Beer is Good for You

I couldn’t help but share this amusing article from Yahoo.com’s Shine - Healthy Living Section, titled “5 Surprising Health Benefits of Beer”.

I am not a beer drinker and, just like the article aptly phrased it, surprisingly knowing that beer has some good health benefits, I wish that I can drink beer (especially for benefit # 4 below). It’s a pity that I am allergic to any beverage that has alcohol content. I know that wine is good for the health too but what can I do. Well, of course, all of these good benefits can be obtained in moderation intake of these alcoholic beverages. Anything excessive is not good.


Photo Credit: Wikipedia.org

What are these 5 surprising benefits of beer that were mentioned in the article? Here it is:

1. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

Like red wine, it is said that several studies show that moderate beer drinking can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The alcohol content of beer can increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. It also reduces the chances from happening of the two main contributors to heart attacks, i.e, the hardening of the arteries and thickening of the blood.

2. Drink Your Vitamins

It has been found in a study that beer drinkers had 30% higher levels of Vitamin B6 in their blood than non-beer drinkers. Vitamin B6 is beneficial in treating health problems related to heart, skin, depression, fatigue, nervous system, metabolism, anemia and arthritis, among others.

3. Avoid Kidney Stones

Another study on the risk of kidney stones conducted to middle-aged beer drinking men has shown a decrease of 40% compared to non-beer drinkers. The article mentioned that it couldn’t be determined though which component of the beverage was responsible for the drop, but the evidence of benefit had impressed the researchers.

4. Help Women Age Better

It is quite pleasant to know these facts from the studies conducted on the benefits of beer to women, such as: moderate alcohol consumption assisted in preserving the mental faculties of older women, alcohol can help preserve bone density, and some natural form of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women was also found. Wouldn’t you wish hard you can drink beer when you can’t?

5. Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a dreaded disease and it is always comforting to know that the risks can be prevented or reduced. Early studies show that a compound found in hops, the main ingredient of beer, may help inhibit certain enzymes that can trigger cancer.

To read the full article, please visit Shine Yahoo.com

A Call for Help

The Philippine National Red Cross and UNICEF Philippines are receiving donations to aid the recently flood-stricken country, Pakistan.

The news reports say that the floods that began three weeks ago is the worst to hit Pakistan in decades. More than 20 million people have been stranded and over 1,600 have died. Tens of thousands of villages remain under water. Officials warn that even as the floods is receding in some areas, there is still the danger of losing lives as hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis remain cut-off from food, shelter and medicine. The United Nations says that it is worse than the 2004 Asian tsunami.

Photo credit: Folsol.com

Global aid is pouring in and continuous call for help is being done by various international sectors.

In the Philippines, the populace is given the chance to contribute by sending cash or check donations thru Philippine National Red Cross and UNICEF Philippines.

Here’s how you can help (excerpts from the article Yahoo! Southeast Asia by Faris):

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS

i) Cash or check donations
Please send cash or check donations to the PNRC National Headquarters along Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila. Checks should be made payable to The Philippine National Red Cross. They can also arrange for donation pick up. Please include name, contact details and “Pakistan Floods” at the back of the check. You may contact them at (632) 5270000.

ii) Bank deposit, credit card, SMS and G-CASH donations
Donors can donate via bank deposit, credit card, SMS and G-CASH.

UNICEF PHILIPPINES

Please contact the UNICEF donor hotlines for more information on how to help the Pakistan flood victims (632) 758-1000 / 758-1442.

Ramadan 2010

It’s that time of the year again for our Muslim brothers. The Holy month of Ramadan begins today, 11th August 2010. As a non-Muslim living in the Middle East, a Muslim-denominated region, I have to be reminded to respect the traditions of the fasting month of Ramadan. And so, I re-visited my blog article last year which helped me to refresh myself of the Ramadan etiquettes for non-Muslims.


photo credit: tinypic.com

During this fasting month, Non-Muslims should be considerate and sensitive of the traditions. Here in the UAE, every year the dailies remind and highly encourage the people to abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight in public. Violators and offenders will be punished as per UAE laws.

Most food shops at this time of the year will not be opened until sunset or Iftar, there are some though that offer home deliveries. Iftar is the first meal of the day after the fast. The most popular way of breaking the fast is by eating dates or drinking some water. Dates are popular palm tree fruits here in the Middle East and tastes really sweet when ripe.

