INSIDE:
MAGAZINE Anita’s Kitchen - Raelani’s Chicken Apritada ......... page 36-37 Be money-wise this Holiday Season....................... page 38-41 10 Practical Tips for saving on Gifts ....................... page 44-45 OFW ako Galleries: Featured Photo ...................... page 46-47 Proud owners of OFW ako T-shirts ........................ page 48-49 Community Directory ................................................... page 51
Paskong Pilipino
Pasko ang Damdamin by Eden R. Manabat .............. page 2-6 Why Filipinos Abroad miss Pinoy Christmas .......... page 10-13 AR-WAY Iha Ihaw sa Dabaw................................... page 14-15 Weight loss suggestions.......................................... page 18-19 Health@Heart: Christmas Ailments ...................... page 20-23 What is an Au Pair? by Jean Grey ........................ page 26-32
December 2012
ONLINE Edition Volume 01 Issue 12
Pasko ang Damdamin
para sa PA M I LYA
by Eden R. Manabat (Russia)
Sa tuwing sasapit ang araw ng kapaskuhan, naaaliw tayo sa iba’t ibang himig ng awiting PAMASKO. Kung ang ilan ay maka Jose Mari Chan, ako hindi. Si Mang Freddie Aguilar at ang boses nya sa kanyang Pasko ang Damdamin ang himig na gusto ko. Ito lamang ang nag iisang awitin na kung saan ako ay nakaka relate. Sa anong kadahilanan? Hindi ko rin masagot kung bakit. Hanggang sa lumaon ay unti unti ko na itong naintindihan. Kung inyo itong maririnig, siguro maiintindihan ninyo kung anong ibig kong sabihin patungkol dito. Kung mababasa ng Mama ko ang isinulat kong ito, marahil ngayon lamang nya malalaman na may isang kwento sa likod ng awiting pamasko na ito. December 2004 nang una
kong marinig ito. Nagandahan ako sa himnong taglay nito ngunit hindi ko masyadong pansin ang nilalaman ng ng kantang tinuran. Sa taon ding iyon ng ika 24 ng Disyembre nang magkataong paalis naman ang Mama ko. Mangingibang bansa sya at lilisan patungo ng Saudi Arabia bilang taga burda ng Abaya. Sa loob ng eroplano nag Pasko ang Mama ko. Sa aking pagbabalik tanaw, sa araw ng kapaskuhan na iyon ay malungkot ang lahat sa amin. Naghihintay kami ng mensahe kung si Mama ba ay maayos na nakarating. Simula nung araw na iyon, bakas sa aking gunita na pagdapit hapon ay malungkot na ang aking Papa. Magkukulong na sa kwarto nilang mag asawa upang mapag isa. Patutugtugin ang kanyang pamaskong cd na sa isang bangketa
Staff Box OFW ako Magazine ONLINE Edition is published by
OFW ako
61 Kamagong Road, Pilar Village, Las Pinas City, Philippines +63 949 776 9282 * admin@ofwakomagazine.com Editor-in-chief: Dennis de Guzman * Country Editor(s): Mae Cayir (Austria); Emmanuel C. Roldan (Philippines); Eden R. Manabat (Russia); Dev Guintab (Israel); Raquel Padilla (Canada) * Contributors: USA Anita Schon, Dr. Philip Chua; Philippines Alvin Tabanag; * Layout & Design: Dennis de Guzman
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Articles, opinions, letters to the editor should be sent to admin@ofwakomagazine.com
Eden R. Manabat is a student of Professional Fashion Styling and Image Consultant Course. She is currently attending at Elite Pro Make Up Fashion School in Madrid & Barcelona. She loves sharing her experience by writing a topic on an article, a member of OFW AKO Community of Distributors in Russia and an experienced OFW working in Moscow.
ay nabili nya. Nangingilid ang luha nya at mata’y namumula sa tuwing sya’y lalabas sa pagkakakulong sa naturang silid nya. Siguro nanawa na sa kapa paulit ulit ng pamaskong kanta.
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Pasko ang Damdamin, ang awiting pamasko nya! Hangga’t hindi nagpapalit ang taon, paulit ulit lang yan ang nka play na kanta at paulit ulit ding maririnig sa loob ng buo naming kabahayan. Dalawang taon ang naging kontrata ng aking Mama
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About The Author
sa bansang Arabya. Mabilis lumipas ang taon at panibagong kapaskuhan ay muling sasapit na. Ngunit kay Papa, mas kakaiba at mas naging malungkot pa. Nag aapply kasi ako nuon papunta naman sa bansang Russia na kinalalagyan ko pa rin hanggang sa ngayon. Septyembre pa lamang nuon, naririnig ko na ang boses ni Ka Freddie.
Doon ko unang naintindihan ang kahulugan ng awiting ito ng sabihin ng Papa ko na “ Eden, anak pakinggan mo yung kanta, para talaga yan sa Mama mo kasi pauwi na sya” Pauwi nga naman ang Mama nuon kaya lamang ay inabot pa ng ika 5 ng Enero ng bago ng taon ang takdang panahon ng kanyang pagdating. Subalit hindi na kami nag abot pa, kinabukasan matapos ang araw ng kapaskuhan at ako ay paalis na. Siyam na araw na lamang sana at kami ay magkikita na ni Mama, ngunit mapanadya talaga ang tadhana. Nakaalis ako ng sya ay wala pa.
