Sep
04

Remembering Larry Alcala

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Culture, Arts, & Films | No Comments »

Last weekend, I was browsing the Sunday Inquirer Magazine and chanced upon an article about one of the greatest cartoonists of the Philippines, Mr. Larry Alcala, Sr. The article included a “Slice of Life” cartoon and I excitedly tried looking for Mr. Alcala’s caricature within the supermarket scene, which is the theme of that particular art work.

As an added bonus, Mr. Alcala started hiding his caricature within the cartoon series, "Slice of Life." This became a favorite past time to many who admire him.

[Many of Mr. Alcala's fans know that he would hide his profile (caricature) within the cartoon series, as a sort of "game", and this somehow made many fans (like me) look forward to the weekend issue of the Manila Times. Unfortunately and sadly, Mr. Alcala passed on last 2002.]

Anyway, it was tough looking for Mr. Alcala’s caricature within that particular cartoon even if I had already sought the help of hubby! I guess I must have lost my “Larry Alcala-trained eye” already — because back when I was younger and Mr. Alcala was still regularly drawing the “Spice of Life” series, I would often find “him,” embedded in the cartoon figures, within 5 minutes. I fondly recall the first time that I had discovered this series – it was probably on a weekend also when my Dad told me about Mr. Alcala’s  “hide-and-seek” game and I had been hooked forever.

Guess what, it had been a week already and I have not seen him yet in this particular cartoon! My frustration is growing every day so I would now post this particular drawing of “Spice of Life” so you can help me find Mr. Alcala here. :)

Here it is then –

Please help me find Mr. Alcala! "Spice of Life Series: At a Supermarket." (Photo Credits: www.larryalcala.com and Mr. Alcala's family)

I hope you can enjoy looking for him here. If you also want to view some of his works, you can also visit the website set up by his family, http://www.larryalcala.com I think the younger generations would equally enjoy his works. The “Slice of Life” series is very enjoyable and funny – but you need to look closely at all the scenes or you just might miss the humor embedded in each situation! The series also portray our unique habits and culture and show how much Mr. Alcala  embraced our national identity. This is probably a very good subject matter in our schools – the arts of our veteran cartoonists and  how they incorporated humor in spreading the values of nationalism and self-identity.

Our deepest thanks to you, Mr. Larry Alcala, for the legacy you left behind. We deeply honor you.

IN REMEMBRANCE

MR. LARRY ALCALA, SR.

1926-2002

Larry Alcala has made over 500 characters, twenty comic strips, six movies, two murals and 15,000 published pages in his 50 years of cartooning. He was a Fine Arts professor at the University of the Philippines, and was well aware of the far reaching role of cartoons in education and value formation. Larry Alcala was born on 18 August 1926 in Daraga, Albay, Philippines and died 24 June 2002 at the age of 75. (Lifted from http://www.larryalcala.com)

Aug
29

Pole dancing, anyone?

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Culture, Arts, & Films, Health and Wellness | No Comments »

I am enjoying this weekend with hubby at home and we’re glad we were able to watch the 2nd anniversary show of Talentadong Pinoy in TV5 last night. I was so awed with the performance of Ms. Ciara Sotto – she has truly put her heart and soul in her pole dancing. I searched in YouTube for a possible replay of her dance number but unfortunately, it is not yet there. I hope someone will upload it soon!

But for those of you who wants to have an idea on how seriously Ms. Sotto has truly embraced the art of pole dancing, here is a clip. (Thanks to YouTube and Mr. Joshcon23 for this video clip) Ms. Ciara Sotto\’s Pole Dancing Number in Eat Bulaga

Ciara won the top prize last night and I was not really surprised at all. While all the others were equally great performers, she has truly put so much passion and discipline in her performance. I think part of the charm of the number was it was truly a surprise treat. Even the judges said that they were surprised to see another side of Ciara. I hope Ciara will get to read this someday – Ms. Ciara, that was really a very memorable performance and I admire you for your talent, passion, courage, and discipline. I am a frustrated dancer myself (I used to joke around with my friends that if I had my way back when I was younger, I would try to become a ballerina-cum-exotic dancer in a foreign land) and I can feel your excitement and inner joy as you went through your moves. So, kudos, Ciara, your skills and passion really show!

Anyway, after her watching Ciara perform, I started to do some research about pole dancing and here are some of what I discovered about it:

“Pole dancing requires strength and flexibility, making it a novel method of building core strength and burning fat. Basic posture is lifted throughout the body: feet on tiptoes, high buttocks, arched back, head high. Some basic moves include the “walk-around,” where the dancer walks around the pole on tiptoe while holding on with one extended arm, and the “lift,” where the dancer holds the pole high overhead with both hands and pulls her (or his) body up and folds in her (or his) legs. These basic steps are combined and modified by adding back stretches and arches, leg extensions, faster rotation, and most impressively, by locking the legs on the pole to free the hands and remain suspended in the air.” (Source: http://dancepinoy.com/dance-library/pole-dancing)

Actually, many of us know that pole dancing originated in strip clubs but dance enthusiasts say that its roots can also be traced to the Mallakhamb practice (Indian yoga), Chinese pole acrobatics, and even the European May pole ceremony. (Same source as above) Whatever the sources may be, it has now become a popular fitness and

Pole dancing: a perfect way to stay fit and have fun! (Photo Credits: Pole Academy UK)

exercise regimen. Even famous personalities such as Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, and Madonna have been reported as enthusiasts of this form of dance.

Many of us are struggling with a hectic life and seeming lack of time for exercises, so pole dancing is a sure way to burn those excess fats and enjoy ourselves along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Let us get into the groove, stay fit, and dance our whole heart out.

Even dogs can do it! :) (Photo credits: The Tizona Group)

Aug
27

Four Gods

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Relationships/Family, Writing/Literature | No Comments »

The God of wisdom

smiled at me when I didn’t know the answer.

