Showing posts with label Naga Camarines Sur. Totie Mesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Naga Camarines Sur. Totie Mesia. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Changing the guidelines of mammography may increase breast cancer mortality




The US Preventive Task Force, a panel of experts, none of whom are oncologists, has recommended the following which has stirred much confusion and controversy:

1. Raise the age of first mammogram from 40 to 50 years old
2. Mammogram will be done every two years instead of every year
3. Stopping mammogram when a woman reaches 74 years
4. Patients and doctors may not do breast examinations

Mammography has been recognized as a vital tool in breast cancer detection. I believe a delay of 10 years before the first mammogram will miss cancer at an early stage when it is treatable with the best chance of survival. The panel thinks greater morbidity and mortality can be avoided if patients talk to their MDs on the cost-benefit assessment of the procedure. It is doubtful if this is true.

Those who advocated raising the age of taking mammograms ignored the successes in the fight of breast cancer which were achieved in last 10 to 20 years. About 15% of women in their 40’s are diagnosed with breast cancer from routine mammogram screenings. Since the use of mammograms in the early 90s there had been a 30% drop in mortality, about a third of which were women with ages 40 to 50. The procedure had been mainstay to early cancer diagnosis and treatment in this age group.

The change from a yearly mammogram to every two years will miss breast cancers at an early age. And halting the procedure after 74 years (at a time when longevity is getting longer,) can lead to more women dying of mammary tumors in their old age. The panel rules the number of patients falling in these categories is negligible and therefore can be ignored. Yet, in truth, looking at these "negligible" patients as expendable groups (not as individuals) is unfair and inhumane. What if it is you, your wife, mom, or sister who has the risk of having the disease?

Not recognizing the utility of breast examination to diagnose cancer goes against the grain of experience in medical practice. There are instances when during breast exams, patients are alerted of tumors that turned out to be cancers. Therefore, breast examination still plays a role in cancer detection.

I believe the lowering of the frequency of mammograms and the delay of conducting the routine procedure for women will adversely affect the gains in the fight against breast cancer. Women in ages 40-50 are the most productive and to preserve their life, they deserve a the best medical care.

Obviously, the new guidelines that are recommended are flawed. They come at a time when the pressure to lower the cost of medical services is among the hardest to tackle in the healthcare reform. Many doctors don’t agree with the recommendation of the US Preventive Task Force. Even the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology voice their objections to the proposed guidelines. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Eight soldiers killed in a bloody skirmish with NPA in Surigao





The encounter between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) which caused the death of 12 people including 8 military soldiers, among them a police officer, occurred without much public notice. Another 12 soldiers were injured in a remote mountainous community in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. The fighting with the communist militants was eclipsed by the visit of US Sec. of State Hillary Clinton in Manila who pledged support for the country's anti-insurgency campaign.

“Eight soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion, a police officer from the 1405th Provincial Police Mobile Group, a member of the Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary (SCAA), and two security personnel from logging firm, Surigao Development Corp (SUDECOR), died when they clashed with alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Pakwan village on Wednesday.” ---GMAnews.TV (11/13/09)

The senseless deaths and injuries of the brave men didn't have news coverage as much as Clinton’s visit and the release of Columban missionary Michael Sinnott---- kidnapped last month in Pagadian City in Southern Philippines. The soldiers died from gunshot wounds and from injuries inflicted by landmines and bombs exploded by the communist rebels.

On a military mission, the army soldiers were ambushed by about 100 NPA rebels. The deaths and injuries which followed were barely noticed by the public. Obviously, the bloody encounter indicates the fragility of peace in Mindanao. More has to be done for peace. The casualties suffered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) indicate the cost of keeping freedom and tranquility in the islands.(Photo Credit: abs-cbnnews.com x 2) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Eusebia Paje of Pamplona, Camarines Sur & Culpeper, Virginia





Eusebia (Nanay) Paje
In Memoriam
1926-2009

Nanay Paje, 83-years old died peacefully today, in the early morning of November 10, 2009 in Culpeper, Virginia, USA after a brief illness.

Originally from Pamplona, Camarines Sur, Nanay, a respected and distinctively affable retired mentor, was the loving mom to Ibalonian Dr. Yasmin Paje-Banzon of British Columbia, Canada, Errol Paje of Culpeper, Virginia, USA and Dr. Leida Paje of California, USA.

UP Ibalon expresses its sincere sympathy to the family and asks readers to pray for her eternal repose. So long Nanay! We love you! (Photo Credit: Tangentier)

Requiescat in Pace.

