Fil-Am Who's Who, January 2020

fil-am who’S WHo January 2020

Drs. Michael and Elizabeth Avaricio In God they trust

In This Issue. . .

Rewind Rewind • Event Photos by Rolan Gutierrez At Your Service • Consul Ricarte Abejuela III

A Word from The Editor

Oliver Oliveros

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Let’s Usher in 2020, With Hope And Resilience

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The dawn of a new year, they say, creates “12 new chapters and 365 new chances.” But as we look forward to what the new opportunities 2020 may bring to us, let’s not forget those who Milestones & Moments started the year in a difficult situation. Our heart goes to our fellow • Miggy Gutierrez at CanAm Cup 2019 Filipinos in Batangas who, at this very moment, are still facing the wrath of the Taal Volcano’s recent eruption.

• Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC New Office You’re not alone — Fil-Am Who’s Who, along with Drs. Michael and Elizabeth Avaricio’s Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC, which Cover Story we are highlighting in this issue, and other kind-hearted sponsors, are holding a special fundraiser for the many families • Elizabeth Avaricio MD in Talisay,Batangas by month-end. One hundred percent of the • Michael Avaricio MD proceeds will directly reach these families in dire need of aid in these trying times.

Organizations We Love Besides the new chapters and chances, the new year should also bring new hope and resilience for Taal and the rest of the province • Advanced Cardiac Care Basketball of Batangas. We are assured of that.

On a lighter note, we are excited about what’s inside the pages of Community Calendar this magazine. The good doctors are in: Meet two of the FilipinoAmerican community’s most God-fearing, patient-centered, and family-oriented medical practitioners: Drs. Michael and Elizabeth Avaricio. Dr. Michael is a cardiologist; Dr. Elizabeth, a pediatrician – both are beloved by many.

What also endears their fellow kababayans to this couple is their love for the Philippines and its heritage.

Dr. Elizabeth candidly shares in her piece: “While I can speak better Tagalog than Michael, we both try to teach our children some common Tagalog words such as ”Salamat Po,” which means thank you.”

On her first visit to the Philippines, she recalls: “I will always treasure the hospitality of the people in my father’s small-town [in Candelaria, Quezon}. They welcomed me like I was part of their families, whether I was a blood relative or not…I am deeply grateful.”

For Dr. Michael, he’s amazed at the Filipinos’ positive outlook and resilience. He says: “I especially loved the fact that we Filipinos are proud and happy people. We always carry a smile no matter what adversities we face. We possess such strong character that we can smile amidst our difficulties.”

As the new year in the Philippines ushers in a new season of trials Success breeds success. Drs. Michael and Elizabeth Photo by and tests, this too shall pass. And we’re pretty sure, ours and Drs. Avaricio’s children (L-R) Victoria, Emily and Michael Jr. Michael and Elizabeth Avaricio’s confidence in the Filipino people excel academically. They are shown above bonding at shall not wane a bit. the JCI Awards Night where their father Fil-Am Who’s Who accepts story ideas, photos, and contributed Dr. Michael Avaricio was a presentor. articles; email info@filamwhoswho.com.

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Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

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We use information sources that we believe to be reliable, but do not warrant the accuracy of those sources. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Fil-Am Who’s Who articles and other information on the website are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the publication date.

fil-am who’s who

STAFF Executive Editor Myrna Gutierrez • Editor-in-Chief Oliver Oliveros • Layout Artist & Photo Editor Rolan Gutierrez • Contributing Writer Wendell Gaa • Contributing Writer Ferdinand Esguerra • Contributing Writer Jan Andrada • Contributing Photographer Miguel Gutierrez • Marketing Executive Cecile Duyongco • Marketing Executive Stevenson Van Derodar • Publisher Fil-Am Who’s Who, Inc. Copyright © 2019 Fil-Am Who’s Who, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fil-Am Who’s Who invites you to contribute articles, letters, comments, or pictures to the editor. For inquiries, please email info@filamwhoswho.com or call (917)

502-9887 • (917) 502-9891.

Knight Knightsof ofRizal RizalMetropolitan Metropolitan Knighting Ball Knighting & & Induction Induction Ball Riccardo’s by the Bridge

Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez:

Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez

Sir Dean Suba knights a new member.

