Is Your Mind In Remarkable Shape? (# 1)

According to Jordan Cooper, your mind is in remarkable shape if you are more than 65 and can still remember these 12 events in your life. What are these 12 events?

1. Your first real job

“Not the lawn-mowing hustle. The first PAY-STUB job. If you can still name your Boss, the breakroom smell, the color of the timecard, and exactly how that first paycheck felt in your palm, your episodic memory is doing excellemt work. That level of detail means you didn’t just store the fact—you stored the SCENE. Ask yourself: do you remember what you bought with that first check? The more specific you get, the more impressive the circuitry.”

My first real job was at the Soft Drinks Division of San Miguel Corp. as Market Analyst. That was in 1980. My Boss was the enigmatic W.W. We did not have a regular breakroom but a cozy canteen which was always oozing with the aroma of the delicious food being offered for the day by our amiable concessionaire. Our timecard was pale yellow in color. Our paycheck was a brown envelope with our salary in cash inside. 

When I first received my paycheck, I kissed it like it were my baby and tucked it in my heart while time stood still. Then I excitedly approached the dashing Route Salesman with the golden voice who sang “September Morn” more initimately than Neil Diamond. He covered the area around San Andres Market, famous for its vast selection of local and exotic fruits. I handed him my paycheck and requested him to buy the tastiest DURIAN he could possibly find. He would know because he was a native of Zamboanga. People there are experts in classifying durian. And I wasn’t disappointed. The durians he selected were beyond heavenly that they completely blew my mind away!

For once my father and mother both agreed with me that the durians were indeed to die for.

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-H)

Back when Slimmers World Philippines in Alabang offered an insanely promotional sale of ₱6,000 Lifetime Membership Fee, we rushed to its Branch. During that time, Nanay’s weight ballooned from 99 lbs to 114 lbs. Well, she transferred from Marbel, South Cotabato to Pampanga—the Food Capital of the Phils. Gaining weight was inevitable.

The Nutritionist assured Nanay that she will lose 6 lbs at the very least so she registered right away. Then looking at me, she offered a customized program that would make my stomach flatter. I refused. I honestly felt my stomach was flat enough. 

Nanay convinced me to register for a Lifetime Membership as well and she would pay for the both of us. I dunno why in the world did I turn her down. Maybe because I had so much confidence in myself that I can very well manage my weight. Even then, I should have said YES!

Up to this day, I still regret that decision. How did I not foresee that skinny me would gain 25 lbs in the future? I was in love with food. Crazy that I overlook that fact.

At her prime, Nanay religiously visited the gym for group aerobics and strengthening exercises and nutritional advice. She also availed of its facial services.

It is ironic that Nanay doesn’t need any of those now. She is at present 85 lbs without even trying. She barely eats and hardly moves. 

If only the Lifetime Gym Membership were transferable from mother to daughter!

Sigh . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-G)

It was December  of 1973. My very first time to go home since I transferred from Marbel to Manila. Will be spending my 2-week Christmas Break with my dear Tatay and Nanay. In my excitement to buy Christmas decors, food, and gifts, I realized too late that I already spent all my money! 

Before I could even think of a solution to my problem, my aunt/guardian told me she and my uncle will fetch me at my Dorm and bring me to the airport. Bless them! I didn’t have to worry about my transportation expense anymore. I already had the airline ticket so no need to worry. 

Or so I thought. 

The plane landed in Davao City. Nanay was supposed to be there waiting for me. We will ride the bus going to Dadiangas (now GenSan) then ride another bus going to Marbel. 

Guess what? There was no sign of Nanay among the people waiting in the Lobby. Instead, there was a number of fellow kabababayans (townmates) who were shrieking like they won the loterry upon seeing me. I had no idea why my presence made them so happy. It turned out that they were stranded in Davao City because they already spent all their money so they couldn’t leave the airport anymore. They were waiting for a fellow kababayan whom they can borrow money from. And they thought I had money to lend them so they were jumping with joy! 

You can just imagine how disappointed they were when they learned that we shared the same fate. Our only hope was my dear mother who was nowhere in sight.