How Can We Help?

I did not want to blog about the grimness of the onslaught made by the typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) to my home country, Philippines, last Saturday (26th September 2009). It is too heart-wrenching for me to recall and post photos of the sufferings of my kababayans. I couldn't help but cry with them for their tragedy when I watched video clippings and photo slideshows of the aftermath from youtube and facebook.

Instead, what I want to focus on in this topic is about how to give help in rebuilding the lives and homes of those affected.

The recent event is one of the rare moments wherein the rich and the poor leveled on the same ground. Everyone needed help and everyone is extending help.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia.org) Typhoon Ondoy as it leaves the Philippines
So, how can we help?

It doesn’t matter where we are in the globe. We can help our countrymen thru any of the following 4 ways, as long as we are able.

1) Be a rescuer. If not possible in the flesh, do it thru the use of technology. You may call, send SMS or email to the following agencies to ask help for those who have yet to be rescued, if you heard of any (or worst, bodies to be recovered):

NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATING COUNCIL (NDCC): +63 2 9125668, 9111406, 9115061, 9122665
NDCC Help hotlines: +65 734-2118, 734-2120
NDCC Email: ndcchelpdesk@gmail.com
PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD: +63 2 5276136
AIR FORCE: +63 908 1126976, +63 28535023
METRO MANILA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MMDA): 136
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS: 143, +63 2 5270000

2) Donate in cash or kind. Send your donations only to the legitimate donation centers. Many are taking advantage of the situation and giving false accounts and information for their own benefit.

DSWD-NCR: +63 2 734-8622, 734-8642

WORLD VISION FOUNDATION: +63 917 5594272
For $ donations, BPI: USD acct #4254-0050-08

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS: visit their site HERE for various ways to donate

Akbayan: 63 2 4336933, 4336831

UNICEF: 63 2 7581000, 7581442
Metrobank account: UNICEF C/A 066-7-06631209-3

CARITAS
Domestic Cash Donations can be deposited through the following CARITAS MANILA bank accounts any branch nationwide:
Banco De Oro: Savings Account No. 3970006958
BPI: Savings Account No. 3063-5357-01
Chinabank: Savings Account No. 103-3099715
Metrobank: Savings Account No. 175-3-17506954-3
RCBC: Savings Account No. 3-000-90221-6
UCPB: Savings Account No. 128-162208-7
Security Bank: Current Account No. 0141-019452-001

For overseas donors, please deposit your donation to Caritas Manila-BPI Dollar Saving Account No. 3064-0033-55 or PNB Dollar Savings Account No. 108566600025

For US based donors who want tax incentives, you may course your donations through Ayala Foundation USA 255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428, Redwood City, CA 94065, USA

ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA: +63 2 4132667, 4160387
Bank: Banco de Oro, Mother Ignacia branch
Acct name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Acct no.: 5630020111
Routing code for international cash donations: BNORPHMM ABS-CBN Branch

GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION: for cash and cheque donations
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (METROBANK)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 2-098-00244-2
Code: MBTC PH MM

United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 115-184777-2; 160-111277-7
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 01-115-301177-9; 01-160-300427-6
Code: UCPB PH MM

Banco De Oro (BDO)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 469-0022189
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 469-0072135
Code: BNORPHMM

Philippine National Bank (PNB)
Peso Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 121-003200017
Dollar Savings
Account Name: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 121-003200025
Code: PNB MPH MM

3) Be a volunteer. Go out and help in packing food and clothing for our displaced kababayan.

WORLDVISION FOUNDATION: +63 917 5594272
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS: +63 2 5270000
AKBAYAN: +63 2 4336933, 4336831
ABS-CBN SAGIP KAPAMILYA: +63 2 4132667, 4160387
GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION: +63 2 9317013

4) Pray for the victims. Let us do this on top of the above.

Goodbye Patrick Swayze

When I opened my Yahoo Mail this morning, the sad news of Patrick Swayze’s passing appeared on my screen. According to the news, he died on Monday (September 14) after a 20-month long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Photo credit: The Internet Movie Database
His movie “Ghost” opposite Demi Moore became such a big hit in 1990 in the US and internationally. In the Philippines, it was run in theaters for months, and there was even a re-run of the film a few years later. It was no wonder because Ghost was a great romantic drama film. The acting and story were just superb. Who would ever forget Sam and Molly, pottery and Unchained Melody?

