12 days of Christmas at SMEPinoy.com

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me a  Eucharistic Christ with case

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me Gift-of-trees card

QCIM Voluntary Car Free Day - Dec 4th

As the Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM) race organizer, RUNNEX invites everybody to transform the "Killer Highway" into a model for a People-and-Environment-Friendly Avenue.

Temporary Restraining Order for GMA (GR 199034)

In this confusing and emotionally charged political atmosphere in the Philippines, may you find the voice of reason here --  Click to read the TRO issued by the Supreme Court.

The Road to New York (Marathon)

By RUNNEX member

November 1, 1992:  As I huddled with thousands of other runners behind the starting line, I reflected on the long road which finally brought me here, cold and shivering in a late Autumn day, on Staten Island's Verrazano Bridge.  This was the New York Marathon, the culmination of 9 years of dreaming, doubting, training and sacrifice.

November 9: What the date say about you

You can expect public recognition in your youth, as well as all the attendant problems of early acclaim.  You aspire to nothing less than the complete fulfillment of all of your dreams.  As a result, you may experience some mood swings.  You tend to have extremes of depression and joy.

You are stimulated by your aspirations.  You are able to break away from early irrational fears as you mature.  In mid-life, you are re-born.  You reach out of your self-absorption to bring a new polish to your accomplishments.

Poem: Nothing as Lovely

poem for mother nature

Nothing's as lovely as the nature sings it
From high it was made melodies of wit
Every beat, every time, perfectly compassed
The air, the wind of which it surrounds

Crickets on land, stars from the sky
Birds chirping as they say "hi!"
Hear some more, open wide ears
Don't lose it, it's today, the last frontier.

Smoke, garbage, pollution from the horn
Might kill them, oh Im afraid I would mourn
Please show concern, give peace on earth
That we may soothe the aches from Thy Above's heart.

HOME  |  MADE in PH |  OUTDOORS | ORGANIC FARM |  KOOP

Poem: Dark Peace

As I lay down in bed
thinking of nothing but just rest
And that my dream will lead
to something nice and best...

On the sidewalk still pass
boys and girls with lass
on their side
as they sell to people behind

Robbers, Addicts, Killers
All sorts of crime are done
in every
corner of the land

Poor father seeks
for something to eat
as mother awaits
comfort child in beat

So many of these happen
each day every night
but not to me
who is fast asleep... [072019921740]

HOME  |  MADE in PH |  OUTDOORS | ORGANIC FARM |  KOOP

Life is like a wheel

BY DENG, 6th Grade (08011996 0900)
See how this kid is telling people how to seize the day.  Carpe diem! 

Life is like a wheel
   that goes round and round
   sometimes you are on top
   sometimes you are down.


Life is not a dream
   that you can think only
   but life if you dream
   you must do it.

Be ready because life is short
   like a journey
   that if you go slow
   you wont make it...


HOME  |  MADE in PH |  OUTDOORS | ORGANIC FARM |  KOOP

Tour of the Philippine Outdoors

With the newly installed Tourism secretary, Mr. Ramon Jimenez, comes a please to the Filipino people to come together and sell the Philippines for tourists to see the best places in the country.  "The success of every corporation comes from the support of his own family so I hope you would support me in my vision to turn tourism into the people's business."  "The Filipino has the largest footprint in the communication business."

Raw Food: Nature's Original Recipe

Extracted from PROSPER-Vitality Exemplified: Empowering and Revolutionizing Your Health & Wealth

Organic Greens

It's ironic how we are producing more food now than a hundred years ago, but we are a lot less healthy.  Between 1960 and 2000 alone, in the US, the incidences of obesity rose from just over 10% to nearly 30% of the population.  In 1990, for most American states only 4-6% of the population had diabetes, compared to 6-8% in 2001 (with some states registering more than 10%).  Add to this the fact that there are many diseases today that did not exist in the early part of the 20th century.

The truth is, advances in food production technology have sacrificed quality for quantity; farmlands today yield much more at each harvest, but each crop is less nutritious than its counterpart of 100 years ago.  It is estimated that today's food contains up to 50% less vitamins and minerals than those in the 1960s.  A study published in August Celebration found that in 1948, 100 grams of spinach contained 158 milligrams of iron.  The same quantity of spinach contains less than 2.2 milligrams of iron today, meaning you'd have to eat 75 rations of spinach just to get the same nutrition.  Similarly, to get the nutritional benefit on one apple 60 years ago, you'll have to consume as many as 16 apples produced in today's plantations.

RA 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act

Extracted: Mainstreaming ESWM in the Philippine Educational System

The Republic Act No 9003 (RA 9003) or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 stipulates that it is the policy of the state to adopt a program that will ensure the protection of the public health and the environment, as well as the use of environmentally sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resource conservation and recovery.

