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• Tips on Caring for your Flowers
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½ kilo pork steaks
½ cup soy sauce*
2 tablespoons calamansi juice**
¼ teaspoon pepper***
1 large onion cut into rings
1 red bell pepper, cut into rings 

Procedure:

Marinate ½ kilo pork steaks or cutlets in ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons calamansi juice, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Heat oil in a skillet and pan-fry the pork until done. Set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper. Add this to the pork. Boil the remaining marinade in the pan and pour over the pork before serving.

* Our Lolas’ like using Coconut Brand or Marca Pina or Knorr soy sauce
**When no calamansi is available, replace this with lemons or just use MamaSita’s or Silver Swan Toyomansi.
***Our Lolas’ like to use whole peppercorn that’s milled or mashed instead of the powderized ones.




Next Issue: Lola reminds us how to make Sinigang!

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Truth or Myth? 
DEODORANT-USE CAUSES CANCER 


Rumor has been going around that a certain component in deodorants causes breast cancer. It doesn’t help that articles from the press and the Internet have confirmed a link between breast cancer and underarm antiperspirants and deodorants, claiming that harmful chemicals enter the bloodstream through nicks in the skin from shaving or even plucking axillary (armpit) hair. What now for the Pinoys who are known to keep themselves sparkingly clean and smelling great? Do we stop using deodorants altogether and risk the change in reputation?

First of all, let us clarify what the studies really say: 

In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, where 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer were subjects of the study, reports reveal that there are no increased risk for breast cancer in women who used underarm antiperspirants or deodorants. The study garnered the same results even for those who used non-electric razors or blades before applying deodorants/anti-perspirants.

Although the studies have not shown a direct link between anti-perspirant use and breast cancer, medical journals have shown that excessive exposure to aluminum chlorohydrate, a main component of almost all anti-perspirants, can cause aluminum toxicity. Accumulating more than the normal levels of aluminum in the body can cause headaches, anemia, poor calcium metabolism, softening of the bones, gastrointestinal disturbances, decreased liver and kidney functions, memory loss, as well as other symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, aluminum chlorohydrate may be absorbed by the body through the skin or absorbed into the brain through the nasal passages.

These facts may sound alarming however these studies show no conclusive link since the level of aluminum exposure through constant use of antiperspirants has not been established. Since, the scientific findings give us no basis to make an informed decision as to whether or not we can still safely use antiperspirants, the next step is to look into our beliefs and attitude towards scientific findings. 

We may choose to ignore the rumors and wait for more conclusive studies before changing your lifestyle or do something to preclude the possibility of excessive exposure to toxic elements or carcinogens. 

If at his point, you begin to have strong feelings against using antiperspirants and deodorants, don’t sweat! All is not lost.. there are several alternatives to cosmetic deodorants/ antiperspirants:

1. Minimize exposure to antiperspirants. Reduce underarm sweating the natural way, such as wearing loose clothing made from natural fibers, shaving underarm regularly to increase airflow, and reducing intake of stimulants like caffeine.
2. Use deodorants which have no aluminum chlorohydrate. This comes in the form of pure deodorant with no antiperspirant ingredients, i.e., it does not reduce underarm sweating but eliminates bad odor. Or reduce or eliminate use of cosmetic deodorants and anti-perspirants by using these alternatives:
   1. tawas (natural mineral salt crystal, also called anon alum), which has antibacterial properties that fight odor.
   2. herbal remedies, such as tea tree oil.
   3. topical antibiotic creams or lotions (e.g. clindamycin, erythromycin)
   4. daily washing with a liquid soap containing chlorhexidine
3. Explore the modern techniques which deal directly with underarm sweating. 
   1. axillary injections with Botox (botulinum toxin A). A study published in Achives of Dermatology demonstrated a significant reduction in axillary odor intensity only seven days after injection. 
   2. superficial liposuction of the axilla which, according to studied cases, has resulted in 90 percent improvement. As with most liposuction procedures, general anesthesia is required. Reports show that there is low complication rate, minimal post-operative care (two days), and patients recover rapidly

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Latest in ‘Pinas: 
Top 5 Books & Albums

Local music stores and local bookstores post the following titles as their bestsellers. So this is what most Pinoy audiophiles and readers back home are into nowadays.

