Sangkusing

We, who have surpassed our golden years, offer these valuable tips that have been collected from many a senior, each with his or her own piece of advice. So read well, share with your loved ones, and have a great day and a great life!

LIGAW TINGIN

I haven’t heard of anyone eloping these days. Is digital courtship as romantic as in the era of the ‘harana’?

These cyber days, romance has gone digital. Facebook has taken over face-to-face courtship. Today’s young lass is wooed and won via the internet. My kasambahay’s young daughter spends her days glued to her tablet in promiscuous virtual relationships with numerous young men, to the distress of her mother, who despairs of imposing discipline on the 14-year-old!

No young person today, it seems, is able to survive without this gadget, no matter how humble the parental circumstance may be. In a way, it reminds me of the “phone pal” days of my youth when telephones were still a rarity and one frequently had to importune a neighbor to make a phone call, and/or verbally tussle with a party line over its use.

I remember a time when elopements were the “thing.” Many of my cousins, facing parental objection/s to the object of their affection, ended up eloping—then married in haste, upon their repentant return to the parental home, usually with baby in tow to soften recalcitrant parental hearts.

I haven’t heard of anyone eloping these days.

Today’s young lovers have it much easier. Many simply pack their bags and move in together, parental objections having become redundant in our more permissive society. I think—pious constraints notwithstanding—that the arrangement is pragmatic.

Why take on the “till death do us part” commitment unless you have given it some very serious thought, tried it on for size, so to speak, and are relatively sure the union will last beyond the throes of passion and the rigors of day-to-day reality? One doesn’t even buy a pair of shoes without fitting them! Marriage, surely, deserves far more serious consideration!

But there was romance and adventure in the repressive “good old days.” Doubtless the sense of anticipation, delayed gratification, and/or the attraction of the forbidden fruit have much to do with it.

‘Visiting’  - It would all start with ligaw tingin.

My generation, which came of age in the ’50s, literally lived the age of innocence. Sex education was unheard of, and a taboo subject at home where the truth about the birds and the bees was never discussed.

I think I was in second-year high school when no less that our Dean, Fr. John P. Delaney, S.J. taught our class that one didn’t catch babies from holding hands! He took the trouble of inviting female students from UP to enliven our hitherto dull all-male class parties. Of course, slow drag was discouraged; a Jesuit would hold a ruler threatening to measure the distance between dancing couples. Instead, the high-flying coeds wrestled with us clumsy males as they taught us how to dance the boogie and the square dance.

The usual courtship ritual was for the boy to pay court to a girl by formally calling on her at home (euphemistically called “visiting”). If the girl is pretty and popular, or if there were more than one girl of about the same age in the house, you could have several young swains “visiting” at the same time. Then, the situation could get somewhat muddled.

A familiar experience was that of a classmate who had three very pretty younger sisters, and it was not unusual for us to have a posse of boys calling on them simultaneously, it was difficult to tell which one of us a particular boy, or group of boys, had come to visit. We labelled the unexpected visitor “submarino” for obvious reasons. In the normal course of events, the object of the boy/boys’ attention became clear and eventually, the girl likewise would make her choice known by agreeing to “go steady” with a particular suitor, automatically eliminating the others.

The standard practice was for courting couples to sit facing each other across a table, or side by side on adjoining chairs, with or without the watchful eyes of a chaperone hovering nearby. Absolutely no touching, and no holding hands! Dating was not encouraged, and if allowed, required a chaperone, usually a trusted older person.

Even going out to parties with girlfriends was strictly restricted, and required a midnight curfew. A particularly romantic tradition of that era, which has regrettably disappeared over the years, is the harana in which a suitor “serenades” his ladylove with a guitar and a song.

Perhaps it is just as well that this romantic practice has disappeared. How indeed, do you serenade today’s ladylove, living 10, or 29 floors above, in a multistory condominium on a street clogged with traffic? Can the plaintive chords of your guitar and timbre of your singing voice, no matter how sweet or persuasive, overcome the resounding cacophony of the incessant traffic noise across the street?

And one may well wonder if digital courtship and dating are as romantic as in the days of the harana when we managed and pressed our suit by visiting our ladylove at home and stealing a kiss or two!

As the song goes,  

“Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd sing the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way . . .”

But end, they did.

Chronological Attempts to Stay Healthy – Generally Futile

        Most octogenarians cannot claim to be as healthy as I currently am. The great majority have had some kind of major medical episodes. The only major health episode I’ve had is Herpes Zoster or Shingle, which by itself is not life threatening, but it disrupted my routine morning exercise resulting in weakened leg muscles. At seventy, it was extremely difficult to resume the old routine.

Consider the odds.

