A Tribute to Cardinal Jaime Sin

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

We dedicate this page to our dear Cardinal Jaime Sin, who is regarded as the clearest voice of the Philippine Church. Cardinal Sin played a pivotal role in the country’s new era of democracy.

“Cardinal Sin has courageously promoted human rights, social justice, democracy, peace and authentic devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary”
- Fr. Fausto Gomez, O.P., the dean of sacred theology of the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas.

I consider everything as God’s handiwork… I am just an instrument. I am just like the donkey the Lord rode on. I cannot boast of anything. Everything is grace!”

- Cardinal Sin

Biography

Cardinal Jaime Sin, also Jaime Lachica Sin (August 31, 1928–June 21, 2005), was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.

Cardinal Jaime Sin led the Archdiocese of Manila as its archbishop and was later elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI. He concurrently served as Primate of the Philippines. He retired as the Archbishop of Manila on September 15, 2003 and was succeeded by Gaudencio Borbon Rosales.

Cardinal Jaime Sin was only the third native Filipino Archbishop of Manila — following centuries of Spanish, American and Irish episcopacy. He died at the age of 76 on June 21, 2005.

Priesthood and episcopacy

Cardinal Jaime Sin was born in New Washington, Aklan, Philippines to Juan Sin (of overseas Chinese ancestry) and Maxima Lachica. He was the fourteenth of sixteen children. He eventually left his boyhood home and his family to study in seminary.

On April 3, 1954, he was ordained to the presbyterium and became a priest of the Archdiocese of Jaro. He was appointed its auxiliary bishop on February 10, 1967. Following his appointment, he was ordained as bishop of the titular see of Obba on March 18 of that year.

On March 15, 1972, Sin was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Jaro, taking on administrative roles in the archdiocese. Concurrently, he was created archbishop of the titular see of Massa Lubrense.

On October 8, 1972, Sin assumed the office of Archbishop of Jaro, taking full control of the archdiocese.

Sin’s service as Archbishop of Jaro ended with his appointment on January 21, 1974 to the larger archdiocese seated in the nation’s capital of Manila. Sin was officially installed as Archbishop of Manila at Manila Cathedral on March 19, 1974.

On May 24 of 1976, Pope Paul VI summoned Sin to the Holy See to be raised into membership of the College of Cardinals, created Cardinal Priest of the titular church of Santa Maria ai Monti. Cardinal Jaime Sin remained the youngest member of the College until 1983.

People Power Movement

Events in the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos forced Cardinal Jaime Sin, the spiritual leader of all Filipino Catholics, to become involved in the politics of the region. Cardinal Jaime Sin became witness to corruption, fraud and even murder at the hands of the regime — events that pushed Filipinos on the brink of civil unrest and even war.

Cardinal Jaime Sin appealed to Filipinos of all religions to follow the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels and use peaceful means to change the political situation in the Philippines.

At the same time, President Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos, appealed to Cardinal Jaime Sin to side with the regime. Sin respectfully pleaded with the president and first lady to refrain from unleashing the armed forces against Filipinos marching in the streets of Manila.

President Marcos ordered his generals to deploy against the marchers, however, tanks and troops were stopped in the streets with people on their knees praying the Rosary and singing English language translations of sacred hymns. Some soldiers decided to join the marchers.

Cardinal Jaime Sin was convinced it was a miracle granted by the faith of his followers in God and nonviolence.

What later became known as the People Power Movement or the EDSA Revolution, President Marcos, his family and close advisors were forced to flee the Philippines — taking up residence in Honolulu, Hawaii upon the invitation of President of the United States Ronald Reagan.

Cardinal Jaime Sin, along with Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, became known to Filipinos as the architects of the People Power Movement.

Cardinal Jaime Sin was called upon Filipinos again in 2001 to become the spiritual leader of another People Power Movement. Filipinos alleged that President Joseph Estrada was guilty of widespread corruption and graft. Marches in the streets, with the support of Sin, succeeded in toppling President Estrada from power and elevating Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as his successor.

Cardinal Jaime Sin was decorated three times by the Philippine government. The first was by President Corazon C. Aquino, who conferred him with the Philippine Legion of Honor, rank of Chief Commander; the second, by President Joseph Estrada, who confered on him the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Rajah; the final time was shortly after his retirement, when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred on him the Order of Lakandula, rank of Bayani (Grand Cross).

