Chikka Magazine - January 2009

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JANUARY 2009

ARIZONA’S PREMIER ASIAN AMERICAN MAGAZINE

2nd Generation of Filipino Martial Artists Early Interventionist: Understanding Learning Disabilities

Cultural Halo-Halo

Community Spotlight Ken Abaca

Hometown Connection

Traditional Healers of the Philippines www.chikkamagazine.com

Say No to Smoking with Vitamins

Bongga!

Events/Entertainment •Weather • Online Dictionary Links to News and Information

An online gateway to resources and information relevant to the Filipino American Community

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Creative & Administrative Support Services

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pRINTING sERVICES

Inside This Issue What’s Inside 22

Business Source Guide

14

Community Spotlight 10 Questions - Ken Abacca

20

Entertainment January Horoscopes Tawanan Corner

6

Events Calendar

12,18,10,24 Features

Cultural Halo Halo 2nd Generation of Filipino Martial Artist ....

Early Interventionist 4

23

16

Financial Benefits of Consolidating Unsecured Debt

Health Say No to Smoking with Vitamins

Publisher’snote Happy New Year !!! At the beginning of each new year people often make resolutions to change aspects of themselves. Many times people quickly revert back to how they were before and open themselves to disappointment. This year we challenge you to a new resolution - just be yourself.

Show your support and pick up a copy each month at your favorite location, visit us online to read the most current issue, or better yet subscribe to have a free copy mailed to your residence. As always, feel free to send us your comments and suggestions. We’d love to hear from you!

480-471-5955 (Arizona) • 702-947-0943 (Las Vegas) • 213-596-0366 (Los Angeles) Toll Free:1-866-832-2757 / Fax: 1-866-832-2757 Visit us online at www.chikkamagazine.com Send comments & suggestions to contribute@chikkamagazine.com Editor / Art Director Michael Lewis (michael.lewis@chikkamagazine.com) Advertising Sales Manager Jennifer Delmar-Lewis (Email: jennifer.lewis@chikkamagazine.com) Events / Entertainment Juliet Galleros (Email: juliet.galleros@chikkamagazine.com) Charmel dela Cruz Vaneza Hodges Contributing Writers Maria Josefa Apigo, MD Susan Bilas Mark Delisle, RN Marlon Palban Marcy Goma, Ma Ed Pastor Jeff Jackson Elvie Johnson Irene Melissa A. Macahis Shirley Soden, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM Chikka Magazine is a free monthly publication published by Lewis Media Works (U.S.A. / Asia) with local offices located at 4212 W. Cactus Rd., Suite 1110-62, Phoenix, AZ 85029. Chikka Magazine is distributed in Arizona Valleywide, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. The opinions expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of Chikka Magazine. Contents in full or in part may not be reproduced with expressed written consent of Chikka Magazine. Advertisers assume full responsibility and liability for all content of their advertisements and for any claims arising from such advertising and represent that they have obtained all licenses, consents, and waivers, for all third parties who have text, photographical, or graphical rights. Readers are encouraged to verify any statements or claims made by advertisers and/or contributors. Chikka Magazine is not financially responsible for any errors in advertising beyond the cost of the ad in which the error was made. Chikka Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising or editorial which is not consistent with the standards of this publication.

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2 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

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3 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

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Benefits of Consolidating Unsecured Debt to Your Mortgage By: Colin Kidd

Trying to have a hold on all of your debt can be difficult at the best of times You may have multiple loans and debts formultiple reasons; debt consolidation can help reduce your overall repayment and manage your debt more effectively. Debt consolidation is simple; it brings all of the debt together under one single loan. Many people consolidate their loan into their mortgage, making it easier to bring it all together. There are multiple benefits to bringing all debt into one, but there are four major benefits of consolidating unsecured debt to your mortgage.

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By using Debt Consolidation, you can actually lower your overall interest rate that you are paying. The idea is that you are moving all of your debt to one location; this often requires the need to re-configure and restructure an existing loan. If you consolidate your loans, certain debts may be a lower interest rate because the new interest rate is better than the old one. While this may not happen with all debts, just because the new loan is being stretched over a longer period may reduce the repayment and hence make the loan more manageable. For example: The repayment on a $20,000 loan at 11% over 3 years is $652 per month.

If this loan was consolidated into a 30 year mortgage with the same interest rate the repayment would be $190 each month. Effectively releasing cash flow of $462 each month. The above example shows how people can get a handle on their finances. It could help you afford your monthly payments, where you may not have been able to as separate debts.

Why use a Mortgage to secure the debt?

The loan options available to consolidate your debt are using a Secured Consolidation Loan or an Unsecured Consolidation Loan. When a lender has security against a loan product they will offer you a higher loan amount and a better interest rate. Both these features allow a better result when consolidating your debts. A low loan amount may prevent you from consolidating all of your debts. At times this may prevent you from obtaining a Debt Consolidation Loan all together.

Convenience and Simplicity The most exciting benefit of debt consolidation, however, is the simple convenience factor. By consolidating your debts, you are bringing all of your debt into one place. Many people often have 3, 4, or 5 loans and sometimes up to 10 loans; this can be very difficult to manage and keep all of your loan agreements. Paying one lender, with one interest rate, and one monthly payment can make your finances significantly simpler to manage.

Conclusion Many people bring their loans together through debt consolidation as a way to make their lives easier and simpler;debt is never fun for anyone, but debt consolidation allows you to manage your debt more effectively and take control. Consolidation can allow for lower monthly payments, and the convenience of having it all in one place. Consolidating your debt into a mortgage is an even better way to bring everything together under one roof; and make your debt work for you a little more.

About The Author: Colin Kidd is a specialist in loans for people and businesses requiring Debt Consolidation. Colin Kidd is the director of Loan Saver Network and has been providing finance options since 1999

4 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

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5 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

EVENTS

Upcoming Events Bridal Show (Sat, 1/10/09, 9:00 - 2:00 pm) See more than 600 of the Valley’s wedding merchants. Enter for a chance to win a bridal gown, a honeymoon giveaway, or $100,000 in prizes and coupons Location: Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. Third St Phoenix, 85004 Contact: 480-921-7891 Native American Art Festival (Sat, Jan. 10 2009, 10:00 - 5:00 pm) The two-day Invitational Native American Art Festival highlights more than 200 of the finest Southwest Native American artists. Features traditional and contemporary art, including jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings, baskets and kachinas. Also see demonstrations of various art forms and live entertainment Location: Scout Park 200 W. Fairway Drive Litchfield Park, 85340 Contact: 623-935-9040.