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para sa PA M I LYA
Buwan ng Septyembre ng naloloobang taon at nakuha ko si Mama patungo ng Russia. Naiwanan muli ang aking ama. Ikatlong Pasko na wala ang Mama at nadagdagan ng pagkawala ko pa. Paulit ulit lang ang ganung pangyayari sa buhay ko. Malayo sa pamilyang mahal ko sa tuwing araw ng Pasko. Si Mama naranasan pang kasama ang Papa sapagkat isang taon lamang na dito sa Moscow ay namalagi sya. Ako talaga ang hindi na, hindi ko na nakasama ang aking Papa. Ika 6 na Pasko ang muling darating sa akin ngayong buwang ito. Mas malungkot dahil si Papa ay wala na. Ramdam ng Papa ang Pasko na malayo sa pamilya sapagkat sampung taong gulang pa lamang ako noon ng sya ang mag abroad. Panahon ng kasikatan ng awitin ni Ka Freddie Aguilar patungkol sa mga pangkaraniwang naging kapalaran ng mga ofw’s. “ Napakasakit Kuya Eddie� Pero sa totoo lang, talagang napakasakit kuya eddie ang sinapit ng aking buhay sapagkat
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ang aking ama ay hindi ko nakasama sa araw ng kapaskuhan lalo na sa mismong araw ng pagpanaw nya.
Dahil sa isa nga akong Ofw na nakikibaka para sa aking pamilya, wala akong ibang magagawa kundi ang magdiwang ng pasko na mag isa. Pasko ang damdaming isang Ofw na tulad ko. Lalo na kung sa araw ng pasko ay natapos na ang paghihirap mo sa malayo at muli’y makakasama mo ang pamilya mo. Tunay nga na masasabi mong “ nagbunga ng lahat itong aking pagtitiis� Saludo ako sa mga kapwa ko Ofw na nakaranas at nakakaranas ng tulad sa kalagayan kong hindi nakakasama ang mahal na pamilya sa mahahalagang pagdiriwang na tulad ng Pasko.
Hats off po sa lahat ng mga bagong bayani ng Bansang Pilipinas na sinilangan ko.
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Why Filipinos Abroad Miss ‘The Pinoy Christmas’
para sa PA M I LYA
by Gel Santos Relos
Many Filipinos who are now living abroad still remember how excited they were, experiencing their first white Christmas -- frolicking in the snow, being dazzled by the lights and lovely Christmas decorations of New York, mesmerized by the sight and crackling sound of the log burning in the fireplace as they were clad in sweaters and socks and sipping on cups of hot chocolate to keep warm. These images used to be just pictures and scenes in books and movies, but now they are part of our real life in America. After the novelty of the experience is gone, and we get used to holiday routines year after year in a far and distant land -- sometimes,we
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get that aching feeling and longing for the warmth and the chaos of our Christmas past. The holiday fever starts to run high in the Philippines at onset of the “ber months.” Christmas songs fill in the airwaves, malls and parks begin to showcase the brightest, glitziest and most colorful Christmas decorations to paint the perfect holiday backdrop. Tiangges sprout like mushrooms, holiday discounts and baratillos lure bargain hunters to begin shopping early on. Filipino homes proudly display their parols to spread the Christmas cheer!
Parking will always be a challenge. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and caterers are super busy during the first three weekends of December— every office, business, organization or family has to have a Christmas party. Christmas cheer seems to morph to total crazy chaos. Thank heavens for the traditional “simbang gabi” to help us re-focus on the reason for the season. For many
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Divisoria gets packed. and long lines in department stores and supermarkets become the norm. Long queues can also be seen in taxi lanes and traffic is at its worst, you would wonder if everyone is out during this time period.
of our kababayans, going to these dawn masses from December 16 to December 24 is like an internal preparation of one’s heart and soul to celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus on Christmas day. It is indeed a test of will and dedication to wake up before the crack of dawn or to walk to church on chilly nights in order to complete the nine novena masses as a way of thanking and worshipping God. It’s like a “panata” or a promise -a covenant for prayers granted or for those that have yet to be answered. Going to simbang gabi is not really like a penance, save for the early wake up time. It is a tradition that binds all faithful followers together
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para sa PA M I LYA
in prayer and in celebration of the season. How soulful are the tolling of the church bells that herald the start of the mass. How angelic are the voices of the members of the choir singing classic Christmas songs. How warm are the smiles and greetings of our kababayans as we celebrate the holy mass. The experience, though punctuated by occasional yawns of some sleepyheads, makes many Filipinos feel peace and joy knowing they are home in their Father’s house. After the mass, things becomes festive. People head to the small huts selling bibingka, puto bumbong and salabat for the perfect after-simbang gabi breakfast. For “to go” yummy treats, we go to the tinderos of putong pulo in the sidewalk—those small bite size sweet puto in brown bags with niyog on the side. This after-mass tradition is very much a bonding moment among families, neighbors, friends, magkababata. A lot of stories are shared as they walk back home.
