As we enter a new phase in this our 21^st century hi tech lives, we meet its consequent drawbacks – aging organs affected by pollution and other increasing environmental hazards.

Many of us seniors experience post-nasal drip described as a feeling of mucus dripping at the back of the throat - that leads to frequent throat clearing, sore throat, and coughing that disturbs our sleep. Since post-nasal drip is a symptom of another condition, other symptoms may be present that are linked to whatever's causing the problem. When allergies are responsible for post-nasal drip, many people experience teary eyes, itchiness of the nose and eyes, and headaches. And if you have also developed asthma, the post-nasal drip may make breathing even more difficult. Other symptoms associated with post-nasal drip may include bad breath, stuffy nose, hoarse voice, or persistent coughing.

THE BIRTH OF PATRONAGE POLITICS AND HOW TO END IT

• Based on Rene Azurin's remarks at the 2014 PEN National Conference

        The distinguished historian Teodoro Agoncillo recounted how the president of the then budding Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo, referred to his newfound adviser, Apolinario Mabini, the question of granting agricultural lands in Pampanga to a long-time ally and general of the revolutionary army. Mabini, taken aback, protested, “What will the people say if we who are in power abuse it for our own benefit?”

        It is interesting that this moral issue already had to be confronted even as the nation was still being born. Even more interesting is that a Filipino leader of that period had unhesitatingly produced the correct response to that moral and ethical question. The land-seeking general was not given the land he coveted.