John Legend ( Thursday, January 15 2009, 7:30 - 10:00 pm) The multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning recording artist and acclaimed performer supports his new R&B CD release,Evolve. Estelle opens the show Location: Dodge Theatre 400 W. Washington St. Phoenix, 85003 Contact: 602-379-2888 Fine Art and Wine Festival (Friday, January 16, 2009, 10:00 - 5:00 pm) Festival showcases wine and more than 160 artists. Location: Carefree Town Center Amphitheater 101 Easy St. Carefree, 85377 Contact: 480-837-5637 Maricopa County Home and Garden Show (Friday, January 16 2009, 10:00 - 7:00 pm) Attend the home and garden show for one-stop home improvement shopping.

Features more than 1,200 exhibits showcasing hundreds of the Valley’s companies.

New features include the professional landscape competition, interior design vignettes, the garden pavilion, how-to seminars, master gardener seminars, the Stump the Queen of Clean Challenge, Metro Phoenix Rose Society seminars, a boutique products marketplace, the Ask the Experts Row, a game truck and a Home Depot kids workshop.

Parking is available for $7 Location: Arizona Exposition and State Fair Park 1826 W. McDowell Road Phoenix, 85013 Contact: 602-258-6711 Chandler Multicultural Festival (Saturday, January 17, 2009, 11:00 - 4:00 pm) Local groups perform on two stages traditional music and dances from Ireland, India, Assyria, Mexico, and the South Pacific. There will be hands-on children’s activities, artisans, food and beverage vendors, a used book sale at the library, and history displays at the Chandler Museum. Location: Historic Downtown Chandler Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard Chandler, 85225 Contact: 480-782-2735 Glitter and Glow Block Party - (Sat, January 17, 2009, 4:00 - 1:00 am) Enjoy one final night of viewing 1.5 million lights along with dozens of hot air balloons along 12 blocks. Also enjoy an extra hour of entertainment, food and beverages during the After Glow from 10-11 p.m. Location: Downtown Glendale 59th and Glendale avenues Glendale, 85301 Contact: 623-930-2299 The 3000 Club Black and White Ball - (Sat, 1/17/09, 6:00 pm) Celebrating a Greener Future. This is a formal event which will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel, located at 1101 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Individual tickets are sold at $50 and ad placements in the full colored Business Directory are still being accepted. For tickets, please call Ethel Luzario at (602) 549-1011 or email her at ethel@the3000club.org.

Arizona National Boat and Watersports Expo (Wed, Jan. 21, 2009, 3:00 - 9:00) See the latest in ski boats, cruisers and fishing boats, shop for marine accessories and catch wakeboarding pros demonstrating tricks on Third Street Location: Phoenix Convention Center 100 N. Third St. Phoenix, 85004 Contact: 800-657-3050 Disney’s High School Musical The Ice Tour (Thurs, Jan 22, 2009, 7:30 ). Featuring an array of expert skaters and performers, the musical-on-ice features songs and dance numbers from the hit movies High School Musical and High School Musical 2. Children two and older must have a ticket. Additional performance 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 Location: US Airways Center 201 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, 85004 Contact: 602-379-7800.

To view more events please visit our website @ www.chikkamagazine.com If you have upcoming events or announcements to share, please email us at contribute@chikkamagazine.com

6 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

Have some news to share? contribute@chikkamagazine.com

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Weddings

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7 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

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8 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

Perfect Combination: Michael Laygo & Monique Echiverri in a Special Christmas Holiday Concert

by Charmel dela Cruz

East & West Valley residents enjoyed an evening of love songs and Christmas carols as Prince of Pop Rock Michael Laygo staged a come back 90-minute concert performance on Friday, 19th December at the Barrio Fiesta Restaurant in Chandler. Featured artist was seventeen year old Monique Echiverri, the beautiful daughter of Boots and Rose Echiverri and the newest addition to Laras Media International’s roster of local talents in Arizona. Monique, a senior student at the Seton Catholic High School, started singing at the age of 7 and has been a regular performer with the Seton Catholic Musical Theater for the past three years. She enjoys playing the piano and guitar and is actively involved in ballroom dancing.

“Although I have performed with Hadji Alejandro and Martin Nievera in the past, I was a bit nervous but very excited to perform side by side with Michael Laygo. This is a very good opportunity for me to harness my talent coz Michael is a professional singer and I learned a lot of techniques from him,” commented Monique during the afternoon rehearsal.

Michael Laygo’s repertoire was a good mix of standard love songs, pop hits and his very own Tagalog compositions, including his No. 1 Hit Song “Minahal Kita” from the Album “Kung Sakali Man” which received a 4X Platinum Record Award. One of the visitors from Phoenix commented: “I didn’t hear about Michael and his music until now. I admire him so much coz he has a fantastic and powerful voice. I’m glad we did not miss the concert.” True enough, aside from Michael’s great talent as a song writer, he is the newest addition to the Society of Seven with Lani Misalucha,staging special performances in the Vegas strip and starting with their new season in April 2009.

During the concert, Michael had a chance to reunite with long time buddy Ihman Esturco, well-known movie director and producer in the Philippines.

Michael called Ihman to perform on stage together with UST bro Cakes Plantado, doing the chorus for the all time VST & Co. hit “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko!”. Michael was so ecstatic and proud about this event. “This is my second visit to Arizona and I enjoyed it very much. I had a wonderful time working with Monique and the production team. Monique and I blended so wel - it’s a perfect combination! I look forward to being a part of Monique’s debut and 18th birthday celebration in April 2009. She will definitely give everyone a big and pleasant surprise! So watch out for Monique in full bloom next year!” Kudos to all the sponsors and supporters for their valuable contribution to the success of this event: RJ da Silva (Front Act Singer), Boots & Rose Echiverri and Family, Nelson & Malou Reyes (Barrio Fiesta Restaurant), Fleur Magbanua (Arizona Filipino Forum), Jennifer Lewis (Chikka Magazine). Jason Bornillo (The Sound Whiz), Dr. Rogel Carlos (Stapley Dental Clinic), Manny Siongco, Ihman Esturco and Charmel dela Cruz (Laras Media International).

Holiday Celebrations

Samahang Bayanihan of Arizona Christmas Party at Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel (Dec. 20)

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9 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

No other student, instructor or individual has had more direct one on one training, attendance or experience with Grand Master Leo Giron. 1982 Guro Dexter also trained extensively under Master Dentoy Revillar for ten years in the blended system of Serrada, Larga Mano and Decuerdas also called SLD. A certified and authorized instructor, Guro Dexter actively teaches the original curriculum learned directly from GM Giron. Guro Dexter was also given discretionary authority to teach the concepts and basics of the SLD system in Sacramento from Master Dentoy Revillar.

Guro Dexter has participated successfully in many of the various styles of tournaments and was Grand Champion in a few. He strongly advocates support for Eskrima tournament competition because of valuable lessons a student will learn. He says, “You can still go home after a tournament and lick your wounds and think about the lessons learned, but you may not be as lucky in a real life situation”. Guro Dexter has helped produce many successful tournament fighters for the Bahala Na Eskrima clubs and continues to participate as a resource in tournament promotions such as the Solo Baston (single stick) tournament of Hawaii.