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PostHeaderIcon Liz Taylor bids farewell to Michael Jackson



On Thursday, Septermber 3, 2009, movie actess Elizabeth Taylor went to the burial of close friend Michael Jackson whose death was ruled as homicide resulting from toxic levels of a cocktail of medications that included a powerful anesthetic.

Celebrities who attended the ceremony 70 days after his death were Lisa Marie Presley, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Macaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Mila Kunis and Barry Bonds.

Riding a wheel chair and clad in black, 77 year-old Miss Taylor came teary-eyed to the Los Angeles Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale to also pay her last respects. The private interment was attended by Michael's children, immediate family, and close friends.

The King of Pop was interred in a golden casket under very tight security. The cost of burial was estimated to be $1 million dollars on top of the $1.4 million dollars prviously spent in a televised memorial service last July. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/ BBB.nes.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Taliban suicide bomber kills 23 in Afghanistan attack



The Taliban claiming responsibility, a suicide bomber detonated himself killing 23 people in a a crowded Mosque in Mehtarlam, Laghman Province, about 100 miles from the capital city of Kabul.

The deaths coincided with rising dispute on who won the recent presidential election which had served as the Afghanistan’s deputy intelligence officer. The government and the United Nations (UN) condemned the attack. Pres. Hamid Karzai (47.3%) leading against his rival Abdullah Abdullah (32.6%) on recent vote count.

The bombing which occurred in Ramadan apparently targeted Abdullah Laghmani who served as Afghanistan’s deputy intelligence officer. (Photo Credit: Travelblog.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Strong quake kills at least 32 people in Indonesia



A quake of 7 in the Richter scale rocked the Indonesian island of Java causing deaths to at least 32 people and injuring undetermined number of people. Most deaths and injuries were caused by collapsed houses and fallen buildings destroyed by the strong tremblor which occurred at daytime 3 P.M (4 AM E.T.) on September 2, 2009.

In the mountainous city of Tasikmalaya,in West Java, panicked people ran into the streets as many damaged houses and buildings fell. Shaking buildings and interrupting power lines, the earthquake was felt in the capital city of Jakarta where people scampered into the streets and mass evacuation in the business district was undertaken.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was about 190 kilometers offshore southeast of Jakarta, about 50 km deep. No tsunami was reported. Reuters/ Pikiran Rakyat Daily) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Baao Pintakasi 2009 in Las Vegas





Inviting You All to Las Vegas, Nevada!

Baao Pintakasi
Saturday, August 8, 2009
St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church Hall
3950 South Jones Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103
Contact: Naty Martires Uy (702)-617-9482; cell (818) 571-4515
Accomodation Booking: Rita (Deanna) Badiola (562)-324-8469

The 2009 Baao Pintakasi of Las Vegas this August 8, 2009 marks the 25th year of yearly celebration of Baaoenos in the United States. The wonderful tradition started more than two decades ago in San Diego, hosted by the generous Bismonte Family.

At that time, in their residence, the Bismontes regaled their few friends, guests, and families who spread around the good news to the Baao community. It was not long when enthusiastic kahimanwas came--- in droves to participate in a fiesta that since then became merrier and more memorable.

The crowd grew. It was time to get a grand venue to welcome the attendees. The jolly Baaoenos took pride asking to be the hosts of bigger events just the way they did in the especial town fiestas back home. Through the years, they took turns propping up happy fellowships which were held in great places like Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, CA, Monterey, CA, Lemore, CA, Hercules, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, etc. For this year a throng of 300 warm bodies are expected to come to Las Vegas. (Photo Credit: 5348Franco; Five Hundy)

It’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the sparkling affair. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola. =0=

Will you be with us this time? Las Vegas here we come!



Core Group Photo: (from l-r) Nilda Torres-Chang, Jocelyn Sanchez, Deana Rita Badiola, Ben Ballesteros, Myrna Ballesteros, and Naty Martires.



Core Group Member Sally and Joe Valeras with Friends.

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PostHeaderIcon Ika sanang Namomotan---"No Mas Amor” sa Bikol



Ngonian na nagadan na si Presidente Corazon Aquino, naguiromdoman ko an amiga kong si Joceline Losa Masauding kan Carolina Sur na kan sarong bulan nag-email sakuya. Sabi niya tabangan ko da'a siya maghanap nin Bikol na kanta kan “No Mas Amor”---an madahom na kansiyon na kinakanta ta sa pag-pangadie sa Sagrada Corazon (Sacred Heart.) Sa mati ko, hale sa Sagrada Corazon, an pangaran ni Cory---guikan sa mapag-mo’ot na puso ni Jesu Kristo.

