The 6 Types Of Wealth

This post has a podcast version - visit Spotify and listen with us. 

Came across this 5 types of wealth in IG years back. It wasn't expounded, just the one liner/phrase--because it's rhetorical in nature, those simple words are talking already by itself, alone. The post in Instagram was only 5 types but i added another 1 - the Wisdom wealth.

Allow me to put some expansion of thoughts on these 6 types of wealth based on experience, research, and, opinion.

1. Financial Wealth (Money and Possessions)

Your ability to wield the power of money, assets, and financial gains are important nowadays; factoring in comfort and convenience, financial wealth is one of the vehicles to achieve material things in life. 

Although this wealth is relative, some people may consider it as not that important, because of priorities in life. Some may prioritize simple living and leaning toward peace of mind.

Take note, in these days, one of the keys to sustain comfort and convenience is material wealth.

2. Social Wealth (Status and Popularity)

Social wealth isn't about money in your pocket but about the currency of social capital. It's the respect, admiration, and influence you wield in your community. Think of it as a blend of your reputation, your network, and how many people value your presence and opinion.

Higher social wealth can open doors to opportunities. For example, job offers, partnerships, and invitations often come more readily to those with higher status or popularity.

A well-regarded person usually has a strong support network, which can provide emotional support, advice, and assistance in times of need.

Those with high social wealth often find themselves in leadership roles, whether in community organizations, workplaces, or social circles. Their opinions and decisions carry weight.

Popular and high-status individuals can be powerful agents of change, mobilizing others to support causes, adopt new behaviors, or shift cultural norms.

3. Time Wealth (Freedom)

Time wealth is the luxury of having control over your time to pursue what truly matters to you. It's about having the freedom to choose how you spend your days, whether it’s on work, leisure, personal growth, or spending time with loved ones. Imagine it as having a bank account filled with precious hours, and you get to decide how to invest them.

Control over your time allows you to prioritize self-care, leading to better physical and mental health. Imagine being able to exercise regularly, meditate, or simply relax without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Time wealth lets you invest in relationships, strengthening bonds with family and friends. It means being present at your child’s soccer game, enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones, or catching up with old friends.

Time wealth is the ultimate freedom, a precious resource that allows us to live fully and authentically. It empowers us to nurture our well-being, build strong relationships, and engage meaningfully with our communities.

So, let’s strive to cultivate time wealth in our lives. Let’s advocate for flexible work environments, prioritize what matters most, and create a culture that values the richness of time. By doing so, we unlock the true potential of our lives, savoring each moment with the freedom to choose our path.

Remember, in the grand tapestry of life, it’s not just the years that count, but the time well spent. Embrace your time wealth, and watch how it transforms your world.

4. Physical Wealth (Health and Vitality)

Physical wealth refers to the state of your health and well-being. It encompasses everything from your physical fitness and nutrition to mental health and disease prevention. In essence, it’s the vitality and energy you possess to live your life to the fullest.

Physical Fitness: This includes your strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical condition. Regular exercise and active living are the cornerstones here.

Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for maintaining your health.

Mental Health: Your emotional and psychological well-being is crucial. Stress management, emotional resilience, and mental clarity all play vital roles.

Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, screenings, and proactive health measures help you catch potential issues early and maintain long-term health.

Physical wealth is the bedrock upon which a fulfilling life is built. It enables you to pursue your dreams, enjoy your achievements, and cherish your relationships. By investing in your health, you are investing in the most precious asset you possess—yourself.

So, let's commit to nurturing our physical wealth. Let's make choices that promote health and well-being, not just for ourselves but for our families and communities. Remember, the wealth of good health is the greatest fortune you can have, and it’s within your reach. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it enriches every aspect of your life

5. Knowledge and Wisdom Wealth

Wisdom wealth is the deep, comprehensive understanding and insight that comes from accumulating knowledge and experiences over time. It's not just about having information, but about synthesizing that information in meaningful ways to guide our actions and decisions.

