How to Avoid Depression in Young Adults

  

Depression can devastate anyone if not treated immediately.
It can lead to despair and loneliness.

 Depression is a sickness that strikes young adults today. It is marked with a person's inability to do routine functions, coupled with feelings of helplessness, and despair.

We cannot prevent to being stricken by life's adversities. It comes like a thief in the night and before we know it, we see ourselves lethargic and unable to face the world.Sometimes, people get depressed with the flimsiest of reasons: rejection, unable to cope, lack of doable goals, and separation.

Some can easily brush off the initial stages; but, there are others who may find it hard to cope

You stare in the mirror, and all you see is an empty world.

How do we prevent depression from creeping in?

• Take yourself lightly - You are not the prettiest, handsomest, or the most intelligent person in the world. You are just one among the many, so don't strut your stuff.
• Never be afraid to be alone. Learn the joys of being happy by yourself. Nobody knows you better, than you.
• Let your guards down. Some people go through life building walls, and afraid of being seen in their naked (emotional) glory. Trash those walls and let people see you as you are.
• Enjoy the simplest things - the pit-pattering of the rain, a nice smile, birds flying in the sky, a good meal, a good book, and sleeping tightly at night.
• Always feel the presence of God Almighty. Knowing that you walk in God's path is the most wonderful feeling of all and the best antidote for depression.

The world may seem scary and chaotic...

Bottomline

The world can be one scary place for any young adult. It is full of anxieties, worries, frustrations, and rejections. Oftentimes, it can be a lonely place where you may feel all alone and empty. If you only look at your own sphere, and reflect on the immediate things that surround you, the world can be a small lonely place.

However, including others into your sphere, and looking at things from other people's point of view, could lead to a more meanigful and happier life. Feelings of depression can be avoided if you begin to appreciate the little things in others: the chirping of birds outside your window, blooms of flowers in your garden, laughter from children, watching a good movie, sleeping snuggly in bed, and having a hot coco before you hit the sack, among others -- can change the way on how you look at the world.

These are just some of the ways on how to avoid depression as a young adult. You may  still add to this list, to come up with a better plan to stay happy and depression-free. 

Have a nice day!

#depression_in_young-adults
Photo credit: With permission from Leogine Gumangan

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Palm Sunday at the Holy Family Church in BF Homes, Las Pinas

The Holy Week in the Philippines starts with Palm Sunday that is celebrated in all churches of the country. Catholics observe this solemn holiday, by fasting and self-reflection, on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Our little community in Las Pinas, is no exception. Masses were held from early morning to late at night. Devotees buy coconut palms, creatively intertwined together for P20 each outside of our Parish Church. I was there to hear the mass in the late afternoon and saw entire families --- from the toddlers to grandma and grandpa attending Mass together. The toddlers, were running around, singing and yelling, to the consternation of their parents. The elders, who can barely walk, have caregivers attend to their needs. It was like a town fiesta, minus the food, and the church was the center of the celebration. 

The entry of the priest and the lay ministers signaled the start of the mass. It was an awesome sight, with parishioners waving their palms as the parish priest walked by. It is ingrained among the faithful, that during the holy mass, the priest becomes a personification of Christ. That within the august halls of the church, angels and all the saints, are within our midst. For the faithful, the mass can be a solemn celebration, where they can partake of the body of Christ during communion. Looking around, I felt the solemnity of the occasion, but was also aware of the commerce outside of the confines of the church. A few meters away, was a plastic sheet (trapal) covered structure that sold beauty products --- makeup, perfumes, lotions, hair brushes, make-ups, and many others. I never understood this, and would have understood it better if the items sold were religious artifacts or donations to charities. 

Fifty meters away, are the stalls of Mang Raul and Krom, that sells barbeques and Isaw. Counting the cars that were parked in the area, I would have guessed that around one fourth of church goers were in those places ---gobbling beer while partaking of the sumptuous fare of barbequed isaw. I was not an exception, though. As I bought a hundred pesos worth of isaw and pancit bihon from the stalls. So much for Pinoy religiosity, I am ready by the start of Holy Week up till Easter Sunday! A pious week ahead, everyone!

#Holy-Week
#Palm-Sunday

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Review: BPI Family Bank, Pamplona Tres, Las Pinas

The BPI Family Bank in BFB Building, is situated along Real Street right across the Lozada Market in Las Pinas City. It is a small branch with an amiable staff headed by the Bank Manager, Ms. Ana Marie Lim. I was there this morning to open a UITF (Unit Investment Trust Fund) in High Yield Dividend Investment.

