a FOOD REVOLUTION made possible

Maraming maling akala na nagdudulot sa pangkalahatang pagkakabalewala ng mga importanteng sangkap ng produkto ng isang pagkain.  Katulad na lamang ng brown rice or unpolished rice.  Karamihan sa ating mga Pilipino ang brown rice ay hindi kainaman, marumi sa paningin at ito ay para sa mga kapus-palad lamang, sa madaling salita higit pa sa segunda manong kalidad. Isa itong malaking pagkakamali , kabaligtaran ng katotohanan.  Ang mga nakakariwasa sa buhay ay siyang kumukunsumo ng naturang bigas sapagaka't batid nila ang benepisyong nanggagaling dito.  May kamahalan ito kumpara sa "milled rice" sapagka't limitado ang produksyon dahil sa kakulangan ng pangangailangan.

Alam nyo ba ang dahilan kung bakit ginagawang maputi ang ating bigas? Ito ay para maging mas mahaba ang tagal ng panahon bago ito ay masira.  Kapag maputi ang bigas, nawala na ang mga sustansya nito at ang mga sangkap na nagsisilbing gamot sa mga karamdamang sanhi ng mga hindi nararapat na kaining pagkain kasalukuyan. Ang mga sangkap na kasama  ng bigas na matatagpuan sa bigas, pag-kaalis ng balat na bumabalot sa palay ang siyang pinaka mainam na sangkap na nararapat nating kainin.

Ang bigas kapag maputi ay matagal masira.  Bakit?    Sapagkat ang mga insekto na kumakain ng bigas na nagiging sanhi ng madaling pagkasira ng mga brown rice ay hindi kinakain ang mga mapuputing bigas hangga't mayroong mga brown rice silang makakain. 

Mabuti pa ang mga insekto na walang utak sa ating pag-aakala.  Alam nila na ito ang kailangan ng kanilang katawan upang mabuhay at malayo sa karamdaman.  Karamihan sa mga tao ay hindi batid ang katotohanang ito.  Panahon na upang palaganapin ang isang masidhing pamamahagi ng katotohan para sa kapakinabangan ng nakakarami. 

Tayo ring mga nagkukunsumo ng pagkain ang nagbabadya kung ano ang produkto na ating kokonsumuhin.  Kapag nabatid ng nakakarami na mainam na kainin ang brown rice, magkakaroon ng pangangailangan.  Mapapaunlad natin ang industriya ng bigas sa Pilipinas.  Hindi na natin kakailanganin na mag-angkat pa sa ibang bansa habang ating pinauunlad ang kabuhayan ng mga mag-sasaka at kasabayan na rin ang pagbuti ng kalusugan ng mamamayan.  Ang pag konsumo rin ng brown rice ay makakatulong sa pagbaba ng pagkonsumo ng enerhiya sapagka't malilimitahan ang proseso ng pagkikinis ng bigas, isang problemang kawing-kawing sa mga problema ng sangkatauhan at ng kayamanang pang kapaligiran

Para sa dagdag na kaalaman sa benepisyong dulot ng pagkain ng "brown rice or unpolished rice" tunghayan ang mga sumusunod: (sipi mula sa panulat ni R. Valencia S. Bismark, Phil. Daily Inquirer, June 14, 2008)

In the book, “Healing with Whole Foods,” author Paul Pitchford enumerates:

1. Rice bran contains Vitamin E, which lowers excess fat and cholesterol and provides antitumor protection.
2. Gamma-oryzanol, an antioxidant found only in rice bran, strengthens the musculature of the body while converting fat to lean body mass. It improves blood circulation to the extremities, overcomes clots and blood stagnation, and improves hormonal balance by regulating pituitary secretions.
Aging process
3. Alpha-lipoic acid, another antioxidant, promotes liver restoration, slows the aging process and converts glucose to energy.
4. Glutathione peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme that reduces mucus excesses, boosts respiratory function, and helps detoxify the body. Known to counteract the effects of aging, it’s also used in the treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, acne and asthma.
5. Superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme, treats cataracts, arthritis and many symptoms of premature aging.
6. Proanthcyanidins facilitate wound healing, strengthen arteries, veins and capillaries, and improve blood circulation.
7. IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is beneficial in cancer therapy. It’s also used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, and may be useful against immune-system disorders like AIDS.

There are other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are “thrown away” during the milling process. So, it’s really wiser to eat brown rice!

Kung maraming tatangkilik ng unploished or brown rice, bababa ang presyo nito, higit sa lahat para sa kapakinabangan ng nakakarami.