Although his name prompted many jokes – a cardinal sin is one of the seven deadly sins – Cardinal Jaime Sin himself made light of it. He often referred to his residence as “the house of Sin.”

Retirement and death

Cardinal Jaime Sin retired as the Archbishop of Manila on September 15, 2003 and was succeeded by Gaudencio Borbon Rosales. He was too ill to travel to the conclave which elected Pope Benedict XVI.

The prelate — for years afflicted with a kidney ailment brought on by diabetes — was taken on June 19, 2005 to the Rufino Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Metro Manila because of a slight but lingering fever. Cardinal Jaime Sin died of renal failure June 21, 2005 at 6:15 a.m.. He was 76 years old.

 

All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License Source: Original text from the article in Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia: Jaime Cardinal Sin.

News

Influential Cardinal Jaime Sin dies at 76

As reported by PAUL ALEXANDER, Associated Press Writer Tue Jun 21, 7:46 AM ET

MANILA, Philippines – Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin, an outspoken advocate of democracy who played a key role in the “people power” revolts that ousted two Philippine presidents, died Tuesday. He was 76. Cardinal Jaime Sin had been ill with kidney problems and diabetes for years and was unable to attend the Vatican conclave that chose a new pope in April, although colleagues said he desperately wanted to go.

Known for his dedication, engaging personality and sense of humor — he often referred to his residence as “the house of Sin” — the cardinal was one of Asia’s most prominent religious leaders.

Cardinal Jaime Sin served as the moral compass in the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines, where he took vocal, sometimes controversial stances on everything from birth control to poverty, politics and the U.S.-led war in Iraq. He once apologized for church neglect of the poor.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who continued to seek his counsel even after he retired in November 2003, called him “a blessed man who never failed to unite Filipinos during the most crucial battles against tyranny and evil.”

“Cardinal Jaime Sin leaves a legacy of freedom and justice forged in deep personal courage,” Arroyo said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy, in a statement, said: “We recognize his many contributions to the political, spiritual and moral life of the Philippines, and we extend our condolences to his family and to the Catholic faithful.”

Aides had to help a weak-looking Cardinal Jaime Sin to the altar toward the end of his tenure as Manila archbishop. But he remained a staunch defender of democracy after he stepped down as head of the archdiocese that he served for nearly three decades.

“As I enter a new chapter in my twilight years, I can say with gratitude that I have given my very best to God and country,” he said after the late Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation. “I beg pardon from those I might have led astray or hurt. Please remember me kindly.”

Father Jun Sescon, Sin’s spokesman, told DZBB radio that the cardinal was taken to Cardinal Santos Medical Center with a high fever on Sunday evening and suffered multiple organ failure. Cardinal Jaime Sin died at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday.

“Our call to all the faithful is to include in their prayers the soul of Cardinal Sin,” Sescon said.

The 14th of 16 children of a Chinese merchant and a Filipino woman, Cardinal Jaime Sin balanced joviality with deep spirituality and seemed to have a sixth sense, said Archbishop Oscar Cruz, former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

“He would say, ‘A bishop just died, would you please call to find out who he is?’” Cruz recalled.

Cardinal Jaime Sin burst onto the international stage when he called on Filipinos to surround the police and military headquarters in metropolitan Manila in 1986 to protect then-military Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who broke away from dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

That led to the “people power” revolution that ousted Marcos over alleged corruption and human rights violations. The largely peaceful revolt became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes worldwide. Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989.

But the country’s problems continued, partly because of the endemic corruption that blossomed under Marcos.

“We got rid of Ali Baba, but the 40 thieves remained,” Sin once quipped.

Cardinal Jaime Sin also helped lead large street protests that led to the ouster of President Joseph Estrada over alleged corruption and misrule in January 2001. The church wasn’t fond of Estrada, a notorious womanizer who sired children by several women and was known for late-night drinking and gambling sessions.

Impoverished followers of Estrada, denouncing Sin and politicians who forced their leader from power, stormed the presidential palace in May 2001 in riots that killed six people.