Photo credit: Wikipedia
Aside from the movie Ghost, Patrick Swayze also starred in another hit film titled “Dirty Dancing.”

The news also reported that Patrick Swayze died peacefully with his family at his bedside. For me, one thing to be thankful about the passing of someone you love or very dear to you because of lingering illness is for the reason that you are able to show them your affection in their last days on earth. Unlike sudden deaths, the degree of pain may be the same but the acceptance of their passing is probably easier.

Goodbye Mr. Swayze and rest in peace.

For the Love of Country: Sen. Mar Roxas Gives Way to Noynoy

Photo credits: www.marroxas.com

"Country above self. Bayan Bago Sarili."

These were the opening words of Senator Mar Roxas, who, at late afternoon in Manila, announced his withdrawal for the Philippine’s presidential race in 2010 to make way for Senator Noynoy Aquino.

Senator Aquino apparently heeded the clamour of a lot of people to run for president in next year’s Philippine election, which started since the passing of President Cory Aquino, exactly a month ago today, that revived the nationalism among many Filipinos. He has yet to formally announce his bid for presidency.

Among the supposed presidentiables for 2010, it is more likely that I will vote for Senator Roxas (that’s despite his boring TV ads and trying hard acting! Lolz). I believe that he is devoid of greed, has the most genuine intention to uplift the lives of the Filipino people and can govern the Philippines in his utmost capacity. But, of course, being an Aquino supporter, I welcome with so much warmth the unannounced candidacy of Senator Aquino.

Senator Mar’s decision was applauded by many. He deserves the admiration because he set aside his ambition for the love of country. He can always pursue his ambition at a later time. I will support him then (even much more!)

Here's the full manuscript of the speech of Senator Mar Roxas at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.com

"Country above self. Bayan bago ang sarili.

Iyan ang habilin ng aking lolo, President Manuel Roxas.

Our nation is in trouble. Leadership is bankrupt. Institutions are in disarray. People are hungry.

Noynoy Aquino and I share the same outrage over the mess we are all in, the same way we share the solution-clean, honest, selfless public service.

Marami at matindi ang mga problema ng bansa. Kailangan nating ayusin. Matindi ang kalaban. We need a determined force for good far stronger than the festering evil around us.

We need to fight just as our own fathers fought dictatorship, and just as both died believing that good will conquer evil.

Noynoy and I want to make a difference, but we also know that we need to unite to achieve what we want.

I am the President of the Liberal Party.

It is within my power to preside over a potentially divisive process or to make the party a bridge for the forces of change. I choose to lead unity, not division. Bilang pinuno ng aking Partido, magdedesisyon ako.

Mahal ko ang Partido Liberal. My grandfather founded it. My father led it during the most difficult times of Martial Law. Sa harap ng peligro, sa kabila ng napakaraming tukso-hindi siya sumuko.

He inspired me-to stay the course, to fight the good fight, to pass the test of true character. To believe.

Over the weekend, Noynoy and I had many long conversations... Masinsinang usapan. We agreed: Let us forget about ourselves for a moment. This is not about us, this is about our people and our country. This is about our common dream. The dream of our parents.

But let us not remain a country of dreamers. Tama na ang pangarap. Gawin na natin, ngayon.

Today, I am announcing my support for the candidacy of Noynoy Aquino for President in 2010.

Noy has made it clear to me that he wants to carry the torch of leadership.

The passing of our beloved former President Aquino has reawakened a passion among us. I acknowledge this as fuel to bring us to the realization of our dream: Good will triumph over evil.

Ito na ang pinakamabigat na desisyon sa buhay ko. Maniwala man kayo o hindi, ginagawa ko ito para sa bayan, para sa inyo. I do this for unity in support of change. And if that means that somebody must make the sacrifice, it must be me. Ako na.

To you Noy, I say: I began the campaign to sow the seeds para sa pagbabago at reporma. You must now be the one to grow them in the arena of leadership.

Hindi kami maghihiwalay ni Noy. I will stand with him.

At sa aking mga kababayan, sa mga nagtiwala sa akin: Mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Mahal na mahal ko po ang ating bayan. Hindi rin tayo maghihiwalay. Itutuloy natin ang pagbabago sa ating bansa. Itutuloy natin ang laban para sa reporma!