Knowledge: This is the foundation—facts, information, and skills acquired through education and experience.

Experience: Practical encounters and engagements with the world that shape our understanding and judgement.

Insight: The ability to discern inner qualities and relationships. It's about seeing beyond the surface.

Judgment: The capacity to make sound decisions based on knowledge and insight.

These are the personal benefits:

Decision Making: Wisdom wealth enhances your ability to make informed, thoughtful decisions. It’s like having a well-lit path in a dark forest.

Resilience: With greater wisdom, you can better navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties, drawing on past experiences and learned knowledge to find solutions.

Fulfillment: Engaging with new ideas and continuous learning can lead to a deeply satisfying and enriching life.

Wisdom wealth is a treasure that enriches every aspect of our lives. It empowers us to make wise choices, fosters resilience, and brings deep fulfillment. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, not just to ourselves but to our communities and future generations.

So, let's commit to cultivating wisdom wealth. Let’s read, learn, and share our knowledge. Let's reflect on our experiences and seek deeper understanding. In doing so, we create a world where wisdom guides our actions, enriches our lives, and lights the way for others.

Remember, the wealth of wisdom is infinite, and it's within our reach. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms our world into a more thoughtful, informed, and enlightened place.

6. Spiritual Wealth (Peace of Mind and Soul)

Spiritual wealth refers to a deep sense of inner peace, fulfillment, and purpose. It's the richness that comes from cultivating a meaningful connection with something greater than ourselves—be it a higher power, nature, or the collective human spirit. Think of it as the spiritual oxygen that fuels our souls.

I would consider this as the wealth with a promise. A promise transcending beyond this life -- to an everlasting peace and joy in the Holy City.

Here are the benefits..

Resilience: Spiritual wealth provides the strength to endure life’s hardships with grace and courage. It’s a source of unwavering inner strength.

Joy and Fulfillment: A spiritually wealthy person often experiences a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Their life feels rich with purpose and significance.

Mental and Emotional Health: Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and reflection can greatly enhance mental and emotional well-being.

Spiritual wealth is a treasure that enriches every aspect of our lives. It provides the foundation for resilience, joy, and meaningful connections. It guides us to live with integrity and purpose, contributing not only to our well-being but also to the betterment of society.

So, let’s strive to cultivate spiritual wealth in our lives. Let’s practice mindfulness, engage in service, and seek out experiences that deepen our spiritual understanding. In doing so, we will find that we are not only richer ourselves but also more capable of enriching the lives of those around us.

Remember, the wealth of the spirit is infinite and ever-renewing. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms your life and the world into a more peaceful, connected, and purposeful place.

--Othello

follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/7sH34AGgdcGTZ5ZwWMQ6bE?si=Hm5ClPStS7mO2iQQZ4PsSw/ 

Ang Aking Akay At Bunga - 2024

Kailan ba ako huling nagbunga? Ahhhh, tanda ko pa... September 2022 kase si-net ko sa digital calendar na yearly recurring para di ko makalimutan ang bautismo ng aking akay; year 2022--kasalukuyang may pandemya noon (nasa mga huling yugto na ng Covid Pandemic) subalit hindi hadlang ang pagpapabautismo.

Fast forward to 3rd quarter ng 2023, nakipag-usap uli ako sa pamamagitan ng panalangin, na sana'y bigyan ako ng aakayin at aalagaan upang makabahagi sa gawaing pagpapalaganap.

Final Screening Sa Lokal ng
Bayang Luma

Dito ko nakilala si Kuya Erwin, nakatambay siya sa mga upuan sa may 711 sa labas, umiinom ng Coke, kasama ang isang construction worker din na halos edad ay sa tingin ko mga turning 50s. Pagpasok ko sa 711, my mind was multi-tasking, infact ang iniisip ko noon ay kung saan ako mag-aanyaya upang magkaroon ng panauhin sa gagawing pamamahayag sa kinabukasan. I finished paying the 1.5 Liter bottle of Sprite and headed outside already to my vehicle to drive home pero inisip ko, "makapag-anyaya nga sa dalawang mamang nakatambay".