The Philippine Nursing Association held their 2008 convention at the Manila Hotel Tent City from October 21-23, 2008.  The Presidents night was held at Bayview  Hotel on the eve of October 22.  Soup of the Day was invited to let the Presidents of the chapters experience the taste of the food powered by fresh herbs.  The soup chowder is made with fresh gotu kola, a brain enhancer and is called the elixir of life, the pharma in one and the legendary saying for this herb is "two leaves a day, drives old age away"! 

Indeed we got another approval from the distinctive taste buds of the champion of health.  The PNA found the concept of Soup of the Day inline with their advocacy to promote good health through knowing the food we need to nourish our body, a prevention they see as they believe in the power of herbs used as medicinal plant as supported by the scientific studies reported by the Department of Health.

Various invitation to join upcoming events were received to showcase the soup of the day  products.  Indeed a powerful alliance with the PNA has been achieved through the keen eyes of the Chairman of PNA Ways and Means, Sandy  Montano.  Nobody can match the passion of this lady,  as when she sees goodness in one, she can't be stopped to make it known giving life to the virtue of sharing!

Part of the 5th National Organic Agriculture Conference is the Farm Tour in Davao. 
A trip to the organic farm of Mr. Andre Lim is another exposure of how farmers should grow the food they are serving the consumers.  Understanding through sensing and experience is achieved together with the very few individuals selected to go on the advance farm tour.  More support has been pledged for Jean to fully understand what Soup of the Day has been positioned to accomplish.
The 5th NOAC gave way to Jean met Mayor Solivio, an outstanding man a meeting made possible through a very extreme coincidence, mistaken identity.  He is the man of the hour as he triumpantly report his achievement to the delegates that inspired the crowd to go organic!  Indeed there is so much in this movement that the rest has yet to experience.  More working relationship is planned ahead that is intertwined with the vision of Soup of the Day!

Jean, the Soup Lady met  Betsy , the biodynamics woman

The 5th NOAC was held at Davao Convention Center last October 15-16.,2008 . The GM of Soup of the Day, Mary Jean Netario Cruz is one of the Delegates of Kitanglad Integrated NGOs.  The Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development, Inc., an NGO based in Cotabato sponsored the attendance. 

The interconnection of the advocacy of Soup of the Day with this movement is a justification of Jean's presence and a grounding event for the Soup Lady made possible by Betsy,  the woman behind BioDynamics.

Networking and more understanding made this activity meaningful. 

A learning journey -  Palawan inspired

Jean Cruz, the General Manager of Soup of the Day is privileged to be part of the recently concluded learning journey to Palawan together with Mt. Kitanglad PAMB.  The journey brought in depth understanding of the relevance of taking care of our environment to obtain the quality of life each of us deserves.

The learning journey started with a  seminar  at Asian Institute of Management , tailored made for the participants to equipped with knowledge to make the journey more meaningful.

The major goal of the ecological study tour of Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Execom Members of Mts. Kitanglad Range Natural Park to other  protected area and conservation areas is designed for the new Bukidnon park managers to learn practical and scientific ways of implementing the protected area system under the tenets of the National Integrated Protected Areas Act (RA 7586) and other pertinent instruments and policies on biodiversity at the international level. This means managing protected areas in the country should consider biodiversity conservation to be balanced in terms of economic and human development.

A copy of the report on this journey written by Jean Cruz is made available for download below.

palawan_learning_journey.pdf
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embracing the gift

Our ancestors lived a longer and healthy life, no chaos of the current disturbances,  living a simple life with abundance everywhere.  There is an on-going awareness,   an awareness that there is beauty in going back to basic necessity in life.  A necessity that everyone can freely access since time immemorial,  creating a movement gearing us to this direction.  A direction leading us to an awakening state that we can go back in time....where herbs are part of our daily lives,  source of our nutrients,  keep our body healthy and strong,  bringing out the inner beauty in us that exudes the pure energy that empowers one another.   Simple life is difficult to live because we are distracted by things that are unnecessary,  but you will be called to ride on the wagon when you are ready to embrace living a simple life.

We create because we believe, we believe because there is an inner part of us that said so.  Learnings are not from current understanding alone but from previous sealed memories, embedded in our cells, waiting to be awaken  when triggered  with events and circumstances as the right time strikes.

herbs are creating a scenes in our lives,it's too strong and too bold to be ignored

Herbs are part of our ancestors daily lives, they cure not only our physical being but soothes our emotion and state of mind bringing us to a higher spiritual transformation.
                                                                                   jean cruz

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amaranth.pps
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Amaranth, a must plant in your dooryard!

Eversince I have started my edible gardening, Amaranth has been pestering me of it's presence as a weed, at least that' s what I believe it is. A WEED! with all the spikes! But noy anymore! 