Sin issued an unprecedented apology to the poor shortly thereafter, acknowledging that the church had neglected them and made them easy prey for selfish, powerful people. He offered reconciliation to the poor and assured them that the church is not “anti-Estrada, but pro-morality.”

Although revered by many Filipinos, Cardinal Jaime Sin came under criticism over his active advocacies. He had a thorny relationship with President Fidel Ramos, a Protestant whose 1992-98 administration promoted the use of artificial birth control. Sin advocated only natural methods.

Church leaders were consulting with Cardinal Jaime Sin’s family on funeral arrangements. His body was to be buried in the crypt beneath Manila Cathedral.

Posted in Philippine

Almond Butter Nutrition

March 27th, 2014 selectphilippines

Almond butter nutrition has much of the same benefits as almond milk. Eating it is another way to put the health benefits of almonds into your diet.

It is mildly sweet and one the most popular alternatives to peanut butter. It is simply made by pressing raw or roasted almonds into a paste-like consistency similar to peanut one. Many people believe that it is even more delicious than regular peanut one. Try eating an almond butter and jelly sandwich.

Nutrition Benefits

It is very versatile in its uses and is becoming extremely popular. Some of its possible uses is as a base for soups, sauces, and dips. The nutrition primarily comes from its powerhouse of nutritional benefits. It varieties are high in protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium, folic acid, potassium, and vitamin E. It may also be your biggest friend in decreasing risk of heart disease. It is extremely low in saturated fats and contains some healthy fats. And it is also a good source of plant sterols, which is beneficial for all-around health.

Homemade Recipe

Makes about 3/4 cup
It can be made from raw nuts, but roasting them just before making the butter enhances flavor and aroma. Spread the almonds in a thin layer on a baking sheet at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes. Stir them around a few times to ensure even roasting.

Ingredients:

1 cup roasted almonds
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon unrefined vegetable oil
Combine the newly roasted almonds and sea salt into a blender and process until they are finely ground. Now add the oil and continue processing until it is at your wanted degree of smoothness. Feel free to add more oil as needed. For chunky almond butter, stir in 1/4 cup chopped almonds. When done, store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Posted in Health

Weight Loss

November 15th, 2013 selectphilippines

With more human heart information Thank you can shake a stick at, Heart Anatomy Diagram is the place all of us at Causes Of Heart Attack go when we have a question related to medical terminology dictionary. They have great sections on:

medical terminology dictionary
heart attack
uncovertebral hypertrophy
anabolic steroids

Since normal coverage at Causes Of Heart Attack includes tons of sites related to heart attack symptoms, we just though it would be fun to break the heart health mold and cover Heart Anatomy Diagram as a good place to go with low fat high protein diet questions. fast weight loss articles are common, and the discussions at the site cover everything from steroids to types of heart disease. I would guess that the stroke warning sign resources will be a nice way to add to the sections on our site related to heart health and heart attack.

You will find good information on weight loss tips at Heart Anatomy Diagram and it is augmented with mini stroke warning signs as well as weight loss. If you enjoyed your visit to Causes Of Heart Attack today, we hope you come back later for more heart health stories, heart attack advice and when you want some more depth on ideal body weight, now you know you can visit Heart Anatomy Diagram. You know that how does the heart work information is always more useful when coupled with ideal body weight expertise and stories about stroke. Hopefully you can email us when you have some more experience in heart attack symptoms and heart health products because we would love to find any new stroke websites you can recommend. We like to thank all of our Causes Of Heart Attack readers for visiting and reading up on mitochondrial disease topics. And, in the case of this Heart Anatomy Diagram review, we would like to continue this tradition and say thank you and come back any time you need info on heart health.

Posted in Health

Vigan Celebrates “Viva Vigan”

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Vigan Ilocos Sur, are gearing up for this year’s “Viva Vigan” Festival of Art, which will take place from April 28 – May 7.

The Vigan Festival promises to be a colorful celebration of Vigan arts and traditions.

“Vigan has been so blessed and our gratitude to God is endless. We therefore invite you to share with us the merriment of this year’s edition of Viva Vigan ,” said Vigan City Mayor Ferdinand C. Medina.

