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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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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A Trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan



Whenever I go to the hometown of my mother in Pangasinan, I am reminded of the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, a minor Basilica, which is situated in a nearby town. My mother's place goes to the right, after the town of Binalonan, and the shrine on the left going to the town proper of Manaoag.                                                                                                       

                                                                           

Filipinos by nature are ardent devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They pray  for her intercession in asking special favors to her son, Jesus Christ. In Manila, we have the church of the Lady of Perpetual Help where Marian devotees flock, especially during Wednesdays. It is a pilgrimage site where people from all walks of life congregate to pay homage to the Blessed Virgin.



The Shrine of the Lady of Manaoag, however, is considered as a place of miracles. It is replete with stories and anecdotes about the Holy Mother. Many have been written in various journals ,and among my favorites are stories that were told firsthand, by my own mother.

She often says that the Virgin is miraculous. During the Japanese era, the Blessed Mother is known to show herself to local farmers whenever there is danger or pestilence.She is a beautiful lady with a shining face who talked placidly with the natives. A farmer who saw her in the fields, was surprised to see her image in the church.



Several people claims to have seen here walking around. As of result, the pilgrimage to the site grew in numbers.  Devotees came from all parts of the Philippines, and some of them are from other countries like the United States and Europe.

When I went there a few months ago, I saw the same number of people flocking around the church. The entrance was full of vendors of : rosaries, replica of the Virgin and the Sto. Nino, kakanin (sweet bread), tupig (sticky rice with coco strips and charbroiled), fruits, and native bags and decors. The church was basically the same as when I last saw it and the lines going to the Virgin at the altar is still long as ever.



There are several stores managed by the church where I bought a few floating candles, calendars, and a t-shirt for my kid. It was a religious experience and I could have finished hearing the mass had I not been distracted by the commerce that were all around me.I saw several ladies selling ginger juice in different sizes of bottles. I wondered what that has got to do with the veneration of the Virgin. But I let go of the ill thoughts and went to the small pool to float my candles. These candles were said to be  for special favours and I lighted ten of them.



I stood there transfixed with the Blessed Virgin gazing down at me. I asked for forgiveness from all the distractions that must have shaken my unwavering faith in her. I then sense a sudden calmness that must have meant, that she has forgiven me. I left the site with a feeling of contentment and inner peace.

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Are you a Miravite?

Miravite Family Crest



QUESTIONS ABOUT MY PROGENY

When I was still in college, I cross-enrolled in the University of the East in C.M.Recto. On the list of students taking Accountancy, was a girl named Zenaida Miravite. I wondered about it, but didn't seek her out. In my mind,she must be one of my uncles' children that we didn't know about.

When I joined the workforce, some friends told me that there were many Miravite's in Bicol. I did not mind it then, since I thought my cousins were spreading their genes and have reached the far-flung regions of the Bicolandia. But no one did.

As I got older, there were some groups from Zamboanga, whom my late dad, and some relatives acknowledged to be our blood relatives. How it came about, I really don't know. All we knew is that our grandfather was the only son of four siblings, and three of them were girls.

My cousin who is based in San Francisco, came up with a family tree that started with the old man, Zacarias Miravite and old woman, Consolacion Fajardo. Hundreds of twigs came out of that union and were all included in the Miravite.com website.

However, Facebook came about. We came to know about several groups and some of them became my students in college. My, that was real surprising! I inquired from the cousin, but I got no response. FB is now currently swamped with people surnamed Miravite. We don't know in particular, where the family links are, if there are any. Did my late grandpa's dad, have siblings that were also surnamed Miravite?

Did the Spaniards give the Miravite surname to unrelated groups in several parts of the country? How come there is no common denominator among all of us? There is no apparent traceable ties. either. My mom, Rosalina, often says that there is a Tanengco-Miravite group, that sprouted out since one of them happened to be an "anak sa binyag" of the late grandfather.

Hence, these are not really blood relatives, but are only related in name. It is the usual Chinese custom to adopt the surname of their "ninongs" so the group emanated from that line. Mom used to say that those are the richer Miravite's, since they are Chinese, and are business-minded.

In comparison, people from our group leans to being professionals, so not really as rich as the other group. The Tanengco-Miravite group are primarily based in Paco, Manila and the most notable members that I knew, were Julio and Simeon Miravite.

Since my cousin is no longer inclined to research on further links, I suggest that those with the same surname furnish him the links to include all blood relatives. There are so many of us around, that I get confuse on where the groups are all coming from. You can send the cousin, (Buyboy) an e-mail via miravite.com.

