Health & Home (July-August 2018)

Kathrine Monta: Bullied but blessed From

gangster to pastor Understanding

Special Education (SPED)

Recovering from surgery

Unfair

interest rates

Bouncing Back

From life’s lowest points to greater heights

CONTENTS

July-August 2018

16

Home Exercises for Stroke Patients

By Deo Jordan A. Conopio

Family physical therapy

18

How to Heal From Loss

By Victor M. Parachin

17 ways to start

21

Two Warriors

By Sarah Grace B. Lawagan

Someone is meant for her (and for you)

22

Couple Fun for (Almost) Free

38

What's Special About SPED?

By Teofilo C. Esguerra, Jr. and Michelle T. Collado

Inclusiveness and individualized approach

? ?? ?

?

By Karen Holford

Dating ideas for married couples

6

By Rose Fres Fausto

24

Cheating depends on who’s doing it

The best and most breathtaking

Bad Behavior Is Contagious! (and So Is Good)

8

Blood in, Blood out

By Rome Ulia

Father and son find the Son

12

Surviving College

By Joydlynn P. Rivero

Failing a course is not the end

14

Recovery at Home After Surgery

By Evelyn V. Almocera

Tips to heal faster

Ten Amazing Waterfalls of Cebu (Second of two parts)

By Angel C. Juarez

26

Kathrine Monta: Bouncing Back From Bullying

By Mark Jubilee M. Matira

One parent, one song, one Savior

28

Ribboned Sandals

By Czarina V. Budayao

Glamming up flip flops

29

How to Find Lost Items

By Evangeline T. Cailao The scientific, systematic way

32

The Addict Brain

By Rowena R. Antemano

Easy to teach, easy to twist

42

What Is Your Why?

By Tammy Darling

The reason behind your every action

34

Breastfeeding Beyond Two Years

36

Anti-reflux Guidelines

46

Practice to Be Positive

By Nona D. Andaya-Castillo

The benefits of extending it

By Sue Radd

How to keep food down

By Julián Melgosa and Michelson Borges

Happy thoughts, happy folks Coming up… Leveling Up Teaching • Inside Pain • The Sweet Thing About Bitter Melon • Eye Watch • Bent But Not Down • Raising Happy Children • Grandparenting in the Twenty-first Century

SUBSCRIBERS SECTION

COLUMNS

By Lourdes R. Orlanda

3 Subscribers Section

By Lourdes R. Orlanda

For Love of Two Women

For Love of Two Women

4 Passion and Purpose

By Lucile B. Tañalas

Building Blocks of Resilience

5 iContact

Compiled by Dexter O. Quiñones

8 Consult Your Lawyer

By Atty. Silvino L. Sumagaysay, Jr.

Exorbitant Interest: A Ground for Nullifying Foreclosure Sale

30 Personal Answers

By Arnold C. Serra

My Son Is Stealing

31 Dear Doctor

By Linda L. Varona

37 Food for the Family

By Miriam R. Estrada

Mindful Eating

40 Share a Thought

By Mark Jubilee M. Matira

My Lowest Point in Life

41 Word for the World

By Ryan J. Martinez

Starting All Over Again

44 Children’s Corner

By Janet R. Tolete

How Do Balls Bounce?

ABOUT THE COVER Better Days. Beneath Kathrine Monta’s radiance is a small child who was given up and who almost gave up. Read about her faith and overcoming on page 26.

Cover photo by Great Image.

Photos in this issue are from shutterstock.com unless otherwise credited.

photo/Dexter Quiñones

Brain Boosters for Students

R

obert T. Casauay, an entrepreneur, has been subscribing to Health & Home for more than 28 years now.

He started doing so out of love for two special women—Mama Pacing and Mommy Arlene.

His wife, Arlene (née Alvendia) or Mommy Arlene, was the first to know the magazine. A former subscriber, she shared a copy of the magazine to her mother-inlaw, Paz T. Casauay or Mama Pacing.

“When my mother read the magazine, she liked it instantly.

From then on, I have been continuing my subscription.

I’ve also been ordering bookbound copies at the end of each year,” Robert related.

When asked why he granted the wishes of these two important women in his life, he explained that he himself started to appreciate what the magazine had to offer.

“Health & Home is a priceless collection. Its articles are so timeless that even old editions are still applicable today. This magazine has helped us greatly in terms of general information, lifestyle, faith, natural healing, and social skills.”

The benefits then radiated to friends and other members of the family.

“Most of our copies were lent or given to friends who dropped by and read the magazine. They usually ended up bringing a copy home. My own children also used to cut out articles and pictures for their projects and assignments.

Most of all the bound copies were my gifts to Mama Pacing,” remembered this father of three.

“I encourage people to subscribe to Health & Home. The magazine is worth it; value for money. Whether you are techie or not, reading is still one of the best ways to enhance mind, body, and soul.”