He said,

Your happiness is not found in the crowd, but draws meaning in the quietest moments.

“Your wisdom is not found between

your eyes,

but in the folds of your heart.”

The God of love

laughed at me when I cried for a lost love.

He said,

“Your love is not found in the soul of someone,

but hides in the glow of your being.”

And then the God of happiness

held me dearly in his arms

when I was sitting alone in the woods.

He said,

“Your happiness is not found in the crowd,

but draws meaning in the quietest moments.”

And then finally, the God of wealth

held my hands when I was penniless

and He said,

“Your wealth is not found in the banks

but accumulates silently every time you touch someone.”

________

It has been so long since I last wrote a poem. This is one of the old ones I did. I hope this reminds you about this universe’s infinite love.  Have a happy life!

Aug
25

Has the Philippine Media become so insensitive?

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Current Events/Politics | No Comments »

So much has already been said but my conscience will certainly bother me if I will not write this blog. Like many other Filipinos, I am deeply sorry and apologetic for the pains that we have caused the families of the victims of the August 23 hostage-taking drama.

We are extending our apologies and offering prayers for the healing of the people of Hong Kong.

For the Philippine media, this is a time for reflection.

The police certainly made a blunder by ‘agitating’ the hostage-taker that tragic evening when they arrested the hostage-taker’s brother. However, the media should also rethink about its responsibility amid a crisis that involves lives – if Mendoza didn’t see the live coverage, could the bloodshed have been avoided?

An ABS-CBN Executive (last night) defended their reporters by saying that the media has a responsibility to show the world what is going on. The question is – can’t they wait until the situation has stabilized? They can still keep the camera rolling and record everything. They certainly do not need to air everything live, knowing that the hostage-taker sees everything on TV. Is it still about ratings even amid a serious situation where innocent lives are at stake?

What was even more disturbing was that the police even defended the media. A police officer was interviewed yesterday and even said (on camera) that the media helped the police. Let us call a spade a spade. It is as clear as the blue skies that it was a wrong call of the police to arrest the brother of Mr. Mendoza while the situation is not stable. However, looking at it now – Mr. Mendoza might have not been agitated (and gone on shooting rampage) if he hadn’t seen the LIVE broadcast.

What is the No. 1 rule in hostage situations? Never ever agitate/excite the hostage taker. Why did he get excited/angry? One of the most obvious reasons was he saw the arrest of his relatives on TV. Why did the police officer defended the media last night? Are they afraid of a media backlash? Is the police afraid of the media’s power? These questions play in my mind.

Have we become a country of media-fearing citizens? Has media become a very powerful entity that no one knows anymore where responsible journalism really resides? If the media did not report those footages LIVE, would Mendoza and everyone else still be alive now? Perhaps, even the relatives of Mendoza are already freed by now.

The police has to do their job. They can arrest people if they think they are prime suspects. Granted that their timing was wrong but you can still give it to them that in their minds, they are simply doing their job. But the media? Is it their job to keep on reporting blindly, mindlessly, never mind if their reports MIGHT just agitate a hostage taker?

Has the media become an accomplice? There was this movie entitled, “The Accused (starring Jodie Foster), focusing on rape. Those who watched/cheered on the rape of the character played by Ms. Foster were also charged in court and later convicted for the crime of “criminal solicitation.” They were convicted because they did not do anything to stop the rape and even cajoled/cheered the rapists on.

The movie, "The Accused," certainly gives a point of parallelism. (Photo: Theatrical release poster)

Is there a parallelism somewhere? Have those reporters, by giving the blow-by-blow account, directly ‘cheered’ Mendoza on to “go for the kill! See your brother being arrested! How cruel the police has become! Go ahead, be angry! Shoot the tourists for that is your only recourse!”? What were the media thinking while they excitedly shout “Ayan na po! Pilit pong inaaresto ng mga pulis ang kapatid ni Mendoza!”, knowing that right at that very moment, Mendoza’s eyes were glued on the TV screen inside the bus?

Again, given that the police messed up by not cordoning off the area – the question still remains – can’t the media stop blabbering even for a while? Do they have to always run for the “scoop” all the time, like hungry wolves ready for the kill, never mind if innocent lives are at stake? Can’t they even pause for a while and think clearly? Is it always about running around like headless chicken so they get the first scoop and be top in the ratings game?

Even the head of a media organization said this last night – the media networks and their reporters should also police themselves. They should also pause and think – what will their actions lead to? They have that social responsibility. While I was watching the ABS-CBN’s blow-by-blow account of the arrest of Mendoza’s brother, my reaction was utter disgust – I even muttered, “Kailangan bang i-blow-by-blow account ang paghuli sa kapatid nya knowing that Mendoza is watching TV at that very moment?! In those crucial minutes, I knew something was awfully wrong already.

It is also disturbing to read that those who try to give their opinions on the matter are just “pointing fingers.” Call it finger-pointing but perhaps, this time, we really have to point fingers just so someone will feel responsible. This time, perhaps we REALLY need to point the fingers also to some people in the media because they have forgotten to think clearly.

The police certainly made blunders and wrong judgment. But what makes the media any different now? By acting like the police and the hostage-taker, it has showed how insensitive it had become, no longer knowing what differentiates “getting the scoop” from possibly /indirectly ‘soliciting’ the committing of a crime.

Perhaps we really need to point fingers now to the media personalities and executives who, for very crucial moments, never thought twice about further agitating an already disturbed hostage-taker by showing on live coverage how his brother is being arrested.

It is time to take responsibility.

____________

To the families of the victims and the Hong Kong People: Deepest apologies from the Filipino people. May this tragic incident not cause hatred between our countries. May your country heal as we also try to recover. We thank your dearly departed for coming to our shores, only with good intents. Their deaths will forever be remembered as we also struggle to become a nation of peace, love, and forgiveness. We reach out to your hearts, human to human, capable of both sorrows and joys. We pray for your forgiveness and healing.


