Health & Home (November-December 2019)

ISSN 0115-0839

Since 1959

Annivers ary

“Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future�

90

AdventistMed @

Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay Loving children their way

The Journey of a Lifetime The 2019 Book

CONTENTS 6

November-December 2019

Pag-IBIG MP2 vs. SSS P.E.S.O.

16

Jerome Torres

Easy investment opportunities

8

Mini Christmas Tree Lebette Angel M. Baybay

Is This Really Love?

(Second of Two Parts)

Make holidays merry with origami

Karen Holford

Preventing and stopping abuse

10

Adolescence and Acceptance

12

A Mother’s Legacy

Jeremee Gerald A. Cabral

Coping with teenage challenges

Chamberlain I. Agtuca, Jr.

14

You Felt My Pain

21

Reasons to Celebrate: Health & Home Anniversary Special

34

Love that doesn’t walk out

Life’s Alphabet Author Unknown

The ABCs of living with dignity

Elsie Losala

A dad and a heartbroken daughter

28

Janet R. Tolete

Milestones in Medical Ministry: From Manila Sanitarium and Hospital to AdventistMed

One magazine transforms three subscribers

Wilson A. Sia II

24

What’s in Store in Singapore?

Mervin Marasigan

Bigger than the Merlion

18

How Do I Love You? Loving Children Through Their Lenses Sheryll Ann M. Castillo

Kind words, gifts, what else?

30

“Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future” A Legacy of Exceeding Great Value Arceli H. Rosario

Poor parents know how to be rich

32

Chocolate Brownies With Walnuts

36

In Praise of the Ordinary

38

Confronting Death

Sue Radd

Flourless but far from tasteless

Vanesa Pizzuto

The benefits of being boring

Julián Melgosa and Michelson Borges

No need to dread

Subscribers Section Compiled by Health & Home Staff

10 Inspiring People on Health & Home

Coming up… Little Notes of Love • Closeup: Calabash • Celebrating Failure • Is Glamping Your Thing? • Hooked on Facebook • Letter to Newlyweds • The B’laan School on the Ridge

here and the hereafter

COLUMNS 3 Here and the Hereafter

Anniver

sary

One Life to Live

Leonardo C. Heyasa, Jr.

One Life to Live 4 iContact Compiled by Michelle Anne P. Diamante

15 Consult Your Lawyer

I

Atty. Silvino L. Sumagaysay, Jr.

Judicial Approval in Sale of Children’s Property 20 Dear Doctor Linda L. Varona

Acute Pancreatitis 27 Personal Answers Arnold C. Serra

To Leave an Inheritance or Not 33 Echoes of Life Vennis C. Silva

Family Traditions 40 Food for the Family Miriam R. Estrada

Use Your Hands 41 Word for the World Leonardo C. Heyasa, Jr.

The Journey of a Lifetime 42 Children’s Corner Janet R. Tolete

Leaving Something Behind

ABOUT THE COVER Compassionate Christian Care.

Adventist Medical Center Manila is known for providing holistic health care, based on the example of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.

Cover photo by AdventistMed Photos and illustrations in this issue are from shutterstock.com unless credited otherwise.

t is said that once upon a time, King David tasked his royal jeweler to fashion him a special ring. This ring is to remind him that whenever he is very happy, he would not be very happy; whenever he is very sad, he would not be very sad.

The jeweler was perplexed. The day before deadline, he still got nothing. Solomon saw him pacing back and forth in the palace with eyes glued to the floor.

“Sir, what is bothering you?” the prince asked.

“Your father gave me a task so hard I’m afraid I would fail him.”

He trembled as he explained his predicament.

“Simple. Make a ring and inscribe in it the words: This too shall pass,” the wise prince suggested.

Nothing lasts.

Joy, grief, triumph, failure, and even life—all will pass. And quickly!

We wake up in the morning.

We eat breakfast. We go to work.

Before we know it, the day is gone.

Just like shooting stars for example. We see them; in a blink they’re gone. But while shooting stars are quick to perish, their impact is lasting. In their short moment of existence, they make people whisper wishes.

Lest I get misunderstood, I’m not advocating that we wish our lives upon a star. What I am trying to say is while life flies so fast, we can live in a way that will impact people so they will pause to glorify our Father in heaven.