Initially, I asked Kuya in the 50's to join the Pamamahayag tomorrow night, he declined immediately saying that he's a construction worker leaving work at 5PM at umuuwi sa Marikina daily, I tried to do my usual rebuttals and asked him further on his availability but he was politely declining, kaya I didn't pursue any longer to invite him.

I then tried my luck kay Kuya Erwin, I noticed that he has a bike where his arms are rested on the front handles, so I asked if he's free tomorrow for a Bible Study. He seemed interested and I could sense his willingness to participate. I locked in our date and place for meet-up at pagsundo, and the rest is history.

Fast forward to May 2024... Kuya Erwin got baptized inside the Church. He went through the formal and usual path of indoctrination and sinusubok stages, until the final screening. With God's grace and love, he became a candidate for baptism and finally got baptized, and officially registered as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

___

Ang mag-akay at magbunga ay hindi isang madaling bagay. Naalaala ko ang isang talata sa Bibliya... "...agawin ninyo sila sa apoy, kaawaan ninyo sila". The verse is conveying it in a figurative manner, subalit  I realized that it can also be in a literal manner, there are times mapapaso ka at ang pag-agaw ay hindi madali.

Araw Ng Bautismo - Mayo 2024

These are the top 5 learnings I had so far habang sa gawaing pag-aakay:

1. Be consistent - Mula sa pagsundo, pagsama sa mga pagdodoktrina at pagpapasamba, kailangang hindi ningas-cugon... dapat ay maging consistent. There are 25 lessons for the indoctrinee to undergo, kailangan bilang isang may-akay, subaybayang maigi at suportahan mula umpisa ng doktrina, maging sa panahong pagtapak niya bila sinusubok, pagsama sa screening, at pag-suporta sa bautismo. 

Ngunit hindi nagtatapos iyon sa bautismo, kailangan niya pa rin ng guidance at hand-holding sa panahong nasa loob na siya ng Iglesia. Ang kaniyang pananampalataya ay kailangang mag-ugat, at ang pinakananais natin ay manatili siyang nakapagpapatuloy hanggang matapos niya ang kaniyang takbuhin.

2. Prepare yourself with sacrifices - Kalakip na ang sakripisyo at proper mind-set ang pagkakaroon ng inaakay. Words are not enough to describe kung paanong mga pagmamalasakit at pagtatanggi ng sarili ang gagawin, nariyan na maglaan ng oras para sa mga pagsundo at paghatid, pagsama sa mga doktrina at pag hihintay sa mga pagsamba. 

Nariyan ang pag-abot ng tulong pinansiyal upang ang akay ay makapagpatuloy habang binubuo niya ang kaniyang pananampalataya at pinalalago sa pamamagitan ng mga pakikinig. Maaring iba't-ibang sakripisyo ang ating makakaharap ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay kayang malagpasan kung sinet-in-advance natin ang ating isipan sa journey ng pag-aakay at pagpapalaganap.

3. Makisama sa inaakay at impluwensiyahan sa kulturang Cristiano - Ang kinalakhang kultura ng sanlibutan ay hindi-hindi mababago overnight, this is a gradual process at bilang may-akay, we are the main instruments, the visual examples kung paano lumakad sa kulturang Cristiano. We have the biggest impact and influence sa ating mga inaakay at pinadodoktrinahan. Let's lead by example.

Candidates for Baptism with
Ka Marty (Our Destinado)

4. Pag napagod, magpahinga at ituloy ang laban. - Darating ang panahon na maaring magsawa, or mag-give-up ang nag-aakay. Tao lang din, na napapagod at nawawalan kung minsan. Subalit, hindi ito dapat ang dahilan upang sumuko, whatever we started, we should finish it, after all this is a sworn duty, ang pagiging misyonero at misyonera -- bilang mga ilaw, liwanag, at tanglaw sa sanlibutang madilim.

