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Tonight, I will be going to Vientiane, Laos and will stay there for at least one to two days. When I come back to Thailand, I still can join my sisters in the Noche Buena and celebrate Christmas with them, too.

This will be my first visit in the Lao P.D.R. (Laos) and I still don’t have any ideas in mind how the country looks like, the people, their living and lifestyle. Anyway, I’m ready with my cameras so I can take as many photos as I can and tell my sisters and friends about my tour in Vientiane, as what I usually do when I go to other places like Cambodia. I really love to take pictures, and aside from blogging, I am also into photography. My next stop will probably be in Singapore. Let’s see.

Merry Christmas to all! May your holidays be filled with love and blessings. Cheers!

DREAM MATCH: Philippine Boxing Hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao versus The World’s Middleweight Boxing Champion Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya held on December 6, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is world’s most-awaited and greatest boxing fight of the year! Filipinos all over the world kept glued to their television sets and the internet to watch their National Boxing Hero’s most amazing fight.

People did not expect that the smaller and less popular Manny Pacquiao could knock the 10-time world champion out in just 8 rounds. Pacman had just proved to the world how strong, fast and powerful boxer he is when he made the Golden Boy De La Hoya quit the game after the 8th round. He left De La Hoya defeated with battered face and shut, swollen left eye. Pacquiao landed jabs more than twice of De La Hoya’s and finished the game clean of any cuts.

Despite of all the successive victories he had, he still chose to remain humble and God-fearing which makes him more than a legendary, most respected athlete. Indeed, Pacquiao is really a professional fighter and he deserves it all.

Here are the medical terms of common sleep disorders and their definitions:

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. It is the difficulty of falling asleep or sleeplessness.

Hypersomnia is the recurring episodes of excessive sleepiness at day time or prolonged nighttime sleep.

Narcolepsy is the sleep attack. It is a condition in which a person falls asleep at inappropriate times, such as at school or at work.

Parasomnias is a wide variety of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, dreams, emotions, apprehensions and arousal. The common parasomnias include:

Somnambulism is the sleep walking.

Soliloquy is the sleep talking.

Bruxism is the grinding of the teeth accompanied by clenching of the jaw.

Nocturnal Erection is the arousal from sleep caused by wet dreams and only occur while the person is asleep.

Nocturnal Enuresis is the medical term for bed wetting. It is the involuntary urination while asleep and very common among children due to developmental delay or a family history of the condition.

Night Terrors is characterized by extreme terror and inability to reattain full consciousness. It is also known as bad dreams. The person is hard to awaken and waking is usually accompanied by gasping, screaming or moaning.

During my first visit in the Kingdom of Thailand, my family and I never missed the fun and enchantment with the different animals at the Safari World, Bangkok. Local and foreign tourists flock to experience the same as well.

In the jungle, the animals have the right of way. Tourists riding on the tour buses or their cars would really enjoy taking pictures of the animals walking freely around the wide jungle. There, you can appreciate the the beauty of nature and the fresh air it gives. You’ll spend half of the day to roam around the entire jungle by car while you can also spend the other half by watching the amazing animal shows.

The Urang-Utan Show was very cool and exciting! They acted like humans and the show was really worth the while. The Sea Lion Show was amazing, too! You will surely be entertained by the sea lions as they perform, swim and dance. We also watched the Dolphin and Whale Shows which were really full of fun. I can’t believe how they managed to train the animals so perfectly! And I was so overwhelmed for at long last I had already seen my most favorite sea creatures, dolphins. There were also a Polar Bear Feeding show, an extraordinary Bird Show, Spy War, Stunt Show, Tiger Bottle-Feeding and many more. Tourists can even grab some souvenirs at the booths and take pictures with the animal mascots that can be found along the way.

Our one-day escapade at the Safari World was truly one of the best and most unforgettable experiences I ever had! I would still love to go back there and experience the unparalleled excitement the second time around. Safari World is a sure thing one of the best destinations in Thailand that a tourist must not miss.

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s wear and tear when a person responds to changes in the normal balanced state. All people experience it. A stressor is any event or stimulus that causes stress. Stress can result from positive or negative experiences. For example, a job-seeker preparing for an interview, a father concerned about her pregnant wife’s health and a family following a diagnosis of cancer all experience stress reactions.

Effects of Stress

Stress affects the whole person — physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually. Physically, stress can endanger a person’s health. Emotionally, stress can also cause emotional disturbances like developing negative feelings about one’s self. Mentally, stress can alter the person’s thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Socially, stress can affect the person’s relationship with other people. Stress can also challenge the person spiritually. Stress is a major risk to many illnesses.

Manifestations of Stress

Physiologic manifestations are pupil dilatation, sweating, increase in heart rate, paleness, hyperventilation or deep and fast breathing pattern, gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle tension, decrease in urine output, mental alertness for serious threats and blood sugar elevation.

Psychologic manifestations are anxiety, fear, anger, depression and unconscious ego defense mechanisms or psychologic adaptive responses.