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To some, small kids singing Christmas carols with their homemade tambourine (made of flattened tansan or bottle crowns, skewered and bound together by wire) may seem more of a nuisance, but for the balikbayan it’s music to the ears.“Sa may bahay, ang aming bati, Merry Christmas na maluwalhati”… that segues to ”Ang pasko ay sumapit, tayo nang magsiawit!” and after getting their aguinaldo, segue yet to the usual “Tengkyu..tengkyu..ang babait ninyo tengkyu!”. If you’re like Scrooge to them , what you ‘ll get is “Tengkyu, tengkyu, ang babarat ninyo, tengkyu!” Many groups of kids go door-to-door and word gets around fast -- if you were generous or kuripot! While the excitement, fun, and the ensuing stress build up even more exponentially beginning the 16th of December until Christmas, nothing can compare with being around family during the holiday season. There’s a food fiesta extravaganza in every family reunion—hamon, queso de bola, lechon, menudo, caldereta, morcon, embotido, halayang ube,
Exchanging of gifts, videoke singing, card games, inuman, kuwentuhan, biruan among family members from different generations---they all add up to the pleasant and happy chaos that we miss when we spend Christmas in a far distant land. Blessed are those who can afford the luxury of visiting the Philippines during Christmas—plane fare always skyrockets, and aguinaldos for loved ones in the Philippines can surely break the bank. Thankfully, we can now rely on modern technology to virtually join our kapamilyas in the Philippines as they celebrate Christmas. In addition to the traditional long distance and international phone calls and snail mail, live real time togetherness through Skype where we can see the expression in their faces as they open the presents we sent them through our balikbayan box.
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leche flan, buko salad— good food really binds us all together!
We can always check out the pictures they upload on Facebook and the happy short messages they send via Twitter. Malayo man, parang malapit na rin. But definitely, nothing beats the real joy of being there, physically with them.
And so, as we spend the cold quiet holiday season here in America or elsewhere around the world, with some even having to spend Christmas alone, I hope the memories of our Christmas past in the Philippines will keep us warm and make our hearts glow with joy and laughter. Maligayang Pasko po sa inyong lahat, mga minamahal kong kababayan! God bless us all!
SOURCE: http://gelsantosrelos.typepad.com/my-blog/2010/12/whyfilipinos-abroad-miss-the-pinoy-christmas-.html
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AR-WAY Ihaw Ihaw sa Dabaw
para sa PA M I LYA
by Raquel Padilla ( Canada )
AR-WAY IHAW IHAW SA DABAW Owners: AR (R) - Raquel Padilla, a 28-year old OFW from Canada WAY (Y) - Yuri Michelle Sombilon, a 25-year old OFW from Kuwait Restaurant Description: Ar-Way Ihaw Ihaw sa Dabaw, a company based in Davao City will operate in Claveria Ext., San Pedro Street (In front of Camp Leonor Barracks ; just few steps from the San Pedro Cathedral) . The restaurant will be serving native Filipino dishes for lunch and seafood / grilled food for dinner. The concept is to showcase a native ambiance resto-bar for a unique Filipiniana dining experience , where everyone will feel comfortable and welcomed. How Did It Start? Yuri and Racz met on Facebook in early 2012, while they were trying to assist a fellow Overseas Filipino Worker who was encountering a difficult situation. The circumstances brought them together.
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Friendship began when they learned that they have many things in
common; especially on how they save and spend their hard-earned money. Their friendship developed into a higher level where they treat each other as sisters, discussing their past and how they were able to uplift their status by striving hard. They always talk about lives of OFWs where they said that working abroad isn’t forever so they thought of investing in the Philippines by entering into a partnership. With Yuri Michelle’s vast knowledge in doing business, they were able to find a perfect place for the planned business in Davao (Yuri’s hometown). This is not her first business because she also owns Yuri’s Closet - an online clothing shoppe which you can also find on Facebook. All plans were finalized in October 2012 and with the help of Rhicermie (Yuri’s cousin and assistant in Davao), all the requirements were attended to in a short period of time. As of this writing, Ar-Way Ihaw Ihaw sa Dabaw is having its 2-floor structure built. Yuri and Racz are both going home this December to meet for the first time and to purchase the necessary
and suitable furniture and appliances for their restaurant. The Grand Opening and Hours of Operation: The tentative date for opening the restaurant will be on January 4, 2013. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11:00 Am – 1:00 PM and 2:30 – 11:00 PM.
It will accept catering for special occasions , business meetings and other events. There will be a guard on duty and a CCTV camera for security purposes.
para sa PILIPINAS
Negosyong OFW Profile
Ar - Way has a Facebook page for your inquiries (http://www.facebook.com/ ArWayIhawIhawSaDabaw?fref=ts)
Additional info:
DON’T FORGET: Visit the AR-WAY IHAW IHAW SA DABAW.
Ar-Way will offer unlimited rice and free wifi to diners.
Mitch (Yuri) and Racz are living examples of OFWs who are now OFIs
Bands will play on Friday and Saturday nights.
-end-
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para sa PA M I LYA 16
Contact us today. Email: balayofw@gmail.com Tel. no.: +639497769282
Vacation with my Family is more fun in the
PHILIPPINES
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Enjoy life. Enjoy the beach. Enjoy the sun. Have lots of fun at Balay OFW
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WEIGHT LOSS Suggestions
para sa PA M I LYA
by Eden R. Manabat (Russia)
Weight loss is a huge issue. Many people who have lost weight and kept it off have looked past the diet books and fads and found what works best for their own bodies I encourage people who want to lose weight to experiment with different methods and see what works best for you. From setting realistic goals to rewarding yourself, this advice will help you trim down in 2013.
Always eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast are much more successful at keeping weight off. When you skip meals, you become calorie deficient and usually end up binging later in the day. Snack throughout the day. You know the saying “ Don’t go shopping when you’re hungry”? Try it. Snacking can actually help some people eat less. By eating between meals, you can help reduce hunger pains and binging later in the day. Drink more water. By replacing soda, alcohol or coffee with water, you can cut a significant amount of calories from your daily routine. Many people can effortlessly lose 10 pounds by simply replacing soda with water throughout the day. Be aware of alcoholic drinks as well - a jumbo margarita can have up to 700 calories. Also try drinking water before your meal. The water will help break down the food more effectively.