KOR Metropolitan Chapter Commander Sir Don Frain

Sir Don Frain and Lady Lea Frain

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(L-R) Sirs Francis Sison, Nongsky Aquino, Don Frain, Rocky Sison, and Levi Tejada

Simbang Gabi Sa Konsulado

First of nine lanterns (leftmost) lighted

Raffle. Foreground (L-R): Grace Labaguis, Myrna Gutierrez, and Alex Esteban

Celebrant Rev. Fr. Anthony Gonzales

Voices of Friendship Choir

Artist Baldemor Exhibit

(L-R) (L-R) Abe Pimo, VictorAmbassor Cruz, Melinda Cecilia Capinpin, Rebong,Artist Myrna Manuel Gutierrez Baldemor, and Vice-Consul Vice-ConsulTanya TanyaRamiro Ramiro, and Consul Arman Talbo

(L-R) Abe Pimo, Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, Myrna Gutierrez, and Vice-Consul Tanya Ramiro january 2020

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Ladies For Rizal Long Island Induction Ball Leonard’s Palazzo of Great Neck

Photos by: Rolan Gutierrez:

Rewind Rewind Rolan Gutierrez

Justice Lorna Schofield inducts 2020 board and officers of LFRLI.

Justice Lorna Schofield (L-R): Myrna Gutierrez, Thelma Cabralda, Marilou Bugarin, Nelia Ferrette, John Ferrette, Ken Randman, Rowena Randman, and Helen Kwong-Labarbera

LFRLI President Nelia Ferrette

(L-R): Helen Kwong-Labarbera, Atty Dulce Valdes-Barangan, Justice Lorna Schofield, Nelia Ferrette, Emilio Quines MD, Myrna Gutierrez, Lorna Avila MD, and Antonette Nunez

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ARK’s 10th-Year 10th Year Bash

ARK (Advancement For Rural Kids) co-invests in rural communities on an award-winning 5 cent lunch that solves hunger and malnutrition, gets kids back to school, and creates sustainable income for life.

Museum of the City of New York

(L-R): Chef Neil Syham, Chef Yana Gilbuena, and Chef Louis Bayla

(L-R): JenJen Furer, Yana Gilbuena, Josh Reisner, Cris Quan, Carlos Benedicto, Isak Buan, Louis Bayla, and Neil Syham

(L-R): David McQueen, Jhonel Faelnar, Ayesha Vera-Yu, Cecilio Asuncion, and Jerry Topitzer

ARK Awardee Regina Manzana Sawhney Regina Manzana Sawhney and Loida Nicolas Lewis

(L-R): JenJen Furer, Rohit Sawhney, Regina Manzana Sawhney, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and Myrna Gutierrez

(L-R): Catherine Swahn, ARK co-founder Ayesha Vera-Yu, Ernabel Demillo, and JenJen Furer january 2020

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Marvin Dimaculagan

Consul Ricarte Abejuela III

At Your Service

Wendell Gaa

Grown up in a diplomatic Streamlining Passportfamily Services

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verseeing the consular operations of the New York Philippine Consulate General is the diplomatic post of Consul Ricarte Abejuela III. Having officially assumed his posting in New York on 19 February 2019, Consul Abejuela is responsible for ensuring the daily efficient consular services of passport and visa issuances, as well as civil registration, to members of the Northeast U.S. Filipino-American community.

A native of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, in Northern Mindanao, Consul Abejuela is a proud alumnus of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Los Baños where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Development Communication.

With the great Big Apple being his second overseas diplomatic tour-of-duty, Consul Abejuela had previously served as the Director of the Passport Division at the Office of Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) home office in Manila.

As for his career goals in N.Y., he aims to spearhead the competent and friendly delivery of various consular services to our kababayans across the East Coast, as well as contribute to the fulfillment of the goals and objectives of the New York Philippine Consulate, as well the Consul General. One of his top priorities is to further acquaint himself with the New York Fil-Am community, and vice versa, while continuing to meet their expectations concerning the delivery of effective and thorough consular services.