2nd Generation of Filipino Martial Artists (F.M.A.) Western Region of the U.S.A.

by Ted Rabino Sr.

Through several talks and scheduling, and almost last minute cancelling due to work engagements I was able to get a few of the players from Stockton, Ca to Phoenix, Az. It was a great time hearing stories and talking about the growth of one of today’s growing Federations here in America. Master Michael Giron (Original Giron Escrima), and Master Dexter Labonog (Bahala Na Multi-Style) both of Stockton, California and Chief Instructor June Gotico (Original Giron Escrima/Bahala Na Multi-Style) have the current responsibilities of carrying on their shoulders the lessons taught to them by Grand Master Leo Giron (Larga Mano), and Master Dentoy Revillar (Serrada/ Larga Mano/Decuerdas).

These specific martial arts originated on the Philippine Islands, a lot of native Filipino’s are

Left to Right; Maestro June Gotico, Master Mike Giron, Gene Inis, Terry Joven and Ted Rabino at Phoenix, Arizona’s Papago Park / Phoenix Zoo 10 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

not aware of these arts. Some Filipino’s actually start in these arts until they’ve arrived here in the States. Filipino martial arts are some of the most effective arts taught, these arts have been taught to law enforcement and military personnel due to its bladed, stick and empty hand applications. Arizona Filipino Martial Arts hosted four instructors from these organizations, who not only taught the technical aspect of the arts but theory. And one thing above the rest, was they taught players (FMA practitioners) to believe in there techniques. The four instructors were Master Michael Giron, Maestro June Gotico, Guro Terry Joven and Guro Gene Inis – each one followed the standards of the style taught and each had their own quality of expertise. Master Dexter Labonog was not on this planned trip but will be instructing our next FMA clinic if scheduling works out here in Phoenix, Arizona.

Guro Dexter primarily favors bladed Philippine weapons over sticks or blunt edge weapons and Espada Y Daga or sword and dagger are his favorite training exercise. His teaching curriculum follows traditional concepts and principles learned primarily from GM Giron and Master Revillar. He considers himself a lifetime student, a coach and a instructor.

In this article I’ll include a Bio on each of the instructors as listed in their website at http:// bahalanamulti-style.com.The biographies and miscellaneous pictures were borrowed from their website per there authorization. The first biography is on Master Dexter Labonog, a very technical individual and complexed innovator in many ways.

He has also been granted the title of Master / 5th Dan by the International Philippine Martial Arts Federation, (IPMAF) authorized by Grand Master Ernesto Presas.

Master Dexter Labonog was born and raised in Stockton California, a son of Philippine Visayan immigrants.

Philippine martial arts experience- 1978 Trained directly under GM Leo Giron over 20 years. The most senior student and instructor of the Stockton Bahala Na Escrima Club.

Master Michael Giron is the Son of the Legendary Escrimador Grand Master Leo Giron.

He started his training in the mid 1970’s and later was granted his instructors certificate and title of Guro in 1981 from Bahala Na Filipino Arnis Escrima.

He resigned from the Bahala Na Martial Arts Association as Grand Advisor in 2007 and decided to go at it alone. Since his resignation Master Michael Giron has originated and is President/Founder of the Original Giron Escrima Federation.

This organization was created to maintain the purity of his father’s teachings as it was taught to him in what he calls the “Original Way”. He continues to support the Bahala Na Multi-Style Eskrima Organization and all other organizations under the OGE Federation.

In a future issue of FMA Digest, I will be writing a more thorough article on Stockton, Ca local Master Mike Giron. Next is succession of bio’s

Maestro June Gotico is listed as a maestro/ chief instructor of both clubs.

“Are you ready? Are you sure you’re ready....I guess you weren’t’ ready” June Gotico

Maestro June Gotico was a member of Grandmaster Leo Giron’s Bahala Na Club #1. He earned his graduate certificate in 1991 and was granted the title of instructor by Grandmaster Giron in 1993. June is an original member of the Bahala Na fight team under Maestro Dexter Labonog. He is a feared full contact fighter with numerous stick-fighting Grand Championships under his belt. June was named Chief Instructor of the Bahala Na Multi-Style School in Stockton by Maestro Dexter Labonog and Guro Mike Giron in October of 2007. As well as heading the Stockton school, June currently continues to train under Maestro Labonog in the SLD and TEA systems of Escrima/Arnis.

June is known as one of the top instructors of the Bahala Na/ Original Giron System of Escrima.

Guro Gene Inis started his Escrima training in 1995 as part of Grandmaster Leo Giron’s original Bahala Na Club #1. He sat down with Grand Master Leo Giron, was interviewed and accepted as a student. It was after that day that Gene fell in love with the art of Escrima.

Guro Terry Joven...was born in Santa Maria, California. Grew up in Oceano/Pismo Beach and Stockton, California.

Guro Terry is a third generation son of Philippine Visayan and Tagalog immigrants. Philippine Martial Arts Experience: 1992 Trained directly under Grand Master Vincent Cabales in the Cabales Serrada Style.

Gene was certified as an instructor of the Original Giron Escrima system by Maestro Labonog and Guro Mike Giron in October of 2007. He is currently one of the lead instructors for the Bahala Na Multi-Style school in Stockton, California. He believes that in order for a system of Escrima to evolve, the system’s root and foundation should not be forgotten.

Gene’s goal is to pass the art down to the next generation. Keeping it pure as it was taught to him.

1994 Started training in the Original Giron System under various instructors and graduates, but owes his competence and expertise to Grand Master Leo Giron, Master Dexter Labonog, Maestro June Gotico and the rest of the 1st Generation Graduates that “Train For the Truth” and emphasize the theory of the big #1 “Pressure Makes Diamonds” 1996 Trained directly under Master Arthur Gonzales in the Tenio Decuerdas Style. Guro Terry is a certified and authorized instructor of Bahala Na Multi-Style Escrima under Maestro June Gotico. Teaching the Original Giron Style curriculum off of the 1978 worksheet, the RevillarSLD System and Combat “Come What May” core system. Guro Terry is based in Stockton, California.

“Don’t go around opening your mouth, for one day someone may shove your stick down it.”

(Grandmaster Leo Giron)“Hit them first and hit them hard!” (Guro Glenn Abrescy)

Guro Terry has trained and participated successfully in many types of martial arts systems and tournaments. Both empty hands as well as weapon styles, he knows that applying your technique in a non-cooperative environment will only increase your effectiveness. Having had his training put to test while working as a bouncer for a local establishment. He has confirmed the effectiveness of the weapons based training methods of the Bahala Na MultiStyle Eskrima in real life threatening situations against multiple combatants.

