Triumph After Sixteen Years

Once again the proud Kalibonhons were patting each other’s backs after their team brought home the championship trophy . After sixteen years of doing their best, their effort was finally rewarded and Mayor William Lachica could not hide his elation, his pride, his appreciation and his admiration of the Kalibonhon players. That this victory came under his administration is another feather in his cap.

Kalibonhons have great hope that their basketball team will bring home the championship trophy after the Kalibo team went on to the finals of ’Best of the Three’ series of the Governor Carlito S. Marquez Basketball Cup 2011. The team managed to overcome both the elimination and the semi- finals. They beat Banga team on the second round of ‘Best of the Three’ series. The two teams competed in the third and final games where Kalibo emerged as the victor, so Kalibo’s hope was not in vain.

Congratulations to the Banga team for such good sports: Marlon Villanueva, Arnel Madula, Mark Nabor, Reychie Reloj, Reynelle Villorente, Jorel Salem, Mark Christian Lad Castro, Bryan Quimpo, Gheno Candelario, Renan Ricaforte, Margielito Igcasencia and Jhoey Alacar./TE

ESWM Enforcers Continue to Move

The nine deputized Solid Waste Management Services Enforcers of Mayor Lachica started on Monday to keep up with their dissemination of information for the enforcement of Municipal Office Ordinance 2009-004. They carried their portable public address system to announce the implementation program of the municipal office to reinforce anti littering and anti-illegal dumping.

According to Ms. Adorada Reynaldo, the launching of the Green Walk on March 17, 2011 was the beginning of their serious Information Education Communication Advocacy which will terminate in June. Ms. Reynaldo said that her office intends to visit every Barangay and business establishment in order to make sure that this information and education regarding the ordinance is fully understood.

When schools open her office will do a school hop to disseminate the correct way to dispose of waste. By June this ordinance will be in full implementation and violators will be penalized. The environmental tickets citation will be issued to every violator.

The office of Ms. Reynaldo is partnered with DILG with their ‘Peace Keeping Action Team Training’ for the barangay police so that they too can be educated and enabled to help in implementing the law. She added that by June, no violators will be excused for not knowing about the ordinance. She also sends her apologies to all concerned due to the shortcomings of her office owing to the breakdown of the garbage trucks. The Ecological Solid Waste management only have four garbage trucks in service and much of the time these trucks break down simultaneously, hence the delay of garbage collections.

Thanks is due for the suggestion of the Honorable Ananias Solina, President of the Liga Ng Mga Barangay, to purchase additional garbage trucks to help the Municipal’s needs.

Comment from the President of Kool Earth: “This remains a suggestion until the trucks are delivered, so keeping fingers cross Kalibo will get the real thing soon./TE

When Time Slows Down

Have you ever had an experience where everything seemed to go into slow motion? Perhaps you were involved in a road accident, or maybe you fell from a ladder. Maybe you fell in love, and that moment seemed to last forever.

The great Buddha once said that if you are spending time with a pretty girl, an hour feels like a second. But if you are sitting on a red hot coal then a second seems like an hour. Herein lies the clue.

I was recently talking to a friend who related to me an experience he had in his youth whilst driving a motorbike at speed. Whilst negotiating a roundabout he leaned over too far, the surface of the road was slippery, and as the motorbike started to slide from under him, everything appeared to go into slow motion.

So vivid was this experience that forty years on he can still see the sequence of events as they happened and described them in precise detail. He can still see the motorbike spinning around on the roaad in front of him. He can still see the sparks given off by the foot rest as it scraped along the road. He can still remember flying through the air and landing somewhat dazed but otherwise unharmed in a ditch.

He explained how over the years he had pondered this incident in an attempt to explain why time slowed down. The conclusion at which he arrived is extremely thought provoking.

In that moment his attention became so concentrated that his focus was solely upon the moment. There was no time for him to think about his girlfriend, no time to think about his examination results, no time to think about his bank account, or even whether he had enough money to buy food for that day. In that moment he had to survive, and there were no other issues to cloud his mind.

This led him to a conclusion which even today he finds quite extraordinary, and that is that if our focus becomes concentrated time appears to slow down, then if our focus were to become perfect, then time would cease altogether, and in that moment we would experience Eternity.

All of the great prophets have spoken of an incredible place which they have described by different names, be it Nirvana, Samedi, or the Kingdom of Heaven. All of them have explained that this is an experience which each of us can attain within this lifetime.

What if Eternity is not just some far off dream, what if the Kingdom of Heaven lies not beyond some green hill far away, but within us? Jesus spoke very clearly when he told us that the Kingdom of Heaven lies within. Could it be that he was in fact telling the truth?

It is my firm belief that the Kingdom of Heaven resides within each one of us waiting to be discovered by those whose troubled hearts are crying out for peace. The Kingdom of Heaven is not some physical place as many suppose it to be, but rather it is an experience that resides within us all, and as such it is within the reach of each and every one of us.

If in our lives we are fortunate enough to experience Eternity then one thing is for sure, and that is that we have finally discovered the Kingdom of Heaven within. I wish you all good luck upon your journey./TE

Aklan Showcase to Experience and Enjoy

The 55th Anniversary of Aklan Day Celebrations will be highlighted by the six-day Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival on 25-30 April 2011 at The Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds in Kalibo, Aklan.

This festival which is now on its 12th year has mainly featured Aklan’s best products made of piña, abaca and raffia loomwoven fabrics, fashion accessories and souvenir item. It also includes the best-tasting processed meat, bakery, confectionery and pasalubong products and plants and garden products.

Other exhibits will include:

1. A showcase of engineered bamboo products in Aklan, in line with one of DTI’s flagship program to promote and develop a local resource-based industry

2. Contemporary Lifestyle Setting of Living Space by International Lifestyle designer PJ Arañador

3. Agro-Industrial exhibit of the 17 municipalities of Aklan featuring their One-Town-One Product (OTOP)

Alongside the Fiber Festival will be a nightly dinner event with native, splendid and gastronomic cuisine of the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo. Guest and visitors will enjoy the jovial mood with live band music and entertainment.

The fiber Fest is also a showcase of Public and private Partnership (PPP) led by the Provincial Government of Aklan, with the Congressional District Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, Fiber Industry Development Authority, the Aklan Piña and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc., the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of commerce and Industry, Inc. – Aklan Chapter./TE

Lenten Recollection to ARC Prisoners

It was a really fulfilling day for the daughters of Immaculate, Diocese of Kalibo. The four vicariates that composed the diocese worked hand in hand with the chairperson, committee on assistance to prisoners’ families and their victims to give the inmates of the Aklan Rehabilitation Center a Lenten recollection. The day started with a Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Peter Kim I. de la cruz, spiritual director of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo circle. Rev. Fr. Jonnifer I. Indadaño, Chancellor of the Diocese of Kalibo gave an enlightening talk on Sufferings and pain as means to achieve positive gains and spiritual peace. Sis Billie Calizo-Quimpo Vicarial Regent, Mary the Queen and Vice Governor of Aklan gave an inspiring message and saw the opportunity to help improve the conditions of the Provincial Jail to benefit the inmates. Sis Jean Velarde, Past Int’l Regent also gave a short message and very welcomed news that she had solicited a scholarship grant to benefit a deserving dependent of an inmate. Sis Baby Acevedo, Regional Representative gave a reflection, and Sis Inday Ibao talked about the “Blessed Virgin Mary and The Rosary”. She distributed rosary beads and guide on how to pray the rosary for the inmates.

Lunch was distributed courtesy of Sis Billie Calizo-Quimpo and merienda offered by sis Medela Solanoy, Diocesan Chairperson for Welfare of Prisoners, their Families and Victims. Gift bags which contained the inmate’s basic needs like laundry and bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, noodles, t-shirt, biscuits, etc. were distributed to each inmate courtesy of the different circles through their circle regents

It was a spiritually filled Lenten offering where our DMI Sisters reached out to a good number of 245 inmates and brought them joy, hope and the chance to get closer to feel God’s presence and great love./TE

Aprobado it Sangguniang Bayan it Kalibo

By: Doniel Aguirre

Ro resolusyon nga gin-proponer ni Hon. Peter Jene Lao, sa anda karang regular session hay naka address kanday Hon. Teodorico Haresco Jr., Congressman ag partylist representative it Kasanga Partylist ag Governanor Carlito Marquez para magpangayo it financial statement assistance para sa pagpa-kongkreta ku porsyon it provincial road nga makit-an sa brgy. Briones nga nagakahaega it P250, 000.00.

