Tag: October 4, 2011

EFFECTIVE not only against venom, but also against dengue.

Such is the new use of tea extracted from tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta), a plant traditionally used to cure boils, wounds, bronchitis, sores, asthma, and hypertension, said Rafael Guerrero III, an academician from the National Academy of Science and Technology.

“Tawa-tawa has been a traditional herbal medicine for centuries in countries not only in Asia, but also in the Caribbean, South America and Africa,” Guerrero told the Varsitarian by email.

He added that studies have shown that tawa-tawa, found in the Davao and Leyte areas, is effective in increasing the blood’s platelet count, which would help the body fight dengue fever.

AMERICAN thriller film “Contagion” explored the effects on social stability of a pandemic, specifically from a fomite-transmitted virus, an object or substance that is capable of carrying germs or parasites to cause contagion.

The story started on the second day of the virus, with only one carrier in the guise of a certain Beth Emhoff, who just returned from Hong Kong.

The virus, however, spread within a short span of time, as when she arrived home in Minneapolis, where she was already displaying flu-like symptoms. 
Two days after, she was rushed to the hospital by her husband after she experienced seizures, but died upon arrival due to an unknown disease that even doctors cannot diagnose.

UNTOLD narratives lie behind newspaper bylines.

The Martial Law era was a terrible period, but exciting times as well, for journalists. Unless they toed the line, every article against the dictatorship risked physical harm, if not death.

Such was the environment in which journalists like Alice Colet-Villadolid and the late Rommel Corro worked. Their stories were many and collectively, they formed part of the Filipino memory of that dark period in history.

Censorship and veiled threats

THE DEBATE continues.

Since Rizal’s retraction letter was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. in 1935, its content has become a favorite subject of dispute among academicians and Catholics. The letter, dated December 29, 1896, was said to have been signed by the National Hero himself.

It stated: “I declare myself a Catholic and in this religion in which I was born and educated I wish to live and die. I retract with all my heart whatever in my words, writings, publications and conduct has been contrary to my character as son of the Catholic Church.”

THE VATICAN has reportedly offered to reintegrate the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) into the Church, as long as its leaders sign a “doctrinal preamble.”

In a report by the Catholic News Service, Pope Benedict XVI said he wanted to repair the rift with the SPPX and give the latter “full reconciliation with the Church.”

The doctrinal preamble supposedly asks the SSPX to adhere to Catholic doctrine and the teachings of the Church following the Second Vatican Council.

The SSPX, founded by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970, rejects Vatican 2’s reforms, particularly the use of the vernacular in the liturgy.

THE ROLE of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila as the protector and mother of people will once again be commemorated from Sept. 30 to Oct. 9 at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

Organizers said that this year's grand La Naval procession on Oct. 9 will focus on raising awareness about the anti-life provisions of the Reproductive Health bill.

Invited to lead the traditional act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Rosary is Sen. Tito Sotto, a pro-life lawmaker.

With the theme “La Naval de Manila 2011: Ina ni Kristo, Ina ng Buhay,” the celebration will start with a nine-day novena and the enthronement of the Marian image at the main altar.

UNLIKE its predecessor, Guitarra 2011 featured an all-Thomasian display of musical expertise as the Conservatory of Music’s students, faculty, and alumni took to the stage at the UST Museum from September 13 to 15.

Last year, the festival featured renowned guitarists from all over the globe. Aside from participating in the concerts, the foreign instrumentalists also held master classes at the Conservatory to impart their knowledge and expertise to students and faculty alike. They shared the stage with other Filipino guitar masters such as Joseph Mirandilla, Angelito Agcaoili and Manuel Cabrera.

Guitarra 2011 was led by Guitar Department coordinator Ruben Reyes.

SOPRANO Rachelle Gerodias’ vocal performance was the cherry on top of in Ballet Philippine’s (BP) tribute to women, Inamorata, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) from September 23 to 25.

“Inamorata is all about woman as the beloved, and as an advocate for women, I am proud to say that our show presents the many aspects of women,” wrote Ballet Philippines president and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Morgan-Floirendo in a message to audiences.

Inamorata was composed of nine segments per show. Each performance illustrated the many roles that the modern-day femme plays in society, making the various struggles she endures and obstacles she conquers known to audiences

THREE Thomasian-founded architectural firms were spotlighted in ICONS: CCP Architectural Design Competition Winners’ Exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) from September 8 to October 9.

Architectural firm Leandro V. Locsin Partners, Architect, established by Thomasian and National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, bested other Philippine architecture titans in the CCP Architectural Design Competition launched last March for the envisioned construction of the CCP Performing Arts Theater and Artists’ Center. Other firms founded by Thomasian architects Felino Palafox, Jr. and John Patrick Buensalido also placed in the competition.

MONEY.

The sight of a white, rich-leather wallet on the ground made my senses tingle. The schoolgirl was sprinting down the overpass with her shoulder bag zipped open. I looked around to check if anyone else saw this—nobody did. Everyone was rushing to their respective destinations and it was too late to call the girl’s attention. I thought of picking it up and running after her, but she was already inside her school which I was forbidden to enter.

I picked it up and watched the girl trail further away. A part of me wanted to run after her and hand it over, but there was something that held me back. Instead, I pocketed the wallet and started walking back to the corner where I sat.