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Make your own meals. Restaurant food generally has more salt, more fat and more calories and is served in larger portions than food cooked at home. When you make your own meals, you can control the amount of salt and oil, as well as the portion size If you have to eat out, try splitting one dish between two people or ask for half the meal to be wrapped up before it comes to the table. Reduce your stress level. Many people eat more when they feel stress; the stuffed feeling makes them feel comfortable and helps them relax. Try other ways of relaxing, like a hot bath or a walk around the block. Also try showing down, breathing and enjoying each meal. Say a prayer beforehand or take a moment to be grateful for the food you are eating. Get enough sleep each night. Growing evidence supports that missing out on sleep can increase your appetite. Most people need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
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Keep moving. Start with small changes like getting off one stop earlier on a train and walking the rest of the way or parking in the back of a parking lot. Take the stairs whenever possible. Instead of meeting a friend for coffee, meet for a walk or a bike ride or take a dance class together. Keep Track. Whether you keep a food journal or weigh yourself on a regular basis find a method that will keep you motivated and help you track your progress. Be a food detective. Read food labels and don’t eat anything you can’t pronounce a Stick to simple, whole foods that will nourish your body. Identify your temptation foods. You know wether they are salty or sweet, fried or creamy and you know if they are within reach, you will want them. Do not keep these foods in your home or office and get support from your family and friends with these foods.
Take a multivitamin. Eveyone can benefit from well rounded nutrients. Some evidence suggests that by adding specific high quality nutrients to a well balanced diet, you can improve your metabolism and many enzyme process for greater vitality and health. If you want to lose weight fast, you don’t have to go on a fad diet. Just switch from simple to complex carbohydrates and eat lots of vegetables. You’ll lose weight and improve your health. Plant foods are so low in calories that they force the body to burn its own fat. Nobody gets fat on a diet that’s made up largely of green vegetables, sweet vegetables, whole grains and small amount of high quality animal products. But throw in a bunch of cookies, white bread. French fries and a few quarter founders and you’ve got yourself a serious weigh problem. ( An excerpt from my Institute For Integrative Nutrition Lessons )
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Christmas Ailments
para sa PA M I LYA
by Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS (USA)
Is there an illness called Christmas Disease? Yes, there is, but it has nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX hemophilia. It is a hereditary bleeding disorder due to deficiency in coagulation factor IX. This condition is X-linked recessive inheritance, affecting only males, and occurs in 1 in 100,000 male births. This illness causes spontaneous bleeding in the joints.
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What is Christmas Blues? Christmas Blues is a form of mild depression (called Seasonal Affective Disorders, or SAD for short) that happens to some of us, normal and healthy people, during the Christmas season or other festive family occasions. Empty nest syndrome, where the grown up or married children have left home, creating an empty and lonely feeling in the parents, especially the mothers, is one such type of emotion that is magnified by family occasions like
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Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc. Frequent visits from the children or family reunions during the holidays minimize these “blues� and provide a sense of parental security and happiness, especially among the elderly parents. The other common cause of this extreme sadness is poor financial situation in life, where selfpity, panic, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness prevail especially on a holiday like Christmas. Is guilt more common at Christmastime? Yes, somehow this season of the birth of Christ, according to psychologists, brings out in most of us our good and better qualities, such as a more youthful exuberance, honesty, sincerity, compassion and humanity. During this season, many of us become more critical of ourselves and our past actions (sins of omission or commission against our parents, siblings or friends, or our less privileged fellowmen) and hence the feeling of guilt is more common on this holiday, and also a contributing factor to Christmas Blues.
Is diarrhea more prevalent during the Christmas season?
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Health@Heart
Yes, just as diarrhea is also more common during Fiesta celebrations. Ingestion of either contaminated food, or food that is spoiled (especially those left exposed to the warm weather or room temperature, and not refrigerated right away after meals) are the usual causes of diarrhea. Common food contaminants are Staphylococcus Aureus, E. Coli, and Amoeba, and water contaminants are (nontyphoidal) Salmonella and Shigella. Staphylococcal Food Poisoning is due to the enterotoxins produced by the Staph bacteria. The diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by stomach cramps, vomiting, headache, and fever, starts about 2 to 8 hours after eating contaminated food. The potential outbreak is high when the food handlers with skin (staphylococcus aureus) infection, touch and contaminate foods left at room temperature. Proper food handling, dishwashing, and handwashing are hygienic practices that will significantly minimize, if not prevent, these bacterial and parasitic contaminations. When the diarrhea persists for more than two days, consult your physician.
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Christmas Ailments ... continued from page 21
How long could food be left safely at room temperature? Different types of food have different “spoilage time.” Fish, processed meat, cream-filled pastries, custards, fruits salads, noodles (pancit), food cooked with tomatoes provide good media for bacterial growth after more than 6 hours of exposure to room temperature, depending on how warm the ambient temperature is. Some dishes, like adobo or paksiw could last for even a week in room temperature without spoiling, unless contaminated by handlers. The prudent thing to do is to refrigerate the left overs as soon as the meal is completed. Those who do not have a refrigerator should not cover the food airtight, since this will not allow the food “to breathe” and would tend to increase the heat and pressure, leading to a much shorter “spoilage time.” If using a plastic wrap, poke a few holes on it to allow for a better ventilation. Keep the food in an ice box or in the coldest part of the house, and eat it within 24 hours.
