What is this RESA PHILIPPINES 2011?

From my notes at the Real Estate Continuing Professional Education(CPE)seminar

RESA  is the Real Estate Act – Republic Act No. 9646 which changes the Landscape in Real Estate Service Practice.

The Real Estate Service Practice was considered a TRADE rather than a PROFESSION in the Philippines.  RESA now makes it a Profession rather than a Trade.  In the past,  as a Trade,  it was administered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and was specifically assigned to the Bureau of Trade and Consumer Protection (BTRCP).  As a Profession, it is now  handled by a Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service (PRB-RES) which is under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Read more...

Health and Invironmental Impact of Dishwashing Detergents

Keeping our body, home and surroundings clean are the most basic but significant means to be healthy.  To keep ourselves and  household clean we have to use several cleaning and grooming agents.  Either we are not aware of the effects of these detergents and beauty products we use everyday on our health and environment or we just do not have the choice.  The good news is that there are natural, toxin-free and organic alternatives available.  I just finished my dishwashing chore and I appreciate those formulators of these non-toxic detergents. I wish to share  what I found about the contents of our normal dish washing cleansers we use to keep our pots and pans “spic and span.”

There are many more economical environmentally friendly dish washing detergents than there were just a few years ago, but their level of "greenness" will vary greatly. For example, a detergent may proclaim to be phosphate free, but the other ingredients will read like a laboratory shopping list - so be sure to study the labels before making a purchase decision and beware of greenwashing.

The main ingredient of dishwashing detergents are  Phosphates.  They are what create the bubbly stuff in your detergent, to help get your dishes clean. In recent years more and more States in the U.S.A banned phosphates because of studies made that proves phosphates are bad for the environment.  Environmentalists believe that when phosphates enter the water supply, they block oxygen production which is dangerous for the aquatic flora and fauna that depends on oxygen for survival.

When washing dishes, some residues are left.  The residue accumulates with each washing.  And food comes into contact with these utensils that picks up part of the residues-which is unknowingly consumed in the process.  Dish washing liquids are labeled “harmful when swallowed.” Most contain Naptha, a CNS depressant, diethanolamine, a liver poison, and/or chlorophenylphemol, a toxic metabolic stimulant.Having been aware of the Toxic chemicals that are in our detergents, I searched for an alternative.  I found this product  which became a necessity in our home for all-around cleaning and even excellent for personal care purposes.

Blue Miracle is a safe, non-toxic, and versatile cleanser.  It is a great substitute for commercial detergents being sold in the market today.  It preserves the environment and protects us from pollution.  Blue Miracle is affordable, practical and convenient to use.  It contains no phosphorous, enzymes, fluorescent materials artificial colors, bleaching agent, etc.Read more 

Health effects of phosphorus (the main ingredient of Dishwashing detergents)

Phosphorus can be found in the environment most commonly as phosphates. Phosphates are important substances in the human body, because they are a part of DNA materials and they take part in energy distribution. Phosphates can also be found commonly in plants. Phosphate is a dietary requirement, the recommended intake is 800 mg/day, a normal diet provides between 1000 and 2000 mg/day, depending on the extent to which phosphate rich foods are consumed. Humans have changed the natural phosphate supply radically by addition of phosphate-rich manures to the soil and by the use of phosphate-containing detergents. Phosphates were also added to a number of foodstuffs, such as cheese, sausages and hams. Too much phosphate can cause health problems, such as kidney damage and osteoporosis. Phosphate shortages can also occur. These are caused by extensive use of medicine. Too little phosphate can cause health problems. Phosphorus in its pure form has a white colour. White phosphorus is the most dangerous form of phosphorus that is known to us. When white phosphorus occurs in nature this can be a serious danger to our health. White phosphorus is extremely poisonous and in many cases exposure to it will be fatal. In most cases people that died of white phosphorus exposure had been accidentally swallowing rat poison. Before people die from white phosphorus exposure they often experience nausea, stomach cramps and drowsiness. White phosphorus can cause skin burns. While burning, white phosphorus may cause damage to the liver, the heart or the kidneys.

