Saturday, May 05, 2012
When Genes and Indigenous People Matter
Home to one of the indigenous peoples in the island of Panay, Nagpana is nestled at one the mountains of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. 
The Institute of Human Genetics at the University of the Philippines (Manila) with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region VI and Region VII went to the area last April 24 to conduct some saliva testing among the Ati's, one of the indigenous peoples in the country. I've been to Nagpana before during their Pag-uli Tiriringob Festival last November but this time, it is different. This is now more on health related concerns of the Ati's from the community. I'm doing more field research on the area for my ethnographic writing . The team from the Institute of Human Genetics was made up of a geneticist, an anthropologist, doctor and a biologist. Three of us come from the NCIP, one is the head of Technical Division,the other as the Provincial Head for the Ati's of Guimaras and Barotac and me as the historian and consultant writer. I took some pictures during that day. 
Ati kids taking a bath on a lazy day under the sun. 
Their handicrafts are beautiful. 
I took the picture at the top. 
My favorite kid at the community. 
This is for our lunch. 
The geneticist in action. Explaining the concepts of genes and DNA. 
Listening attentively to the instructions. 
Abundance of abaca at the community. 
I would have wanted to take a dip. 
Beautiful view on top of a huge rock. 
Mother and child. 
I enjoyed my interview with Lola.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
When Work Becomes An Adventure
This month is definitely hectic for me.
I like working on projects related to the empowerment of indigenous people. I was in Antique for a week for the mid-term evaluation of Empowering Indigenous People for Inclusive Development (EIPID)climbing mountains, crossing rivers, meeting beautiful people with good hearts and enjoying the beauty of nature. The project is halfway on its implementation period.
I'm back to Iloilo City however I can always say that it was tough trekking the mountains but it was inspiring to meet people who work for the indigenous peoples. Sir Lope is one of the best I've ever worked with. We went to five municipalities in Antique for a week conducting FGD's and evaluation of the project.
No, I dont think I was working rather I was learning and appreciating things. This is what happens when work becomes an adventure.
Take a look at the beauty of the Province of Antique.
Sira-an Hot Springs at Anini-y, Antique.
On the way to Latazon, Laua-an, Antique
Soil erosion at Brgy. Lublub Valderamma, Antique.
We passed through rivers and mountains.
Wild pigs everywhere! @ Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.
Fishing Boats at Anini-y, Antique. Seven Ati families live here.
The majestic mountains of Valderrama, Antique.
Nothing but huge rocks. It was a very bumpy ride up the mountains
of Brgy.Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.
This place is beautiful. Lunch at Sira-an Hot Springs, ANini-y, Antique.
Some Ati women washing their clothes at the river.
Simple life.:-)Hamtic, Antique
I stopped by to take this picture. @ Anini-y, Antique.
Shy and smiling. Some of the Ati kids talked to me in "inati".
I was lost in translation.
Still @ Anini-y, Antique.
My partner in crime, Sir Lope's FGD with the carabao.
A simple hut among the seven Ati families. @ Anini-y, Antique
We have to go home at 5pm or esle we wouldn't be able to cross the river anymore.
Conquering the mountains of Valderrama, Antique.
Discussing with the Iraynon-Bukidnons of Brgy. Latazon, Laua-an, Antique.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Happy International Woman's Month
We deserve to smile and be happy because we are all fabulous, beautiful and warm human beings.
Happy Woman's Month to mothers, sisters, friends and daughters. You bring light in this beautiful world.
Happy Woman's Month to mothers, sisters, friends and daughters. You bring light in this beautiful world.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
Guns, McDonaldization, Disneyfication and The Big Stick Policy
You can't talk peace and have a gun. - Francis M.
I bet Obama could use a lot of that these days. It seems like he's hell bent on his Big Stick Policy. Iran. Afghanistan. Name it. He'll use it. Henry Kissinger was right all along, power is indeed a great aphrodisiac. Big Stick Policy? Gunboat diplomacy? Power projection? Whatever you call it, it is still intimidation. The projection of power is just too blatant that it becomes so impossible to miss.
But no, we don't live in a bipolar world anymore. We live in a heterpolar world. Sources of power emanates from different junctions, not just on politics and economics. If global political order is unlikely, it is necessary to examine the economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of a new global order. Should we begin to call in a global cultural order in the new system?
