Planning to Retire Soon!

If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Friday, July 31, 2020

How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man

I just finished reading Mary Trump's book-Too Much and Never Enough. I enjoyed the book very much and recommend it to all readers, Pro or Anti-Trump. It is a must read. Thank you David III for buying it for me.


The book confirms that Potus is deceitful, obnoxious, narcissist, arrogant, liar, dishonest, tactless, racist, uneducated, misogynistic and pompous. If you don't agree read the book. Here's a summary from Wikipedia.

Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man is a tell-all book written by Mary L. Trump, a niece of Donald Trump. It was published on July 14, 2020, by Simon & Schuster. The book provides an insider look to the Trump family dynamics, reveals details about financial dealings, including the author's work as the anonymous source who revealed the suspected tax fraud to The New York Times. The Trump family launched a lawsuit in an attempt to stop its publication but was unsuccessful in delaying the release of the book.

The book's author, Mary L. Trump, a clinical psychologist is a daughter of Fred Trump Jr., and a granddaughter of Fred Trump Sr. She has taught graduate students in the subjects of trauma, psychopathology, and developmental psychology. She has written a dissertation on stalking victims, conducted research on schizophrenia, and written parts of the prominent medical manual Diagnosis: Schizophrenia. Mary's father died in 1981 at the age of 42 from a heart attack due to alcoholism.

Following the death of Fred Sr. in 1999, Mary and her brother, Fred III, contested Fred Sr.'s will in probate court, claiming that Fred Sr. was suffering from dementia, and the will was "procured by fraud and undue influence" by Fred Sr.'s other children, Donald, Maryanne, and Robert. A week later, Donald, Maryanne, and Robert terminated health insurance coverage for Fred III's son, William, an 18-month old with epileptic spasms. In an interview with the New York Daily News, Mary said that her "aunt and uncles should be ashamed of themselves. I'm sure they are not." The suit was settled, with William's health insurance reinstated. Donald in 2016 explained his actions: "I was angry because they sued."

After her uncle's presidential campaign, Mary Trump came into contact with The New York Times, and provided boxes of tax documents from the Trump family as an anonymous source. The documents were used for a 2018 article that detailed financial fraud by Trump that won the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for David Barstow, Susanne Craig, and Russ Buettner.

Barstow pursued Mary Trump with an offer to ghostwrite a book for her. He introduced her to Andrew Wylie, his agent, who offered her a multi-million dollar advance for her participation. Craig and Buettner were angry when they found out about this, and the editors of the Times forbade Barstow from writing the book, as they felt that his involvement would breach the Times ethical guidelines. Mary Trump ended up working with Jay Mandel of WME, and sold her book's publishing rights to Simon & Schuster in an auction.

Here's a couple of reviews from readers:

1. I listened to the audio version of her book and it confirmed, and also provided some interesting info I was not aware of, of how twisted the family is. To this day I’m still trying to wrap my head around how people thought electing a fraud and reality TV guy with zero experience would be a great choice for President.

As someone who is still in therapy recovering from dysfunction in my own family, I was told that it’s usually the sensitive and observant member of a dysfunctional family who seeks out help and tries to figure out the family dynamics. They recognize the issues and see the pattern and want to ensure they don’t suffer from the same, and even protect others from succumbing to the same abusive behavior.

I don’t think Mary’s sexual orientation is a factor in her recognizing how things were amiss. I believe she is a sensitive, caring person who picked up on the toxicity at an early age, particularly seeing the ill treatment her father received and sought to find out why and how not to become the next victim of their horrendous behavior.

2.

Mary Trump’s book, of all the books that will be written of this failed leader will be at the forefront of “must “ read for historians now and in the future. Bravo Mary.


3.

Just finished this book last night! It validates what I had already ascertained as a clinician. Hope others make sure to read this!

Meanwhile, enjoy these photos of my okra and ampalaya( bitter melon) just starting to fruit:

My ampalaya ( bitter melon) and Okra just starting to fruit!

