Thursday, April 30, 2009

What's the difference?

EPIDEMIC. PANDEMIC.

Reference: The Grolier International Dictionary, Vol. 1. page 440.

EPIDEMIC - spreading rapidly and extensively among many individuals in an area.
said especially of contagious diseases.



Reference: The Grolier International Dictionary, Vol. 2. page 947.

PANDEMIC - widespread. epidemic over an especially wide geographic area.


The swine flu is called pandemic, because it is not confined to only a place, but is spreading in different states/ countries in different continents at almost the same period.

Family Photos

A Big brood of grandchildren

With Minmin and Russel's Family

Minmin's son, Sean

These are some recent photos during a family outing when Minmin came for a visit last March.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Swine Flu Update

An update on JogJMac's post on Swine Flu

Latest headlines

WHO raises swine flu alert to 5 out of 6

US confirms swine flu death

Swine flu spreads to Germany amid Mexican lockdown

Three more swine flu cases in Britain

Europe fears more swine flu cases

World waits for flu to hit

More cases of suspected swine flu in NZ

Australia unlikely to avoid swine flu


Batchmates, please take extra precaution.

A reprint for those who have yet to post their blogs...

Paano mag post sa Blogsite by ERNESTO DEL ROSARIO(first posted on April 26, 2007.)

Mga Batchmates,

Heto na ang steps para makapag post dito sa ating blogsite:

1. Unang una, kung nandito ka na sa site na ito, tumingin ka sa upper right corner ng page, at makikita mo ang "Sign In"
2. Click "Sign In" and you will be prompted to create an account.
3. Create an account and follow the steps and fill up the form.
4. I suggest you use your same email address and password para hindi mahirap tandaan.
5. Pagkatapos na magkaroon ka ng account, pwede mo ng gamitin yun para makapag post ka.
6. Sa blogsite natin, mag sign in ka at tagumpay ka sa "Sign In" kung sa upper right corner ng blogsite page ay makikita mo ang "sign in name" mo, "new post", at "Sign Out" (Ibig sabihin naka-sign in ka).
7. Click mo "New Post" at makikita mo ang window on Posting.
8. Type mo title at ang iyong posting.
9. Yun na yun!
10. Pag medyo sanay ka na mag experiment ka at wag matakot na magkamali.
11. Pag nagkamali ka, tawagin mo ang anak mo o ang iyong apo. Paturo ka sa kanila.

Ok?
Ernie

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

SWINE FLU - From: Wikipedia.org

Signs and Symptoms

Main symptoms of swine flu in humans.[14]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A few more patients than usual have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.[15]

Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."[16] A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).[16]

Sunday, April 26, 2009

I AM ALIVE and AWAKEN

After few months of not opening our blog, I have the chance to do so this afternoon while my dennis the menace attends the church with hismom and dad. And I was so napahiya when I read Aidas poem and the panawagan of Jo. Naantig ako ng pagiging tulera ni Aida at ng pagmamakaawa ni Jo, so kahit magkandahulog ako sa pagabot ng aking baul ay kinuha ko ang piece na ito na sinulat ko way back 80s pa to share with you.

NASAAN ANG GUNITA

Aboard
Northwest Orient
Flight 747

Mahal kong Ama,

Tatlong oras na lang tatlong mahahabang oras na lang ang aking ipaghihintay upang ang gulong ng dambuhalang ito ay sumayad sa lupang aking kinasasabikan. Mula sa Chicago Airport,na kanyang pinagmulan may 17 oras na ang nakararaan para ko pang naririnig ang ugong ng kanyang makina,. Bumibingi,tumutulig na may kahalong kasiyahan.ah ano nga ba ang dumadagundong na kasiyahang hatid ng mga walang kawawaang ingay/

Alam ko na , Ang Bagong taon Ama, ang Bagong Taon sa ating bayan. Natatandaan ko pa Ama kung paanong sinasalubong ng mga taga Orion ang pagdatal nito. Hindi bat akoy madalas sumama sa trak ni Ka Inong na nagpapasyo sa buong bayan?hawak koy butas na batya ni Inang na ubos lakas kong kinakalampag,hila naman ng trak ang isang lata na ang ingay na gawa ay nakikisaliw sa ingay ng mga labintador at luses na noon ay di pa ipinagbabawal.

Sino ang makalilimot sa linamnam ng halya at sarap ng sumang ginawa ni inang kasama ang dinuguan at pancit luglog,mga simbulo raw ng mahabang buhay at kasaganaan ng papasok na taon.