Cognitive manifestations of stress or the thinking responses to stress include problem-solving, self-control or self-discipline, organizing like thinking of ways to prevent threatening events to occur, suppression which is putting a thought or a feeling out of mind consciously and willfully and lastly, fantasy or daydreaming.

Positive and Effective Coping Strategies

Health promotion strategies include exercise, maintaining well-balanced and healthy diet, having adequate rest and sleep, time management, minimizing anxiety, moderating anger.

Using relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, massage, imagery, yoga, meditation, music therapy and laughter or humor.

These are all adaptive coping mechanisms that could help a person deal with stress positively and effectively.

Ozamiz City, Philippines is now an emerging tourist destination in the Northwestern Mindanao. It is a historical, cultural and pilgrimage haven that eventually transforms into a modern second-class city. It has a number of tourist attractions that many tourists have yet to discover.

Among the highlights of the city is the Cotta Shrine where the image of the Miraculous Lady of Triumph can be found. The image was believed to be the guidance and protection against invaders because of its mysterious apparition on the wall of the city’s fortress. It has been the object of pilgrimage in the city.

The Fort Santiago is located at the mouth of the Panguil Bay just behind the shrine. It was built in 1756 and has been the military stronghold from then and until now. Historical relics and records were displayed in the Fort’s museum. It is also where the lighthouse was erected. Just near the Cotta Shrine is the Triunfo Beach where many people flock to watch the sunrise and to have a breath of fresh air. The beach is also very attractive during nightime because of the colorful lights along the baywalk.

Another attraction that tourists should not miss is the Bukagan Hill. It really tires up your feet if you attempt to go up the hill on foot. Tourists can also go uphill by car and experience mixed emotions and phobia as well as the vehicle goes up. At the hilltop awaits the four giant bells from Germany, the second largest bells in Mindanao, and the panoramic view of the entire city and the neighboring cities, too. They are very beautiful and really worth the sweats!

For golf enthusiasts, the Malindang Country Golf Course is located at the foot of Mt. Malindang. It was a pre-war army facility converted into a beautiful golf course lush.

Tourists can also experience the adventures in going to the newly developed Hoyohoy Mountain Resort. There, one can have a super splendid time relaxing and breathing fresh air while enjoying the scenic view of the whole city and the neighboring province, Lanao. It is indeed an ideal place to relax and unwind.

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is just at the heart of the city. Resting at the cathedral’s choir loft is a gigantic ancient organ which is the second largest organ in the Philippines. It is the only existing pipe organ in Mindanao and one among the few in the whole country.

For nature lovers, an exquisite botanical garden is just about five minutes away from the heart of Ozamiz. Tennis lovers can also enjoy playing tennis in this very environmentally-friendly compound. There are also a number of choices if one thinks about spending a day or planning an overnight in a resort where you can enjoy snorkeling or diving with other sea creatures and see the lovely coral reefs at the Dolphin Island in the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park. There’s also a mini zoo in the mangrove jungle. It’s really good and worth to pay a visit to this quiet, unexplored paradise in the south.

Convenient and elegant accommodation is not a problem at all. Cost-wise hotels and restaurants are scattered anywhere in the city. Talking about transportation, shuttle buses, vans and other commuters are very easy to find. Plus, domestic air flights to and from Manila and other cities are also available. Sea cruisers and big ferries are also safe means of transportation and more enjoyable for those who want to savor the sea trip and who are not in a rustle.

I made this inspirational poem for people to look on the brighter side and to appreciate the gift of life. Remember to appreciate what you have before it’s too late for you to appreciate what you had. Enjoy and love what you have now and live life to the fullest.

“Appreciate Life”

life is a precious gift not everyone can have,
some can live longer while others die young.
lucky are those who have sight of the world
for some develop blindness and others are born blind.
blessed are those who can spend time with their families
for orphans are deprived to have one and those who live alone.
be sorry to those who are unable to speak
for they cannot say the words they long to be heard.
yet fortunate are those who are able to talk
for they have all the chances to say “I love you” to their loved ones.

gracious are those who have the sense of hearing
for they can listen and sing along to the music that heals their souls.
blest are those with bright schemes and brilliant minds
for they are the ones more favored to walk along the roads of success and prosperity.
but happier are the poor and the average
for they can easily find felicity and contentment with just what they have and with what they can have.
pity to those who are sick and dying
for they are running out of time to pursue and realize their dreams.
blissful are we ’cause we are endowed with life’s best –
our families, friends, food, shelter and wholeness.

so, open your eyes and thank GOD you’re alive.
go around and see the BEAUTY of the world.
follow your DREAMS and realize them.
spare TIME with your loved ones
and grab every chance to say and show how much you LOVE them
before TIME plays with you…

live your life like there is no tomorrow…

- Janzynn May -

We all know that English is the universal language. However, in Thailand it is a foreign language and only a few knows how to speak English. Nevertheless, Thailand’s Ministry of Education had already instituted the English Program as part of the curriculum in all schools from preschool to college. On the other hand, I came to Thailand not to study English but to study the Thai language itself which people may say “hard to learn”. And I think so because my sisters were already here for about 10 years but still cannot read or write in Thai. They only learned to speak the common Thai phrases. Perhaps, Thai language may be really hard to learn.