He didn't tell me to do this and might get surprised why I am doing the suggesting. Anyway, I love you Buyboy so don't get mad --- nalilito lang ako sa mga connect ei!

Have a good day everyone!

Photo credit: miravite.com


#miravite


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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

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BLOGGER'S REVIEW: Amber Restaurant, Las Pinas, Alabang-Zapote Road

Amber Restaurant is one of those places that people go to when they have parties or get-together. It was their outlets in Muntinlupa and Paranaque where students (when I was still in the academe ) placed their orders whenever occasions call for feeding big groups of people . It was also where the faculty and staff orders their bilao of pancit malabon , spaghetti, or pancit bihon whenever there are birthdays or promotion. Its popularity spread like wildfire since you see the cuisine in every party or occasion.

When Amber Restaurant opened an outlet in front of Southmall-Las Pinas, placement of order became simplier and easier. It was right smacked in the middle of the city and ideally situated near middle-to upper middle class subdivisions. Splurging a few hundreds of  pesos for a bilao of pancit posed no problem to these families as they are  used to spending a tidy sum of money eating out and shopping in malls.  

My family is no exception as  we patronize the place whenever we have birthdays, celebrations, or unexpected guests in the house. We order either a bilao of pancit malabon or spaghetti. Pichi- pichi is a favorite that always comes with our order of pancit . 

I was there this morning to take out a bilao of Pancit Malabon. I paid P550 for a medium-sized bilao to a comely server named Nelsie. She was amiable and politely informed me that I have to wait for 20 minutes for my order. As there were few customers, I decided to wait it out. After taking a seat, I heard my name called over the microphone. It was Nelsie , and she informed me that I overpaid.

She gave back the extra P500 that I had mistakenly folded together, when I withdrew the amount from the bank. I was bemused, P500 may not be a big sum of money, but that is worth a day's pay for this humble server. Returning the P500, shows trustworthiness that is a big plus for any establishment like Ambers. 

News spread fast. Most especially if the recipient of the good deed is a blogger, who would not think twice of spreading the good news as fast as she can. Thank you Nelsie and a thumbs-up for Amber's, Las Pinas for it's pool of competent and trustworthy staff!  

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Photo credit: ambers.com

Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

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A Query into a Person's State of Happiness

Happiness is a state of being. It is a feeling of contentment regardless of your state of affairs. Hence, there are some people who may not be rich, good-looking, or have perfect families, but you see the glow of fulfillment in their faces.

On the other hand, there are others who may have all the traits and material things  that anyone can envy, but still...they're unhappy. They have such low self-esteem that waking up in the morning is an ordeal. They get so engrossed with their own selves, that they define happiness as when something good only happens to them.

Alright, they tell me I don't understand. How right they are! I don't. I believe, that you can never be happy if you only think of yourself and that the universe revolves around you. Of feeling,  on  how people see you, equates to your state of well-being. How sad!

Nobody can dictate your terms. No creature can say that you are beneath them and don't deserve a space in this world. Nobody can affect you, if you don't let them. Happiness, therefore, depends entirely on how you see yourself. It's the whole gamut on how you love and accept your own strengths, weaknesses, triumphs and defeats.

It is how you rise up to every challenge, and face the winds of fortune even if it knocks you down. It is liking yourself, even if you get defeated and bloodied that your body aches all over. It is feeling cathartic after crying buckets of tears at seeing your broken dreams  and all the wrongs that have been done to you.

The world is not perfect, as you are not perfect and it can sometimes be a lonely place. This feeling of sadness can hurt horribly - where you make a query and no one answers, and; when terrified, there is no one to hold your hand firmly. How in some days, you just want to duck your head in the sand so you will feel no pain. You think that in so doing, you will find a place of contentment in a world bereft of all sadness. There is no such place. There will always be loneliness, pain, and sadness.

Go ahead, feel it! It is part of being alive. Feel the agonizing pain and scream for all it's worth. But such is the world. Surviving would mean acceptance of all its shams, pains, and tribulations. Happiness is acceptance of all experiences - whether good or bad. It is the knack of  staying happy and not let the dreadful things affect you. It is being kind to yourself  and  see it  as a work-in-progress --- still imperfect, but on the way to being a finished product.

I am often asked, if being  happy is an easy task. I say yes! I have learned to love each day and feel triumphant of all the little things  --- finishing an article, seeing a seed sprout, finding a plant robust after I care for it, blooming flowers, a sister's cooking, my mom's endless prattle, receiving my sibling's gifts, endless talks with a cousin, and having a daughter that I love dearly, among other things.