Mama Pacing was laid to rest in 2015, but her son continues her passion for reading. At 64, Robert also sees his future legacy through his own children: Arabelle Krystal, soon to be a doctor in education; Revelyn Franchesca, a prolific writer and event organizer; and Robert Bryan, who is mastering in marine biology.

Lourdes “Nengneng” Rivero-Orlanda is a radio broadcaster and sales representative of Health & Home.

Health & Home July-August 2018

3

Grace

photos/Signs of the Times

in the Act

Blood in, Blood out

By ROME ULIA

M

any Polynesians from the isles of the South Pacific migrated to New Zealand in the 1970s, my parents among them. Mom was from a very humble Christian family while Dad, who came from a well-off family, was about living life in the fast lane. Despite my grandmother’s warnings against Mom marrying someone who didn’t share her faith, there was no keeping them apart.

Once they married, Mom quickly found out how right my grandmother had been.

She couldn’t practice her faith, because, with my dad, it was his way or the highway. He didn’t change when we, children, appeared. He would talk to us once, and if a second word was

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July-August 2018

required, well, it was a piece of hose or a broomstick on the backside. We were always on our best behavior when it came to our father. He would never tell us he was proud of us for anything we’d accomplished or achieved.

As my parents struggled to find themselves in New Zealand, I also struggled in school—and failed miserably. When I was eventually kicked out of Kelston Boys High, I immediately gravitated to the gangs with their associated drugs and alcohol.

It was “blood in, blood out.”

I wasn’t allowed to wear gang colors until I’d beaten up someone from a rival group—an act of violence that bonded me to my “boys.” Blood in. And if I ever betrayed my colors or tried to

leave the gang, it was “blood out”—my blood would be spilled.

I was really confused about who I was as a person. Frustrated with life, I sometimes contemplated suicide.

An abortion

Then I got a phone call from my girlfriend. She was having a baby— our baby. I knew I wasn’t going to be a good father, so I said, “Listen, we’ll make an appointment and we’ll just get rid of it.”

She was kind of confused, but she went along with the proposal.

When the time for the procedure had come and gone and she failed to appear, I phoned her and left a nasty message. “That’s it! I’m not going to have anything more to do with you.”

Teen Life

Surviving College

By JOYDLYNN P. RIVERO

I

grew up a shy and reserved, yet achieving, child from elementary to high school. I was a salutatorian and a good student. Not a few said a bright future awaited someone like me. Yet, I lacked the confidence for college.

Am I ready? Can I finish college smoothly? Can I perform well?

For some reasons I wanted to stop. I had never enjoyed my childhood. All I had done was study, study, study because my parents did not allow me to play outside. I felt I was lacking in social skills. A part of me craved to go back to childhood and take all the time in my life to play.

But at the same time, I was afraid of being left behind by my batchmates.

With this fear and because of the high expectations of family and friends, I entered college—taking the course they had suggested—unprepared. It was the beginning of my long journey as a college student. I was 15.

Accountancy was not what I wrote in my entrance exam form. It was engineering. I like the idea of being an engineer though I’m not good in Math. People around me, however, told me that more opportunities were available in accountancy. Out of curiosity and obedience, I complied.

I do not have any inclination in business, but I also do not do anything half-heartedly. I came to love the course as well as my classmates. I learned a lot in college—including the dirty stuff such as cheating.

High school was all about competition but college was about cooperation. Our motto was “One for all, all for one.” Unending exams and quizzes made us look like zombies when we left the classroom. The calculator became our best friend.

The qualifying exam defined our lives as accountancy students—live or leave. If we passed, we would live. But if we failed, we would have to leave. It was like a death sentence.

I told myself that if I passed the exam, I would go all the way— without turning back no matter what. And I did. I felt like I was the luckiest. It was a miracle. I imagined myself as a Certified Public Accountant.

But there was one problem: Saturday class. As a Sabbathkeeper, I firmly believe that the seventh day is holy and reserved for service to the Lord and to humanity. I cannot sacrifice my faith.

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July-August 2018

Couple Fun for

(Almost) Free

By KAREN HOLFORD

W

hat better way to rekindle the flame of marriage than to remember why and how you fell in love with each other in the first place?

Try these simple dating ideas with your spouse and make new, happy memories while recalling old ones.

—Editor You may not have much time, and you may not have much money, but here are few ways to have fun together.

→ Try taking some fun selfies together or, better yet, drawing each other’s portraits.

→ Pop into a card shop and find three cards you’d like to send each other. Choose one with meaningful words, one that would make your spouse smile, and one other card that he/she might like to receive. You don’t even have to buy the cards—just read them aloud to each other in the store. → Search the web for some funny Minute to Win It-type games and try them out together. → Plant a garden together.

→ Spend a whole evening relaxing in your home—no TV, no screens, no talking about work. Kiss, cuddle, take a long bath, light candles, and get an early night.

22 Health & Home

July-August 2018

Ten Amazing Second of Two Parts

Waterfalls of Cebu Text and Photos by ANGEL C. JUAREZ

In the previous issue, the author listed five little-known waterfalls worth visiting in Cebu. From cascades that made it to top 6-10, here now are the five he considers best on the list.

