World No Tobacco Day

31 May 2013

Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners everywhere mark World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.
The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2013 is: ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
A comprehensive ban of all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is required under the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) for all Parties to this treaty within five years of the entry into force of the Convention for that Party. Evidence shows that comprehensive advertising bans lead to reductions in the numbers of people starting and continuing smoking. Statistics show that banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce tobacco demand and thus a tobacco control “best buy”.

Most countries lack comprehensive bans

Despite the effectiveness of comprehensive bans, only 6% of the world’s population was fully protected from exposure to the tobacco industry advertising, promotion and sponsorship tactics in 2010 (WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2011).
To help reduce tobacco use, comprehensive advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans work to counteract:

• the deceptive and misleading nature of tobacco marketing campaigns;
• the unavoidable exposure of youth to tobacco marketing;
• the failure of the tobacco industry to effectively self-regulate; and
• the ineffectiveness of partial bans.

Meanwhile, as more and more countries move to fully meet their obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), tobacco industry attempts to undermine the treaty become ever more aggressive, including those to weaken public health efforts to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. For example, where jurisdictions have banned advertising of tobacco products through point-of-sale displays – known as tobacco “powerwalls” – or banned the advertising and promotional features of tobacco packaging through standardized packaging, the tobacco industry has sued governments in national courts and through international trade mechanisms. On the other hand the tobacco industry uses sponsorship and especially corporate social responsibility tactics to trick public opinion into believing in their respectability and good intentions while they manoeuver to hijack the political and legislative process.

Goals

The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. Unless we act, the epidemic will kill more than 8 million people every year by 2030. More than 80% of these preventable deaths will be among people living in low- and middle-income countries.
The ultimate goal of World No Tobacco Day is to contribute to protect present and future generations not only from these devastating health consequences, but also against the social, environmental and economic scourges of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Specific objectives of the 2013 campaign are to:

• spur countries to implement WHO FCTC Article 13 and its Guidelines to comprehensively ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship such that fewer people start and continue to use tobacco; and
• drive local, national and international efforts to counteract tobacco industry efforts to undermine tobacco control, specifically industry efforts to stall or stop comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Peace begins with a smile

“Peace begins with a smile. Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” ― Mother Teresa

Pasan Ko ang Daigdig

"Gutay-gutay na ang katawan nyo . . . pati na ang kaluluwa nyo!"– Sharon Cuneta, Pasan Ko ang Daigdig (1987).

  Lupe is born into poverty but her dreams are for a better life. She cares for her crippled mother who is also her harshest critic. Poor, crippled persons normally engender feelings of pity, but Lupe's mother adds to the burden and is the metaphor that represents the title of the movie—Lupe carries her mother on her shoulders as she begs for alms. Lupe tries to make her mother see that there is still hope in life if she would just have the strength to believe in her own daughter, Carding  her childhood friend supports Lupe in all of her ambitions and dreams.

Itlog na maalat

              Itlog na Maalat is a very common side dish by itself or can also be mixed with diced tomatoes as a kind of salsa to accompany fried dishes or added to salads to add a salty creamy taste similar to feta cheese.it is sold already cooked and coloured a very deep pink to differentiate it from chicken eggs. We call it itlog na maalat which simply means salty eggs. They are traditionally buried in salty clay for several days after which they absorb the salty taste through their porous shells. The egg whites are salty and creamy and the egg yolks are firm, bright yellow and rich tasting, with oil exuding from them after boiling.

Topload

“Top load” (riding on the roof of the jeepney) is the best means to enjoy travelling through breathtaking scenes of Cordillera region, pine trees, majestic rice terraces, and quaint-looking houses but is a bad idea if: 1) you are deathly afraid of heights AND speed; or 2) you are barely awake and may not have enough dexterity and grip-power.

 Definitely the best seat on the bus if you’re looking forward to getting a sweeping view of  the scenic countryside

Kublai Milan and his giants

Artist Kublai Milan has already immortalized himself through his awe-inspiring and imposingly larger than life sculptures displayed in significant places in Mindanao. For him, there is the vanishing culture in Mindanao he would like to preserve through his sculptures. Perhaps, that explains the burning passion to do more.

Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi

• "Ikaw pala. Ikaw pala ang sinasabi ng asawa ko na asawa mo na asawa ng bayan!"