There are also Environmental effects of phosphorus.  For further details go to environmental effects of phosphorous.

Sources: http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/12/17/dirty-dishes-detergent-phosphate/

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/32/1/Dishwashing-detergent-environmental-impact.html

The “negative” that is Beneficial to our Health

Anions?

I was introduced to this product called Anions.  Since I am an advocate for “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” and natural  health remedies, I did some research on this Anions.  I tried reading the studies of anions published by pub.med but they used scientific words that I do not understand.  However, pub.med  published many scientific studies that used  Anions to treat some diseases  with amazing results.  I  had read every material I could find about it and found these two other names for it that are more simple to understand; Negative ions and Vitamins in air.

What are Negative Ions?

"Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches."

 Sources of Negative Ions

 Natural Sources

• Sunlight, Radiation, Moving Air and Water
• Plants
• Showers
• Beeswax Candles
• Water Fountains
• Binchotan and Bamboo Charcoal
• Feng Shui

Artificial Sources

• Negative Ion Generators
• Air Purifiers

 Source: www.causeof.org

The human body is surrounded by ions; therefore, the function of electrons inside and outside the cells has significant influence on the human body. It makes the body strong if good ions are taken. When the amount of Negative Electric Ions contained one cc of air inhaled reached 5,000 to 50,000, it strengthens the body's resistance and immunity; and when the amount of Negative Electric Ions contained in one D.C. of air reached 100,000 to 500,000, it relieves illnesses. Negatively Charged Electric Ions in our body are essential in sustaining and improving our health. Whereas 85% of the Negative Electric Ions are absorbed from our skin, only 15% is inhaled and absorbed through our lungs. (quoted from page 56 of Negatively Charged electric Ion Treatment, issued by Youth Publishing)

Negative ions are beneficial to human body in four major ways:
Reprinted from "Economy Daily News" - January 30, 2002

• Strengthen the functions of autonomic nerves
• Reinforces collagen (tissues that are resilient and tension-related)
• Improves the permeability of the cell's prototype plasma membranes (improves metabolism)
• Strengthens the body's immune system

Hundreds of studies had been conducted about negative ions and every study concludes that they are beneficial to our health.  I do enjoy these two products that are convenient to use:

click: BLUE MIRACLE

click: Love Moon

Click here to read more

         Benefits of Anions in Love Moon

Changing for the Better

I used to hear about toxins and chemicals on stuffs we use everyday.  I have not really give it a thought because of several excuses I have like; everyone use them, if these products are toxic they should not be allowed in the market and so on.  Recently I realized why I did not really cared about what my toothpaste or shampoo content were. I did not have an alternative.  Now that I found one, I cleaned our bathroom and got rid of all the clutters in it.  Everything except for one small bottle that replaced all those stuffs that are supposed to be toxic.  I love the free space and the result of my new found solution.

Before:

After:

They call it the power cleanser beyond belief until you try it.  It is not the"to see is to believe but it is the believe to see."  Take a look...

What are the contents of this Blue Miracle? _ check it out

Toxins and Chemicals

I was reading an article about  chemical ingredients in our personal care products and even watched this video, http://storyofstuff.org/cosmetics/.  To some, it can be  believe it or not kind of thing but we know about toxins and chemicals.  Take a look at these:

TOOTHPASTE

·         Fluoride in toothpastes is extremely poisonous.  It is linked to 10,000-cancer deaths yearly.  Flouridation is also responsible for 40 million cases of arthritis, dental deformity in 8.8 million children and allergic reactions in 2 million people. – Dr. Dean Burke and Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, National Cancer Institute, USA 1997)

·         Fluoride has the ability to induce tumors, cause cancers and stimulate tumor growth rates –Research from St. Louis university of Texas.