“It is better to sweat in peace, so you don’t bleed in war” Leovigildo “Leo” Miguel Giron

He was given his graduate certificate from Grand Master Giron in 1997. The graduation ceremony was both physically and mentally the hardest thing he has ever done. Gene is a feared full contact tournament fighter and a member of the original Bahala Na fight team under Maestro Dexter Labonog. He is known for his legendary power and his unique ability to fight equally well with both hands. By participating in these tournaments he has learned to go home, lick his wounds and learn from the mistakes made in the ring.

alina, Ilocos Sur.

Ted Rabino Sr. was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona a son of a native of the Philippine Islands Santa Cat-

Originally trained in Arnis under (former Filipino law enforcement) brothers Lonnie & Leto Acosta from Tarlac, P.I. In the early years as a migrant worker I trained with these brothers from campo to campo learning there arts. Until they stopped teaching at the migrant worker camps, so the only other accessible martial art that was taught was Karate & Judo. Until meeting Master Michael Giron at an affiliation training camp, I was a part of the Bahala Na Martial Arts training group here in Phoenix, Az. At that time I was training with another affiliate Pietro Vitielli until I became fully committed to the Bahala Na Multi-Style & Original Giron Escrima. Meeting with Master Michael Giron and Maestro June Gotico, they met with Master Dexter Labonog and conversed my request of teaching this art in the Arizona region. I was granted the responsibility of teaching there

classical methods of Filipino Martial Arts in the State which gave me a great honor of representing these modern day Filipino Bladed Warriors. The Filipino culture is truly applied in the teachings, when one practices they can truly understand how these techniques worked in the jungles in the early years and during World War 2.

Visit this website for the Bahala Na Multi-Style (http://bahalanamulti-style.com) or Original Giron Escrima School near you, or send an email for clinics or demonstrations.

(Left to Right) Ted Rabino and Gene Inis

Bahala Na Multi-Style Stockton, California instructors.

Contacts: Arizona School Contact Instructor – Ted Rabino Sr. Asian Arts Center 318 North 5th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona (602) 679-9713 ----------------------------------

Know someone with an inspirational story?

Let us know

contribute@chikkamagazine.com 11 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

Cultural Halo-Halo

group assigns to its senior citizens that possess the gray hair. The older a person is, the more they are valued because they have so much more to give to the group as a whole. In summary, in most of the world’s cultures, getting old means gaining greater significance and provides the opportunity for greater impact for the group.

Pastor Jeff Jackson

The “Greatest love of all” by Whitney Houston topped the pop music charts in America in 1986. By the time my family and I arrived in the Philippines in Sept. 1987, it was difficult to go anywhere or meet anyone who wasn’t familiar with the song and who couldn’t recite the lyrics. At the same time, it was fairly obvious to anyone who had any awareness of cultural issues, that all those Filipinos so happily singing that song, probably had no idea that the song contained cultural concepts that were not only different, but almost totally opposite of their own cultural values. Let’s take a look at the first American cultural value that is expressed in this anthem to self-esteem:

I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way Although it’s true that children are the future of any society and they should certainly be taught as well as possible, it’s uniquely American to believe that they should be thrust into leading the way for their people as a whole. Almost all of the world’s cultures, including Filipinos, place a high value on older people. In fact, the older a person is the more they are treasured by society as a whole and considered a source of great wisdom due to the depth of life experience they possess. The older a person is, the greater respect they are given and they are sought out for counsel when difficult decisions need to be made. As strange as it sounds to Americans, in most other cultures, gray hair is not something to be avoided at all costs. In fact, to most people in other cultures, gray hair is viewed as something desireable because of the higher status and respect the

The

In contrast, as is clear from the song, American culture is incredibly “youth” focused and is very open to the idea of finding leaders as young as possible. Americans generally envy those that are younger than themselves. There’s a belief that because young people have their whole lives in front of them, they still have the ability to choose from a number of different options to obtain that which matters most--making yourself happy and thus feeling good about yourself.

Americans believe that the younger you are the more freedom and options you have to do whatever will bring you pleasure and cause you to be happy with yourself and the less likely you will be to have anyone or anything restrain you from being whatever you want to be.

Why would older Americans envy the young in such a way? Because that is exactly what they would do if they could reverse the passage of time and go back to their youth again. This time, they would do those things that were likely to make it possible for them to feel about themselves and show more love to themselves.

This difference between how youth is viewed by the two different cultures is very clear when it comes to expectations for retirement age. For the Filipino, retirement means more time with the children and grandchildren and more opportunity to pass on the many things learned from a long life to those that you know and love. For the American, retirement means finally doing what you want to do such as fishing, golfing, traveling, and so forth. For the American, retirement means finally being free from a group of people, like your employer and fellow employees and maybe even your family, and finally getting to do that which pleases you. Those that have that kind of freedom-to do what they want, any time they want, are highly envied.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Ken Abaca specializes in auto, home, life, health, and business insurance in addition to investment/retirement planning. Ken holds a bachelors degree in Marketing/ Computer Science. He is a also member of various community and non-profit organizations.

I changed companies to Allstate Insurance just recently because of the opportunity to expand my business nationwide and the better products they have to offer for my clients versus State Farm.

3. How do you differentiate yourself from others who provide similar products and services? Do you consider yourself to be a family insurance agent?

There are many similar companies and products that are cheaper than the ones I offer, but I can guarantee you the Allstate “Your Choice Auto and Home” packages are the best for long-term protection for your family and for your budget.

I have a staff of 5 including myself that I have trained to provide the best customer service experience in the market. Many companies can offer you a cheap price over the internet or even on the phone, but when it comes to a change in your policy or handling a claim, there is nothing that holds more value than having a personal Agent!

Yes, we are very family oriented. To ensure we

“I am an old-fashioned type of person where my family and honoring our ancestry are the most important things in my life.”

1. Tell us about yourself. What kinds of hobbies and activities do you enjoy?

I was born in Manila, Philippines. Pateros to be exact and I moved to Chicago, IL when I was 5 years old. I lived in Illinois until 2005 and moved here to Arizona to open up my insurance business.

My parents still live in Springfield, IL and I have 2 brothers. Both are married with children. One of them lives in Illinois and the other here in Glendale, AZ. I don’t have too many hobbies other than going out to eat, watching movies, and cooking (when I have time). Most of my time is spent at the office; some would say I am a workaholic. I don’t think so, I believe in working hard and reaping the rewards later.

2. Why did you become an insurance agent?

What were some of the challenges you faced in the early stages of your career?

The insurance industry is a very lucrative business and I am able to help protect people and their loved ones. I always knew I wanted my own business, but at first I didn’t know what type. I worked for State Farm Insurance since 1999 and became an Agent for them until this past July.