However, not all action should be left to the government.

The Twiggys

BY JOVY C. ALMERIA 

a children's story about the environment 
(click here to listen to the story)

Nasty Twiggy loves to litter.  He throws candy wrappers, crumpled papers and banana peelings all around...


...even when a trash can is just a few steps away.


Sometimes, Nasty Twiggy attempts to shoot his litter into the trash can.

Philippine tourism

With the newly installed Tourism secretary, Mr. Ramon Jimenez, comes a plead to the Filipino people to come together and sell the Philippines for tourists to see the best places in the country.  "The success of every corporation comes from the support of his own family so I hope you would support me in my vision to turn tourism into the people's business." "The Filipino has the largest footprint in the communication business."

Jimenez is the founder of media consultancy agency Winning Over Obstacles (WOO) Communications Corp.He is the marketing, advertising executive behind the #1 fastfood chain in the Philippines, Jollibee.  He said during a news conference, Philippines with its picturesque destinations, it should be as easy to sell as "Chickenjoy." [Would it be as easy to promote hormone and antibiotic-free chicken too?]

Know how the responsible tourism industry works and realize its benefits.  Join the tourism campaign. Promote Philippine tourism through Facebook, Twitter and other social marketing sites!

HOME  |  MADE in PH |  OUTDOORS | ORGANIC FARM |  KOOP

Green Entrepreneurship: Are there enough takers?

BUILDING A CRITICAL MASS OF PRODUCERS, SELLERS, BUYERS
by David "Shen" D'Angelo, co-chairperson for the 1st World Creative Youth Forum 

Many are asking why they need to buy so called organic and green products.  What's the difference since most of these products are more expensive anyway?  Why produce and have them, anyway?

Organic products are those produced through the natural process and whose ingredients are natural as well.  Green products are commonly composed of both organic products and other products which are certified to be environmental friendly.   So what's the relevance of green products?

Directory of Recycling Companies

For those of you who are looking for Recycling Companies in the Philippines, here they are listed in printable image form.  Let's leave this world habitable for the future generation. Click here for Green Entrepreneurship: Are there enough takers?

International Coastal Clean-Up

TAKE NOTHING but waste from the ocean, 
LEAVE NOTHING but a positive impact to earth and society

Beer bottles, candy wrappers, soda cans, packs of chips & fruit juices with a dead dog traverse Manila Bay as dozens of WWF (World Wildlife Fund for nature) volunteers prepare to do coastal clean-up, in participation to the International Coastal Clean-up drive.

QTV video: Coastal Clean-up of Manila Bay

What used to be a teal water, Manila Bay, now has turned grey.  With highlights of pastel hues from the empty food packages disposed to this body of the water has become the silhouette of the popular sunset of Manila.

"The Manila Bay, a crescent of water curving inward from the island of Corregidor and the peninsula Bataan. For many centuries,vessels of all kinds from parts of the world have cast their anchors her, unloading exotic riches as well as traders, Muslim rajahs, Chinese pirates, British rulers, Spanish friars and conquistadores who were to found the city of Manila" [Images of Manila, Manuel Duldulao]

Kooperatiba Pinoy (Philippine Cooperative)

by KOOPERATIB.COM

Bayanihan was an assumed part of the way of life of our Filipino ancestors.  It was "the strong centripetal force, the sense of community, sense of collectivity of weal and woe."  Much like our ancestors who were riding those giant bancas called barangay, we could move forward and survive only working together, affirming and helping one another.  Let's relive the Bayanihan spirit!!

In My Dreams

 TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND

Dreaming about angels may mean you will hear of the health of friends, relatives...

Could be fanaticism but I have a certain degree of belief on the interpretation of dreams.  So one day when I looked up the meaning of my dream... You got a sense of what happened next?  I would squish at my sister calls.  Why?  She rarely calls me and if she does, it must be something urgent.

My sister, being the bearer of news of my mom's death, I would picture about my dad each time she calls.

This may be the prize i need to pay for living far away from home..

Transforming Metro Manila

BY Donald Goertzen

During a Power Point presentation in October, Environmental Attorney Antonio "Tony" Oposa remarked on how unfortunate it is that the model for urban living in the Philippines is Los Angeles, California and not Manhattan, New York. In Manhattan people can meet all there needs – shopping, entertainment, school, and work – by getting around on foot, bicycle, subway, and the occasional taxi. In Los Angeles two cars per family is the norm. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

That the U.S. would provide so many models for the Philippines is indeed unfortunate, but almost inevitable given the forced occupation by the U.S. for half a century and the fact that the Philippine elite is educated in the U.S. Aside from Los Angeles as the model for urban transportation, we also have homes with windows so small – in a tropical climate – that aircon becomes a necessity. And then there’s our U.S.-trained police and military...