·         Fluoride is carcinogenic.  It causes bone cancer and increases the rate of oral cancer

Note:  USAGE DIRECTIONS in (common toothpaste) DO NOT SWALLOW.  Rinse and spit out after use.  For children 6 years and below, use a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing.  In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center Immediately.

MOUTHWASH

·         Many children are rushed to the emergency room each year due to alcohol poisoning caused by accidental intake of mouthwash contains 26.9% alcohol.  In adults, using mouthwash with high alcohol content increases the risk of oral cancer by as much as 60%

DEODORANT

·         Deodorants have aluminum-a metal and the 3^rd most common element in the environment that is toxic to the body.  It is found in mineral solutions, processed foods, anti-perspirants, antacids, paper products, beverage cans, foil and cookware.  There is a supposed link between Alzeimer’s disease and the toxicity of aluminum…high concentrations of metal were found in the brains of people suffering from the disease.  It can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as three-folds-source from World Health Organization.

         ·         Aluminum in anti-persperants is also linked to breast cancer, which is the leading killer of  
                women under 40.

SHAMPOO

·         Almost ALL shampoos have SLS.  It corrods hair follicles keeping it from growing and causing hair to fall out.

·         Lice shampoo is a pesticide and is absorbed into the brain.  Lindace, the main ingredient in lice shampoo causes convulsions, seizures, cancer and death.

·         Regular shampoos contain harsh chemicals.  Baby shampoos advertised as gentle and “no tears” contain some of the worst chemicals, including anesthetizing agent which covers up the burning sensation that is caused by the same chemicals that come into contact with the eyes and brain, especially after repeated use.  Everything that touches the         scalp is absorbed into the brain first, so think twice before choosing to bleach, dye, or perm hair.  Use natural alternatives.

CHLORINE BLEACHING AGENT/DESINFECTANT

·         The first agent of chemical warfare was chlorine.  World war II ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical.  As a result of huge profits.  It was added to our water supply and many other products.  Chlorine is the number one cause of breast cancer and can be lethal.  Scientists wont handle chlorine without protective gloves, face masks and ventilation.  Yet it is used in most brand cleaners including dishwasher detergents.  The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated, as in the shower.  Chlorine is found in our drinking water, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and more.

·         Disinfectants are usually phenol- or cresol- based and they deactivate sensory nerve endings.  They attack the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and the central nervous system (CNS).  It takes over a year to eliminate the unhealthy effects of spraying 2 ounces, even with heavy cross ventilation.

·         Children are at high risk when playing on the floor with  residues of formaldehyde, asbestos and pesticides from common household cleaners.  Their respiration rates are three times higher than adults and their detoxification are not fully developed and cannot filter those toxins out.

DISHWASHING DETERGENT

·         When washing dishes, some residues are left.  The residue accumulates with each washing.  And food comes into contact with these utensils that picks up part of the residues-which is unknowingly consumed in the process.  Dishwashing liquids are labeled “harmful when swallowed.” Most contain Naptha, a CNS depressant, diethanolamine, a liver poison, and/or chlorophenylphemol, a toxic metabolic stimulant.

 LAUNDRY DETERGENT

·         Laundry detergents contain phosphorous, enzymes, ammonia naphthalene and countless others.  These chemicals can cause rashes, skin itches, allergies, and sinus problems.  The residues left on clothes, bed sheets, etc., are absorbed through the skin.

·         Fabric softeners are used only because chemicals in laundry soap create static.

PESTICIDES

·         Pesticides are dangerous.  They are responsible for asthma, bronchitis, eczema, migrains, death, hives, joint and muscle pain in 16 million people each year and the numbers are growing.  Anti-bacterial products contain pesticides.  It is alarming that many common products necessary for daily living such as shampoo and toothpaste contain pesticides.
Source:  www.kinetics.com/

 And we wonder why the medical fields are the thriving industries even during times of economic crises.  I certainly believe that these studies were not made and published  just to scare the public about these products we use everyday.