It was nothing grand, just an initial salvo on the equities market by way of a UITF investment. Ms. Lim was ever solicitous and tried to explain to me the intricacies of this financial instrument. She showed me other types of instruments and the graphs of price trends in the last one year.

She must have been worried that I may not have the financial savvy of a wannabe investor. I assured her that I know my numbers and I am familiar with stock trading. I informed her further that I am a freelance writer who writes about the financial markets, so I know what I am getting into.

Ms. Lim is a friendly person who epitomizes trustworthiness in banking institutions. She looks kind, the type whom you wouldn't mind putting your hard-earned money into. Like the BPI Group, she represents an institution that is reliable, trustworthy, and stable. I am quite certain that whatever little money that I may have with them, will be in safe hands.

Photo credit:  Soldier's Investment:UITF

#BPI-Family-Bank

#UITF

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

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Review: Big B Burgers of Maginhawa Street in UP Diliman

Big Burgers

I bet that anyone who is asked to have a hamburger, will not refuse the offer. Hamburgers have become a food-on-the-run by a majority of Filipinos, which fits everybody's lifestyle.

At the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, is where you can find many burger stands. Among the most popular, is the hole-in-the-wall, Big B Burger, situated in the iconic food strip of Maginhawa Street at UP.

It is nothing fancy, a table and chair thing, with no air conditioning, limited seating capacity, and nothing to boast of by way of ambiance, except good delicious hamburgers!

My daughter and I went to the place a few days ago. We ordered the house specialty, the famous Big B Burger Special. It was not really big, but it looks bulky and heavy.

The bulkiness comes from the meat patty with a generous splash of spicy mayo, that gives the bun an added tang. A sprig of lettuce makes for the crunch with every bite.

Our verdict? It's cheap for P90+ a piece and the taste is different from the burgers of McDo, Jollibee, and Cindy's. We love the weighty look and the myriad of flavors, despite us sitting at a very basic store structure.

Like any other burger, this goes well with very cold soda drinks - on the rocks. It is good for brunch as it is very filling and heavy on the stomach. One thing is certain though, we will be back for more.
Big B Burgers, anyone?

Photo credit: Zomato/Big B Burgers

#UP-Diliman #Big-B-Burgers #Maginhawa-Review #Food Review

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Procrastination In Freelance Writing

Looking at a Blank Wall

Procrastination in Freelance writing spells ---disaster. It is when you have a deadline to meet, but your mind does no go along with your body. You just stare at the blank screen and do nothing. It is not because you don't know what to write about; it is the body that does not follow the commands of the brain. I have a 2,000 word report that was due yesterday. I am still looking at it and not doing anything. I started to write the 1st two paragraphs, and it was ok. I have no difficulty doing it. This is something that I am familiar with, but why am I just staring at it now?

I have to force myself to finish this work or I will have an angry employer to contend with. I cannot let this "despicable thing" defeat me. I have to work and put words on that blank screen. If I need to bleed my brains dry just to do it, I will do it. It is my body that is acting up again. I have to do it....I need to do it.... no ifs.....no buts. This is work. This is not an ego trip. I need to work to retain this client. I need to work to earn my keep. I need to work, because this is what I do ---write. Just yapping about when my mind seems to go nowhere. So here I am staring on a blank wall...

Would this be a case of a Writer's Block?

Looking at the clean computer slate, Things start gnashing with your brain grunting, The deadline puts severe strain like a piercing blade, You want to move, but is left wanting. There is a need to act but you're very late, The brain is dead and the body is panting, Unable to move, like being stuck in a cave, Let me soar into the skies as I go flying. Unlock you fool! Unwind if necessary, This is an ailment, and sounds like a cacophony, The zealot in you can crank this up in no time, It's just your bed that beckons you to lie. To think of clouds with a mind that wanders in flight, A deep resolve to survive through this putrid night, So, move those nimble fingers to touch the keys, And let this mighty task be finish at ease!

#procrastination
#freelance-writing
#writers-block

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Union Bank Eon Card for Paypal Payment in the Philippines

Union Bank Logo
Photo credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/Public Domain

Online writers get paid through PayPal either weekly or monthly. There has to be a local intermediary bank, and the least expensive choice is getting an Eon Card from Union Bank. It is rather easy and you can do it online. The initial payment is about P500 and the card is released in a weeks' time.