Ang pista ng Orion Ama? Masaya pa rin bang tulad ng dati? Ilan na nga bang banda ang inupahan noong huling pista diyan? Tila ang tanda ko ay pito at sabi ninyo ay pinakakaunting bilang iyon ng banda ng musiko sa kasaysayan ng Orion.

Uso pa rin ba ang paghahanda ng marami? Natatandaan ko pa ang pagpapakain ko ng baboy na ating kakatayin sa bisperas ng pista. Paano ba naman kayo takot na takot mapahiya sa mga bisita na dumadagsa sa bahay natin. Bale ba dumarating ng bisperas at sasabihing makikinig ng serenata at manonood ng La torre sa kaarawan ng pista,ano pa nga ba ang matitira sa handa natin?

Di ba kung minsan inuutangan pa kayo ng pamasaheng pauwi dahil naubos daw ang pera sa perya pero saan ka natalo lang sila sa beto beto at bingo sa plasa. Eh yong palabas ng mga artista sa plsa kung a nuebe ng Mayo, ginagawa pa ba? Magkano naman ang ambag na hinihingi para sa pista.Ibig mong sabihin Ama ,ginagawa pa ring lahat ito sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay ngayon?Huwag kang magagalit ama Subalit sa panahong ito na mahirap kumita ng pera ang mararangyang pista ay dapat na nating alisin. Sapat na marahil ang pamisa.

Alam kong bilang magsasaka ang marangya at masaganang pista ay paraan ninyo ng pasasalamat kay Apo Ige. Subalit sa palagay kaya ninyo ay masisiyahan ang patron ng ating bayan sa inyong paglustay sa sa isang taong hirap sa loob lang ng isang araw na pagdiriwang. Natutuwa kaya siya na ang pista ay maging kapalit ng paghihirap ninyo sa bukid?

Nabanggit ko ang bukid Ama ang bukid. Hanggang sa ospital na aking pinaglilingkuran ay pinaguusapan at umaabot ang balita tungkol sa kabutihang ibinibigay ng pamahalaan sa mga magsasaka. Ang Orion ba ay inabot na ng programa ng land reform? Ama nakakawala ka na ba sa pagkakatali sa bulid?

Nagngingitngit ako kung magugunita ko ang iyong pakikiusap sa usererong yaon tuwing mangungutang ka ng ipagpapatanim. Saglit na damdaming nawawala tuwing maririnig ko na ang pagbibiruan ng mga mambubunot ng punla at manananim.

Uso pa ba Ama ang palusong sa bukid? Sino ang iyong kinuhang magararo at magsuyod? Sina Tata Ado at ang kanyang pangkat pa rin ba? Kumusta na sila? Kailan ba ako huling nakakain ng sinampalukang manok ni Inang at ng patkot ginaok ni Bertang Bingi? Ito pa rin ba ang ipinakakain sa mga nanlulusungan sa bukid.

At naku,iyon nga palang duman. Natatandaan ko pa Ama ang pagsuba natin sa Bangad para magani ng murang butil ng malagkit. Matiyagang isinasangang ni Inang at pinagtutulungan ninyong bayuhin ni Kuya. Masarap ang duman,malinamnam,manamis namis.Matagal na akong di nakakain noon Ama. Matagal na.Mula pa noong akoy pumasa dayuhang lupa. Ah Ama huah mo ng ulitin ang pagsumbat sa akin. Inaamin ko akoy nakalimot..sa inyo at sa mga ala ala ng aking bayan.

Patawad Ama kung sa pagkamatay ni Inang noong isang Byernes Santo ay di ako nakauwi. Inakala kong labis labis ang dolyar na ipinadala ko noon para sa kanyang libing. Paano nga pala noon Ama,di man lang nakapamasyal sa mga kubo kubo sina Kiko at Ligaya? kawawang mga kapatid ko Kundi marahil nagkasakit si Inang ay kasama sila ng mga kabataan sa pagsama sa prusisyon ng Miyerkules Santo at Biyernes Santo.

Si Tata Kardo nga pala Ama nag gugulong at naghahampas pa rin ba kung huebes Santo? Sino ang mga bagong nagpapasan ng krus ngayon diyan? Ay di nga pala sila makikilala may takip ang kanilang mukha.

Iyon nga palang Subok at Salubong,Ginagawa pa rin ba? Natatandaan mo ba Ama, minsan akoy nanalo sa Subok at naging anghel na nagalis ng lambong ng Mahal na Birhen sa Salubong? Iyon ang pinakamasayang Araw ng Pagkabuhay para sa akin.

