Cold December and Resolutions

            The way I celebrate Christmas in the Philippines was to spend my time with my family and friends. Attend the Novena, enjoy the crowded church with different kinds of perfumes I smell from different kinds of people in the community and ate native delicacies either before or after the mass shared with warmth moments with love ones. One week before Christmas I was busy going to the Malls to buy for everybody's gift and buy for groceries. And on the day, the whole member of the family was busy doing their own stuff. Some of us were busy cleaning the house, some was busy wrapping gifts. And on Christmas Eve, everyone was excited to open their gifts and eat the delicious foods on the table.

            It is two Christmas already I celebrated holidays that I was away from home, it was a Cold December. How I celebrated my Christmas was just so ordinary. It was cold, I know Maui never been having a snow. It was cold for I was not able to be with my family, as what I used to. I worked on Christmas, so I didn't feel the warmth feeling from my family.

            I am still thankful in spite of loneliness; so thankful for the year 2011 of all the blessings I received. I am so thankful for the courage and the strength to overcome trials. I am now ready to face the year ahead with full of hope and wish to conquer my doubtful attitude. Which is one vices or habits  that distract  and destroy loving relationship. May God will protect and guard me the way I think from negativity. I pray to trust more to the Lord and his divine guidance.
          
             Thank you Lord for the Universe I live in. Thank you Universe for providing me all things I need. May you continue to bless me. May the Universe bring me good fortunes and love.
        
            I pray that may the year ahead will be prosperous. I pray for more courage, strength, love, serenity, and unity.

            Happy New Year and I welcome you 2012!

One of the best gift this Christmas

Looking back from the interview at U.S embassy manila. The tense and nerve cracking experience. Waking up so early at 4:00 am for my appointment at the embassy. When I got there at 5:00 am, there are hundred of people fall in line ahead of me. When I got inside, I follow all the instructions and waited patiently for my turn to be interview. I waited almost whole day but the interview lasted for less than one hour. This happen last January 2009.

 Last Friday I received my notice from the USCIS and last Monday my green card arrived. Two years ago I've waited to have this, this green card is the best gift I ever received this year. But I felt nothing excitement at all, maybe I celebrate it already the first time I arrived here on Maui. I should be glad for this. But I know the reciprocal are my responsibilities. I am planning to have my citizenship next year so I can petition my brother John and my sister Maya.

Drive Cautiously

When do we learn? Are we waiting to be the one who will be hit next by the truck or any cars before fully awake the danger of over speeding?  "Accidents" become very widely used to be a reason even it is cause by recklessness. As vice Mayor Duterte stated "Dili na ni pwede masikmura sa katilingban ning mga style ninyo, mangamatay mga tao tungod ninyo kung pirmi mo mag-ingon nga aksidente (Your repeated claims that what happened is an accident is no longer acceptable. People are getting killed because of drivers like you),” (Casas). Can we accept this reoccurring reason due to recklessness? Accidents can be prevented if we follow the road’s rules and regulations.

I am one of many concern citizens who value life. Countless numbers who died due to the road accidents from the previous years until now. When firecracker banned in Davao City it save lives of many Dabawenyo and still enjoying the celebrations peacefully.  I don’t know how to drive yet, but I think we can drive safely and still enjoy driving on the road. I am glad to know by reading the Davao City News Feed dated December 19, 2011 from Sarah Duterte’s facebook profile that the speed limit start to operating in Davao City.

We will look forward from this day, by driving safely and observe rules and regulations on the road. We can witness together that there are less to not one accident will occur. With careful and cautious driving through speed limit we cannot only save lives but also save gas.

So enjoy driving cautiously! And don’t forget to follow road’s rules and regulations.


reference:
Casas, Arianne Caryl N. "Davao City Vice Mayor Rody Duterte scolds drivers in Pequeño accident ." Sun Star     Davao [Davao City] 15 December 2011, n. pag. Print.