        I lost regular employment at 65.  Together with the employment was the loss of my health benefits. At any rate HMOs discontinue their benefits for those over 65 years old. One can continue coverage but you have to pay an escalating premium every year without any recourse to cash values, dividends, or return of premiums. I still have Philhealth coverage but it can only shoulder a small portion of the total hospital bill. 

        A friend was hospitalized for a major illness in one of the tertiary hospitals in Metro-Manila. A major illness is called such because it is curable but major assets have to be thrown into it. Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink time!  It’s also called catastrophic disease because it spells a catastrophe to the finances of the family involved. Today, my friend has been moved to a neighborhood hospital because his resources are almost gone. Relatives and friends have pitched in but donor fatigue is setting in. Philippine General Hospital, a public hospital with Grade A medical care but Grade D for hospital atmosphere beckons. A trip to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has to be done. Government helps the destitute, but requires to show proof.

Indigent. Insolvent. Pauper. These words sting. Perhaps poverty is even harder to take than the disease itself, because the last resort is the family home.

        Yes, Filipinos in general are in danger of heart-wrenching financial crisis in the latter years of their lives because modern medical science offers many options to keep the family head or member alive by all possible means. No one turns his or her back on family. Not in the Philippines.

        The future is not going to be easy for oldies who may later on be stricken by major disease. So, aside from deep breaths and prayers, preventive medicine is the only answer. While still applicable . . .

       Let’s go back to Kindergarten where we learned the basics. A nursery rhyme goes:

“The best six doctors anywhere and no one can deny it

Are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet.

These six will gladly you attend If only you are willing

Your mind they'll ease, Your will they'll mend, and charge you not a shilling.”

N

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Inspired by Ana Marie Pamintuan 

The worsening chronic traffic gridlock is just one of the many problems waiting to be untangled by the Duterte administration. A year and a half is not enough to produce any palpable improvement in this area. But people are also waiting for new ideas and some movement in the implementation of projects that will improve mass transportation facilities.

It’s not enough to hold accountable those behind the disaster that is the Metro Rail Transit 3 and those whose managerial failures contributed to driving the electorate to embrace Rodrigo Duterte in 2016.

We need to fast-track the implementation of transportation infrastructure. Malacañang seems to have given up on seeking emergency powers from Congress to deal with the traffic mess. But President Duterte can lean on his super majority to quickly pass certain laws or amendments, such as in government procurement, to facilitate project implementation, simplify procedures and ensure reasonable quality rather than the lowest price in bidding requirements.

Better infrastructure is needed everywhere, from airports and sea ports to roads, bridges and telecommunications as well as in tourism facilities.

Let’s admit it – the drug menace and narco politics are genuinely serious problems that are undermining democracy and aggravating corruption.

But there are also many other problems calling for official attention, from deteriorating quality of education to inadequate public health care and enormous red tape. Marawi needs massive rehabilitation, and the nation faces a serious threat of terrorism that may spread nationwide.

An increasing concern is whether the administration can focus on dealing with these problems when the Chief Executive appears distracted by brawls with his political opponents.

With his still immense popularity, President Duterte can achieve so much. He was borne to power by perceptions of being an action man, in contrast to his predecessor. People brushed aside early warnings from his opponents that Dirty Rody could ignore the law, due process and certain civil liberties to get things done; voters gave him the imprimatur to just do it.

With that kind of mandate, and with the opposition in Congress reduced to the size of an amoeba, the President should still be able to get a lot of reforms done. His Tokhang and Double Barrel have also generated a powerful fear factor that could enable him to compel even local government executives who think they run independent republics to go along with his reform agenda.

The President is not yet even midway through his term, and the surveys indicate that he continues to enjoy widespread public support.

Rodrigo Duterte promised voters real change. With fewer distractions and proper focus, he can still deliver on his promise.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Looking at all the above headaches for DU30, it appears that his administration should pay particular attention to the traffic gridlock. After all it’s a problem that he inherited but which also gave him the presidency in 2016.

A mass transit system similar to Tokyo’s highly efficient rail system cannot be operationalised from scratch within a president’s 6 year term. If his continuing high ratings still cannot dent the traffic gridlock, he should at least be able to get NEDA, which is run by people appointed by the incumbernt president, to adopt a long range PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN  which should allow our country to adopt a framework of inclusive high growth. With good governance and anticorruption as the overarching theme of each and every intervention, the Plan should translate into specific goals, objectives, strategies, programs and projects all the things that we want to accomplish in the long term.

The Philippine Development Plan will serve as our guide in formulating policies and implementing development programs for at least the next twelve years. It should enable us to work systematically to give the Filipino people a better chance of finally finding their way out of poverty, inequality, and the poor state of human development.

But it seems he is already losing focus, distracted by the intramurals he is facing.