How can we do that? Here are

Health & Home ︱ 3 ︱ November-December 2019

two among the many ways: One, by doing our best. The Bible counsels, “Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NET Bible).

Sometimes we do things halfheartedly, haphazardly, or hurriedly to the point that when we eat, we choke; when we walk, we stumble; when we talk, we stammer.

We take important matters, like relationships, for granted. We don’t focus. We work with our hands, but our minds wander somewhere.

Then we plead for a repeat performance, for another chance, which, sadly, is often denied us.

Two, by serving others. Jesus, our prime Example lived for only 33 years. A short life, especially for One with a lasting mission. But what a mark He left! All because He lived (and even died) in the service of others. He could have lived long. He could have lived several lifetimes.

But He chose only 33 years to live His one life.

Sometimes we live selfishly. We care for no one but ourselves. Until we realize that we are not islands.

That we need to connect, to be of value, to be of help.

One quick life. Let’s live it well.

Leonardo Catangcatang Heyasa, Jr., is editor in chief of Health & Home.

Teen Life

Adolescence and Acceptance

By JEREMEE GERALD A. CABRAL

A

dolescence is a stepping stone, a transitional stage, a time of preparation.

Then, we were children; soon, we will become adults.

When I was younger, I was very curious about how being an adolescent would feel like and how it would affect me. And when I finally became one, I was thrilled!

I was able to go places by myself. I met new people and formed friendships without my parents’ help. I was exposed to a wider variety of things.

New doors opened for me.

Opportunities seemed endless.

I was able to experience my first romance and, sadly, heartbreak as well.

because we are no longer children. As young adults, we are bound to hear the counsel, “Think before you act.”

Adolescence is when life teaches us accountability. We become more mindful of how we act and react, what we say or do, and the possible consequences. If we ever commit a mistake, we are taught to own up to it and come up with a solution.

Being accountable

Holding on to books

Being a teenager, however, is not always about friendships or romance. As we grow, we are also expected to mature.

Mistakes committed as a teen are not taken as lightly as before

we gain experiences, knowledge, Finding andAsresponsibilities through the years, changes happen to us—whether oneself are aware of them or not. They canwe

stir up situations and feelings that can be totally overwhelming and difficult to adapt to. Some of these can be so radical that they can end up shaking what we think we know about life and ourselves.

During these times, we tend to doubt ourselves, question our core values, make rash decisions, or even try to cope through unhealthy habits.

Losing oneself is difficult for a teenager. The struggle to find who we really are can be filled with confusion and desperation.

I used to have my nose in books for an unhealthy amount of time and study excessively without giving myself time to eat or rest. I used to stay up all night studying and skipping meals.

My explanation? I have always thought of myself as a studious person. Whenever I felt like I was losing myself

Health & Home ︱ 10 ︱November-December 2019

Mini Christmas Tree Text and photos by LEBETTE ANGEL M. BAYBAY

A carol tells us to “deck the halls” and oh, how do we! Often with things fancy, unnecessary, and costly. With a dash of creativity, however, any home can feel festive and dressed up for the Yuletide season.

A Christmas tree, for example, can be one of the most expensive décor, but here’s one that’s simple, easy, and very handy.

Materials

Scissors Square piece of colored paper*

Procedure

1. Make four crease lines across the paper by folding it into half—horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

2. Take the left and right corners and fold them toward the lower corner.

Health & Home ︱ 16 ︱November-December 2019

3. Flatten to a diamond.

R easons to Celebrate

Anniver

Health & Home Anniversary Special sary

By JANET R. TOLETE

H

ealth & Home is celebrating its 60th year now. If the magazine were a woman, she would be a senior citizen by now. She’d probably be enjoying the company of her children and grandchildren, relaxing in retirement, and sharing her radiant smile and words of wisdom to people she would meet.

Yet, chances are, she’d most likely still

be actively serving her church, teaching young children about God, giving to the poor, and taking on new adventures.

But she may also wonder, What has she accomplished? What legacy is she leaving?

How has she made an impact?

To help answer these questions, three Health & Home subscribers share their colorful connections with her.

photos courtesy of interviewee

Subscriber turned writer

Before I went to college, I was converted into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I then saw copies of Health & Home in the homes of fellow Adventists, specifically church school teachers who lived near the church. I enjoyed reading the articles, especially the inspirational ones. I noted the authors’ choice of words, their craftsmanship, and the loftiness of their thoughts.