So there we were, exhausted like refugees in an Evacuation Camp, wondering if we will ever be rescued. After waiting like eternity, Nanay suddenly appeared. Everybody at my left and right rushed to her and enveloped her. They were crying and laughing at the same time while having a group hug. They explained their predicament to Nanay and my mother generously distributed cash to each and everyone of them as if she was a representative from DSWD. They promised to pay her back in Marbel. 

After the commotion subsided, I told her I was dying of hunger so off we went to the first restaurant nearest the airport. There, I stuffed myself to my heart’s content. I was free to eat anything I want and I wasn’t the one paying heheheh…

When we finally arrived at the Bus Station, we were informed that the last trip already left. We had no choice but to stay overnight in a nearby hotel and return first thing in the morning. The following day, we received the shocking news that the last bus was ambushed at the outskirts of Davao City. We thought we were unlucky to miss the last trip but we were  actually the lucky ones!

I wondered how much money Nanay brought with her. She practically fed a small village in a manner of speaking and she still had money left! I shivered at the thought of what might have happened if she didn’t arrive to fetch me. But I was more scared thinking that we nearly lost our lives on our way home.

Nanay could no longer remember anyone from Marbel and anything that happened there. All she could remember was her being the Rural Health Midwife of Marbel.

I just hope those people whom she helped in their times of need did not forget her. And I wish they include Nanay in their prayers.

To be continued . . .

Lunch Break at 12 Midnight!

Eversince Gio accepted an online job based in the US, my schedule has been erratic. It took me weeks to get used to it but thank God I finally got the hang of it!

Gio works 9PM to 6AM with Lunch Break at 12 midnight. We would happily eat together and enjoy 1-2 episodes of The Golden Girls during his Lunch Break. Because of this, I stopped weighing myself everyday heheheh…

After dinner, I attend to Nanay’s bedtime rituals. When she gets to dreamland, I then turn my attention to Eia.  After our evening prayers, I get to sleep @10 PM then Gio wakes me up at 12 midnight.

I hit the sack again a little past 1 AM, setting the Alarm @5:30 AM to get ready for my run. But first, I join Gio for his breakfast. This is the time that he shares stories about what transpired during his 9PM - 6AM work. I don’t eat with him but just listen. He then sleeps after that and wakes up @ 2PM to have his daytime lunch. He teaches at his Piano Studio from 3PM to 9PM with Dinner Break at 7 PM.

Based on the length of Gio’s story telling in the morning, I make adjustments on what type of run I should go for. I need to adjust because I have to be back @7:30 AM to attend to Eia, then Nanay.

We requested Coach Emy to move our Yoga practice from Friday to Monday so Gio could still join us. He can wake up early on Monday because he is free from work Sunday night unless he went out on a date and slept late.

Sunday is still the perfect day for Long Run because I have a straight 6-hr sleep during Saturday night. Gio only works Monday to Friday for his US-based job.

Based on the above scenario, I should be doing the following:

Monday — YOGA

Tuesday — Speed Interval Workout or Tempo Run

Wednesday — Speed Interval Workout or Tempo Run

Thursday — Strengthening Exercise

Friday — Groceries or Marketing

Saturday — Hills Training

Sunday — Long Run

Ideally, an Easy Run follows a Long Run but I cannot do that anymore. At 67, I can no longer run and practice YOGA on the same day. If only I were 10 years younger!

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-F)

It was 1971. My dear Tatay and Nanay asked me for my heart’s desire. They wished to reward me for being the Valedictorian in our school. I told them I wanted to see Guy and Pip (Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III) in the Parade of Stars during the Manila Film Festival. I thought I was asking for the moon but they just couldn’t say NO because it was gonna be in June, my birthmonth when I will be turning 13.

We positioned ourselves at the Ospital ng Maynila and waited for the incoming arrival of floats. I couldn’t remember the other stars who passed by because I was only interested in seeing Guy and Pip in the flesh. Then there it was, the float I was waiting for—right in front of me. I was screaming at the top of my voice while trying to reach the hands of my idols. We couldn’t get out of the flood of die-hard fans so we just walked beside the float until it reached Cinerama Theater along CM Recto Avenue (more than 5 kms away from Ospital ng Maynila).

We hurdled the long queue to buy tickets at the booth and luckily, we were able to sit at the middle row in the Orchestra area. It was like a Grand Picnic inside the theatre. We could hear the clinking sound of spoons and forks of the people eating in the dark while watching Guy and Pip heheheh . . .

