Davao City Flash Floods (06/29/2011)

...Some Dangerous House Plants diri sa Ato!...

 A toxic plant is one that contains a chemical substance which produces a harmful reaction in the body of humans or animals when taken in small or moderate amounts. A harmful reaction could include allergic reactions, dermatitis or skin irritation, of internal poisoning. Allergic reactions are not always classified as poisoning and will not be treated as such here. This is because there is a wide range of plants that can cause allergic reactions, and sensitivity to a particular plant varies among individuals. Also, individuals can react in different ways after contact with a poisonous plant depending on their sensitivity level.

When the word POISON is heard, our minds run into wild with huge of WHAT IFs!
Today I am going to just put some colors to some plants we have in our surroundings especially indoor plants which contributed much to beautify our house, and worst can be the potential hazards and give danger on us and to our pets as well.
to start with, we have this recently nga gi kagubtan ug post sa FACEBOOK ang walang malay nga - : 
the Dumb Cane
(alyas: mother-in-law's tongue, Giant Dumbcane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard Lily)

Botanical name
Dieffenbachia sp.
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous component
Calcium oxalate ( CaC₂O₄ or Ca (COO)₂.)


as we all know, CALCIUM OXALATE is a chemical compound that forms needle-shaped crystals, known in plants as RAPHIDES, it is a major constituent of human  KIDNEY STONES, the chemical is also found in beerstone, a scale that forms on containers used in breweries.   The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dieffenbachia sp. is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on dumbcane. Speech impediment can occur, sometimes lasting for several days. Avoid eye contact with the juices which can result in intense pain and swelling.

This plant is useful for purifying our indoor air.

-oo0oo-


"Aloe Vera"

Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, Wand of Heaven and Miracle Plant

Botanical name
Aloe barbadensis
Poisonous parts
Latex
Poisonous component
Aloe-emodin



- a popular house plant due to its reputation as a healing plant for burns, cuts and other skin problems since ancient times. Aloe is mentioned in the New Testament at John 19:39-40
And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes...
 Caution should be exercised before using Aloe from an Aloe plant because contact dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals. You should cut away the skin and inner layer of yellow juice leaving only the actual gel. The yellow juice, especially prominent in older plants, is the primary irritant in the cases of contact dermatitis. Test a small area of skin, such as the inner forearm, for a reaction before more general use.
As with Aloe arborescens, ingestion of the latex, which is found just under the skin, can cause a cathartic (purging) reaction by irritating the large intestine. One of the components of Aloe is a compound called Aloin. It was a common ingredient in laxative products until the American FDA banned its use in 2003. Aloin is now typically removed during processing.
Although there is no doubt that Aloe holds many promising uses there is a great deal of controversy surrounding its safety and efficacy and more research is needed to unlock its true potential.
Aloe is also an air purification plant.
                                              -oo0oo-

Gabi-Gabi (Angels' Wings)

Elephant Ears, Heart of Jesus

Botanical name
Caladium x hortulanum
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous componentCalcium oxalate



-Ingestion can cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat and may also be an irritant to the G.I. tract. Children as well as cats, dogs and other family pets that may nibble on the foliage are all at risk.
Pictured is one of the pink cultivars,  daghan sa house sa akong mother-in-law sa Matina! of which over a thousand exist, commonly sold in garden centers especially during Kadayawan sa Dabaw There are two main forms cultivated - the more common "fancy leaved" (heart shaped leaves) and "lance leaved" (lance head shaped leaves).
Caladiums grow from corms and can be easily propagated by dividing the tubers. These frost tender plants are typically grown as a tender bulb, or as a house plant, in colder climates with minimum temperatures of 75F in summer and 55F in winter. If humidity is low mist the leaves daily. Most varieties thrive in bright indirect light with sun resistant types becoming available. 