Indeed, the members of the community can rest assured that when it comes to any consular assistance they may need on a variety of matters, Consul Abejuela has a proficient understanding of such issues. “The most rewarding experience I have had so far (within the diplomatic service) was in the Passport Division because the results were near-instantaneous, and the impact to the Filipino people was quite visible.

“It was during my stint as Division Director that the new ePassport system was launched, passport services were streamlined, ‘Passport

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on Wheels’ was initiated, and the new Philippine ePassport was introduced,” he explains.

Having brought along his wife and three children with him to N.Y., Consul Abejuela has expressed optimism and excitement at the onset of his new posting. “This being my first time on the East Coast, I am excited to see what living here would be like, especially in the ‘city that never sleeps’.”

On a personal front, Consul Abejuela is a huge fan of lawn tennis, and one of his lifetime dreams was recently fulfilled when for the very first time, he had his golden moment of watching the annual U.S. Open in person at Flushing Meadows, Queens. This experience alone has inspired him to become reacquainted with the sport of tennis and begin playing again.

Photos from www.canamcurling.com

Milestones & Moments Myrna Gutierrez

MIGUEL “MIGGY” GUTIERREZ

NEW YORK, NEW YORK BROOKLYN LAKESIDE CURLING CLUB “Miggy” started curling with the Philadephia (Pennsylvannia) Curling Club as a founding member of the curling team at Villanova University. After graduation, he carried on with the sport, playing with the Hollywood Curling Club while he lived in Los Angeles.

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

After moving back to the East Coast, Miggy became a member of the Brooklyn Lakeside Curling Cllub, where he is an instructor. He is also the club’s current representative to the Grand National Curling Club, a union of curling clubs in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Of the CANAM tour, Miggy says “I look forward to building on my experience with any first international curling exposure and in making new friends along the way.”

january 2020

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Photos by Rolan Gutierrez

Milestones & Moments Myrna Gutierrez

Large comfortable waiting area The friendly staff welcome the patients with compassion and a smile.

One-on-one patient centered attention by the medical staff Caring medical assistants thoroughly explain each procedure.

Communication and teamwork between Dr. Avaricio and the staff of Advanced Cardiac are key to providing the best healthcare possible.

Advanced and modern facilities provide comprehensive care.

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Treatment of full spectrum of cardiovascular conditions from prevention, treatment to maintenance

Keeping your heart healthy is their mission.

State-of-the-art equipment in a sophisticated and welcoming atmoshphere

Cutting edge and innovative informational technology

Wheelchair accessible january 2020

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Elizabeth Avaricio MD

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ince I was 12, I already knew I would be a pediatrician because I admired my own doctor. I also developed an interest in the human body early on, as well as the desire to help other people. I remember I was reading about the human body in the sixth grade when I was consumed with this dream about becoming a doctor. Having one’s vision - one’s ambition became a reality has made me so grateful.

To what I have become, I am indeed indebted to my Filipino parents: Estelita Tee Delos Reyes, an accountant-turned-housewife, and Marcelino Delos Reyes, an engineer-turned-postal worker. My mother was originally from Manila; my father, from Candelaria, Quezon.

The eldest of three children, I was born in the now-defunct New York infirmary in Manhattan in 1974. Amazingly, my then husbandto-be, Dr. Michael Avaricio, was born two days after me. He was under the care of the same obstetrician, unbeknownst to our parents! Was it destiny in the making? You bet!

Destiny in the Making

Michael and I did not meet each other until 1992, though; we met at our medical school’s welcome dinner for students. We were both so intent on succeeding at school that love and romantic relationship were the last things on our minds.

One thing for sure, our shared pursuit for a medical career, at the same time, the many challenges we had to face have gravitated us to each other. It was not easy making it through an accelerated medical program without any winter or summer break, but we complemented each other. When I needed help, Michael would be there to assist and vice versa. We grew closer, and love blossomed.

I do recall that our last two years in the medical program saw us parting ways because we were required to attend different schools.

I attended SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine, with an internship and residency at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital, now named Cohen Children’s Hospital, in New Hyde Park, New York. Being deployed to different medical schools had advantages, though. It helped us share our experiences and show more support for each other as we stayed focused on our priorities.