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Are those drinking alcoholic beverages “better protected” from this diarrhea? To some extent, yes, but the dose of the enteroxins determines the potential seriousness of the condition. Imbibing alcoholic drinks during a (contaminated) meal does not confer guaranteed immunity from these bacterial or parasitic diarrheas. The low alcohol content of all these drinks is not enough to “sterilize” our gastrointestinal tract. What is Chinese Food Syndrome? This condition could sometimes mimic a heart attack. It causes chest pains, facial pressure, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting. This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to monosodium glutamate (MSG or betsin), a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking. The symptoms are not really due to an allergic reaction and is dose-related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but some react to it more severely. Although death is very rare with this syndrome, a surgeon classmate of mine, who
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a Christmas full of wonders!
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was attending a meeting in France several years ago, had so violent a reaction after ingesting food with monosodium glutamate that he expired within an hour thereafter. Those who develop any of the four symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else, not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of this syndrome, most Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly.
Please visit PhilipSchua.com for a lasting Christmas “gift of health” idea or email at scalpelpen@gmail. com The author is a heart surgeon, author and health columnist, based in Las Vegas. He is Chairman of the Filipino United Network - USA, and the Loyal alliance for Medical Missions to the Philippines (LAMP).
What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?
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Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges. The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome.
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What is an Au-Pair?
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by Jean Grey (Denmark)
Ano yung Aupair? tanong na palagi kung naririnig sa aking mga kababayan kahit na nasa Pilipinas man o nasa abroad na sila. Kahit sa facebook marami rami ring akung kaibigan na yan din ang tanong nila. Marahil ay hindi talaga nila alam kung ano yung Aupair, may iba naman nagsabi na baka auto repair o mekaniko kami kasi nga my pair sa huli. Mga simpleng tao lang kami na nagmula sa ibat ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na nangangarap magtrabaho sa abroad para matulungan ang aming pamilya, at nangangarap ng magandang buhay. Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang pero masuwerte na siguro ang mga Aupair kumpara sa DH o Domestic Helper. Ang trabaho namin ay wala rin naman pinagkaiba sa trabaho ng DH, pero kung mag-aabroad ka man lang bilang DH o Domestic Helper mas maipapayo ko sa inyu na piliin nyu na lang ang pagiging Aupair. Marami na akong narinig na hindi maganda, merun pang kahindakhindak na pangyayari ang naranasan ng mga kababayan kung DH sa kanilang employer, isa pa sa dahilan ay maliit lamang ang sahod, kumpara
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naman sa trabaho kung ika’y dh lalo na nasa Middle East all around talaga ang trabaho nila papahinga nalang kung aang amo ay tulog na o trabaho ay tapos na. Ito ang ilang bansa na alam ko ang tumatanggap ng aupair: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom at United States. Ang mga bansang nabanggit ko ay may ibat-ibang regulation o patakaran at requirements bago ka mag apply sa lugar na aking nabanggit. Narito ang ilang detalye na magpapaliwanag kung ano talaga ang Aupair: The title comes from the French term au pair, meaning “on a par” or “equal to”, indicating that the relationship is intended to be one of equals: the au pair is intended to become a member of the family, albeit a temporary one, rather than a traditional domestic worker. An au pair (plural: au pairs) is a domestic assistant working for, and living as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs take on a share
An Au Pair is a woman or man from a foreign country who in exchange for room, board, and pocket money helps the host family with childcare and light housework. The benefit for the Au Pair is to improve language or professional skills as well as experience a new country and culture. The purpose for the family is to expose children and parents to a new culture and country. Therefore, participating in an Au Pair programme can be very exciting and interesting experience for both the Au Pair and the host family. Au pair schemes are subject to government restrictions which specify an age range usually from late teens to mid to late twenties. In Europe, where the concept originated, au pairs are only supposed to work part-time, and they often also study part-time, generally focusing on the language of the host country, but in the United States, they are permitted to provide full-time childcare.
Concept and conditions:
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of the family’s responsibility for childcare as well as some housework, and receive a small monetary allowance for personal use.
The concept of the au pair originated in Europe after World War II. Before the war, an abundant supply of domestic servants had been available to look after the children of middle and upper-class families, but changes in social attitudes, and increases in wages and taxes after the war, made the old system inaccessible to most middle class parents. At the same time, social change increased the number of middle class girls who needed to earn their own living, and rising educational aspirations for girls made experiencing foreign cultures and learning foreign languages more common aspirations. However, due to the stigma attached to being a “servant�, an essentially working class status which even workingclass people were repudiating, this potential supply for domestic labour could only be utilised if a new nonservant role was created. Thus the au pair, who was supposed to be treated as a member of the family rather than a servant, and should not be required to wear a uniform.
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What is an Au Pair? ... continued from page 27
An au pair receives an allowance, and a private room. The usual practice is that au pairs eat with the family most of the time, and join in some of the usual family activities such as outings and trips. However, host families normally expect to have some private time to themselves, particularly in the evenings. During this time, an au pair might retire to his or her room to watch television, study, or go out with friends. Provision is often made for the au pair to have time for studying, especially of the language of the host country. Some au pairs are now male, but females remain the overwhelming majority. Many governments impose limits as to how many hours an au pair is allowed to work. Tasks can include taking children to and from school, taking children to after-school activities, cooking, cleaning, ironing, and babysitting. Each placement varies depending on the host family. In many developing countries, an abundant supply of local domestic labour is still available, so there is little or no demand for au pairs.