Speed limit

               I was born and raised in Davao City. And this city I always call my home. My family owned and formerly operates three of public utility jeepney (PUJ) for about 15 years. The PUJ have Calinan to Agdao route and vise versa. Almost every year accidents happen, either one of our drivers are guilty of the cause of the accidents or our driver got hit. 

           I personally experienced how hassle it was when we -operators of PUJ- were the one that causes the accident like what happened last June 2003, Calinan accidents with 5 people injured and all got hospitalized to the nearest hospital in Calinan area, fortunately, no one was dead. It was costly; the people injured demand money as the conversion for the days they were not able to work and that they'd lost salary due to the accident. Additionally, the owner of the motorcycle demanded to fix the damage of their vehicle.

          

            This is one of the results when speed limit will not be implemented.  Therefore, Davao City should regulate speed limit because it eliminates road accidents.

Speed limit can eliminate road accidents. Slow down to the speed limit when driving will not only increase safety, but also saves gas and can lessen adrenaline-fueled road rampage (Nation 8).

By contrast, when Davao City wouldn’t regulate the speed limit, road accidents continue. Like what happen last December 12, 2011 at around 7pm in Catalunan Pequenio, 4 people died including a four year old girl and there are 18 people injured (Casas).

Life is precious. Drive safely. Speed limit should implement to make Davao City accident free zone. Through driving within speed limit it can stamp out accidents or "recklessness" on the road. Learn to be cautious when driving to save life. Is it hard to do it?


The Update:  

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 39

November 6, 2013 at 3:36pm

AN ORDER SETTING THE SPEED LIMITS FOR ALL KINDS OF MOTORVEHICLES WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF DAVAO CITY, PROVIDING FOR ITSSANCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES


WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 4136 otherwise known asthe "LandTransportation and Traffic Code” signed into law on June 20, 1964, is thegoverning traffic law of the Philippines, embodying therein, among others, thespeed limits on all highways, which limits were subsequently incorporated in DavaoCity’s Ordinance No. 778 Series of 1973, known as the “Revised TrafficOrdinance of the City of Davao”;

WHEREAS, notwithstanding vigorous implementation by appropriate lawenforcement agencies of existing traffic laws, there has been an alarming steady increase in trafficaccidents on the highways, thoroughfares, streets, and roads of Davao Cityprimarily caused by over speeding and reckless driving, with motoristsperennially ignoring lawful speed limits;

WHEREAS, it is observed that the existing traffic laws as above-citedare outdated, and to a great extent, no longer suited or responsive to thecurrent traffic situation in the city due to various factors resulting fromrapid urbanization; 

WHEREAS, in the interest ofpublic safety and order, there is an imperative need for the city government toimmediately address this serious concern through a renewed vigor of regulation aswell as the adoption of local measures responsive to the current situation with a view of reasonably and effectively obviating trafficaccidents resulting from over speeding and reckless driving;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7160 grants local government units the power toregulate traffic on all streets and bridges within their territorialboundaries, and to enact such measures that will enhance the publichealth, safety, convenience, maintain peace and order, and promote the generalprosperity of its inhabitants;

WHEREAS, a local measure providing for speed limit must beanchored on the basic precept outlined on Section 35 of R.A. 4136, which statesthat: Any person driving a motor vehicle on a highway shalldrive the same at a careful and prudent speed, not greater nor less than isreasonable and proper, having due regard for the traffic, the width of thehighway, and of any other condition then and there existing; and no personshall drive any motor vehicle upon a highway at such a speed as to endanger thelife, limb and property of any person, nor at a speed greater than will permithim to bring the vehicle to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead;

WHEREAS,prior to the passage of a local ordinance, there is an indispensable need toconduct an experimental traffic scheme aimed at arriving at the most appropriate speed limit which will effectivelyaddress the current traffic situation prevailing in the city;

NOW,THEREFORE, I, RODRIGOR. DUTERTE, Mayor of DavaoCity, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1.The rate of speed for all typesof motor vehicles within the territorial boundaries of Davao City, shall notexceed the following:

Name of Highway, Thoroughfare, Street, or Road                                    Maximum allowable speeds
From Sirawan to Ulas Crossing                                                                      60 Km/hour From Lasang to Panacan
From Calinan to Ulas Crossing
From C.P. Garcia Highway-McArthur Highway to Panacan                                
From Ulas to Generoso Bridge/Bolton Bridge                                                40 km/ hour From Panacan Crossing to J.P. Laurel Avenue-Alcantara
From Ma-a Road Diversion to McArthur Highway

From J.P. Laurel Ave.Alcantara to Bolton/Generoso Bridge                            30 km/hour From Buhangin Crossing-Milan to Bolton/Generoso Bridge
From C. P. Garcia Hwy-Bacaca Road to Bolton/Generoso Bridge
From C.P. Garcia Hwy-Angliongto St. to Bolton/Generoso Bridge


Section2. Lead and Support Agencies. – The Traffic ManagementCenter (TMC), together with the Traffic Group-DCPO, Land Transportation Office(LTO-Davao City) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG-PNP-Davao City), in thedischarge of their official functions, shall serve as the lead agencies inimplementing this Order. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory(LTFRB-Davao City) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-DavaoCity) are hereby enjoined to give their full support, assistance andcooperation in the course of the implementation of the provisions of thisOrder.

Section 3. Traffic Signs. The Traffic Management Center (TMC) is hereby directed to provideappropriate traffic signs indicating the speed limits on all affected highways,streets, and roads within the city;

Section  4. Sanctions. Violators shall, ifwarranted, be subjected to arrest and their vehicle impounded without prejudiceto the imposition of penalties and fines under the provisions of R.A.  No.4136 and Davao City Ordinance No. 778, if applicable.

Section5. Separability Clause.If any part or provision of this Order is held unconstitutional or invalid,other parts or provisions thereof which are not affected shall continue toremain in force and effect.

Section6. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signing hereof.

Strictobservance and implementation of this Order is hereby enjoined.
           
Done in the City of Davao, Philippines,this __ day of October, 2013.


                                                                                               RODRIGO R. DUTERTE
                                                                                                       City Mayor
Attested by:

ATTY. J. MELCHOR V. QUITAIN
       City Administrator

Davao City Speed Limit Photo Credit to the owner

Reference:

Casas, Arianne Caryl N. "Davao City Vice Mayor Rody Duterte scolds drivers in Pequeño accident ." Sun Star Davao [Davao City] 15 December 2011, n. pag. Print.

Nation. 291.24 (December 2010): p8-8, 1p, 1 black and white photograph. Print.

GMO's on Crops

            Freshly looking plant’s texture but pernicious inside? Nutritious, healthy, and economic are the best choice of foods for most of the consumers. But in today’s world, modern term is “in”. Even to the food, want it to be modern. One of these modernizations of food is the injection of genetic modified organism (GMO) to plants. Many are asking if it bring wide benefits. Or would it bring catastrophic effect?

Tomatoes modification

      

            Genetic modified organisms are the injections or the insertions of gene from one to other types of gene in order to achieve desire results to improve new gene. These improvise genes still waiting of what are next effects for human and the environment. This unknown world of organisms can now enter into our body. Through this modern science of genetic modified organisms on food. Other people including biotechnologist see genetic modified organisms as the solutions for world hunger. Some people see it as a problem and a threat to the health. GMO should not be administered to plants because it causes gastrointestinal tract and increase allergy that are dangerous to health. 

Broccoli modification

Genetic modified organisms are dangerous to health. As the food enter into our body, all the nutrients absorb including these GMO’s that has reactions into molecular level might not notice until symptoms appear. According to the International Organization of Physicians (IOP), eating GM foods are perilous to health, such as infertility, immune system troubles, proliferate aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage (Better Nutrition 48). These health problems are the accumulations and reactions of GMO to the human body over a period of time.  

(sweet corn) Are you able to eat this?