Aug
21

Sustainable Sanitation: Up Close and Personal*

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Business/Economics, Current Events/Politics, Environment, Health and Wellness | 4 Comments »

In the Philippines, 23% of Filipinos or roughly 19 million still do not have access to sanitary toilets. The figures vary according to their sources but the most conservative estimate, thus far, is 10 million. (Source: UNICEF website and SuSEA documents)

This may sound strange to many, I suppose. Having a toilet is one of those things many of us take for granted. For many, having one’s own private toilet (aside from the “common” toilet shared by the family), is probably a “must-have”, categorized with the other ‘essentials’ such as having, say, a bed, or a dining table. But to many people, even a simple, private toilet, is still just a dream.

Yes, strange as it may seem, many of our people are still defecating in the open. They still do their thing by the shorelines and riverbanks, under the trees, in plastic bags (meant to be thrown away later and even called as “flying saucers”), and vacant lots.

Bottomless pit? One need not wonder what goes directly to the open seas. (Photo Credits: SuSEA Philippines)

What aggravates the situation is that while many are aware of the grave consequences of open defecation vis-a-vis public health and environmental costs, it is still considered as among the lowest in terms of priority in public and private spending. Many people still think it is not as necessary as, say, having a cellphone, or a television set. Studies have shown that there are households (in far-flung barangays) that have at least one cellphone or TV but not a simple toilet or even a pit-type latrine.

I have learned this and much more when I joined the SuSEA (Sustainable Sanitation in East Asia) Philippines Program last year (for more details on SuSEA, please visit http://www.susea.org.ph).  It was probably about time I joined this kind of program because, in a way, I was many of those who still did not give much thought about sanitation. I knew problems existed but I had always imagined that “the government and NGOs are already taking care of it.”

It was not long before I realized (again) that private participation is essential in ensuring that interventions find meaning on the ground. As I said in one of the presentations that I was tasked to do for SuSEA, “sanitation is a personal thing.” Not only because it is really about a private matter (after all, we cannot just take about our toilet habits as if we are simply discussing the latest showbiz gossips), but more so because it takes a lot of personal commitment to address sanitation issues such as on open defecation. It starts with the individual. It starts with a personal commitment to change the habit. And behavior change is the goal of any marketing or promotion programs – we promote certain products and services because we want the prospective clients to change their ways and ‘buy’ our products (brand). We want to convince them that they need our product.

Sustainable sanitation should be regarded in the same way. It should come up in the minds of our people, especially those who are still defecating in the open, as a “must-have.” Such is the challenge to us. How can we convince our people to ‘commit’ to a Zero Open Defecation Philippines?

One approach undertaken by DOH and SuSEA  in the six pilot sites is an intervention called CLTS (Community-Led Total Sanitation), patterned after the model of Kamal Kar (to read more about CLTS, you can visit http://www.communityledtotalsanitation.org/). As the name connotes, it allows the people to realize that they have the power to build their own sanitation facilities.

Part of the initial phase of the CLTS is to allow communities to draw their own sanitation maps through interactive and onsite methodologies. Children are also made part of the learning process. (Photo Credits: SuSEA Philippines)

Again, the “ownership” should really emanate from the individual and household levels. And such is the approach of CLTS and the other interventions /programs undertaken through SuSEA.  As I also wrote in the Foreword to the Guidebook on Local Sustainable Sanitation Promotion Program, one of the knowledge management tools we are developing for LGUs, “It is understood that most development interventions should be anchored on a deep understanding of individual, community, and institutional behaviors. The universal goal of attaining sustainable sanitation therefore necessitates a full grasp of what motivates or de-motivates people towards the attainment and practice of sustainable sanitation…individuals and communities should realize and embrace the importance and urgency of stopping open defecation because they know that it is not good for their health and the environment.”

As both a communications and environmental consultant, I am particularly challenged because I am also aware that it is not easy ’selling’ something that does not seem very ‘emotional.’ Just like environmental advocacy, sanitation seems so “up there” in the air. It is not as emotionally-moving, as, say, the fight against hunger or domestic violence.

For instance, when I ‘accidentally’ volunteered to help in the development of an AVP on sanitation, my mind went blank for a while as I wrote the script. How can you discuss the whole gamut of sanitation in a 5-minute material? It was mind-boggling. Fortunately, I remembered that the UN already declared access to sanitation as a human right (visit http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35456&Cr=sanitation&Cr1 for more details).

UN Declares Access to Water and Sanitation as a Human Right. (Photo shows the headline story of the July 30, 2010 issue of Tempo)

It gave me a good starting point. After all, we are human beings and certainly, anything that has something to do with our daily activities should also be up there in the ‘limelight.’ Let’s roll out the carpet and talk about our sh-t, too!

My experience and training in communications already taught me one basic thing:  it is always wiser to capture your audience in the first few seconds of your material. Once they are already hooked, there is no turning back. So that’s how the AVP evolves. I will not discuss the AVP here (that is worth another blog entry!) but I promise to post it here once it is completely edited. I must express, though, special thanks for the AVP’s director, Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez and his team, as well as the resource persons who readily opened their busy calendars for the shoot despite the very short lead time: DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, former DOH Secretary Jaime Galvez-Tan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar Mayor Annaliza Kwan, and Ugong, Pasig Barangay Chairman Jessie Santiago.

The Technical Assistance part of SuSEA is soon ending and I am, somehow, feeling a certain sadness because I really enjoyed working with the team and my fellow consultants who could also be a bunch of fun-loving and hilarious individuals. These photos below are strong proofs. :)

Even people who work on very serious matters try to have fun, too. :) (Photo credits: SuSEA Philippines)

However, as with all endings, there also come new beginnings. I am fairly certain that the SuSEA has already sown enough seeds that will beautifully grow over the years, along with individuals and communities who have already joined hands to say “no” to open defecation. And so, as SuSEA hands over the tasks to DOH and the LGUs, we all say, “Kaya Natin Ito!