Sa preparasyon kan pangadie para ki Nuestra Senor de Penafrancia sa Charleston ngonian na maabot sa Septiembre, muya ni Joceline na mag-guibo nin bag’ong folyeto nin novena. Sa pag-pugay sa puso ni Jesus, gusto niyang i-ayon an No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo.

No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo

No mas amor que el tuyo
O Corazon divino
El Pueblo Filipino
Te da su Corazon
En templos y en hogares
Te invoque nuestra lengua
Tu reinaras sin mengua
De Aparri hasta Jolo

Coro:
Ha tiempo que esperamos
Tu imperio en el Oriente
La Fe de Filipinas
Es como el sol ardiente,
Como la roca firme
Inmensa como el mar
La iniquidad no puewde
Ser de estas Islas duenas
Que izada en nuestros montes
Tu celestial ensena
Las puertas del infierno
No prevaleceran.

Haloy kaming naghanap kan kantang Bikol na iyan. Maski ang mga pading hinapotan mi, dae aram. Sa kahurian, si Joceline man sana an naka-kua kan hinahanap niya. Sa kabo’otan ni Fr. O. Largoza kan Nabua, Camarines Sur, nataw’an siya nin kopya kan kantang kan sadit pa tanda niya. Dae naghaloy, kan nagbisita si Joceline sa Nueva York kan sarong bulan, kinanta mi ang Bikol na No Mas Amor. Magayonon! (Photo Credit: Inspirational)

Uya tabi an No Mas Amor in Bikol---na satong sa bo’ot na kinakanta para ipagpugay ang kalinigan kan puso ni Jesus.

Ika Sanang Namomotan

Ika sanang Namomotan
O Diosnon na puso
An banwang Pilipino
Dusay sa puso mo
Sa simbahan sa harong man
Dila mi ika ina-arang
Namaghade kang tunay
Sa Aparri sagcod Jolo.

Coro:
Haloy mi nang pinagmawot
Paghade mo sa Siragnan
An Pagtubod niamo
Siring sa mainit na aldaw
Gapo baga kapusog
Dagat baga kahiwas
Di mangyari an karatan
Maghade sa kaporoan
Kun tindog sa Kabukiran
Langitnon mong tanda'an
An bilog na infierno
Di mangyari nanggad. =0=

PostHeaderIcon Sina’sa: sarong masiram na kakanon haleng Rinconada



Minsan-minsan, pag-sawa na kita kan mga pagkakan sa Amerika, naiisip ta an mga masisiram na mga kakanon na hale sa lugar na tinubu’an. An sakong ina na hale sa Rinconada may paboritong kakanon na dae ko maling’wan sa kasiraman!

Por medio ta an Baao, Camarines Sur, parte nin Rinconada sa Bicol (Baao, Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, Nabua, Iriga,) harayo sa dagat---kadaklan kan kakanon na aram kan ina ko, hale sana sa natad, kua sa paroyan, sapa, dakop sa mata’bang na tubigan----danao kan Baao, Bato sagkod Buhi.

An talusog /snakehead (Channa striata,) hito (Clarias sp.,) tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), carpa (Cyprinus carpio,) puyu (Anabas testundines) and sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis) iyo an mga sira na gusto kan sakong ina, kaya ako muya man magkakan kan sina’sa.

"There are times when we lose taste for food that is distinctly American. And we think of the tasty food which comes from our place of origin---our home. My deceased mom who comes from Rinconada, has some tasty native food that I can't forget.

Because she is from Baao, Camarines Sur, part of the Rinconada towns in Bicol (Baao, Balatan, Bato, Buhi, Bula, Nabua and Iriga,) she is far from the sea---mostly the diet my mom knows comes from the yard, ricefields, streams, and from the freshwater lakes of Baao, Bato and Buhi.

The snakehead, catfish, tilapia, carp, climbing perch, and sinarapan are fishes that she likes---I too like to eat the sina'sa."






Pagluto nin Sina’sa

Lima (5) o anom (6) sanang pulgada an pakadakula, an saradit na puyu (martiniko; climbing perch) inaasal niya sa kalayo na may baga. Pwede man gamiton an talusog sagkod ibang mga sirang hale sa ta’bang lalo kun daradakula. Pwede man pritoson. Pero mas gusto ni Mama an matunok na puyo na inasal. Hinahale niya ang tutong na kiskis. Mas manamit, lalo na kun luto sa baga nin suro kan niyog.