Disneyfication, Coca-colonization, Mcdonaldization and the effervescent presence of consumerism. The fusion of consumerism with the arts, entertainment and sport is widespread. This reminds me so much of the creed of shopaholics. I shop therefore I am.
Is it the ultimate dead end?
Like McDonaldization, disneyfication continuously haunts our dreams. There is a need for us to deconstruct traditional narratives and circumvent ways in understanding the presence of popular culture. Oversimplification is essentially an overkill of everything.
We have no obligation to make history.
We have no obligation to make art.
We have no obligation to make a statement.
To make money is our only obligation.
-Michael Eisner
The real world is becoming more and more like a theme park - like Disneyland. If I were to believe what Michael Eisner says about Disney, I'm bound to run away from everything that starts with letter D. Do scholars tend to read too much on Disney films?
Yes and no.
Yes, movies are meant to entertain us, true. But how do we essentially explain to the young minds their first glimpse of other cultures? It goes to say that these films contribute to their social construction of the world.
The chase doesn't end there. I am beginning to stop myself from subscribing to life in the fast lane. No tough life there but just making sure that when the proverbial hunger pangs hit you, some take out food is available for your convenience. But food is not the only thing that counts here. It is said that in the 1980s and 1990s McDonaldization has extended its reach into more and more regions of society, and those areas are increasingly remote from the heart of the fast-food business.
According to Ritzer, there are five dominant themes within this McDonaldization process: Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Increased Control, and the Replacement of Human by Non-Human Technology. Are these things familiar to you?
People are also becoming increasingly aware of the linkages among different aspects of the natural environment, the human impacts on the natural environment and the need to initiate policies that will sustain significant environmental resources into the future. Providing for the needs of the increasing numbers of people in the world from the same stock of resources is no easy feat.
If Kiko's been singing of you can't talk peace and have a gun, mine would be much simpler.
Indeed, where's Terra Nova when you need it?
I bet Obama could use a lot of that these days. It seems like he's hell bent on his Big Stick Policy. Iran. Afghanistan. Name it. He'll use it. Henry Kissinger was right all along, power is indeed a great aphrodisiac. Big Stick Policy? Gunboat diplomacy? Power projection? Whatever you call it, it is still intimidation. The projection of power is just too blatant that it becomes so impossible to miss.
But no, we don't live in a bipolar world anymore. We live in a heterpolar world. Sources of power emanates from different junctions, not just on politics and economics. If global political order is unlikely, it is necessary to examine the economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of a new global order. Should we begin to call in a global cultural order in the new system?
Disneyfication, Coca-colonization, Mcdonaldization and the effervescent presence of consumerism. The fusion of consumerism with the arts, entertainment and sport is widespread. This reminds me so much of the creed of shopaholics. I shop therefore I am.
Is it the ultimate dead end?
Like McDonaldization, disneyfication continuously haunts our dreams. There is a need for us to deconstruct traditional narratives and circumvent ways in understanding the presence of popular culture. Oversimplification is essentially an overkill of everything.
We have no obligation to make history.
We have no obligation to make art.
We have no obligation to make a statement.
To make money is our only obligation.
-Michael Eisner
The real world is becoming more and more like a theme park - like Disneyland. If I were to believe what Michael Eisner says about Disney, I'm bound to run away from everything that starts with letter D. Do scholars tend to read too much on Disney films?
Yes and no.
Yes, movies are meant to entertain us, true. But how do we essentially explain to the young minds their first glimpse of other cultures? It goes to say that these films contribute to their social construction of the world.
The chase doesn't end there. I am beginning to stop myself from subscribing to life in the fast lane. No tough life there but just making sure that when the proverbial hunger pangs hit you, some take out food is available for your convenience. But food is not the only thing that counts here. It is said that in the 1980s and 1990s McDonaldization has extended its reach into more and more regions of society, and those areas are increasingly remote from the heart of the fast-food business.
According to Ritzer, there are five dominant themes within this McDonaldization process: Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Increased Control, and the Replacement of Human by Non-Human Technology. Are these things familiar to you?
People are also becoming increasingly aware of the linkages among different aspects of the natural environment, the human impacts on the natural environment and the need to initiate policies that will sustain significant environmental resources into the future. Providing for the needs of the increasing numbers of people in the world from the same stock of resources is no easy feat.
If Kiko's been singing of you can't talk peace and have a gun, mine would be much simpler.
Indeed, where's Terra Nova when you need it?
Thursday, February 02, 2012
In Search for Purgatory
What would you ask God if you had just one question?