Those last two years served as a critical transition for most medical school students: we were evolving from being working students to clinicians. We were also interacting with the patients more extensively. At times challenging, the transition had brought a whole new set of demands on communication, professionalism, and relationships in the workplace.

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Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

e B o T A Lot r o F l u f e Grat But we made it! In 1999, Michael and I were married. We now have three beautiful children: Michael Jr., who is attending medical school, Victoria, who is attending Archbishop Molloy High School, and Emily, who is in her 7th grade at a parochial school. All our children have made the honor rolls during their academic careers.

In 2007, we bought the building where our current offices are located. Michael is on the lower level, while I’m on the first floor.

Wife, Mother and Pediatrician

I have always been proud of my heritage. With my husband of Filipino roots as well, we have been both appreciative of our culture. We also make sure to share many Philippine traditions with our children. These include calling “Tito” or “Tita” for uncle and aunt, respectively, and saying “po” or “opo,” which means “yes” in response to the elderly as a sign of respect, and calling older sister “Ate” and older brother “Kuya.”

While I can speak better Tagalog than Michael, we both try to teach our children some common Tagalog words such as “Salamat po,” which means thank you. Unlike Michael, I had visited the Philippines when I was 16, whose fond memories are still with me. I recall riding my uncle’s jeepney from Manila to Candelaria, Quezon. While riding the jeepney, I saw much of the Philippines’ countryside, which was a considerable contrast to the lifestyle in the cities.

I will always treasure the hospitality of the people in my father’s small town. They welcomed me like I was part of their families, whether I was a blood relative or not. They were always offering me a home-cooked dish or asking me to sit down and talk with them.

Balancing a career and family is possible, even as a woman in what still is a male-dominated field. Being a pediatrician who is “on-call” 24/7 to check out a patient in the hospital in the middle of the night is the norm.

Some say, “it takes a family to build a career,” and this has never been truer to us. Not only I have a physician for a husband, who understands the demands of our profession, but Michael also has parents who have always been willing to extend a helping hand or two whenever needed.

As a pediatrician, I provide physical, mental, and emotional care to all my patients. I love watching them grow from birth to adulthood, knowing that I have been part of their development.

I also have many Filipino patients, and we share a special bond.

For instance, hinting an infant to show their “beautiful eyes” is a shared endearing practice only Filipinos understand.

Having it all is possible. For this, I’m deeply grateful.

january 2020

I Thank Him Everyday!

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

s a young boy in elementary school, I had excelled in both mathematics and science. However, what honestly and sincerely brought me joy, was to serve Jesus by serving as an altar server and sacristan in the church. Later, I had to decide about my future, and I found myself very confused about what my purpose in life would be. I asked God for guidance, and He chose a path me. Through the gift of discernment, a career in Medicine was to be my destiny.

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It is through my parents’ upbringing I learned the value of hard work, integrity as well as the responsibilities of leadership. As I was growing up, they told me about how it was “back home.” Their reminders taught me to cherish Filipino traditions and the admirable qualities of our elders. All of which have molded me and made me what I am today. Yes, the United States has been our home, but most Filipinos affectionately recall their roots and ancestry and still can call the Philippines “home.”

Most patients know me as Dr. Avaricio, but I am fondly called Dr. Mike. I was born, raised, and educated in New York City. Today, I am a practicing cardiologist with my own establishment named Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC. I am proud to be 100% Filipino. My parents Placido and Clarita, are from the Philippines and immigrated to the United States. My father is a mechanical engineer and is enjoying retirement from the management of the complex subway systems of the New York City Transit Authority. My mother is a registered dietitian and is a retired food service director of the New York Health and Hospital Corporations at Queens Hospital Center and Elmhurst Hospital. She still keeps herself clinically active by advising my patients on healthy diet choices in my office.

Growing up Filipino We lived in Queens, New York. Being an only child, I witnessed the hard work and sacrifices my parents made for me. That early on, I promised to return my gratitude to them by achieving success in everything I do.

I come from a deeply religious family. Each morning in grade school.

I opened the church and prepared the altar and priests’ vestments for the mass. To me, it was never a job, but rather a privilege. I wanted to express my gratefulness to Jesus through service and to share my abilities in His name.