-oo0oo-

Crown-of-thorns



Botanical name
Euphorbia milii
Poisonous parts
Sap


Poisonous component
5-deoxyingenol




The common name of this plant would lead one to believe it is the 'crown' Jesus wore while he carried his torture stake to his crucifixion. However, native to Madagascar, this plant was unknown in Christ's time. Debate continues but many feel Paliurus spina-christi is a more likely candidate.
The "Crown-of-thorns" is a trailing or climbing spiny shrub with showy flower clusters and red, petal like bracts. 
This plant contains caustic and irritant chemicals in the latex. Avoid contact to the skin and eyes. General symptoms of ingestion are: abdominal pains, blistering/irritation of the mouth/throat and vomiting....

-oo0oo-

Flamingo lily



Botanical name
Anthurium andraeanum
Poisonous parts
All parts
Poisonous componentCalcium oxalate


- Ingestion usually does not occur because chewing quickly causes painful irritation of the mouth and throat. 
General symptoms of poisoning are blistering, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), hoarseness.
Anthuriums are a blooming plant that have tiny flowers crowded in a spadix, which is sometimes referred to as a "rat's tail" due to its appearance. The spadix is subtended by a spathe (red, bract like leaf). 
Flaming lily is readily available at local plant shops and is a popular house plant duna gihapon tanum akong mother-in-law!because of its long lasting flowers. 
Flamingo lilies also have a long vase life and can stay fresh in a flower vase for up to 14 days.
Being from the tropics warmth and humidity are essential elements for Anthurium. 
Minimum temperatures of 60-70 F is recommended for blooming and a daily misting is helpful with bloom longevity.
Although capable of flowering year round most plants grown in the home will enter a dormant period between October and February. During periods of dormancy water sparingly and withhold fertilizer.
- So there it is, mga hints been provided! 

It is important that we as houseplant owners be aware of the potential problems that plants with toxic properties might cause. Let us be always aware and cautious of the identity of your houseplants and learn if they pose potential threats to us, our children and pets. If you cannot identify a houseplant, dili na lang ta pataka ug tanum kay wala baya gyud poison center diri sa ato-a!  

...she was meant to be your girl!... ^_^

Song Lyrics:

♫ ♪ I am just a girl, one among the others, nothing much to say

 plain and simple girl,  not a special type in any way♫ ♪
 ♪Just one look,  and you will surely see
That the truth is "MISS SOMEBODY" is me♫ ♪
♫ It's  not an evil world, that has only made me a girl
I am just a girl,  not the kind of woman men would like to meet
Just another girl no-one ever looks at in the street
♫  But today, I can't believe it's true♫  ♪
When you smiled and whispered "I love you"♫ ♪
♫  ♪Darling I could see,  I was meant to be your girl...

... the bond, the RIMANDO!..

a photo video of my folks, my breed...

Yesterday's world is a dream
Like a river that runs through my mind
Made of fields and the white pebble stream
That I knew as a child
Butterfly wings in the sun
Taught me all that I needed to see
For they sang, sang to my heart
"Oh look at me, oh look at me"
"Free as the wind, free as the wind"
"That is the way you should be"

Love was the dream of my life
And I gave it the best I know how
So it always brings tears to my eyes
When I think of it now
Gone like the butterfly days
And the boy that I once used to be
But my heart still hears a voice
Tellin' me "look, look and you'll see"
"Free as the wind, free as the wind"
"That is the way you should be"

There's no regret that I feel
For the bittersweet taste of it all
If you love, there's a chance you may fly
If you fall, well you fall
Rather the butterfly's life
To have lived for a day and been free
For my heart still hears that voice
Tellin' me "look and you'll see"
"Free as the wind, free as the wind"
"That is the way you should be"
"Free as the wind, free as the wind"
"That is the way you should be"....

Louis Armstrong What A Wonderful World

will of the wind...

...my love, my man, thank you & happy father's day!...

Each morning I wake up and see,

This handsome man lying next to me.

He's the one I love and cherish ,
like a jewel without a tarnish!
I will love him as a faithful wife should,
doing everything for him If only could.

I would let him know everyday,
That I love him more than words can say.