Maybe 25 years ago, as a kid I have one question in mind. And yes I would not call him God either. I remember it very well that as a young kid I always insists to call him as Jesus. God is so adult. So Jesus it is. My question would be very simple.
Dear Jesus, is this purgatory?
My Dad used to tell me that this is purgatory.
When you’re a kid, you never question the wisdom of your elders. My earliest memory about purgatory was when I was six years old. I attended the mass with my parents and the priest was talking about purgatory, heaven and hell. Heaven as I knew and from what I’ve seen in the pictures was filled with white cotton candy clouds with all the angels flapping their little wings while singing in their melodious voices. I’m sure heaven is also filled with lots of candies and a bowl of creamy chicken soup waiting for everyone who enters its gates. Hell is of course filled with lakes of fire. A man with two horns and a tail laughing like a lunatic is seated in his throne. And yes, don’t forget the huge pitchfork he uses to poke the souls who are swimming in the lakes of fire.
But purgatory? Where is it? What does it look like?
After the mass as we were going out of the church, my dad turned to me and told me to be quiet. He pointed to this huge and magnificent structure. That is purgatory. Tall and towering, the place looks forlorn with some moss gathering at the sides and an eerie silence that engulfs it akin to those horror movies that I watch. Like the naughty kid that I was I looked at it with awe and great interest. I bet to any kid, any structure that is big and towering is an awesome sight. I turned to my father and asked him whether we could just take a look inside and say hello to the souls. I was promptly told that the souls were asleep it was best for us to stay quiet, pray for them and walk away.
From that day on, it is firmly entrenched to my mind that this is what purgatory looks like. In school, I would tell my other classmates with great conviction that I know where purgatory is. It is just right across Jaro plaza and that one should really be quiet upon approaching the area for souls are asleep. Some of them believed me. Of course, some don’t.
Years later, I found out that this place was no purgatory. It was actually an old belfry of Jaro Cathedral that was constructed during the Spanish period in the country. Now, I’m more confused if this is not purgatory, then where can I find it? And yes, I prefer to call him God now. Does it follow then that Jesus is for kids and God is for adults? If God don’t mind me asking another question I still would want to know where purgatory is. I’m thinking maybe it is somewhere between the stratosphere and ionosphere.
Where is purgatory?
Maybe 25 years ago, as a kid I have one question in mind. And yes I would not call him God either. I remember it very well that as a young kid I always insists to call him as Jesus. God is so adult. So Jesus it is. My question would be very simple.
Dear Jesus, is this purgatory?
When you’re a kid, you never question the wisdom of your elders. My earliest memory about purgatory was when I was six years old. I attended the mass with my parents and the priest was talking about purgatory, heaven and hell. Heaven as I knew and from what I’ve seen in the pictures was filled with white cotton candy clouds with all the angels flapping their little wings while singing in their melodious voices. I’m sure heaven is also filled with lots of candies and a bowl of creamy chicken soup waiting for everyone who enters its gates. Hell is of course filled with lakes of fire. A man with two horns and a tail laughing like a lunatic is seated in his throne. And yes, don’t forget the huge pitchfork he uses to poke the souls who are swimming in the lakes of fire.
But purgatory? Where is it? What does it look like?
After the mass as we were going out of the church, my dad turned to me and told me to be quiet. He pointed to this huge and magnificent structure. That is purgatory. Tall and towering, the place looks forlorn with some moss gathering at the sides and an eerie silence that engulfs it akin to those horror movies that I watch. Like the naughty kid that I was I looked at it with awe and great interest. I bet to any kid, any structure that is big and towering is an awesome sight. I turned to my father and asked him whether we could just take a look inside and say hello to the souls. I was promptly told that the souls were asleep it was best for us to stay quiet, pray for them and walk away.
From that day on, it is firmly entrenched to my mind that this is what purgatory looks like. In school, I would tell my other classmates with great conviction that I know where purgatory is. It is just right across Jaro plaza and that one should really be quiet upon approaching the area for souls are asleep. Some of them believed me. Of course, some don’t.
Years later, I found out that this place was no purgatory. It was actually an old belfry of Jaro Cathedral that was constructed during the Spanish period in the country. Now, I’m more confused if this is not purgatory, then where can I find it? And yes, I prefer to call him God now. Does it follow then that Jesus is for kids and God is for adults? If God don’t mind me asking another question I still would want to know where purgatory is. I’m thinking maybe it is somewhere between the stratosphere and ionosphere.
