Mahalin Natin ang Ating Wika

Huling araw ngayon ng Agosto. Bago magsara ang buwan na ito na tinaguriang Buwan ng Wika, marapat lamang na ilaan ko ang puwang na ito para ibahagi ang aking pananaw ukol sa ating pambansang wika.

Nakakalungkot isipin na kahit hindi pa mataas ang ating kahusayan sa ating sariling wika ay gumagawa ng mga pagbabago sa edukasyon na maaaring masmakapagpahina ng ating kasanayan sa wikang Filipino. Hindi ako sang-ayon na ilipat ang mga asignaturang Filipino mula sa kolehiyo patungong K12. Ang ating pag-iisip ay lumalalim kasabay ng ating pagtanda. Ang pag-unawa ng isang mag-aaral habang siya ay nasa mataas na paaralan ay hindi kasing lawak ng kung siya ay nasa kolehiyo na. Kaya marapat lamang na panatiliin pa rin ang wikang Filipino sa kurikulum ng kolehiyo para maslumalim ang pagpapahalaga at pagtangkilik ng bawat Pilipino dito.

Ayon nga sa ating pambansang bayani, “ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop at malansang isda.” Bakit kaya itinulad ni Rizal sa isang malansang isda ang gayong Pilipino? Sa aking pananaw, ang malansang isda ay sumasagisag sa kabulukan ng pagka-Pilipino ng isang tao. Sa patuloy na pagbabago sa ating wika, makikita rin natin ang pagbabago sa ating lipunan. Likas na masiyahin ang mga Pinoy kung kaya naman sari-saring salitang nakapagpapasaya ang nalilikha natin. Dahil sa paglaganap din ng “call center industry” sa Pilipinas, mas naging marubdob ang pagnanasa nating paghusayin ang pagsasalita sa wikang Ingles. Wala namang masama sa pagbabago basta’t hindi natin lilimutin at pababayaan ang sariling atin. Kung lalamunin tayo ng paurong na pagbabago ay totoo ngang mabubulok ang ating pagka-Pilipino.

Natalakay dati sa Sikolohiya ng Wikang Filipino ang salitang “kita” na ginagamit sa mga pangungusap tulad ng “Mahal kita,” at “Aalagaan kita.” Ang salitang ito ay walang direktang pagsasalin sa ibang wika. Iba ito sa mga salitang Ingles na “we” at “us.” Ang salitang “kita” ay sumasalamin sa maipagmamalaking katangian nating mga Pilipino. Ito ay ang pakikipagkapwa-tao. Likas sa atin na iugnay ang ating sarili sa ating kapwa. Ang kamalayan sa kaugnayan ng wika sa ating kultura ay makakatulong para maspahalagahan natin ito. Masmasarap namang marinig o mabasa ang "Gusto kita" kaysa "Me gusto u."

Napakaganda ng ating wika. Minsan naiisip ko kung bakit may mga Pilipinong ninanais pang magmukhang katawa-tawa sa baluktot nilang pag-Iingles samantlang kaya naman nilang ipahayag ang kanilang saloobin sa wikang Filipino. Iniisip kaya nilang magmumukha silang mayaman, edukado, at kagalang-galang sa asal nilang yaon? Kung ganon nga, sila ay mabuting halimbawa ng mga malalansang isda. Pasintabi po mga kabayan! Sino pa ba ang magpapa-alalahanan kundi tayo ring magkakapwa-Pilipino. 

Ipagmalaki natin ang ating pagka-Pilipino. Mahalin natin ang ating sariling wika.

How to Mattify Your Nails Using Filipino Products

I’ve been wanting to try matte nail polish ever since I saw a video about it in YouTube. I’m fond of painting my nails so I always frequent the nail polish section of Watsons. I’m thrilled to try out different colors and experiment on new designs.  It’s sad that the local brands for nail polishes don’t have the matte type. I don’t feel like splurging on imported brands just to satisfy my whim. I know some people mix cornstarch with nail polish to get the matte finish. However, I just don’t feel like doing that. We rarely use cornstarch at home and buying a box just for this purpose does not sound practical to me. 

My youngest brother Sir Dan posing infront of the nail polish counter of Watsons

Three weeks ago, I met a friend for lunch at Podium. Since I arrived a little early and was a bit thirsty, I passed by Watsons to buy a drink. Out of habit, I walked to the nail polish area. As I was scanning through the rack, something caught my eye. There was a bottle amidst the top coats that looked out of place. I picked it up and read the label. It simply said basic top coat.  

I wondered why the liquid looked hazy. When I turned the bottle around, my question was answered. It was a matte top coat and it only cost 34.25 PhP! Finally there’s a local brand that carried matte polish! It was the only bottle left so I bought it right away. I wondered when this product was released to the market and why the branches of Watsons I frequently visit did not have this.

I tried it immediately when I got home. I wasn’t able to take a picture of my “mattified nails” though. Well, why would I? But since I wanted to share this product with you, I re-painted my nails and took pictures of my hands. Please excuse my fat fingers! Below are pictures showing how I did mine.

Step 1: Paint your nails with the colors of your choice. I suggest using dark colors.