Ngunit ang mga araw na iyon ay di na magbabalik. Ang mga sumbat ng ala ala ay tumitimo sa manhid kong katawan. Kinikilala ko ang aking pagkakamali ang aking kawalang utang na loob sa inyong hirap ni Inang.

Hindi naman ako masamang anak,di ba? Nagpapadala naman ako ng dolyar. Di bat nakapagpatayo naman kayo ng maayos na bahay dahil doon? Hindi ba sapat na katapat yaon ng inyong pangungulila sa akin? Anot isinusulat ni Ligaya sa akin ang pagiyak ni Inang kung ako ang napaguusapan.

Totoo, alam ko ang hirap na inyong inabot sa pagpapaaral sa akin ng medisina,iyon nga ang dahilan kung bakit tinanggihan ko ang inyong mungkahi na diyan na lang ako maglingkod sa ating mga kababayan.

Bakit,maibabalik ba ng itlog at manok, ng gulay at bungang kahoy ang inyong paghihirap upang akoy makatapos? Kasalanan ko ba kung akoy nahikayat ng magandang pangako ng bansang may dolyar? Ito ang dahilan kung bakit akoy di napigil sa kabila ng pagluha ni Inang.

Labingwalong taon ang itinigil ko sa lupang banyaga. Dito ko na rin inani ang inyong tubo sa puhunan. Marahil ngay nakalimot ako. Kaya naman ngayong ilang minuto na lang ay muling nagbabalik sa aking isipan ang ilang mahahalagang bagay na noon ay di ko nabigyan ng pagpapahalaga. Akala koy bahagi na lang sila ng nakaraan.

Subalit Ama, alam mo bang may magagandang pangyayari ring naganap sa akin sa panahong yaon ng pagkalimot?

Ama, hayun si Teresa, ang aking kabiyak, si Jennifer at John ang iyong mga apo. Sila nga Ama ang iyong natatanaw nanakaluksang bumababa sa eroplano. Maya maya mo na ako makikita. Lapitan mo sila Ama. Sila rin ay mahalagang bahagi ng aking buhay tulad ng Orion.

Noong isang Linggo ng umaga isang di inaasahang pangyayari ang dumating sa kanilang buhay. Sa mga panahon pa namang kailangan nila ako.

Huwag kang iiyak, Ama, bagkus hinihiling kong patatagin mo ang iyong dibdib. Kailangan mo ito sapagkat nais kong kasabay ng iyong pagpapatawad sa akin ay kalingain mo sila. Mahina si Teresa Ama. Hindi ko siya naihanda para sa pangyayaring ito.Alam kong itoy isang dagdag pa sa iyong mga dalahin. Subalit paano Ama ....paano?

Huling tanong aking ama...handa na ba ang Orion para sa kanila at para sa akin?

Ang iyong anak,
Bayani



(Para kayong nagbasa ng maikling kuwento sa Liwayway o Bulaklak,ano?
Puede na ba akong magpa publish sa local magazine? See you all next
year.

A Tribute

I am posting this piece written by our batch mate, Aida Mendoza Sison after reading one of the compilations of our blogs which were circulating among our batch mates who have no access to the computer.

I

April 26,2009, umaga na'y gising pa
Kaya't BLOG ng Batch '63 binuklat-buklat,binasa
Minsa'y natatawa,naiiyak,di mapigil ang paghanga
Sa kagalingang taglay ng aking mga kaeskwela.

II
Kasiyahan at paghanga ibig kong ipadama
Kina Azon,Lucille,Pilar,Ernie,Annie, Emma
Kina Mike,Rollie,JoMac,Violet,Nelia
At marami pang iba,tuwa-tuwa ako sa inyo
Mga mahal kong kaeskwela.

III
Talagang pinagpala kayo,mga batchmates kong mahal
Angkin nyong talento't pagpapala mahirap mapantayan
JRI Batch'63,naging kakaibang tunay
Dahil sa inyo,nagkaroon ng sigla't buhay.

IV
Sa inyo batch mates,kaeskwela't kaibigan
Saludo ako sa inyong kahusayan
Kay galing-galing nyo,nakakalugod ngang tunay
May "legacy" na tayong sa Alma Mater na JRI maiiwan

V
Munting hiling ng puso ko'y ipagpatuloy naumpisahan
Ginawa nyo para sa JRI Batch'63 kahanga-hangang tunay
Piaaabot ko'y pasasalamat na walang katapusan
Hiram na buhay ninyo'y sana'y
KANYA pang dagdagan.