I do take issue with how a lot of things are done here in the Philippines, but as an American citizen I also fault my own nation and culture for foisting itself and its way of doing things on so much of the rest of the world.

Must Room for Mushrooms

(must have room for mushrooms)

Heaven is in the mood for watering the earth.. It has been pouring hard and profusely this weekend -- a nice break from the scorching heat of the sun the whole week.

A friend said, when there is a rainbow after a rain, sure there is a rain after the heat (seems to be the pattern these past weeks).  When there is heat, there is the dad who is honored today.. Huh? Honored with much warmth =)

As Paul Lewis puts it, "A Father's words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house."  HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!  Especially to the best father in the world, MY DAD :)  You Rock Dad!! [READ: Rock is one that is similar to or suggestive of a mass of stone in stability, firmness, or dependability; as in "The Father has been the family's ROCK during difficult times"]

http://www.care2.com/send/pickup/116/869/200/212/873/195

What about mushrooms?  What do I need to make room for mushrooms?

Sustainable Culinary Tour in an Organic Farm

With the modern lifestyle of eating low quality, non-nutritious "fast" food or drinking soft drink, humans have lost their connection with the natural food and its value in their lives.  People have redefined that what is refined or processed is the new food.  We are caught up in the trap of commercial food which resulted to wrapping Mother Earth with toxin.  What we have not realized, it is taking its toll on our health and speeding human's extinction.

Kasama Ka Organik Koop has designed a Sustainable Culinary Tour with the line of emphasis on the role of organic and sustainable agriculture in ensuring the supply of safe and affordable food (free from agrochemical contamination of the soil, air and water), halting global warming/climate change, and reducing the detrimental environmental impacts of conventional agriculture that depends largely on toxic chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

At the end of the tour, the participants are expected to:

• Understand sustainability and how it affects human body and earth body
• Understand the basic principles of sustainable agriculture
• Appreciate sustainability in the human, environmental, economical, societal and global context
• Learn values of care, health, ecology, fairness
• Experience (and taste) organic traditional cooking
• How to start a backyard organic garden or herb pots
• Enjoin the community in advocating for better nourishment for a better earth

We Care for your Health, We Nurture the Earth!!

CALL +632.774.8472   SMS +63.9088.858656   EMAIL activeculture@Ymail.com

In simple terms . . . 

Do you know somebody who wants to own an organic farm in CALABARZON? 
Contact ActiveCulture@Ymail.com  for the Open House schedule 

Kiping The Filipino Heritage Alive

4 AM on 15th of May 2004 at Shell McKinley Station in Makati City, a group of people converged from different cities in Manila, in a bus off to Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines.  The Nature Awareness and Conservation (NACCI) volunteers lead the group. 

The trip started with NACCI giving a description of the Lucban, the historical background, the festival and the cultural importance to the locals.. All these were happening while I was on my bed, sleeping soundly, before I felt a nudge waking me up.. I called the Tour Organizer to learn that the bus was paving its way to SLEX -South Luzon Expressway...

Study Tour "Lakbay-Aral" in an Organic Farm

for Hospitality (HRM), Culinary Arts (any food service course)

At the top of the food chain are the Chefs and Restaurateurs who the Hospitality, Culinary Arts students are aspiring for. 

In the school community, which is their training ground, they are in the forefront in food preparation and quality service to diners.  They design new food products, explore ways to process food with the right packaging, plan and create menus, supervise the work in the kitchen and setup in the dining.  They ensure safety and quality.  With safety and quality vis a vis sustainability, food is ensure availability today and tomorrow.

Gardening for Kids

in the tune of Magtanim Ay Di Biro, all together let's sing...

Magtanim ay di biro, maghapong nakayuko,
Di naman makatayo, di naman makaupo.
Sa umaga pagkagising, ay agad iisipin,
Kung saan may patanim, may masarap na pagkain.
Bisig ko'y namamanhid, baywang ko'y nangangawit,
Binti ko'y namimitig, sa pagkababad sa tubig.

Koro:
Halina, halina, mga kaliyag, tayo'y magsipag-unat-unat,
Magpanibago tayo ng lakas, para sa araw ng bukas.

Children's version | Rock version | Choral version | Instrumental with English lyrics

Top 6 Yoga Post-Run Stretches

Yoga, which dates back Stone Age (poses were carved on stones), is believed to aid in proper breathing and relaxation, releasing tension on muscle tissue, hence, strengthen muscle and increase flexibility.