– Laurice Guillen, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi (1983) One of Zialcita's  movies  that were famous for their kilometric titles—Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba ng Gabi (or, as a joke said, Nagalit ang Buwan Sa Haba ng Title), Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?—and their dialogue: witty, poetic, delivered in rapid fire speed. His characters were always incredibly articulate, from the leads down to the yaya.

Baguio Walis tambo

The absolutely most popular product that everyone always takes home -- the famous Baguio broom or "walis tambo!" These brooms come with woven or wooden handles that usually bear the name "Baguio City." They are such a popular cleaning implement in every Filipino household that there are China-made copies already being sold in Manila. Actually, the brooms are made in nearby Sablan, Benguet, from the flower of the tiger grass ("Thysanolaena maxima"), which the natives call boyboy (pronounced "booybooy") and sold there by the road-side, but the Baguio City market provides visitors with the widest selections to choose from.

Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?

"Si Val! Si Val! Palagi na lang si Val! Si Val na walang malay! Si Val na ang tanging kasalanan ay maging anak sa labas!"– Vilma Santos, Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987). The story revolves around the life of Val, a mentally retarded man. His elder brother Rick got his girlfriend Stella pregnant, so Rick coerced Stella to marry Val to avoid scandal. But even in Val's pitiful state, it was amazing that Val learned to love and care for Stella. As time passed, Stella also learned to love his husband back. Together with his adopted family Stella learned to love the retarded Val and at the same time discovered that Val is a product of infidelity that cause the suicide of Rick and Val's father. But a tragedy is destined to end this otherwise beautiful story of true love. Unfortunately Stella's new found love ended when Val accidentally fell from a window when he had a fight with his irrational brother one night. 

 

Bulol or Ifugao rice god

 

The bulol, or "Ifugao rice god," is a carved human figurine into which a certain class of anito is said to incorporate itself when worshipped. Bulols are kept in the house or granary, and are usually made in pairs. They are carved of narra wood, which represents wealth, happiness, and well-being. Every step in their production requires a ceremony, from tree selection to arrival at the owner's house; a consecrated bulol has been bathed in pig's blood, had myths recited to it, and received offerings of wine, ritual boxes, and rice cakes.

  . [T]he bulol spirit images are fine examples of abstract art, for the Ifugao woodcarver expresses his feelings rather than attempts realistic representation. The distortion, as many observers want to call it, results from emphasis being placed on the quality of ‘other worldliness’ or the ‘preternatural’.” Alfred L. Kroeber, 1920

wooden scooter/ bike of Ifugao

Amid the consecutive oil price hikes, people in Banaue seem to be unrattled as they have wooden scooters that do not require gasoline.It has already been normal to see Ifugao people riding a wooden scooter.Most people in the town use them instead of riding a jeep or a tricycle. They also serve as bicycles to many kids.

Ina Ka ng Anak Mo

"Hayop . . . Hayuuup . . . Hayuuupppp!" – Nora Aunor, Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (1979) - a 1979 Filipino film and an official entry to the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival. The story portrays the everyday life of Renata (Lolita Rodriguez) and her daughter Ester (Nora Aunor), who is married to Luis (Raoul Aragonn). Unfortunately, Ester and her mother get into a heated argument resulting to Renata feeling emotional about it. She then confides to Luis about her problems, which results to one night of passionate union.

Nora's first movie under the direction of Lino Brocka and an entry to the 1979 Metro Manila Film Fest. It was also the first and the only collaboration and acting duel between two of the greatest actresses of the Philippine Cinema; Nora AUnor and Lolita Rodriguez. Both actresses were recognized as Best Actress at the film fest award's night.

Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?

   

"Once, twice, thrice—gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?" – Hilda Koronel, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? (1982) They are two women in love with one man. One is the wife, the other is the mistress. And between them, the man whose love and time they share. But even the most discreet of affairs can be laid open, and the most submissive of wives can lose her patience.

Sagada's Yoghurt House

A visit to Sagada will not be complete without having a serving of yoghurt from where else – Yoghurt House! This place has long been a tourist-favorite mainly due to its great bohemian ambiance and of course, large servings of great tasting food. Yoghurt House is one of the go-to eating places in Sagada

Yoghurt House is just about a five-minute walk downhill from the town hall and bus station. They open at 7am and has a very filling and inviting breakfast menu that could definitely prepare you for the activities you have planned for the rest of the day.