One summer, I also had the privilege of joining the canvassing program for students. We went house to house, selling or giving away Christian books and periodicals, including Health & Home.

In 1983, the year that I got a job, and the years that followed, I ensured that a bound copy of the Health & Home was in my things-tobuy list every December.

My principal and mentor, Mrs. Esther Baculanta, advised me that if I wanted my children to become lifelong readers, I should leave books and magazines visibly abounding around the home.

Arceli Heyasa-Rosario, Ph.D., served as an English teacher in Adventist high schools for 22 years. She is now the chair of the Education Department of the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies.

She has four children—two medical doctors, a certified public accountant, and one more who’s studying to become another doctor in the family.

So, long before my children learned to read, they were leafing through the pages of Health & Home and listening to me as I read aloud. My husband also shared my commitment, so my children did become readers.

Eager to learn how to become a good wife and mother, I read the Bible, the writings of Ellen White, and those of contemporary Christian authors such as those on Health & Home. The magazine proved to be a good resource—and more.

After about seven years of reading Health & Home, I realized it could be a platform through which I could share my thoughts and experiences, that what I write may bless others.

Although I received encourage­ ment from my teachers to write,

I did not have much confidence in myself back when I was still a student. Hence, I did not take their comments seriously.

But when I saw my first article published on Health & Home, I told myself that I should make writing my act of worship, my act of tribute. Ever since, every time the editor of Health & Home asks me to write something, I never say no.

There are things that I love to do that I have given up so I can write. Why? Because the printed page can reach where I can’t.

Because the printed page will live long after I’m gone. Because through the printed page, I can meet people who perchance I can inspire to say, “This world after all is a good place. This life after all is worth living.”

Health & Home ︱ 21 ︱ November-December 2019

Subscriber turned printer

Primitivo Beltran Balacanao is happily married to Elvie and enjoys a peaceful life with his two married daughters and two grandchildren.

Coming from a clan where many men were uniformed personnel, I aspired to be a soldier.

In 1985, at the age of 24, I left our farm and was accepted into the Philippine Army based in Camp Upi (now Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz) in Gamu, Isabela. Later, I was sent to Patikul, Sulu, to become a part of the Scout Ranger Training Group. This was where I first encountered Health & Home.

One day, our training was disrupted when a group of young ladies entered the camp and approached our commander, asking permission to promote the books and magazines they were selling. They sang beautiful hymns to us and conducted a lecture on healthy living. My fellow soldiers were quite pleased with this break in our routine.

With our superior’s “encouragement,” we ordered their products. Since I never found the right time to write my parents back home, I took it as an opportunity to signify that I was well and alive.

My cousin was with me in the training and the news reached me that Mother got sick thinking about whether she would ever see her eldest alive again.

To console her and communicate my concern for her, I instructed the ladies to deliver my bound copy to my hometown. It was only later when I learned how effective the 12 issues (then worth PhP210) were in comforting my beloved mother.

After being in six armed encounters, handling a detachment in Pagadian City with only two other soldiers and 18 paramilitary personnel, losing two friends, and much

prodding from my worried wife, I finally decided to quit two years into the service.

My wife and I settled in Isabela. I farmed, became a local politician’s bodyguard, and then worked as a security guard. That’s when I met Health & Home again.

In 1989 my agency assigned me to Philippine Publishing House (PPH). It took about a year, however, before I realized that it was the company that printed my gift to my mother.

After a series of Bible studies, I was eventually baptized into the Adventist Church together with my wife in 1990.

Finally, in 1994, I resigned from the security agency and became one of the offset printing machine operators of PPH. God has indeed wonderful ways of working in the lives of simple people like me. Before, I held guns to save the country from rebels and renegades. Now, I hold precious pages that help save Filipino readers from disease and despair.

I still serve with a mission, and I still respond to the call of a commander.

This time, though, the mission is loftier and the Commander, divine.

Health & Home ︱ 22 ︱November-December 2019

Panfila Tabancura-Tagayuna, M.A.Ed., enjoys gardening and selling literature to friends and strangers. Her eldest has a doctorate in Nursing. Her son took up aeronautical engineering. Her youngest is a nephrologist with her own clinic.

photos courtesy of interviewees

Subscriber turned seller

People here in my hometown of Maribojoc, Bohol, call me “Gran.”

