What I like about “Dear Miss Manners”

After almost four years of visiting the library and just staring at this encyclopedic like book, I finally got to open it and read its content…Just the first few pages of course since I got classes to attend.

The book which I find interesting is about how people should act with etiquette even in the most unexpected situation. Dear Miss Manners gives the readers the simplest solution in dealing with day-to-day problems with confidence and grace.

As I was reading, here are the quotable lines which I really like…

“If one does the right thing, one does not have to read nasty little books about how to deal with guilt”

“You wouldn’t trust a preacher who never experienced the temptation of sin”

“Who says there is a right way of doing things and a wrong?”

“Two wrongs make a blight”

“We now have a world full of new, improved people who are really ready to move on to improving others. This had better stop before there are no good people left”

“Most people can be trusted to behave personally well when they are in love and perfectly dreadfully when they have been dumped”

“Magazines are full of suggestions to help one fool people about one’s identity”

and the one that struck me most is…..

‎”The bride’s wish that the wedding be “the happiest day of her life” came true. Each succeeding day was slightly less happy than one before, finally they divorced.”

One of the Boys: A Gift or A Curse?

Growing up with a bunch of boy friends around you means being one of them. They treat you just like the same…no special treatments except during rainy seasons since they’ll offer you their coats or jackets.

I’ve always been acting like one of the tough guys since I was a kid and I did not know how to breakaway since I’ve been comfortable with the clothes I wear, toys I play and music I listen to.

I don’t have brothers…biologically speaking…but I got tons of them (just disregard the blood thing) Often times, I’m being misunderstood for a lesbian or a bisexual because of my behavior which I guess, will be permanent.

But what I like being boyish is that:

• you get free body guards anywhere you go—-of course they won’t let anyone harm you. Your enemy is their enemy too regardless if you’re right or wrong…you’ll always have a bunch of back-ups.
• you get free drinks whenever you’re in a bar or just an ordinary store—it has always been a male instinct to impress everyone by giving out freebies.lol.
• you’ll be assured to have jackets/coat during rainy days or while watching movies inside the malls–when it is cold, it is their duty to make you feel warm…I mean, make you comfortable despite the weather or setting…hahaha.(it is not what you think)

the best part of being one of the tough guys is….especially when you like someone:

• you can hug them for free or kiss them on the cheeks sometimes…with no malice…maybe just for them..lol
• you can have them beside you anytime except if they have some dates
• they share some secrets and trust your every word
• call you when they needed advice and ask you out for an ice (T-ice, ice cream..whatever)
• you get gifts during your birthday and even during ordinary days

the hard part of being one with the buds:

• you get sucker punch all the time…since they thought you can’t feel pain (physically) like them
• you can’t wear girly clothes without them laughing at you and saying..you’re so gay!
• you can’t complain when they bring their girlfriends around you and introduced them as if you like them too.
• you can’t refuse drinking sessions
• you can’t get away from their pranks…like having you dance with other girls..I mean slowdance..as if you got what they got…hmpf!
• when they caught you listening to katy perry’s song you’ll be the center of all the jokes…

The hardest part…

when it comes to:

• jokes…most of the time, they could not determine which is a joke from not…
• feelings….never fall for any of them…they won’t notice it..unless he feels the same way too…but never expect he will look at you the way you want him to.

You can always be with them..but falling in love will be your biggest downfall..you’re lucky if they love you too but if not…friendship is better than having nothing to hold on to…

But in my case, I’m happy being one of them…for now… who knows, in the future, I might regret it too…

Moms don’t Always Know What is Best

Maternal or Women’s Care is the 5^th Milennium Development Goals of the United Nations. It aims to lower mortality rate and unwanted preganancies.

According to United nations Develoment Programme, in the Philippines induce abortion is the foruth leading cause of maternal death. Also, out of 3 million pregnancies over half of births occurred at home and one-third of them were assisted by traditional birth attendants (TBAs).

In Barangay Lumangan, survey shows that majority of the respondents in Lumanggan are practicing modern maternal care methods but rarely participate in seminars and forums regarding family planning. On the other hand, there are still few who adhere to the traditional means like “hilot”. Age could be considered as an intervening factor since those who prefer “hilot” are the ones who conceived at the year 1970’s.

During the pregnancy stage, 6 out of 9 respondents had their regular check-up at their health center and nearest hospital while the remaining 3 still believe in “hilot”. This could also be attributed to lack of financial resources and the presence of “hilot” and midwives at their barangay.

The survey also shows that majority of the respondenst which is 6 out of 9 gave birth to their children in their home with the aid of “hilot” and midwives. The remaining 3 gave birth in the hospital.

When it comes to family planning, there have been no case of abortion occurred during their pregnancy and the use of contraceptive is not prevalent. This is due to the fact that 5 out of 9 did not participate in any type of forums or seminars conducted by the government or any volunteer group. The remaining 4 attended the seminar about family planning conducted by volunteer groups of UPV and other institutions.

Women in Lumanggan should participate in the activities by the government intended to widen their knowledge about modern maternal care. This will be beneficial on their part since they will learn new ideas and practices given the right methods and proper supervision. They should not rely solely on traditional birth attendants since there are risks involved before and after pregnancy.