Sa resolusyon ni Lao nakasaad nga sambilog sa mga prayoridad ag atension ku Munisipyo hay rong road construction ag maintenance. Rong porsyon it rondayang karsada hay mga 76.00 linear meters ag kaparte gihapon it provincial road ag bukon it manami nga agyan ku mga nagtaliwan nga dinag-un nga kung sa siin padayon pa nga nagakasamad makaron. Kun rondayang karsada hay mapa-simento, makabenipisyo kara ro may 1, 068 nga mga residenti it brgy. Kaeakip man ro mga tawo sa kaeapit nga barangay.

Bangud man ku limitado nga pondo ag idugang pa ro mabahoe nga budget para sa iba pang programa ag proyekto ku munisipyo, kinahang-ean gid ro pag-usoy it ibang pama agi para mapatigayon nga hika-ayad ron dayang karsada. Ro nasambit nga resolusyon hay eagi –eagi nga gin- aprubahan./TE

Heaven and Hell

He was a bank robber by profession, and for many years he had been extremely successful. On this particular day however something went wrong. Perhaps it was a question of bad timing. Perhaps it was due to poor judgement. Or perhaps it was because the security guard was extremely alert that day. For suddenly there came a flash and a shot rang out. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and fell to his knees, for the bullet had struck him in the heart.

He felt the life flow from him as the world around him began to fade, until finally the world was no more. How much time had elapsed before he opened his eyes once more he could not say. It could have been a second, it could have been a millennium. It took him a moment to readjust. He was perplexed.

“Where am I?” he thought to himself. “What has happened to me?”

He looked around and found himself in a great hall in which the walls and ceiling were all painted white. The room was very bright, but it contained no item of furniture save for the desk set in one corner, also painted white, behind which sat the most angelic being simply dressed in a white robe. Slowly he approached this being, and with a voice that was hesitant and filled with misgiving he inquired:

“Excuse me, but am I dead?”
“Yes” replied the being.”
You are indeed dead.”
“Then who are you?” he asked in a voice that trembled.

“I am here to serve your every need” came the reply, “and to provide for you all that you require.”

The man could not believe his good fortune, for his life had been filled with bad deeds and he had never believed in God. How could it be that he had ended up in Heaven? But being one who always made the most of any opportunity he kept quiet about his past misdeeds and instead enquired of the being;

“If this is where I am to stay then would it be possible to furnish the room?”

“Why certainly” replied the being. “What kind of furniture would you like?”

He carefully described the furniture he required including a four poster bed draped with lace, tapestries upon the wall, a chandelier made of diamonds, and ornaments fashioned out of ivory and gold. In the twinkling of an eye it was done, and he spent some time reclining on the bed in order to fully absorb the opulence which now surrounded him. After some time, though not before he felt thoroughly rested, he approached the being once more.

“Excuse me” he said. “But would it be possible to arrange for company?”

“What kind of company would you like?” enquired the being.

“I would like some girls” the man replied somewhat shyly.

“Then girls you shall have” answered the being, and in no time at all he found himself surrounded by twelve of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen, all eager to please him in whatever way they could. For two or three days he delighted in their company as they fed him with grapes and with exotic fruits, massaged him, danced for him, and provided him with whatever else it is that a man requires. Surely he was in Heaven!

After a few days however the novelty began to wear off and he began to feel restless. Approaching the being once again he enquired;
“Do you think it would be possible for me to get some action?”
“What kind of action would you like?” asked the being.
“Well I like to rob banks” he replied. “Do you think it could be arranged?”
“Most certainly” said the being. “In fact you can start right away.”

And so each day the man would go out to rob banks, and each time he was so successful that before long there was no more space in which to store all the money he had stolen. So he approached the being again, this time to request some means by which to spend the money.

“How would you like to spend the money?” asked the being.
“I enjoy gambling” he replied.
“Very well” said the being. “I will arrange it for you.”

That same evening he went out to gamble and was so successful that he brought home with him a whole suitcase full of money. The same thing happened the following night, and the night after, and the night after that, until there was simply no space to move in the room where he was staying, since the room was stacked up to the ceiling with money. Finally he decided to approach the being one more time.

“Something is wrong” he said.
“What is wrong?” asked the being.

“My room is wonderful” the man explained, “and the company delightful. The girls do everything I ask and they never complain. When I go out robbing banks I am always successful and never get caught, and whenever I gamble I never lose. I always win. It just feels wrong.”

“How often would you like to lose?” asked the being.

“No, that’s not it” replied the man. “You have been very kind to me and have provided me with all that I asked. But I am curious. I hope that you will not be offended if I ask if I can go and take a look at the other place just so that I can see what hell is like.”

The being slowly looked up to hold him in his gaze.

“I’m sorry” he said, “but it seems that there has been a misunderstanding. This is hell. For in hell you can have everything that you desire.... but you will never be satisfied!”/TE

Special Feature

Lalaine L. Mortera MD, FPCP, FPCCP

Dr. Lalaine L. Mortera is articulate and has a melodic voice. It is a voice that will wake you up if you are slumbering after the last speaker put you to sleep. She has a good sense of humour, she is friendly, accommodating and very patient. I believe that she has plenty of practice in being patient because she is a doctor.
Lalaine . L. Mortera is the current program manager of the TBLINC PTSI Project for the Private Sector and is currently in active clinical practice. She is both a Fellow and a Diplomate of the College of Physicians (PCP) and the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) and is affiliated with the Lung Centre of the Philippines, MCU Hospital and the Medical Centre in Manila.

She is the current Executive Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Philippine Coalition against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT). In March 2009, she was conferred the Manuel L. Quezon Award as Outstanding Physician in recognition of her exemplary contribution in the achievement of NTP targets for Metro Manila.

She is responsible for setting up the following: DOTS Centre in Private Hospitals and Clinics; the Training of Med-Techs for Direct Sputum Smear Microscopy (DSSM) with World Health Organization standards; DOTS Provider Training for DOTs Team; TBDC Training (TB Diagnostic Committee), PDI Orientation (Pharmacy DOTs Initiative; Policy and Governance Support for LGU’s; (No Rx, no dispensing of Anti-TB Drugs.

Presently, she is the co-investigator for the TB Prevalence Survey in prisons and jails, a PTSI research endeavour in collaboration with DOH, ICRC, BuCor, DILG, WHO and PCHRD. She is the principal investigator for the Incidence of Active Tuberculosis amongst Health Care Workers with Latent TB Infection which is being conducted at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

The list of her achievements is longer than my two arms joined together. I can understand her commitment because I have met her in person. I heard how passionate she is for her choosen profession. If all doctors were like her then maybe we would have less people to be treated as she is always prepared for an emergency./TE

The King’s Daughter

There was a king who wished to find a husband for his daughter, so he issued a decree throughout his Kingdom that whomsoever wished to marry the princess should come to the palace on a certain day.

When the day came the king looked out to see at least a hundred potential suitors who had gathered outside the palace. Wishing for the noblest one amongst them to marry his daughter, he pointed to a mountain in the distance and said:

“Whichever one amongst you can move that mountain; to him shall I give my daughter’s hand in marriage.”

Many of the potential suitors turned away, for how could a man single handedly move a mountain? Others stayed a while to ponder the task set before them, but in time they too turned away until only one man remained.

After looking long and hard at the mountain, this man finally stepped forward, picked up a spade, and took one step towards the mountain.

“You shall marry my daughter” said the king./TE

SPORTS

The young wood pushers (although I understand the pieces are made of plastic?)