Flexibility is important in running.  It acts like a lubrication on joints, allowing them to move freely.  Increased flexibility increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures, which in turn increases circulation, leading to greater elasticity of surrounding tissues. [Fitness expert Josh Salzmann]

When you incorporate the following yoga poses into your running regimen it will reduce muscle soreness caused by formation of lactic acid, as well as, avoid injury.

1] Head-to-Knee Pose - Sit on a mat with your legs outstretched.  Slowly bend the left leg so that the heel is against the right thigh. With your right hand, reach for your inner right sole. 30 breaths. Do the opposite leg.

Earth Day 2011 Philippines

By Earth Day Network, Phils (EDNP)

Earth Day 2011 is an important celebration because it is an auspicious time to once again gather and reconnect with each other and with the Creator Spirit to guide us and heal the land upon which we tread. Moreover, Earth Day 2011 falls on a Good Friday which is an important celebration for our Catholic and some Protestant brethren.

The celebration of SANDIWANG: Isang Diwa sa Pagdiriwang para sa Kalikasan has become an important celebration for Earth Day year after year. It is a major interreligious celebration for Mother Earth having a grand ecumenical service which shall highlight our penance for our indiscriminate use of natural resources and for the destruction that has resulted there from. Hence, this year’s formal celebration will be on 24 April 2011, Easter Sunday, 7 AM at the Peacebell, Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Running for a cost (?)

 BY RUNVOCATE

Let me borrow the phrase I used as a title for this post from an ultra runner, Mr. Jonel Mendoza which he posted on his Facebook account wall on 12 April 2011. It struck me because recently I’ve been hearing comments and complaints not only about the oil price hike but also about the cost of race fees. I’ve to confess I have not read any write up on the issue although I was informed that a post or two were already out. For someone like me who’s in an active advocacy work for the poor and for good governance, it’s been tempting to reflect on the issue and take a position. Frankly, I have been trying to avoid this topic, my way of running away from the tendency to have an opinion on something that’s maybe very controversial and I may not be that aware of like organizing an event. But I obviously failed.

What dragged me to this very persistent issue?

A Giant Leap for Humankind

a poem prayer for earth synergy

For Earth Synergy

in the new millennium
nations of the world
come together as one,
in body, mind and spirit,
to stand in reverence
before the rest
of the bio-diverse
citizens and elements
of our living planet Gaia,
to take full responsibility
for past and present
environmental destruction,
and to lovingly commit
a conscious synergy of efforts
to rescue and heal,
conserve and exalt
our Mother Earth.

Chi Running in the Philippines

BY acTTive



Lit Onrubia

Over one breakfast with Executive Runners of the Philippines (Runnex), Lit Onrubia, formerly a basketball player, gave us the basics of Chi Running for free (the benefits of joining a running club like Runnex).  He is the first and only certified Chi Running instructor in the Philppines. He studied under the Chi Running master instructors Chris Griffin and Kathy Griest, who are both personally trained by Danny Dreyer, the founder of the said "revolutionary technique."

Bicol's Laing - (ga)Galing!

by acTTive

Based on health reports*, our brothers and sisters in the Bicol Region have a low incidence of heart ailment, attributing to the regular meal of coconut-based dishes.  Likewise, chili peppers, which they also consume in great amounts share the responsibility, claim by some alternative doctors.  Bicolenos and Bicolenas are fond of both in a form of a dish called "Pinangat" or popularly known in Manila as "Laing." 

Me, Triathlete? Ironman?

By A.P.C. from 1st PHL Ironman

About a year ago, I made a choice to enter a world that was different from my own. My body took a beating as I was initiated into something that I never thought would be such a big part of me…

Tree Planting vs Nuclear Planting



TREE PLANTING

Mangrove Tree Planting

Because of the benefits that our planet and ourselves get from trees, such as trees being oxygen filters, providing shelter and food for humans as well as other animals and their influence on the climate (to mention a few); it is essential that we make sure we make up for all the trees we loose or use. If performed properly tree planting can ensure the successful restoration of a deforested area, hence creating ecologically sustainable resource use.

Responsible Tourism

BY VIOLETA IMPERIAL

Nature Awareness and Conservation Club Inc (NACCI), a non-stock and non-profit organization, practices responsible tourism in every tour, enabling local communities to improve its place, making it a better destination for tourists. This is aligned with its vision of  "A society where it’s citizen are aware of the value of its diverse natural heritage & working together for the benefit of the environment and the common future."

Our programs are as follows:

Golden Cafe: Starts with Life, Ends with Nourishment

Golden Tea

Starts with Life

Its the place where you cool down, refresh, replenish and revive. As soon as you see the place,tone down hues, colors softens your mood and as you step into the door, the sweet smelling aroma of coffee awaken your senses, the sight of big wall papered delightful fresh fruits larger than life images of abundant healthy life envelopes your presence in the Golden Cafe..