VI

Kasiyahan ko'y di kayang mapigilan
Paghabi ng payak na tula sumagi sa isipan
Sana'y itong aking munting nakayanan
Magsilbing "tribute" sa inyo mga kaeskwela't kaibigan

"Kay galing-galing ninyo, believe ako sa inyo
Mabuhay kayo!!! Pagpapala ng Diyos palaging sumainyo ! "

Zenaida Mendoza- Sison
2:00 AM ,April 26,2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Who Do You Love ?

Once upon a time...there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the third wife very much, and he was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his second wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate, and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her to help him get through the difficult times.

The King's first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the King fell ill, and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and pondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.

Thus, he asked the fourth wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing, and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "Absolutely not!" replied the fourth wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the third wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No," replied the third wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the second wife, "I have always turned to you for help, and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time," replied the second wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of thunder, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out. "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so sad and thin, she looked half-starved. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have four wives in our lives: Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.

Our third wife is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our first wife is our soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the ego. However, our soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. So cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now! It IS your greatest gift to offer the world.

From Beliefnet.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Grandnanna Introduces a Newcomer to the Batch


Aria Evelyn Ramirez, 2.5 months, American by birth, Australian by parental citizenship, but explosively Filipino in temperament; the apple of her father's eye; the third angel in our "apostolic" realm.
Parents are extremely thrilled to bits. Grandparents' quiet and peaceful retirement is now but a pipe dream. We have been told that more will come. Well, I suppose "apostolate" is an honourable mission.

A Message of Sympathy




To our batch mate Alfredo Gabriel and Family ,we are sorry to hear about your loss. We will pray for the soul of your sister Auring.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

POST SCRIPT- LUZ VISIT

Sunday started with an Easter Sunday mass at St. Justin the Martyr church in our town. After a light breakfast, we started our trip to Pennsylvania. First stop was to greet our grandkids, their mom and dad a happy Easter. Mike Cruz’ residence was only 30 minute drive away. So after a quick hello, and a couple of pictures taken, we were off to see President Mike, Linda and the rest of the family in their great home in Hatfield, PA. The lunch provided by our great host was enormous and scrumptious. They were ready to feed a platoon of hungry soldiers. Too bad Manny Quicho and Larps have prior commitments; they certainly missed an experience in culinary art. Talking about stuffing yourself with heavy lunch, this was a super heavy luncheon! Please accept our compliments to the Chefs!
Luz will not be able to claim she visited the state of New Jersey, without a glimpse of the casino Mecca of the northeast. After our short chit-chats with Mike, we headed back to New Jersey for a quick glimpse of the famous boardwalk of Atlantic City. Annie showed Luz a few tricks in playing the slot machines. It seemed they were hitting it big on the 1 (penny) machine for a while. But that did not last but half an hour. Ladies, your contributions to the welfare of most senior citizens of New Jersey, were sincerely appreciated. Monday, April 13th, we said so long and good bye to Luz at Philadelphia International Airport. It was a fun-filled short weekend for all of us, but we’ve had a blast. See you in our next reunion, Luz. And thanks for the visit!














Friday, April 17, 2009

My Visit to Batchmates





An account of my 38 days trip to the Land of Milk and Honey will be too long to write about...so let me share you just the highlights with two batch mates who made my stay filled with warm memories.

The Places and People : Eddie and Annie at New Jersey
Mike and Linda at Pennsylvania

What I Appreciated Most: Both families were so solicitous of my needs so
I felt so at home in their abode. I shared their joys
with the grandchildren so I also missed the playful moods
of my "apos" back in the Philippines.

While There: We shared small talks about our
families over sumptuous dishes.Annie and Linda are
really good cooks.

My Wishes: May God's blessing be with your families always.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

LUZ IS IN TOWN, PART 2




April showers, bring May flowers, as the old adage goes. And Saturday in the Big Apple, certainly lived up to that weather prediction. With the help of a former colleague, Lucy McManus, we spent the whole day in New York city under the umbrella, literally. From 34th Street close to the Empire State building, by St. Francis de Assisi church, to Chinatown for lunch, it was raining. We experienced the subway (train ride) uptown, midtown, downtown and everything in between. Throughout the whole exploration, rain did not let up. But overall Luz, Annie and Lucy had a great time, in my opinion. Here are some pictures to prove it.





