Look at that impish smile, she is definitely confident with her game, whilst her opponent looks so serious and their lone audience finds it amusing to watch the game. These are only three of Aklans representatives to the chess tournament 2011 National Age Group Chess Champions to be held in Davao on April 24 to 28 2011. They will be accompanied by Mr. Fred Neri on this trip and he hopes that these children will bring home some awards. If any of these children go through in this competition they will automatically represent the whole Philippines to the Asean Age Groups Chess Championship to be held in Tarakan, Indonesia. (Photos by Chita Heap, AKO member. )

CLASSIC LITERATURE

George Orwell
Animal Farm
By: Miko dela Cruz

Animal Farm is a classic novel written by George Orwell depicting the stages a group of individuals experience when going through rebellion against authority . The fallout has disastrous consequences upon the ignorant mind slaves of two-faced revolutionary leaders. Written by Orwell in 1945, the release of the novel coincided with the rise of communism throughout the world, from the Soviet Union, to China, Korea and the far flung reaches of Cuba.

The novel depicts the story of how a group of animals on a farm in England led by the more cunning pigs, devise a plot to overthrow their human masters. When they successfully run the humans off the farm, they create a manifesto that basically promotes equality for all animal kind and hatred for the human beings who were their former masters.

Seeing that the rebellion was successful on their small farm, the pig leaders spread their ideals and beliefs to other farms in the country, prompting others to initiate rebellions of their own. The animals create their own free independent government, free from the control and influence of humans.

As time goes by, things on the farm begin to change, as the pigs have distorted and coaxed their way to enable the manifesto they have created to benefit their own personal goals. The original idealism of their manifesto is no more, since the pig leaders had violated the core rulings they had once championed on behalf of their animal masses. The pigs had become humanlike; they wore clothes, they drank alcohol, they walked upon two legs and so on.

When dissidence and questioning arises from their animal brethren, they see to it that opposition is dealt with quickly and severely. Fear and terror become the rule of the farm, and trade to humankind is opened up under the cover of progress. The farm goes back to being human controlled as the pigs decree that the revolution is no more.

The end of the story is a metaphor relating to world events. The pigs and the humans, when drinking and gambling together side by side are indistinguishable from each other.

Animal Farm when it was first published was subjected to heavy criticism and opposition for its apparent mockery of the communism ideal. Orwell on his part was just expressing his point of view regarding what could happen to a community when they trust their own will and beliefs to the care and supervision of a chosen few. If George Orwell were alive now to see what had become of those States of which he had been so blatantly critical at the time of his novel’s publication, he would indeed be amazed as to how prophetic and accurate his predictions of the outcome of the ‘equal’ nations would prove to be./TE

THE GOOD LIFE

These letters were in response to Ms. Lunn’s article in the previous issue on REALITY BITES.

Dear Megs

Many thanks for your excellent and courageous paper. Thank you also to Hamish for his mail which further confirms what the Swiss journalist wrote.

For his own information, I attach a full copy of the translation of the article, published in “Le Temps “ in February 2011.

The story of Hamish’s friend is right there! I might add that our Embassies Legal Offices, both the Swiss and the French, are full packed with similar cases.

You are quite right in saying that one should not generalise, that the Philippines is a beautiful Country, where life “should” be wonderful, with very friendly people, but ...

You are also very right in saying that Filipinas can also sometime become victims of foreigners, for instance violence under influence.

I must admit that a vast majority of the Expats I have seen, for instance in Malls, in Bacolod, are not the ones I would want to see migrate in the Philippines !!! They very often are quite old, mainly interested in cheap alcohol, cheap labour and readily available female company, sometimes, cheap drugs.

Most of them have no education, no culture and no manners. They indeed give a poor image of us, Caucasians.

It reminds me, for instance, of Australia, way back in the 18th. and 19th. Centuries, when the Brits deported their “black sheep” to this new Continent, or the French sending theirs to the African Colonies.

The Philippines need more high quality Immigrants who will bring added value to the Country, but security and protection are what they are looking for.

Without this, they will keep choosing other Countries to settle down and to invest.

Take care and be careful, remember that the Judiciary, will always protect their fellow members, all the way up to the Supreme Court, and that the Administration, including the Justice Secretary, has no say there.

Have a pleasant week end.

Bernard

****

Dear Bernard,

You are absolutely spot on. I think that half of the problem stems from the fact that so many foreigners here behave so badly, and therefore there is little respect for us, generally speaking, from the locals. Who can blame them? I keep my distance from Boracay these days, not because I don’t like the resort or the fact that one can get a really good meal there, but because I am sick of the sight of fat old foreigners, either drunk on alcohol or drugs or leering after young girls, and even worse, sometimes young children. Some permanent residents wake at 10, stagger to their nearest watering hole and sit on the same bar stool until 2 in the morning. What a life!

However, on the brighter side, once one is accepted here and fully integrated, then things really change for the better.

I agree with you that, if the Philippines really wants to attract retired people of the right background and status, they need to improve the legal system to protect the interests of both parties and improve the security. Otherwise, Thailand ( and even Malaysia) will remain the preferred destination.

Best wishes

Hamish /TE

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE

Historical Highlights on Dystonia

Continued from Issue no. 1 Vol. 5

Fifteen years later, Lee and colleagues described the phenotype of XDP as a combination of dystonia and Parkinsonism and proposed to designate the disorder as sex-linked recessive dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) (Kupke, Lee, & muller, 1990; Lee, Kupke, Caballar-Gonzaga, Hebron-Ortiz, &Muller 1991). The coexistence of dystonia and parkinsonism in XDP was confirmed by Fhan and co workers (Fhan, 1991; Wilhelmsen et al., 1991) who introduced the term “Lubag,” which in ilongo (a visayan dialect) connotes “to twist.” Twenty-five years after the first article; the natural history of XDP has become apparent, as more cases were identified and followed in the Philippines XDP registry. Moreover, an XDP Study Group was formed not only to track the clinical course of XDP but also to forge a partnership with the local government, Health department, the Philippine Neurological association and academic medical centers, in identifying cases. A comprehensive account of the movement disorder was described in the 2001 – 2002 review (Lee, Munoz, Tan, & Reyes, 2001; Lee et al., 2002). Since then, more articles have been published on XDP (Evidente, 2005; Evidente et al., 2002; Evidente, Gwinn-Hardy, Hardy, Hernandez, & Singleton, 2002; Lew et al., 1994).
The XDP study Group has undertaken surveillance of XDP cases since the 80s. An infrastructure for identification and referral of suspected cases has been formed. Currently, cases presenting with a movement disorder along with a positive family history are referred by members of the Philippine Neurological Association to the Movement Disorders Clinics of the University and Medical Centers in metro Manila. Locally, in Panay Island, at the Roxas City Health Office, XDP cases are referred by the barangay (smallest government unit) health workers to the Dystonia Clinic of the city Health Office as part of the 1992 agreement between the Department of Health and the local government with the XDP study Group./TE

Zodiac Sign

Gemini

The third sign of the Zodiac is Gemini- the Twins- communicative, curious, inventive and multi-faceted. The heavenly twins shown in astrological illustrations are usually Castor and Pollux, sons of Leda. Sometimes they are depicted as two women, sometimes as a boy and a girl. But no matter how they are presented, Gemini is puzzlement. Ruled by Mercury, the Messenger of Gods, on the surface this is the most changeable of signs. Arians say,”I am”, Taurus, “I have”, but here the key phrase is “I Think”.

Those born in the latter part of May or the first three weeks of June always seem to be thinking, analysing, rationalizing or – talking. But one must always remember that this is the time of the ‘Flower of Flowers’- the Rose. In the clear light of June, there is no place in all the world more perfect, no home of peace more sweet than that to be found in an old English garden.

However, ‘that spring should vanish with the Rose’, laments a Persian poet, and for all their gaiety and apparent preoccupation with the new and untried, Geminians frequently seem to want to linger a while longer in their youth. Author, Poet and Painter has each, in his or her own way, tried to capture the glories of June, when nature dons her brightest robe when:

Fair stars that crown a happy day.