14 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

provide the proper coverage for our clients we have one-on-one annual review meetings to review their insurance and investment needs.

Let’s put it this way, your life changes constantly and my office is here to make sure you and your loved ones are protected in case the unthinkable happens.

4. Why did you choose to work with Allstate?

Provide a brief overview of the types of products Allstate has available.

Allstate offers many Insurance products; Auto, home, renters, life, health, accident, Cancer, Supplemental Medical, Long-Term Care, Mexican Insurance, Commercial/Business, Motor Club, Personal Umbrella, General Liability, 401k/403(b), Mutual Funds, Annuities, 529 Plans, and the list goes on… Best thing to do is schedule a meeting with me or my staff and we can determine what products will best protect you and your family now and well into the future.

As I mentioned earlier, the “Your Choice Auto and Home” packages are the best in the industry. They offer accident forgiveness, $100 off your deductible every year, AND 5% cash back of your premium EVERYTIME your policy renews and you do not have an accident or claim.

You can’t beat that!

There is one catch; I can’t help you if you don’t contact me….

5.What are the primary differences between Term, Universal, and Variable Universal Life insurance? In general, what criteria should be used in determining the policy type which is most appropriate for an individual?

That’s a whole article within itself! Basically, Term insurance is a temporary life insurance policy without all the bells and whistles, where if the policyholder dies, within that term (5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 years) then their beneficiaries will inherit the policy amount or death benefit that was purchased.

A Universal Life (UL) policy and a Variable Universal Life (VUL) policy have options and benefits built into them. For example, they are both permanent insurance where the UL or VUL will not expire like the term insurance and will last until age 100. Another benefit is that they both can earn interest on the amount of cash/premium per year you pay, like a savings account earning interest for the money you have in the account. The UL has a fixed/guaranteed interest rate usually at 4% or more and has a maximum, while the VUL does not have a fixed/guaranteed interest rate, but does not have a maximum amount your interest can earn. Another benefit for a UL/VUL is that you can borrow money from it if you need to use it for any reason. And lastly, if the policyholder is still alive at age 100, the amount of premium that was paid into the policy is returned to the policyholder.

There are many benefits to each policy, but most people are aware that Term is cheaper than Permanent policies. Depending on the product, the UL is usually cheaper than the VUL. Main difference between the UL and VUL are the minimum and maximum interest amounts each one can earn. The VUL’s interest rate is tied to the stock market, so if the market is good, so will your interest rate for the VUL. To sell a VUL policy you need to be specially licensed, and I have 2 Personal Financial Representatives, including myself that can determine if that is the right product for you and your family.

6. Do you offer 529 Educational Plans?

What do these plans cover and when should someone consider obtaining one?

Yes, we offer many plans to suit any family size and budget. I believe this is one of the most important investments because our children’s education should be one of the top priorities in our lives and they are the key to our future.

People should be investing in this if they have children or if they are planning on having any children. The earlier the investment, the better.

Like Life Insurance, the earlier you start, the cheaper it is and the better the coverage.

7. From your point of view, what aspects of auto insurance policies are most often misunderstood? What options do you highly

recommend or strongly encourage as “good to have” in terms of coverage.

The Bodily/Injury Liability limits are the most misunderstood protection. The state minimum here in Arizona is 15/30. Meaning; if you get into an accident and you are found guilty, the person(s) or family you hit/killed can sue you for EVERYTHING you have. They can garnish your income until you retire, take your checking and savings account, your 401k or other investments.

The 15/30 means your insurance company will only pay that person(s) suing you a maximum of $15,000 per person, or a maximum of $30,000 per accident. If you cause an accident that injures someone and they require hospitalization for a year or even life, do you think the $15,000 is enough to cover their medical bills and cover for their income while they are not able to work?

Even worse, what if the person(s) dies?

Whatever is left over, that will be coming out of YOUR pockets. Are you properly covered?

Do you have enough money to cover a loss like that? Most people would say they are not sure or they were not aware of that. So I advise people to educate themselves on their coverage and best of all you should have a personal Agent, like me, to explain it to you. That’s one of the values my Agency can offer you.

8. In your experience, how do factors such as age, ownership, marital status, and cultural background affect overall perceptions about insurance needs? How do you approach these differences when meeting with clients?

Most insurance companies are using an Insurance Score (IS) to determine the rates of premium for their customers. Yes, age, type of car, ownership, marital status, and other demographics are included in the IS, but the most important factor is the person’s credit score.

I like to educate my clients about their policy and the different types of discounts available.

For example, we offer good student discounts, 55 and over, military/law enforcement, claimfree, continuous insurance coverage, and even discounts if we write your policy at least 7 days before your policy expires.

Every person’s situation and lifestyle is different, so I prefer to educate and create a custom plan for each individual or family. I do not cookie-cut my policies or coverage because once the correct policy is in place, then I have peace of mind that I did my job and my clients are happy.

9. What are the advantages of purchasing insurance policies from one agent/company as opposed to obtaining policies from multiple providers?

As you can see like in the fashion industry, things come and go, but they always seem to come back in style and even better than before.

Before the internet, everyone had an Agent that they can call and someone that they can trust. In today’s virtual world, we are losing that personal relationship and most companies without Agents are realizing that. Customers of those compa-

Whether you’ve had a baby and bought a new car, or now have a teenager on the road, your insurance should keep up with your life. Call today for a free review to help you decide what protection is right for you.

KEN ABACA (602) 889-1505

24 W CAMELBACK RD STE K PHOENIX Ken@CentralCamelback.com Come and compare your current policy with one from Allstate

Insurance subject to availability and qualifications.Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2007 Allstate Insurance Company.

nies are getting more and more frustrated with speaking with an automated service line or even a representative that you do not have a personal relationship with and coming back to conduct business with an Agent like myself. How many Insurance companies or Agents do you know offer their own personal cell phone number to their clients?

The biggest advantage is having someone you know and trust to talk to, ask for advice, review your portfolio, and even ask for a referral for a service or project you may need. For example, I strive to help Filipino businesses by referring my clients to Filipino-owned businesses so we, as a community, can be successful.

10. What is your personal philosophy and source of motivation?

I have so many personal philosophies, but my main one is the respect of family and heritage.

I am an old-fashioned type of person where my family and honoring our ancestry are the most important things in my life. My parents are the best in the world and my family is second to none.

My source of motivation is my family and one of my goals is to help the Filipino communities become more of a family where we help one another succeed and push/pull one another up the mountain instead of push/pull each other down.

I’m a dreamer and my dream is to help our nation, our people, and our future be as bright as the sun here in Arizona.

15 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

Early Interventionist

by Marcy Goma Ma Ed

In this issue I am going to start to talk about learning disabilities which appear to have become more common, especially with the current generation.