Kay Noy, at sa aking mga kababayan: Country above self! Bayan bago sarili!

Hindi ko kayo pababayaan! Lalaban tayo!"

Ramadan Food Treats

Ramadan does not only bring good conduct among (Muslim) people but it is also the season of sharing and giving (just like Christmas for Christians).

Here in Abu Dhabi, malls, supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants have been offering sales, discounts and promotions on food and non-food items alike. Of course, the food treats can only be enjoyed during Iftar or when our Muslims brothers are already allowed to eat.

Here are a few that I encountered.

Ramadan Sweets



Ramadan Dates Festival (with free tasting)







Second Cup’s Ramadan Special Blend (the coffee and cake are made of dates)



Pizza Hut’s Ramadan Value Meal (with cash back coupons!)





Krispy Kreme Morning Special

Non-Muslims Guide to Ramadan

Ramadan 2009 started at dawn today, August 22. It’s my second year to experience the season of Ramadan since I moved to work here in the UAE. The shortened working hours for 30 days, the bountiful feasting at the end of Ramadan and the long vacation afterwards are indeed welcome treats. However, as a Christian and a resident of this Muslim country, I felt that my participation for this Muslim tradition should not focus on the merriment alone. Hence, as a sign of respect I gathered these facts about Ramadan to serve as a short guide for Non-Muslims like me.

photo credits: dgreetings.com

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in Islamic calendar or lunar calendar, which is based on cycles of the moon phases. The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months or a year consisting of 354 or 355 days.

What happens during Ramadan?

Everyday during this Holy Month, Muslims (who are able) must endure complete fasting during daylight. They abstain from eating, drinking, intimate conduct and evil acts. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, humility and spirituality. It is the time to cleanse oneself from impurities thru self-restraint and good deeds, and re-focus in their worship for Allah.

Fasting

Fasting begins before sunrise, when Muslims eat a light meal or “suhoor” in Islam, and ends at sunset. At the end of the fast, Muslims gather to eat their first meal. This gathering is called “Iftar.” The most popular way of breaking the fast is by eating a date or drinking some water.

Greetings

The traditional greetings during Ramadan are “Ramadan Mubarak” meaning “May God gives you a blessed Month,” and “Ramadan Kareem” meaning “May God gives you a generous month.”

Ramadan Symbols

Some symbolic decorations used during the month of Ramadan include:

the lantern – it signifies spiritual illumination

the cannon – it is used to sound the time for Iftar

the crescent moon and a star – it is the symbol of Islam

Etiquette for Non-Muslims:

Non-Muslims should be considerate and respectful of the fasting tradition of Muslims and must also observe the following (some of these are abided by law):

do not eat, drink or smoke in public

do not play loud music

do not wear revealing clothes

be patient – fasting is not a choice but an obligation for Muslims, respect this, and bear in mind that sometimes a Muslim may seem lightheaded, unable to concentrate and tired

remember that some shops and restaurants will not open during the day, instead will choose to open at night

Ramadan Images, Wallpapers and Photographs

These sites provide some cool images, wallpapers and photographs about Ramadan. Check them out!

Tinypic

Grafikdesign

Photobucket

CyArena Free Graphics and Comments

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What? Another Lavish Dining?

The news about the lavish dinner amounting to $20,000 (or P960,000) at Manhattan’s Le Cirque by President Gloria Arroyo and her entourage in her very recent trip in the United States have not yet subsided, yet amazingly another show for extravagance is now herding the news.

Reported in the The Washington Post blog that prior to the New York’s grandiose dinner, the President and 65 more others had a similar dining extravagance at Bobby Van's Steakhouse in Washington hours after President Arroyo met with US President Barack Obama. It was also reported in the said column that an unidentified woman paid the bill which reached $15,000.

The incident was confirmed by Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez, but would not divulge how much was spent and how many was with them.

Will it be the last or these are just teasers? I’m not ready to hear more about extravagant spending by President Arroyo in the next few days. But, I can only hope.

Regine Velasquez’ Fondness of Green Mango

Is Regine Velasquez pregnant? This is how one would suspect what the recent article suggests in Pinoy Showbitz section of Gmanews.tv, or was it just me? Reported in the article, Regine was seen eating green mangoes during her shooting breaks in her latest movie starrer opposite Aga Muhlach. I’m sure the news received a lot of hits from her fans and gossip mongers. But, Regine is not pregnant, she’s just crazy over green mango dipped in bagoong.