As an 82-year-old retired teacher, I’m fond of talking to younger people, which is most likely every person I meet.

But do I still go out at my age?

Yes, I still do. Without wearing glasses or using crutches, I go here and there, sharing something I’ve loved for years and years.

I love to read—books, maga­ zines, dried fish wrappers—any printed matter. So it’s no surprise that when a sales representative approached me in 1960 while I was a clerk of court in Zamboanga City, I happily subscribed to her new magazine—Health & Home.

Pleased with my purchase, I later bought more products from that sales representative and built my own little library. I was delighted with every issue that came in the mail that I bound every year’s volumes by myself, improvising, nailing them together.

I eventually became a teacher, got married, obtained a master’s degree, became an elementary public school teacher, and had three children.

I eventually lost contact with the sales representative and my subscription ceased, but my little library remained.

that I have invested in, I found the best food for the mind and soul.

The lives of my children testify to After 16 years of teaching here, that. the door opened for me to teach in Because of what I have read in Brunei. I grabbed the opportunity, Health & Home, I also learned to live but a little over a year later, my a healthy lifestyle, the benefits of world crashed. which I am reaping now in my ripe My husband died in a vehicular old age. But our story does not end accident. I took a leave from work, yet. rushed back home for the funeral, In 1995, imagine my delight but returned again to Brunei to when again I met a Health & Home fulfill my obligations. sales representative. She became At the tender ages of 16, 14, and my friend, and that friendship led 12, my children became fatherless to my conversion into the Adventist and, in a sense, motherless. My faith. concern for my children was such When a major earthquake struck that I willingly allotted a huge sum Maribojoc in 2013, my youngest of money to make long distance took me to her home in Masbate. phone calls as frequently as possible. There I realized that I could sell the Whenever I expressed my fears magazine and the books myself. to my children, they’d assure And so started a new phase of my me that everything’s fine. Their life. nanny was doing great, and they Whenever I meet people who had another wonderful guide and have little appreciation for my companion—my cozy, little library magazine and books, I simply tell of Health & Home and other books. them my little story and the huge Thus I was told that my children harvest I reaped from the few found refuge in the pages I loved pesos I spent as my intellectual to read to them when they were and spiritual investment. As the young. Many of their friends Bible says, “whatever a man sows, even came to the house to also that he will also reap” (Galatians do research at my library. What a 6:7, New King James Version). consolation!

Now, my children are all ith the story of her three professionals with families of their friends and those of own. countless others she has touched, How time flew! I soon found Health & Home can only thank myself ready for retirement. I was the Lord for her many reasons to able to provide for my dear children celebrate. and 12 more scholars in our town.

Janet Rosell-Tolete is associate editor of They say that what you eat is what you are. Indeed, in the library Health & Home.

W

Health & Home ︱ 23 ︱ November-December 2019

What’s in Store in

Singapore?

Text and photos by MERVIN MARASIGAN

T

he largest glass greenhouse in the world.

What used to be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Vertical gardens rising from 25 to 50 meters tall that light up at night. A tall Ferris wheel with glass capsules that can fit 28 people.

These and a lot more can be found in Singapore.

Rich in many ways Singapore is one of the most developed and richest countries in Southeast Asia. A financial

center located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore’s territory consists of one main island along with 62 other islets.

Languages spoken are English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. Currency is Singapore dollar (SGD), which is currently equal to about PhP38.

Time here is similar to the Philippines.

Singapore has many attractions, but let’s focus on Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. We were able to book a tour package that included these two attractions on the Internet for only PhP2,000.

Flower Dome A must-visit at Gardens by the Bay and listed in the 2015

Guinness Book of World Records as the “largest glass greenhouse in the world,” the Flower Dome features continually changing displays of plants and flowers.

The Flower Dome is open daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Health & Home ︱ 24 ︱November-December 2019

Philippine Publishing House 632 Baesa, 1401 Caloocan City (Location) • P.O. Box 813, 1000 Manila, Philippines (Postal) Tel. Nos.: (632) 363-3024 • 364-5205 I Fax No.: (632) 363-4244 I E-mail: marketing@pphsda.com Website: www.pphsda.com For more information, contact your local sales representative.