“With a variety of cultural events and exhibits, as well as the active participation of the private sector, the 2006 Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts promises to be major triumph of all Biguenos,” Vigan Mayor Medina disclosed.

Among the highlights of the 10-day summer festival are:

  • the signing of the sisterhood agreement between the cities of Vigan and Maui, Hawaii
  • a trade and food festival, wherein the residents will showcase the different local crafts with export values, the different native food delicacies, and various arts design
  • Abel weaving design and Abel House decoration contests. Abel-Iloko is a traditional livelihood of Vigan that has been sustained from the Pre-Spanish period to the present
  • Binatbatan street dancing contest – an ilocano dance depicting the first step in the Abel-Iloco weaving process which is the beating of the cotton pods with two bamboo sticks to separate the seeds from the fluff
  • Karbo Festival and Boklan art contest – are tributes to farmers of Vigan and their farm animals, in which an exposition of the bounties of land and water artistically showcased through the seeds of life, as well as the carabao’s pageantry during a parade at the heritage district.
  • Labor Day Celebration. On May 1, the city officials will be having a wreath laying ceremony at the marker of Don Isabelo De Los Reyes – the father of the Philippine Labor Union Movement.
  • Feast of Apo Lakay (the miraculous Black Nazarene). On May 3, the annual feast of Black Nazarene (Apo Lakay) will be celebrated to honor his (Apo Lakay) intercession in preventing a deadly cholera epidemic in 1882 in Ilocos.
  • Santacruzan – a novena procession commemorating St. Helena’s mythical finding of the cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. Santacruzan is among the many processions, and probably the most popular one, held in May in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • Abel-Iloco Fashion Show

Now on its 13th year, the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts started through the initiative of the local government and private sector to promote the unique but historic culture and arts of the Biguenos – the term used for the natives and residents of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

The highlight of the then maiden Viva Vigan’s fest was a parade of richly decorated calesas and an educational tour of the ancestral houses.

Over the years, the Viva Vigan festival has become one of the biggest cultural event in the Northern Luzon, attracting thousands domestic and foreign tourists from different parts of the Philippines and the world.

Posted in Health

Malacanang of the North

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

“Balay Ti Amianan”

Malacanang of the North is the White House of the Marcos Family in Northern Luzon. It is located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and is one of the 29 summer residences that the President has built during his reign.

Patterned after the ancestral homes in Vigan, the Ilocanos call it “Balay Ti Amianan.”

This imposing structure has been turned into a museum that houses more of the late President’s memorabilia.

This two-storey building sits on a five-hectare property and was designed for entertaining large crowds. It has grand living rooms on both floors, and seven spacious bedrooms including the two master bedrooms of the First Couple – Ferdinand and Imelda.

It also has an expansive terrace, and beautiful garden with a magnificent view of the Paoay Lake.

It opened its doors in 1977 and immediately became the center of Philippine high society and one of the trendiest scenes in Asia.

The First Family and their guests sailed and water skied on the Paoay Lake. And they chipped and putted 18 holes on the President’s private golf course.

It was here where the Marcos family welcomed the cream of the Philippine and international society who attended Irene Marcos’ wedding in 1983.

Today, besides being a Marcos museum, the Malacanang of the North serves as a beautiful and romantic setting for weddings. During these special occasions, Balay Ti Amianan once again comes alive and glows with splendor.

Posted in Travel

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

This section shows you the top Ilocos Norte tourist attractions – the many places to see and things to do in Ilocos Norte – so you can enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.


Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions

Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots – Snapshot
White Sand Beaches
Centuries-old Spanish churches
Cultural Attractions
Historical Attractions
Natural Attractions

 

Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots – Snapshot

If you want to get away from the pressures of modern world, a trip to Ilocos Norte may just be the right break for you. A journey to this province could soothe your soul as well as quench your thirst for a different kind of adventure.

Ilocos Norte tourist attractions provide a unique blend of historical and natural pleasures that opens up all kinds of adventure possibilites at every turn.

Discover centuries-old Spanish churches and lighthouses, trek along the sand dunes or take a scenic hike up the mountains, explore the natural beauty of Pasuquin caves, engage in whitewater rafting along winding river trails, windsurf in Pagudpud, or relax by its white sandy beaches, witness the ancient art of loom weaving or salt-making – the list just seems endless.