Au Pair requirements: Generally, the Au Pair should be between 17-30 years old . The minimum and maximum age of the Au Pair varies between different countries.The Au Pair should also have at least basic knowledge of the native language of the country in which he or she will be living. The Au Pair also needs to be of good health and cannot have a criminal record. The daily responsibilities of an Au Pair: An Au Pair’s schedule will vary depending on the age of the children, the needs of the host family and their lifestyle. Therefore, it is important to talk about the exact duties and responsibilities from the very beginning. Typically, about 60% of the Au Pair’s daily tasks should be related to childcare and the remaining 40% to light housekeeping duties. An Au Pair’s childcare responsibilities may include: Waking the children and preparing breakfast bathing and dressing the children preparing light meals or helping to prepare meals for the children taking/collecting children to and from school helping with school homework playing with the children
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taking the children on outings to parks, playgroups and other activities babysitting on request to stay at home while children are absent from school due to illness or holidays An Au Pair’s light housework duties may include: doing the children’s laundry and ironing their clothes making the children’s beds and changing the bed linen cleaning the children’s bathroom washing the dishes, including loading and unloading the dishwasher keeping the kitchen tidy and clean, including sweeping and mopping the floors loading and unloading laundry in the washing machine hanging out washed clothes vacuuming dusting keeping the Au Pair’s bed room/bathroom clean and tidy light shopping (not to be confused with shopping for the entire household) walking and feeding pets emptying bins An Au Pair’s light housework duties may include: Doing the children’s laundry and ironing their clothes making the children’s beds and changing the bed linen cleaning the children’s bathroom washing the dishes, including loading and unloading the dishwasher keeping the kitchen tidy and clean, including sweeping
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and mopping the floors loading and unloading laundry in the washing machine hanging out washed clothes vacuuming dusting keeping the Au Pair’s bed room/bathroom clean and tidy light shopping (not to be confused with shopping for the entire household) walking and feeding pets emptying bins An Au Pair is not responsible for housework that does not relate to the children’s or communal living areas that are kept tidy by all family members. An Au Pair cannot be expected to do the below duties unless they are thoroughly discussed and agreed on by both the host family and the Au Pair and an extra financial compensation is paid to the Au Pair for doing such tasks. COOKING
Au Pairs are not expected to cook the family meal, unless they enjoy cooking and have chosen to do this for the family. The Au Pair’s duties might include preparing light meals or helping to prepare simple meals for the children (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
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What is an Au Pair? ... continued from page 29
KITCHEN CLEANING
HOUSE CLEANING
The Au Pair’s duties might include keeping kitchen clean and tidy – sweeping and mopping the floors, emptying the bins, washing the dishes, loading/unloading the dishwasher. However, the Au Pair cannot be expected to do heavy cleaning - cleaning the oven, fridge, freezer, shelves, bins, door handles and taps.
Au Pairs are not responsible for housework that does not relate to the children’s or communal living areas that are kept tidy by all family members. Therefore, Au Pairs are not expected to complete tasks such as washing carpets, windows cleaning, spring cleaning, cleaning the host parents’ bathroom or making their beds and polishing silverware and brassware. The duties might involve vacuuming and dusting common areas, keeping the play area tidy, making the children’s beds and changing the bed linen.
IRONING AND LAUNDRY Au Pairs are obliged to do the children’s laundry and iron their clothes, but their responsibilities cannot include doing the host parents’ laundry or ironing their clothes. PET CARE Au Pairs can assist with pet care, but it can’t be a formal responsibility and must be clearly stated and agreed on in advance. Pet care can involve duties such as taking the dog for a walk and feeding it. However, the Au Pair cannot be asked to do pet training or clear up after the pets.
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SHOPPING AND RUNNING THE ERRANDS The main responsibilities might include light shopping, except shopping for the entire household. OTHER DUTIES Au Pairs cannot be expected to do the gardening and car washing. Source: http://aupairgarden.com
Pero depende iyon sa lugar o employer mo, may ibang employer o host family na hindi sumusunod sa regulation bilang host family. Halimbawa na lang sa oras imbes na 5 hours everyday ang iyung trabaho ay magiging 6 o 8 hours iyon,may host family naman na galante kapag wala na sa oras ang iyung trabaho ay bibigyan ka ng extra money nila o ang iba naman ay malaki kung magbigay ng sahod. Noong nasa Denmark ako ang pinakamababa pa noon na sahod is nasa 2,500 Danish krone o kroner kung tawagin, kung ikukumpara sa sahod ng dh o employee sa Pinas malaki na ang sahod bilang isang aupair. Nitong July 2012 lamang ay na aprobahan na ang dagdag na sahod o monthly allowance ng mga
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The working hours must not exceed five hours a day, and the maximum number of working hours per week is 30. You cannot work more than these 30 hours, not even for extra pay. You are entitled to participate in tuition in the Norwegian language kung nasa Norway ka or Danish kung nasa Denmark ka naman and recreational activities. The host family shall pay per year for you to attend language courses.
aupair dito sa Norway. Maswerte na talaga ang mga bagong apply ngayon mula sa 4,000 ay ginawang 5,000 Norwegian krone o kroner kung sa Philippine money ay nasa 35,000 pesos na (kung iconvert natin sa 7 depende rin kasi yun minsan mababa ang palitan, minsan naman malaki) ang sahod bilang aupair hindi pa kasama ang kanyang natatanggap sa kanyang pag extra2x kung merung pinapagawa ang kanyang host family especialy during aupair’s day off tuwing Saturday and sunday. Kung may Good syempre may Bad, bilang isang aupair allowed ka lang magtrabaho w/in 2 years dito sa Norway, pero noong nasa Denmark ako 2 years and half ay pwede at sunuwerte naman ang inyung lola kaya umabot pa ako ng 3 years doon (dahil ginawan ng paraan ng host family ko,basta involved na sa mga bata pwede kapang ma extend ng ilang months)para lang hindi ako mapauwi, kapag kasi tapos na ang iyung 2 years contract at kahit gustong gusto kapa ng host family mo wala rin silang magagawa para pigilan ka dahil yun na ang patakaran bilang aupair.