Go in and out as if at play./TE

Wit And Wisdom

I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it.
- W. C. Fields -
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.
- Will Rogers -
Don’t worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older, it will avoid you.
- Winston Churchill -
Maybe it’s true that life begins at fifty. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.
- Phyllis Diller -
By the time a man is wise enough to watch his step, he’s too old to go anywhere.
- Billy Crystal -
Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character, but if you must be without one, be without the strategy.
- Gen.H. Norman Schwarzkopt -
The future has a way of arriving unannounced.
- George F. Will -
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.
- Harper Lee -
Memory is a complicated thing, a relative to truth, but not its twin.
- Barbara Kingsolver -
Stigmas are the corollaries of values. If work, independence, responsibility, respectability are valued, then their converse must be devalued, seen as disreputable.
- Gertrude Himmelfarb -
The young do not know enough to be prudent and therefore they attempt the impossible- and achieve it, generation after generation.
Pearl S. Buck
The difference between reality and fiction? Fiction has to make sense.
Tom Clancy
A hero is someone we can admire without apology. Kitty Kelley

Powerful Strategies for Staying Safe/ Planning and Setting Boundaries

Refusing to Engage

Rapist, stalkers, and other assailants, often engage their victims with non threatening behaviour before attacking. They throw out a verbal ‘rope’ and hope you grab it. They might attempt to get personal information from you. Refuse to reveal personal information to strangers, and put the brakes on conversations that make you uncomfortable, defensive or upset.

• Refusing to engage in conversation with strangers can help keep you safe. You are not required to respond to anyone’s overtures.

• Ignore the conversation. Walk away or pick up a book or magazine to signal that you are otherwise occupied.

• If a conversation with someone you know is getting too heated, simply disengage and say you will continue the discussion some other time.

• Do not allow others to push your buttons. Do not respond even if they say provocative things like, “You do not care about the homeless,” or are you a racist?”

Advice: Practice refusing to engage with a friend. Have them push your buttons by making provocative statements like “Oh you are so stupid.” Or why did you say such lies?”

Make it your goal not to react or reply to these provoking statements./TE

Laughter the best Medicine (Source- RD)

On Driving: The driving instructor was giving a lesson to an extremely nervous student who panicked whenever another car approached on a particular two lane road. One day however they got to the same stretch of road, and she remained completely calm. “This time you are doing fine!” exclaimed the instructor. “Yes” the new driver replied. “Now when I see another car coming, I shut my eyes.”/TE

Points to Ponder

Pride comes from an achievement that does not depend on others’ approval. It is the hard earned approval we grant ourselves. It prods us to distance ourselves from the herd. Today however the word has been so debased that it is used to describe people whose only distinction is that they are part of the herd. People claimed they are “proud” because they are gay, black, female,, white, whatever, all of which are accidents of nature. Real pride makes us distinctive, even if only in our mind’s eye. Pat Jordan/TE

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Province of Aklan

Capital:Kalibo, Area: 1,818 sq. km. , Population:410,539, No. of Towns: 17
Location

Aklan is the northwestern part of Panay Island in Western Visayas. It is bounded on the north by the Sibuyan Sea, on the south and southeast by Capiz and on the west by Antique.

A Brief History

Aklan, including what is now Capiz, was organized as Minuro it Aklan by settlers from Borneo in 1213. It was one of three political units, or sakops, into which Panay was divided, the other two being Hamtic (now Antique) and Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). The first ruler of Aklan was named Datu Bangkaya. Under Datu Dinagandan, the present site of Bataan was made its capital towards the end of the fourteenth century. In 1433, Datu Bendahara Kalantiaw promulgated the Code of Kalantiaw, one of the earliest written body of laws. When Datu Manduyog became ruler in 1437, he moved the capital to Bakan (the ancient name of Banga). When Legazpi landed in Bataan in 1569, Datu Kabayag was ruling Aklan from what is now Libacao.

When the Spaniards settled in the area, they changed its name to Capiz, much to the dismay of the Aklanons. The Aklanons agitated for their separation from Capiz throughout the American period. Aklan finally became a separate province in 1956.

An early Aklanon settlement called Madyanos, near the town of Numancia, later became Kalibo.

The People

The Aklanons are closely related to the Ilonggos, but they speak a distinct dialect also called Aklanon. The dialect is said to be traceable to an old datu’s defective manner of speaking that everyone imitated.

The ponu-an, a customary gathering of elders, is still practiced in the barangays.

Commerce and Industry

Most Aklanons derive their livelihood from fishing or growing rice, corn, coconut and abaca. There is no large-scale manufacturing but there are many family-owned cottage industries. These include weaving piña or sinamay cloth, and making bamboo, rattan abaca into furniture of handicrafts.

Tourist Attractions

Aklan has two major attractions, which draw thousands of visitors to its shores: the Ati-Atihan Festival and Boracay Island.

The Ati-Atihan Festival, held every second week of January, is a celebration of two events: the thirteenth century land deal between the Bornean datus and the aboriginal Atis, and the feast of Sto. NiÔo, Kalibo’s patron saint, who is said to have saved the town from Moro raiders. Three days of parades beginning of Friday climax in a Sunday procession. Revelers blacken their faces in imitation of the Atis and don colorful costumes made from local materials such as coconut shells, feathers and fronds. The celebrants stage a shuffling dance in the streets amid drum-beats and cries of Hala, Bira!

Boracay Island, located 68 km from Kalibo in the northern tip of Aklan, is famous for its palm-fringed white sand beach, stretching for 3 ½ km from sitios Din-iwid to Angol between barangays Balabag and Manok-Manok. A third barangay, Yapak, is the source of puka shells, which are used to make bracelets and and necklaces. The island is accessible by motorized banca from Caticlan in Malay town. Several other beach resorts, waterfalls, caves and hills can also be found throughout the province.

In the vicinity of Kalibo are Lambingan Beach, 3 km northwest, a palm-fringed beach with cottages of various sizes, and Bougainvillea Beach, 4 km northeast, a popular place for promenaders at sundwon. Tinagong Dagat is a sea hidden from the bay by two islands. Its waters are ideal for speedboating and water skiing.

Javili Falls in Tangalan, between Kalibo and Boracay, has seven basins arranged in tiers, the highest of which is about 100 m high. Each basin is a swimming area. Tindog Falls in Madalag, south of Kalibo, is unique for its basin, which is located above instead of below the falls.

Tulingon Cave, believed to be the one of the longest in the country, stretches for 20 km from Nabas town to Pandan, Antique.

Camp Verde, at the border of Tanglan and Ibajay, is a reforestation area, which at 1,348 m, is a cool retreat during summer. Another reforestation site is in Nabaoy, Malay, with a river a stone’s throw away from it.

Ob-Ob Hill, 4 km east of Batan poblacion at an altitude of 200 m, stands like a lighthouse facing the Sibuyan Sea. Ingus-Ingus Hill in Buruanga in the west coast is an elevated mass of rocks overlooking the sea on three sides; underneath is a cave where, according to tales, pirates waited to prey on Spanish galleons from Mexico. Agtawagon Hill in Balete, southeast of Kalibo, served as a line of defense for Filipino soldiers during both the Spanish times and World War II.

Manduyog Hill, in Banga between Kalibo and Balete, is 183 m high with life-size Stations of the Cross winding up the hillside to a chapel at the summit. Fatima Hill, 9 km southwest of Kalibo, also has the Way of the Cross on the hillside. A big cross tops the hill in Sitio Agbunsud in Malinao, also southwest of Kalibo.

In the Pink Sisters Convent in New Washington, 112 km east of Kalibo, everything is pink from the convent’s façade and corridors to the nun’s habits.

Kalantiaw Shrine, in Batan, honors the first known Filipino law-giver and displays a copy of the original manuscript of the Code. Freedom Shrine, within the town of Kalibo, has a monument signifying the heroic stand of Aklanons during World War II. Museo it Aklan, also in Kalibo, is a repository of the province’s rich cultural and historical past.