Top 5 Albums

1. Nina Live by Nina
2. It’s Time by Michael Buble
3. Phantom of the Opera OST 
4. Genius Loves Company by Ray Charles
5. Versions by MYMP
   
   

Top 5 Books

1. Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
2. The Five People you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
3. The Broker by John Grisham
4. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
5. Honeymoon by James Patterson
   

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Before you look into traveling to another country, check out the finest places to go to in the Philippines!

Torn between visiting another country and seeing your family and friends back home? Wouldn’t it be good to have both… wherein you can see your family and friends in Pinas as well as hike off to that ideal vacation spot with first class service, all in one trip?

Well, there are many good reasons why many Europeans flock to the Philippines despite the terrorist threats and it’s not just the tsunami-free beaches! And the only way to find out is to see these places yourselves. Here are some of the finest places to go to in the Philippines....places where the facilities and service is truly world-class! 

1. Health and Wellness Spa, Meditation Places, Healthy Gourmet Food, Yoga Lessons: The Farm at San Benitos, Batangas
2. Absolute Nature Tripping , Jungle Adventure, Diving and Fantastic Beach : El Nido, Palawan
3. Historic Sites, Cultural Heritage, Casino & Resorts: Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos
4. White Sands, Island Hopping, Great Night Life: Resorts at Station 1 in Boracay
5. Private Beach Fronts, Diving, First Class Facilities, Seafood: The Pearl Farm, Davao

The ultimate in private beaches and incomparable service is, of course, Amanpulo in Palawan. Although it can be as pricey as a trip to Europe, it is well worth every dollar spent.

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CUTTING
As a general rule, cut stems should be placed in water immediately, as air will rapidly move into the water-conducting tissues and plug the cells. Cuts can be made under-water to assure no air enters the stem. The cut should be made diagonally with a very sharp knife or scissors to maximize water-intake.

FLORAL FOOD
Commercial preservatives will increase the life of cut flowers and should always be used. Contrary to what many home remedy experts recommend, adding aspirin, wine, or pennies to cut flowers will not help to keep them fresh longer. When in doubt, do not attempt a home-made concoction. A floral preservative is a complex mixture of sucrose; acidifier, an inhibitor of microorganisms; and a respiratory inhibitor. These elements work together to provide food for the flowers and inhibit the growth of bacteria and maximize water uptake.

Needless to say, bacteria blocks the stems and inhibits water uptake. Hence the basic rule in aiding the floral preservative in its functions, is to slow down microorganisms. Do this by keeping the vase or container always clean, and the water in it always clear. Also remove all leaves below the water surface, as they soon deteriorate. 

FLORAL GIFTS
If you receive a floral gift, you have no choice but to hope that the florist is a reputable one which means the flowers were conditioned properly before they were used in the arrangement. And so your primary task is to minimize the trauma that the flowers are experiencing due to its transport. 

In this case, check the water level of the container or vase immediately and add water as necessary. A reputable florist usually takes time to treat the water in the vase or in the floral foam with preservatives. In such a case, it is sufficient that you add water daily. If a pack of preservative is provided by the florist, then follow the instructions very carefully when you use it.


STORAGE
It is ideal that we place our flowers in front of us the whole day, be it on our work table, bedside, dining table, or living room. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to keep these places where we linger in the path of electric fan drafts. This is good for us because it keeps us cool but it dehydrates our cut flowers. You should keep flowers away from hot or cold air drafts and hot spots (radiators, direct heat, or television sets). While both drafts and hot spots increase water loss, hot spots reduce a flower's life by speeding transpiration (water loss) and respiration (use of stored food such as sugars) and increasing development (rate of petal unfolding). When away from home, move the flowers into the refrigerator or the coldest (above 35° F/1.5° C) spot in the house. Again, 
this will slow down water loss, respiration, and development.

Never store fruit and flowers together. Apples produce ethylene gas, a hormone that causes senescence, or aging, in flowers.

With these tips in mind, buy yourself a big bouquet of flowers and see them last longer this time around, or forward this article to friends back home and send them a nice floral gift along with it! One of Manila’s prestigious flowershops, The Flower Cart, allows online ordering through their website, www.flowercartmanila.com. Try sending a spring bouquet to a special someone in Manila and share the joy of caring for fresh flowers!