I didn't know that it was time to renew, until I got an e-mail from PayPay that my card was expiring. Since my daughter is an online writer, I did not renew the card immediately as I can send the paypal payment to her, and she can withdraw the amount for me.

I thought all along that I need to shell out money for the payment of bank fee, but was surprised that I didn't have to pay anything. The only downside, is there is a five day waiting period. Since I submitted it on a Friday, I will get the new card the next Friday. Well, not bad as I can wait.

My daughter uses BPI as her intermediary bank. But most writers that I know, uses the Union Bank Eon Card. Since I used the card solely for online work, I was ashamed to show it to the bank since there is little money left in the account. That will improve next time, when I get to do more freelance work again.

Union Bank's Eon Card
Photo credit:  old.uniobankph.com

Advantages

• Easy to apply at minimal bank fee charges of around P500;

• No need for a maintaining balance;

• 3 to 4 days of waiting time;

 Disadvantage

• Delays happen, where money is withdrawal on the 5th or 6th day;

• Banking charges of US$5 for every transaction below P7,000

Bottom Line

Union Bank's Eon Card, is a decent intermediary bank that can be used for online payment through PayPal. There are several branches in Metro Manila, that you can go to open an account. Whenther you are a new online writer, or  a trader who expects to be paid through PayPal, it would be wise to open up an Eon Card through Union Bank immediately.


#union-bank
#union-bank-eon-card
#paypal


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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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My Reflections on the Death of Jam Fernando Sebastian

Rest in Peace, Jam Fernando Sebastian

Jam Fernando Sebastian, half of the online tandem, Jamich, passed away at 10:30 am, today, March 4 at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Taguig City. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about a year ago when he underwent routine medical check up. The pain became unbearable January this year that Jam requested for all medications be stopped and he be allowed to die in peace.

However, the family did not accede to this request, and continued with the medication. He was placed under life support last week and his health deteriorated after that. It was just a matter of time, before his body succumbed to the ailment --- and it happened today.

Jam, was part of the tandem of Jamish, a You Tube sensation about Love and Relationships, which boasts of one hundred million views. His partner, Michelle Liggayu, was his real life girlfriend. The couple got engaged last year and their partnership was followed by many, as their online fame shot to a meteoric high.

By Chance, Jamich video that catapulted the duo to fame

Who is Jam Fernando Sebastian

Jam was a You Tube Filipino celebrity, who was born on March 20, 1986. He was half of the Jamish tandem, with Michelle Liggayu, his girlfriend of seven years. His parents were Vilmo Sebastian and Maria Carmen Fernando who are  residents of Las Pinas City, Metro Manila

Jamich became a You Tube sensation with their video, By Chance, which gained seven million views and about half a million subscribers. The couple became officially engaged March last year, when Michelle Liggayu proposed to Jam at the Philippine Internation Convetion Center, in front of hundreds of thousand of fans and supporters.

Mitch marriage proposal to Jam

Jam was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on the first quarter of 2014. He underwent integrative treatment as a matter of choice. On February 2015, he was placed on life support. He succumbed to lung cancer at 10:30am on  March 4, 2015.

Isaiah 57:1-2 

The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.


My Reflection

Jam Fernando Sebastian's death came as a surprise to many. He died of lung cancer, though he is a non smoker. He alleged that he must have inhaled the smoke from friends. Dying at a young age of 28 years old, and at he peak of his personal and professional career, can be devastating to one's friends and family. How can somebody so young and successful, die so soon?

But we do not know the ways of the Lord. We also don't know on when our time on earth is upped. It is always a good thing to wake up in the morning and be at peace with everyone, including those that we love. We cannot tell, if we will still see them again, or that moment will be their last.

God works in mysterious ways. It is always wise to be ready, that when  He calls, we can easily pack up our bags and be with Him to kingdom come --- just like Jam Fernando Sebastian.

Photo credit:  Photo grab from the FB account of Jam Fernando Sebastian

#RIP-Jam

#Jam-Fernando-Sebastian

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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EXTREME RELIGIOSITY OF FILIPINOS

Feast of the Black Nazarene
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/ by JSinglador

Religiosity or Fanaticism?

The Philippines is a country of 7,100 islands, with 95% of its citizens, Catholics. As a group, they are known to practice their faith to extremes. The most blatant of which, is their deep sense of religious fervor. In the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, accidents are known to occur that results to physical injuries or even death. Hundreds of devotees are trampled upon by the influx of believers, in a procession that is participated in by millions of people.