Sharing fun moments with the team and Sheila dela Torre. Now, you must be wondering what has caused this kind of giggling... :)

I hope that you can share this blog, and in your own small ways, make it a part of your commitment to help our country in its journey towards a future where everyone has access to affordable, adequate, and clean, sanitation facilities.

Have a good life!

*Pardon the use of a popular film’s title but I hope the message gets across clearly. :)

Aug
01

Climate Change Act of 2009: A Closer Look

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Current Events/Politics, Environment | 2 Comments »

Perhaps many people are still not aware about the passage of Republic Act 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 (authored by Rep. Roilo Golez and Sen. Loren Legarda). It was signed into law last October 3, 2009, just a few weeks after Typhoon Ondoy. My husband and I had been victims of Ondoy and I had been personally pleased by this news.

The Law titled, “An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy Formulations, Establishing the Framework Strategy and Program on Climate Change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change Commission, and for Other Purposes,” is indeed a very timely policy and we ought to be participating more in ensuring that it does not remain as a mere piece of paper that will just collect dust and cobwebs over time.

A green lifestyle helps combat climate change.

Let me then share with you the most important provisions and in the process, ask for your help in ensuring that the word gets passed around. No worries, you can copy-and-past this whole entry but please do be nice enough to give the necessary credits/links.

The first thing that we should remember is that RA 9729 mandated the creation of the Climate Change Commission. It is “an independent and autonomous body and shall have the same status as that of a national government agency.” (Sec. 4) The Commission is headed by the President, who shall be supported by three Commissioners.  One of the Commissioners is appointed as the Vice Chairperson (who will also act as the Executive Director of the “Climate Change Office”). (Note: the current ED is former Senator and DENR Secretary Heherson Alvarez)

The Commission is composed of an advisory board comprised of the following:

(a) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture; (b) Secretary of the Department of Energy; (c) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; (d) Secretary of the Department of Education; (e) Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs; (f) Secretary of the Department of Health; (g) Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; (h) Secretary of the Department of National Defense, in his capacity as Chair of the National Disaster Coordinating Council; (i) Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways; (j) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology; (k) Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; (l) Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry; (m) Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications; (n) Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, in his capacity as Chair of the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development; (o) Director-General of the National Security Council; (p) Chairperson of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women; (q) President of the League of Provinces; (r) President of the League of Cities; (s) President of the League of Municipalities; (t) President of the Liga ng mga Barangay; (u) Representative from the academe; (v) Representative from the business sector; and (w) Representative from nongovernmental organizations.

Note that the representatives should be appointed by the President from a list of nominees submitted by their respective groups. This is a good provision in that it will allow us private citizens to make recommendations (perhaps through the sectoral organizations who may be involved or are active in the climate change campaign). The website of the Climate Change Commission (http://www.climatechangecommission.gov.ph) does not yet give the complete list of the Board so I am not sure if the Representatives had already been appointed. This is something that we should dig about more. (I hope to update this blog once I have more information.)

Section 9 spells out the functions of the Commission. Among them are: (i) Ensuring the mainstreaming of climate change, in synergy with disaster risk reduction, into the national, sectoral and local development plans and programs; (ii) Coordinating and synchronizing climate change programs of national government agencies; (iii) Formulating a Framework Strategy on Climate Change to serve as the basis for a program for climate change planning, research and development, extension, and monitoring of activities on climate change; (iv) Exercising policy coordination to ensure the attainment of goals set in the framework strategy and program on climate change; and (v) Coordinating and establishing a close partnership with the National Disaster Coordinating Council in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness in reducing the people’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Section 11 mandates for the formulation of the Framework Strategy and Program on Climate Change while Section 13 requires the development of the National Climate Change Action Plan.

Among others, the Plan should include the following components: (i) Assessment of the national impact of climate change; (ii) The identification of the most vulnerable communities/areas, including ecosystems to the impacts of climate change, variability and extremes; and (iii) The identification of differential impacts of climate change on men, women and children.

Perhaps the most important provision of the Law is the one on the role of our LGUs. Section 14 calls for the development of the Local Climate Change Action Plan. I am a supporter of decentralization and I truly believe that LGUs’ role is crucial in ensuring the success of any development interventions.

The Law specifically provides that “The LGUs shall be the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of climate change action plans in their respective areas, consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the Framework, and the National Climate Change Action Plan.”

The Law further states that, “Barangays shall be directly involved with municipal and city governments in prioritizing climate change issues and in identifying and implementing best practices and other solutions. Municipal and city governments shall consider climate change adaptation, as one of their regular functions. Provincial governments shall provide technical assistance, enforcement and information management in support of municipal and city climate change action plans. Inter-local government unit collaboration shall be maximized in the conduct of climate- related activities.”

Indeed, the Law further strengthens the power of the LGUs to make a lasting difference!

However, at this point, LGUs may ask, “But where do we get the money for the tasks that lie ahead?” This is a very important question because we all know that many proposals and programs are constantly being developed but most end up in the trash bin because there is simply no money for them. The same may hold true for climate change programs.

RA 9729 addresses this by explicitly allowing LGUs to appropriate and use the needed  amount from their Internal Revenue Allotment for the effective implementation of their local plans (of course following all pertinent provisions in the Local Government Code and other laws of the land).

Meanwhile, Section 21 appropriates 50 million pesos as initial operating fund of the Commission (let us hope that this money will really go to climate change programs and interventions).  Further funds needed shall be sourced out from the annual General Appropriations Act.