Happiness is also looking forward to new things that you can do each day. That every waking day is a gift from God and you must be thankful to be a recipient of it. It is also seeing God's little gifts in the most unusual places --- a cat softly purring after a good meal, a Samaritan helps you when you unintentionally dropped your groceries in the streets, a smile from a little child peeping from her mother's arms, a tete-a-tete with a long time neighbor, seeing the blue and clear skies after a typhoon, and hearing the twirping of birds atop the tree.

You ask me, if I am happy?  Oh, definitely YES! I have everything that God has thrown my way!


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Photo credit: Pixabay.com by OpenClips


Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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What You Need to Know About Elderberries

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry, with the scientific name of  Sambucus Nigra, is known by many names --- sweet elder, common elder, or Sambucol. It is a shrub that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but has grown abundantly in the United States, particularly  North America. The US elder grows to 4 meters as compared to its European cousin, that grows up to 10 meters. The tree with a light brown to grayish bark, have deciduous leaves that grow opposite each other. It has clusters of white fragrant flowers that turn into berries. The berries change in color from green to black/dark purple when ripe and ready for picking.

Elderberry has been used since ancient times as traditional medicine and food additive. Folk medicine claims that various parts of the plant can cure certain ailments. The flowers are said to have diuretic and laxative properties. Other parts of the plant are used for the treatment of a number of disorders, including cancer. The flower, when placed in distilled water, can help cure skin ailments. It can also be used as food enhancer - to flavor alcoholic drinks and as a fruit wine.

Sambucus nigra is edible when cooked properly and picked ripe. The entire fruit can be eaten raw when ripe. The other parts of the plant, however, are poisonous. Though non-toxic, it is still advisable to cook the Elderberries to make it more palatable and edible.

How to take Elderberry?

Elderberry can be taken in several forms: as tea drink, syrup, tincture, capsule and in lozenge form, The dosage is standardized to 0.8 percent for dried elder flower used as flavonoids, 38 percent and 19 percent for elderberry extract used by adults and children, respectively. The use of elderberry in treating body ailments began in ancient times. However, unsupervised ingestion may have contra-indications and proved harmful if the advice of a health care professional is not sought. There are few known side effects if taken for short periods of time, like five days or less. Nonetheless, it is not recommended for lactating or pregnant women; and people with autoimmune disorders without first seeking medical advice.

Health Benefits of Elderberries

The 1985 CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs listed Elderberries in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug Journal as a cure for various respiratory ailments, flu, and Hay Fever. The Hasassah Oncology Laboratory in Israel came out with researches that Elderberries can be used in the treatment of cancer and AIDS since it enhances the body's immune system. In Israel's Hasassah's Oncology Lab, have the same finding and are using the berries in treating cancer and AIDS patient. This outcome has also been replicated in research centers in Germany and in Austria,  where they found out that Elderberries can also be used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.


Photo credits:  Pixabay.com

References:

Elderberry: Supplement Information from WebMD
Elderberru: Uses, Side Effects and Warnings from WebMD
Elderberry Benefits and Information by herbwisdom


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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Date Rape Detectors: Avoiding GHB-Spiked Drinks in Parties

We now see a new addition inside women's purses when they attend parties --- Date Rape Drug Detectors. It is a test kit, 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" or the size of an ordinary business card, weighs 4 ounces, and comes with 10 test cards. The cards  are used  to detect  if your drink is spiked with drugs like GHB, or not. It is easy to use. You just put a small drop of your drink on the strip and wait for it to dry. If it changes in color, to  dark blue, you are in grave danger. That drink is spiked! Throw it away and get out of there fast!


GHB is a colorless, odorless, and salty liquid that is mixed in drinks whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. It leads to dizziness, paralysis, and memory loss that takes effect in 15 minutes or less. When that happens, sexual assault may take place. Hence, you need to have a Date Rape Drug Detector, to prevent this incident from happening.

Attending parties to have  fun and drinks, can be an exhilarating experience for any woman on the go. The blasting music, the happy chatter, and the unlimited flow of beverages can give any girl a false sense of complacency. But in these crowds often lie the most dangerous thing --- the ugly truth about spiked drinks and date rape.

Women now have a way of protecting themselves through the use of these strips. However, it is not always reliable since it has its own limitations. It is observed that it doesn't work with blue or green tinged drinks. Nor does it work with ordinary drinking water. It is advisable to always read the markings in a well-lit corner of the room and be always on the guard of never trusting anybody with your drink;  nor leaving it unattended, even for a second.