First off, what is a learning disability? I quick search on the internet shows a definition of “a disorder…usually affecting school-age children of normal or above-normal intelligence, characterized by difficulty in understanding or using spoken or written language, and thought to be related to impairment or slowed development of perceptual motor skills.” Thus a learning disability is a neurological disorder. In simple terms, a learning disability results from a difference in the way a person’s brain is “wired.”

Children with learning disabilities are as smart, or smarter, than their peers. However, they may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information if left to figure things out by themselves or if taught in conventional ways.

A learning disability can’t be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong issue. With the right support and intervention, however, children with learning disabilities can succeed in school and go on to successful, often distinguished careers later in life.

Parents can help children with learning disabilities achieve such success by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, understanding the educational system, working with professionals and learning about strategies for dealing with specific difficulties. Also keep in mind that some individuals, despite having an average or above average level of intelligence, have real difficulty acquiring basic academic skills. These skills include those needed for success in reading, writing, listening, speaking and/or math.

These difficulties might be the result of a learning disability. There may be no cure, but with early intervention and professional support most children with a learning disability will succeed.

Let’s talk about dyslexia, the more common of Learning Disabilities (LD). I have a friend who for a long time has had dyslexia and he didn’t have any idea until I told him. I often wondered when I watched him spell and read. The worst was riding with him while he tried to follow directions; we always wound up getting lost when he was driving. Then I realized what was happening and talked to him about it. Of course, there is no “quick-fix,” but what is dyslexia?

Dyslexia (difficulty reading) Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition as well as poor spelling and decoding abilities.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability.

Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students 16 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.

Reading disabilities affect 2 to 8 percent of elementary school children. To read successfully, one must:

•

Focus attention on the printed symbols

•

Recognize the sounds associated with letters

•

Understand words and grammar

•

Build ideas and images

•

Compare new ideas to what you already know

•

Store ideas in memory

Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment and, in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services (which were mentioned in a previous issue of Chikka magazine).

What causes dyslexia?

The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions versus what is considered “normal.”

Moreover, most people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully (International LD Association 2007).

How is Dyslexia Diagnosed?

I’ve always believed that parents should be the first one to notice if they think there is something unusual with their child. They can always speak with their pediatrician or developmental doctor; nobody should be afraid or ashamed if they notice something that doesn’t seem right, instead ask for a professional opinion and assistance.

School based “treatment” uses what is called Response to Intervention (RTI) to identify children with learning disabilities. Under an RTI model, schools provide those children not readily progressing with the acquisition of critical early literacy skills with intensive and individualized supplemental reading instruction.

If a student’s learning does not accelerate enough with supplemental instruction to reach

the established grade-level benchmarks, and other kinds of developmental disorders are ruled out, he or she may be identified as learning disabled in reading. The majority of students thus identified are likely dyslexic and they will probably qualify for special education services.

Schools are encouraged to begin screening children in kindergarten to identify any child who exhibits the early signs of potential reading difficulties (International Dyslexia Association 2007).

For children and adults who do not go through this RTI process, an evaluation to formally diagnose dyslexia is needed. Such an evaluation traditionally has included intellectual and academic achievement testing, as well as an assessment of the critical underlying language skills that are closely linked to dyslexia. These include receptive (listening) and expressive language skills, phonological skills including phonemic awareness, and also a student’s ability to rapidly name letters and names. A student’s ability to read lists of words in isolation, as well as words in context, should also be assessed. If a profile emerges that is characteristic of dyslexic readers, an individualized intervention plan should be developed, which should include appropriate accommodations, such as extended time. The testing can be conducted by trained school or outside specialists. This often varies from state to state, but parents can always ask the psychologist, developmental pediatrician and/ or case worker(s) on where to get assessment and/or assistance.

And please, always remember the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is a federal law, which talks more specifically about the rights of a dyslexic person; The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define the rights of students with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

These individuals are legally entitled to special services to help them overcome and accommodate their learning problems. Such services include education programs designed to meet the needs of these students. The Acts also protect people with dyslexia against unfair and illegal discrimination.

In my next column, I will talk about how dyslexia is treated with school based intervention as well as some other learning disabilities.

-----------------------------------------------------------

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FAMILY & FUN

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Rochelle Pilapil celebrating her birthday w/Mommy Janette & Friends (Dec. 27th)

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19 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

HOROSCOPES ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) - You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you

dearly you see red. Avoid extravagance or risky financial schemes. Travel for business purposes may bring the highest returns. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) - Alienation may be the result of a misunderstanding.

Responsibilities with respect to older relatives may be a burden. Some situations may be blown out of proportion. Take a short business trip if possible. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

During class a teacher, trying to teach good manners, asks the students, one by one, “Michael, if you were on a date, having dinner with a nice young lady, how would you tell her that you have to go to the restroom?”

“Just a minute, I have to go pee,” he said.

The teacher replied, “That would be rude and impolite. What about you, Paul, how would you say it?”

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) - A change of attitude has probably disrupted your home

“I am sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” The teacher responded, “That’s better, but it’s still not very mannerly to say the word “bathroom” at the table.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) - You should be in business for yourself. Opportunities to

And you, Johnny, are you able to use your intelligence for once and show use your good manners? I would say, “Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I must go to shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you’ll get to meet after dinner.”

environment. You need to get out and be an observer. Get together with friends and catch up on reading and letter writing. Don’t let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

make advancements through good business sense are apparent. Be careful that you don’t spend too much time with a person belonging to someone else. Travel and educational pursuits may help alleviate the stress you have been feeling. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

The teacher fainted.

Have a joke to tell? Submit it to us at contribute@chikkamagazine.com You may get a chance to win a prize!

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) - You can enhance your reputation if you treat family and friends

with respect and dignity. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often. You may have problems with those you live with. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Don’t Know Where to Find Us? Go to ChikkaMagazine.com for a List of Distributions Points

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) - There’s a good chance that they won’t come back. If you

put your mind to it, you could entertain or host a multitude of social events. Romantic relationships could be under pressure. You are likely to be left alone if you aren’t willing to bend just a little. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday

You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it’s time to let them stand on their own two feet. Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. If you act with anger you may blow the relationship. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) - Coworkers may not be giving you all the pertinent infor-

mation. Someone you live with will get angry if you are neglecting your duties. Travel may be confusing. Don’t fall into the trap. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) - Your leadership qualities will come in handy.

Uncertainties are still prevailing. Elders may need your help. You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) - Don’t let others restrict you from saying how you feel

about family issues. You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children. Set a limit on the amount you’re willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it. You can make new friends and experience new things if you do a bit of traveling. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) - Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly

what’s been going on. It might be time to do some of those chores at home. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals. Put some energy into getting back into shape.