Many may also be wondering about the role of the other government agencies in the fight against climate change. Here is a look on some of those roles and the mandated agencies:

(i) The Department of Education (DepED) shall integrate climate change into the primary and secondary education curricula and/or subjects, such as, but not limited to, science, biology, sibika, history, including textbooks, primers and other educational materials, basic climate change principles and concepts;

(ii) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Local Government Academy shall facilitate the development and provision of a training program for LGUs in climate change. The training program shall include socioeconomic, geophysical, policy, and other content necessary to address the prevailing and forecasted conditions and risks of particular LGUs. It shall likewise focus on women and children, especially in the rural areas, since they are the most vulnerable;

(iii) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall review international agreements related to climate change and make the necessary recommendation for ratification and compliance by the government on matters pertaining thereto; and

(iv) The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall disseminate information on climate change, local vulnerabilities and risk, relevant laws and protocols and adaptation and mitigation measures.

(Source: http://www.climatechangecommission.gov.ph/link/downloads/index.php)

Before I close this blog, let me share a glitch that I have seen in the website of the Commission. I have seen the website’s tagline (shown as flash header) that says, “Changing the way we live and destroying our planet.”

Let us hope this would be changed soon! It seems the Commission is suggesting more ways for us to destroy out planet! May I suggest any of the following alternatives:

“Changing the way we live and treat our planet”; “Changing our lifestyles that destroy our planet”; or “Changing the way we live to save our planet.”

And that is the main message of this blog: Let us change the way we live so we can save our Earth!

For more info, please visit http://www.climatechangecommission.gov.ph.

Jul
27

Getting fit the natural and healthy way (no surgery!)

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Business/Economics, Environment, Health and Wellness, Relationships/Family, Travels and Food | 2 Comments »

Hubby and I were invited in the launch of MJM Wellness and Weight-Fit Clinic last Saturday, and we are glad we were able to share the joys and hopes of Dr. Dea Millora and her staff as they begin another journey. For us, it was not only an ordinary launch, but also a celebration of families, friendships and wellness.

R U Weight-Fit? Weight no more! Very appropriate and catchy taglines, indeed.

For one, we were especially touched with the beautiful song renditions of Dea’s daughter, Jonel (I hope I spelled her name right). She sang two beautiful songs and the second one aptly carries the message of the day:

This is my now,
and I am breathing in the moment
Cos I look around
I can’t believe the love I see
My fears behind me,
gone are the shadows and doubts
That was then, this is my now.

(From “This is My Now”, sung by Jordin Sparks and written by Jeff Peabody and Scott Krippayne)

It could well be a celebratory song for people who are able to go beyond adversaries and yes, unhealthy living or habits.

One thing very special about the Clinic’s Weight-Fit Protocol is that it is holistic in its approach. It considers not just the weight of a patient but the whole aspects of his personality as well – including his current lifestyle, work, habits, and other possible sources of stress and problems. Dea, as the in-house physician and weight-fit counselor, says that they do not only want patients to become and stay weigh-fit, they also want to help them look at their lives in a new perspective and together, commit to a life of happiness, contentment and well-being.

In this age of invasive cosmetic surgeries, botox injections, and liposuction, this kind of fitness and weight management approach definitely brings a lot of hope to many people who would often experience the ‘yoyo’ effect in weight management. The Protocol is applied normally over a six-week period and patients may expect to lose about one-half to one pound a day. Not bad, huh? Aside from that, patients have observed clearer and younger-looking skin, stabilized/normalized metabolism rate, and more energetic/vibrant feelings.

Safe and effective way of losing weight (without invasive surgery!)

Dea is a strong proof of how effective the Protocol is because she herself underwent the whole process before she even decided to set up the Clinic. Of course, we can never effectively sell anything unless we are true believers in the products that we are selling. That is why I think that the Clinic already have many followers and supporters because (pardon the cliche!) it walks the talk.

I should make it clear, at this point, that this is not a paid blog. :) I am writing this from my heart because I am one of the many people who has also been touched by Dea’s genuine kindness and passion for people and the environment. As classmates in Ateneo’s Master in Environmental Management Program, we have journeyed together in our chosen paths and she successfully intertwined her medical background with environmental management practice. So, yes, Dea is both a doctor and Earth warrior. This alone makes her truly special. JR and I can also never forget how she gave us tips on how to care for /treat our minor illnesses when we were in Cambodia and even in Baguio where I had an eye sty (or sometimes spelled as stye)!.  With photos sent over the email, she confirmed I had an eye sty and helped me find a good eye ointment. That kind of gesture helps a lot especially if you are a stranger in a foreign country or a new place and finding a friendly and compassionate doctor is not easy.

One good thing also about MJM’s Protocol is that they also encourage the patient to eat more of organic fruits and vegetables. I am a believer myself in natural and holistic health and even if I really have no weight issues (of course, I have a few excess pounds right now…hihi), I have already committed to eat more of organic fruits/vegetables. The Clinic makes it easy for patients to do this because Dea’s partners are also into selling of organic produce. It works with Tienda Cinagro (Contact Monet at 0922 8899897) to ensure that fresh and organic produce are accessible even to city dwellers like us.

Tienda Cinagro: Organic Produce Delivered Right at Your Doorstep!

Speaking of natural remedies, this is worth sharing. I will not say that what we did actually worked but perhaps, there is really more to be derived from green tea leaves (and not just as a refreshing beverage). Once when we were in Cambodia, JR had a nasty skin problem. His lower legs developed dark and itchy rashes, which looked like eczema. At that time, we were not yet worried about it so we tried applying several type of over-the-counter ointments that eventually did not really work at all.

In my sudden moment of ingenuity, I began urging him to apply the warm green tea leaves that we often throw away anyway after our breakfast. (Those are dried tea leaves, not the processed ones already packaged in tea bags.) Just after a few days of doing this, we noticed that his rashes are beginning to heal and disappear! And after about a week, his rashes were totally gone! Again, I am not sure if it was the “tea protocol” that healed his rashes but how else can I explain the eventual healing? If you looked at JR’s legs at the height of his skin problem, you’d really think it looked “that” bad. And after he got well and had his old skin back, you’d begin to wonder whether he actually experienced such a horrible-looking skin condition!

