Trees Should Also Vote

I see no trees, I see their faces.

Although environment officials never failed to warn the politicians about the harmful effects of nailing their campaign materials on trees, they still continue posting them regardless. The clean and green advocate is somewhat missing at this point. If you go around public roads, plazas, parks, school and commercial premises, or any public ground, you'll see their pictures with deceiving bright smiles cover the entire spot. They seemed to be deaf of the warning, notwithstanding the charges they could face if found guilty of such.

The DENR requested the candidates and their supporters to desist from posting or nailing campaign materials and election paraphernalia on trees as it could scathe the environment. Environment officials also pointed out that nailing their posters / ads on trees causes wounds that starts the damage on it.

Poor environment, who will speak for it?

A resolution has already been issued by the Commission of Elections entitled "In the Matter of Deputizing the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the purpose of implementing COMELEC Resolution No. 6520." This gives the license to the DENR and MMDA to tear down and remove campaign propaganda materials posted in public places outside the common poster areas; to tear down and remove illegal campaign materials wherever posted and displayed; to make report of said activities done by then; and to monitor and watch out for persons posting and distributing said unlawful election paraphernalia and to arrest said persons caught in flagrante delicto.

But I could only feel sorry for the environment. If such resolution is already being implemented, then why do I still see their faces nailed on poor trees? The rallies conducted by different political parties leave so much waste that hurts the nature. If these candidates are not concerned about the environment, then are they even worth a vote?

LAURICE A. CASTRO
BJ3-1

Beyond Paradise

I've always thought that Bohol is one of the Philippine's finest. So when our family's vacation was set, I knew it's going to be worth every single centavo. The place is just full of surprises, I was stunned at how gifted Bohol is.

Paradise I could call it. The place is a complete balance of nature and modern structures. It's very delighting to know that the government works hand in hand with the people to preserve and nurture the natural glow of their environment. Boholanos are very welcoming and they adjust to the culture of their visitors. They are all well-trained to communicate well with both foreign and local tourists. But what's very surprising is their firm discipline in taking care of their tourist spots. No abusive activities that could damage the environment are ever allowed. It explains why Bohol has so many things to offer - nature also works with them. That's why it's called God's Little Paradise.

Bohol is also surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. Part of why they're full of life is because boholanos know very well how to take care of them. Bangkeros who guide snorkelers or divers make sure that they use small boats (which they call BUGSAY, the one that doesn't use engine/motor) to avoid disturbance to the reefs and the lives underneath. Bohol's page also links websites that promote coral reefs and their protection to boost proper management. See http://www.oneocean.org/, http://www.coral.org/, and http://www.imamarinelife.org/.

If all Filipinos would acquire the overflowing concern of Boholanos to the nature, then the whole world would see how gifted our country is. One thing I've realized in Bohol, you not only need to preserve the nature, you also have to connect with it.



LAURICE A. CASTRO
BJ 3-1

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T EAT MEAT

These are for those people I know who don’t eat vegetables.
:
Well, this blog is not hypocrisy or anything, i just want to encourage people to eat veggies more often.
Here are the reasons why we should eat more veggies and less meat:
Less meat equals less fat. Even though you eat lean meat, there are still fats lingering on every strand of it. Animals also store extra fats on top of what they have under their skin. Unless you cook your food for hours, like Bulalo or Nilaga, the fat on the meat will still be there.
Less chances of food poisoning. You can’t be sure what’s inside barns and piggeries. Animals usually eat things they shouldn’t be eating. Unlike plants, they only take what farmers give them.
Become healthier. Eating green leafy vegetables reduces the chances of you having arthritis or rheumatism. It also reduces the chances of you having cancer and heart attacks. My grandmother, who’s already 90 years old, only eats meat once a week and she can still play and work.
Help the environment. Well, I won’t give you the same story about not eating animals because you should pity them. This time, when there is an increase in consumption of green veggies, farmers will continue planting them, in effect; those plants will help clean the air. (In a way, with their photosynthesis there will be more oxygen). =)
Help your weight loss. It’s possible to be vegetarian and eat very unhealthy foods, including Coke and fries and fried stuff and pizza and chips. But it’s much more difficult. Studies repeatedly show that vegetarians are slimmer and are less likely to be obese than meat eaters. If you’re trying to lose weight, being a vegetarian can be a good part of your program.

Get more nutrition. In general (though not necessarily), vegetarians replace meat with more nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and so on. If you do that, you will be getting more of the nutrients your body needs, giving you better health, less illness, and more energy.
Well, this is just a futile attempt to persuade everybody to eat more veggies, but i hope that you will think twice when you’re choosing what’s on the menu.

EMVER CORTEZ
BJ3-1D

RECIPE FOR A FLAT STOMACH

This blog is for those people who want to have a flat stomach without exerting too much effort.