5. Magpanata, manalangin. - Underrated mang sabihin pero napaka-powerful nito. Ang lunas sa lahat ng agam-agam kung kakayin ba o hindi ay ang panata at panalangin. Hindi madaling magbunga, gaya ng sinabi ko kanina subalit kung ang pusot at damdamin ay ilakip, at gawing dahil sa pag-ibig kaya gusto nating magbunga, ito ay magiging madali, at may kalakip ng self-fulfillment. Mas lalo tayong nalalapit sa Kaniya.

_____

** If you have questions or need someone to talk to, o diman kaya'y isa ka sa mga nagsusuri and you wanted to inquire about INC and how to get inside, don't hesistate to message me, I'll be more than happy to accompany you in your journey to becoming an Iglesia Ni Cristo member **

-billymacdeus

paki-follow po kami sa FB https://facebook.com/billymacdeusblog/ 

Why Should We Switch Back To Wired Headphones/Earphones?

Usb-C EarPods Costs 1,190 PHP as of May 2024

Here's an excerpt with my convo to a fellow AppleFanboi when it comes to switching back from Noise Cancellation Airpods to Apple's USB-C EarPods.

Myself: I recently bought a wired EarPods from Apple, the USB-C Type. I saw a vid from X kase na noise cancellation wireless EarPods is like bathing in EMF which eventually damages brain tissues.

Him: Are you friggin serious?!!! Ancient Technology na yang Wired Headphones ah.

Myself: (chuckling) natawa naman ako sa description mo! Ancient Technology talaga? Wow Ha, pero seryoso nga!, nakakadamage daw ng brain cells ang palaging nakababad sa wireless headsets tulad ng Airpods mo na Version 2. 

________

Is it worth switching to wired earphones from the wireless, noise cancelling AirPods?

While browsing X last week, I came across this shortclip showcasing the effects of wireless earphones, airpods, other noise cancelling earphones. It was claimed that EMFs based on 15,000 studies causes DNA damage to the brain and the human body. It was even suggested that when walking with your cellphone in your pocket, put it on airplane mode because it damages the human sperm. That when exposed to EMFs, it gets DNA breaks and impacts lesser mortality.

There is this so called EMF (Electromagnetic Fields). Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. EMFs are produced by both natural and human-made sources. There are two types of EMFs: low-frequency EMFs (non-ionizing) and high-frequency EMFs (ionizing).

1. Low-frequency EMFs:

   • Sources: Household appliances, power lines, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, computers, and other electronic devices.
   • Characteristics: These fields are non-ionizing, meaning they don't carry enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms or molecules. Examples include extremely low frequency (ELF) fields and radiofrequency (RF) fields.

2. High-frequency EMFs:

   • Sources: X-rays, gamma rays, and certain medical imaging devices.
   • Characteristics: These fields are ionizing and can remove electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to biological tissues.

Let's deep dive its effect to the brain.

The effects of low-frequency EMFs, such as those from mobile phones and Wi-Fi, on the human brain have been the subject of extensive research. Here are some key points:

• Short-term effects:

  • Thermal Effects: Prolonged exposure to high levels of RF EMFs can cause tissue heating. However, the levels of EMFs from everyday devices are typically too low to cause significant heating effects.
  • Neurophysiological Effects: Some studies have suggested that exposure to RF fields from mobile phones can affect brain activity, including changes in brain wave patterns. However, these effects are usually small and transient, and their biological significance is unclear.

• Long-term effects:

  • Cancer Risk: The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified RF EMFs as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use. However, the evidence is limited and more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.
  • Cognitive and Behavioral Effects: There is ongoing research into whether long-term exposure to EMFs from mobile phones and other devices affects cognitive function, memory, and behavior. The results have been mixed, with some studies suggesting possible effects and others finding no significant impact.