Photo credit: Pixabay.com


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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Steve Farzam, CEO of Shore Hotel: Santa Monica, California

Steve Farzam
Photo credit: vimeo.com

The California Attorney General's E-Crime Unit in cooperation with the United States Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol & Firearms, the FBI, State Vehicles Agency of California, arrested Steve Farzam, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Santa Monica's Shore Hotel on June 27, 2014 on various charges of felony, misdemeanor, theft and grand larceny. He posted bail the same night. Steve Farzam was charged on 77 counts of mostly felonies: 18 counts of identity theft, 19 counts of impersonating police officers, and the manufacture and attempt to sell assault rifles.

Among the alleged crimes constitute:

Misdemeanor, involving identity theft and assault of several people;

Falsified license plates, official seals of the State of California, and gun permit at the day of his arrest;

Illegal possession of police properties: police official colored bars, radio, and siren, that were apparently taken from the County Sheriff of Los Angeles.

As regards charges of identity theft, Steve Farzam allegedly impersonated a police officer and committed the following crimes:

Arresting, detaining and made threats of arresting and detaining a person;

Intimidating another;

Made unlawful searches of people and their personal properties, and;

Theft and grand larceny.

According to the company website, its CEO was a police officer,  having graduated from the Academy for Police Officers at Santa Barbara at age 19. His activities include flying aircrafts and doing restoration of his 51' fire truck, and volunteering as tactical officer of a charitable organization that deals with "at risk" youth.

Shore Hotel, Santa Monica

Photo credit:  inhabitat.com

Shore Hotel is ideally located in the central area of the city, a mere six minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. It boasts of eco-friendly rooms, state-of-the-art gym that is open for 24 hours, and a business center. Each room has its own balcony and room massage service, among other amenities. It opened its doors to the public in 2011 and room rates are from $279 upwards per night. The Pacific Amusement Park is a mere six minute walk away from the hotel.

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal
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Scum of the Earth

What do you consider as scum of the earth?

The word represents the most offensive and demeaning that any person can be called. What it means, is you are judged as one of the lowest life form that walks this earth. It is an insult which says---you amount to nothing.

What we normally do with scum, is throw them out like garbage. I threw out a pile of twigs, leaves, and various bric-a-brac this morning. I have to pay a little extra for the garbage truck doesn't usually accept this stuff. Only household garbage, they say.

50 sacks were thrown

After doing away with them, I went out on an errand and rode a jeepney. While seated cozily, I noticed this young boy who sat on the stairs sniffing a bottle of rugby. I stared at him--- helpless, and unable to do anything.

How can somebody so young, act so brazenly, as if "getting high" in public is normal? He sat there, sniffing, and holding on to the rails for about half a kilometer. The passengers sat there stupefied, and unable to do anything. They looked at him with disdain as if, he was a total scum of the earth.

Garbage collection  every Saturday of the week 

I remember the garbage that I threw away a couple of hours before, and I would have liked to do the same thing for this young boy. But, I can't. So, I just stared there---helpless,   until he took off in an alley, where he can probably get another fill.

What a pity! A sheer waste of humanity for somebody so young.


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Christmas Time: On My Way to Buy Parol Blinkers

It is Christmas time, and everybody is out and about to do some last minute shopping.

While on the way to Almanza Hardware to buy electrical wires, plugs and blinkers for our parol, I saw a man grabbed the bag of one pedestrian along the highway.

It was a group of three to four kids who were on the way to Southmall. They attracted a lot of attention from passers-by as they were in skimpy shorts, tight pants, and see-through blouses.

It was just a matter of seconds when I first saw them, that a man grabbed the bag of one of the kids. Nobody was able to do anything as the man ran across the street and jumped on a waiting motorcycle.

It was fast and I was not even able to take pictures of the incident. That kid might have only around P100 on her bag as she was crying that it was what was left of her allowance for the week.

Parols along St. Joseph in Las Pinas

POSTSCRIPT

Please do not wear clothes that calls attention to yourself while gallivanting around. Moving unnaturally like, screaming, shouting, and laughing while on the streets would not get you the kind of attention that you want. You would only attract the criminal elements that abound during the Christmas season.

Also, never wear high heels while commuting. It looks funny when you walk along the uneven pavements/and or streets of Las Pinas. Doing so would most likely make you an easy target of snatchers and hooligans.

Note: Pictures of Las Pinas lanterns along the highway of St. Joseph. I was there this afternoon to buy blinkers for our parol. The selection of parols are awesome!

Price ranges from a few hundreds to several thousands of pesos

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Onli in da Pilipins: A Writer's Journal

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