Being slim and thin is the new in. Women always want to achieve flat a flat tummy and tight abs. Who wants to have bulging baby fats everywhere anyway? Personally, I know some of them. But then again, who wants to bathe in sweat or droll over foods they can’t eat?
Here are some tips on having a flat stomach in a less stressful way:
1. Cardio- cardio doesn’t mean you should do aerobics everyday or run kilometres. Actually, you do it every day. You just have to take it to the next level. Yep. It’s walking. Walking is no cardio exercise if you don’t take it seriously. Brisk walking can burn lots of calories even if you don’t notice. It’s actually better if you practice brisk walking every day rather than running in short bursts once in a while.
2. Less Fat and Sugar. It’s that simple. Our diet is typically filled with fat and sugar, and you’ll never get a flat stomach on that. Cut out meat, if you can, and even better, cut out dairy and eggs. But if you can’t, at least eat lean meats (low-fat turkey, skinless chicken breast, lean beef, fish), and stay away from fried food and too many sugary desserts. That doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself — if you’re eating healthy, you can actually eat a lot — or deprive yourself too much, but only eat the bad stuff in moderation. Vegan diet is the best, especially if it’s balanced, rich in vegetable protein and calcium and minerals, full of fresh fruits and veggies, and high in fiber. Say goodbye to kwek kwek and street foods.
3. Give it Time. If you want to have a flat stomach in 3 weeks, or two months, forget it. Losing fat takes time, and it’s unhealthy to lose too much weight too fast. Aim for 1-2 lbs. a week. Gradual weight loss is healthier, and more likely to be sustained over time. Go for a lifestyle change, something you can live with for the rest of your life, or you will just yo-yo. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
So for you out there, go follow these simple steps, maybe it will work for you!

EMVER CORTEZ
BJ3-1D

TREATING ANEMIA WITH NATURAL HOME REMEDIES

This blog is for my friend Gidi, who is (I assume) currently experiencing anemia from the lack of sleep and a whole lot of stress.

Often times, anemia is considered a none-threatening illness, the body usually makes its own adjustments and cope with it. There are many types of anemia, the most common being iron-deficiency anemia, and it usually appears when you are under a stressful situation, is currently pregnant, or for the girls, having their monthly period.
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when blood is deficient in the healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the organs of our body. If there is less count of red blood cells in the hemoglobin, then the body is not getting enough iron.
Some of the natural home remedies I have come across useful are, drinking a cup of beetroot juice and apple juice mixed with either sugar or honey once a day. Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables helps increase iron, as well as taking honey helps in increasing the hemoglobin in the blood and it is also rich in iron, copper and manganese. Consume a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey twice a day.
Surprisingly, I found out that you should try cooking in iron pots; it is proven that it can significantly increase the amount of iron in your food. Eat a diet rich in cereals, rice, dairy products{milk, yogurt, cheese}, vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry and fish, eggs and nuts as this has been proven to help the immune system.
I hope this healthy and natural tip can help you~

Emver P. Cortez
BJ3-1D

International NGO launches a campaign to save Tañon Strait

Millions of tons of toxic coal ash is piling up in power plant ponds in 32 states, a situation the government has long recognized as a risk to human health and the environment but has done nothing about.
An Associated Press analysis of the most recent Energy Department data found that 156 coal-fired power plants store ash in surface ponds similar to one that ruptured last month in Tennessee. On Friday, a pond at a northeastern Alabama power plant spilled a different material.
Records indicate that states storing the most coal ash in ponds are Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.
The man-made lagoons hold a mixture of the noncombustible ingredients of coal and the ash trapped by equipment designed to reduce air pollution from the power plants.
Over the years, the volume of waste has grown as demand for electricity increased and the federal government clamped down on emissions from power plants.
The AP's analysis found that in 2005, the most recent year data is available, 721 power plants generating at least 100 megawatts of electricity produced 95.8 million tons of coal ash. About 20 percent — or nearly 20 million tons — ended up in surface ponds. The remainder ends up in landfills, or is sold for use in concrete, among other uses.
And while other states like Ohio have regulations to protect groundwater, those often don't apply to many of the older dumps built before the state rules were imposed.
"The solution is readily available to the EPA," said Lisa Evans, an attorney for Earthjustice, an environmental advocacy group. "We wouldn't like it, but they could say that municipal solid waste rules apply to coal ash. They could have done that, but instead they chose to do absolutely nothing."

by: Jerold Anthony F. Dalmacio

El Niño Strikes Again

Latest reports about the continuous occurrence of El Niño Season in our country makes the Department of Agriculture be concerned because of the effect it causes the agricultural industry,drying up water dams and fishponds, and causing rotating brownouts in the country.

The government advices the public to observe measures that will help them to lessen the tremendous effect of El Niño. Water Conservation is deeply advised, because dams are starting to dry up, Filipinos need to be more conscious about using water in proper way. Energy saving is also needed. Because of El Niño, power plants that produces electricity are also affected. The government says that if El Niño continue to hit our country for the next two months, there is a possibility that there will be an increase in paying electricity that is why they are sincerely advising the people to conserve electricity. The Department Agriculture estimates 10 billion loss in agriculture (crops,fishery and livestock) this entire year because of this drought brought by the El Niño.

Opposite from these effects, Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco said that El Niño could also bring boon to tourism industry. It also benefits the construction industry; roads and other infrastructure can be built faster during the dry season.

The Filipinos think of only one solution to this problem the country is facing, and it only can be given by God and mother nature, it should rain.