It was a very rare occasion that both Tatay and Nanay accompanied me to watch a Nora Aunor film. I was ecstatic to say the least. However, I was sad not being able to rewatch it because Tatay insisted that we leave immediately after the first screening to fill our hungry stomachs. What a pity. Back then, we could have stayed inside the cinema from opening until closing without anyone forcing us to leave.

A lot of people surmised that Nanay named me after Nora Aunor. That’s not true at all because Ate Guy was only 5 yrs old when I was born. But Nanay was extremely elated that from poverty, Nora rose to fame as the Philippines’ first and only Superstar. Nanay kept reminding me that she did an awesome job naming me Nora. In 2022, Nora Aunor was conferred as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. She was regarded as the most awarded Filipino actress in history.

In a way, I was relieved that Nanay could no longer remember Nora Aunor when the latter met her untimely demise last April 16, 2025. Thank God my mother was spared of the terrible anguish and pain I went through with my idol’s passing.

During tragedies like this, having Alzheimer’s Disease is a gift.

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-E)

Nanay was born in Pampanga but her adventurous Tatang and Ima tried their luck in South Cotabato during the Magsaysay Admistration. Back then, Mindanao was dubbed the Land of Promise because of its fertile soil and rich natural resources. They were given free land to farm and initial support to economically settle in their new dwelling.

Tatay was born in Naic, Cavite but was assigned to South Cotabato where he was promoted as Operator-In-Charge for the Bureau of Telecommunications.

Nanay easily learned to speak Ilonggo, Cebuano and Ilocano. But Tatay remained loyal to his native tongue, seeking the help of an interpreter whenever he encountered someone who couldn’t communicate in Tagalog.

They met in Marbel (now Koronadal City, the Capital of South Cotabato) when Nanay was serving as a Rural Health Midwife. Call it fate or destiny or whatever but their respective offices were just beside each other.

We were always on our toes around Tatay because he was a strict disciplinarian. If we wanted to keep secrets from him, Nanay would talk to me in Kapampangan while I respond to her in Ilonggo. We did that to confuse Tatay when we didn’t want him to understand what we were saying.

One time, I was watching TV and the 2 actors happened to be talking in Kapampangan and Ilonggo. I almost fell on my chair laughing. I didn’t realize that listening to an exchange of conversation in Kapampangan and Ilonggo could be so hilarious!

Nanay is still fluent in Kapampangan but I am now struggling to catch the meaning of her words. I am still fluent in Ilonggo but Nanay seemed oblivious to it now.

Now here’s the clinch: Just recently, Nanay shifted to English!

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-D)

Nanay was a born dancer. She did not take any formal dancing lessons but she could sway like a pro. 

Philamlife hosts an Awards Night every year to acknowledge its top producers and Agencies. At the end of the program, several DIs (Dance Instructor) appear and choose from the crowd whom they will dance with first. I try my best to be hidden but God works in very mysterious ways. More often than not, A DI will approach me and ask me to dance. My reply has always been: “Could my mother dance with you instead?” The DI then turns to Nanay and she immediately goes to the dance floor with him. 

Year after year Nanay would tell me: “You just need to be obedient inorder to dance with a partner. Just follow what he wants you to do. Do not go against his will. The reason why you can’t follow is because you are disobedient. You are a rebel.” Well, I agree with her. I prefer dancing my own way—no rules, no inhibitions. I want to dance just the way I’d like it to be.

6 years ago, our friend Tita Cors celebrated her 90th bday in the ClubHouse. There were only 2 DIs. The first DI approached me and as usual, I directed him to Nanay. I thought I was able to escape the ordeal but heaven was making a joke on me. The second DI also approached me and I already ran out of mother to bail me out. I had no choice but to hold onto his hand while making our way to the stage. Yup. The 4 of us danced on stage!

I recalled Nanay’s words and prayed to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; all the angels and saints; Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph; and to my guardian angel to help me OBEY the DI’s direction. 

I have no idea what happened next but I just followed the DI’s lead. The song finally ended and with great applause, we descended the stage with utmost grace and poise.