Hinahali’an niya nin mga dugi an puyu pakatapos asalon, dangan hinahalo nin dakul na preskong kamatis, siling labuyo, sibulyas, sibuyas, tunuktok na laya! Garo hambura (retrato sa itaas)!

Hinahalo’an niya nin suka o lemonsito. Pina-pa-uranan nin asin para makompleto ang timpla.

Napa-kalaga-kaga siya nin ugbos kamote na hale sa natad. Iguang mahamot, mainit na maluto hale sa patag. Presto! Masiram na an karakanan lalo na kun iguang batag sagkod may-malipot (may-hielo) na tubig: contra sa managom na demonyo---init kan siling labuyo!

"Five (5) or six (6) inches in size, the small puyu (climbing perch) is roasted in an open fire. Other fish like the snakehead and those caught from freshwater can be used, especially so if they are bigger. The fish can be fried, but by my mom's stamdard, the roasted perch is better. She removes the burned scales. The fish is tastier, especially if cooked in charcoal made from the coconut's fruit shell.

She removes the perch's fishbones after the roast. She mixes them with lots of fresh tomatoes, hot red peppers, onions, scallion, and a dash of finely chopped ginger. It's similar to fresh tomato salad (see picture above).

She puts vinegar or lemon juice and dusts it with rock salt to taste.

As an option, she boils fresh camote tops harvested from the yard. Cook fragrant white rice harvested from the valley. The food in combination is scrumptious--- particularly if there is a ripe latundan (banana) and ice-cold water---to ward off the red pepper's devil in one's burning tongue.
." (Photo Credit: Noonch; Puyu; TonieS; Elsie Bauer) =0=

Fried Tilapia Version of Sina'sa

PostHeaderIcon Mayon Volcano watched for possible eruption



There is palpable restiveness of Mayon Volcano these days. The Philippine Institute of Vocanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) reports frequent volcanic quakes intercepted by their instruments and crater glow has been observed in the mountain summit. Almost a hundred quakes have been detected from the volcano since June 29, 2009.

“The increasing crater glow of the volcano could have been triggered by the presence of magma in the conduit of Mt. Mayon due to degassing activity that feeds or infuses hot gas,” Resident Volcanologist Ed Laguerta, explained even as he admitted that it was quite difficult to monitor the abnormal condition of Mt. Mayon because of its distinct geophysical, geodetic and physical attributes compared to other volcanoes. ----Bicol Mail (07/09/09, Arguelles, MS)

As a result, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has laid out contingency plans to deal with an eruption and people in the vicinity of the volcano are kept on alert. They are asked to be prepared to avert disaster. People are warned to avoid the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone at the southeastern part of the volcano where real danger of sudden small explosions and rockfalls exist. (Photo Credit: Norkfam) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Ibalonian Dr. Vines N. Reis in the Big Apple



Ibalonian Dr. Vines Nolasco-Reis, from Goshen, Indiana and a toxicologist of Michigan State Environmental Quality Department visits her pals Dr. Franz (Punch) Evangelista-Daquilag and affable hubby Ed of Bloomfield, New Jersey and Dr. Augusto F. Mesia, of Astoria New York.

With Dr. Reis is youngest son Vergel who travels with her to Pittsburg, PA for a quiet family reunion in the July 4th weekend. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Exemplary Fil-Am Leadership: The shining civic spirit in Angelita L. Pena

by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York



Angelita de Leon-Pena’s job experience comes from years of sterling service in the corporate world and from human interactions that count. For many years she has worked as the assistant vice-president of New York Mellon Bank after serving in Corporate Trust Department of US Bank, the State Street Bank, Citibank (NY,) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in Naga City, Philippines.

The affable lady that I know since our days in Naga City has surely greater knowledge than what she knows about the financial health of America. She is now the incoming president of the Bicol National Association of America (BNAA,) a coalition of organizations of Bicolanos across the United States.

For many Bicolanos from California to New York, from Boston to Miami, from Hawaii to Alaska to Georgia these milestones are miniscule compared to Lita's desire, like her ardent friends in BNAA and the Our Lady of Penafrancia Devotees Asssociation (OLPDA) to serve the community.

More than the drudgery of plain living away from native Bicol, it is her passion to come up with something magnanimous for Filipinos in the enlarging diaspora. Her lively wit and sophistication are never dull. She is a fountain of inspiration---especially when she starts asking some gritty questions like, “How can we unite all Bicolanos in America? What can we do to help the people of the Philippines?”