Now that we learnt the effects of low-frequency EMFs, let's contrast it this time with the high-frequency EMF effects on the brain.

• Ionizing Radiation: High-frequency EMFs, such as X-rays and gamma rays, have enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules and can cause significant damage to biological tissues, including the brain. Prolonged or high levels of exposure to ionizing radiation are known to increase the risk of cancer, including brain cancer.

EarPods Wear

That's what I'm talking about! Who wants to grab a cancer-inducing earphones? Definitely not me! In conclusion though, I do still use my AirPods Gen1... and mainly to take advantage of its noise cancelling properties whenever I'm in a noisy and deafening surroundings.

In summary, let's answer the question earlier - is it worth switching to Ancient Technology (echoing my friend's sarcastic remarks) like the wired EarPods? For me YES! it's worth it, to take care of your hearing health and keep our brain cells away from the gradual and slow damage brought by EMFs. 

On a slight brake, I would still use my Airpods..., though at minimum, and less frequent usage like walks or short runs around the park!

Thanks for reading, until next post!

--Othello

fact-checked and researched via Soundwave, ChatGPT, and NPR's TED Radio Hour

May 10 - Remembering Brother Felix Y. Manalo - 138th Birthday

image credit to INCMEDIA.org

 

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is commemorating the 138th birthday of God's Messenger in these last days. We, here at the QTpodcast and billymacdeus' blog are in unity with this celebration. The church worldwide holds simultaneous evangelical missions highlighting the teachings about pagsusugo.

The Prophecy and the Messenger are important teachings of the INC; it's a unique doctrine that no other religious organization could properly justify using the Bible, except the INC. To expand this claim, let's draw some proof quoting these verses:

John 6:29 

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Hebrews 5:4 

"And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was."

II Corinthians 10:12 

"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

Deducing from the above verses, INC believes that the sending of "with authority to do the work of God" is something that is not new, it is actually a teaching shared by Lord Jesus. The calling of being a messenger is also supported by God himself, just as he called Aaron. Hence, it is not as simple as declaring one self that "I am sent by God", the approval and supporting evidence should be there.

This claim of "authority to preach His words" is properly supported by INC with conviction and faith through the Last Messenger in these last days - Brother Felix Y. Manalo.

Whenever you are interested, or challenged with this statement and claim, we offer you peace and to be kind-hearted with an open mind.

It is best to talk it over live study, and face to face to an INC minister, for those who want to delve or dive in deeper with this doctrine or teaching.

Feel free to drop us a message, and we'll be happy to coordinate with you to the nearest INC Chapel or Locale in order to schedule you a Bible Study.

--billymacdeus

drop us a message via collabs@billymacdeus.com for us to assist you for any questions or clarifications by directing you to an official minister of the gospel. This platform is a vehicle to reach out to people who are in search of truth regarding spirituality.

Ang Kuya Namin sa Work - Starbucks Experience

Ang ultimate kuya ng Plaza E at Aeon building - Kuya Ruben.

Kuya Ruben is one of the members of our housekeeping services in the corporate company I work for during the night.

Magiliw siya at palabati, kaya madaling makapalagayang loob. Minsan nabanggit niya, "dipa ako naka experience magStarbucks".

"Simpleng request naman kuya" kako, kaya nung nagtugma sked namin, we went to Starbucks and guided him kung anong gusto nia orderin and explaining a bit kung ano ung frap vs iced vs hot drinks.

I wanted to post this because I wanna relive how his reaction was pagtuntong namin sa loob ng SB; I could feel the excitement and eagerness. While walking towards SB Northgate, abot-abot ang pasasalamat niya, in a happy and yet, sincere manner.

Iba talaga kapag nakakapagpasaya ka ng kapuwa mo; being the harbinger of compassion and kindness is profound.

