas. Marahil kailangan lipulin muna ang lahat ng tao sa ating bayan at magsimula tayo sa mga bagong silang. Mga bagong silang na wala pang kamuwangan sa buhay. What do you think?

Incidentally, how many times have we used the word “dying” unconsciously to express our desires in life? Here’s an awesome story about the word “dying” that was shared to me by my friend Lolita Rose from San Francisco.

“First I was dying to finish high school and start college;

And then I was dying to marry and have children;

And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could go back to work;

But then I was dying to retire;

And now I am dying;

And suddenly I realized I forgot to live.”

How many of you have gone this ritual in the use of the word “dying?” Isn’t that a testimony how human beings can never be happy for what they already have? Walang hanggan ang ating pagnanasa sa buhay. Kung maaabot lamang natin ang Langit, gagawin natin. That’s life!

For Pinoys, Laughter is the Best Medicine

When we talk about ingenuity, creativity, and survival, you would probably agree with me that nobody could outdo the Filipinos. The majority of Filipinos back home are below poverty line. One wonders how they survive the day-to-day struggle in life. In all my visits to the Philippines, I would notice that restaurants, nightclubs, discos, and movie houses are usually filled with customers. Where do they get the money to spend? My guess is that they save and splurge the savings in one day. This is true during Christmas time and town fiestas. Many Filipinos spend their year’s savings during the important events in their lives.

Have you noticed that we rarely hear suicide cases in the Philippines? In comparison, there is a high rate of suicide cases in the United States especially on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. I believe we seldom hear of suicide cases in the Philippines because Filipinos know how to laugh at their problems. They live the principle of “enjoy now and forget tomorrow.” Life is too short, I guess.

When the late Fernando Poe, Jr. announced his candidacy for President of the Philippines, I immediately read in my email, “Ang Panday at ang Pandak,” referring to Fernando Poe as Panday and Gloria Macapagal as Pandak. Filipinos are creative. Indeed very imaginative. They could make you laugh and ease your problems.

For Pinoys, laughter is the best medicine, di ba kabayan?

Generation Gap

Many times I would write my blog in”Taglish” in order to bring out my point. It is not my intent to isolate my non-Tagalog speakers. That’s the last thing that I would do because I have readers as far as Italy, Chile, Brunei, Hongkong, and Portugal.

I am thrilled with the blog stats I receive. I have just started my blog and my readership has increased tremendously. Thanks to all those who visit my blog. Please continue to visit my blog whenever you have a chance. I update my blog daily.

I was in the mall the other day to do my regular walking exercise. The mall is a good place to watch human behavior. But an expensive place to exercise. I always end up buying something. Anyway, one reason that made me write this topic is the pants worn now by teenagers. The kids were walking in front of me. They wear huge, loose pants, three times the size of their waistline. As they walk, they need to hold the pants in order not to fall.

As I look at these kids, inis na inis ako. “Ang pangit tignan,” I would tell myself. But I understand the generation gap. During my time, my conservative old maid aunties and my parents are upset when they see me in bell-bottom pants or in tight, low waist jeans – the fashion during my time.

Even when we go to church now, we have changed our manner of dressing. Although I would say it is not a generation gap but rather the changing times, Malaki na ang pinagbago ng panahon. I remember during my time, we wear our best clothes when we go to church. We will never wear a new pair of pants or shirts without wearing them first to the church on a Sunday. Nung araw ang mga kababaihan ay modelo sa kahinhinan. When they go to church, they wear veil and conservative clothes.

Today, women go to church in shorts or jeans with plunging neckline. Halos makita mo na ang bituka sa suot nilang plunging neckline. During my time, the hostess (they are now called guest relation women), are shy to go out at night and be seen by their neighbors. They would wear bandana to cover their face. But now no more. Nung araw nahihiya ang isang babae na matawag na kabit ng isang lalaking may asawa. The mistresses are now very proud to be called “number 2 or 3” of a married man. Ngayon mas matapang pa ang kabit kaysa tunay na asawa. Inaaway nila ang tunay na asawa. In the United States, if you are an elected official and you are caught having an extra marital affair, you are so embarrassed that you are forced to resign from the position. Sa Pinas, bale wala sa mga politico ang mapabalitang may mga kabit sila. Our former presidents, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, are among them.

During my time, the “badings” and “tibos” are all kept as a secret. If you are exposed as a bading or tibo, you will be an outcast. When I was studying at the Mapua Institute of Technology on Doroteo Jose, Manila, you cannot be a bading. Shombug ang aabutin mo. But now, the badings ang tibos are lording the Manila’s finest. When I watch the TV shows, I ask myself if there are still true “machos” in the entertainment industry.