Getting There

There are at least two flights from Manila to Kalibo daily; flying time is 50 minutes. Boracay-bound chartered flights land in Caticlan in Malay town. From there, motorboats bring passengers to the island resort./TE

Editorial, March 6-12, 2011

The Tanganyikan Laughing Incident

It all began in a school classroom somewhere in Tanganyikan in 1964 when two school girls started giggling in class and found themselves unable to stop. Soon they began to affect other pupils in the class until finally the teacher had to intervene. In the process of trying to stop the giggling the teacher began giggling too and it all got much out of control that the lesson had to be abandoned. For nobody could stop.

As the pupils went around the school their giggling continued, and this started the other children giggling. When the teacher returned to the staff room she was still giggling, and this set the other teachers off. In fact the whole situation got so out of hand that the school had to be closed down for the day and the children sent home.

When the children arrived home their mothers were intrigued to know why they were giggling but in their endeavour to make the children explain they started giggling too. When their fathers arrived home from work to find their wives and children giggling, they too became curious to know the cause, but in the process of their enquiries they also began to giggle.

In the meanwhile, motorists passing through the village noticed that everyone in the village was giggling. They were at first perplexed, but by the time they had driven through the village they too had been overtaken by a fit of the giggles.

In the next village the villagers were surprised to see a succession of motorists driving through their village, all of whom had the giggles. In no time at all the people in this village began to giggling too.

And so it continued, with the giggling travelling like a wave across Tanganyika, until the whole country had been affected. In all it took six months for the giggling to subside. This incident is documented./TE

Kool Earth Inc., Join Forces with Boracay European International School

by: Chita Heap

Boracay International European School recently invited Kool Earth to join forces with them in order to assist the school in their coastal Clean-up Drive and tree planting on April 7 and April 8 2011, in conjunction with the ‘Earth Day Celebration.’

April 7, 2011, the President, the Vice President, and the secretary of Kool Earth together with two new members arrived in BIES at 10: 45 in the morning. The children, whose ages ranged from three to fifteen, were already in the room waiting for Dr. Felma de la Cruz to talk about the effect of garbage on our health and upon our environment.

The President of KE (yours truly) was welcomed by the children with warm hugs and beautiful smiles. The school has forty pupils. The children were well behaved for their ages, and yet I expressed some doubt regarding how much these young minds would comprehend the issue. To my surprise, Dr. Felma captured their attention from the outset. After her talk I encouraged the children to give feedback on what they had heard and what they had understood.

These children exhibited a real grasp of the issues discussed. After the talk they had their lunch, and at 1 p.m. they were lined up in front of their headmaster, Mr. Adonis Miles. A young soft spoken gentleman who instructed the children about how they should behave outside the school premises. He stressed the need to respect and listen to their teachers, to respect their guests and also their fellow classmates. We then went down the road, led by Miss Kate Bliss, going towards Isla Boracay for the clean- up afternoon. Sadly Dr Felma and I had to return to Kalibo for another appointment, but we were never the less extremely impressed by this noble endeavour. I will write more about these excursions in the next issue after the children complete their tree planting./TE

The winners

The 2011 annual Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet was hosted this year by the Province of Iloilo and was held from March 20-24, 2011 at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Lapaz, Iloilo City. The said annual competition is participated by six (6) provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. In the Swimming Event, the province of Aklan performed well this year. In the elementary level girls Isabela Selyn Ibarreta took the gold in the 50 and 100 meter butterfly, bronze in the 100 meter backstroke and 200 meter freestyle. Ada Beatriz Alba Ortega won silver in the 200m individual medley, 50 meter freestyle and Bronze in the 100 meter breaststroke, 400 meter freestyle and 50 meter backstroke. The elementary girls relay team won the bronze in the 4x50 meter medley relay composed of Isabela Selyn Ibarreta (Starglow), Ada Beatriz Alba Ortega (Wadeford School), Lian Sorence Magbiro (Marian High) and Samantha Ibarreta (Starglow).

The Elementary Boys plucked the Bronze in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay coming in third after Negros Occidental and Antique relay teams and beating Iloilo and Capiz in a heart pounding close race battle for the bronze. The members of the Aklan team are Emmanuel Rome Ysalakan Candelario dela Cruz (Infant Jesus Academy), Harold Navarra (Marian High), Kobi Ong Soguilon (Wadeford School) and Ron Mitchel Y. Luces (Lilo-an Elementary School).

In the Secondary level (girls), the Province of Aklan grabbed the bronze in the 4x50 meter medley relay composed of Annyka Frances Beatriz Candelario de la Cruz, (Infant Jesus Academy), Celeste Ureta, Krystil Zambrona, and Mae Ibunes (all of Lilo-an National High School) and another bronze was awarded to the province in the 4x100 medley relay courtesy of Annyka Frances Beatriz Candelario dela Cruz (Infant Jesus Academy) Yvonne Mindo, Khay Ann Zambrona and Celeste Ureta also all of Lilo-an National High School.

The Aklan swimming team were trained by Manuel I. de Leon Jr., Pedro Yarre, Aname Y. Luces and Mr. Tom Davis and were coached by Teacher Frensel Castro (elementary girls), Marte Domingo (elementary boys), Nicholas Molo (secondary girls) and Job Vargas (Secondary Boys)

The other members of the Aklan Marlins Swimming Team who participated in the Regional Meet are Alecksandra Sayon, John Glen Masangya, Alain Macahilig (Infant Jesus Academy), Jose Clemente Mationg Gelito (Sto. Niño Seminary), Kyle Bendaña (Wadeford School) Lyra Enero and Cyrene Montaño (St. Ann Montessori), Cyra Montaño (Regional Science High School for Region VI), Jorge Jude Briones of St. Gabriel College and Mark Anthony and Daniel Paul Roberts of Starglow. /TE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by: Chita Dela Cruz-Heap

Uncertain Times

It has been suggested that at no time during the history of man has our Earth been more prone to geological upheaval than at the present time. The increasing frequency of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis bears testimony to this,with extreme weather patterns being a further contributory factor.

Our solar system is currently on the cusp of a new age as we transcend from the age of Pisces into the age of Aquarius. Such transitional periods occur every two thousand years, and are often accompanied by an increase in astronomical activity. Could it be that the movements of stars in the heavens are having a corresponding impact upon the Earth?

It is unlikely that the moon has a significant influence upon the movement of tectonic plates which make up the Earth’s crust, since its orbit around the Earth maintains a regular frequency. It is true that the moon exerts a magnetic pull upon the Earth, as is evidenced by the tidal cycle experienced by our oceans, but its effect on the Earth’s crust is most probably minimal.

The influence of the sun is another consideration.The sun undergoes an eleven year cycle in which it becomes more active at certain periods than at others. It is currently approaching its phase of maximum activity.

The bulk of our planet comprises a molten iron and nickel core which is in a constant state of flux, the Earth’s crust being as little as twelve miles thick in places. The influence that the moon, the sun, and other planets exert upon this molten core remains a matter for speculation, since any impact is extremely difficult to measure.

It is movement within this fluid chore which creates the divergence between true North and magnetic North, a phenomenon of which most sailors are aware. We also know that this divergence is prone to fluctuate in response to movement of molten material within the chore.

We also know from the examination of magnetite crystals found near volcanos that the Earth’s magnetic polarity has undergone a reversal on a number of occasions since the Earth was first formed. That is to say that North has become South, and South has become North, a phenomenon known as a ‘magnetic flip’.

Magnetite crystals are spewed out of volcanos in liquid form during times of volcanic activity, but before solidifying they align themselves along a North to South axis to indicate the position of the Earth’s magnetic North at the time. As a result of geological investigations some 187 magnetic flips have so far been identified, though it is likely that there have been many more.

Scientific evidence indicates that a magnetic flip is now due, since such events tends to occur at regular intervals. The strength of the Earth’s magnetic field has decreased by some 10% since 1980, which is one indication that another flip is due. This is a plausible explanation too for why our planet is becoming warmer, because the Earth’s magnetic field helps to filter out harmful ultra violet radiation from the sun.