Where is purgatory?
Friday, January 13, 2012
In Praise of Difficult Women
We still have to listen to studies telling us that a single woman over the age of thirty-five had best avoid airplanes because she is more likely to die in a terrorist attack than get married.-----The Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women
I laughed when I read this. I went to my elder sister’s room and actually read the lines to her. She chuckled.
Yesterday was her birthday. She turned 35. We are both single. And yes, when I posted this as my status at Facebook, it was a riot. Of course, most of those who liked it are ALL single women themselves.
Was it a coincidence?
I have every reason to believe that when they read that status, it made them laugh. It’s funny but true, the irony of it all.
The Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women by Elizabeth Wurtzel is a book I’ve bought from a book sale two days ago. It caught my attention primarily because of its title. I’ve started reading it as soon as I got home. It’s an entertaining feminist manifesto if I must say. It kept me chuckling and intellectually charged. It made me laughed out loud in fact.
The word bitch has been used and interpreted many times. Have you ever been called a bitch, too? Well lucky for you if you have been called once, twice or thrice. But then again, in what context were you called as such? I don’t even know how to begin to define the word “bitch”. It seems like the word has been used so many times and in so many contexts. Sometimes, being bitchy is good. Other times, it is not. It also goes to say that being Miss Goody Two Shoes is sometimes good. Other times, it is just not. You know sometimes you just have to fight when you know you just have to. No harm in it.
I would have loved to blog about it but I’ll restrain myself. I want to finish reading the book first.
For the meantime, I’ll bear in mind not to ride the airplanes after I turned 35.
I laughed when I read this. I went to my elder sister’s room and actually read the lines to her. She chuckled.
Yesterday was her birthday. She turned 35. We are both single. And yes, when I posted this as my status at Facebook, it was a riot. Of course, most of those who liked it are ALL single women themselves.
Was it a coincidence?
I have every reason to believe that when they read that status, it made them laugh. It’s funny but true, the irony of it all.
The Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women by Elizabeth Wurtzel is a book I’ve bought from a book sale two days ago. It caught my attention primarily because of its title. I’ve started reading it as soon as I got home. It’s an entertaining feminist manifesto if I must say. It kept me chuckling and intellectually charged. It made me laughed out loud in fact.
The word bitch has been used and interpreted many times. Have you ever been called a bitch, too? Well lucky for you if you have been called once, twice or thrice. But then again, in what context were you called as such? I don’t even know how to begin to define the word “bitch”. It seems like the word has been used so many times and in so many contexts. Sometimes, being bitchy is good. Other times, it is not. It also goes to say that being Miss Goody Two Shoes is sometimes good. Other times, it is just not. You know sometimes you just have to fight when you know you just have to. No harm in it.
I would have loved to blog about it but I’ll restrain myself. I want to finish reading the book first.
For the meantime, I’ll bear in mind not to ride the airplanes after I turned 35.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Strictly Photos
Because it is December and things are bright and gay, for a change I've decided to post photos. Just photos.
Sinigang na Isda
Chicken Inasal. Yum!
Chicharon!
Biscocho. Piaya. Pinasugbo.
Pinamalhan nga Lupuy. Cooking Lupuy the traditional way.
Kinilaw na labanos. Radish salad anyone?
Singkamas and Naranghita.
That's all folks. I'll be writing next week.
That's all folks. I'll be writing next week.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Of Indigenous Peoples: Getting to Know the Ati's of Nagpana
Last week was a frenzy.
In the midst of everything, visits to the doctor, the endless readings and the writing of the Panay-Bukidnon claimbook, I took the time out to visit Nagpana, Barotac Viejo. It was their Pag-uli Tingob Festival. Nagpana is the home of one of the indigenous peoples' in the country, the Aetas.
The Ati's performing their native dance.
The place was beautiful. The people were friendly and accomodating. Lush vegetation covers the area. It was a feast for the eyes and soul. I've always been interested to write an ethnography about the indigenous peoples in the country. I've taught at the university for ten years. Academic experience is great. You learn a lot of paradigms and theories inside the four walls of the classroom but then theories are best when they are applied in real life situations. I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to be able to share and use my knowledge to help give the IPs what was righfully their own in the first place, their ancestral lands. For each paragraph that I write and each chapter that I finish,I do it with passion and love. Not because of anything else but more so because of the idea that this is a landmark step for the IPs towards the realization of their right to self-determination. The granting of the title of their ancestral lands would be written in the pages of Philippine history. It is a legacy that would be passed to the generations of IPs.