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Traveling to the Vatican to pay your respects to His Holiness Pope John Paul II? Either the emotion or the excitement that surrounds this trip can cause some unnecessary inconveniences for you and the people you travel with. To preclude this risk, be prepared for anything, pack well, stick to a sensible travel checklist. Send a copy to the one traveling with you, or to a loved one to help him/her get ready for that trip.

This is a master list of things you may need when you pack, you may add or remove from this list but the ones marked are essential especially if you are traveling to an unknown destination and not just back to good ol’ Pinas where everything you will ever need can be on hand at the snap of your fingers. ( i.e., as you will be pampered by your family or some member of the extended family )

Before you set out to travel, make sure the following things have been taken cared of:

• Vacation/Sabbatical or other leaves approved 
• Budget / Funds & Pocket Money allocated 
• Arrangements for children traveling/not traveling with you 
• Arrangements for pets, plants, home maintenance, utilities & other monthly payments
• Stop on newspaper delivery and hold on mails
• Set-up email for easy access, auto reply email message for office mail
• Review insurance: health abroad, rental car, travel etc.
• Sufficient calling cards
• Copies of itinerary, passport, & prescriptions.
• Messages, notes & important documents turned over to relatives/friends or coworkers. 
• Airline, Train, Cruise, Tour Package Reservations
• Accommodation/ hotel Reservations
• Car Rentals
• Passport
• Visas
• Inoculations/ Required Vaccinations, if any
  

Travel Checklist

This is a master list of things you may need when you pack, you may add or remove from this list but the ones marked are essential especially if you are traveling to an unknown destination and not just back to good ol’ Pinas where everything you will ever need can be on hand at the snap of your fingers. ( i.e., as you will be pampered by your family or some member of the extended family )

Essential Documents* 

• Passport 
  (make sure it will not expire within 6months from your date of entry, some countires require this) 
• Visa 
  if possible, read the stamp or sticker which represents your Visa and make sure that you were issued the correct type of Visa you applied for, i.e., as students, immigrants, tourist, etc
• Health documents (vaccination certificates, etc.)
• Airline tickets (and other transfers/ transportation passes) 
• Itinerary
• Hotel Reservations
• Travel Insurance/ Health Insurance
• Carry proof of insurance coverage and give a copy to someone at home.
• International Driving License
• Photocopies of documentation 

Money*

• US dollars
• Local currency 
• ATM/Credit cards 
• Traveler's checks ( if you do not expect ATMs to be available) 
• Phone card

Clothing (Preferably Crease Resistant)

• Underwear / Disposable Underwear*
• Travel shirt ( ideally with pockets for documents and extra cash)* 
• Travel pants ( multiple pockets and preferably convertible to shorts ) * 
• Extra T-Shirts & Shorts
• Sleep wear/ Pajama/Lingerie
• Swim suit & Sandals, Other Beach wear
• Sports Wear
• One nice outfit for theater or restaurant ( with purse)
• Sweater/Jacket or parka
• Rainwear & umbrella
• Walking shoes (nice enough to wear into restaurants or theater)* 
• Belt
• Hat or Cap
• Suit, Tie, Cufflinks
• Socks / Panty Hose
• Slippers or Sandals or Flip Flops
• Winter Clothing : Thermal undies, wool cap , gloves, thick socks & boots
• Scarf or Bandana
• Accessories

Traveler's Essentials

• Sunglasses* 
• Sunscreen* 
• Tissues*
• Document pouch (passport /money belt, etc.) 
• Camera, film, lenses* 
• Camera Accessories: Camera Pouch, Extra Memory Card, Charger and Batteries
• Mobile phone and Phone Charger ( preferably with Alarm Clock)*
• Electrical conversion plugs/ Adaptor
• Luggage ID tags 
• Luggage Straps
• Padlocks
• Mesh bag for dirty laundry 
• Guidebooks/ Maps
• Language/ Phrase books
• Sleep Aid: Earplugs, Eye Mask, Neck pillow

Toiletries 

Shower Essentials

• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Soap
• Shaving cream and razor 
• Deodorant* 
• Blow drier 
• Comb Brush
• Cotton buds
• Shower Cap
• Cologne or Scented Water

Smell fresh even after being exposed to the elements while traveling. Put your favorite cologne or scent in a small bottle or atomizer and carry this around with your travel essentials, it will feel good to smell fresh and feel refreshed throughout the trip. 