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What is an Au Pair? ... continued from page 31
Kaya ang ginagawa ng ibang aupair ay habang hindi pa mag end ang kanilang kuntrata ay maghahanap na sila ng boyfriend o mapapangasawa sa lugar na kanilang pinagtrabahuan para lamang magkapapel sila. Ang iba ay nabuo sa pag-iibigan ang iba naman sila yung tipo ng tao na kapit nalang sa patalim o no choice na kaya kahit subrang tanda na ng lalaki o parang lolo na nila ito ay patutulan na lang, ang iba naman ay bahala na basta magkapapel lang pagkatapos magkapapel ayung goodbye fafa na si aupair ay may visa na. Minsan na iinis ako pero hindi ko rin sila masisisi dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa Pinas kaya rin nila nagawa iyon. Pero sana man lang ay marunong parin tayung lumingon sa ating pinanggalingan, lalo na sa mga baguhang aupair o OFW, sa mga nagaapply pa lamang. Kahit saang lugar man kayo mapunta sana panatilihin parin natin ang ating Pagka Pilipino, hindi porket nakaapak kana sa banyagang lupa ay para kana kung sino, lalo na sa mga Pinay o Pinoy na nakapag asawa o nagkaroon na ng
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papel o visa sana huwag po tayong mapag mataas lalo na sa ating kapwa. Porket ba ay sinuwerte kana at nagka visa kana kahit pulubi ay halos hindi muna mabigyan ng barya, whatelse pa kaya kung yung mga kababayan mo na nangangailangan ng tulong mo. Sa mga gustong sumubok magtrabaho dito sa Norway maliban sa Aupair ay may tsansang magtrabaho dito ang mga nurse lalo na kapag ikay engineer dahil kulang na kulang sila dito ng engineer. Mayaman ang bansang Norway at malaki ang pasahod nila, kaso ang laki lang ng babayaran mo sa tax at mahigpit dito hindi ka basta-basta makakapasok. Kapag ikay na hospital or sa pag-aaral sabihin mo ng kahit wala kang pera ay makakapasok ka sa skwela o hospital dahil sa tax na binabayaran mo ay duon na nila binabawas ang bayad mo,Kung merun kaman sigurong babayaran kunti nalang yun kayang kaya na yun ng bulsa mo. -end-
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ANITA’S KITCHEN has no walls, it extends beyond my wildest dreams and around the world
Whenever my granddaughter, Raelani, would call and say she’s hungry and is coming over, this apritada is what I cook for her. She lives about ten minutes walk away. By the time she arrives, I’ll be setting the table for her. So I call this...
Raelani’s Chicken Apritada with Peas
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4 pieces chicken thighs, steaked, deboned and cut in half 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup sliced onion 1/2 cup frozen peas 1/4 cup pimiento, sliced thin 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis) 1/2 cup water2 tablespoon VCO or Olive Oilsalt and pepper to taste
Procedure In a pan, sautĂŠ garlic and onion in VCO. Add the chicken and cook brown on both sides. Add water, patis and tomato sauce. Boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add pimiento and green peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
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Ingredients
Serve with rice and steamed spinach. Serves 4. T-shirts
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Be money-wise during the Holiday Season
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by Alvin T. Tabanag, RFP (Philippines)
It’s the time of year once more when many of us get loads of cash from year-end bonuses. With extra juice in our pockets it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement that comes with the holidays and many will go into hyperactive spending mode. Before you dash to the stores for some frenzied shopping or gear up for a week or two of non-stop celebrations, think about what this reckless spending can do to your financial health. I don’t want to sound like a party pooper but is it really worth doing all these only to greet the New Year with a headache and an empty wallet or worse, a much bigger debt. Enjoying the holiday season need not be expensive. You don’t have to spend to the max to have fun. It will be a far more pleasant experience for you and your family if you can wrap up the holidays with plenty to spare in your bank account. Here are some tips on being money-wise in this season of sharing.
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Take stock of your money. You can’t manage what you don’t know. You have to know exactly how much extra money you will receive this Christmas so you can budget accordingly. Do not plan to spend money you are not sure of receiving. Discuss with your partner how the money will be used. Break the law. Parkinson’s law that is, which states that “expenses will always rise in direct proportion to income.” Receiving a fat year-end bonus is no excuse for splurging during Christmas. Although expenses will definitely increase during the holidays, there’s no law that says you have to spend all that extra money. Set aside a portion of your bonus for savings (and as a gift to yourself ) and make do with what is left. It’s always a good idea to set a limit to your holiday spending. Make a list and set a budget. A good holiday spending plan makes use of a list of all the things you need to buy. List down the names of the people you want to give gifts and set a budget for each. Let your money
go a long way by giving one gift to a whole family or a group of people instead of buying presents for each individual. Take an inventory of items you already have that can be used as presents so you can further trim the list. Resist buying anything that is not on your list even if it is on sale. Since it’s not on your list then you don’t need it. Use cash. Spend 30% less by paying in cash for all your holiday expenses. Using your credit cards makes shopping easier but harder to monitor and could lead to overspending. If you are afraid to bring cash (because criminal elements are also very active during Christmas), then charge it to your card. Just make sure you pay the whole amount when it falls due next month. And don’t forget to keep track of your expenses (whether in cash or charged) to avoid overspending.