For the three children that we have together,

And the love for God in each other.
It will keep our love forever strong,
And the Lord will guide us away from all wrong.

When we were young and newly married,

I thought this is the meaning that True Love carried: 
Presents of perfume, tsokolati and flowers, 
Lacey Valentines and dream dinner out. 
But I have learned as we and our love matures, 
That there's more to lasting love to endure 
Remembering to say that always I love him too.
For we've good years behind us,

And  still we're looking ahead for it too
Not just taking love from marriage,

But giving it instead. 
Buen Dear, it's  that nice to know? 

After all this time, 
you're still and forever the man I KNEW,

my love, my valentine, 

my friend 'til my breath ends!

si Papa....

<--- ANTONIO B. RIMANDO,  my father...

Pa,

though am sure how to reach you
On this very special day and any other day and everyday,
I decided to write "something" from my heart here in my blog.
I have some things I need to say which isn't the usual 

thing I do.

I would first like to thank you,
For bringing me to this world.

Thanks to you Papa, because I learned how to

 hold my head high
And carry my self with pride
Thanks to you I am somebody now
Who will never run and hide...

Through you I’ve learned to face my fears
And take each day as it comes
as You said;

"YOU cannot take anything with you when patay na ta!"
What’s done is done, ug dili na ma balik!

To me, 

You lead by example that others around don't see

not even by my siblings...And because of you I’ve learned a lot
Thanks to all the dedication that you have demonstrated

especially the way you loved Mama 

the way you take care of  her even before, 

I see all these when I was younger...bisa'g wala ta gipang ka-on, ug bisan wala ta

material things in possession...

Never have I seen you give up
And thus in me you’ve instilled the fight

in some aspect of  journey in life...

SALAMAT Pa!

Train Live at Daryl's House - Hey Soul Sister

...tsokolati ni....

Genus and Species: Theobroma cacao Also Known As: Chocolate, cacao Parts Used:Seed (often called bean)

liso sa kakaw nga ready ipagiling 

Here is a picture of the Cacao Fruit where the seeds used to make chocolate and cocoa are found. YUM!!

puno ng kakaw

A few years ago a burst of publicity surrounded a report suggesting that eating chocolate causes the release of brain chemicals responsible for the feeling of being in love. Though this research is yet to be confirmed, your favorite vice may just be what the doctor ordered! Cocoa and its derivative chocolate, may aid digestion, boost blood flow to the heart, and help anyone with chest congestion breathe easier. Read on!!

THE NOT SO SWEET HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE

Chocolate was once a rare and exotic luxury reserved only for the wealthy and priviledged.

When Columbus landed in the New World, the native people were already cultivating the cacao tree for its precious fruit, the cacao bean, from which chocolate was ultimately extracted. It was Columbus himself who introduced the cacao bean to Europe, presenting a handful of dried beans to a rather indignant Spanish court, disdainful of the humble-appearing beans.

When the Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez and his soldiers marched into the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) he found the emporer Montezuma and his nobles drinking a brown, bitter tasting drink from golden goblets in a sacred daily ritual. They called this drink Xocolatl. They believed that the drink endowed them with supernatural powers and bestowed health, strength, longevity, and sexual vigor. It was considered a gift from the Gods (In fact, 100 cacao beans could buy a healthy human slave).

tsokolate sa box

Once the Spanish nobility put aside their disdain for the beans and tasted the chocolate drink they became passionate devotees (1660's). For European tastes, however, the drink was too bitter, so they sweetened it with sugar and milk and sometimes added spices like nutmeg.

In 1828 the cocoa press was invented making the process of grinding cacao beans easier. Before, chocolate was gritty and grainy, similar to coffee without the grounds removed. But now, the quality of chocolate liquor was improved.

choco-liquor drink

A Swiss inventor Daniel Peter experimented with the addition of milk to so that the liquor could be molded and allowed to harden and eaten in solid form. It was extremely successful!!!! 