This morning I have harvested some "siling labuyo as they are starting to get dried.  Siling Labuyo is selling at P70.00 per kilo and I have them in the garden waiting to be picked, and so I did!  Beside the rows of siling labuyo, there I found again some Amaranth. I took some pictures and thought of researching about it.  I believe this plant has been making its presence known to me since then so I might as well give it a try..  True to my gut feel below is the Nutrients we can benefit from Amaranth: (excerpt from the report posted at
VI. Nutrient Value
Amaranth is a rich source of calcium, iron and vitamin A as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Nutritional values of amaranth (Raw and Boiled/100 grams edible portion)
Nutrients
                                                                              Raw                                 Boiled
Moisture (%)                                                       84.4                                     83.9
Food energy (cal.)                                             47.0                                     27.0
Protein (g)                                                             4.6                                        4.4
Fiber (g)                                                                 1.1                                         -
Total Carbohydrates (g)                                     7.4                                        4.4
Ash (g)                                                                   2.5                                         -
Calcium (mg)                                                  341.0                                   314.0
Phosphorus (mg)                                             76.0                                     62.0
Iron (mg)                                                             18.0                                      -
Sodium (mg)                                                      51.0                                      -
Potassium (mg)                                             443.0                                       -
Vit. A (I.U.)                                                  12, 860.0                             12,345.0
Thiamine (mg)                                                     0.01                                   0.01
Riboflavin (mg)                                                    0.37                                   0.33
Niacin (mg)                                                          1.80                                   1.70
Ascorbic acid (mg)                                        120.00                               109.00

Given the above nutritional value, I must eat raw and compete with Popeye.  Aha, I made it as a beverage by blending it with kalamansi, honey and stevia with some cube ice in the decanter, i pour the blended amazing amaranth juice!  Goodbye osteoporosis? 
(Sorry too excited to taste that I sipped before i took the picture.  So delicious I almost have it all. It tastes so good  but I stopped, remembering I should blog it!)

The above are the seven words that can change the world according to Joseph R. Simonetta.
According to Mike Adams, the Health Ranger editor of NaturalNews.com, "Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out - - and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living."  read the book

Our paths crossed in the course of doing our own business.  Upon presentation of the SOD business concept,  Arlyn saw the concept as a very promising business that is inline with her personal and business advocacy.  Upon thorough discussion, me and Arlyn decided that she will handle the business development to speed up the process while I will concentrate on other related business development of SOD, among others is the herbal feasibility studies. Her media contacts and expertise will help in the promotion and marketing aspects.  Arlyn believes that health is our wealth and she wanted to make her contribution in the information campaign through social entrepreneurship which is present in the SOD business.

With her expertise and genuine concern to help, she will accomplish the mission and help realize the vision through working in harmony with the other major players in the SOD operation.

For more information about arlyn, please visit her website www.arlyndelacruz.weebly.com

Do you know that the most popular ice cream among Filipinos is ubi ice cream?  Ubi cake is also among the best sellers in cake.  Fiesta is not complete without the ubi dessert.

Ubi (Dioscorea Alata Linn) is sacred.  Yes, in Bohol Province,  ubi is venerated by Boholano as a sacred crop.  There is a unique tradition in Bohol that people kiss the "ubi" everytime it falls to the ground as a sign of reverence.  When you speak of "ubi" to the Boholano, there is always a story to tell.  It is connected to the rich history of the ordeals of the Boholanos and their resiliency  as a people to triumph over natural and man-made adversities.  Legend has it that the tuber saved the early Boholano settlers from famine.  Ubi as the agro-religious symbol of Bohol is the only  staple food that is mentioned in the Bohol Hymn.

Although there maybe 15 ubi  varieties in Bohol, none stands out so prominently as aromatic purple "kinampay".  Bohol, the largest ubi-producing province in the country is recognized as the source of this rare "kinampay" variety,  whose aroma seems to vanish if planted outside the province.

W H Y    B U Y    B O H O L ' S  tru   U B I ?
Bohol's  tubers are organically grown - no chemical fertilizers, no pesticides, with no additives. They are grown by Boholano farmers whom were trained for organic planting of ubi. 
The Bohol's TRU ubi powder is processed from our Mayacabac Ubi Powder Processing Plant in Dauis, Bohol. Owned and managed by Mayacabac Ubi Growers and Processors Producers Cooperative. 

The women's coop federation - Bohol Federation of Women Cooperatives (BFWC) - is marketing the powder. 

Aside from the Mayacabac coop, two other women POs,  Corella Federated RIC and Bohol Dev in Jagna also process ubi tubers. All are members of BFWC. 

See www.ubi.weebly.com for more information.