Anyway, I am sharing this nice ’side’ story because I am sure there are still many more healing properties from the abundant plants around us – all waiting to be discovered. This just reminds us once again that this Universe is really healing and nurturing.

Let us embrace our Beauty within and the God who makes all these possible. To Dea who showers many with her gift of friendship and healing – we give our well wishes and deepest thanks.

(This is not a paid blog.)

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MJM Wellness and Weight-Fit Clinic is located at Unit 2009, Jollibee Plaza, F. Ortigas Road (formerly Emerald Ave.,) Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel. Nos. 02-9989890, 447 2961, 0922 8899807 and 0920 952 3856. Website (currently under “fat destruction”) www.mjmwellnessandweightfit.com

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Disclaimer: This is a personal blog. All data and information provided in this entry and site are for informational purposes only. I and MEILBOX make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, safety, suitability, or validity of any information in this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use or application. All information is provided on an as-is basis and may be further updated/revised as deemed necessary. While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with most accurate information and honest analysis, please use your discretion before taking any decisions based on the information in this blog. I will not compensate you in any way whatsoever if you ever happen to suffer a loss/inconvenience/damage because of/while making use of information in this blog.

Jul
22

Regular or Express? Passport Renewal- Pinoy Style

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Business/Economics, Current Events/Politics, Relationships/Family | 2 Comments »

First Reminder of the Day: Never ever take the MRT during rush hour and you have a 9:30 appointment in the DFA! (Unless you are riding from the first station in North-EDSA, Quezon City, or you are already in the Station 3 hours before your appointment!).  This is what made This Day more memorable.

The MRT is definitely carrying people beyond its capacity...or should it be beyond what can be termed as still "human" and "decent"?

The GMA MRT Station was brimming with people, I thought it was a scene from a Quiapo side street a few days before Christmas. I surmised it was wiser to take the  “women only” coaches and agreed with JR to just meet in Taft Station. I panicked when I saw the lines of women passengers…although, technically, I don’t think those would even qualify for “lines.” They looked like puzzle pieces in complete disarray (with some men interspersed among them…which makes me want to ask, “Are strong middle-aged men allowed in the women-only coaches?”), freshly-showered hair and leather and canvas bags  shoving and pushing each other,  clamoring for a space in the already-full coaches. Oh…this is turning out to be a very bad decision. I wanted to call JR and tell him that we can just change our mind about this MRT decision but realized he didn’t bring his celphone.

I looked at the huge round clock hanging from the ceiling: 8:14 am. We can still make it, I told myself. The next train came. This is even worse. Only one lady was able to get in. Should we all shout, “Lucky girl!”? Because I was not even sure if she actually tried going inside an obviously packed coach. The sheer force of all the pushing and shoving would eventually bring you inside even if you just stood right on the spot where the doors open. I am not kidding.

The clock started ticking…8:20…and the trains were pretty much the same. Some can take in a few more passengers but definitely not enough to lessen the already burgeoning lines and impatience. And then, just like a sack of potatoes being thrown around carelessly in public markets, I was shoved and pushed and before I knew it, I was inside a train – finally! I was torn between wanting to shout “Yehey!” or “Ano bahhhng MRT ito?!” I looked at someone’s wrist watch (which belonged to a VERY male policeman) and it read 8:35. Darn. We already lost 21 minutes just waiting for a “free space” (is that even a “space”?)  inside an MRT coach! Doing a simple time calculation, I still hoped JR and I can still make it to our DFA Appointment. I was also wondering whether JR was experiencing the same torturous wait and the need to do those acrobatic stunts.

When I alighted, I began looking around for JR and when I saw him, we both instantly exchanged a knowing smile! We knew what each had to go through! Then we started talking and laughing and realized that we were able to ride the same train! Pretty amazing because we were apart and who knows who would be able to ride first amid that maddening and fierce crowd? Well, we concluded that it is just one among the many “magical” tricks of our guardian angels, ensuring that we will still be “together” in that particularly riotous hours of the MRT. :)

Anyway, it was easy from Taft because we were able to hail a cab almost right away and miraculously still made it to our 9:30 appointment! Well, actually, we were advised to arrived 30 minutes before but nevertheless, it was still a few minutes before 9:30!

By the way, we had applied for the appointment last July 2 and since it is July 22 today, it took about 20 days (or 13 working days) of waiting.

Don't forget to print and bring this page on the date of your appointment.

So for people who want to apply for or renew their passports, take note of this long lead time. And remember, processing takes time, too. We will get our passports on August 19 but since we opted for delivery, we will have our passports on August 20. Counting the days from July 2, that means that getting new passport these days take about 48 days (or 33 working days!).

It is also more expensive although the DFA is saying that this is already cheap by global standards and that the extra costs are meant to cover the higher expenses involved in the printing of the electronic passport or simply, ePassport. It’s up to you to decide: The ePassport (under regular processing, which takes about 20 working days) costs P950 while the one under Express processing (which takes about 10 working days) costs P1,200. However, according to Migrante International, the price of obtaining ePassports in Philippine Embassies and Consulates is considered expensive by many at $60 (roughly P2,430). (A related story can be viewed at pinoypress.net)

We finished the processing in about two hours so I will consider that an improvement already. Besides, everything was organized, from the time we were met by the security guards to check our printed application forms and appointment confirmation (printed from the DFA online appointment system) up to the time our biometrics were captured and personal data encoded, and our delivery option processed (this is done through the counters of Air21).