I initiated to take a pic of him, which i forgot to share immediately. This happened back in December 2023 pa, almost  6 months na ang nakakalipas. Tagal na niya ako kinukulit to send the pic; all along, I thought one of my one-downs already shared the pics noong sinabi ko na, "pa-send to (SB picture) kay Kuya Ruben"; since we were'nt friends sa FB back then.

So when i bumped into kuya last week sa shift ko, he reminded me to send the pic. And the rest is history.

Salamat Kuya Ruben for making our workplace a better place to work for, everyday, by being the instrument of cleanliness and orderliness, always keep up your positivity and smiling with a service.

-billymacdeus

Patuloy na Magbigay Kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang Bayan

For me, listening intently to the texto of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo has always been a pleasure, and likened to a deer in search of water.

Ang paksang diwa of the Church's 110th anniversary: "Patuloy na Magbigay Kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang Bayan" was magnified and shared with great emphasis to signify its importance in these last days for the INC members' journey towards salvation.

Firstly,  ang pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos ay siyang inaasahan Niya mula sa Kaniyang mga hinirang. This is a basic requirement for the servants of God, because it's all tied up to the bigger picture - ang pagdating ng Panginoong Jesus -- na kaalinsabay ang napakalakas na ingay sa langit, na ang apoy ay wawasak sa araw, mga bituin, at sa kalawakan -- na ang pagdating ni Jesus ay nasa pintuan na.

Second, ang pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos ay konektado kung nais nating matamo ang kaligtasan. Sapagkat ang pagliligtas ay napakalapit na, at nagbigay ng babala ang Bibliya sa mga magaganap; ito ay natutupad at patuloy pang natutupad:

- digmaaan (i.e.) 1st World War - July 27, 1914; 2nd World War - September 1, 1939.

- alingawngaw ng mga digmaan

- titindig ang banasa laban sa bansa

- ang kalikasan ay magdurusa

- lindol

- natural na mga sakuna

- tag gutom

Ang mga kaganapan sa itaas ay inilalarawan na gaya ng paghihirap ng isang babae sa kaniyang panganganak. 

image credits to the owner

Another reason why it is important for God to be delighted with us - "Ang panginoon ang pumapatnubay sa atin sa landas kung saan tayo lalakad, at pumuprotekta sa kanila na nagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya."

One great example of this is the King Hezekiah - ginawa niya ang mabuti at tama - siya ay sumunod sa Dios. Nagpumilit siya na sumunod sa mga batas (laws) at tuntunin (rules) ng Diyos. Hence, the king receive good and great things in this life.

Ultimately, ano ang pangako ng Diyos sa mga nagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya?

- patuloy kang papatnubayan ng Panginoon.

- bibigyang kasiyahan sa buhay, gaya ng bukal ng tubig na hindi nawawala.

Hindi naman kailangan ng Diyos ang mga biyaya, kundi tayo ang nangangailangan; gaya ni Haring Asa na naging malakas at hindi natakot gumawa ng mga reporma (inalis ang mga diyos-diyosan sa mga pagsamba noong unang panahon), siya ay nakapagbigay kasiyahan sa Diyos, at siya'y tinulungan, naging mabuti sa kaniya ang Diyos.

Tinutulungan ng Diyos ang mga may ligalig, nabigo, nabuwal; binibigyan Niya ng sapat, mga pangangailangan, walang hindi hinahangad kundi tayong lahat ay maligtas. Kung tayo ay nakapagbibigay kasiyahan, gagaan ang lahat na ating mga pinagdaraanan.

--billymacdeus

How Often Should You Get a Pedicure?

According to Men's Health (a well-respected magazine for men), an average person should get a pedicure at least a month, (yeah! that's once a month).

It was shared with caution though, depends on how fast your toenails grow, you should get as often as you like. A pedicure, couple it with a footspa is the most effective way to maintain your feet hygiene, keeping your nails fresh and clean.