KISS THESE RUMORS GOODBYE!!

Chocolate does not cause: 
Acne, Tooth decay, Heart disease, Kidney stones, Headaches, Infant colic, High cholesterol, and Obesity. Also very few incidents of chocolate allergy are reported. Often, chocolate allergies are actually the result of milk allergies, which are common. Hypersensitivity to caffeine is not a rumor, but does not indicate an allergy, and chocolate should then be consumed in small amounts, only. 

tableya gikan sa Bohol

HEALING WITH COCOA

Cocoa has three chemicals which account for its use in herbal healing: PCaffeine, Theobromine, and 

Phenylethylamine.  Cocoa also contains several minerals such as copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Recently  a group of phytochemicals (flavenoids) contained in chocolate are under study for their antioxidant function and possible health benefits.

Caffiene is only found in small quantities in chocolate (only 10-20 percent of coffee's caffiene content) Cocoa and chocolate may provide mild stimulation without the insomnia, jitters, and irritability caused by coffee.

Theobromine is a weak stimulant found in slightly larger amounts. The combination of this and caffeine may cause the "lift" chocolate eaters experience. Theobromine also relaxes (soothes) the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract which may explain why people have room for chocolate after a heavy meal.

Theobromine and caffeine are close chemical relatives to theophylline, a standard treatment for asthma, which opens the bronchial passages of the lungs. They both have similar effects. Even if you don't have asthma, try chocolate for the chest congestion of colds and flu.

Phenylethylamine also found in chocolate is related to amphetamines, which are strong stimulants.

All three (caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine) increase the actions of neurotransmitters in the parts of the brain that control one's abilty to pay attention and stay alert. There are also some controversial findings/theories that chocolate has a pharmacologically active substance that has the same effect on the brain as marijuana.

Cocoa Butter which is also derived from the plant and is present in chocolate is also very useful for healing. It is comprised of the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) oleic acid which was recently (1999) shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Cocoa butter itself can be rubbed on burns, chapped lips, dry skin, and the sore nipples of nursing mothers.

Flavenoids are a subclass of polyphenols that are also found in tea and wine. Epidemiological studies indicate that they may have an impact on cardiovascular health. They have powerful antioxidant properties and have been reported to decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in vitro and in humans.

mga pa-ek-ek ni nga tsokolati

DIETING WITH CHOCOLATE

Nutritionists have always been aware that chocolate contains more energy per unit weight than almost any other food. (Joseph, p. 13)
For this reason, chocolate was almost always included in military field rations during WWII.

While many people mistakenly consider chocolate a spice, condiment, or flavoring, it is a full fledged food. Chocolate comes in four forms: baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and cocoa powder.

 Baking Chocolate is pure and unsweetened, derived directly from the chocolate liquor. It contains 53 percent cocoa butter, a fat. It is bitter in taste and is used only in baking and confectionary applications.
(143 calories, 93 percent from fat in 1 ounce)

Semi-sweet Chocolate or "dark" chocolate is the result of sweetening the original chocolate liquor with sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, or other sweetening agents. It can be eaten in its natural state like candy, as well as cooking and baking.

Fun Fact: Dark (semi-sweet) chocolate contains ten times more antioxidants than a strawberry! In addition, studies have shown that an ounce of dark chocolate a day increases good cholesterol and prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing, a process that may contribute to a heart attack!
(135 calories, 75 percent from fat in 1 ounce)

Milk Chocolate the most popular form of chocolate. The original chocolate liquor is sweetened and then milk products are added.
(147 calories, 56 percent from fat in 1 ounce)

Cocoa Powder a loose brown, powder prepared by removing a large portion of the fatty cocoa butter from the liquor leaving the powdery brown residue. Usually mixed with hot water or milk and consumed as a beverage.
(75 calories, 65 percent from fat in 1 ounce)

Chocolate three times a day may help people to feel good and not experience the irritability, cravings, hunger pangs, depression, and feelings of deprivation associated with dieting. Consumed in controlled (small 1 ounce) amounts at specifically coordinated (between breakfast, lunch, and dinner) times of the day, that is!!! A cup of hot cocoa three times a day 30 minutes before a meal provides a feeling of fullness so you will be able to eat less, and can help satisfy a sweet craving after meals as well. 