Last year, we celebrated Nanay’s 90th birthday. Instead of ballroom dancing, we had line dance instead. The DI was the only one on stage and Nanay was among the crowd mimicking her dance moves. Everybody was amazed that at 90, Nanay could still dance like before, but of course milder and slower.

My daughter Eia dances everyday at home. Nanay used to join her a few times a week but now, she prefers to sleep on her rocking chair than move her frail body. She completely lost her interest in dancing.

The once “Belle of the Ball” has now taken her Final Bow.

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-C)

It was 1996, the year before Hongkong was handed over by the United Kingdom to China. It was also the year before my dear parents formally handed me to my supposedly Prince Charming in my dream wedding. Now you know why it was etched in my memory.

We were part of the large Philamlife group tour in Hongkong. I was still in the Garments business  at that time but Nanay was entitled for 2 slots so as her only daughter, I excitedly tagged along.

At 38, I felt like a child again dragging my 62-yr old mother to the most exhilerating rides in Ocean Park. She gladly accompanied me. She happily obliged without any objection. 

We were queuing for nearly 2 hours at the roller coaster ride when we were informed by our Tourist Guide to join the others in the Ocean Theatre for the dolphin and sea lion show. I told Nanay she could just leave me there but she reminded me that we should comply with the itinerary of the Group Tour. Heartbroken, I left the queue and went with her. For me, the roller coaster ride of any theme park was the highlight of my thrilling adventure so you can just imagine my frusttation and disappointment.

I was still bickering while watching the marine mammals show and hearing the screams of the roller coaster riders when we saw the roller coaster suddenly stopped. We heard the announcement that there was a technical problem that needed to be resolved. Nanay couldn’t stop thanking the heavens that we followed protocol. Otherwise, I would be up there fearing for my life in mid air until God knows when.

Sometimes I wonder if I was indeed Nanay’s daughter. She was very obedient while I am a rebel. She was astoundingly diplomatic when she wanted anyone to hear her side of the story while I am brutally frank. She could reprimand someone in the gentlest manner possible while I can be ruthless.

Our current situation is a completely different scenario. I can no longer drag Nanay anywhere, not even to the park or nearby Supermarket. She vehemently defies Doctor’s orders to eat well, play games which stimulate the mind, engage in mild exercise and walk for a few minutes everyday. Whenever I ask her to stand from her rocking chair, she would instantly say “I don’t want”. In fact, that is what she always say whatever it is that I want her to do, like a broken record.

The world’s once most obedient woman is now a rebel just like her only daughter. And I thought we did not share the same blood!

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-B)

A native of Marbel, South Cotabato, I was barely 15 when I moved to Manila and temporarily resided at the Holy Spirt Ladies Dormitory along San Sebastian St. It was just across UE Claro M Recto where I finished High School.

When Nanay is summoned to attend a Conference in Manila, she would squeeze herself in my single bed instead of enjoying the luxury of hotel amenities provided by Philamlife. We would watch a movie together and eat out.

There was a Chinese Restaurant beside Ever Gotesco theatre and so we decided to have dinner there after watching a movie. We did not see each other for months so we had so many stories to share (that was 1973-1975 so no mobile phones yet). We were literally shocked when we accidentally found out that we were the only customers left, the waitresses and staff were half-asleep, the floor sparkling clean and all the chairs were already arranged on top of the tables. They were just waiting for Nanay and me to finish. So we hurriedly got the receipt and Nanay had to leave a hefty tip to compensate for their extended time.

That was then. We could talk for hours non-stop. Nanay never ran out of stories. She would talk and talk as if she swallowed a talking gadget. I terribly miss those days . . .

To be continued . . .

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 11-A)

In our family, Nanay took the role of the breadwinner and Tatay took the responsibility of taking care of their only daughter. Well, more of disciplining me actually. He was so strict I felt I grew up in a military camp. 

Nanay oftentimes tell me “it is NOT the quantity but the quality of time spent together that matters”. She may not be around everyday to ask how I was doing but she made sure that during summer/semester breaks, we would take a vacation somewhere together. Also whenever she was called for a Conference in Manila, she would make sure to visit me in my Dorm or apartment.

Sadly, Nanay does not remember any of those moments. But I vividly remember every single one of them.