The sun-drenched landscapes, rugged coastline, sheltered coves, and natural charm of Ilocos Norte have captivated international film makers. Ilocos Norte has served as the perfect setting for some of the more memorable movies, including Tom Cruise’s “Born on the Fourth of July and Mel Gibson’s “Mad Max” series.

Today more than ever, tourists from all over the world delight in the many surprises that Ilocos Norte tourist attractions offer.

And to top it all, the Ilocanos’ warm hospitality and distinctive cuisine is sure to make every travel experience even more special and truly memorable.

Come and experience the spectacular Ilocos Norte tourist attractions!

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions – Beaches

Pagudpud Beaches

On the northwestern-most tip of Luzon Island, along the beautiful Bangui Bay in Pagudpud Ilocos Norte, you will find long, uninterrupted stretches of white sand beaches, with crystal blue waters and magnificent coral reefs.

With its spectacular white sand beaches, Pagudpud has gained the reputation as the “Boracay of the North”…only more charming. The entire coastal area of Pagudpud is…

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions – Churches

Paoay Church, a World Heritage site

In the coastal town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte you will find one of the oldest churches in the Philippines – St. Augustine Church, more popularly called Paoay Church.

Paoay Church was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1993, and is particularly famous for its distinctive Gothic, Baroque and Oriental architecture…

St. William’s Cathedral in Laoag

St. William’s Cathedral is older than Paoay Church and even older than the Missions of California. Located in Laoag City, this church is famous for its Italian Renaissance design as well as its Sinking Bell Tower…

Sinking Bell Tower

St. William’s Cathedral’s bell tower is massive and solid, and at 45 meters high it is known as the tallest bell tower in the Philippines. It is called the “Sinking Bell Tower” as it…

Sta. Monica church in Sarrat

Built in 1779, Sta. Monica Church is considered the biggest church in Ilocos region. It is located in the town of Sarrat, the birth place of the late President Marcos. Sta. Monica Church is a red-brick structure built in neo-classical style…

Bacarra Bell Tower

Known as “the bowing acrobat tower of Southeast Asia,” the Bacarra Bell Tower is among the famous Ilocos Norte tourist attractions.

This massive bell tower dates back to the 15th century, and lost its third and top floors during a powerful earthquake in 1913. The bell survived the earthquake and now hangs precariously on the tower’s shattered dome.

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions – Cultural

Gameng Museo Ilocos Norte in Laoag

This impressive lifestyle museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Ilocanos and the different ethnic tribes of Ilocos Norte – the Yapayaos, Isnegs, Igorots. This museum is set in the old Tabacalera warehouse…

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos

Perched majestically on top of a hill overlooking the South China Sea is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Built in 1892 and now 113 years old, Cape Bojeador lighthouse is one of the oldest intact Spanish lighthouses and is considered the tallest in the Philippines and in Asia…

Juan Luna Shrine

This shrine in Badoc is the ancestral home of Juan Luna (1857-1899), a renowned painter. Inspired by Rembrandt, Delacroix and Daumier mixed with a style that’s distinctly his own, Luna’s works of art are powerful and dramatic…

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions – Historical

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

In Laoag plaza complex beside St. William’s Cathedral, stands the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, the only one of its kind in the Philippines. The people of Ilocos Norte built this monument in 1882 as a symbol of their gratitude to the Spanish King Alfonso XIII for having ended the Tobacco Monopoly.

For an entire century (1782 to 1881), the monopoly caused much miseries to the Ilocanos who were obliged to plant no other crops except tobacco to be delivered solely to the government. Interestingly, tobacco remains a major cash crop of Ilocos Norte to this day.

