Health & Home (July-August 2015)

Scaly lips

Most brands of lipstick contain fish scales.—http://facts. randomhistory.com/

Killer cork

Ripe bounce

Cranberries can be tested for ripeness by bouncing them. If they are ripe they should have a bouncing quality. —http://www. sciencekids.co.nz

Speedy delivery

The human brain’s main nerves conduct messages at 248 miles per hour.—How the Brain Works

Taller by two

Did you know that you are more likely to be killed by a flying champagne cork than by a poisonous spider?— http://www. xcapedcat.com/

One direction

Grazing cattle generally all face the same direction. Research shows they are lined up with the magnetic north pole.—Science

Illustrated

Decreased pressure makes astronauts grow two inches while in space.—Discover

Agent phytate

Science is learning that phytic acid, or phytate (the salt of the acid), found in fiber-rich grains and beans, is the agent responsible for stopping colon cancer.—God of Wonders

I am afraid

Fear of computer is called logizomechanicophobia, fear of being dirty is called automysophobia, and fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia.—The Play

of Words

Warmest wool

Arctic musk oxen wool is called qiviut (KEE-vee-ut) and is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool.—Extreme Animals

Dawn of the plates

License plates have been around for longer than there have been automobiles. France was the first country to introduce the license plate with the passage of the Paris Police Ordinance on August 14, 1893, followed by Germany in 1896. The Netherlands was the first country to introduce a national license plate, called a “driving permit,” in 1898.—http:// en.wikipedia.org/

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July-August 2015

CONTENTS 6 What Fills Your Cup?

By Kay Kuzma

Find personal time to recharge your love cup

11 How to Get Kids to Eat More Fruits

8

Psychology of Pricing

By Rose Fres Fausto

2 icontact 5 Toward the Mark

By Sue Radd

By Mamerto M. Guingguing II

Without either of you screaming or crying

In Ten Days

14 Consult Your Lawyer

12 Nomophobic No More!

By Silvino L. Sumagaysay, Jr.

Anti-Wire Tapping

By Meriam Acebedo-Polinar

Disconnect yourself from this modern-day addiction

15 Dear Doctor

30 Enjoy Bok Choy

By Linda L. Varona

By Arlene May G. Corpus

16 Miracle in My Inbox

By Glynis G. Aquino

God answers prayers through e-mails

Healthy leaves you just can’t leave out from your diet

20 Mindset

By Janet R. Tolete

By Arlene R. Taylor

Six things you stand to lose for being amorous

Positive mind for a positive life

22 From Anger to Forgiveness

36 Casa de Segunda: Home of Pepe’s First Love

By Marvin Moore

How to open your fist and bring it to a handshake

By Jherson Jaya

A heritage house resonates with a love story that might have been

24 Happiness

By Mamerto M. Guingguing II

Relearn simple pleasures from little children

38 A Beginning for the Universe

By John T. Baldwin, L. James Gibson, and Jerry D. Thomas

The universe’s unique design points to a genius Designer

26 Hello, Spine!

By Elvin R. Tecson

Why it’s better for your dog and for everyone else

Satisfied Health & Home Subscriber

32 Echoes of Life

By Janet R. Tolete

Learning AgriCOOLture

33 Personal Answers

By Arnold C. Serra

Is Love Over?

41 Food for the Family

By Miriam R. Estrada

Pinggang Pinoy

42 Children’s Corner

By Lucile B. Tañalas

Recipients of Respect

By Ryan J. Martinez

By Johanna C. Gallermo

29 Prevent Embarrassing “Accidents”: Pledge to Neuter Your Dog!

17 Subscribers Section

44 Prophetic Word

40 Woody Grass Vase

Backbone facts and guidelines to keeping it healthy

Low Platelet Count With Bleeding Episodes

By Rommel C. de Guzman

34 Cheating Is Stupid

By PETA

COLUMNS

Create a classy vase from bamboo scraps

Waiting for That Day

45 Mona Louise Rey: One Sweet Girl

By Janet R. Tolete

Meet a young lady whose optimism offsets diabetes pain

18

Reaping Reading’s Benefits

By Lucile B. Tañalas

ABOUT THE COVER

Coming Up... Parsley: More Than Just a Decorative Garnish

• Hand Exercises • Button Art • How Do You Say “No?” • Dealing With Business Partner In-Laws • Worried About Forgetfulness? • Why You Should Eat Slowly • Save a Life: Be an Organ Donor

Photos in this issue are by rogeRGSabio unless credited otherwise.