Filipino-Americans (Fil-Ams) know the next president of the BNAA has her views. When she deals with issues of utmost importance, she stirs the pot with rationality and wisdom. As her impeccable credentials show, the beneficient angel from Naga does her civics well.

Lita is busy laying the ground work to host a reunion which will draw Bicolanos to the Northeast in a July 17-19, 2009 convention. The group’s reunion next month will tie-up bonds, recharge friendships, and drum up fresh humanitarian projects for the organization. With fellow-Bicolanos working with her, she will gather kababayans, Fil-Ams, their friends, and families from all over America and elsewhere for a tastefully planned merry get-together.

Would you believe you’re invited? Or would you believe we're all invited? BNAA, like OLPDA, is a welcoming group ready to open its arms. In a giveaway expression of real hospitality, the reunion is open to as many Fil-Ams as possible particularly Bicolanos.



In 2002, Lita walked as the grand marshal of the Philippine Day Organizing Committee in Passaic, NJ. Shunning self-importance, she worked hard as a board member in the well-known Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIDC) of New York City. With unrelenting duties at home and in the community, she proved to be an dedicated adviser of the Bicolandia National Association of America of the Eastern Seaboard, USA (BNAA-Eastern Seaboard) and OLPDA.

The leader with a beaming persona gave away precious time in 2003 to be the overall chairwoman of the Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. To forge unity the following year, Lita assumed headship of the Philippine American Friendship, Inc. Community Development Center (PAFCOM – CDC.) What more can one ask? She was a respected and popular president of BNAA-Eastern Seaboard, and the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) Alumni Association.

Serving as this year’s NAFFA’s Filvote Chair for Hudson County in New Jersey, Lita, the radiant civic leader of New Jersey can surely deliver the goods. On her gaudy sleeves rest a treasure trove of public service accomplishments that matter---those which draw people to be united with the community.

Consistently praised for her energy, Lita was appointed by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy as board of director of the Jersey City Training & Development Center in last year. As two-term president of the Greenville Fil-Am Bowling League and past board of director & vice-president of the Folklorico Dance Company of New York, she organized OLPDA of the Tri-State Area in the early 1990’s which encouraged faith-based veneration of Ina in America, the mother-patroness of the Bicol Region.



For all the sacrifices she endured, Lita didn’t lack the admiration of her kababayans who trust her ability. The Philippine New York Jaycees gave her the outstanding community leadership award in 2003. Along with Peng, her devoted husband, she was named by the New Jersey Parent Foundation as the 2000 Parent of the Year---a coveted distinction that brought sparks of inspiration to family-oriented souls across races and backgrounds.

As a keynote speaker, in 2002, the Bicol Canada, Inc, (Etobicoke, Canada) presented Lita a certificate of appreciation for her selfless service to Bicolanos as she helped improve the quality of life in Jersey City and in the Bicol Region.

A dynamic lady leader who kindly encouraged Filipinos to embark on community undertakings, Lita was given the Women’s Achiever’s Award by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy and by the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League of Jersey City. She received a certificate of appreciation from the mayor citing her outstanding commitment and continuous support for the Filipino American Veterans Organization of New Jersey. Given a service award in 2007, she was likewise cited for brilliant leadership and dedication by the BNAA-Eastern Seaboard.



Lita graduated from the Colegio de Sta. Isabel High School in Naga City. She finished her college education at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) in Manila, Philippines where she earned her accounting and business administration degree.

Married to Eufronio Pena of Naga City, she is a proud and loving mom of three wonderful children--- Eduardo, married to Marsha Rafanan, Ysadora, married to Alan Clarin and Eric, married to Ivy Damian. Lita and Peng, are happy grandparents to Alexa, Jonah, Aivery, Drew and Jaxsen. To better know this lady with an amazing civic spirit, why don’t you attend the grand BNAA convention and join the OLPDA? It will be fun for she will be there. (Photo Credits: Lita Pena/ AFM) =0=



RELATED BLOG: "Erlinda Requejo-Arellano: outstanding Bicolana community leader of New Jersey" Posted by mesiamd at 1/19/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Bicol Medical Center and its Surgeons



After years of painstaking build-up of the hospital, the Bicol Medical Center (BMC,) the region’s premier government and training center has established a remarkable team of doctors to serve the surgical needs of patients in Naga City and its environs.

UP Ibalon Bicol and friends extend its congratulations to Dr. Francisco Sales Jr. who currently heads the Department of Surgery. =0=

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