As a teenager, I attended Archbishop Molloy High School. It was during this stage of my life I became more active in Filipino activities and community events, especially with my interests in basketball, baseball and track-and-field. Most Filipino boys have a basketball league experience. I enjoyed the adventures of competing against other Filipinos and appreciating the variety of spoken dialects. I was fascinated that, although we share the same flag, each area of the Philippines had such diversity in their accents, food, textile as well as fashion.

I especially loved the fact that we Filipinos are proud and happy people. We always carry a smile no matter what adversities we face. We possess such strong character that we can smile amidst our difficulties. I had not noticed this characteristic, but it was brought to my attention by a classmate who was not Filipino. He asked me, “Why do you Filipino guys seem to smile a lot?” I began to contemplate about it, and all I could say was that we Filipinos are resilient people and work with what little we have. We always gather strength together, and that way, we can be proud to be Filipino.

As a people, our Christian faith empowers us. We represent our faith through our openness towards others, and we grow in our knowledge and appreciation of the people we encounter. The firm values of the Filipino people, my bloodline, and my heritage have propelled my success.

Continued on psge 14 january 2020

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Continued from psge 13 My one regret, though, was following a misguided suggestion by a teacher in elementary school. As a young child, I spoke fluent Tagalog. My parents were advised to have me concentrate on the English language more than Tagalog to improve my accent. While I still understand the native Filipino language, I speak Taglish (Tagalog English). I begin a sentence in Tagalog and finish in English. It amazes my patients, but having remained a fluent Tagalog speaker would have been better.

To this very day, I look back at where I started and where I am in my life. I wonder how or why these successes occurred. In all my wanderings, I acknowledge the contributions of everyone in my life, my experiences both the good and bad, my Filipino heritage, and my gifts and talents. But most importantly, my faith in God. Through Jesus Christ, God gave me these abilities and presented me with all these opportunities. He understood my sincerity to serve Him and that I believe is why I am blessed.

The Making of a Cardiologist

At present, I am the president of the Parish Council at my parish, the Resurrection Ascension Church. I have had the fortune of From having my prayers answered, having passed the scholarship finding out that my office building at Ozone Park, N.Y. - that both and entrance exam to the Mount Sinai School of Medicine program my wife Elizabeth (a pediatrician) and I own and provide patient in NYC, I knew I wanted me to be a doctor. I worked very hard in care - is the former location of a Roman Catholic Church named college and completed my bachelors of science in two years, and Nativity. My curiosity about the building’s history peaked when I subsequently entered into the Medical school program at Mt. Sinai came across a statue of the Virgin Mary on the roof. I asked a nun in Manhattan. That’s how, at the age of 22, I became a doctor. At 25, who informed me that she lived there in the past as well as had I became a Chief Medical resident of the department of Medicine at mass and broke the Eucharist there with the priest. She reminded the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital, an affiliate of the Albert me that the ground of my building is “hallowed” ground. God made Einstein College of Medicine and Hofstra School of Medicine. It was that building to serve and help people. She added, “It first was a at that time I received teaching awards and clinical professorship church, and now it is yours to use. She ordered me by saying, “Use through my research while practicing Internal Medicine.

God’s ground well.” I will remember those wise sayings and always think that every output of my work occurred through the Divine I had an ardent desire to become hands-on in fixing medical intervention of my Savior. problems and decided to go into Cardiology. The specialty combines the pressures of having to save lives acutely, as well as engineering My Family, My Pride a long-term strategy and preserving the quality of life. The secret to having a healthy cardiac capacity involves improving exercise Life begins in the family. I am a family man. I am fortunate to have tolerance and reducing and obliterating angina and claudication my parents, relatives, friends, teachers, mentors, Filipino/American/ symptoms. At 26, I started my fellowship at the prestigious Cardiac Roman Catholic heritage, my health and success. facility Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. I began performing cardiac catheterization, including angioplasty, inserting I am blessed to have my wife and my three beautiful children pacemakers/defibrillators, and eventually becoming an attending Michael Jr., Victoria and Emily. Together we grow in love, care and cardiologist at 29. the pursuit of happiness as we face life’s challenges.