Ends with Nourishment
The wide selection of smoothies, shakes, cold fruit creams naturally made of fresh strawberries, mangoes, apples, lemons, berries and avocados sprinkled with the most nutritious malunggay powder increasing phytonutrition your body needs to rejuvenate after a long day. The array of light snacks compliment the nutritious drink..  See and taste for yourself.  Bring your family and friends along.

Menu

OWNER:

Zonito Torrevillas Tamase, +63.916.5514467

zonito.roadsign103@gmail.com

HOUSE SPECIAL:

Wraps & Fresh fruit juices (Try their golden tea --with malunggay!)

Malunggay ice cream (with alkasweet)

refer to the snack menu

OPEN:  10AM/PM Monday to Saturday, WIFI-able 

LOCATION:

Gold East Asia Corporate Center, #10 Scout Borromeo corner Scout Tobias corner Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City Philippines

(one block away from National Bookstore Quezon Ave)

Wellness continues next door at...
TRANSITION BODY WELLNESS CENTER (TBWC), a professional bodyworks service provider that has its conception in Canada, but with its origins in the Philippines.

A TBWC treatment is NOT like your usual spa experience.  We do not believe in the very ordinary relaxation massage whose effect lasts just a few hours, or a few days at the most.  Ours is an honest-to-goodness, REAL therapeutic massage! (And I can attest to that! --I tried Trigger Point Release and Graeco-Swedish Fusion for my aching body, from running regularly. Even if the GSF was a deep(est) tissue massage, I did not feel any pain after, the next day or the day/s after.  It was mostly relief than pain. And now I understand more "what" part of my body is in pain and why, because of the thorough explanation of owner Hadjii and Rommel, combined with visuals.)

TRIGGER POINT RELEASE (TPR)

A precise, direct point manipulation technique developed by TBWC Owner, Rodolfo "Hadjii" Crespo Jr, while working on employees of British Petroleum in Calgary Canada.  Applying deep pressure on trigger points on the muscle with the client stretching the limb eases muscle tension, thus eliminating pain while allowing the muscles and nerves to realign and correct itself.

GRAECO-SWEDISH FUSION (GSF)
Greek massage can be deep and quite painful as the pressure tries to reach deeper tissues.  However, this type of Greek massage is very good in loosening tight muscles.  Another type of Greek massage is gentle, so light it almost feels sensual.  This type is very soothing to the nerves and may even help improve memory.  To minimize the pain and the sensuality of Greek massage, the developer, Rommel Martinez, fused it with the relaxing manipulations of Swedish massage.

Modalities are Different. 
Application is Different. 
Therapists are Different.
Experience the Big Difference! 

Call for Appointment and other Services:
 +63-905-400-7147
 +63-922-256-2137

Write-up courtesy of Golden Cafe & TBWC

Email ActiveCulture@Ymail.com, if you are looking for the following in the Philippines:
1.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Team-building activity
2.Farm tour, Ecotour, Educational field trips
3.Camping, Tree-planting sites
4.Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (RA 10068) or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) materials
5.Organic Cooperative movement
6.Environmental Resource Speaker ie expert on zero-waste management, food security, sustainable agriculture etc
7.Organic Farm training or apprenticeship programs (free-range poultry, vermiculture and vermicomposting, organic agriculture conversion ie rice, corn, sugarcane etc)
8.Farm Lots

Crime Tsunami & Psycho Bus Drivers

FACEBOOK FanPage:  Road-Reform-Philippines

Our country has deteriorated in the past decades, in so many ways.. 

I was born in 1950, grew up in the 50's, 60's & 70's, until martial law came in.  Prior to martial law, the Philippines was second in Asia, from the Commonwealth period to the last year of the presidency of the late Pres. Diosdado Macapagal.  

I have a very simplistic approach and understanding on what is bedeviling our country. For brevity, I wish to concentrate in Metro Manila. The air pollution in Metro Manila is horrible, so much so that living within, is like dwelling in a "gas chamber".  Remember that in the early days of the Cory presidency, the international community, led by no less than the diplomatic community, petitioned Pres. Cory  to do something about the worsening environment of the metropolis.  And that was in 1986!  How come the air quality in Metro Manila is getting worse, regardless of who is or who has been in control of the government?  The answer is simple:  there is no money (albeit corruption) in honestly and effectively addressing the pollution problem. 

Try reviving the project on the mothballed incenerator (thanks to the Clean Air Act) and I guarantee sparks will fly because of the cost of funding the said project.  Factually, all BIG-FUNDED infrastructure projects  in the country has generated so much interests (and so much disgrace likewise) from our patriotic politicians and bureaucrats for obvious reasons. 