Let me share one: We went to watch the movie Mahogany, just because I love Diana Ross. Believe it or not, we were munching on green mangoes with spicy-sweet bagoong and crunchy Chicharon inside the theatre. We were totally unaware that these were prohibited inside the cinema in Manila until one of the staff reprimanded us! We immediately apologized and promised to keep them tucked inside our bags. 

Good that we already stopped binging on our baon or we could have missed Brian’s famous line to Tracy: “Let me tell you something and don’t you ever forget it: SUCCESS IS NOTHING WITHOUT SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO SHARE IT WITH.”

Do You Know Where You’re Going To . . .

(Part 11 will document mother and daughter moments. I will try my best to recall them while I still can. Hence, there will be upcoming sub parts for Part 11. Hoping that I will not run out of letters in the alphabet heheheh . . .) Heaven forbid that I will inherit Nanay’s Alzheimer’s someday but if ever I do, I have something to remind  me of our fond memories together.)

To be continued . . .

The Golden Girls

My friend Agnes had this crazy dream before: Our BS Statistics group of friends will settle in Tagaytay when we retire and there, we can pass the time away chatting, playing, dancing, eating, etc. And because I am the only runner in the group, I will be in charge of running errands heheheh . . .

Miracle of miracles, half of my friend’s dream came true. She was able to buy a huge property in Tagaytay, built 4 houses for her family and her 3 sisters inside the compound! I could probably join her someday, when my son decides to get married and raise a family of his own. Of course I will take Nanay and Eia with me. 

Whenever Gio and I watch the TV Series The Golden Girls during his lunchbreak, I can’t help but imagine how happy it would be if our fantasy became a reality. Who knows? Maybe it will, in God’s appointed time.

What is Your Diet? (Part 2)

Last Saturday, Eia and I enjoyed a sumptuous lunch with the company of BEC 5 friends to celebrate our neighbor’s 88th birthday. We had salmon sinigang, boneless bangus, lechon kawali, grilled squid, lengua, pinakbet, pansit sotanghon. There was lumpiang Shanghai which I chose not to eat, giving my share to my beloved daughter who adored it so much. For dessert, turon with sesame seeds and avocado ice cream. I didn’t have the heart to eat the cake. It was so beautifully crafted I felt it was sacrilege to even touch it.

I almost choked on my food when my friend’s husband announced excitedly “CHEATDAY!”

That word seemed foreign to me now because I already ditched all strict weight-loss diets long time ago. A CHEATDAY is the day when you allow yourself to eat the food you want, considering that you forbid yourself to do so for the rest of the week. This is to avoid the feeling of deprivation leading to unwanted cravings.

In my mind I told myself “maybe for you, but not for me.” I cheat everyday!

What do I mean? 

I don’t wait for the 7th day to eat what I want. I do it everyday practicing the 80/20 Rule: 80% of my food intake is healthy and the remaining 20% is anything that I want, be it healthy or not.

For someone whose passion will always be eating delicious food, this is the best “diet” for me.

What’s yours?

(Chat with me via Messenger or at ndelr62@gmail.com. Stay safe everyone!)

A Whole New World With Nanay’s Alzheimer’s (Part 10)

When my dearest Tatay was still with us, I used to say that I am a single mother taking care of 3 children—my 87-yr old father, my 14 yr-old son and my 12-yr old daughter. Back then, Nanay was still strong as a bull, braving horrific traffic from Las Piñas to Pampanga and vice versa. As Philamlife’s Senior Agency Manager for Pampanga/Olongapo, she stayed in Pampanga Mondays to Fridays. We only saw her during Saturdays and Sundays. In her own words: “I am just a VISITING GUEST in my own house. I don’t even know where the rice bin is.” Tatay’s classic line whenever Nanay leaves for Pampanga went like this: “Pray that I am still alive when you get back and I pray that your guilt will not haunt you forever.”

Tatay was semi-bedridden when Nanay finally decided to leave her beloved company of 50 years. After only 8 months of living together, my father left us for good exactly 1 week before his 88th birthday. I thought Nanay’s presence in our home would prolong his life but I was wrong. He confided that he was ready to go. He could rest in peace knowing that Nanay was already around to look after me and my 2 children.