What makes devotees participate in this accident-prone festivity, can baffle the mind of any hard-core observer. The sea of people gyrating in the push-shove process just to be near the Black Nazarene is beyond belief. Another festivity is the Pagoda Boat Festival in Laguna, a region south of Manila, where a boat parade in the river is held every year, to venerate the Blessed Virgin. The devotees often jump to the lead boat where the statue of the Blessed Virgin is placed, causing it to capsize and drown a number of people.

Penafrancia Festival
Source: https://remit2homeblog.wordpress.com/

Religious Traditions and Practices

There are now safety provisions imposed by the lay leaders of the festival to avoid further accidents in the last two years. How far the exercise of sobriety can go, is anybody's guess. When asked why they join the festivity, the stock answer is, "panata" or a promise to the Lord to do the same act, until they are physically able. Christianity was brought to the country by Spain hundreds of years ago. However, the practice of the faith have evolved into something far beyond the dreams of any Spanish conquistador, who ever set foot on this island.

The Holy Week which starts on the last week of March till the 1st week of April for 2015, is a celebration of the faith. The countdown starts with Ash Wednesday, to remember that from dust did we come from, to dust we shall return. On that day, Catholics flock to their respective parish churches to have their forehead marked with ash. This act signifies that life on earth is temporary, and the final destination is the heavenly kingdom.

Ash Wednesday
Source:en.wikimedia.org

If practiced in earnest, the marking of ash serves to strenghten ones faith with God. However, some young people just used it to show off to friends that they have gone to church. Whatever that means, is lost on me. If you think that the mark serves as a passport to heaven, you will be disappointed. No way will it make you see the heavenly gates, if there is no piety involve to go with the markings.

Nonetheless, the season is marked with prayers and deep contemplation. In the rural areas,  old women sings the "Pabasa" or the books of prayers from morning till early dawn of the following day, non-stop. This is held on the barrio chapels with partipants numbering from 20 to a hundred people. This is done on Holy Thursday and can last till the early hours of Good Friday. Food is served to the group from community donations. Since it is a week of fasting, only the most basic meal of rice, vegetable, and fish are serve.

Self flagellation
Source: en.wikimedia.org

Beyond the Call of Faith

In some areas, self flagellation is practiced. These are men who beats their bodies with thorns until they are bruised and bloodied, as they walk down the streets. They go barefoot, with bare upper bodies, and heads covered with cloth. The act can horrify any onlooker who is not used to it. There are areas too, where some believers nail themselves on the cross. These I believe, are extreme practices, that have gone beyond the basic teachings of the church.

I can only imagine what the early Spanish missionaries would say, if they see how Catholicism has grown roots in this country today. It may be far beyond their wildest imagination, that the practice of Catholicism has gone this far. If only Filipinos can temper their deep religiosity, then we may see the Catholic faith as going back to what it's really meant to be---as the true Church of Christ.


#religiosity-of-filipinos

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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VALENTINE STORIES FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

A Friend's Story

I became aware of Valentines Day when I was 16. Most of my friends at that time either have crushes, boyfriends, or have some wacko kid following them around. I didn't have that. What I had were books, more books, and a schedule of movies in Makati for the next one month. You see, I am a movie buff. I watched movies by my lonesome, and had lots of fun reviewing them for what they are worth, back then. Well, I had friends too, where we have barbeque parties with disco music blasting around, and pineapple juice drink spiked with gin tonic to go with our pica-pica.  Oh, those were the fun times! .

Las Pinas was still a town then, and a part of Rizal. It was commonplace to find carabaos plying the Las Pinas-Zapote route as most lands were rice farms. I remember that there were only two to four buildings in the entire  highway. With this scenario, thinking about valentines day in a romantic way, was alien to me. All I knew was that, our late dad either took us clubbing to watch Pilita Corales (his favorite), or go out of town in the nearby Nido Resort (is it still around?) for some swimming and fun.



Teen Years

I realized that I was the only one without a boyfriend among my friends at 16. I got worried about that. Am I ugly or unlovable? How come they have dates and I don't?  That really bothered me, that I prayed to the Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran to intercede, and please, pretty please --- give me a boyfriend!  Oh, boy! That was hilarious! But the Virgin must must have taken pity on me since a week after my 9th day novena, a suitor came around!