Movement within the Earth’s chore is further highlighted by the existence of what has become known as the South Atlantic anomaly. Lines of magnetic force normally emanate from the South pole and re-enter the Earth at the North pole, but in one area of the South Atlantic these lines of magnetic force re-enter the Earth at two locations, both of them being within the vicinity of the Bermuda Triangle.

The Bermuda Triangle has over the years become notorious for the mysterious disappearance of ships and aircraft using its sea lanes and air space. It could well be that this magnetic anomaly is responsible for misleading and inaccurate compass readings which have resulted in the loss of the missing craft.

It has also been found that these areas are slowly moving towards each other, the supposition being that they will ultimately merge to become one. This is a further indication of a dynamic process going on beneath the Earth’s crust, as is the movement of various ‘hot spots’ which give rise to volcanic activity at the surface.

A magnetic flip has not so far occurred since mankind first appeared upon the planet, and as such it will be a unique event. If another flip does occur, quite possibly within the next hundred years, the effects on our planet will be devastating.

Firstly the Earth would loose its atmosphere, and it would most probably take several months for the atmosphere to reform. On a planet with no atmosphere there would be no oxygen to breath. Ultra violet radiation from the sun would no longer be blocked by the Earth’s gravitational field, and nor would it be filtered out by the atmosphere. This radiation would have severe implications for all living organisms including ourselves. We should bear in mind too that on December 21st 2012 every planet in our solar system will form a straight line with the sun. The gravitational impact of this event will be substantial not only upon the Earth but also upon the Sun, and it is anybody’s guess what the consequences might be. It is quite possible that the Earth’s tectonic plates will be subjected to additional pressure as a consequence of such an event.

The nature of our universe is such that it is always changing, always evolving, and nothing remains the same for long. Events which occur in the heavens which surround us invariably have an impact upon our own Earth too, be it to a greater or to a lesser extent.

The future of our planet may be uncertain, but this has always been the case. In due course the future will announce itself, but in the meanwhile we have little option other than to enjoy the time that we have available to us now./TE

Foreign News

Outrage in Afghanistan

Following the burning of a copy of the Koran by Pastors Terry Jones, a radical Florida preacher in the United States, there have been demonstrators all over Afghanistan which culminated in the storming of a UN compound in the town of Mazar E Sharif by angry Afghanis who consider this to be a sacrilegious act and an insult to Islam.

Twelve people were killed in the protest and the compound was set on fire. Some protestors were amongst the dead together with seven UN employees. The incident has generated wide concern about the impact this will have on Muslim around the world./TE Unrest in the Middle East

Unrest continues in the Middle East with many people taking to the streets in protest against high unemployment, escalating food prices, a lack of democratic process, and oppressive regimes.

There have been big protests in Yemen where some factions of the army together with a number of generals have sided with the protestors. In Tunisia tear gas been used against demonstrators whilst in Bahrain more Saudi troops have been brought in to quell the unrest. In Libya the battles still rages between factions still loyal to Colonel Gaddafi and those who are demanding change.

Aden and Syria are amongst the latest countries to experience unrest. In Syria more than seventy five demonstrators have been killed in the last two weeks, some by snipers positioned on roofs and some by plain clothed security agents. Twelve hundred people have been arrested./TE

REALITY BITES

by: Megs S. Lunn

It is embarrassing to know and read the article in the largest Swiss French speaking daily newspaper in Switzerland authored by a prominent journalist who lives in the Philippines, and wrote about “WHEN TROPICAL PARADISE TURNS TO A NIGHTMARE.”

“Anton V. decided to start a new life under the tropics. At 59, this rich swiss business man took a one way ticket for the Philippines, and settled in the island of Mindoro. There he found a Filipina female partner, bought a land and built a house in his new paradise. This was in 2002. A few months later, he separated from this woman who then tried to extort large amounts of money from him, by a widely spread and dangerous method for foreigners in the Philippines: lodging claims with the Immigration Office. This lasted about nine years, of heavy proceedings which could have led to his imprisonment or his banishment out of the country. The ex-female partner asked for 4 million pesos (87000 Swiss Francs) against the cancelation of her complaint. The complainant doesn’t need any proof to denounce a foreigner to the Immigration, who will then immediately be placed on a watch list or even put into jail. Alfred Lehnert, the legal advisor who blanched last December the Swiss of all accusations explains: It is possible to buy a fabricated affidavit for about 2000 pesos (43 Swiss Francs) and district attorneys are often accomplices. In this particular case, the latter has allegedly have pocketed one quarter of the amount extorted, to cancel the complaint.”

This story shows the legal vulnerability of the rich foreigners in countries like the Philippines, where the juridical system is inefficient, and leaves a large spectrum to generalized extortions. It is a very know fact that Filipinos are generally very friendly, but reality bites that our judicial system has a bad reputation.

On the other hand, some foreigners are vulnerable of not knowing the immigration laws that put them in danger of extortion, etc. For other Filipinas, marrying a foreigner is a “lucrative business” for them and their family, too. It’s a pity that in general, other people from other countries look at us this way, yet I can’t blame them, too.

When I received this note from a Swiss friend who recently was a victim by the ex-wife of extortion and false accusations and who said he will no longer come back to the Philippines, I have to tell him straight that one shouldn’t generalize and judge Filipinos this way. But it is indeed a fact that the mentalities of some individuals or public entities are detrimental to the country. The story of Anton and some others who were victims of ex-wives and business partners in the Philippines was in a wide daily newspaper circulating around Switzerland.

The Philippines, like any other country in the world, need foreigners, retired or active to boost the economy, bring in some fresh capital and help to reduce unemployment and even bring people to save, etc. But this will never work in a meaningful way unless foreigners are protected either from individual or official entities.

The only consolation I can tell him which the truth is that, these things can happen to anyone, anywhere in the world. Wherever you are in this universe and whoever you are with, there will always be good and bad intentions by the people or by the government. It’s just a pity it has to happen to him and to some others who maybe, allowed themselves to be a victim, too.

Likewise, anybody can be a victim. A Filipina can be victim of emotional torture, public defamation, and physical abuse and scammed by a foreigner husband, too. I can also tell you some friends who are victims of such without being defensive and bias here.

The main point of this column is that, good or bad things is bound to happen to you wherever you are and in whatever circumstances you are in now. It’s just a matter of being smarter and wiser in all your dealings and to not allow yourself to be a victim, whether you are a Filipino or a foreigner for that matter. We are not telling you to embrace the system in the Philippines. I myself denounce “bad intentions” to your fellowmen, but rather, to believe that life is good and that good things are bound to happen to you in the years ahead. You just have to create it yourself. When you learn your lessons, learn hard from it and you will know what to do next time. But be discouraged to come to the Philippines? Well, it will be your lost and not mine.

Like in any other country, there are far more good people around here than what you read in the paper or heard over the radio/television. I hope my fellow Filipino is reading this column so you will know how pathetic I can be towards you and our beloved country. Please be aware not to do any scam to your fellowmen and our friends from abroad. Do not bring embarrassment to us Filipino and the whole country./TE

Life’s Encounter

We have our individual experiences as we travel the journey of life. On that journey we travel accompany by our life’s principles that help us in whatever vulnerable encounter. Our life experience is basically the same, it’s the content of that experience differ us from one another. Importantly, we learn.

Our experience could be our life story. In every chapters of our life experiences consist of different stories with different characters. These characters are those people who have been part of our experience. They perform role based on the content of our life experience.

We cannot avoid those people who unexpectedly played unpleasant character in our life, that we would consider them as an irksome character of our life story. Their purpose is not for the kindness. They rather block your window of success and even do their best for your breakdown. They often part of our life history in a quest for brighter future. Sometimes it is too hard to get rid from them.

Let’s do not hope badly for these people even most times they tried to pull you down and stop you in pursuit of brightness. Instead, think of them as brainwave to continue life journey. No matter how many times you fail and how loud is their laughter when you fall. How painful the embarrassment they made to you and how many times your heart cried tears of blood because of them. Never give up! Show your actions of humanity to them until they will realize that they are not doing beneficial to their fellowmen. I may sound rude, but really they exist in doing monkey business at your back most especially when you are not around. They are spreading words of lies against you! They are like evil spirit speaking words of hell intending to you contradicting what an angel wants you to do so.