At Nagpana. Simply beautiful.
Kagang as they call it. This was taken at the nearby river.
In the Philippines, indigenous peoples’ communities are to be found in the interiors of Luzon, Mindanao, and some islands of Visayas. They either withdrew to the hinterlands in the face of colonization or they stood their ground successfully and have maintained a close link to their ancestral past. These communities comprise a diverse collection of more than forty ethno-linguistic groups, each with a distinct language and culture. The indigenous peoples continued to live in their relatively isolated, self-sufficient communities, at the time when most lowland communities had already been integrated into a single colony under Spain in the 1700s and 1800s. They were able to preserve their culture and traditions as reflected in their communal views on land, rituals, songs, dances and folklore.
The little boy who took my heart away.
Mass wedding of Atis.
Uprooting indigenous peoples from their land denies them their right to life and identity. This is also to say that they have continuously related to and established the environment they are in as the material basis of their existence.
Land is a central issue to indigenous peoples because it defines their very existence. For the IPs, their ancestral lands are not just a physical manifestation of their presence, not just a material base but most importantly, their lands are sources of collective memories of their history and culture. It makes their ancestral domain a cultural and spiritual link to the living and their dead. Hence, in this context, as seen in the eyes of the indigenous peoples, ancestral domains are sacred.
Through the years, they have survived as they have striven to maintain the cultural integrity that makes them different while adapting ingeniously to the changing conditions around them.
Shy but smiling. A young mother and her kids.
Simply beautiful. The water was inviting.
Native food. ( At the background, these are the members of the TSK, an NGO.)
Currently, the population profile of indigenous peoples of Regions VI, VII and VIII showed that there is a total of 62, 099 IPs in Iloilo , located within twenty two municipalities of the province.
I will be back at the community soon to write an ethnography about them. I know it's going to be an enlightening, fulfilling and interesting stay.
In the midst of everything, visits to the doctor, the endless readings and the writing of the Panay-Bukidnon claimbook, I took the time out to visit Nagpana, Barotac Viejo. It was their Pag-uli Tingob Festival. Nagpana is the home of one of the indigenous peoples' in the country, the Aetas.
The place was beautiful. The people were friendly and accomodating. Lush vegetation covers the area. It was a feast for the eyes and soul. I've always been interested to write an ethnography about the indigenous peoples in the country. I've taught at the university for ten years. Academic experience is great. You learn a lot of paradigms and theories inside the four walls of the classroom but then theories are best when they are applied in real life situations. I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to be able to share and use my knowledge to help give the IPs what was righfully their own in the first place, their ancestral lands. For each paragraph that I write and each chapter that I finish,I do it with passion and love. Not because of anything else but more so because of the idea that this is a landmark step for the IPs towards the realization of their right to self-determination. The granting of the title of their ancestral lands would be written in the pages of Philippine history. It is a legacy that would be passed to the generations of IPs.
In the Philippines, indigenous peoples’ communities are to be found in the interiors of Luzon, Mindanao, and some islands of Visayas. They either withdrew to the hinterlands in the face of colonization or they stood their ground successfully and have maintained a close link to their ancestral past. These communities comprise a diverse collection of more than forty ethno-linguistic groups, each with a distinct language and culture. The indigenous peoples continued to live in their relatively isolated, self-sufficient communities, at the time when most lowland communities had already been integrated into a single colony under Spain in the 1700s and 1800s. They were able to preserve their culture and traditions as reflected in their communal views on land, rituals, songs, dances and folklore.
Uprooting indigenous peoples from their land denies them their right to life and identity. This is also to say that they have continuously related to and established the environment they are in as the material basis of their existence.
Land is a central issue to indigenous peoples because it defines their very existence. For the IPs, their ancestral lands are not just a physical manifestation of their presence, not just a material base but most importantly, their lands are sources of collective memories of their history and culture. It makes their ancestral domain a cultural and spiritual link to the living and their dead. Hence, in this context, as seen in the eyes of the indigenous peoples, ancestral domains are sacred.
Through the years, they have survived as they have striven to maintain the cultural integrity that makes them different while adapting ingeniously to the changing conditions around them.
Currently, the population profile of indigenous peoples of Regions VI, VII and VIII showed that there is a total of 62, 099 IPs in Iloilo , located within twenty two municipalities of the province.