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The First Filipinos Landed in Morro Bay, California in 1587


On 18 October 1587, the first Filipinos landed in what is now the Continental United States at Morro Bay in Upper California. They arrived aboard the Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza, which had sailed from Portuguese Macao, as part of the Manila galleon trade. During about three days of travels ashore around Morro Bay, the crew of the Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza came in contact with the Chumash people, ultimately resulting in the deaths of two crew members: one Spaniard and one Filipino.

Departing Morro Bay after the deaths of the crew members, the Nuestra Señora de Buena Esperanza eventually reached its intended destination of Acapulco. No other Filipino landed in California until 1595. In 1995, a monument on Morro Bay was dedicated to commemorate the events of 1587. October has been designated as Filipino American History Month since 2009 in recognition of these events.(Source: Wikipedia).

During the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade era from 1565 to 1815 Spanish galleons crossed the pacific between the Philippines and Mexico. On October 18, 1587, the Manila Galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza commanded by Pedro de Unamuno entered Morro Bay near here. A landing party was sent to shore which included Luzon Indios, marking the first landing of Filipinos in the continental United States. The landing party took official possession of the area for Spain by putting up a cross made of branches. The group was attacked by native Indians two days later, and one of the Filipinos was killed. Unamuno and his crew gave up further exploration of this part of the coast.

Historical Landmark Declared by the
Filipino American National Historical Society
California Central Coast Chapter
Dedicated October 21, 1995
static.px.yelp.com/bphot…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album:

One of the many orchids ( Princess Mikasa) in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer,  Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Friday, July 24, 2020

Life is Short, so Enjoy it to the Fullest

It is summer time here in Northern California and we are staying home due to Covid-19 or the Trump virus according to Nancy Pelosi.   It is indeed time for some inspirational readings! My wife and I are Octogenarians and soon we will leave Mother Earth, so we will try to enjoy life to the fullest!


LIFE IS SHORT... ENJOY & LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!
🔹Love God and others More!✔
🔹Take time to PRAY and Read the Word of God! ✔
🔹Drink Plenty of water. ✔
🔹EAT:
Breakfast like a KING,
Lunch like a Prince &
Dinner like a pauper. ✔
🔹Live with the 3 E's--
Energy,
Enthusiasm &
Empathy.✔
🔹Play good games.✔
🔹Read more books than you did in 2018.✔
🔹Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.✔
🔹Sleep for 7 hours.✔
🔹Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily And while you walk...😊 Smile.✔
🔹Don't over do. Keep your limits.✔
🔹Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.✔
🔹Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.✔
🔹Dream more while you are awake.✔
🔹Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.✔
🔹Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present Happiness.✔
🔹Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.✔
🔹Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.✔
🔹No one is in charge of your happiness except you.✔
🔹Smile and Laugh More.✔
🔹You don't have to win every argument, Agree to disagree. ✔
🔹Call your family often.✔
🔹Each day give something good to others.✔
🔹Forgive everyone for everything.✔
🔹Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.✔
🔹Try to make at least three people smile each day.✔
🔹What other people think of you is none of your business.✔
🔹Do the right thing!✔
🔹GOD heals everything.✔
🔹However good or bad a situation is, it will change.✔
🔹No matter how you feel, Get up, Dress up and Show up. The best is yet to come.✔
🔹When awake in the morning Thank GOD for it.✔
🔹Your Inner most is always happy...
So, be Happy. ✔
ABOVE IS A REPOST
FROM:Jone Jingco Haimer
Building this beach house is one of our life's fullest enjoyment!

Monday, July 20, 2020

Meet Ditas Katague-A Proud Filipina-American

Last week an article on Ditas work as California Census 2020 Director were published in four newspapers, namely the Ethnic Media Services, The Asian Journal, India Currents and the most recent was in the USA Inquirer.

There was a minor error in the article stating about my medical practice.  I corrected it in the Comment Section as well as in my comments in my FB Page. The articles are as follows in case you have not read it:





I also mentioned in the comment section that Ditas is my youngest daughter. As a child she was very competitive with her two older brothers and an older sister. I also commented that both my wife and are not only very proud of Ditas accomplishments, but also the accomplishments of her older siblings in the field of Law (Dodie), Banking( Dinah) and Federal Service(David Ernst III).