Continuing, Why is there no road discipline?  Why is our traffic worsening? Why is it that three (3) millions of Filipinos (and growing) are hooked on illegal drugs?  Colorum buses? Carnapping? Kidnapping? Plunder?  Heinous crimes? And nobody seems to be in control of the country anymore.

The answers to all the foregoing questions seem to be the same: " THERE IS NO MONEY" in honestly and effectively addressing them!  For now, I am avoiding as much as I could Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, and EDSA if possible, to maintain a safe distance from bus drivers. 

I am now sixty (60) and never had I seen in my whole life such "Arrogance, Bullying of smaller vehicles, Total disregard of traffic lights, Multiple fake drivers licenses, shabu while driving etc,"  from bus drivers.  I earn a daily dosage of stress because of the breakdown of road discipline (if there is any) in practically all road network.   Nobody seems to be interested in revising the provisions of the archaic Revised Penal Code (1930 vintage) that provide soft penalty on deaths and physical injuries caused by reckless motorists, mostly by public utility drivers. 

A recent case in point is that of a jeepney driver in Samar who killed three (3) persons by reason of his reckless ways.  He managed to stay away from prison due to the outrageous low penalty, complemented by the country's "Probation Law." Yes, only in the Philippines as they say. To top it all, the THREE (3) BEREAVED FAMILIES never got a single centavo from the jeepney driver on account of his insolvency.  The jeepney owner/operator was likewise freed from any civil liability (no centavo whatsoever to the said families) by reason of a procedural technicality, courtesy of our insane legal system. 

The chicken growers in Ifugao are better off cause they get compensated for their  chickens killed by motorists (plus the estimated  future eggs to be laid  and expected chicks to be hatched). 

AS COMMENT:
I respectfully suggest that a tracking system be observed to come up with statistics, i.e. how many public utility drivers are convicted and punished; are they and the owners/operators made to pay for the damage/s caused to the injured/killed; revocation of  drivers licenses; etc.  I know for a fact that most bus drivers are allowed to ply our roads again after their recklessness, as if nothing happened.

Reform our Road System: Facebook "Road Revolution"
"Those who have less in wheels must have more in road."

Sustainable Organic Agriculture - Apprenticeship

RATIONALE

• Sustainable and organic agriculture is the ultimate answer to the worsening problems of environmental degradation, increasing health risks due to contaminated farm produce and unstable food production supply.
• The Green Revolution farming technology which is chemical-based and input- intensive has been proven destructive to the environment and unsustainable in providing food security.
• It is in response to these scenarios that the Villegas Organic and Hobby Farms in collaboration with the Kalipunan ng Sustenableng Agrikultura at Magsasakang Organiko (Kasama Ka Organik Koop) and the Sagip Environment Foundation, Inc. has designed this Apprenticeship Training program on Sustainable and Organic Agriculture.
• Our training design caters three levels of manpower capacity building: namely; the labor force who are the front line implementors, the supervisors and the technicians.
• The program provides maximum experiential learning on sustainableand organic farming under the natural farm environment where the concepts, principles and practices of sustainable organic agriculture and zero waste management is demonstrated and practiced with focus on hands-on practicum.

OBJECTIVE

• To equip the participants the basic knowledge and positive attitudes on sustainable and organic agriculture and zero wastes management , and transfer the science-based and indigenous organic farming technologies including the production of organic farm inputs and practices, and their ultimate adoption by the participants.
• To promote and propagate the sustainable and organic agriculture at all levels from the farm, community and the country.

IMMEDIATE OUTPUTS/OUTCOMES

• Well informed, enlightened and hands-on trained participants who will serve as core promotors, trainors and adoptors of sustainable and organic agriculture.

METHODOLOGY

• Lecture and experiential sharing on the concepts, principles and practices of Sustainable and Organic Agriculture and down-to-earth hands-on practicum of science-based and indigenous organic technologies and practices , production of organic farm inputs and their applications.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• EMAIL  activeculture@Ymail.com
• CALL  +632.774.8472
• SMS  +63.9088.858656
• WEB  http://villegasfarmcomplex.multiply.com/
• OTHER Services & Offerings click here for more 

Organic Farm Complex at the Foothill of Mount Makiling

The titled 4.8 hectares adjacent farms in San Vicente and San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas will be developed into organic farm lots through the Kalipunan ng Sustenableng Agricultura at Magsasakang Organikong Kooperatiba (Kasama Ka Organik Koop) under the concept of sustainable, organic and ecological agriculture, environment, health and wellness, livelihood and food security program, and following the Nucleus and Satellite Organic Farm Cluster (NUSOFAC) strategy and value chain optimization.