Given that it's summer time as of this writing here in this tropical land - - The Philippines, it is just normal to wear sandals most of the time. Show case your flipflops and tsinelas, and bring it on--but are your toe-nails ready? Then it's time to get that relaxing and comfy-feeling footspa.

Visit our FB page to  see the reel in action. 

https://facebook.com/billymacdeusblog/  

--Othello

Nosetalgia - The Power Of Scent

The best remembrance of memory is when it's locked and connected through certain smell or odor; this can be recalled easily by the mind when that scent comes up again in the future.

Ever wondered how the scent of burning firewood on a cold weather, brings back nostalgia in the days when you put your hands together to get it warmed during the early hours of morning by directly putting your hands closer in the burning fire of the "dalikan" - an Ilokano term for a stove, a hand-made potted clay which is used for heating, cooking, and even warming your face, body, or hands.

My Lola used to wake us up along with my cousins when we were kids as early as 5:00 am during the ber months in our province. She would let us taste the "siggit", a rice soup which was lifted from the vapors of the boiling rice being cooked from the stove.

Alongside the burning firewood in the stove, we would place our hands near it, close enough to warm the chilling morning December breeze.

Dalikan - Stove (image courtesy of Ilokano Ak Facebook)

 

How about the scent of a freshly cut grass? It suddenly transports you back in time when you get to be early going to the school grounds during elementary days, prepping for a flag ceremony - with the fresh feeling of morning dew, smelling the wave of this sharp but fresh smell of grass all around. 

It was indeed reinvigorating - when you suddenly smell this pungent odor of grass, it seemed like you're back in time enjoying the greens and sceneries of non-polluted environment.

There's a plethora of examples in the power of scent -- its ability to trigger emotions and memories, locked up long ago, suddenly bringing it back in a snap, as if you are there in that moment in time again.

This property of scent is so magical that even a vague whiff of certain smells, will evoke a strong visual images in our minds and taking us back to a fond memory - may it be a lulling craving of good-old-days happenings, or some tragical moments in our lives.

According to research, the strong connection of memory to odor is primarily attributed to having access of the central brain structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in regulating emotions and emotional memories. Compared to the other senses, the sense of smell is so potent in activating the brain wires to call these memories tied to specific smells when those memories were made.

So, the next time you want to have a memory imprinted, couple it up with a strong odor -- surely, this will trigger those brain circuits to come rushing alive, transporting you back in time.

--Othello

Charity With Dignity

 

I first came across the phrase "charity with dignity" when I was doing a prospecting session with a Sun Life client. She narrated "Bakit kaya by default, karamihan sa atin ay tumatawad lagi sa  mga nagtitinda sa lansangan, o sa wet market, o sa mga naglalako na nagbabahay-bahay?".

"Bakit hindi natin i-reverse ang sitwasyon at gawing - charity with dignity? 'Yung tatawad ka, na ang unang iniisip natin ay upang makatulong sa mas nakaka-baba sa atin ang buhay. 'Yung scenario na 'sige, bilhin kona lahat itong paninda mo (walang tawad), nang upang matapos na ang iyong pag-babahay-bahay, napaka-init pa naman ng panahon!'".

Subalit sa halos lahat na mga pagkakataon, tulad ng isang Manong na nagbebenta ng mga paninda niyang isda, matapos siyang sumagot ng '120 pesos po per kilo', sa tanong ng isang ale na, 'magkano po kilo Manong?', kaagad-agad, tinatawaran natin, or madalas, ang karamihan ay nagsasabi: 'bibili ako ng tatlong kilo, basta gawin mong 100 pesos kada kilo, mahal masiyado ang 120 per kilo!'.

Malimit, hindi makahindi si Manong, "Sige, bigay ko na sa'yo 100 per kilo, para makabenta ako, kanina pang alas siyete ng umaga nag-iikot ngunit dipa nakakabenta, ikaw ang buena mano kaya, kunin mona".