Here are the Linkedin Bio Data of our four children:



For David E.: My youngest son David E. Katague III is a Transportation Security Officer, TSA in Sacramento. He had this job since 2005. His former employment was at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Information Technology Consultant. Before that he was a Policy Analyst at the Executive Office of the President from Aug 1992 to Sept 1995 (Washington, DC).

He has two degrees as follows: From Carnegie Mellon University with a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Public Management(1986 - 1988) and from University of California, Davis with a Bachelor Science degree in Agricultural & Managerial Economics(1982 - 1986).


Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of our latest dinner:

Friday, July 17, 2020

I Cooked Oyster Rockefeller Yesterday

Yesterday was not a special day. But I felt I should cooked one of my favorite dishes to celebrate Filipino-American Pride. My Filipino-American Pride was recently aroused by four articles about Ditas-my youngest daughter. She is the Director of California Census 2020. The article featured her as an accomplished Filipina-American. https://usa.inquirer.net/56853/californias-fil-am-census-head-fights-for-own-community-to-get-counted )

Served with Garlic Bread and White Zinfandel with Peach Ice Cream for Dessert

For details and recipe/preparation read:

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Be Proud of Your Filipino Ancestry


With 2020 Census ending by October 31, 2020 my daughter Ditas who is currently Director of the California 2020 Census and her daughter, Carenna who is multi-racial ( half-Filipino, 1/4 Italian and 1/4 Irish) proudly listed in their 2020 census forms, they are Filipino-Americans.

Filipino Americans are the largest group of Asian Americans in 10 of the 13 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, Wyoming; Filipino Americans are also the largest group of Asian Americans in South Dakota. Filipino immigrants have dispersed across the United States, gravitating toward economic and professional opportunities, independent of geographic location. Among the 1,814,000 Philippines-born Filipino Americans, the states with the largest concentrations are California (44.8%), Hawaii (6.2%), New Jersey (4.8%), Texas (4.8%), and Illinois (4.7%),

In 2008, 35% of Filipino immigrants in the United States lived in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City metropolitan areas; by 2011, the percentage of the total Filipino immigrant population in the U.S. in those metropolitan areas was 33%. In 2010, Filipino Americans constituted the largest Asian American group within five of the nation's twenty largest metropolitan areas: San Diego, Riverside, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Houston.

Ditas is working very hard that all Californians are counted this Census year, specifically Filipino-Americans. Be Proud of your Heritage if you are a Filipino-American.

Again here's one of the articles on Ditas Census work as published in the USA Inquirer in case you have not read it.

https://usa.inquirer.net/56853/californias-fil-am-census-head-fights-for-own-community-to-get-counted


Meanwhile, enjoy these two videos on Growing up as Filipino-Americans :


https://youtu.be/7baldoHlsMU

Friday, July 10, 2020

Additional Information about my Great Grand Father-Victoriano Catague


The latest information I have about my great father was that he was a big land owner and rancher(cattle and horses) in Buenavista, Guimaras, Philippines. He also donated 36 hectares of land to the Boystown and Girlstown organization in the island. For details read the following from my blog and FB conversation with Conchita Catague who grew up in Buenavista, Guimaras. 



Here's an excerpt of my conversation with Conchita Catague of Buenavista, Guimaras. Conchita's grandfather ( lolo Ambo) is the younger brother of my Lolo Batol (Victoriano). 

Conchita: So related mn kmo ni tiyay Puri ky sya c Purification Lopez Catague ky didto ko na na kita c David Catague pgpatay ni tyay puri ba yon or my iban lng nga ocassion elementary pa ako sadto cla owner sng malapad nga duta d donated sa boystown c lolo victoriano ang owner nickname (Batol)

Me: Good to know. I like to know more about our Lolo Batol!