After my training, I thought it would be best to have my own office and establish my practice as a Cardiologist. Included in my services is the transportation for my patients because for most of them this is an extra expense not reimbursed by insurance. I offer car service to all patients in the five boroughs of New York City.

Now you know why I thank Him every day!

Photo by Rolan Gutierrez

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I did not do it alone. Just like footprints in the sand and the hymn in the church “Be Not Afraid,” it states “I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest!”

january 2020

Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC Clinical Staff

Romanny

Adote

Valeska

Nataly

Jose

Candy

Zela

Nataly Cathy

Nataly

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Lifestyle Changes and Heart Disease

By Michael Avaricio MD

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voiding excessive drinking of alcohol, stopping smoking, and handling stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, adding activities of daily exercise and diet modification, such as following the Mediterranean diet, will improve a person’s ability for cardiovascular maintenance

demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer, as well as a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Mediterranean diet is one your whole family can follow for good health.

Alcohol

Exercise Lifestyle

Drinking too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in your blood. It can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased calorie intake. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation, which means an average of one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. wine, 1.5 oz. 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. 100-proof spirits.

Cardiovascular (cardio) or aerobic exercise is an exercise that raises your heart rate and keeps it elevated for some time. Cardiovascular workouts include jogging, fast walking, and swimming, where there is no break in the routine. Exercises that emphasize stretch and strength, like Pilates, are generally not considered cardio exercise.

However, Pilates can be done in a cardio way, and can be combined with cardio workouts to significant effect.

Smoking Cigarette smoking is a significant cause of coronary artery disease, which leads to a heart attack. Smoking decreases HDL (good) cholesterol, decreases exercise tolerance, increases blood pressure, and increases the tendency for blood to clot. Smoking also increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery. Cigarette smoking, combined with a family history of heart disease, also seems to significantly increase the risk considerably.

As soon as you stop smoking, your body begins to heal itself from the devastating effects of tobacco.

Stress Increased stress can be a factor in developing heart disease.

Emotional stress can lead to the following: • • • •

High blood pressure Increased susceptibility to substance abuse and illness Less resistance to disease including heart disease Depression

Tips to Reduce Stress •

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• • • •

Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A nutritious, wellbalanced diet and exercise can keep your body fit and able to resist disease. Physical activity is also an excellent way to elevate your mood.

Talk about stressful situations with someone you trust.

Sometimes, an honest talk about your problems and concerns can help put them into a proper perspective and give you insights on how to deal with them.

Stay organized to help manage your time more efficiently.

Remember, no one can do it all alone. So ask for help.

Use relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.

Get professional help if you need it.

Mediterranean Diet: A Heart-Healthy Eating Plan A Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes of Mediterranean-style cooking. It incorporates the basics of healthy eating, plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps even a glass of red wine, among other components. Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. While these parts of a healthy diet remain triedand-true, subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk to heart disease.

Benefits of Mediterranean Diet Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. An analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults 16 FIL-AM WHO’S WHO j a n u a r y 2 0 2 0

Benefits of Cardio Workouts There is a hefty list of health benefits associated with cardio exercise.

Here are some top reasons to include cardio in your workout: • • • • • •

It strengthens the heart.

It strengthens the lungs and increases lung capacity.

It boosts metabolism, burns calories, and helps you lose weight.

It helps reduce stress.

It increases energy.

It promotes restful sleep.

How High Should My Heart Rate Be? To get the most out of a cardio workout, you will first want to figure out what your maximum heart rate (beats per minute) is. To do that, subtract your age from 226 for women or 220 for men. Now, you don’t want to work out at your maximum heart rate. You want to work out in your target heart rate zone, which the American Heart Association suggests is 50% to 75% of the maximum heart rate for healthy people. You would calculate more toward 50% if you are getting in shape and more toward 75% if you are in great shape.

Here is a sample calculation for a 40-year-old woman just getting started in cardio workouts.