Child actress Mona Louise Rey eats more fruits and vegetables to manage her diabetes. Read page 45 and discover how brave this 10-year-old girl is.

Reaping

Reading’s Benefits

By LUCILE B. TAÑALAS

Y

ou love to read. That love is translated in your growing collection of books. Not the e-books, of course, but real paper books that you can flip, highlight, dog-ear, mark, and display on your bookshelf. You may even have a collection of first prints signed by the author during the book launching.

Unlike e-books, real paper books give you the thrill of ownership. A daily newspaper once reported how people camped outside a bookstore days before the launching of a popular book series to be the first to buy an original copy.

More important than collecting books, however, is reading them.

Reading transports you to places without leaving the comforts of your home. It introduces you to famous and influential people and learn from them. Reading sharpens your memory. It keeps you company. It relaxes you. It helps improve your vocabulary and conversation.

18 Health & Home July-August 2015

Source of info

Reading is so powerful it can make a difference in your life. Influential people have, at one time or another, credited a book that had made a great impact in their lives. If you are a voracious reader of great books, you already gain a competitive edge in life over nonreaders, simply because of the information you have read.

Our brain is a gigantic infomation storage bin unrivaled by any computer ever invented. Through reading, we have information—good or bad—that we can access anytime, anywhere.

An unknown author says of reading: “TV. If kids are entertained by two letters, imagine the fun they’ll have with twenty-six. Open your child’s imagination. Open a book.” Powerful words indeed that parents need to practice.

watching TV or playing computer games, curl up in bed with your favorite book. This is especially true for those who spend working hours in front of screens. “By reading a paper book about an hour before bedtime, your brain enters a new zone, distinct from that enacted by reading on an e-reader,” says Rachel Grate in her article, “Science Has Great News for People Who Read Actual Books.”

Kenkō Yoshida, a 13th-century Japanese poet and essayist, also said, “To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you, and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generations—such is a pleasure beyond compare.”

Stress buster

Are you stressed out? Read a good paper book. That’s what Mindlab International suggested after it Simple pleasure conducted a research on how to beat Reading a good book before sleeping is a great way to unwind and stress. Surprisingly, reading edged out listening to music, enjoying a get you ready for sleep. Instead of

personal ANSWERS

M

Is Love Over?

By Arnold C. Serra

y boyfriend and I have been going steady for more than three years now. We used to have a great relationship, until his family moved to another place.

We promised to stay true to each other. But as time went by, I had observed him chatting with his Facebook friends, but never with me, unless I made the first move. When I asked him whom he chatted with, he said they were just his friends.

Time came when his calls became few and far between. I felt something’s going wrong. Then one day, I noticed that he changed his Facebook profile picture with that of another girl. But then he said she was just a close friend.

My boyfriend and I have had no violent quarrels before—just a few minor misunderstandings—which I feel are part of any relationship. Any advice?

I

t is very obvious that your or may not compensate for real emotional suffering. It appears like boyfriend has fallen out of love presence. you are in a similar scenario. and the line of communication Second, distance may not be the Based on your statement, I believe between the two of you has gone real reason behind the real problem. your gut is telling you that this cold. It also appears like the more you You may have a boyfriend who relationship is over. I guess it would pursue him by communicating with happens to live just a few steps from be safe to say that it’s time for you him, the more he distances himself. It your door, but then he may go out to move on and focus on things that must be painful for you to see things each weekend with different girls. matter more, like other interests and unfolding electronically, right before Meanwhile, some relationships your career. Don’t get stuck. Seek your eyes, and internalize that his love survive even halfway around the closure to this relationship. As much appears waning. globe. as possible, as not to complicate I would like to discuss two points Relationship is an investment of matters, give yourself time (to get with you. First, you must have heard two people. Both should do hard over with the broken relationship) for some people say that, “Absence work and be committed to nurturing healing to take place before being in makes the heart grow fonder.” The that relationship through thick or an intimate relationship again. saying may work for some people, but thin, in absence or in presence. Each Love is the sweetest thing that could in most cases, what happens is the has to revisit the commitment every ever happen between two people. But opposite. Distance actually makes the time to cultivate relational growth when a relationship is broken, the pain heart wander, because people have factors like communication, love, and pierces the deepest part of one’s being. specific and relational growth needs care, among other things.