Conchita:Lolo Batol lapad duta dito sa Buenavista tyay puri donated 36 hectares to boystown then my gnpabay an sya nga duta until cultivated by one attorney but now that attorney died na kg my rancho dya amo na nga daku iya area d ky transfer nya iya rancho fr one place to his other are kg father ko ang iya upod bakero my latigo sya pirme para sa iya bakahan kg kabayo my pgka spanish sya ugali suno sa akon father ky si lolo ko Ambo iya manghud amo ngpuli d sa Guimaras halin sa Antigue kulasi Antique kg last time my ngpangita dire sng mga pamilia Catague ky my daku cla nga palanublion sa Antique malapad nga kadutaan kg sa barotac mn i dont know kn ano na natabu ky c tatay napatay 1997
1
Me: So we are 3rd cousins since your lolo Ambo and my Lolo Batoy were brothers, Now I know the Buenavista and Antique connections. Damo guid nga Salamat for the information.

Do you know Daisy Catague Cababasay ? She is the first cousin of my Father and they still have lands in Buenavista? Have you heard of Guillermo C(Katague) mto to Hofilena in Buenavista, What is the full name of Ambo? Is it Guillermo?
Conchita: Yes i know Daisy Catague Cababasay tambihanay lang km duta d sa Dan Nicolas ky cousin mn ila tatay n my father kilala gd ang mg cousin tyay puri and also Daisy's father 2nd wife c Daisy ang Ist wife cla Rodrigo yata
Dalawang ng asawa ang father ni Daisy kg sa 2nd wife sya

Me: Yes, Yes small world indeed! Could you write this all in English, so I could post as Addenda in my blogs.
Medyo mahina na ang Ilonggo ko.
Conchita: So ok i know fr my father lolo Batol had children here in Buenavista aside or kabit
And we are close also as relatives maybe Daisy dont know them but i know them ang during our Catague,s reunion we invite them

Me: Daisy is much younger than me so she does not as much as you do about the Catague Clan. Do you know any of the C(K)atague in Binalbagan, Neg Occ?
There is a Facebook Page Catague and Katague Clan- joined in and I will accept you! I am so happy to know you, because of your knowledge of our ancestry
Conchita:Ah i have heard so many of them they maybe related to Daisy because her mother is fr Negros sometimes Daisy's mother visit here in she said she had 11 children and I know also in south Cotabato and Zamboanga and i have sister Oliva Catague also in Bacolod have Oliva Catague in South Cotabato have Adelfa Catague also same i have a sister Adelfa because im the 2 nd to the youngest so i lived with my father most of his life so i know more about his relative ( our) we are also have a big family We are 14 Nd im the13th

Me: So is Daisy your second cousin?
Conchita: By the way how old are you now for i know a named od Dr. David Katague and my father said they are the owner of Katague buiding in Iloilo city and i know DrDavid Katague is one of that family owner since when tyay Puri died i think that Dr David Catague Was there? Not so sure but my father knows and have mention that named Dr David Catague

Me: Dr David Katague, former owner of the Katague Building was my father. I am his oldest son, David Jr. I will be 86 years old this coming December
Yes we are 2nd cousin but we ara not close they seldom visits here they have build a house here but as of now they just come here once a wk and Daisy dont come here wth his husband Leo
I think they (Daisy and Leo) have a fish pond in Buenavista, but she is busy with her restaurant in Iloilo
So ok we are 2 nd cousin also so you know Dra. Chythia Sedino Imaysay fr Kalibo aklan And Recto Catague Velez also attorney Hector Catague Veles They are brothers sister are Ng Alma Ng Nita Ng luz And ng Cristina there in Zamboaga
Yes thay have and Leo so long stay abroad and after he retired plan to stay here i Guimaras not they rent fishfond sometimes drop here To Us Locon big shrimps

For Details on Marcelina Javellana wife of Victoriano Catague read the following also:
https://javellana.wordpress.com/

Monday, July 6, 2020

Top Ten Medicinal Plants of the Philippines

Herbal Medicine in the Philippines is one of several scientific subjects also very closed to my heart. Thus in both of my undergraduate and graduate degrees, my minor subject was in natural products chemistry but my major subject was Analytical Chemistry. In FDA I was involved in the various committees promulgating requirements for the approval of botanical drugs.