That's divine intervention, if you ask me. God sometimes hears the pleas of His flock if they are persistent on asking Him on what they want. It was a boyfriend I wanted, so I got that. That valentine gift didn't last long , however, as I got introduced to the fun ways of being a "sossy" girl.  Not that sossy really, but I experienced going out of the country for the first time with my sisters, went shopping in top-end stores like Rustans, went on out-of-town trips with the family, and accompany our dad in watching nightclub acts in nearby Paranaque and Makati.

Hence, valentines was not a significant part of my life during my teens, as I have social diversions that I found more entertaining.



The Yuppie Years

Valentines Day suddenly became a boy-girl thing to me when I started working. It meant --- movie dates, dining in top end restaurants , night clubbing, disco dancing, and receiving gifts like chocolates, cakes, and all the sweetie things from the love one. It meant going into relationships and having emotional investments to make it work. As a yuppie on the rise, I took the occasion in stride and savor the experience for what they were worth.

Those were turbulent years, when the practice of one's profession can run contrary to the needs of the love one. The day can sometimes ran smack into important meetings and conferences. Problems can arise in the office, where the celebration would have to be put off since there are more important things to do. Valentines come and go, until the significant other grew tired of all the alibis and reasons why I can't be with him on that particular day.

After some time, the occasion was celebrated either a day or two after Valentines. It was no longer a significant occasion to reckon with, as it began to look like one of my appointments where my presence was needed; and can be cancelled, if the occasion calls for it. Those were dangers signs. Meaning, that this type of relationship was gearing towards disaster--- which it did, a few years later.



The Later Years

I have now evolved into a person who is deeply anchored with her beliefs, and independent of any deep emotional ties. I see relationships as something that should  be under my own terms and conditions. I never wanted to follow anybody around, nor do I want anyone to keep on following me.

So, how do I spend valentines day today?

a. I had fried veggie lumpia with pickled green mangoes and ampalaya this morning;

b. Had cornetto duo ice cream --- coffee flavor with vanilla for merienda;

c. Write articles re --- politics, accountancy. and Christianity. Update my journal;

d. Continue to curse Sun Broadband for slow internet connection. It's been acting up since last night;

e. And a SHOUT-OUT to everybody ---  Get out of cyberspace! Have a life, and date your significant other. Leave cyberspace to us poor bloggers and online writers! Free some internet space so we can do our work! LMAO!

 
Happy Valentines everyone!  :D

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#love-and-relationship
#valentine-stories

   
Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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NU BA YAN, BALENTAYN NA!





FB Friend:  "Dios ko po, Ma'am naman! Balentayng na, ei wala pa akong labs! Kwawa naman ako, wala man lang magbigay ng roses at tsokolayts sa akin!"

Me:  "Pwede ka namn bumili ng roses at chocolates para sa sarili mo. Kung gusto mo, padala mo sa iyo --- para kunwari may labs ka!" Heheheh!

FB Friend:  "Kahiya naman yun Ma'am. Alam naman nila ei zero yung lab layf ko!" Huhuhuh!

Me:  "Go out with friends, that can be fun too! O handa ka sa bahay with mom and dad and the little 'uns."

FB Friend:  "Mamatay na ako sa kahihiyan niyan. Ei lahat kaming walang lab layf ei magsasama-sama!  Huhuh! SWLL ---Samahang Walang Lab Layf! Kantiyawan din ako sa bahay na wala akong balentayng, Ma'am!  :(

NOTE TO THE SWLL:

Na survive niyo ang pasko na SWLL. Bagong taon na SWLL. Ei, mag survive din kayo ng balentayng na SWLL!  Heheh!  Punta ng Jollibee at magpalamig sa Mall. Lilipas din yan! Hahahah!

Mag dasal ng taimtim din. Baka bagsakan ka ng Panginuon ng lablayf! Heheheh!

Juks lang mga parekoy!  Hapi balentayng sa lahat!

:D

csm

#love-and-relationship

HAPPINESS AS I DEFINE IT...

Happiness is seeing a gumamela plant  in bloom, with a blast of colors in full glory. Inauspiciously placed, its beauty stand out in a world that is in a hurry.

God has a way of letting me know that the beauty around us, is His creation. I do not have to look far,  if only I find time without much suasion.

Let us learn to stop once in a while, when work engulfs us. To admire God's garden with  His plants ---Oh, so lush!


#happiness


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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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RELATIONSHIPS: ENVY AND CONTENTMENT

Relationships can be fickle, where finding contentment is hard in a sea of envious people. We have family, neighbors, and friends that we sometimes envy. There is no contentment in seeing others having better lives than our own --- wealthier, healthier, and happier.