A very inspiring story - Part 2 (on EDR)

While putting the old magazines in a box yesterday, I chanced upon a KERYGMA issue with a catchy topic on immigration, with a sub-title "Know the Right Reasons for Moving Abroad."
Guess who were featured on pages 28 and 29! Our batchmate, ERNIE DEL ROSARIO, his wife, Cecile, and their sons, Paul and Nikki.

"HOW OUR IMMIGRATION TURNED OUT TO BE OUR MISSION - Moving to Canada was not our plan but God's" (by Ernie and Cecile as told to Alvin Fabella)

What an inspiring story! How I wish I could reprint their moving account here. In the meantime, I urge everyone to secure a copy of said magazine from members of the Couples of Christ or from Kerygma subscribers.

(K) KERYGMA. 211 vOL. 17, December, 2007. pages 28-29.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

LUZ IS IN TOWN




Greetings from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Luz arrived today Friday, April 10, 2009 from Chicago for the weekend. She brought sunny and warm weather with her, thanks God. The weather prediction was cloudy and rain throughout the day, but a slight change for a better outcome prevailed. This was a duplicate of the same weather prediction when Josie and Pete Macalua stop by for a visit. As you can see from a few pictures,our friends not only brighten up our day but graced our home with their presence even for a brief period. More to follow in the next couple of days, batchmates.

Friday, April 10, 2009

From: PDI : Online Retreat

Jesuits hold virtual Lent retreat for Pinoys (http://www.jesuits.ph)
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:35:00 04/09/2009

MANILA, Philippines--Laypersons from the Philippine Jesuits organization are hoping to reach out to people during the Lenten season using the Internet.

Starting last Wednesday (April 8), the official blog of the Jesuits here started a series of online activities called “The Silences of Lent,” which the organization started promoting during the last week of March.
The site is for Catholics who want to continue practicing certain Lenten activities but are at home.

In their blog’s opening essay, people who are at home with Internet connections are encouraged to set aside about 45 minutes anytime during Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday.

The online Lenten retreat starts off with a “preparation” for persons to reflect upon themselves. Prayer videos and PowerPoint “prayers” are embedded in subsequent pages.

Visitors are treated to different series of pictures, text and embedded photos and video clips as they move forward in their online retreat.

Apart from busy people, the online Lenten retreat is also for old or sick people who are also wishing to attend processions of the Stations of the Cross. Each of the virtual stations has corresponding video clips, photos and text prayers.

The Stations of the Cross is a widely practiced tradition wherein devotees would walk for long distances and stopping to pray on preset locations representing the 14 events that led to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death.

Another virtual activity in the Philippine Jesuit site is an online Visita Iglesia (Church visit). It is also a widely practiced activity to visit several churches in the Philippines.

Among the churches described in the online Visita Iglesia are Quiapo Church , the Benedictine Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Antipolo and the Baclaran Church.

Disneyland







Last March 31, the child in me once again prevailed.I had a grand and fun filled day with my nieces and nephew in Disneyland .This was my second trip to this place of "million dreams" . During my first visit,I missed the rides or what they called attractions ,this time I tried some to accompany the kids .It was fun riding and discovering the world of make believe of Winnie, the Pooh, Indiana Jones Adventure, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Matterhorn, and a host of other attractions . I have to be patient accompanying the kids in the long queue of Mickey, Minnie,Tinker Bell,the Disney Princess for the photo ops and autographs.

I did enjoy Tomorrow's Land with the realistic 3Ds,the Disneyland Railroad which is a great way to get around the park, but a relaxing way to unwind as you see glimpses of various lands,the New Orleans Square for the home of pirates and grim grinning ghosts,and of course Disneyland at Night , the fireworks are great, beautiful!

Indeed Disneyland is the place where dreams come true even for a senior citizen!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Importance of Underwear


Always wear clean underwear in public, especially when working under your vehicle...


From the Northwest Florida Daily News comes this story of a Crestview couple who drove their car to Wal-Mart, only to have their car break down in the parking lot. The man told his wife to carry on with the shopping while he fixed the car in the lot.


The wife returned later to see a small group of people near the car. On closer inspection, she saw a pair of male legs protruding from under the chassis. Although the man was in shorts, his lack of underpants turned private parts into glaringly public ones.


Unable to stand the embarrassment, she dutifully stepped forward, quickly put her hand UP his shorts, and tucked everything back into place. She took a deep breath and stood up boldly to face the crowd.