I will be back at the community soon to write an ethnography about them. I know it's going to be an enlightening, fulfilling and interesting stay.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Of Prednisone, Filipinos and Hygiene
My face looks like a moon today, full moon to be exact.
Lately I’m taking steroids, 30 mg everyday of prednisone, one for breakfast and the other for supper. I really don’t like it for so many reasons but I gotta have it. If given a choice, I won’t take it. It is a corticosteroid drug that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, or breathing disorders and a whole lot more.
I’m not a doctor. Now I really wish I pursued my dreams of becoming one.
Slightly full moon face. Three days before the prednisone but already taking the turbuhaler.
I have a bad case of asthma attacks lately and I was told by my doc that if by Saturday I'm not showing any improvements, I will be be admitted to the hospital. That scares me a lot. Right now, I'm trying to be a good girl diligently taking my meds, just to avoid all sorts of trips to the hospital. Changes in the Philippine weather makes me think that my fellow asthma gang out there is definitely having a bad time breathing like this woman here. I was actually laughing when I heard what the anchorman said at the news this morning. He said that the weather changes so often these days, one minute it’s raining and then the next time you know, the sun is already shining. Filipinos might end up crazy soon. He was quick to ask the question as to how pinoys with asthma were faring these days.
I literally raised my hands and feet.
Christmas is supposedly around the corner but the extreme heat we’re having makes me think we’re not doing justice to the idea of cold Christmas mornings. Sigh. And yes, I think that deadline at the office a week ago officially did it to me. Stress is really bad for one’s health.And yes, I have tonsilities, too.
My doctor gave me a week on pred. This explains the moon face that I’m currently sporting and I’m not proud of it. But since it is here to stay or two weeks or so, I might as well deal with it. This is my second day but I already transformed myself beautifully into a full moon.
My face beams like no other. It is pinkish,smooth and soft but yes, I still look like a moon. The fluid retention and weight gain that comes as one of the side effects of taking pred is scaring me. When the doctor told me he’s going to put me on prednisone, I am sure my asthma attack is that bad. I don’t like taking it, for one, it gives me a very bad case of heartburn. I feel like my chest is being lit by gazillions of matches altogether creating a wonderful bonfire. Yes, lately I’ve made it a habit to chug a liter of water in a matter of an hour and make frequent trips to the bathroom, of course.
Life under prednisone is not easy.
Second, the fluid retention and weight gain is frustrating. It would have been okay if the weight gain is distributed evenly throughout the body but for reasons I don’t know, the weight seems to accumulate more on thy face. Thus today, I feel like an enormous moon basking its glory under the dark sky. Well at least, I get to feel how it is to be a moon, right? (Positive thinking sometimes helps a lot.)
Third, there’s the craving. I don’t know why but one of the side effects of taking this steroid is that I seem to be hungry throughout the day. When asthma attacks set in, no processed food for me. No sugars. No fats. Not too much sodium. It’s okay with me. I’m not so much with sweets and processed foods anyway. I’ve already made a lifestyle change many years ago. I’m no die hard health nut but I take good care of my body. I do exercise. I’ve taken a good liking with taebo, everyday, except on Sundays, I sweat the toxins from my body through taebo.
I am a goat.
I eat vegetables like my life depends on it. I’m a vegetable lover and a certified green smoothie diva. But I like meat, too though not on everyday basis. Maybe once or twice a week is enough. To settle my cravings and hunger pangs as side effects, I’ve hoarded fruits and veggies like next week is the end of the world. Hoarding dark chocolates is tempting. Very tempting but I’ve always reserved this treat once a month, that is, during my monthly period. A bar or two is enough once a month.
With all these talks about food, I am thinking what is the standard Filipino diet.
Is it still rice and fish? And on the way throw in some nice vegetables to complement the thought. Being close to the Pacific ocean and being surrounded by bodies of water, it is not questionable that rice and fish may have been the standard Filipino diet. But with the changes through the years, is it still rice and fish? I, for one, can’t live without rice. No matter what they say about rice as too heavy for the stomach to be eaten three times a day (notwithstanding the idea that some Filipinos do eat rice with viand as a form of snack), I am still a Filipino through and through.
I want my rice. Period.