How times have changed.

Virus that lives in rat droppings

From time to time, I write about the warning that I read regarding our health. It is not to scare you but to take the necessary precaution. Wala namang masama kung magiingat tayo, di ba? Gaya halimbawa ng virus that lives in dried rat and mouse droppings. The story has been circulating in the internet and I would like to share this with you in case you missed it.

A stock clerk was sent to clean up a storeroom in Maui, Hawaii. When he got back, he was complaining that the storeroom was really filthy and that he had noticed dried mouse/rat droppings in some areas. A couple of days later, he started to feel like he was coming down with stomach flu, complained of sore joints and headaches, and began to vomit.

He went to bed and never really got up again. Within two days he was severely ill and weak. His blood sugar count was down to 66, and his face and eyeballs were yellow. He was rushed to the emergency at Pali-Momi, where he was diagnosed to be suffering from massive organ failure. He died shortly before midnight. No one would have made the connection between his job and his death, had it not been for a doctor who specifically asked if he had been in a warehouse or exposed to dried rat/mouse droppings at any time. He said there is a virus, much like the Hanta virus, that lives in dried rat and mouse droppings. Once dried, these droppings are like dust and can easily be breathed in or ingested if a person does not wear protective gear or fails to wash face and hands thoroughly.

An autopsy was performed on the clerk to verify the doctor’s suspicions. The investigation of soda cans by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta discovered that the tops of soda cans can be encrusted with dried rats’ urine, which is so toxic it can be lethal. Canned drinks and other foodstuffs are stored in warehouses and containers that are usually infested with rodents, and then they get transported to retail outlets without being properly cleaned.

It is extremely important to always carefully rinse off the tops of canned sodas or foods and to wipe off pasta packaging, cereal boxes, and so on. Almost everything you buy in a supermarket was stored in a warehouse at one time or another, and stores themselves often have rodents. When you buy any canned soft drink, make sure that you wash the top with running water and soap or, if that is not available, drink with a straw.

Mini-Lobster, Beware!

If you enjoy eating lobster like me, I am sharing a story told to me by Sister Rory Gonzales. It is about the mini lobsters popularly served in Manila restaurants. After reading the story, I felt sick kahit hindi ko pa siya kinakain. When I was in Manila last February 2008 I believe I’ve seen the mini lobster served in a restaurant but fortunately I did not try ordering. Here is the warning about the mini lobster:

“Do not eat mini lobsters. The mini crustaceans are literally the garbage cleaners in the sewage treatment plants. The dirtier the water, the fatter these mini lobsters become (Yuk!). Their lungs are full of worms and their flesh saturated with poisonous metals (More Yuk!). Unscrupulous merchants somehow found a way to get these mini lobsters marketed to eateries.”

Kadiri to death, di ba? Don’t get my word about the mini lobster. I have not verified the story. See the photos and you be the judge. The mini lobster plate looks delicious pero peligroso kung tutoo ang binalita ko sa inyo. If you are aware of any case about the mini lobster, please share the story with my readers.

GLASS OF MILK

I’d like to share with you the story about the glass of milk. The story has been going around the email because of its beautiful message. I hope it touches your heart as it did to me. Here is the story: “One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water! The woman thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it so slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you?" You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." The boy said, "Then I thank you from my heart."

As the boy left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Many years later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dr. Kelly recognized the patient at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, and then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to the patient’s room. The patient feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words, "Paid in full with one glass of milk.” (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.

Tears of joy flooded the woman’s eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread broad through human hearts and hands." There's a saying which goes something like this: Bread cast on the waters comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If you never see the deed again at least you will have made the world a better place. And, after all, isn't that what life is all about?

Kung inyong matatandaan meron tayong kasabihan, “Kung ano ang tinanim ay siya ring aanihin.” Magandang araw sa inyong lahat, Kabayan!

Gabriel and Paolo Valenciano

I know several people are going to watch the Gary Valenciano concert on June 15, 2008 because they would like to see in person the Valenciano “super kids” --- Gabriel and Paolo. Lalo na ang mga bading. Nung malaman ng mga bading na may concert si Gary kasama si Gabriel and Paolo, abala na ang mga loka ng pamimili ng isusuot nilang damit sa concert. Kung baga sa Pinas, takbuhan ng mga mamimili ang “ukay-ukay.” Sa America takbuhan ang Goodwill and Value Village para sa budget shopping. Hindi ko ini-snob ang Goodwill and Value Village. Sinasabi ko lang kung saan namimili ang mga bading. Hindi naman lahat, of course.