Despite the risk of brokenness, don’t that may be hard to meet when the I compare relationships with ever stop loving. It’s the best thing other party is not physically present. planting a very rare, beautiful rose. that can ever happen to you.

A long-distance love affair is quite One really needs to water it, add A poem written by Alfred Lord a challenge. Some people prefer to fertilizer and other nutrients to the Tennyson, entitled “Lost Love,” says: have a close proximity intimacy. soil, weed out other plants, and spray This means that when they have insecticide to eliminate destructive “I hold it true, whate’er befall; some emotional, mental, or spiritual bugs just to let the rose grow I feel it, when I sorrow most; struggles, the mere presence of their undisturbed.

‘Tis better to have loved and lost loved ones is enough to pacify or Relationship is a two-way affair.

Than never to have loved at all.” support them.

Care, nurture, communication, You may argue that through sensitivity, and thoughtfulness—all In a biblical sense, love is the advanced technology today, these must be mutually shared greatest: “And now these three remain: communication is not that big a between two people. When there faith, hope and love. But the greatest problem anymore. But as I’ve said, is imbalance of these mutual of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, every person has a different level of responsibilities, one of them will New International Version). needs and the use of gadgets may experience pain as well as mental and God bless.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Arnold C. Serra has worked as hospital, rehab, and nursing home chaplain prior to his church pastoral work. He had his training in marriage and family therapy from USA. If you have questions about love, friendship, and family matters, email him at arnieserra@yahoo.com.

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 Travelogue

Casa de Segunda:

Home of Pepe’s First Love

By JHERSON JAYA

S

egunda Solis Katigbak earned her spot in Philippine history books because she was able to captivate the heart of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, fondly called "Pepe" by his family and friends. Although Segunda’s family was already prominent in society, her affiliation with Rizal shoved her into the spotlight—she being his first love.

Now her house in Lipa City, Batangas, welcomes visitors to its classic “bahay na bato” (house of stone) architecture, inviting them to reminisce olden days of prosperity and romance.

The Heritage House

Casa de Segunda is a five-minute walk from the San Sebastian Cathedral at the center of Lipa City, an almost two-hour drive from Manila. The house is Spanish-inspired yet very Filipino in style and design. Its big windows and big doors allow fresh air to circulate inside, a prerequisite in a tropical country like the Philippines.

This ancestral house was built in the 1880s when Lipa prospered as the sole coffee bean supplier of the world. It was home to Segunda and her husband, Miguel Luz, together with their nine children.

Sadly, the house was damaged during World War II. In 1956, Paz Luz-Dimayuga, one of Segunda’s daughters, remodeled the house. Forty years later, the house and the garden were restored by her grandchildren.

In 1996 the National Historical Institute, known today as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, declared Casa de Segunda a Heritage House.

The Katigbak-Luz descendants maintain this twobedroom heritage house and have generously opened it to the public.

36 Health & Home July-August 2015

 Casa de Segunda facade  Stairway leading to the second floor  The fountain in the courtyard

children’s CORNER

By Lucile B. Tañalas

Recipients of Respect

D

addy, why do I have to greet and kiss Lolo (Grandpa) and Lola (Grandma) whenever I visit them?” Ysobel asks, as the bus speeds to her father’s province. The family is joining other relatives in celebrating her grandma’s birthday.

“Because you respect them, because they are older than you are,” Daddy Anthony answers.

“What’s ‘respect?‘” “It’s honoring others, treating them with care, and being courteous to them.”

Ysobel looks out the bus window.

She remembers the times she had to be reminded to greet her grandparents.

“Why should I respect those who are older than I am?” she continues.

“Because you love them.”

Ysobel opens her backpack and pulls out her favorite blanket—her security blanket. During overnight visits, she brings it along with her. She hugs it before asking again, “How can I show respect to my teachers in school, Daddy?”

“By being quiet inside the classroom when your teacher is explaining the lesson.”

“What? This means that sometimes I do not respect my teacher when I talk with Neil.”

Daddy Anthony touches her daughter’s hand. “Sometimes we are noisy when somebody is talking. But isn’t it nice if we care to listen?”

Ysobel nods her head. “Do I only have to respect those who are older than I am?”

“Everybody should be given respect.

Even those younger than you are.”

“How?”

“By not getting their toys without asking permission.”

“Oh!” “By not changing the TV channel when your younger brother is watching a basketball game.”