She’s a typical pinoy after all, as most of us have deep fondness for green mango and bagoong.

Read the full article HERE.

Salamat Tita Cory, Paalam

(My Personal Tribute for Corazon Aquino)

Salamat Tita Cory, Paalam.
Ika-uno ng Agosto ng ika'y namaalam,
Ika-lima ng Agosto ng ika'y ihatid sa huling hantungan,
Maraming alaala ang bumalik sa iyong paglisan,
Mga alaala ng nakalipas na rebolusyon ng bayan.

Salamat Tita Cory, Paalam.
Ika'y itinuring na ina ng demokrasya,
Kalayaan ng ating bayan ngayon ay tinatamasa,
Bilang papuri sa iyong kontribusyon,
Dilaw kong damit ay isinuot ngayon.

Salamat Tita Cory, Paalam.
Sa wakas ay iyo ng makakapiling ,
Si Ninoy na iyong mahal magpahanggang libing,
Kapayapaan sa Langit ang Panalangin ko para sa'yo,
Mahal nating Panginoon ngayon ay kapiling mo.

Salamat Tita Cory, Paalam.

-L.A.B.05 Agosto 2009

Major Supermarket Chains Selling Expired Meats?

This was published in Gulf News yesterday.

"Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has shut down the meat sections of two major retail chains for selling expired meat products, a statement said on Monday....

The meat stalls at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Wahda Mall and Carrefour in Marina Mall were also closed down for three days during the past two months for allegedly selling expired meat and other violations, according to the statement." - Gulfnews.com, 03 August 2009

Read the full article HERE.

Scary indeed! Boq and I are regular customers of both supermarkets. I thought big brands come with international standards. It's a shame to know that even these widely known and major supermarket chains have the nerve to fool their customers. Who can we trust then?

The residents of Abu Dhabi are lucky though that ADFCA is doing its job, otherwise, we will not be aware of such fraud because we put so much trust on brand names. I hope that the authorities will look into other supermarkets as well and give notice to the public so we will know which ones to avoid. I further hope strict sanctions will be imposed to these companies to learn their lesson. Consumers do not deserve such deception. IMO, these big players need to apologize to the public!

People Power Icon Dies

This is completely off topic and doesn't have anything to do with food but I just can't pass up this sad news. I'm a Filipino afterall and I care about my country.

Boq buzzed me while at work and asked if I read the news this morning. I asked what news? Before he was able to answer, I hurriedly checked GMANews.tv, and there it was.

MANILA, Philippines - Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino, icon of people power in the Philippines and around the world, passed away at 3:18 a.m. Saturday, her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III, said. The official cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest.

The 76-year-old Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer in March of last year and was treated with chemotherapy. Last May, she underwent surgery to remove parts of her colon and was brought to the Makati Medical Center in June due to loss of appetite. She never left the hospital, as her declining condition sparked a wave of emotion in the country and prompted the widespread appearance of yellow ribbons - on trees, car antennas, and even the Web.

- GMANews.tv

Former President Corazon Aquino, is fondly called Cory or Tita Cory by many. I feel the sorrow of her passing and I have three reasons why. Firstly, she was one of the major instruments in bringing democracy back in our Country thru a peaceful revolution in 1986 (famously known as EDSA People Power), three years after her late husband, Ninoy Aquino, was assassinated. The said historical episode of our Country brought great pride to us Filipinos. Secondly, I came from the family with high regard for Ninoy Aquino, because of his genuine love for our Country and courage to openly criticize the oppression and suppression happening then despite threats to his life. Everyone who loved Ninoy and attached to him in whatever way, I also adored. Thirdly, Tita Cory was my authentic kababayan, like her I was born and raised in Tarlac.

Tita Cory was known for always wearing yellow-colored attire. This color was the symbol of the EDSA People Power. Besides this fact, I thought maybe her yellow trademark was to symbolize her love for Ninoy whose favorite song was "Tie a Yellow Ribbon."

I present in this post a yellow ribbon in respect of Tita Cory (courtesy of Wikipedia.com) and I pray for the eternal repose of her soul. My prayers also go to the bereaved family and to my country, Philippines, for losing an icon.

Rest in peace Tita Cory.

For detailed information about the life and political career of Corazon Aquino please visit this LINK.