(http://pu.blish.us/article/585/a-brief-overview-of-new-drugs-development-in-the-united-states#).

As a tropical country the Philippines is a good and an abundant source of plants with medical benefits. Regulation of these products are under the guidance of the Philippines Department of Health (DOH).

The following are the ten Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by the Department of Health:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.

3. Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth

9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.

10.Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites

Types of herbal medicine

Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad, an herbal tea or supplement. Many herbalists, both professional and amateur, often grow or wildcraft their own herbs. Making your own herbal medicine preparation is not only fun, but can be cost-effective. In using the above mentioned herbal medicines, some may require some degree of skill, you have to use your own judgement if you decide to use one. Below is a list of general ways on how to prepare your own herbal medicine. The list is not all inclusive and you have to see individual articles for the herb you use so that you will know how to prepare them.

Herbal teas: There are two methods of making herbal teas, infusion and decoction. Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light stems) in boiled water for several minutes. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as roots or bark for a longer period of time. Herbal teas are often used as a home remedy, and as an alternative to tea and coffee.

As a general rule unless recommended by a herbalist, Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 cup of water. Let it steep in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out and drink 3 to 4 times a day.

Herbal tinctures: Steeping a medicinal plant in alcohol extracts the alcohol-soluble principles into a liquid form that can be stored for long periods. Herbalists may mix several herbal tinctures to form an individualized prescription for each patient. Plant tinctures are also the basis for many homeopathic medicines.

To prepare your herbal tincture you will need:

8 ounces of finely cut dried herbs,
1 large glass jar that can hold 4 cups of liquid
2 cups of vodka

Instructions:: Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very important). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, preferably 4. Make sure to shake the mixture every day. When ready to use, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth bag, coffee filter, or fine cloth, capturing the tincture liquid below in another container. Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out of the sun. If stored properly the tincture will be preserved for two or more years. Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated.

Note: A drop of tincture is equal to 1 tsp of herb juice.

For Vinegar Tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces of vinegar.

Fluid extracts: Fluid extracts are stronger than herbal tinctures, and can be made with alcohol or glycerin.

Herbal poultices: Poultices are a solid, vegetable fat based mixture used externally. They have the shortest life span of any herbal remedy and must be made fresh for every use.

Powdered herbs and tablets: Herbs that are dried and (sometimes) certain parts are separated out then diced to powder fine consistency. Powered matter can then be compressed or put in an empty pill coating to form a tablet

Herbal creams and ointments: An ointment usually is mixed with beeswax (or something similar) to make it more applicable to outside the body, such as on a cut or scrape.

Essential oils: Extraction of volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic compounds from plants gives essential oils. These plant oils may be used internally in some forms of herbal medicine as well as in aromatherapy and generally for their perfume, although their medicinal use as a natural treatment (alternative medicine) has proved highly efficacious in the treatment of headache and muscle pain, joint pain and certain skin diseases

Herbal supplements: Herbal supplements tend to be commercial products in tablet or capsule form manufactured and marketed by the health food industry for sale in retail outlets to the general public, although there are some types that are sold only to healthcare practitioners for prescription. Herbal supplements are often standardized to contain stated levels of active phytochemicals. Some herbalists may not agree with the standardization of active ingredients, preferring instead to use the whole plant.

Source: www.medicalhealthguide.com/philippinesherbalmedicine.htm


Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my file:
Sunflower pinwheels in our Front yard-gift of Carenna last Mother's Day

Friday, July 3, 2020

My Racist Neighbor and Me


The other day I wrote a short note about my haughty and possibly racist neighbor based on his attitude towards me. However, after he read my biography and bucket list, his attitude suddenly changed and now friendly to me. This experience illustrates that racism is due to ignorance.

The following are some of the best quotes I found in the Internet for your reading pleasure. http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/racism-quotes/

Attached is my most widely read and commented article (hub) I wrote about Filipino Discrimination in the US and my own and family experiences here in the US way back in the 1960's in Kansas City, Missouri


Meanwhile, enjoy the following:

Christmas in July in Northern California
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