Oral Care

• Toothbrush and toothpaste 
• Dental floss

Skin Care

• Moisturizer & Lip Balm*
• Cleanser 
• Make up
• Sunblock *
• Insect Repellant*

Others

• Nail clippers, files, tweezers, scissors, etc.* 
• Contact lens & Cleanser/ Extra Eyeglasses and eye drop*
• ( as well as prescription for eyeglasses)
• Feminine Hygiene Products ( wash, pads, tampons)
• Detergent
• Cotton pad
• Tissues

First Aid

• Band Aid/Dressing or Antiseptic
• Jetlag medicine 
• Motion sickness tablets 
• Aspirin /Ibuprofen/ Antacid / Lozenges
• Medication for Stomach Poblems: Anti-diarrhea tablets or Mild laxative 
• Water-purifying Tablets
• antihistamine pills
• anti-itch cream
• yellow card (International Health Certificate)
  notecard detailing medical conditions/allergies (keep in wallet)

Miscellaneous Items 

• Daily Vitamins & Other Food Supplements*
• Prescription medications* and the prescription with generic names
• Travel journal 
• Wet Tissues
• Contraceptives
• Reading Material/ Games/ Gameboy/ Frisbee
• Ipod, MP3/Cd player
• Binoculars 
• Torchlight 
• Swiss Knife
• Hiking boots/sneakers
• Laptop with battery charger 
• Address book for sending postcards
• Calling cards
• Drain Plug 
• Marker
• Rubber bands and tape

Packs 

• Travel Pack/ overnighter 
• Backpack
• Day pack/ bag or waist pouch

Packing for Babies

• Diapers, wipes, ointment, powder 
• Bottles, formula, bottled water 
• Car seat, stroller, back carrier 
• Infant/child medications/thermometer 
• Toddler snacks
• Blanket, favorite stuffed animal 

Camping Gear 

• insect repellent/ mosquito netting
• tent and stakes & ground sheet & sleeping pad
• nylon repair tape
• hammock
• bivy sack
• poncho
• utensils (knife, fork, and spoon)
• stove with fuel & light cooking gear (pot, fry pan, sierra cup)
• lighter
• seasonings
• five spare plastic zip bags
• fishhook and line (or dental floss)
  

Packing Tips:

For those who wish to travel light, a total of three of each assorted tops & bottoms, excluding the Day1 travel outfit, is the maximum regardless of the length of the trip. The selected articles of clothing must belong to a color scheme that is easy to mix and match. 

It is advisable to assemble a standard toiletry kit that you will use for all your trips, be it to an overnight at the beach or camping or a trip to Spain

Bring several used laundry or supermarket plastic bags to keep shoes and soiled / wet items. 

A roll of cellophane tape can come in handy for quickly mending hems, sealing bottles or removing lint. 
Stuff socks or hosiery inside shoes to keep its shape

To maximize use of space in your luggage, pack larger items first then stuff small items around it.

Fold a sheet of fabric softener together with the clothes. Clothes will smell good and wrinkle less. 

Small items like cotton buds and vitamins should go in Ziploc/ resealable bags. 

Since aircraft pressure causes leaks in bottles containing liquids, secure all bottle caps with tape. 


To reduce luggage weight, wear your heavier clothes while traveling instead of packing them 

When the itinerary calls for attending an exhibit or shopping, bring extra luggage by placing the packed luggage in a larger empty luggage. 


If you have both check-in and hand luggage, pack the most important items in your hand luggage. 

Toiletries, books, business papers, prescriptions and other things you need on board must be packed in a smaller tote that may be stored under your seat to avoid the inconvenience of having to reach for your hand carry luggage in the overhead compartment. 

Travel Tips:
As much as possible, try to travel with only hand luggage. This saves time when claiming luggage and cuts down worries over lost, misplaced or damaged luggage. 


For long trips, bring things you might crave for which may not be available abroad: local snacks, favorite CDs, books, etc 

Check in for the following items is a no-no: money, jewelry, traveler’s checks, travel documents, matches, lighters and other inflammable items. 