It has been 13 years since Tatay passed away. Much has tremendously changed since then. Nanay is now a PERMANENT RESIDENT in her own house. She doesn’t want to go out anymore except for the Sunday Mass and for her random joy rides around the village.

Several tennis courts, a swimming pool, billiard and pingpong tables were literally at the back of Nanay’s house in Pampanga. Beside it was the Bowling Center. She was probably the most visible player in Greenfields Country Club Homes. She was also a regular golf competitor inside Clark US Air Base. I couldn’t imagine how a very active woman like my mother loathes the slightest movement now. She doesn’t even want to take a walk inside the beautifully-renovated park of our village or stroll at the mall. Just outside Philamlife Village is VistaMall on the left and SM Center on the right. 

Nanay used to joke that she was no longer the Manager but the Telephone Operator in their Office during LunchBreak. During those days, employees were required to work during Saturday mornings but they were given a Break from 12 noon to 2 PM for the whole week. Everybody took advantage of this by taking a nap after lunch except for Nanay. She was the only one awake so she answered telephone calls until 2 PM. She often boasted that she never took a nap in her room or anywhere else.

That may be true then. Nowadays, she takes a nap right after waking up! She also takes a nap after eating breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner. Oftentimes, she even takes a nap while eating!

So now, I am a 67 yr old single mother taking care of 3 children—my 91 yr old mother, my 27 yr old son and my 25 yr old daughter. No wonder my Soulmate could not find me!

Practical Tips on Portion Control

 Weighing your food before it enters your mouth is time-consuming and stressful. Besides, you cannot just take out your food scale in public to monitor your calorie intake. Here are some practical tips to somehow manage the amount of food you can tolerate.

1. If you cannot eliminate rice from your daily consumption, limit your serving to the size of your clenched fist. This is equivalent to 1 cup so if you want to lose weight, use a 1/2 cup measuring utensil. As time goes by, your eyes will be used to what 1/2 cup of rice looks like. It is approximately the size of a tennis ball.

2. If you prefer pasta over rice, 1 serving equals 1 cup so it is also equivalent to your clenched fist.

3. 1 slice of bread equals 1 serving so if you are eating a sandwich, you are eating 2 servings of bread.

4. A 3-ounce serving of beef, pork, poultry and fish is approximately the size of your palm.

5. Now this is exciting:  You need at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. 1 serving of vegetables equals 1 cup. 

6. How many eggs should you consume in a day? Some say 1 egg is enough but others think you can have 2  a day. In one of Dr Willie Ong’s YouTube presentation, he commented that if you eat 2 eggs today, you should not eat any egg tomorrow.

7. A serving of butter is roughly the size of a domino.

8. You may take cheese equal to 3-4 size of dice or 1 matchbox.

9. Eating 1 slice of pizza is challenging. So when I eat 2 slices during snack time, I don’t eat dinner anymore. 

10. If and when I am about to indulge in Unlimited Buffet Lunch (which happen a lot nowadays), I resolve to fast the day before and the day after.

How To Exercise When You’ve Got No Time For It

 Let’s face it. Not everybody has the luxury of time. There are days when we just find it hard to squeeze all the things we ought to do in 24 hours. And this happen to tbe true whether you are an 8am to 5pm employee, a business proprietor, a WFH professional, a homemaker, a salesperson, etc. We want to allot some time for exercise but we simply can’t find the time.

Well, here are some practical tips:

1. Upon waking up in the morning, roll your head, shoulders, arms, wrists, fingers hips, thighs, knees , legs, and toes while saying your morning prayer. This only takes 2-3 minutes and you already nourished your body and soul.

2. Join your family when they walk your furry pet. You bond with your loved ones while gaining some steps. 

3. Customize your working table. As much as possible, stand while working. Sit when you feel tired.

4. If working while standing is impossible for you, at least try to stand when talking over the phone. You may also walk around your desk. Or just lift your body pretending you’re a ballet dancer.

5. Don’t waste time circling for a parking space near the Entrance of your building. Park at the first available slot then walk towards the Entrance. You saved gas and gained strength.

6. Instead of queuing at the elevator, take the stairs if you’re only going to the 2nd or 3rd floor. Your heart will thank you for that.