Para sa aking mga readers na favorite sina Gabriel and Paolo, here are some chika about the two guys that I tried to learn about them.
Paolo loves the beach especially Tali and Boracay. He enjoys mountain biking, jet skiing and camping. He is a huge Star Wars fan and collects toys, such as Death Star, the Millennium Falcon, Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing fighter ship and light saber. His collection includes toys from Lord of the Rings and the Marvel super heroes. He is a movie buff and collects these expensive toys (Ang mga bading mahilig din mangolekta ng Barbie dolls. Kung minsan sinusundot nila ng aspili ang doll para pahirapan ang kanilang mga kaaway, hehehe).

Does he go out with his barkadas to explore the world of gimmicks? But of course, yes. He goes out on gimmicks at Absinth or Temple with his best friend Khalil Kaimo, son of newscaster Mari Kaimo and Enzo Marcos. His barkada loves music and sometimes play groupie to rock band Severo.

How about Gabriel? Para sa akin mas sikat si Gabriel. Replica si Garbriel ng kanyang tatay, si Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano. While Paolo has shown great promise in singing, Gabriel has proved to be his father’s heir apparent when it comes to dancing. I’ve watched Gabriel dance and he can pass for Mr. Pure Energy.
I was told Gabriel is magulo, kenkoy, wa poise. Mr. Pure Energy likes to talk about Gabriel as having the same gestures as him, interest in music, clothes, and sports. Pareho silang mag-ama kung lumakad, kung magsalita. Siempre, anak yata siya ni Mr. Pure Energy.

Both Paolo and Gabriel are always asked the question, “Is there pressure to prove that they can be good as their dad. Paolo admits that there is pressure, more so because he is a shy person. Gabriel’s reply in an interview, he said, “Yes, no; okay, fine, yes! Then he laughs. “Siempre there’s that pressure because everyone’s looking at me ‘cause we’re super alike, but I shouldn’t be pressured ‘cause first of all, he’s my dad! Second, I’m only 18 years old and third, my dad would never pressure me so I really got used to it na lang. He told me to never listen to what people have to say when it comes to comparison, so in short, okay, fine, no!”

You be the judge! Watch Gary V Live! The concert will be on June 15, 2008 at Comcast Arena in Everett. Martin Nievera will be Gary’s special guest together with Jason & Joshua Zamora of the Maneouvres, and Miko Aytona of Anime. Musical Director is Mon Faustino. For tickets, call Robert at 206.403-3331 or Valerie at 206.778-3432.

Healthy Food

We all know that what we eat and do has a direct impact on our health, energy level, performance and appearance. We know it makes sense to do the right thing, but we want to do it in our own way.

But like me, matigas ang ulo ko. Kung ano ang bawal, yun naman ang gusto ko. Sabi nga ng mga nakakarami, kung ano yung masama, yun ang masarap. For instance, if you are diabetic, you know you should limit your sugar intake or none at all. Instead use sugar substitute. Sa akin okay lang habang nandito ako sa America pero kapag nasa Maynila na ako, ang nilalantakan ko ay leche plan, halayang ube, suman na may latik, at iba pang mga kakanin na malusog sa asukal. Sa umaga pag-ihi mo may mga kasunod ka ng langgam ng gumagapang sa kubeta.

Yesterday, I was a good boy. I was at the Filipino Community Center and I watched the lecture-dem conducted by Registered Dietitian Janet L. Kapp. Kapp is a Nutrition Consultant for the Seattle and King County Public Health. She talks about chronic disease prevention and healthy aging.

I’d like to share with my readers the recipe of spicy coleslaw Kapp prepared for the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) group who attended the FCS nutrition program. Here’s the recipe (makes 8 servings):

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup olive, peanut, or canola oil
1 tablespoon sugar (or Splenda)
6 cups shredded cabbage
2 diced bell peppers
1 cup diced scallions
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup minced fresh parsley

Whisk together the mustard and vinegar. Gradually add the oil, whisking “all the while.” Add sugar (or Splenda) and whisk to dissolve. Combine the cabbage, peppers, and scallions and toss with the dressing. Season to taste with pepper and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with fresh parsley.

To suit you better, you may add shredded or chopped carrots. Use both green and red cabbage for variety. Add freshly grated ginger to add a bit of spice. Substitute apple cider or red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar. Substitute favorite cabbage types for green cabbage. I added “Splenda” to the recipe of Kapp for diabetic people.