Farm cut will have an area of about 2,500 square meters for both Farm Lot A (open area) and Farm Lot B (with coconuts and fruit bearing trees). Payment terms of 40% down payment. The remaining balance will be payable in equal monthly payments for one (1) year at 0% interest, two (2) years at 8% interest, and three (3) years at 10% interest.

The Kasama Ka Organik Koop, and the farm investors will put up and manage the following basic amenities and support system to farm lot buyers :
+ Water system that will supply the water requirements of the farm;
+ Seedling nursery and organic material and input house that will supply the organic farm inputs needed in organic farming;
+ Technology demonstration area that will serve as a technology show window and venue for hands-on training;
+ Organic technology transfer, technical advise and technical assistance;
+ Buy back/market outlet of organic farm produce;
+ Set up and manage the farm for the farm owner including provision of trained and dedicated workers

Simple Conditionalities:
+ Strictly practice sustainable, organic, and ecological agriculture (SOE) and comply with SOE agriculture standards and best practices in the farm lots;
+ Undergo free one day briefing/training on Sustainable Organic Agriculture at the Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Learning Center, Villegas Organic & Hobby Farm Complex, Malvar Batangas;
+ Register membership with the Kasama Ka Organik Koop

Let's go ORGANIC! Farm Tour in Batangas, Click here for more information


Email activeculture@Ymail.com, if you are looking for:
1.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity
2.Organic Cooperative movement
3.Camping or Tree-planting sites
4.Ecotour, Field trips
5.Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (RA 10068) materials
6.Environmental Resource Speaker (Expert)
7.Farm training or apprenticeship programs (free-range poultry, vermiculture and vermicomposting, organic agriculture conversion ie rice, corn, sugarcane etc)

RawVolution, The Living Food Cuisine

Organic * Fresh * Alive * Vegan Raw

The advocacy of raw food as part of your diet has already gained adherently throughout the world. Health buffs and nutritionists are now promoting raw food diet as essential in improving your health. Yes! More and more people are now going into raw food.

The scientific basis for the contribution of raw food to improve your health is not to cook it. Elevated temperatures destroy certain properties in food and lead to the loss of nutritional benefits. One of these are the enzymes are best effective for the body when taken without subjecting them to destructive heat. Raw food may consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, grains, beans, dried fruit, and seaweeds.

Thus, taking raw food eliminates certain illnesses, where prescription drugs have not been successful. It also helps in preventing the onset of potential health disorders.

Raw food can also be sourced from farm outputs which have not been subjected to synthetic fertilizers and/or pesticides. These are called organically grown produce. These products are also dairy/hormone-free, and contain no antibiotics, unlike certain meat and poultry produce grown on a commercial scale. Taking the raw food diet therefore, leads consumers to be free from accumulating toxins, hormones, and harmful chemicals in the body.

OWNER:

Cheloy Ignacio, Vegan Raw Food Chef and Health Coach

HOUSE SPECIAL:
Fettuccine Alfredo, Portobello Mushroom Steak with rosemary-garlic Mashed Potato and Cheloy's Asian Salad and Mock Salmon Pate

Green Smoothie:
Composed of green leafy vegetables like malunggay, saluyot, and talbos ng kamote mixed with almond milk to make it creamy.

LOCATION: 
15 Annapolis Street, GOLD Building, Greenhills, San Juan, Philippines

OPEN: Mondays to Saturdays, 10AM to 9PM.

EVENT:
The restaurant holds classes on raw food preparation. To inquire, EMAIL US!

HEAR IT FROM CHELOY:
At 19, I became pregnant and was diagnosed to have preeclampsia.  My sugar levels also shoot up from time to time.  As a result, my baby died two days before her due date.

Despite this sad experience, I still went on with the same lifestyle.  My blood pressure went up as high as 280/110 and was even confined several times.  At 23, I had a mild stroke.

I became a walking drugstore and regularly visited hospitals.  I took beta blockers for my blood pressure and medications for high cholesterol.  I even enderwent Lithotripsy to get rid of kidney stones and had occasional allergies with skin patches as big as one peso coin.  In addition to this, I had high liver enzymes, arthritis, pharyngitis, gastroentritis.  I also experienced hair loss and migraine attacks that would last for 3 days.  In most cases, I took headache medication only to suffer stomach side effects.  Having all these ailments eventually resulted to my application for health insurance.

Then one day, I told myself enough is enough. I wanted to wake up in the morning free of headaches and sickness.  I just wanted to wake feeling light, fresh and energetic..

I started reading more books and other materials about raw food.  I also read about medical and wellness practitioners' substantiated claims on the effectiveness of the raw food diet for the human body.  I was convinced and attended a raw food school to know more and see some evidence.