Marcos Mansion or “Balay Ti Ili” in Batac

Batac is the hometown of Ferdinand E. Marcos, the post-war president of the Philippines. The Marcoses ancestral house has been turned into a museum that displays the memorabilia of the late President’s 20-year reign, as well as…

Malacanang of the North or “Balay Ti Amianan”

Malacanang of the North is the White House of the Marcos Family in Paoay Ilocos Norte, and is one of the 29 summer residences that the President has built during his reign. Patterned after the ancestral homes in Vigan…

General Ricarte National Shrine

This shrine was built in honor of General Artemio Ricarte, a native of Batac. General Ricarte was a revolutionary hero and a controversial World War II figure…

Ilocos Norte Tourist Attractions – Nature

La Paz Sand Dunes

La Paz Sand Dunes offers a spectacular vista of the South China Sea. It covers an area of 85 square kilometers and is declared and protected as a geological monument because of its unique land formation. La Paz is a favorite shooting location for local as well as international films.

Pasuquin Caves

If you wish to go spelunking, you can hike up to the mountains and explore the Imelda Garden Caves in Pasuquin. Imelda Garden Caves, located 1,708 feet above sea level, has magnificent rock formations and underground streams…

Paoay Lake National Park

Near the famous Paoay Church is the beautiful, placid Paoay Lake. It is a land-locked freshwater lake, shaped like a horse, with an area of 470 hectares. Legend has it that…

Posted in Travel

Batac Ilocos Norte

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

Batac, Ilocos Norte is the hometown of Ferdinand E. Marcos, the post-war president of the Philippines.

It offers a number of scenic and historical tourist attractions including the Marcos Museum or “Balay Ti Ili” and General Ricarte Shrine.

Here you can also have your fill of the famous Ilocano nack “empanada,” which a deep-fried meat pie, and “bagnet” crispy pork with rice. Both go well with “sukang Iloko” (Ilocano Vinegar).

Batac is situated in the heart of Ilocos Norte, 470 kilometers north of Manila and 18 kilometers south of Laoag City.

Marcos Mansion or “Balay Ti Ili”

The Marcoses ancestral house has been turned into a museum that displays the memorabilia of the late President’s 20-year reign, as well as his service in the Philippine army during World War II.

Among the exhibits are dozens of life-size statues of Marcos in various outfits, all the car license plates he used since he joined the public sector a Congressman, and the letters he wrote to the Filipino people while he was in exile in Hawaii.

His body lies in a refrigerated glass case in the adjacent mauseleom. Marcos was born in a nearby barrio, in Sarrat.

General Ricarte National Shrine

This shrine was built in honor of a beloved native of Batac, General Artemio Ricarte, who was a revolutionary hero and a controversial World War II figure.

He was the first chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1897 and during the American occupation refused to vow any oath of allegiance to the United States.

The shrine consists of a memorial park that features a statue and two field guns on display, as well as a library and museum that has photographs and relics from his life, and also several American and Japanese guns from the World War II era.

Posted in Philippine

That Irritating Chronic Cough and What You Can Do to Alleviate It

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

You’ve probably already guessed that the chronic cough you’re experiencing, the one that’s interrupting your conversations and TV viewing and even your sleep, may be the result of a variety of conditions.

Let’s start with the possible simple explanations, first. Is that chronic cough the result of dusty conditions at home or work? You could be breathing in airborne dust from soil or from outdoor pollens, breathing in indoor dust containing dust mites, or perhaps your chronic cough is due to the air-conditioning or heating. Perhaps the air filters are dirty or the conditioned air, itself, is drying out your throat. In these cases you could:

*wear a dust mask if you’re out sweeping or raking or working outside

*dust and vacuum the areas in your house that you’ve neglected for awhile

*change or clean the air filters at home (and ask that the same be done at work because you’ve got a chronic cough)

* for dry air in your home, try using a humidifier

If you’ve got a chronic cough due to allergies (resulting in rhinitis) and dusting and cleaning still isn’t alleviating the problem, then you may need to take medication. However, a natural supplement or remedy might be better for your health in the long run, preventing the accumulation of drug toxins in your liver.

[By the way, did you know that you can actually do a legitimate home health test that checks for 10 of the most common airborne and food allergies? You can monitor your health in the privacy of your own home without paying for a doctor's visit or expensive lab fees. I think that's a terrific idea given the price of gas these days! Click here for the home allergy test plus a wide variety of other tests for your health].