It’s okay if I can’t eat it three times a day like what I’m doing now. But at least once a day say breakfast or lunch, I should have it. The idea of not eating rice once a day is enough to make me delirious. You have taken one precious part of my life if you do that. Eating rice and fish brings happy memories of family meals. A friend of mine told me that when she went to Germany to study, one of their German friends told them that they seem to identify the smell of the Filipinos akin to a fish.
I don’t know if that is racist or what.
If I will believe what they say about Africans having that distinct smell or Koreans having that distinct smell then I might believe them that Filipinos do smell like fish. But through the years, I’ve met a considerable number of Koreans in the Philippines and a number of Africans who belong to different nationalities and I can say that it doesn’t hold any water. Some might smell but some don’t. I think it holds true to every nationality regardless of your color and affinity. Maybe it has something to do with what a person eats, maybe hygiene or maybe it has something to do with preconceive notions of certain groups of people. I don’t know
So, do Filipinos smell like fish?
I do especially when I’ve just finished eating some grilled tuna with lemon and soy sauce. Of course those are the moments that I literally don’t mind it. Otherwise, I smell good. I take a bath twice a day. Sometimes, three times a day. Spaniards three centuries ago made some interesting comments about us pinoys. Philippine settlements during the Spanish period are riverine in orientation, water is not a problem. Spanish chroniclers and historians noticed that Filipinos take a bath frequently especially if the scorching heat of the sun is too much to bear. Filipinos take pride in their hygiene.
Believe me, not much has changed.
Now, I really don’t know why I started with prednisone, then went on describing my diet and end up talking about our hygiene. I’ve read that some of the side effects of taking prednisone is nausea, heartburn, insomnia and mood swings. Sad to say, I have all of them. I was crabby the other night to someone and literally just shut off my system. I feel like an owl. I slept at the wee hours of morning and I feel like vomiting and my chest burns like hell. Sigh. After this episode, I will get back on the right track of living the good and healthy lifestyle. That definitely means no stress at work.
I may have written something that is out of sorts tonight, (Look at my train of thought) but I’m happy to say I feel better after writing this. Yay! I am positive that when I get back to my doctor this Saturday, he will be so generous and kind enough to let me get off this drug. I know I will get well soon and after that, I’m going to see a homeopathy doctor. Practice healthy living. Enjoy the sun. Have fun with my family. Hug and kiss the people that I love. I prefer alternative ways of dealing with things.
Now let me get myself some milk and start counting the lizards inside my room.
Lately I’m taking steroids, 30 mg everyday of prednisone, one for breakfast and the other for supper. I really don’t like it for so many reasons but I gotta have it. If given a choice, I won’t take it. It is a corticosteroid drug that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Prednisone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, or breathing disorders and a whole lot more.
I’m not a doctor. Now I really wish I pursued my dreams of becoming one.
Slightly full moon face. Three days before the prednisone but already taking the turbuhaler.
I have a bad case of asthma attacks lately and I was told by my doc that if by Saturday I'm not showing any improvements, I will be be admitted to the hospital. That scares me a lot. Right now, I'm trying to be a good girl diligently taking my meds, just to avoid all sorts of trips to the hospital. Changes in the Philippine weather makes me think that my fellow asthma gang out there is definitely having a bad time breathing like this woman here. I was actually laughing when I heard what the anchorman said at the news this morning. He said that the weather changes so often these days, one minute it’s raining and then the next time you know, the sun is already shining. Filipinos might end up crazy soon. He was quick to ask the question as to how pinoys with asthma were faring these days.
I literally raised my hands and feet.
Christmas is supposedly around the corner but the extreme heat we’re having makes me think we’re not doing justice to the idea of cold Christmas mornings. Sigh. And yes, I think that deadline at the office a week ago officially did it to me. Stress is really bad for one’s health.And yes, I have tonsilities, too.
My doctor gave me a week on pred. This explains the moon face that I’m currently sporting and I’m not proud of it. But since it is here to stay or two weeks or so, I might as well deal with it. This is my second day but I already transformed myself beautifully into a full moon.
My face beams like no other. It is pinkish,smooth and soft but yes, I still look like a moon. The fluid retention and weight gain that comes as one of the side effects of taking pred is scaring me. When the doctor told me he’s going to put me on prednisone, I am sure my asthma attack is that bad. I don’t like taking it, for one, it gives me a very bad case of heartburn. I feel like my chest is being lit by gazillions of matches altogether creating a wonderful bonfire. Yes, lately I’ve made it a habit to chug a liter of water in a matter of an hour and make frequent trips to the bathroom, of course.