During takeoff and landing, combat discomfort in the ears due to pressure by y awning, chewing gum or doing this: pinch your nostrils shut, inhale, close your mouth and try gently to blow your nose. 

Combat cabin dryness by drinking plain non-carbonated water or fruit juices. Coffee, beer or wine will dehydrate you.

Reconfirm your flight and hotel reservation before traveling. Some airlines do not honor tickets that have not been reconfirmed 72 hours before the flight. 

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Pinoy Signs 

It’s fun to look around while cruising through the Philippine urban areas because you may see one of these signages…


At a construction site in Mandaluyong: 
BAWAL OMEHI DITO. ANG MAHOLI BOG-BOG" 

At an eatery in Cebu: 
"WE HAB SOPDRINK IN CAN AND IN BATOL!"[IMAGE] 

Sa pader ng Intramuros:
"MARUNONG K BANG TUMAHOL? ASO LANG ANG UMI-IHI DITO!" 


On a building somewhere in the Philippines:
"NOTARY PUBLIC, TUMATANGGAP DIN NG LABADA KUNG LINGGO."

In a Baguio grocery: 
"FRESH FROZEN CHICKEN SOLD HERE"

In Cubao:
"NONE ID NOTHING ENTRY" 

On Jeepney and Bus signs:
"BEFORE PAY, TELL WHERE GET THE ON BEFORE GET THE OFF" 

On a street in San Juan: 
"BAWAL MAGTAPON NG BINALOT NA TAE RITO"

Vacant lot near Makati Avenue: 
"DON'T PARKING!!!”

A burger joint in Naga City called Mang Donald’s advertises its burgers & fries
“ Mak Mak & Prince Fries..P--- only”

A laundry shop signage showing a caricature of a hot babe in P Burgos, Makati is named
“ Let’s Talk Dirty”

A karaoke joint in Taft Avenue:
“ Kween Kong”

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Tips on Encouraging Kids to Read

That the child would learn to read instead of watching TV is on any Pinoy parents wish list. Not only does TV increase the child’s exposure to unnecessary radiation, it can cause eyestrain. Furthermore, unsupervised viewing of a variety of programs exposes kids to commercialism , violence, immorality, and the wrong value system. Encouraging children to read is one of the most difficult task a parent can attempt to take but it is always worth a try and it is never too late:

1. Be the role model. 
   Kids emulate the grown ups in their company. Parents or guardians should be within the child’s view when he/she decided to pick up a book and read so that he may discern this as an acceptable and enjoyable activity
2. Bring good children’s books when taking trips out of town or abroad. 
   When there is no access to TV, children begin to realize how enjoyable reading can be.
3. Frequently visit a bookstore or library with a wide variety of children’s books. 
   Even better if it has child friendly facilities. You need not buy all the books and accessories he /she asked for, but make sure he has a pleasurable experience while in the premises.
4. Buy or borrow children’s audio books. 
   Listening to audio books can provide a good start to a reading habit.
5. Give books. 
   Choose the most popular or widely read book suited for his age or those relating to those he/she is particularly interested in at the moment. Package it nicely with a special blanket, toy, or plush so that he/she may have fond memories of these books.
   

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Wanted: Web Designer ; Photoshop skills required, business experience a big plus. Open to those living in the Philippines or staying in the US; only part time work or students need to apply.  Pls state your rate when you email your resume to info@pilipinomart.com

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Submit your inspiring stories to Pinoy Secrets Team (newsletter@pilipinomart.com) and get a chance to win 10% discount on your next grocery purchase if we publish your story.

Mechanics: Article must be less than 5 sentences. Send it along with your full name, correct email address, age, occupation and address to newsletter@pilipinomart.com by April 25, 2005.

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Little bits of crispy chicharon on top of that mouthwatering La Paz Bachoy….

Those crunchy peanuts you just can’t stop picking on when served as appetizers in Chinese restaurants

Need instant toast for your camping trip?  Want to prepare kids breakfast in advance?  Need some croutons for your pumpkin soup?  Try Prima toast, bread toasted to perfection, you can’t wrong with this one. BUY FOR .99c Limit 10 per household. Promo starts at 04/01/2005 ends at 04/30/2005. Hurry offer good while supply last.

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