226 - 40 (her age) = 180 maximum heart rate (beats per minute) 180 x .50 = 90 heartbeats per minute as her target heart rate

Count Your Heartbeats Per Minute To figure out how many times your heart is beating in a minute, place two fingers at the back corner of your lower jaw and then slide down an inch or so until you feel your pulse through the carotid artery in your neck. Count the number of beats in 10 seconds and then multiply by 6 to get your heartbeats per minute. A heart rate monitor can be a handy tool as you develop your cardio workouts.

How Long Should I Keep My Heart Rate Up? How long your cardio session would depend on your level of fitness and your goals. The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine, recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, five days per week, or at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise, three days per week.

These are minimums, but you may still need to work up to these levels as you increase your aerobic fitness.

Elizabeth D. Avaricio MD, PLLC Staff

Margareth

Maria

Estefany

Blanca

Altagracia

Faviola

Saraina

Ross

* Camera-shy: Yalissa and Nuri january 2020

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Organizations We Love Myrna Gutierrez

Advanced Cardiac Care Basketball A dvanced Cardiac Care PLLC has been providing excellent and professional cardiac health care services in New York City and the company also sponsors basketball teams. Dr. Michael Avaricio, C.E.O of Advanced Cardiac Care (ACC), has been an athlete for most of his childhood, his academic, and his medical career. He had won championships in soccer, baseball, basketball, football, tennis, track and field, swimming, bowling, and golf. With each athletic achievement came lessons that build character. Dr. Mike had learned the values of discipline, looking at details, how to handle stressful situations and dealing with adversities through sporting events. He learned to understand the value of being a humble winner due to the fact that it took hard work to achieve a goal and to show gratitude and graciousness when defeated.

Dr. Avaricio decided that he wanted to give back to the community outside of his medical profession by advocating a sport that is well loved by the Filipino Community, basketball. He felt that this could be a way to positively influence the youth, touch people’s lives and at the same time, showcase Filipino drive and talent.

After discussions with former PBA players such as Yoyo Villamin and Renato Morano, along with former head coach Arnold Ponciano, they structured a team which believed in the philosophy that the best team can win and that we do better as a group rather than as individuals.

The team’s philosophy has proven to be a success. Years later, the team had won multiple championships including many intercity tournaments. The team’s reputation encouraged many more Filipinos around the country to participate in the league and to challenge team ACC. Through the basketball program, friendships were made and the younger generations of Filipino Americans were given the opportunity to meet from former PBA Players and learn what fair play, hard work and discipline can do to achieve goals.

As the program progressed, it evolved into a vehicle to not only teach good sportsmanship and athleticism but to develop appreciation and pride for Filipino culture and values. With an outpouring of support and positive feedback, the Advance Cardiac Care Basketball Campus was created.

The Advanced Cardiac Care Basketball Campus provide children the chance to play in indoor gyms during the winter months, to do training exercises which stresses the importance of maintaining good physical conditioning. They also learn offensive/defensive strategies and positioning to become a better basketball player or athlete in general.

In collaboration with the different Filipino Basketball Leagues, the ACC team was fortunate to participate in charity events that give back to the community and to our kababayans in need like the sick and infirmed and those who have been victims of natural disasters in the Philippines through the collection of donations from sponsorships.

The success of Advanced Cardiac Care Basketball Campus demonstrates the passion that Filipinos have for basketball, their compassion and care for each other as well as their heritage.

Special thanks to the continued support and commitments of our past and present coaches and players: Coach Arnold Ponciano, Coach Jojo Lacson, Coach Ronnie Ocampo, Renato Morano, Team Captain Nico Meneses, Renz Meneses, Mark Lazo, Bong Salvador, Renz Villapana, Dennis Alcala, Nino Diaz, Paul Lim, Jay Ayo, Nick Ocampo, Erick Mendoza, Kurtney Arguelles, Dexter De Jesus, Epi Cardenas, Jet Dejano, Jiman Villafuerte and Jonathan Ocampo.