They are comparable to crooked officials in our government. That instead of minding what should be done to country, they steal money from a government funds. They are barriers in making our country progressive. As a result, governing our country for betterment is tough. Poverty cases rapidly vulnerable and crimes will be rampant. But for those who do their task keenly, they never lose their faith of having a better future.

It is life. Strugglers are always at hand. Adverse people are sure to encounter. But bear in mind changes is constant. There is always a place for it. Let us be an instrument for other individual to have worthy changes. A sun has to rest and leave you for awhile in darkness. But later he will smile at you and shines your way. Likewise, God is watching over you until the end of time. He knows your kindness. He brings it back to you in forms of blessings in any way he can./TE

Wit & Wisdom

A word of advice: Do not watch how a man behaves with a woman he loves. Instead watch how he behaves with the woman he leaves.

Marie Claire

Just as food is eaten without hunger is bad for one’s health, so does study without interest twist one’s memory and prevent one from assimilating what the memory absorbs.

Leonardo da Vinci

Democracy is not created by the governments. It is a culture, a way of life that needs to be tended every day, much like good marriage.

Cecile Cilliers

On Laws (Laying down the Laws) Law of Energy: Children have more energy after a hard day of play than they do after a good night’s sleep.

Steve Jarrel Law of Government: The amount of time required to finish any project is equal to the amount of time already spent on it.

Jay Trachman Law of Airlines: The shorter the time between flights, the greater the distance between the gates.

Doug Larson Law of Cybernetic Entomology: There is always one more bug.

Part Hartson

The Road to Better Health

Anxiety, Restlessness, Anguish

Anxiety, restlessness, and anguish are mental states that are displayed as feelings of insecurity, worry and the outlook that something terrible is going to happen.

Symptoms: A feeling of insecurity and that something terrible is going to happen. Anxiety is like restlessness and exhibits itself as light or superficial anguish. Anguish, on the other hand, is a deep and undeterminable sense of fear, where most often the cause is unknown.

Causes: The causes can vary greatly, but those that we can cite are:

1 Traumatic experiences in the past; 2) excessive stress; 3) current difficult situations that risk our family’s security or our own. 4)Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts in which the person’s imagination goes beyond reality. 5)Inadequate nutrition; Excessive stimulants, drugs or alcohol.

Suggested treatment:

It’s appropriate to have a psychological analysis or self analysis done to discover the cause of the problem. This analysis should be one by a psychologist or someone who can help determine the root of the problem. In addition to going to a psychologist, we can relieve our uneasiness with nutritious food/or herbs.

>Eliminate alcohol and beverages with caffeine (coffee, cola, black tea, etc.), along with refined sugar.

>Vitamin B1 or thiamine is indispensable for brain function; calcium and magnesium help the nervous system to function better, as well as vitamins B9 and B12 and amino acid Tryptophan, which are indispensable for the production of serotonine and nor-adrenaline, substances for neurotransmission.

Meditation and relaxation also help along with the practice of Yoga in order to considerably decrease anxiety./TE

Powerful Strategies for Staying Safe

By:Jennifer Lawler

Why do we need to practice self defense

What is self- defense? It is the art of staying safe in our place of work, our homes, anywhere every day. Not all self defense mean physical. When an electrician, a plumber or the cable installer knocked at our door,we asked for identification before letting them in. We call a cab instead of walking home late at night, and we make sure our doors are lock securely. But no matter how hard we try to avoid danger, life is unpredictable, and no collection of safety tips can keep us safe all the time. That is why l we need to be familiar with self-defense strategies that will help us deal with dangerous circumstances.

For example: What if a woman is not able to hail a cab, or any kind of transport that will take you to safety? Would you feel comfortable walking home alone at night? Or what if it is your boyfriend who is trying to rape you? The lock on the front door cannot p[rotect you from that. That is why you need self-defense strategies.

While some of the information offered quick tps for handling self-defense situations- remember that there are no dos and don’ts- you do whatever you have to do, including consciously complying with your attacker. Women have been successfully defending themselves for eons using their own wits and creativity.

Using any of the techniques alone I am are going to print here won’t be as effective as a combination of verbal, psychological, and physical techniques, so it is best to develop sets of strategies that we can use. Most importantly, being attack is never your fault. Anyone who survives an attack is a success story.

What is at Risk?

Knowledge is key in self defense. If you understand the risks you face and decide in advance how you will respond to danger, you will be more confident and assured- and thus a less attractive target for attackers.

*Decide what is worth defending. If a mugger grabs your purse, it is not worth risking physical harm to prevent it from being stolen. If someone threatens to hurt you or your child or your elderly parent, however, you need to take action.

* Educate yourself about risks particular to you. Women are more likely to suffer harm from men they know than from strangers. Young women are more likely to be victims of date rape than older women. Depending on nwhere you live, violence against women may be more or less common. Understanding these risks will help you plan how to protect yourself./TE

Travel and Tourism

Libacao, Aklan.

The municipality of Libacao, located 29 kilometers southwest of this capital town, occupies an important spot in the province of Aklan. It serves as the main watershed of Aklan River, which holds considerable economic value to Aklanons as source of potable water supply, farm irrigation, food, and sand and gravel, among others. Libacao’s forests, which lie upstream of the river, are said to be one of the largest remaining forest covers in the entire island of Panay, which has a total land area of 45,091 hectares. The municipality, whose hinterlands serve as home to one of the island’s notable indigenous communities, is considered as the repository of Aklan’s ethnic culture. These indigenous people have distinct ethnic culture and traditions that have been spared from the influence of modern ways of living. Owing to these attributes, Mayor Charito Navarosa is pushing his town as an alternative inland tourism destination in the province, which boasts of the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town. Upstream, Aklan River in Libacao is a newly discovered site for wild river bamboo rafting, kayaking and other water-based sports.

Libacao’s is considered as having the longest “wild river” in the Philippines. Libacao’s unique indigenous people dwell in the area around Mt. Nangtud, the highest in the central part of Panay Island, which has a global positioning system recorded height of 2,150 meters.

The peak is found at the boundaries of Aklan, Iloilo and Antique provinces and belongs to the Mt. Baloy range. Aside from its Wild River and unique indigenous community, Libacao also holds a treasure trove of virgin forests, tropical flora and fauna, waterfalls, springs, and creeks. It is rich in natural resources and minor forest products and is blessed with fertile lands and weather favorable to agriculture throughout the year, enabling the town to become the leading producer of abaca fiber in Western Visayas.

The town is a major producer of rice, cattle, bananas, copra, vegetables, bamboo, root crops, and fruits such as lanzones, durian, marang, mangosteen, seedless pomelo, chico, rambutan, and local oranges. It has potentials to produce high value crops, tropical flowers, vegetables and fruits. Navarosa said the national and provincial governments have recognized his town’s economic potentials and have started providing support including farm-to-market roads in hinterland barangays to help spur agriculture and tourism. The town was visited August 7 by President Arroyo, the first Chief Executive to do so to Aklan’s biggest municipality, to inaugurate a P40-million river revetment wall project, distribute Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program cash grants and ATM cards, and hand in funding checks to DENR’s Upland Development Program participating people’s organizations.

(source:http://outoftownblog.com/libacao-is-aklan%E2%80%99s-inland-tourism-gem/)/TE

Editorial, March 30-April 5, 2011

An Ordeal Without Precedent

The nuclear crisis in Japan has escalated with what appears to be a partial melt down of nuclear fuel rods in reactor number two at the Fucashima nuclear plant. The level of radioactivity of samples taken from water leaking from the reactor has been found to be twenty million times higher than the normal level.

Coupled with a suspected core breach in reactor number three which is fuelled by a mix of uranium and plutonium, there are serious grounds for concern. The area of sea close to the reactor has already been found to contain radioactive iodine 10,000 times the normal level, and 1,200 times higher than the legal safety limit.