“Hmmm. You seem to be targeting me, Daddy.”

Daddy Anthony smiles. “I know it is not easy, but it is important that everybody is respectful to one another.”

“If I follow what you and Mommy tell me, is that respect?”

“Of course, Sweetheart!”

“Everybody should be given respect. Even those younger than you are.”

Ysobel thinks for a while then says, “If I pout and murmur then I don’t show respect.”

Daddy Anthony gives her a high five. “How else can you show respect to others?”

The bus stops at a terminal and streams of passengers go down, interrupting their conversation. “I’ll write down my suggestions and give the list to you tonight.”

“Ok.”

look for Lolo and Lola. They see them under a mango tree, talking with some relatives.

Ysobel runs to her grandparents, then greets and kisses them. Daddy Anthony also does the same. They laugh before giving each other a thumbs-up sign.

After supper, as the family gathers on the porch, Ysobel gives her daddy a piece of paper. Daddy Anthony reads:

“How to Be Respectful” •Don’t fight your friend.

•Say “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me.”

•Be quiet in church.

•Don’t make fun of others.

•Wait for your turn.

•Greet the school guard.

•Behave in school.

•Obey Mommy and Daddy.

•Don’t kick or hit animals.

•Love Jesus.

Daddy Anthony hugs her daughter.

“Wow! Great list.”

“Do you know a Bible text on respect, Daddy? I want to write it below my list.”

Daddy Anthony asks her to get Grandpa’s Bible. He then opens it to 1 Timothy 4:12 and reads: “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, The list your faith, and your purity.”

As soon as Ysobel reaches her She thanks her daddy, borrows the grandparents’ house, she grabs Bible, then goes to the table to write Daddy Anthony’s hand. Together they the verse.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Lucile Bernardino-Tañalas is associate editor of Health & Home.

42 Health & Home July-August 2015

y e R e s i u o L a n o M O n e S w e e t G ir l

By JANET R. TOLETE

B

eaming with a smile and walking like a princess, 10-year-old Mona greets us with an embrace. She easily warms up to us and starts chatting about her summer activities. As we settle down in a restaurant near GMA7, her home network, Mona Marbella Al-Alawi (in real life) shares more about her blooming career, loving family, and silent struggle with a serious illness.

Baby steps and leaps

Illustrations/sxc.hu

Having done TV commercials before, someone encouraged her to join the auditions for the drama series Munting Heredera. From 300 aspirants, Mona made it to the shortlist and eventually landed the title role. She was 6 1/2 then.

A prodigious thespian, Mona was immediately nominated for 2012 Best Child Performer and was awarded successive soap projects. The Filipina-Bahraini girl quickly became a familiar face to TV viewers.

She relates that she’d always wanted to be on TV. At age 3, she actually tried to smash their TV screen just to enter the world of her favorite shows and movies. Good thing her older sister was there to stop her. “Being on TV's really fun. It’s what I really want,” Mona says in Filipino.* She says she immensely enjoys acting and meeting a lot of people, especially other kids in the business who’ve become her best friends.

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Hobbies and interests An incoming Grade VI pupil at St. Monique College of Manila, Mona enjoys studying, especially Math. She also loves cooking and baking. She boasts of her sinigang (seafood or meat in sour broth), banana-walnut cupcake, and chocolate crinkles. “I really like molding dough. It’s awesome!”

Mommy Fatima reveals that her youngest, with the help of her Ate Maria, beats her at baking. But then Mona proudly points out that her mother is her singing coach at home.

Dreaming to be an international singer— also a model, actress, and businesswoman— someday, she practices popular tunes. Her mom teaches her gospel songs, too, so she can sing in church. Mommy Fatima advised her to “Sing first to the Lord. If you put Him first, everything will be added unto you.”

Faith in the family

Mona, at 6, plays the role of Jennifer in the TV series Munting Heredera.

The child actress bonds with her sister Maria, Mommy Fatima, and brother Hashim.

46 Health & Home July-August 2015

Photo/Mona Louise Rey

uise Rey Photo/Mona Lo

Mona lives with her mother and older sister Maria, together with her older brother, Hashim. Their father and eldest sister Almira remain in Bahrain.

As part of Pag-ibig Christian Ministry, Mommy Fatima brings her children to church every Sunday. Whenever the church holds concerts, Mona participates willingly for free.

Aside from church-going, the family loves watching movies and eating out together. The siblings all enjoy animated films and eating at buffets.