The rest, as they say, is history.  From a sickly person who always had bad mornings, I became healthy.  In just a matter of days, I was able to leave behind all those maintenance medications, early morning sickness, high sugar levels, dizziness and lack of sleep, high cholesterol readings, and everything that had made me feel always sick and tired.

The restaurant holds classes on raw food preparation, "Living On Live Food". To inquire, EMAIL US!

Looking for an ORGANIC FARM Lot / Tour / Training / Coop / CSR in the Philippines?   CONTACT US!!

Blog article courtesy of the RawVolution's Menu Cover

SQUATTERS: Stirring the Conscience of Society

Anonymous, Written on 12 May 1999
How is squatters in Manila after 10 years?

No job. No food. No decent house. Disease-stricken. Evicted by law. Source of crime. Cause of pollution. These are encapsulated in their name -- the Squatters of Manila.

They migrated from different provinces to Manila with a vision of *a better life lies beyond*. But it only remains as much as a dream to be kept in their minds and hearts. Keeping their hopes that "the life" is yet to come. Many others though, bury their faith, blame the government for thie fate, resulting to various crimes.

Life in "the gold city" is harder than they thought of and even imagined. They gullibled to lies such as trade & commerce is promising, multitude of opportunities await job hunters with huge paycheck, all in a bed of roses.

Sure there is trade & cmmerce and much commercialized than towns & provinces. But its not at all easy to be in. It's not for the faint of heart. It takes personal character, work experience and guts to be employed. And each centavo is to be earned in toil.

In effect, with people of no education, which most squatters are, they resolve to illegal activities. Drug pushing is one (they themselve get hooked with drug), robbery of all degrees and even become syndicates to their fellow squatters. It has been an activity for some squatters to search for vacant lots and solicit tenants for a fee. Squatter versus squatter just to earn a living. Holding on to whatever they can no matter how sinister. Survival of the fittest. That is the competition.

The gold city transformed to slum city, a land of tyrannies. There is no stop to the influx of rural people vis-a-vis crime events. The dailies each day display crime of all sorts showing a disgrace of people's morality. The only Catholic country in the globe.

Since the American rule, the government has concentrated in developing Manila to be the center of trade in the Orient. Another reason for the large influx of people from the countryside. There is no job opportunities in their hometowns they can rightfully claim.

Squatting started, making it one of the worst in the world. Uprising the problem it can be, the government has put it into the least priority, alloting only a meager 1-2% of the budget.

In addition, some government agencies, in their neglect to fight for squatting, have withdrawn their responsibility they are called for. They succumb to their wealth, claiming full ownership to lands, which could have been a way to augment the lives of farmers.

Still some local government officials tolerate the squatters keeping them safe in their bosom, making them untouchable for the fulfillment of their continous power, through vote buying.

On the other hand, the government over the years has been unsuccessful in relocating the squatters to Manila outskirts arising to counter-problems. Squatters find the places too far (too costly to commute to work) so they return to the capital and squat again, in a different location. The government has failed to look into the focal point of the situation. Dont squatters need a permanent community where they can belong, stand on their own, be productive and generate income?

While private organizations and some local officials are on the continuous fight for government's full attention on the matter and unceasingly seek for means to resolve the problem, there are concerned individuals and groups soliciting aid from industries which can invest in the Philippines. Venturing business on the countryside that will help in resettlement, income generation, morale boost, hence, increasing financial independence, empowerment, generating jobs, healthier lifestyle. This will greatly reduce the country's problems on traffic congestion, peace & order, pollution, housing and crime.

"We need you"... For us who have prospered in life, would you think a bigger responsibility rest on our shoulders? Aren't we blessed with so much as to share it with people who are less fortunate? Are the poor all over the world no right to live a brighter future? ... "Will you help us get there?"

Will you help them change their lives through sustainable means? Email Us!!

Looking for an ORGANIC FARM Lot / Tour / Training / Coop / CSR in the Philippines?  CONTACT US!!

A New Year Blessing

I wish for you in this new year...

That the single, most significant dimension of life is your relationship with the Source of Goodness who never ceases to sing love songs to your soul;

That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily;

That you treasure your loved ones and let them know how dear they are to you;

That you keep your sense of humor when things don’t go the way you want; 

That you look in the mirror at least once a day and smile in happy amazement;

That you remember relationships are what count above all else - more than work or money, or all the material things we spend so much time tending;

That you make choices and decisions that reflect your truest self;

That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency when you are in need;

That you never give up on yourself when others turn away or do not understand;

That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind and spirit;

That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges that come to you;

That you find adventure in each new day and marvel at the wonders of creation which constantly present themselves to you;

That you carry peace within yourself, allowing it to slip into the hearts of others so our planet becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more...  [poem by Joyce Rupp]

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