Genetic modified organisms have effect on gastrointestinal tract. Cummins says, possible those genes from GE foods transform to the DNA of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. When foods comprising N-acetyl-L-glufosinate (NAG) are consumed, it converts to guifosinate a highly toxic herbicide, in the digestive system (Better Nutrition 31). This is one cause of intestinal problems. After the foods enter into the body, it stays in the intestine for hours and some for days. And some of this organism from GMO’s had the chance to transmit to the cell wall of the intestine that causes inflammation.    
    

            Genetic modified organisms increase allergy. Seeds containing protein like soy has naturally potential to react that results allergy. When GM soy was presented, the circumstances of soy allergies proliferated by 50 percent in the United Kingdom (Better Nutrition 48). This evidence shows that the genetic modified organisms trigger the level of allergens of food especially, which has protein composition.

Genetic modified organisms help for pest resistance. Injecting GMO’s to plants are the best way to fastest and harvest abundantly than in traditional or conventional way. Plants were created to resist pests and diseases and to tolerate herbicides used to kill weeds (FDA Consumer 33). On the other hand, plants are naturally instinctive to fight against pests. Experts say most plants yield low level of toxin inherently as protection from pest (Better Nutrition 31). Using organic pesticides is one way to eliminate GMO’s.  And by seriously monitoring the crops can ward of those pests.

            Genetic modified organisms boost nutrition. It helps tolerance for sufficient nutrition needed. They are intensifying nutrients to foods to help impede diseases, diminishing allergens and toxins, and making foods tastier (FDA Consumer 34). However, sufficient nutrients provide by GMO’s might be equal or greater to the risk it provides. Foods can have a better and sufficient nutrition without injecting this kind of organism when individual will base on their daily value diet or intake. Using organic raw materials for certified safe is more nutritious than injecting this unknown gene that can have serious health risk.

The effect might not be spontaneous but some are evolutions of these modified genes that have staggering results to human health and to the environment due to reactions of these unknown genes. Because of this evolution of new genes, human being should learn the effects before it become severely an outbreak. Therefore, GMO’s should not really use on crops because it has serious effect in human health and this should not be taken for granted. By continue using organic raw materials for crops are the safest way to administer. But what is the bottom line of these genetic modified organisms?

Reference

Bren, Linda. "Genetic Engineering: The Future of Food? ." FDA Consumer. 37.6 (2003): p28-34, 7p, 3color Photographs, 2 Diagrams. Print.

Smith, Melissa Diane. "Say No to GMO's." Better Nutrition. 73.3 (March2011): p46-50, 4p. Web. 1 Dec. 2011.

Turner, Lisa. "Playing with our Food." Better Nutrition. 69.4 (apr2007): p30-33, 3p. Print.

An Inspiration from Heaven

I am so curious of how does it feel to become a mother? I am not a mother yet. I don’t know the feelings of it. But I know the feeling of joy and irritations surrounded with kids, because I was surrounded with my nephews and nieces when I was in the Philippines. I saw mothers having mix emotions to their children. I am hoping to experience the inspiration they give.

 I struggled with my personal career, love, and family life in consecutive years. My life became lack of meaning. I have a self-centered life. I became happy go lucky, in contrary; which is sometimes good in terms of stress released. But I am happy when my niece born and she became my new inspiration, that she is giving unique impact into my life.

Way back when my sister got pregnant I have been very excited. Sometimes I got dream that the baby was born. By the time she was born last November 02, 2008, everyone in the family was very happy and excited including me. I have lots of nieces from my sisters and they are all very special into my heart.

My sister gave birth to a caesarian baby, at the Davao Mission Hospital Philippines around 3:00 or 4:00pm of November 02, 2008. My mother and I went to the hospital to take good care of my sister. When I got there at the hospital, the baby was in the nursery section. I asked the nurse if I could see her. The nurse was so friendly and approachable that she allows me to see the baby from the glass window of the nursery section. I told myself I couldn’t wait to hold and carry her into my arms. The baby was inside the nursery 24 to 48 hours so I needed to be patience.