I used Chic in Glaze Copper for my ring and index fingers. 

Pinkie, Tall Man, and Thumb were painted with La Belle in Black Gold.

Step 2: Apply the Bobbie matte top coat onto your nails.

Step 3: You may apply regular top coat on the tips to emphasize the matte finish.

This is the most affordable and non-messy way of mattifying the nails. Once again, let's support Filipino products when we can!

How I Cured My GERD/Acid Reflux

Back in 2007, I was rushed to the ER of Medical City as we thought I was having a heart attack. I couldn't breathe, my limbs were numb, my face felt a tingling sensation, and I looked pale. Thank heavens it was only heartburn and not a heart attack! Apparently, heartburn was a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which I was diagnosed with. 

Thanks to Flickr for this free photo.

GERD is more commonly known as acid reflux. The heartburn sensation occurs when acid from the stomach goes back up to the esophagus. Although it is a tummy problem, it is called heartburn because the pain radiates from the breastbone and the symptoms are very similar to those of other heart problems.

I managed my GERD by modifying my eating habits and regularly taking over-the-counter medicines like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Kremil S, Omeprazole, and Nexium). Since I couldn't completely change my food choices and be totally stress-free, the heartburn episodes recurred sporadically (I learned this word from Alicia Silverstone's movie Clueless! Ha-ha!) It was so annoying because having GERD could really change your lifestyle. My doctor told me to give up coffee which I couldn't! I told her that it was a psychological necessity and so she gave me a "disapproving approval" to limit coffee consumption to one cup a day. 

In 2012, I came across a tv program that was promoting an alternative approach to treating various illnesses. They were recommending people to take alkaline as a means to removing toxins from the body. They said that toxins were inevitable and were the culprits to many health problems. That triggered me to learn more about alkaline. I discovered that the topic of alkaline was already prevalent in health forums.

I wanted to try it out because I no longer wanted to be dependent on medications that could compromise my liver. My dad and I went to visit the main office of Planas Alkaline. A nice lady welcomed us in and asked if we were going to buy alkaline. I only intended to buy a few but was informed that if I reach a certain amount, I could already become a distributor. I decided to meet the quota since it was not that big anyway. 

Now back to the product... I took 2 capsules dissolved in a glass of water before breakfast for 2 straight weeks. I immediately felt its effect on my acid reflux problem. The rancid taste I usually experienced because of stomach acidity went away! It even helped my visits to the toilet become swifter.

To ensure that the symptoms of GERD don't come back, I just take one capsule each day. I must admit that I sometimes forget to take it everyday. It's probably because I don't feel any symptoms of acidity anymore. To date, I have never had an episode of heartburn again! I really guarantee its effectiveness. My sister who also experienced hyperacidity can also vouch for its potency.

My sister Dane Ann and myself vouching for Planas alkaline capsules

It claims to treat other illnesses but I personally cannot attest to that. I can only certify for its effectiveness on curing acid reflux and hyperacidity because I am a living testimony to that. I suggest you try it, too. It is safe, affordable, and locally made. Let's support Filipino products!

P.S.

I found an article on the website about Mr. Planas and his natural alkaline. This will give you more information about the product. Click me

How to Get Rid of Ticks and Fleas on Dogs - the Most Effective Way Based on Personal Experience

My Jumbo (name of my shih tzu) was infested with ticks and fleas. I bought him different anti-tick shampoo, soap, and powder but none of them worked. I also tried the apple cider vinegar recipe to no avail. My dad even tried to bathe him using shampoo for chicken. Yes, you read it right, shampoo for chicken! He was advised to do so by a fellow senior citizen. However, none of them were effective. I felt really bad for my dog. We painstakingly removed all the ticks almost everyday. It was so frustrating because they just kept multiplying. They were like a multitude of minions! 

Fortunately, my dad was able to talk to a dog-breeder while he was walking Jumbo in the village. He was advised to try Detick. We immediately went to a pet store to buy it. It was out of stock. However, a high end brand was available. It was called Frontline Plus and it cost 350 PhP. It was affordable but Detick was way cheaper. I couldn't wait any longer to remedy Jumbo's problem so I bought Frontline instead.

Once we got home, I bathed Jumbo immediately and thoroughly removed all the ticks we could find. My dad applied the Frontline medicine on his nape.

The following day, I went to check his coat expecting the worst. Lo and behold! I only found 3 ticks! I was super happy and felt like celebrating! That afternoon, I went to the grocery and bought him two kinds of biscuits.

I just recently researched about Frontline in the internet and  realized that we did not follow the proper way of applying the medicine. According to a veterinarian, we should apply the medicine 48 hours after his bath. It works by getting into the oil glands and spreading over the body through a natural process. It must be applied on dry skin. I'll make sure to follow the proper procedure next time so that we can optimize its potential. This is how it looks. It didn't come in a package probably because we only bought one piece.

 This is the link to Frontline's website for your easy reference: Click me.

I'm so happy that Jumbo is free from ticks and fleas now. I can cuddle him again and let him loose inside the house. Thanks to the advice of that man. Whoever you are sir, cheers to you!