The tast of chocolate is definitely something we enjoy. Interestingly enough, chocolate is often flavored with another well known bean called vanilla.

It is often theorized that it is not the taste of the chocolate that we crave, but the fat. We enjoy the sensation of big round fat globules rolling around on our tongues.

SAFETY AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cocoa and chocolate are on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe. "Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time." (heeheehee) Cocoa should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor.

Caffeine is a classically addictive drug. It is associated with insomnia, irritability, anxiety attacks, increased blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and increased risk of birth defects. Large amounts of chocolate can produce classic caffeine side effects. Anyone suffering from any of the conditions stated in the last two sentences should limit caffeine consumption.

Cocoa and chocolate may cause heartburn. The herb relaxes the valve between the stomach and esophagus, the tube that carries food down to it. When this valve does not shut tightly, stomach acids splash up into the esophagus causing heartburn. If cocoa or chocolate gives you heartburn use less or stop using it. 

nalanay nga tsokolati

though i learned only the basics, still am thankful!

Bisayan, Tagalog, English are the language I woke up with.  It’s the one everyone around me spoke with especially when I started school… I am thankful that my parents  had relatives and few friends who spoke other Filipino native dialects. That gave me a fair command of  those  things when hearing them talk.

In the first grade of school, English is the major of instructions. We all took hours  each day with it until college.. That really wasn’t enough to learn the language fluently, but it was a good start for little ears that weren’t set totally on the English language.

Of course, being in Catholic school in college here in Davao, I had 4 years of Spanish as one of the major subjects, not that did me any good for conversations, but it did give me a good background on what the language is.  Presently, I am on a language training, a foreign language…the language of  Finland!…sounds weird??? well, maybe para sa uban kapwa Filipino, mga Bisaya, Ilocano, and Surigaonun nakong mga paryente….. Hehehe…hehehe.

Now, you are probably wondering why I am so thankful for knowing several languages… not that I’m that good at them, but I can carry on a conversation if it doesn’t get too deep and I can read all of those which I’ve mentioned.

But, today I am thankful for having learned those languages at such age 45 years old…hehehe…  Maybe, these were much easier to learn when I was young and I never even thought about translating every phrase into English. 

I wish every child could be exposed to other languages before they actually seem foreign to them.  When kids are young, it’s one of those things that kids just seem to understand.  They don’t question what they are hearing.  They just start speaking the language they hear.  And, no… it was not confusing. 

It will be of  great fun growing up speaking several languages. Anyway, I have enjoyed the benefits of knowing a few languages.  You know, most everyone knows English, at least a few words.  But, there have been times when I have been in the company of those who didn’t know the first word of English.  On those occasions I have been fortunate to find that most people knew at least of the dialects & languages I did.

Well, today I realized the importance of knowing more than one language.  And, no, I didn’t encounter someone who only spoke Finnish.  

As I Passed By at

the grocery store along Ilustre Street, Davao City

I ran into a situation today with a deaf person in that grocery store where I used to passed by.  She was  trying to ask a question and no one could make her understand.  I watched as the sales person tried to move her mouth really slowly and distinctly as if that would help.  Most people who read lips do it best at a normal pace.  I hated to intervene, but it was becoming increasingly humiliating to watch the deaf woman become frustrated and the saleswoman making a fool of  herself. 

As a nurse, I was thankful for the volunteer work I had in one of the local gov’t hospital here in our place. 

Well, I am thankful for the opportunities that I had, to learn other languages.  I wish all, at my age had the opportunity. Para nako lang,  it is so much easier for  MATURE mind to grasp though… And, today I am most thankful for knowing a language that few learn.

Kiitös paljön…nahdaan!J-?