She looked across the hood and found herself staring at her husband, who had been standing idly by.


The mechanic, however, had to have three stitches in his forehead.

Mabuhay si Sen. Edgardo Angara!

Note: This PDI news item is about us - fellow senior citizens.

More research on aging pushed
By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:06:00 04/06/2009

Filed Under: Senior Citizens, Government, Laws

MANILA, Philippines—A government official has pledged support for the establishment of a center for research and advocacy on older persons and aging.

Senator Edgardo Angara, author of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, said this center will be a source of quality studies for the growing number of senior citizens in the country.

Philippine census data of 2000 shows that there are 4.6 million Filipinos aged 60 years old and above, accounting for 5.97 percent of the country’s population.

Statisticians project that the country’s senior citizens population is expected to hit 7 million in 2010 and is set to double in the next 16 years.

Angara said the studies would then drive the senior citizens’ advocacies and demands.

“The Senior Citizens Law provides a clear avenue for the State in affording social security to our older persons. Why is it not enforced better? Because our senior citizens do not wield enough clout and lobbying power and pressure on the politicians,” the senator said during the National Academy of Science and Technology roundtable discussion.

Among possible advocacies could be on health care, as a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health in 2000 showed that about 92.5 percent of the Filipino elderly do not have health insurance.

“Our initial data reveal that there are gaps in our policies and programs for our older persons. The quality of data also reveals that we need a constant source of information and data on our senior citizens to pave way for better policies and efficient programs,” Angara said.

“I am willing to fund that kind of institution who will look at all aspects of aging, including the study of the brains, of memory, and learning,” he added.

Friday, April 3, 2009

We Need This ASAP

Arlene Kushner reports

This is amazing and the implications for Israel, and the Western world are potentially huge:

An Israeli company called Innowattech has developed a technology that allows the “harvesting” of mechanical energy generated when vehicles drive along the street, or people walk on a sidewalk.

The vehicles or the people have to move across something called a Piezo Electric Generator system, which would be embedded in the sidewalk or street. Electric crystals in the system harness energy from the vibrations.

A stretch of road less than a mile long, four lanes wide, which is traveled by about 1,000 vehicles per hour, would create about enough energy to power 600 homes.

It is now being tested.

Israeli ingenuity

Wow! just think of how much energy the back to back, shoulder to shoulder pedestrians of Metromanila alone will generate. And there is no suburban area in the country that is not teeming with people at any time. The country will be able to generate power enough to turn the country into a very prosperous place on earth.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

APRIL BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING BATCHMATES WHOSE BIRTHDAY FALLS IN APRIL. (Sorry I am Busy at work and in Jury Duty)

Renato Balmaceda - April 2

Perlita Bantog Serrano - April 3

Minervina BaluyotGuinto - April 8

Armando Reyes - April 11

Julita Lonzon - April 15 (not known married name)

Gertrudes Mariano Gamboa - April 17

Editha Almazan - April 17

Orlando Lacson - April 24

Re: Listahan ng mga magbi-birthday ngayong Abril

LARPI dear,

Sino ang mga tatanda ng one year ngayong month na ito?
Please publish the list, para makahingi tayo ng blowout. hehe.

Thanks, my friend.

Where art thou???

Oh no, not my "Romeo" - I'm looking for the batch '63 BLOGGERS! To qoute 'Sisa' -" huhuhu, hahaha - nasaan na kayo, Crispin, Basilio? "

The next line is mine - Nasaan na kayo, CORAZON, ERNESTO, MIKE, EMMA, PILAR, NELIA, EDDIE/ANNIE, FELY, LUZ, ROLLY, etc. etc.? Please come to the rescue - naghihingalo ang ating blog!
Please publish your thoughts, news, comments, recipes, tips, pictures, whatever. Kahit ano, as long as we would have something new to look forward to whenever we log on to our blogspot.

The silence is deafening. In less than a year, we would be seeing each other again in our 'REUNION OF THE DECADE.' We should all work hard to have a better get together, than the one that we held on our 44th year. We have to surpass our attendance then of 63 warm bodies. This is a challenge to everyone in the batch. This early, let's visualize ourselves having so much fun on January 17, 18 & 19, 2010. Para talagang maging masaya ang ating muling pagkikita.

Meantime, let's see each other in the blog - http://www.jriorionbatch1963.blogspot.com

Condolence to Alberto Bautista and Family



To the family of batch mate Alberto , our condolences for the passing away of your dearest mother,