For the past 2,500 years, honey has been an essential ingredient, used by countless cultures all around the world. Perhaps one of the reasons why, even today, honey is so widely consumed, is due to the variety of ways it can be eaten: You can eat a spoonful of honey directly, or spread it on bread like a jam, you can mix it with juice or tea for a sweeter taste, or simply add it to warm water. No matter how you use it, honey has become an extremely useful and versatile ingredient. It is also becoming increasingly recognized not only for its amazing taste, but its medicinal properties. To reap its benefits, selecting the right type of honey is key.

 Knowing the Difference between Pure and Artificial Honey 

When purchasing honey, bear in mind that raw honey (honey in its purest form) is best. Raw honey hasn't been filtered, strained or heated above 115°F (46°C), unlike many of the commercial varieties we find lined up in our conventional grocery stores. In fact, most of the commercial kinds have been processed to the point that many (if not all) of the beneficial enzymes, nutrients and antioxidants have been completely destroyed. 

But, how can you identify the difference between the two? These 4 tests will help you determine whether the honey you purchased, is pure or not: 

1. The texture test
Unlike artificial honey, pure honey is solid. A spoonful will remain intact and will not drip off or spread easily.

2. The water test
Artificial honey, dissolves easily in water. Pure honey, on the other hand, will lump and settle at the bottom of a glass that is filled with water.

3. The shelf life test
Pure honey will crystallize over time, while imitation honey will continue to look like syrup, no matter how long it has been stored.

4. Light a fire 

If you dip the tip of a matchstick in honey, then strike it to light, natural honey will light the match easily and the flame will burn off the honey. Artificial honey, though, will not light due to the moisture that it contains.

The Key Nutrients Found in Pure Honey 

Raw honey is loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals. It is packed with essential B vitamins, including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and B6 (Pyridoxine), all of which function as coenzymes that help the body attain energy from food. The B-vitamins are also important for normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin and nervous system function, as well as red blood cell formation. Honey is also a good source of vitamin C, which benefits the body by holding cells together through collagen synthesis (a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and other tissues together).

Honey also contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, sulphur, zinc and phosphate - most of which aid in body metabolism, water balance and bone health, among many other beneficial qualities. 

10 Ways Pure Honey Can Benefit Your Health 

1. A great source of energy
Carbohydrates in the form of glucose and fructose supply the body and mind with energy, which can boost endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. In fact, honey is used by many athletes as an instant, yet sustained, energy source.  

2. An excellent source of antioxidants
Besides containing a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, honey also contains the flavonoid pinocembrin - which is unique to honey. This supports and promotes healthy enzyme activity.  

3. Slows down the aging process

The slow depletion of enzymes in the body partly contributes to the aging process. Raw honey, however, is one of the few foods that helps slow the depletion of enzymes through the ingestion of amylase - an enzyme that breaks down sugars and carbohydrates. This has the ability to restore damaged skin, giving a softer, younger look. 

4. Supports good bacteria
Honey supports Bifidobacteria, which is present in the gastrointestinal tract and is essential for efficient digestion and good health. Honey also contains pre/pro-biotics, which helps growth and activity of Bifidobacteria. Honey doesn't ferment in the stomach and can be used to counteract indigestion.

5. Treats allergies and supports a strong immune system
Honey contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can treat allergies by supporting a strong immune system. Using honey often can also strengthen the white blood corpuscles, which help fight bacterial and viral diseases. 

6. Promotes better blood sugar control
Experimental evidence suggests that consumption of honey may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity compared to other sweeteners. The body's tolerance to honey is significantly better than its reaction to sucrose and glucose sourced from other foods. Individuals with greater glucose intolerance (those with mild diabetes and Type 1 diabetes - a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) showed significantly better tolerance to honey than sucrose.

7. Helps lower high cholesterol
In a series of experiments involving healthy subjects and those with high cholesterol, honey has been found to be the healthiest sweetener. However, the study also found that in patients with high cholesterol, artificial honey increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, while pure, natural honey decreased total cholesterol by 8% and LDL cholesterol by 11%. 

8. Helps suppress a cough
In children and teens aged between 2 and 18, honey has been found to be more effective than cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Buckwheat honey, has been shown to be an especially successful cough medicine.

9. A beneficial wound healer
Raw honey applied topically to the skin, has been revealed to contain a number of wound healing benefits. Because honey is composed mainly of glucose and fructose (two sugars that strongly attract water), honey absorbs water in the wound and dries it out so that the growth of bacteria and fungi is inhibited. Studies have also discovered that Manuka honey decreases the surface pH level of wounds so that germs can no longer survive and bacteria is kept out. 

10. Potentially prevents low white blood cell count
Honey may be a promising and inexpensive way to prevent low white blood cell count caused by chemotherapy. In a small study, 40% of cancer patients who were known to be at risk of neuropenia (very low blood count) had no further episodes of the condition after taking 2 teaspoons of therapeutic honey each day during chemotherapy.

Babamail