Your chronic cough could also be the result of the cold your kids gave you. This is the cold they happily took from their friends when they shook hands or exchanged food items at school, the cold they lovingly shared with you by hugging and kissing you, and then, with their own chronic cough, they propelled it in your direction!
If after your cold, your chronic cough isn’t going away, then maybe it’s progressed to something more like sinusitis or bronchitis, and unless they’re bacterially caused, antibiotics won’t work on these. In these cases, as your sinuses or bronchial tubes have become inflamed and full of mucus, you are also getting the unfortunate “benefits” of a post-nasal drip, resulting in that chronic cough. Decongestants and antihistamines may alleviate that drip and give you some relief, but again, a natural aid is ultimately better for your body.

I need to add a big note of caution here. If you’re still having a chronic cough after checking out all of the above situations, and you still haven’t been to the doctor, then please go, because a chronic cough may also be a symptom of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), or cancer. You need to rule those out!

Posted in Health

Philippines Jewelry

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

Among the World’s Best

If you’re looking for a lucrative business opportunity, we invite you to explore the Philippines jewelry industry, which offers significant investment and trade potential.

The industry is generally acclaimed as one of the major exporters of jewelry worldwide.

In fact, the Philippines is now recognized as the top Asian fine jewelry supplier in Italy, and one of the biggest sources of gold and silver in the world.

The success of the Philippines jewelry industry is due to exquisite craftsmanship, high quality, creative designs characterized by unique fusion of indigenous and unconventional materials, and responsiveness to the needs of a diverse global clientele.

Innovative Products
that Redefine “Luxury”

The Philippines jewelry industry produces a wide range of medium to high-priced products.

Philippines fine jewelry consists mainly of precious metal jewelry made of gold or silver, which could be mounted with precious or semi-precious stones, as well as loose pearls and semi-precious cut stones such as diamond, ruby, and emerald. This is the most popular category, particularly diamonds set in 14K or 18K gold.

Pearls are the country’s top jewelry export item. The South Sea pearls are highly prized by jewelry experts all over the world for their lustrous features and captivating spectrum of colors that range from basic white, champagne, gold, and pale blue to silver and green. Silver jewelry, on the other hand, is starting to find its way in foreign markets.

Philippines costume jewelry uses diverse materials including sea shells, corals, coconut shells, wood, bamboo, rattan, fossilized stones, corals, abaca, sinamay, nuts/seed and amber. Expert designers and artisans combine these with other materials such as non-precious metal (nickel, brass, iron, copper), plastics, glass, fabric, leather, and semi precious stones to come up with exquisite pieces. advantages

Unique Strengths and
Powerful Competitive Advantages

Key to the growing success and long-term potential of the Philippines jewelry industry is the availability of resources in the country. The Philippines is rich in natural as well as manpower resources, which are critical in delivering higher productivity and profitability. Moreover, companies that invest in the Philippine jewelry industry enjoy significant tax incentives.

  • Abundant supply of gold. The Philippines is ranked 2nd in the world in gold reserves, with total gold reserves of 162.8 million metric tons. Gold is found throughout the Philippine islands, particularly in Baguio, Camarines Norte, Masbate Island and Davao Province.
  • Rich Gemstone Deposit. The country is also rich in gemstones such as opal, jaxper, quartz, tektite, jade, garnet, epidote, jadeite, blue and green schist.
  • High-quality manpower pool. Skilled technical workers and expert craftsmen, who are trainable, professional, creative, and familiar with other cultures, are readily available in great supply.
  • Strong government support and incentives. To encourage full development of the Philippines jewelry industry, the government enacted laws that grant jewelry companies various incentives, including zero duty on imported raw materials and capital equipment, excise tax exemption, tax breaks, and liberal sourcing of gold and silver.

Huge Growth Potential

The top export markets for Philippines jewelry are Japan and the US. Both account for more than half of the country’s annual jewelry exports.

Italy, UK, Hong Kong, and Switzerland are also among the key Philippines jewelry export markets and are significantly expanding.

There are about 250 firms that are engaged in the Philippines jewelry industry, employing a pool of highly trained and skilled 100,000 workers.

Small and medium-scale jewelry enterprises hold about 50 percent of the Philippines jewelry industry, while the top 10 largest jewelry chains and manufacturers hold less than 25 percent.

Majority of the companies, which fall under the small and medium scale industries, are geographically located in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Davao, Cebu, and Baguio City.