It was only two weeks past since I arrived in Thailand when my sister took me on an exclusive tutorial of Thai language. I was the first and only “farang” (foreigner) student. The rest of the students were all Thai natives who were also enrolled for tutorial in any other subjects.

Learning Thai language was tough but I really enjoyed every minute I spent on it. And unbelievably, in only 12 hours I already knew how to read and write in Thai which was very difficult and mind-twisting. It was really an amazing experience! I am very glad that I already have a third language. Nonetheless, I am not yet through with the whole course. The next level would be focused on speaking or conversational Thai and I am so excited for it!

Here are some links for foreigners who plan to visit the Kingdom of Thailand and for those who want to learn Thai language:

• http://www.learningthai.com/
• http://www.thailandguru.com/

Are you looking for a safe and comfy place to live in? A fully-furnished condominium unit is for sale at a very reasonable price. It’s quite an urgent arrangement as the owner needs to relocate to another place. It is on the second floor of T4 Popular Condominium, Muang Thong Thani, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. There are security guards 24/7 and each gate is kept locked to keep the place safe. Elevators and stairs are just about 10 steps away. Car parking spaces are for free, however, secured car parking services are also available as an added facility. The area is actually called by many as a city within the city where convenient stores, banks, internet cafes, restaurants, schools and market are located in the vicinity. The Tennis Academy of Asia, a sports complex, is within walking distance. Among the many highlights of the place is the Impact Arena where concerts, tournaments and trade fairs are regularly held. A big supermarket is also located nearby the building. Moreover, access and means of transportation to Bangkok and other neighboring towns is not a problem at all. If you are interested, please post a comment or email to ideasbeyondborders AT gmail.com.

Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is also known as “brain attack”. It is a sudden loss of brain function that happens when the arteries leading to the brain are blocked or ruptured. This results to a disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain. The arteries distribute oxygenated blood throughout the body. When the brain does not receive the needed oxygen supply, the brain cells begin to die leading to temporary or permanent dysfunction (brain damage). CVA is the leading cause of adult disability.

Problems resulting from stroke:

* temporary or permanent impairment. Hemiparesis - partial weakness of one side of the body. Hemiplegia - a condition in which one-half of a patient’s body is paralyzed, more severe than hemiparesis.
* problems with balance and/or coordination
* difficulties with speech (aphasia) and memory (spatial disorientation)
* problems with vision
* difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
* pain
* numbness
* depression and/or sudden outbursts of emotions (emotional and personality disturbances)
* unawareness of the effects of the stroke
* mental ability problems
* chronic fatigue

Risk factors:
* high blood pressure
* high cholesterol level
* diabetes
* smoking
* heart disease
* transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) - “mini stroke” that lasts within 24 hours, a warning sign of CVA

Warning signs and symptoms:
* sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
* sudden problems with vision in one eye
* sudden language disturbances
* sudden gait problems
* sudden dizziness

Initial manifestations depends on the site of the brain involvement. Stroke happens suddenly and may be prevented by immediate response to warning signs.

It is very important to know some first aid tips so that in times of emergency we already know what to do initially, especially if there are no rescuers and rescue equipment readily available. In all emergency situations, always remember to prioritize the ABC - (1) Airway, (2) Breathing and (3) Circulation. Here are some tips in positioning a casualty and their rationales.

In aspiration, the casualty should be placed in prone position with the head turned to the side in order to maintain a patent airway and to avoid further airway obstruction.

If a casualty is having dyspnea or difficulty in breathing, place him or her in Fowler’s position to allow lung expansion. The head should be in 45 to 90 degrees angle.

If a casualty is in shock, place him or her in Trendelenburg position. The body is laid flat on the back (supine position) with the feet higher than the head. This is to increase the blood pressure so as to counteract shock. In this condition, insufficient blood flow reaches the body tissues that may lead to hypoxemia (a lack of oxygen in arterial blood) or cardiac arrest (the heart stopping). If there is no immediate action, it can cause death.

Looking back to my college years, playing online computer games was my favorite pastime. PangYa, an online golf game, was one of the best games I had played. Playing PangYa was really cool and full of fun!

I thought golf in the actual setting is boring and is as simple as ABC. When I first tried holding a golf club and positioning myself to hit the ball like a professional golfer, I was scared like I wouldn’t want to play at all. The very thing that made it tough for me is the weight of the club. Because the club was a bit heavy, I was afraid that I might also throw it away as I hit the ball. Good thing because a friend was there to coach me. My first few strikes were bad and bunker but I recovered some of them though. And it’s sad to say that after my first golf tryout, I had blisters in my hands and muscle pains in my limbs. Bitter but I really had a great time on my very first actual hands-on at the TSR Golf Driving Range. Thanks to a dear friend, Kuya Jun, for warmly lending me his golf set and for giving me few tips on how to play golf the proper way. Now, I am looking forward to try another few rounds and I am positive that I will learn golf in no time. This is something new for me and I also want to test the waters.

To the golf newbies like me, good luck and strive hard! Let us welcome ourselves to the world of golf! Cheers!