Listen to reason. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) - Emotional partnerships may develop through projects you

initiate. Travel should be on your mind. Risky ventures may turn in your favor. Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Horoscopes provided by Astrology Online (www.astrology-online.com)

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Board Certified Family Practice Sun City West Medical Arts Center 14300 West Granite Valley Dr. Ste B7 Sun City West AZ 85375

The Original

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941 Elliot Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224 Tel: (480) 855-4646

CASA FILIPINA

Bakeshop & Restaurant

3531 W. Thunderbird Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Phone: 602-942-1258 / 602-703-0564

GRAPHIC DESIGN/ WEB DESIGN Lewis Design Associates, Inc. 4212 W. Cactus Rd., Suite 1110-62 Phoenix, AZ 85029 Tel: 480-471-5955 / Fax: 1-866-832-2757 www.lewisdesignassociates.com

HAIR SALON

C&C Salon 13811 N. 35th Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Phone: (602) 439-8833 / (602) 942-0399 Cellular: (602) 430-7932

INSURANCE

ALLSTATE INSURANCE 3531 W. Thunderbird Phoenix AZ 85053

NURSING SERVICES

PRINT SERVICES/ DIRECT MAIL

Cosmetic & General Dentistry 846 S. Stapley Dr. Mesa AZ 85204 Tel: 480-834-8405

Cactus Wren Home Care 6979 W. Cactus Wren Dr. Glendale, AZ 85303 Phone: (602) 741-5526 / (602) 633-2730 Fax: (602) 633-2731 www.cactuswrenhomecare.com

7171 W. Discovery Dr. Glendale, AZ Phone: (602) 623-332-9367 www.azfilipinokali.com

ARROWHEAD

medical & aesthetic center

ASSISTED LIVING / HOME CARE

Phone: 480-620-4017 or 310-749-2274

Gerald Toki School of Kali

Ken Abaca 24 W. Camelback Road Ste K Phone: (602) 889-1505

1076 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ Phone: (480) 917-1240 www.gingerrootrestaurant.com

Lutong Bahay Diner 6740 W. Indian School Road Inside LAMS Supermarket

(602) 881-0882

REAL ESTATE

DPR REALTY Marrie Zubkoff Phone: 480-233-7051

Willie del Rosario Realtor

CELL: (623) 628-8068 OFFICE: (480) 786 -6100

Email: wildelros@yahoo.com

NAIL SALON

Diva’s Gems Boutique & Spa 13720 N. 75th Ave., Suites 100, 102, & 200 Peoria, Arizona Phone: (623) 326-7979

TRAVEL

A.C. TRAVEL 7541 W. San Juan Ave. Glendale AZ 85303 Phone: (623) 247-1007 Fax: (623) 247-2909

Don’t Know Where to Find Us? Go to www.

ChikkaMagazine.com

for a List of Distribution Points

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Say No To Smoking With Vitamins By: John Pen Cigarette smoking has been recognized as the causative factor in the development of lung cancer and many heart-related diseases. If you are determined to quit smoking; the road to healthy living is not far behind. You are now on the verge of preventing the development of many life-threatening health conditions. Even if you have been a long-term cigarette smoker; say – a smoker for 15 years; there are still great chances to regain your healthy self starting the day you stop smoking.

Quitting smoking is the first step in modifying your lifestyle in the desire to prevent further damage to the body. You can help your body restore your health faster. Encourage your body to heal by taking advantage of the many health benefits that vitamins can bring. Vitamin replacement is an efficient part of your quitting smoking plan. You can do this by regular intake of essential vitamins either by natural sources or pill-form supplements. While tablet supplements are also accepted, nothing can outdo the benefits that food sources of vitamins can provide.

Vitamin C is of the essence when recovering from cigarettes. If you are wondering why, this is because huge amounts of Vitamin C are burnt during your cigarette smoking days. It is a common knowledge that ascorbic acid, widely known as Vitamin C reinforces the immune system by protecting cells and tissues from harmful radicals. Citrus fruits and green vegetables are great sources of this vitamin.

Smoking brought damaging effects to the skin resulting to dry skin. Consuming Vitamin A, which is another antioxidant can help relieve dryness and gives the skin a more youthful glow.

Oxygen is used up in your body each time you smoke. This explains why smokers oftentimes suffer from cough and other respiratory illnesses. To help your body absorb more oxygen, another antioxidant called Vitamin E should regularly be consumed in order to regain the function necessary in the proper oxygenation of the blood.

Other vitamins that can be used to help quit smoking: Treat Smoking with Vitamin E Vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant. As such, it can help the smoker to keep the effects of smoking from showing while he tries to kick away the habit.

Examples of Vitamin E rich foods are sunflower seeds, kale, and sweet potatoes. Studies also show that Vitamin E defends the body from lung and heart diseases by fighting off the free radicals that causes them.

Vitamin A can help Smoking Vitamin A from Beta-carotene can help patients that are suffering from smoking-related ailments.

You can get your daily dose of Beta-carotene from foods like green leafy vegetables, carrots, spinach, and other yellow fruits.

Vitamin A can reduce the effects of oxidation, which is triggered when a person puffs a cigarette.

Vitamin C for Smoking Vitamin C is essential in keeping the cells and the sperm healthy despite habitual smoking.

Smoking could deplete the Vitamin C levels in the body. At that condition, sperm abnormalities arise. And that could even lead to childhood cancer and birth defects. About 180 milligrams of Vitamin C is recommended to smokers, and it is supposed to be taken three times in a day to replenish the lost ascorbic acid.

B Complex Vitamins for Smoking B complex vitamins maintain the mental and physical fitness of a person. It is also the nutrient responsible for a healthier skin, eyes, tissues, and nerves. These body parts are in fact, deteriorated by smoking. Therefore, it is very important that B vitamin supplements are taken on a regular basis.

It is a good thing that you thought of quitting smoking before it goes too late. Taking vitamins in coordination with regular exercise and eating healthy is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle that you are entering the moment you said no to smoking.

For more information call 480-471-5955 23 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

HOMETOWN CONNECTION

Traditional Healers of the Philippines

By Marlon Palban and Marc Delisle, RN

(Marlon Palban is a fourth year Nursing Student at Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City, Philippines) Have you ever heard of the word hilot? Therapeutic massage which is widely known in the Philippines as hilot is as popular as western medicine for most Filipinos. This technique is used to cure many a variety of diseases ranging from common colds to serious diseases like tuberculosis.

What is interesting is that other Asian countries that also have their own traditional therapeutic massage have similarities with the Philippines’ own hilot. The belief in spiritual energetic channels, called urat and pennet in some of the regions in the Philippines is shared by other Asian countries. Urat and pennet are channels or tube like structures that anything can pass through like veins, arteries, nerves, intestines, tendons, etc. In the Ayurvedic and yogic traditions of India, the nadis like the urat and pennet, carries prana or life force energy. Malaysian and Indonesian massage use the terms urat and uat to describe tendons, nerves, blood vessels as transporter of spiritual energy. All of Southern Asia shares a common healing tradition which goes back thousands of years and reflects the wisdom of these various cultures.