Posted in Philippine

Outsourcing in the Philippines

October 18th, 2013 selectphilippines

IT and IT-enabled Services


Outsourcing in the Philippines: IT and IT-enabled services outsourcing is the country’s ‘sunrise’ export sector. The Philippines has emerged as the new frontier for Business Process outsourcing (BPO).

More and more foreign companies realize the many advantages of outsourcing in Philippines. Outsourcers express high-level of satisfaction with their overall results and profits, and are expanding their Philippine operations.

BPO Philippines – Leader in Quality

Based on Accenture’s 2004 Offshore Location Attractiveness Index, the Philippines ranks as the number one outsource location for activities where the availability and quality of staff are as important as cost.

Outsourcers in the Philippines benefit from the country’s high-quality knowledge workers.

The country boasts of 94% literacy rate. It has more students enrolled in universities than most European countries. With 643 IT schools, 400 technical colleges, and 86 colleges and universities, the country produces an estimated 400,000 graduates annually.

It has a large, increasing pool of multi-skilled IT professionals – over 40,000 engineering and IT students join the workforce every year.

The country’s educational, healthcare and business systems, which are patterned after the US, also produce high-quality doctors, accountants, and lawyers.

Furthermore, the Philippines has a strong western influence, and an open economy that makes it even more adaptable to other cultures.

Majority of the Philippines’ 90 million population speak English. The Filipinos are also known for their excellent facility in acquiring foreign accents and learning various languages (including Japanese, German, French, Spanish and Chinese).

All these plus the Filipinos’ friendly nature and customer service orientation have made the Philippines a preferred destination for:

  • technical and customer service call center outsourcing
  • business processes (accounting and finance, administration, human resource payment)
  • content conversion (medical transcription, law proceeding transcription)
  • software applications development and maintenance
  • engineering and design, and
  • animation.

 

Philippines – The New Outsourcing Hub

The Philippines is a recognized outsourcing hub for US, European and Japanese firms. There is a growing number of international companies outsourcing in the Philippines. The list includes:

  • US companies: AIG, Accenture, America Online (AOL), Citibank, JP Morgan, Dell, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, Caltex, Barnes and Noble, Sykes, Procter and Gamble
  • European companies: Alitalia, Standard Chartered Bank, Ambergris Solutions Getronics, ING Group, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and ABN AMRO. Soon Logica CMG, Express Gifts and the Emirates Group will join the list.
  • Japanese companies: Sumitomo Group, Mitsubishi Industries, NEC Telecom, Fujitsu (Software), Tsukiden Group

Manila, Cebu, and Davao City, are the major centers of outsourcing in the Philippines. Beyond these, other areas like Subic Bay, Clark and Baguio City, are emerging as attractive outsourcing zones in the country.

Outsourcing in the Philippines – Vast Investment Potential

From less than US$150 Million in 2001, the industry has grown significantly and is expected to reach US$ 2 Billion by the end of 2005.

As of June 2005, the Philippines BPO industry employs total of 132,000 jobs. Customer care employs 69,000, legal transcription, back office and related fields 25,000, medical transcription 5,000, animation 5,000 and software development 28,000. In 2004, there were about 91,000 jobs across these fields.

With the accelerating growth of the global offshore outsourcing market, there continues to be a vast untapped potential for outsourcing in the Philippines.

The industry aims to generate 1 Million ICT jobs by 2010, and has put together a strategic roadmap and specific programs to achieve this target.

The Philippine BPO industry enjoys full and unwavering support from the government. No less than President Gloria Arroyo chairs the Information Technology and e-Commerce Council (ITECC) that oversees, reviews, updates the country’s e-commerce strategy. The President champions the BPO industry and aggressively promotes the outsourcing in Philippines in her meetings with foreign investors.

The Philippines has several economic zones, and dedicated IT and cyberparks that benefit from a strong telecommunications infrastructure, including a nationwide fiber-optic backbone and multiple undersea cables to every region in the world. The country offers attractive incentives to investors, including tax holidays.

Already more foreign investments are pouring in to beef up the country’s information and communications infrastructure that will further strengthen the country’s position in the global BPO market.

Posted in Philippine
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