5. Aguinid Falls, Tangbo, Samboan Getting mainstream, Aguinid Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Cebu!

It is a poor man’s canyoning experience, although you will be trekking along the river rather than a canyon.

A real adventurer’s treat is when you trek upstream to the main cascade at the fifth layer, passing numerous beautiful cascades and limestone rock formations.

The fifth layer is the biggest of all cascades with water dropping to a shallow turquoise-colored pool. There are small caverns at the back of the cascade. Be careful, however, when going inside these caverns.



How to go to Aguinid Falls: From Samboan town proper, ride a tricycle or motorbike to the Aguinid jumping-off point along the main road of Barangay Tangbo. From the main road, walk for approximately 10 minutes to reach the registration area. The trek to the waterfalls and back takes at least an hour. Entrance fee is PhP20. Local guides are required and readily available on tip basis. Samboan is around four hours by bus from Cebu City. Fare: <PhP200.

4. Inambakan Falls, Calabawan, Ginatilan It's quite surprising that despite the grandeur of Inambakan Falls, this beautiful gem remains generally offbeat.

Situated in the highland barangay of Calabawan, Inambakan Falls is among the highest cascades in the province. The water comes from two smaller falls atop—Bugnawan and Kampael, dropping to a deep natural turquoise-colored pool.

There are myths and folklore attached to the place.

Some say that it is enchanted. One thing is sure, though—Inambakan Falls is enchanting!

How to go to Inambakan Falls: Inambakan Falls is approximately four kilometers from the highway. To get here from Ginatilan town proper, catch a motorbike to take you to Barangay Calabawan (PhP100 per motorbike/roundtrip).

Entrance fee is PhP20. Ginatilan is roughly a three-and-a-halfhour ride from Cebu City. Bus fare: PhP176.

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July-August 2018



Kathrine Joy Monta Bouncing Back From Bullying

By MARK JUBILEE M. MATIRA

W

ith a pleasing and friendly face, this young lady entered the Health & Home office with a smile so radiant no one would ever think she had passed through a lot of dark and lonely moments as a child.

Sneers and paper balls

Kathrine Joy Monta or Kath grew up in the loving care of her Daddy Ger, who was born Mary Claire Monta.

“Daddy Ger made me feel like I’m her real child. She took good care of me despite challenging times and her being alone,” Kath fondly recalled.

All felt normal—until she started school.

“When my classmates saw that my parent was a lesbian, they started to bully me every day in school from elementary until my third year in high school. Even if I changed schools, I still got the same treatment. My classmates would say, ‘Maybe you’re just adopted, because it’s impossible for your father to have a child. Your lesbian father doesn’t have a wife.’ ‘Or maybe she just picked you up somewhere.’ ” She was likewise physically bullied. “I’ve experienced being hit by paper balls. They would throw these things on my face. Because we didn’t have enough money, I would pack whatever food was available at home and bring it to school. My classmates would then grab my lunch, display it in the center of the classroom, and laugh at it,” she reminisced calmly, as if those were ordinary days.

photo/Great Image

Away from school

The bullying eventually got to her, causing her to skip classes and get very low grades. Despite her parent’s appeals, she remained adamant about not going to school.

“She thought I was just being lazy or sluggish because I wouldn’t go even if my uniform was neatly prepared in front of me. I got really tired of getting bullied every day I couldn’t even study because of that,” she related.

Even at home, her own playmates and cousins would tease her about being adopted. So, she preferred playing alone.

She then started questioning her relatives about the circumstances of her birth. “They made various excuses. One relative said Daddy Ger once had a husband and I was the result of that union. Another one said she was raped, etc.”

What’s Special About SPED?

By TEOFILO C. ESGUERRA, JR. and MICHELLE T. COLLADO

It is now imperative for states and organizations to ensure “that children with disabilities receive good quality education in an inclusive environment.”

38 Health & Home

July-August 2018

S

pecial Education (SPED) has been basking in the spotlight for some time now, with both public and private educational circles involved in promoting awareness and participation.

What is SPED? How can school administrators, teachers, and even parents contribute to the development of programs linked to it? Allow us to discuss the issues and trends surrounding SPED.

What is SPED?

The term SPED is most applicable to programs designed for learners with unique needs. These individuals are typically those who have physical, mental, emotional, or even cultural characteristics that make them stand out from what some people may see as “normal.”

Through SPED, the learners will be given ample services and modified systems to accommodate their needs, which may range from specialized materials, equipment, and teaching strategies.1 With these services, individuals with special needs have the opportunity to develop their maximum capabilities.

What is SPED in international and local contexts?

Mainstream schools, both internationally and locally, are now accepting students with special needs. In the past, individuals were turned down because they were considered “different,” such as the blind and deaf.

With international recognition such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,2 it is now imperative for states and organizations to ensure “that children with disabilities receive good

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