Due to high levels of radiation, eleven types of vegetables including spinach, together with locally produced milk, have been declared unfit for consumption, whilst tap water in Tokyo was recently declared unsafe for infants to drink. America amongst other countries has already banned the import of food items from Japan. It now appears that local fish and seaweed will also be added to the list of contaminated foods.

Radioactive iodine has a half life of eight days such that contamination in the sea could be neutralized within a matter of days, but radioactive cesium is eighty times more radioactive, and has a half life of thirty years. Should seepage of plutonium occur from reactor number three into the sea the consequences would be unimaginable, and would likely impact upon the people of Japan for many generations to come. Radioactivity in the air around the plant was recently found to be four times the legal limit.

This cataclysmic event has had repercussions around the world, and many governments are now reviewing their own energy policies. Last week in Germany 200,000 attended a demonstration to oppose the use of nuclear power in their own country. Nuclear power stations have become a major political issue in Germany, and this issue has been instrumental in determining the outcome of Germany’s recently held election.

Indonesia is also reviewing its decision to build its first nuclear plant. Being located as it is upon the ‘Ring of Fire’, Indonesia is particularly prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, and with the prevailing winds being north easterly, it is the Philippines which would most likely be the recipient of any nuclear fallout in the event of a similar incident occurring.

The economic cost to Japan has been considerable, and financial markets have reacted sharply around the world. Shares in the Tokyo Electric Power Company which owns the stricken plant have fallen by 70% since the accident occurred. This power company is the world’s fourth largest and supplies most of Japan’s electrical needs.

Toyota has recently reopened two of its plants, whilst fourteen more remain closed. Nissan is also struggling, since 500 factories supplying parts to its plants remain closed. Honda’s foreign plants are fast running out of parts, with 12% of these being supplied from Japan. It has been estimated that Japan’s auto industry is losing $200 million a day.

Difficulties are also being experienced in the dispatch of supplies from the ports which also suffered extensive damage during the tsunami. The supply of electricity is limited, whilst road transport has also been disrupted.

28,000 people have now been declared dead or missing, with many more mourning for the loss of loved ones who died. Others are without homes or a means by which to earn a living, food is in short supply, and hospitals are still struggling to cope. To compound matters, most of the aid agencies who had originally offered their help have now withdrawn their offers in view of the radioactive environment, and the impact that this might have on their worker’s health.

People of Japan, our thoughts are with you as you struggle with your ordeal. You are in our prayers, and our hearts cry out for you. /TE

Kalibo Host to Philippine Medical Association

Kalibo Aklan - The Aklan Medical Society was the host of the Annual Philippine Medical Associations Regional Assembly this year. Headed by the current President of AMS, Dr. Oscar Hilario, and with the staunch support of Dr. Cynthia de la Cruz, the reigning PMA Governor for Western Visayas, together with over one hundred doctors in Aklan, welcomed their guests from various areas of the region: fifteen representatives from Capiz Medical Society; seven from Canlaon Medical Society; five from Iloilo Medical Society; six from Antique Medical Society; six from Negros Occidental MedicalSociety; and four from Guimaras Medical Society.

The theme these physicians adopted in their event was ‘Manggagamot Kaagapay ng Sambayanan Tungo sa Tunay na Pagbabago’.

Upon arrival in Kalibo, the President of the Philippine Medical Association, Dr. Oscar Tinio and his entourage were straight away taken to the local media’s weekly kapihan in Smoke Haus where he was asked by one journalist to give his opinion on the current global situation. As time was short, the group did not stay long before they were billeted to the Marzon Hotel.

On Sunday their conference was held in the Aklan State University where the topics they discuss began with a Patients & Drugs Safety Profile; Finasteride: Still the Standard in BPH Management; Conquering Fever Phobia, and Taxation on Physicians. It was a hectic day for the participants at this conference, but some are gluttons for punishment. They said that they will come back again next time, or maybe they are just people who are really true to the vows that they have taken.

Simple but Beautiful

KALIBO - Congratulations to the winners of Ginang SKBK Search 2011. It was a successful and entertaining night. The members and officers of SKBK from various barangays have good reason to smile as their Search for Mrs. SKBK, despite the rain, has proved fruitful. They managed to raised a significant amount of cash for their funds to help them continue their planned livelihood projects. Mayor Lachica showed his support to the women by attending the Search with a brief inspirational message. Hon. Ananias Solina, President of Liga ng mga Barangay, delivered the closing remarks with such confidence. The SKBK officers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the owner of Cavanah Beauty Salon, Ms. Beng de la Cruz, for all the beauty products she donated for Mrs. Cavanah 2011./TE

Aklan State University Visits Kool Earth’s MRF

Pook, Kalibo- The students of the Graduate Studies of the School of Management Sciences (SMS)of the ASU, Banga, paid Kool Earth’s Material Recovery Facility a visit on the last week of March.

Their trip is in compliance to the requirements of their subject in Project Development and Management, hence the excursion to the site. The results of this outing will serve as the basis for the project proposal they will be formulating as a partial requirement of the subject. /TE

LGU Kalibo Holds Capability Building Training

By: Alice Rebuelta

A two- day Capability Building Training for Rural Based Organization Officers was held on March 24 and 25, 2011 at the third floor of the Kalibo Municipal Building. This activity aims to equip the elected officers of the newly organized 4- H Club, Rural Improvement Club and P4MP from ten (10) barangays of Kalibo with skills and knowledge in managing their organizations. Topics include Self- Awareness and Effective Communication with Ms. Mary Ann Ramos as resource speaker, Leadership and Leadership skills with Ms. Edna Villanueva, Team Building and Conflict Management in an Organization with Mr. Francis R. Arnaiz as the resource speaker.

The Opening Program was graced by Hon. Madeline A. Regalado, Municipal Vice Mayor of Kalibo who delivered the welcome remarks to 100 participants. Mr. Mesitlie A Teruel, focal person of the RBO, DA-ATI-RTC 6, gave the training overview. The emphasizes the role of farm family in community development and in nation building. Ms. Malou Lachica, private secretary to the mayor delivered a message for and on behalf of Mayor S. Lachica. Mr. Primo I. Ibesate, Jr. the MAO of Kalibo gave additional information of the division’s programs when he delivered his remarks. Selected members of the Rural Improvement Club of Estancia (RICE) entertained the group with a dance number.

This two- day training was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Local Government Unit of Kalibo headed by Mayor William S. Lachica and the DA-ATI-RTC 6, headed by Dr. Allan V. Alimodian./TE

Rebuelta Initiated the Organization of ASU 4-H Club

Banga, Aklan – A school based 4-H Club was organized last March 22, 2011 at an Agricultural Training Center, training hall of the Aklan State University Compound. The organizational meeting was attended by the students of ASU Laboratory High School upon the approval of the request made by Mel Daniel Ericson B. Rebuelta, a senior student of the said university to Dr. Benny A. Palma, OIC President of the University.

Mr. Frances A. Arnaiz, the Provincial RBO Coordinator briefed the students about the 4 –H Club. He was assisted by Mrs. Estelita Rasco and Mr. Wilner Rentino of Agricultural Training Institute, Ms. Lyn Bantigue, Municipal RBO Coordinator of Banga and Ms. Alice B. Rebuelta, Municipal RBO Coordinator of Kalibo.

Mr. Arnaiz discussed the components of the Youth Development Program, the meaning, the objectives and the existing 4 - H Club projects. Election of the new set of officers followed. A junior high school student, Angelica Lachica was voted President of the club.

“I am very happy that my classmates would also experience the wonderful moments I have had with my club”, says Mel Rebuelta. Mel was the provincial winner (1st place) in poster making during the provincial 4-H Congress last January 29, 2011. He represented the province of Aklan at the Regional Achievement Day and Congress, held at Punta Villa, Iloilo on January 25 to 27 2011, where he ranked 2nd place. Mel is the current president of Palayamanan 4-H Club at Kinalangay Nuevo, Malinao Aklan and the Editor-in-Chief of the Aklan State University- LHS publication, ‘The Grains’./TE