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Pinoy Smart Savers
Avoid expensive gifts. You cannot buy more love or friendship with expensive gifts. Choose an inexpensive gift that holds a special meaning to the person you’re giving it to. For instance, a distant lolo & lola will absolutely love a framed picture of your family which shows their adorable ‘apos.’ You can also consider giving low-cost gifts that you created, like home-made ornaments or baked goodies. A book is also a good alternative; it’s a present you can open again and again. For most, a greeting card will do just fine but make yours different by including a brief update of what has been happening to your family in the past year (or years if you haven’t done this for a while). It may be a cliché but when it comes to giving gifts, it’s still the thought that counts! Compare prices. It really pays to exert extra effort to compare prices. Even adjacent stores sometimes
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Be money-wise during the Holiday Season ... continued from page 39
have different prices for the same item. The little savings you get from buying items with the cheapest price will add up to a substantial amount. When buying expensive things like furniture, appliances or electronic gadgets, it’s a must to compare prices; you can save hundreds or thousands if you shop around first. Don’t spoil your kids & inaanaks. You don’t have to give in to your children or godchildren’s Christmas wish list. Do not give an expensive item, even if you can afford it, especially if it’s something that can do more harm than good. Doing so could shape in the child’s mind the notion that expensive equates to more love. The only exception to buying an expensive an item is when it’s really useful, a computer for example (but less the games of course). Consider opening a deposit account for your children to teach them early on about savings and frugality. It may seem a dull present to them but they’ll thank
you many years later for such a boring but ultimately priceless gift. Potluck dinner. Food and drinks for parties and noche buena make up a good chunk of holiday expenses. For large family reunions, save a lot by asking everyone to bring their share of food & drinks; cost-wise this beats catering or buying party food packages from restaurants by a mile. Don’t foot the bill for the whole occasion; people will enjoy the party more knowing that they’ve contributed something to the affair. Go out of town. This is a favorite costsaving measure for some politicians. You see, Christmas is a time when constituents swarm the homes of politicos hoping to get a pamasko. Considering that the crowd can easily swell into hundreds or thousands, you can just imagine how much it will cost the politico to keep these voters even slightly satisfied (no, they’re no longer contented with P20). The solution: get out of town and go on a vacation
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which will often cost less. Use the same strategy and save yourself from having to deal with relatives and friends (some you have never seen before) who take advantage of your generosity. There are other things you can do with your extra money which can help improve your financial health. One is to attend a training program to boost your skills and enhance your chances of getting promoted or landing a higher-paying job. You can also use the extra money to pay down your debt, build up your emergency fund or invest in a mutual fund, UITF or a business to make it grow and work for you. Finally, be generous in sharing your blessings to those who have less in life because this is what this season is really all about. Remember, genuine generosity attracts more riches. As the old saying goes, “to give is to receive!”
About The Author Alvin T. Tabañag is the bestselling author of “Kaya Mo, Pinoy! 12 Steps to Build Wealth on Any Income” and “1,001 Ways to Reduce Expenses and Save Thousands.” He is the founder of Pinoy Smart Savers Learning Center (www.pinoysmartsavers.com) and known as the “financial adviser ng masa.”
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10 Practical tips for saving on gifts
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by Alvin T. Tabanag, RFP (Philippines)
1. Prepare a gifts list, review carefully and remove unnecessary names from the list. Include in the list what gift you will give to each person and how much is the budget. 2. Don’t feel obligated to buy gifts if your budget is really tight. There’s no rule that says you have to give gifts to enjoy Christmas. A warm and sincere greeting will be as meaningful as a material gift. 3. Create your own gifts instead of buying them. It’s usually cheaper, a lot more special and personal, unique, and the recipient will greatly appreciate your effort for taking time to do it. Examples of gifts you can make on your own are cookies, salads, basket of fruits, bracelets, name tags and photo collage.
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4. Agree with family and friends to observe a reasonable amount for gifts. And everyone should follow it strictly. 5. Give one gift to each family instead of giving a present to every member. Consider giving one “group gift” (say, from your team or department) to the boss. 6. Buy gifts that people need or have beneficial use. For example, if your kid needs a new bag for school, don’t buy him a toy for Christmas. Give him the bag. Otherwise, you will spend twice – for the toy and then for the bag.
7. Don’t buy expensive gifts, especially if you’re just trying to impress. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be valuable and useful. Hunt for simple, unique and inexpensive presents. 8. Don’t buy gifts that will make you or the recipient spend more. For example, toys that require batteries. With continuous use, battery-operated toys will need fresh batteries often. You can save somewhat if you use rechargeable batteries, but still, that’s additional spending. 9. Give the gift of service. Donate to charity. Volunteer your time, talent and treasure to a service organization or charitable institution. If you get exposed to the poverty and misery of other people, you will probably learn to spend less. Indulging in luxury will be more difficult when you aware that others have almost nothing in life.
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10. Give the gift of knowledge. A book is relatively inexpensive and it’s one present that the recipient can open again and again. Sometimes a really good book can be lifechanging. Give them a book that will teach them how to save and manage their personal finances. Consider giving local books on money management like the bestselling book “Kaya Mo, Pinoy! 12 Steps to Build Wealth on Any Income.”
It may be a cliché, but it will always be true – in gift giving it’s the thought that really counts! Enjoy your gift shopping!
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