We look at ourselves and take pity on how we are compared to them. When that arises, our morale takes a nose dive that make us feel very small. What we do is put up a happy front to cover up an empty and lonely soul - like in the social media.

Several studies have shown that social media sites, like Facebook, may be harmful to our self worth.  There is always the need to compare our lives with our friends. What we do is post pictures of things that glorifies us in our normal lives to hide the emptiness.

These glorified selves would include ---eating in fine dining restaurants, owning expensive gadgets and electronic equipment, vacationing in and out of the country, and posting about anything that would show us in a good light.

Envy can lead to loneliness and lack of self worth
Photo credit: Pixabay.com by Atranias

Is there something wrong with that?

Nope. Not particularly. It is intrinsic in human nature to only show the good side and hide what is bad. We assume that if we bombard the others with everything good, they may eventually believe it. But very few people can do that over a long time. Untruths have a way of rearing its ugly head when you least expect it.

Envy: Other Man's Grass Seemed Greener

I live in a neighborhood with different persuasions. Most belongs to the working class group and have businesses of their own. The big shots own motorcycle dealerships, chemical /industrial firms, are doctors or professionals, or  owners of upscale stores. The middle-of-the-roaders own smaller  retail outlets, have families who are OFW's, and/or have small family-owned businesses.

A few houses away, was a neighbor who was into the catering business. They owned delivery vehicles and were busy manning their different outlets in the metropolis. Since we don't cook most of the time, we rely on this neighbor for our instant food fare whenever we go hungry.


I admit, that I sometimes envy them, on how lucrative their business seemed to be. Neighbors appreciate their cooking and I saw cars park everywhere, with people  buying food before going to their respective offices. These went on for quite sometime, until I noticed that the selection of dishes was dwindling. The quality was not what it used to be. After sometime, we stopped patronizing the outlet as we would rather cook at home than buy from them.

A bowl of Pancit Luglog bought from nearby food stalls

AFTERMATH

This morning, I saw a man sweeping the mess in their front yard.Upon inquiry, I was told that the owners were no longer there since the bank foreclosed the property a month ago.

All through that time, I envied this neighbor. How wealthy they seemed to be, with their businesses going strong. I never stop to think that they too may have problems of their own.

Envy is a bad trait. You never know what the other person is going through until you get into their shoes. It is always best to be contented with what you have and to never compare yourself with others. As the cliche goes - the other man's grass is not always greener.

 
#relationships

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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DRAGON FRUIT FROM TARLAC, PHILIPPINES





Dragon fruit is one of those exotic fruits that you can find in the supermarkets of Metro Manila. This is a  spiky and reddish fruit that you can buy at P200 a kg when it is in season.

It doesn't taste unusual. But for somebody who is into juice drinks and fruit slush, it is a favorite addition to the local fruits that one can taste. I am one of those avid fanatics that has a penchant for different fruits.

A few months ago, I got the chance to visit my relatives in Pangasinan to settle important matters. On the way back to Manila, I visited a dragon fruit farm in Tarlac, a nearby province.

I know that I have to go farther north, in Ilocos Norte, to see the bigger plantations. Since I didn't have that much time, I dropped by a much smaller farm in Tarlac.







The farm was about three hectares where dragon fruits were planted at 1.5 meters apart. As it was no longer the fruiting season, I was not able to buy  fruits --- only the plant cuttings at P30 each.

I knew that it was double the price than in other farms, but I got them just the same so I can bring them to Manila for replanting.

 The caretaker and his wife were amiable and more than willing to show the site to me. I noticed that the plants were made to stand in cemented stakes and roped together. Only the upper portion were made to spread outwards like an umbrella.

To make full use of the land, eggplants were planted in between. The caretakers earn from the eggplants while waiting for the fruits to ripen.  I was told that the harvest occurs from July to October.

Noticeably, there were some branches that were burned nearby. When asked, the farmers said that burning was done if plant diseases like yellowing occurs. Burning prevents the disease from spreading to other plants.

I look forward to having this fruit again come July, which is the start of the harvest season. This runs up to October where the price of the fruit can go down from P150 to P100 a kg. depending on the variety.

They say that dragon fruit has health benefits and is good for the body. Regardless, I like mixing it with kiwi fruit, for a cool sweet drink of fruit slush as an early morning drink.


#dragon-fruit

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