Overall, the system seems to be working well although we hope that the regular processing will be shortened to say, 5-7 working days. The delivery system, although this is not being done by DFA, should also be checked because it is ’strange’ that people who live in the same house (therefore, the same delivery address) with the same date of release and delivery will be charged separately. For example, if a family of 3 applies for passports all at the same time (a common appointment can be arranged online), and opts to have their passports delivered, they have to pay Air21 P360 (P120 x 3) when in fact, Air21 will consume the same amount of gas /time to make the delivery to the same address. While additional administrative work may be needed to process the delivery of three passports instead of one, I am sure that charging three times is just not right.

The DFA site is very informative also when it enumerated the list of requirements but it was not indicated there that a newly-married woman (who decides to carry her husband’s surname) should bring an original marriage contract. The DFA site only said to bring a marriage contract if available but somehow it sounded like a photocopy is alright. So for the married women out there particularly those who are just starting to shift to a ‘new’ surname, don’t forget to bring the original contract, and not just a photocopy.

And what is the best detail that I noticed? It is now allowed to use hyphenated surnames in my passport! I cannot find the sources anymore but I read before that DFA does not allow hyphenated surnames in the old passport types. Meaning, for a newly-married woman, she can only either retain her old surname or her new name (husband’s surname).  I may have to find that source although the Family Code is quite clear already:

Under Article 370 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, a married woman may use:

(1)   Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname, or

(2)   Her maiden first name and her husband’s surname, or

(3)   Her husband’s full name, but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife, such as “Mrs.”.

Anyway, the DFA personnel (a friendly guy) who attended to me and JR jokingly asked, “Are you really sure you want to retain your original surname?” For an answer, I heartily said, “Yes!”,  laughed at JR and touched his face.

And the DFA guy ended up laughing, too.

Photo credits: yuhuissingaporeblogger.blogspot.com (Big thanks to the owner of this photo, which I got through Google search)

DFA Links:

To set an appointment for an ePassport – http://epassport.com.ph/set-appointment

List of requirements for an ePassport – http://epassport.com.ph/requirements

DFA (Office of Consular Affairs) Address:

Aseana Business Park, Bradco and Macapagal Avenues in Aseana Business Park (near the Mall of Asia).

Tel. nos. (02)737-1000, (02) 831-8971, (02) 551-4437, (02) 551-4402, (02)834-4855 and (02) 834-4424.

Jul
18

Play it Forward! (and receive a handcrafted gift from me!)

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Culture, Arts, & Films, Relationships/Family | No Comments »

I got across this nice blog – http://sandandstarfish.com – and decided to join this cute game of gift-giving. I hope I still have the last spot left! I am just copying what she posted so it will be easier for you, too. So just join me and together, we can make 3 persons smile a bit with our handcrafted gifts.

Play it Forward!

Mostly copied from “SandandStarfish.com” :) –

Play it forward and make 3 persons smile! Here’s how it works: I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in… (I know that seems crazy but sometimes, life makes us a little behind. But I promise, I will not take the whole 365 days to make something! I’ve been too crafty lately!) What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well! And… you must have a blog. (How else can we keep this thing going?!)

After you leave your comment here, I’ll contact you to get your address and then you must must MUST continue the “pay it forward” swap and post it on your blog. The nice part is that I won’t give a deadline – just as long as the 3 spots are not yet filled up, then this offer remains. Feel free to copy and paste this post in your blog. Doesn’t it sound like fun?! Good luck!

So, what are you waiting for? Repost this blog (or write your own version) and then let’s spread the joys of gift-giving!


Jul
10

Garage Sale! All Must Go! (And How I Healed my VVB* Heart)

By Mary Anne Velas-Suarin Posted in Dogs/Pets, Relationships/Family, Travels and Food | 4 Comments »

Pioneer DVD Player, barely a year old, P2,800. Blue sofa (recliner), good for studio units, P1,000. Honda City Lxi, 1999 Model, Automatic Transmission, P220,000. And so goes the list of all things I was selling when I left Manila in May 2007 because of a very broken heart.

Flashback to late evening of February 13, 2007, Tuesday. I couldn’t sleep. I was tossing and turning. I knew there was something awfully wrong. My then boyfriend (of more than 5 years) left for a business trip to India exactly two days before and he wasn’t calling yet. There had been minor signs already. But I chose to ignore them because somehow, I knew he was a great guy. Or so I thought.

I went down and absentmindedly opened my laptop. I forgot to lower the volume the last time I shut it off so Windows shouted its presence like a giant who was forced out of sleep. Darn these gadgets. Can’t they be more polite for one? I mean, hello, it’s the dead of the night and someone here is just about to find her world turning upside down. In all the cinematic colors ever invented by Hollywood.

I automatically clicked Internet Explorer. Something immediately got my attention when I halfheartedly clicked the drop-down button that shows the previously visited website addresses. It seemed to be my guy’s office email box. Click. Voila…it didn’t even ask for a password! Oh my God, I said to myself, should I really do this? I mean, I am generally a good citizen and peering into someone else’s email is not something that falls under the category of “good deeds.” But. But. But, dear Lord, you will understand me, right? Was it actually divine intervention, I asked myself the day after.

At first, I couldn’t find anything really ‘interesting’ or yeah, a bit incriminating. Most are office memos, notes from his secretary, schedules…I guess the boyfriend is indeed a good guy…or just knew how to sanitize his emails?! I scrolled further down and just about the time that I was already finding this exercise a bit futile (and stupid?), I saw a subject heading that is a little bit different from the rest. It wasn’t really shouting ‘incriminating’ but there was something there…I counted 1…2…3…and clicked it open.

I froze. I started to feel weak in my knees. Wobbly, watery knees. I am not exaggerating.

The email just confirmed what must be causing those little butterflies in my tummy. The tossing and turning ever since he left that Sunday. The unexplainable feeling of sadness. It wasn’t really a love letter. There was no “love and kisses”, no sweet promises, no lover’s talks about growing old together. Still, it hurt the same.