Fuel up here with mountain coffee and delicious homemade yoghurt before a long day of hiking or caving. Then return for dinner to carb-load on delicious vegetarian pasta dishes or rösti (shredded fried potatoes).

Mummies of Kabayan, Benguet

The Kabayan Mummies  i visited in the 1990s at the Municipality of Kabayan in Benguet, Mountain Province. The Ibalois have a long ritual process of mummifying individuals from the higher social class. The mummification begins before the person dies. The dying person is made to drink a very salty liquid and after death, the body is washed and applied with an herb treatment. It is made to seat in a sangadil (death chair) which is set under fire to collect its fluids which usually takes several months. Then it is brought out to the sun to hasten drying. The elders peel off the outer skin then tobacco smoke is blown into the body to dry the internal organs. The herbal juices is then rubbed gently on the body. Once the body is totally dehydrated, the mummy is transferred into a pinewood coffin and laid in a man-made cave or dug-out from solid rock. However, upon the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines, the practice of mummification was abandoned, and dead individuals were placed in wooden coffins interred in natural or man-made burial sites. Of the 200 man-made burial caves discovered in Kabayan, 25 contain preserved human mummies.

"My brother is not a pig! " - Nora Aunor, Minsa'y Isang Gamugamo

Top pinoy movielines #11 "My brother is not a pig! My brother is not a pig! Ang kapatid ko ay tao, hindi baboy damo!" – Nora Aunor, Minsa'y Isang Gamugamo (1976) - a 1976 Filipino film classic and an official entry to the 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival. It is a story of a young woman who wanted to go to America despite of brutal murder of American soldiers to some Filipinos, chose to keep quiet until a tragedy struck their family and changed her whole perspective about America. The film openly criticized the American existence in the Philippines. The film won five awards at the 25th FAMAS Awards including the best Picture, director and screenplay.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vUSzeqKzAY

Taksyapo!

Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac is a place  not only known for their seafoods, dining, and atmosphere, but also smashing plates! "Takysapo" is the term used when angry “Taksyapo” is an old Kapampangan word for “Bwisit!” aksyapo is being given a whole new meaning. You can destress yourself shouting Taksyapo at the top of your lungs simultaneously throwing a plate or a mug (for a price of P10.00) at a wall. You can also throw a TV for a higher price. It is a different experience to help you release all of your stress, tension and anger.

Puso or Hanging Rice: Pinoy Food for the Gods

Pinoy food for the Gods: Puso (hanging rice) is a dish  that  consists of rice wrapped in coco leaves which is then boiled. It is served by slicing the coco leaves in half exposing the rice.

  

       This style of rice preparation, according to some, originated from   the  seafarers' need to keep cooked rice from spoiling during long sea voyages. The coco leaves used in wrapping the rice are always shaped into a triangular form and stored hanging in bunches in the open air. The shape of the package facilitates moisture to drip away from the cooked rice while the coco leaves allow the rice to be aerated and at the same time prevent flies and insects from touching it.

             "Puso" has continued to be popular in the Philippines due to the large number of open-air eateries serving grilled chicken and pork meals. Customers of these establishments often worry about the cleanliness of the food being prepared hence the popularity of "puso" where the rice remains untouched by human hands after being cooked.

The Incredible Hulk

Dateline: May 10, 1962. The Hulk  first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) by Marvel Comics.

He is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962). He is a gigantic, green, irradiated, mutated humanoid monster with incredible strength, and an inability to control his rage (resulting from a failed gamma radiation experiment for the U.S. military). The Hulk is sometimes characterized as naive, kind, and childlike; at other times, hyper-aggressive and brutal; and still others, cunning, brilliant, and scheming. He is often portrayed as an antihero. The Hulk is cast as the emotional, impulsive alter ego of Dr. Bruce Banner, a socially withdrawn and emotionally reserved physicist. Banner first transforms into the Hulk shortly after being accidentally exposed to the blast of a test detonation of a gamma bomb he invented (trying to save the life of Rick Jones, who had unwittingly entered the blast zone right before detonation). Subsequently, Banner will involuntarily transform into the Hulk whenever he gets too angry, or if his life is in danger; the chaotic aftermath of the Hulk's destructive episodes lead to extreme complications in Banner's life