At dali-dali namang naglabas ng pera para bilhin ang itinawad, sa kadahilanang naniniwala ang tumawad na, nakamura siya sa binili niya kay Manong. Na siya ay naka discount at siya ay nanalo, without realizing  consciously na mas pinahirapan niya ang naglalakong si Manong.

Kinagabihan... ang ale na bumili ng isda ay nakipagkita sa kaniyang mga kaibigan at nagdinner sila sa isang restaurant na mamahalin. Noong bayaran na ng bill, given na maykaya naman talaga siya, nag-initiate siyang bayaran ang bill na 2,200 pesos, at nag-iwan pa ng 200 pesos na tip kahit may service charge na sa resibo.

Ang nais kong ipa-pansin dito ay ang magkaibang behavior ng Ale na tumawad sa paninda ng Manong na babad sa sikat ng araw, hirap sa paglalako at pagbabahay-bahay kumpara sa walang anumang pagbibigay ng tip sa isang restaurant na hindi naman nanghihingi ng tip. Para bang automatic kaagad sa isipan ng Ale, na tumulong sa hindi naman nangangailangan ng tulong.

____

Sana, tuwing nakakatagpo tayo ng mga sitwasyong alam nating mas hirap ang buhay ng kasalamuha natin at patuloy silang kumakayod upang maitawid ang pang-araw araw na pamumuhay, ay maisipan lagi nating tumulong sa kanilang kapakanan. Gawin nating may touch of "charity with dignity". Iyong maging automatic din tayo sa isipang kahit kaunti, makakatulong ako sa taong ito upang mai-angat ang kaniyang kalalagayan sa pamamagitan ng additional effort o mas mataas na pagpapahalaga sa kanilang serbisyo. Ito ay maaring nating gawin by adding more value through tangible payments of their services or whatever they are offering; similar to our example above, o kung hindi naman natin kayang bilhin ang lahat ng paninda nila, mag-dagdag tayo ng additional payment sa binili natin, bilang tulong na rin sa kanilang kalalagayan -- tip natin sa kanila, ito ang tinatawag na Charity with Dignity.

Insurero

(visit our FB page and kindly follow us - Insurerò)

Taking Care Of Your Physical Well-Being During Summer in The Philippines

 

It's summer in the Philippines. The temperature is breaking records as high as 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 Farenheit) but it feels like 43 degrees -- it's immensely hot!

Taking care of ourselves and our whole being during these critical weather conditions in PH is a form of self-love--it means that you just don't go outside without prepping for the solar burn, not to mention the UV Index so high it could easily damage our eyes under the sun without protection, and bring skin cancer if basking for so long under the sun's rays.

Today I learned that these tips will help:

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help increase humidity levels indoors, which can prevent moisture loss from the skin.

   
   

2. Shorter Showers: Long, hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers instead.

3. 
   

   Moisturize Regularly: Use a rich, emollient moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your hands to lock in moisture. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides, which help to hydrate and repair the skin barrier.

4. 
   

   Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can further strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products that are formulated for sensitive or dry skin.

5. 
   

   Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated from the inside out.

   
   

   
   
   

6. Protect Your Skin: Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and scarves, when venturing out into cold or windy weather to protect your skin from harsh environmental conditions.

7. 
   

   Use a Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized with a hydrating lip balm to prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.

8. 
   

   Protect Your Eyes/Avoid Overheating: Wear sunglasses at all times, even when driving. Overheated indoor environments can further dry out the air and your skin. Keep indoor temperatures moderate and consider using a humidifier if necessary.

9. 
   

   Choose Moisturizing Ingredients: Look for skincare products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, or ceramides, which help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.

10. 
    

    Consider an Overnight Mask: Using an overnight moisturizing mask or a thick layer of moisturizer before bedtime can help replenish moisture levels while you sleep.

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    

    --Othello