In the email exchange dated sometime in December 2006, the person who was supposed to be ‘my guy’ was asking a girl if she was joining his India trip “this upcoming February.” He also briefly asked if she can take care of her visa. Then he went on about taking care of her tickets, and to add more insult to injury (pardon the cliché!), apologizing not being able to show her most part of the day but that he will be free all evenings… WTF, I screamed in my mind (perhaps louder than the sleepy giant named Windows). Can someone give me a glass of water, please? Or, maybe, wake me up from this nightmare?

But it is real. As real as the tears that started falling.

She replied briefly as well, assuring him that she can manage to entertain herself while he is working during the day. At this very moment, I was already imagining them holding hands while crossing the sea of humanity and smog of Bangalore, laughing, getting amused from the street hawkers and tuktuks that crisscrossed the streets like Pac-Man (no, dearies, not our Manny Pacquiao), hungry for pac-dots.

I realized I didn’t even know where to call him outside of his mobile phone. Unlike all his previous trips, I just realized that this time, he didn’t even tell me his hotel’s name. Then all the tell-tale signs just started running across my brain’s hard drive, in bold, all-caps prints, 40 points Arial font…he vaguely reasoning out that he will just be too busy during the trip so it’s not a good idea for me to join when I asked if I can join…he informing me about the trip too near the date of his departure…bleep bleep…

Forward to July 2007, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I am screaming, but this time, for another reason. It’s almost two months since I left Manila. Five months after the harrowing discovery a few hours before that ‘iconic’ Valentine’s Day. I am on the way to recovery, slowly but surely. Meet Sabbay and Luna, two puppies-turning-into-dogs, my wards who also keep me company while I house-sit for friends who went to France for vacation. Their house was just what I needed: quiet and open spaces, well-tended gardens, wide-screen TV, fairly good collection of CDs, wi-fi, and friendly 24-hour security guards who managed to talk to me in a combination of hand gestures, nods, smiles, and half-English half-Khmer sentences.

I was screaming because Sabbay, the Cambodian version of the mixed-breed Pinoy askal, is happily eating away my DSLR’s leather case and cable wire! Darn this crazy dog. While Luna is the typical sweet, cuddly, behaved and well-balanced puppy, Sabbay is the horrific opposite. No more description is needed. You get the drift.

I guess the deafening and worthy-of-YouTube-uploading kind of scream was enough to rattle her. She got the message. She slowly decided my case and cable are not delectable at all and with heads bowed and eyes begging for mercy, she walked away. I was ready to squeeze her neck like the way I’d wring water out of a wet sink towel but had sudden vision of becoming a dog in my next life. Darn, I can’t even have a decent revenge.

Up until the time I had to sell my DSLR a few months ago, I have not bought a new case. Sure, Sabbay successfully left her teeth marks all over it as well as on the cable (which surprisingly still works!), but somehow, the marks reminded me of my own heart’s scars. My heart is scarred, yes, but it definitely survived the strongest storms and longest crying bouts, carrying with it all the wonderful, sad, and bittersweet stories that cannot even be contained in a 1-million GB storage drive.

Meet sweet Luna and the naughty Sabbay. If they can just talk, they'd say that I wasn't a bad nanny after all. :) Seriously, they helped me realize that caring for helpless creatures (even those that include leather camera cases as part of their menu) actually helps heal even the most broken of hearts.

And unlike the TV, DVD player, sofas, car, and numerous other stuffs that I easily put on sale when I left last 2007 to be able to afford a long travel, heal my broken heart, and start anew, the scars will never ever be put on sale. They made me into what I am now: richer, fuller, more beautiful maybe (?), and very happily married.

So, are you mending a horribly bruised heart? Nothing is ever crazy. Jump, fly, shout….or maybe, sell your stuffs, pack your bags, and just go wherever your feet will land you. Commit to be happy again.

Meet JR, the stranger who listened to my sob stories (while inside a public van enroute to Balamban. Cebu), the friend who touched me with his kindness, and eventually, the husband who would readily give me the best parts in a pack of "Mixed Nuts." Don't be afraid to love, cry, and love again :)

*Very, very broken

(Note: This is also an entry to the “I Commit to Change” Blogging Contest. If you like this entry, please help me win by going to Facebook and look for the “I Commit…” Page. This entry is Shortlist No. 9 posted in “Boxes”. You can vote for this by clicking “like” at the bottom of the entry. Thank you!)

IMPORTANT UPDATE (01 Aug. 2010) : I think it is important to share this. I got very disappointed about the blogging contest where I submitted this blog. I joined the contest thinking this is about real life-changing experiences. Ok, there is sharing but what the heck – it was later revealed that it was really for a commercial purpose – to promote a shampoo brand! I cannot delete this blog anymore because I don’t want my readers to have “error” pages. But I hope these multinational companies will refrain from using these “strategies” in promotion. It’s ok to promote products, this is a free world, but it does not feel so right, honest and fair. For one, I wouldn’t have joined had I known that this Contest is for…surprise…Pantene! I am a believer of natural/organic products even in my shampoo. I use products for my skin and hair that are derived (or if not available, mostly derived) from natural ingredients and NOT those with chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, BHA/BHT, DEA, etc. I think we Pinoys should love our homegrown produce more. There are organic products already available in the market – and they are helping our local farmers and growers. More importantly, they do not cause adverse effects. Many think these synthetic-based shampoos help? Let us rethink. Let us count all the chemical ingredients and read more about them. Ever wonder why your hair is thinning? Hmmm, just go to Google and find out what exactly those shampoos are made of. I am not a hair expert and please do not take my word for it. But please know more about these products and make informed choices. I respect the Organizers of that ICTC Page but I hope these platforms should be used in a more ethical way. P.s. By the way, my story got Shortlisted (#9). I wrote that with full faith that this is NOT a commercial campaign. I got really disappointed.

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