7. Take 8-12 glasses of water everyday. That way, you will have more trips to the kitchen or the office pantry. Taking 8-12 glasses of water would also result in more trips to the Rest Room resulting in more steps in a day.

8. When you put eggs in boiling water, it takes 10 minutes for them to be cooked hard-boiled. Take this opportunity for a 10-minute exercise. 

9. When queuing to pay at the Cashier Counter, lift each leg one at time. Hold as long as you can for each leg. Monitor your improvement by using a stopwatch or just counting mentally.

10. If you are a Catholic praying the Rosary everyday, do so while climbing up and down the stairs or walking in the garage. This would amount to 15 minutes exercise. If you are non-Catholic and enjoy listening to music to relieve your stress, do so while doing some form of activity.

11. When refilling water for ref bottles, hold them up high on the way to the refrigerator. You stretched and strengthened your arms.

12. Use a coconut husk to shine your floor instead of a floor polisher. There are coconut husks specifically modified to serve this purpose. While scrubbing the floor, stretch your arms up for a whole body workout.

13. When you are standing in line for whatever reason, engage your core. You can do this by breathing deeply (you should feel your stomach inflating) then exhale slowly while purposely tucking your stomach all the way in. You can also do this while sitting down. Keep your chest very still. Only the stomach expands and contracts. Do this regularly and you might be surprised to lose that stubborn belly fat!

14. While watching your favorite TV show, exercise during commercial breaks.

15. When watering your plants, use 2 pails of water instead of a water hose. Carrying the 2 pails of water is your strengthening exercise while the trips to the faucet takes care of your cardio exercise.

16. If you are living in Metro Manila and driving your own car, you can literally exercise while stuck in traffic.

17. People are surprised that my car is not automatic. It is not a vintage vehicle but I specifically requested for a manually-driven SUV so I could still move my hands and feet while driving. If you are still planning to buy a new car, give it some thought.

If you have additional tips to share, do chat with me via Messenger or email at ndelr62@gmail.com. Stay safe eveyrone!

A Little Bit Of Family History

Nanay was 89 when she was medically diagnosed to have Alzheimer’s. Her father and brother also had the same disease and passed away at a much younger age than her. Her mother did not have Alzheimer’s but did not escape a fatal stroke. Taking care of 10 children would certainly make a mother’s blood pressure surge.

Tatay left us at 1 week before he turned 88. His father passed away at 96 and a week later, her mother joined her darling hubby. She was 98. They lived in Naic, Cavite where they enjoyed the freshest of fish everyday.

On her death bed, my mother’s grandmother asked for pork adobo with visible fat.I know this to be true because I was there beside her when she finally said goodbye to her family. She was only 103.

What can we deduce from these limited yet significant piece of family history?

1. If you have a family member who had Alzheimer’s, there is a high probability that you will have it too. Therefore, it can be concluded that I am at risk to have Alzheimer’s. This blog is actually my journal which I can go back to if and when I need to refresh my memory (to put it mildly). 

2. When Nanay asks me how long do I think she will live, I answer her: “Apung Deni died at 103 though she ate lots of pork with fats in her lifetime. You should live longer because you always followed a healthy lifestyle.”

3. My grandparents in Naic Cavite almost reached 100. They were fortunate to have fresh fish everyday. For 79 years the couple ate together in one big plate. They also advocated the 1 fruit per meal principle. They believed that eating different kinds of fruit at the same time destroys the stomach. My father was the extreme opposite of his parents’ principle. One Christmas Season, there were already 13 kinds of fruit on the table yet he will still ask for more! (In case you’re wondering, the 13 fruits were banana, mango, papaya, avocado, guava, santol, apple, pineapple, pomelo, melon, watermelon, chico and orange.) When he asked for more, I bought him mangosteen, marang, and pear. I would have bought durian, rambutan and lanzones but they were not in season.

4. Each body is different. Eating fats may be bad to most people but it did not affect Apung Deni, my great grandmother.

5. My father and his parents all had superb memory. My grandmother, even at her 90’s could still add and subtract without using pen and paper. She and my grandfather still knew the names of all their acquaintances. Unlike my mother’s father. When someone approach him and ask him “Tatang, what is my name?” He would answer back:”You are already this old, you still don’t know your name yet?”