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Community Calendar Jan. 31, 2020

Fundraiser for Taal Relief Efforts

Feb. 15, 2020

JCI-Philippine New York Induction of Officers, Presidential Gala

Non-profit group of outstanding young leaders, JCI-Philippine New York, inducts its latest roster of officers and holds its Fil-Am Who’s Who, Queens Asian Fest, and The Rock Churches presidential gala at Astoria World Manor, 25-22 Astoria Blvd., Worldwide are holding a fundraiser for the ongoing relief efforts Astoria, New York, at 8 p.m. Celebrate with the Jaycees over in Batangas. “A Fundraising for Taal Volcano Relief Efforts” cocktails and dinner, with an open bar. Buy tickets ($95-$125) via allocates 100% of the proceeds to go directly to the affected email: induction@philnyjaycees.org. families in Talisay, Batangas, who were hit by the Taal eruption.

Filipino-American talents will perform. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2020 Angel Ram, Gail Banawis at the Apollo at The Rock Church, 57-02 Hoffman Drive, Elmhurst, New York, Theater Get tickets ($20-$40) by calling Myrna 917-734-1723.

Filipino-American singers Angel Ram and Gail Banawis play at Feb. 8, 2020 6th Filipino-AmericanGeneral Assembly the Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St., New York, at 8 p.m. Temi is their special guest; Bobby Ramiro is musical director. Buy tickets The Philippine Consulate General New York holds its sixth ($75) through Little John 845-633-0980.

Filipino-American General Assembly at the Philippine Center, 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Feb. 22, 2020 JCI Queens Induction of Officers assembly aims to engage with young Filipino-Americans and promote community building. To participate, please register your JCI Queens inducts its new executive board at D’Haven Lounge, organization via email: newyorkpcgevents@dfa.gov.ph.

58-02 37th Ave., Woodside, New York, from 3 to 10 p.m. Reagan Raga is JCI Queens President-Elect. Entrance fee: $48.

Feb. 14, 2020 Jaya in Valentine’s Concert Mar. 6, 2020 Moira in Concert Reagan John Productions, RJPLive.com, in cooperation with York Healthcare, present soul singer Jaya in Valentine’s concert Nosaj Entertainment, Team Guidott’s Production, and Reagan titled “My Valentine.” Doors open at 7 p.m. at D’Haven Lounge, John Productions present hitmaker Moira Dela Torre in 58-02 37th Ave., Woodside, New York. Buy tickets ($68-$98) by “Braver“ with special guest Ice Seguerra. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. calling 212-417-0419. at Loew’s Theater, 54 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, New Jersey. Buy tickets ($58 - $128) by calling Nosaj Entertainment, 551-998-6020.

SHOOTER’S TIP I met our pretty model Kirsten Tanjutco at the Simbang Gabi event in the Philippine Center.

With the lanterns blinking all over the place, I placed her in front of one. I also asked her to give a smile to show-off her dimples.

I took several shots to get the right shine from the lantern. And I got this one for keeps.

Shot with my point and shoot Lumix100 2470mm f/1.7 Keep on shooting!

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Advanced Cardiac Care PLLC Caring for Every Beat

Dr. Michael L. Avaricio

Our multi-lingual professional staff and technicians will gladly assist you... we speak Tagalog, English, and Spanish.

ALL MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Affiliations with:

Affiliations with: Hospital in Manhasset • Northwell

Long Island Jewish Medical Center NYU • Tisch Hospital • Lenox Hill Hospital

New York Hospital of Queens • New York Presbyterian of Queens

• NewJewish York University Tisch Hospital Long Island Medical Center • Mount Sinai Medical Center

North Shore University Hospital of Manhasset

Complete Cardiovascular Evaluations Done on Premises: Complete Cardiovascular Evaluations Done on Premises: • Stress Test (Nuclear & Echocardiograms) Peripheral Exams .•Stress TestVascular (Nuclear & Echocardiograms) • Cardiac Electrophysiology . Peripheral Vascular Exams • EKGs & T Wave Alternans .•Cardiac Electrophysiology Pacemaker & Defibrillator Check Ups .•EKGs & T Wave Alternans Screenings Cholesterol & Hypertension .•Pacemaker Cardiac Rehabilitation & Defibrillator Check Ups Nutritional Consultation .•Cholesterol & Hypertension Screenings

718•360•5060 718.360.5060

www.BestCardiac.com 95-11 101 Avenue, Ozone Park NY 11416 www.BestCardiac.com 95-11 101 Avenue, Ozone Park NY 11416 s

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