Faces when CHB visits Olympog  

Posted by allanloi

Residents of Barangay Olympog to avail of the services of the City Hall sa Barangay.  Services like the medical, dental, tuli, civil registry, agriculture, veterinary and animal branding are the most in demand.

More photos of the services during the CHB in Olympog.

City and barangay officials with the different Department Heads and assistant Department head of City Hall departments were discussing several issues during the conduct of the CHB.

HIV AIDS Campaign continues in Gensan  

Posted by allanloi in Condom, Gensan, HIV AIDS, Information and Education CAmpaign

This week I had a chance to moderate the press conference in line with the celebration of the World Aids Day.  It is one program that the city government of Gensan embraced to protect the residents here from being inflicted with the disease.

HIV AIDS is a global concern that needs attention by the community and the government.  Dra. Mely Lastimoso of the City Health Office here looks into the programs such as the Information and Education Campaign to address this problem which affects the the life of the victims.

The disease alone carries different issues that needs resolution but despite the many efforts of the national and local government many are still not aware of the effects that HIV AIDS can do to mankind.

Here in Gensan six(6) more were found positive after they voluntary submitted themselves to test and this makes a total of 25  who were found positive of HIV AIDS.

Lastimoso also clarified that  more number of the populace  submits themselves to testing would mean an effective  campaigns and advocacy.  Presently there is still a need to intensify their programs to reach more people to have a test.

Nevertheless her team and the partners are optimistic of achieving their goals after Pope Benedict XVI approves the use of condom to address the growing number of HIV AIDS.

The team hopes that the media will be their allies in bringing to the people of Gensan the information they need about the disease.  An exhibit was opened to the public in one of the malls in the city and later in the day  a parade and a program was held.

Posted by allanloi

Christmas is Here Again  

Posted by allanloi in Christmas in the Philippines, Christmas time

It’s Christmas time again . . . a time when parties are everywhere.  For us, this season of the year is a time for celebration, joy, sharing, reunions, love and most of all the season to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

Our Filipino culture and influences from our colonizers and western culture taught us many practices aside from those that are ours.  We  have practiced a distinct celebration which made us known anywhere in the world.  We make it a point that every year our Christmas celebration is different and meaningful.

The nine mornings of  misa de gallo ( dawn mass) , the manito-manita (exchange gift), christmas carols and parties and many more are some of the many practices that our culture brought us.

Because of all of this most of us would wish that the whole year round is Christmas.  One thing that I consider Filipino during this season is our being sentimental and mellow dramatic.   From the simple gifts that we receive to the most touching moments that our families and friends does for us, we always find ourselves in tears for different reasons.

Whatever it is. . .  this is who we are and this season would always bring surprises and joy.  A season when your wishes do come true. Merry Christmas everyone.

Sweetened Banana . . Yummy for my Family  

Posted by allanloi

One thing I love doing during my spare time is cook for my nephews and niece for they too like to eat and for the whole family as well.  I can still remember when I started learning how to cook, that was when my grandparents especially my grandfather taught me.

He would let me watch how he does things in the kitchen and slowly I started doing it myself.  But what I am sharing to you my readers now is what I learned from my grandmother. .  . it is the “minatamis na saging”(sweetened banana).

Bananas grow anywhere in the country and there are several of varieties that can be grown here.  One popular to us is the Cardava which is often cooked for snacks and can be an abundant source of carbohydrates. It can be a substitute for rice.

We Filipinos loves to cook it “nilaga(boiled), prito (fried) or just simply eat it fresh when ripe.  I can still remember when my Lola Dolor prepares a sweetened banana and sell it in a school nearby.

I can still vividly remember  when she wakes up early and starts to boil water in a big pan.  When it boils she will mix the mascubado ( a sugar locally produced here) until it is dissolved in the water.  And then she  will pour the bananas into it and simmer it until the mixture thickens.  

Last weekend  I had the chance to prepare the same for my nephews and niece.   We had shared another yummy snacks . .  thanks to our grandma.