The nurse took the baby besides my sister, where she laid on her bed. I am always there to look at and wait for the nurse instructions. My sister needs a rest. Every morning after the nurse taking a bath of the baby, she handed me the baby and instructed me to bring the baby outside to take sunlight. Without hesitation I did what the nurse have told me. I was so excited to take the baby outside; at last I can carry her.

The hospital is a 6^th floor only, and the last floor is the rooftop. From the 5^th floor where we are stayed, I carried my niece going to the rooftop by stairs of the hospital so she can get enough sunlight from early sunrise. When we got there and enjoying the fresh sunlight, I stared at her. I was caught by that moment. This is the moment, the moment that redefine me as an Aunt. I never have such an opportunity like carrying my newborn niece. I never experienced such an excitement in my life. It was a unique excitement.

 I watched her so closely. She is so precious, adorable, and innocent like pure white soft cotton and very light. Like white clouds and like a flickering white light in the middle of the dark or a white balloon floating into the air. So innocent that she doesn’t know what is happening around her. The baby was sleeping. She has soft lips, pinkish skin very soft to touch. She was covered with white clean soft cotton fabric with pink lining. Smile on her face seems the angels playing with her. Her breathing sounds like a soft music. Her smell, lift my spirit up, such indescribable feeling. Her smell is the best ever that I can imagine. She tastes like a new life, a new beginning.

We are on the rooftop at that time. No body is there except both of us. I can hear the noise of the jeep from the highway. But I continue watching her while she is sleeping. She is a new life for me when I saw her. Now I experienced being like a mother for a moment. Having an angel in your arms was a wonderful experience. I appreciate more the beauty of life.

I value life more than ever before because I know, I am not here forever. I cared more especially to my niece that is so helpless. She is my new guide and my new inspiration to pursue and value life. Since, that moment, like a moment of enlightenment. I become a better individual. I become more mature and more aware of others need. There are lives outside our individual’s life that really need us.

And here I am, continue dreaming for the good life that someday I could share to her. This gives me strength that an inspiration from heaven will touch in an unexpected and unconventional way.  Be willing to accept such special gift.

Finding meaning and purpose in Life

I am a big believer that living life is being happy. High school and college days were so much fun. Only assignments are my responsibility. I always love to learn, and I find joy in school. After off from college, I start to face the real world of my own. My college friends are on their different world too. I left aloof and hiding in a cocoon like a larva. I start to find the real meaning and purpose of life.

On my instinct after off from college, there’s one thing I want to do. Is to find this purpose and meaning in life. Sometimes my life was a deep hollow, that there’s something is lacking. I tried to read self help or inspirational books hoping I could find an answer. Then on, that was the start of the love of reading.

Life hasn’t always been easy and it’s challenging. I remember when I was twelve years old. My mom told me to be independent; I was afraid to pass or crossed the road. I was afraid that cars would hit me. This word from her has settled in my mind and heart. In every road I take I will be independent from that moment. Including the real road of life.

Today, or in this moment of my life, I am on my way of doing my purpose. I know it is not easy, but all I know is it’s not about me, but it is about “HIM”. Wherever I am, wherever I will go, I know I am not alone and I am not the only one, taking this journey for I am guided with the Holy Divine.

I am in different place; a place out of my total comfort zone, if I don’t know how to adjust I will be insane. “ADJUST”, I remember this word from my mom last 2007 or 2008. This is the second word from my mother that has deep impact for me, that if I wouldn’t apply I couldn’t stand in this life.

God chooses us to be born in this world for we have a mission to be accomplish, and we are lucky that we are alive. Our life has already planned, All we need is to find these mysterious purpose and meaning in life.

“Destruction”, from the movie Eat Love and Pray, is a gift or a portal to a new beginning. I have been that phase and I now find my purpose and meaning in life. And I am happy to do “HIS’ will, for I know he will not leave me. That everything will fall into place and fall in “HIS” time. All I Have to do is to be happy. Have you find your meaning and purpose?