Hilot is one of the various categories or specialty of folk doctors (arbolario) in the Philippines. A hilot practitioner is called a manghihilot. These specialists can be found anywhere in the Philippines and almost all rural villages in the Philippines have their own manghihilot. Though these folk doctors are common in the rural areas, big cities in the Philippines also have their share of manghihilots who are in great demand there.

Hilots are able to cure many ailments. Some of these ailments are believed to be caused by disturbed spirits.

In our barangay (village), in Mindanao, the elders warn us when cutting an old centennial tree or even when just passing by it because a spirit might be dwelling in it and it will punish anyone foolish enough to ignore it by causing illness. To avoid illness, the permission of the spirit must be obtained.

At the physical level, many Filipinos believe that diseases are sometimes caused by the hot-cold syndrome. It is believed that when your body experiences a sudden change in temperature from hot to cold, your body becomes susceptible to illness because the defenses are weakened in the disruption of the body’s homeostasis. For example, a person should not drink cold water or take a bath (especially a cold one) after a strenuous activity because this brings a sudden change in the body’s temperature and makes you more susceptible to illness. Some manghihilot would even advise their client not to take a bath for 2 or 3 days after a massage session 24 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

so that the body will be given time to recuperate from the healing process it is going through.

In some places in the Philippines, there is a term called panuhot. It is believed to be caused by hangin (wind). This is also related to the hotcold syndrome. This happens when the hangin enters your body through the skin’s pores, especially when a person is sweating and the pores are wide open. Panuhot occurs because the coldness of the wind will enter the body’s system through the blood vessels and make you susceptible to illness. Nong Geroncio Pajal, one of the manghihilots in our barangay, said that the panuhot will weaken the body’s defenses: “Manghina man gud ang imong dugo tungod sa panuhot (your blood will be weakened because of the panuhot)”.

I remember my mother telling me when I was a child to always wipe my sweat and to keep myself dry and well-covered “para dili ko panuhoton (so that I won’t get panuhot)”. That is why most Filipino mothers don’t like their children to use electric fans, especially when sweating, because of the fear of the panuhot. This makes panuhot a nightmare for most Filipino mothers.

It is also believed that the panuhot will clump together in the long run because of the accumulation of wind in the body. These clumps of panuhot can be found in the joints. Nang Concepcion Guillen, also a known manghihilot in our barangay said that the head of the panuhot is found in the antecubital area (inside elbow joint).

The head (of the panuhot) is where most of the panuhot clumps together and is the main cause of body aches, weakness and other ailments.

Hilot practitioners have their own unique way of massaging or healing a patient. Some are gentle when they massage and some are not.

They also vary with the specific area to massage when curing a specific illness. Nong Geroncio Pajal uses pressure points similar to acupuncture when doing massage. Pressure points are found in the different parts of the body. It can be on the fingers, the junction of your index finger and thumb, antecubital area, at the back of the neck, in-between your eyes, soles of the feet, etc. Each pressure point has its specific illnesses which can be cured when the proper amount of pressure is applied. For example, headache, tooth ache and tonsillitis can be cured when applying pressure at the junction between the thumb and index finger.

When massaging and applying pressure on the antecubital region, ailments like fever, high blood pressure and allergy are cured. Serious diseases like breast tumors and liver enlargements can also be cured when massaging a certain pressure point. Nong Geroncio Pajal believes that each pressure point has a certain connection to the specific parts of the body where the disease is located. He also believes that treatment is most effective when pain is felt by the patient when pressure is applied.

He told me that one time, he was called by his neighbor because of a complaint of difficulty in squatting due to pain. He just massaged and pressed the groin area. After the treatment, his neighbor reported significant relief of pain when squatting. There was also an instance where a

person came up to him because of fever and chills. He just massaged the man’s hands and arm up to the back paying special attention to the junction between the thumb and index finger, antecubital region and the area around the scapula. After that, the man’s temperature decreased and his chill was gone.

While Nong Pajal uses pressure points, Nang Guillen does whole body massage that is from head to toe. She said that by doing hilot, the clumps of panuhot are destroyed and released from the body in the form of sweat, flatus or burps. She has been a manghihilot for almost 60 years and her healing technique has further been enriched because of her involvement in a charismatic Christian group. When encountering an ailment she prays to God for a sign of which herbal plant she should use to reinforce her hilot. She usually does this at midnight.

When she prays for help she sees a certain part of an herbal plant appear on her hands.

This part of the plant is what she would get and prepare as a medicine.

Her father was one of the people she cured using her hilot combined with the herbal medicines she uses. Her father had tuberculosis and stopped taking medicine because of the unpleasant side effects he experienced. She gave her father syrup made from water boiled with 21 coffee beans. She instructed her father to take it everyday. After taking the herbal preparation for a couple of days, her father felt better and was cured eventually.

All manghihilots have with them their Lana (massage oil). It can either be commercially prepared or their own preparation. Most personally prepared Lana are made of coconut oil combined with herbs. Nang Guillen combines coconut oil with a certain bark of two herbal trees which she chops into pieces. Which ingredients to use for this unique combination is obtained through her prayer. Most manghihilots prepare their massage oil during Good Friday in the Season of Lent. There is a strong belief

that this religious element greatly contributes to the healing ability of their Lana. Nang Guillen also had her Lana blessed with holy water by a priest. Other manghihilots also pray before the massage session. Practices such as these show the strong ties between Christianity and the ancient aboriginal traditions of the Philippines.

The hilot tradition in the Philippines has existed long before the advent of the west into the country. However, with Spain’s colonization of the Philippines a certain new dimension was incorporated into this ancient practice. The Christian influence that Spain brought to the country changed the approach of the manghihilots with regards to their view on the spiritual aspect of their practice. Today the hilot tradition has been deeply intertwined with the Christian tradition.

Many Filipinos believe that deep faith in the healing power of hilot alone can not cure diseases; an individual should also possess deep faith in the healing power of Christ if the treatment is to be effective. Hilot is one of the tiny pieces of a puzzle which we call Philippine culture and tradition. This should not be considered a bane but rather a boon to the health care services of the country. With its incorporation into western type medicine, a more holistic approach to the treatment of people can be achieved and this unique Filipino heritage can be preserved and further enriched.

Sources: Apostol, Virgil J Mayor:The Healing Arts of the Philippines. www.metamind.net/apostol.html

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Call Us Today at 480-471-5955 25 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

New Year’s Eve Celebration Thanks to all the sponsors (Ethel Luzario, Janette Pilapil, Asian Bistro & Chikka Magazine) for the great countdown party held last Dec. 31 at the Asian Bistro. And for the guests - Thanks for your support!

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27 • Chikka Magazine (January 2009)

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