I  am a strong believer of the ‘prevention is better than cure’ and prefer  alternative healing treatments and techniques.  I would rather have homeopathic remedies than pharmaceutical drugs.  There are several natural products  formulated  to help us combat free-radicals and other causes of diseases. I do not believe on a single product  that is ‘cure-alls’ so I continue to search and try what works for me to address whatever I wish to remedy. After  recovering from an illness I thought I was going to die from,  I  became passionate about natural and organic products  that can help in maintaining good health and sharing it to others. In fact I made it my career. Here is one that I recommend to be worth the try. 

 Blue Miracle is a safe, non-toxic, and versatile cleanser.  It is a great substitute for commercial detergents being sold in the market today.  It preserves the environment and protects us from pollution.  Blue Miracle is affordable, practical and convenient to use.  It contains no phosphorous, enzymes, fluorescent materials artificial colors, bleaching agent, etc. Read more

Roads Leading to a City in the Sky

By: Julie Baeyens

The 3 Roads connecting Baguio to the rest of the world

KENNON Road, known as the  Baguio Zigzag road

This road is the shortest route among the three.  Interesting to note that it was built by the Americans, Japanese and Filipinos together during the war.  The road used to be covered with dense Pine trees that any one taking the route can smell the Pine scents the moment they reach the border from the Lowlands signaling their arrival to the mountain city.

In spite of the thinned Pine trees, many visitors and tourists still pass through it to see the breathtaking scenery that unfolds at each bend of the road. There are beautiful and scenic sites along Kennon Road such as the Bridal Veil Falls, Bued River gorge, Twin Peaks, Colorado Falls, a pedestrian suspension bridge, the sculptured limestone lion's head, and the spectacular view from the observation deck at the upper end of Kennon Road. There are also some small stores along the road where you can buy an assortment of native handicraft, vegetables, brooms, and locally made delicacies.

NAGUILIAN Road, now renamed to Quirino Highway

The northern road that is the shortest route to the Ilocos region from Baguio but the longest route to take from Manila. It is about   

46-kilometers stretch from Bauang to Baguio and only 55 minutes drive during fair weather.  Like Kennon road, it is also a steeply climbing  and the road surface varies from asphalt to concrete surfaces.

During inclement weather conditions, it will be touch and go as you climb in the thickness of the fog that would envelope the mountain. At its higher elevation, vehicles crawl at a snail's pace usually in the afternoon when the fog moves in. However, the road is less affected by landslides than Kennon Road.

ASPIRAS  Highway, formerly Marcos Highway

  

During inclement weather conditions when Kennon Road is closed to vehicular traffic due to landslides, travellers from Manila and the provinces in Central Luzon take the Aspiras Highway  in going up to Baguio. By car, it takes about an hour  longer than Kennon Road. It is  a  49.2-kilometer stretch from Agoo to Baguio.

The Aspiras Highway was originally designed to be the premier route to the City of Baguio. This access road is between Kennon Road and Naguilian Road. There are a number of roadside stalls selling fruits and vegetables, woodcarvings, and furniture. When rice is harvested you will find farmers using the road shoulders to dry their rice. As you go further up in Taloy, a sitio of Sto. Tomas, you would see the what is left of the bust of Ferdinand Marcos which has been carved out of the mountain. It was constructed just before the people's revolution which took him out of power. The bust overlooks a DOT aborted project, the Marcos Park consisting of a golf course, conference buildings and tennis courts are now badly deteriorated.

A City in the Sky

” These past few days were chilly as temperature dropped as low as 9.6 °C in the early mornings and warming at barely 15 °C  when the sun shines.  The lowest was years ago as recorded at 6°C.  We live in the mountainside about 7 kilometers from downtown Baguio and we only have sunshine most of the time till noon.  Afterwards the fog sets in and envelops the place with clouds.  We can enjoy the view of beautiful sunset occasionally when  the fog thins out during the summer.  Read more