Life under prednisone is not easy.
Second, the fluid retention and weight gain is frustrating. It would have been okay if the weight gain is distributed evenly throughout the body but for reasons I don’t know, the weight seems to accumulate more on thy face. Thus today, I feel like an enormous moon basking its glory under the dark sky. Well at least, I get to feel how it is to be a moon, right? (Positive thinking sometimes helps a lot.)
Third, there’s the craving. I don’t know why but one of the side effects of taking this steroid is that I seem to be hungry throughout the day. When asthma attacks set in, no processed food for me. No sugars. No fats. Not too much sodium. It’s okay with me. I’m not so much with sweets and processed foods anyway. I’ve already made a lifestyle change many years ago. I’m no die hard health nut but I take good care of my body. I do exercise. I’ve taken a good liking with taebo, everyday, except on Sundays, I sweat the toxins from my body through taebo.
I am a goat.
I eat vegetables like my life depends on it. I’m a vegetable lover and a certified green smoothie diva. But I like meat, too though not on everyday basis. Maybe once or twice a week is enough. To settle my cravings and hunger pangs as side effects, I’ve hoarded fruits and veggies like next week is the end of the world. Hoarding dark chocolates is tempting. Very tempting but I’ve always reserved this treat once a month, that is, during my monthly period. A bar or two is enough once a month.
With all these talks about food, I am thinking what is the standard Filipino diet.
Is it still rice and fish? And on the way throw in some nice vegetables to complement the thought. Being close to the Pacific ocean and being surrounded by bodies of water, it is not questionable that rice and fish may have been the standard Filipino diet. But with the changes through the years, is it still rice and fish? I, for one, can’t live without rice. No matter what they say about rice as too heavy for the stomach to be eaten three times a day (notwithstanding the idea that some Filipinos do eat rice with viand as a form of snack), I am still a Filipino through and through.
I want my rice. Period.
It’s okay if I can’t eat it three times a day like what I’m doing now. But at least once a day say breakfast or lunch, I should have it. The idea of not eating rice once a day is enough to make me delirious. You have taken one precious part of my life if you do that. Eating rice and fish brings happy memories of family meals. A friend of mine told me that when she went to Germany to study, one of their German friends told them that they seem to identify the smell of the Filipinos akin to a fish.
I don’t know if that is racist or what.
If I will believe what they say about Africans having that distinct smell or Koreans having that distinct smell then I might believe them that Filipinos do smell like fish. But through the years, I’ve met a considerable number of Koreans in the Philippines and a number of Africans who belong to different nationalities and I can say that it doesn’t hold any water. Some might smell but some don’t. I think it holds true to every nationality regardless of your color and affinity. Maybe it has something to do with what a person eats, maybe hygiene or maybe it has something to do with preconceive notions of certain groups of people. I don’t know
So, do Filipinos smell like fish?
I do especially when I’ve just finished eating some grilled tuna with lemon and soy sauce. Of course those are the moments that I literally don’t mind it. Otherwise, I smell good. I take a bath twice a day. Sometimes, three times a day. Spaniards three centuries ago made some interesting comments about us pinoys. Philippine settlements during the Spanish period are riverine in orientation, water is not a problem. Spanish chroniclers and historians noticed that Filipinos take a bath frequently especially if the scorching heat of the sun is too much to bear. Filipinos take pride in their hygiene.
Believe me, not much has changed.
Now, I really don’t know why I started with prednisone, then went on describing my diet and end up talking about our hygiene. I’ve read that some of the side effects of taking prednisone is nausea, heartburn, insomnia and mood swings. Sad to say, I have all of them. I was crabby the other night to someone and literally just shut off my system. I feel like an owl. I slept at the wee hours of morning and I feel like vomiting and my chest burns like hell. Sigh. After this episode, I will get back on the right track of living the good and healthy lifestyle. That definitely means no stress at work.
I may have written something that is out of sorts tonight, (Look at my train of thought) but I’m happy to say I feel better after writing this. Yay! I am positive that when I get back to my doctor this Saturday, he will be so generous and kind enough to let me get off this drug. I know I will get well soon and after that, I’m going to see a homeopathy doctor. Practice healthy living. Enjoy the sun. Have fun with my family. Hug and kiss the people that I love. I prefer alternative ways of dealing with things.
Now let me get myself some milk and start counting the lizards inside my room.
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