Is this heat wave the result of global warming? I bet it is.. Time for us as individuals think, how we can help reduced global warming.
Collection of controversial videos, movies, photos, news and articles that are also unusual,sexy and amazing in the Internet. This decorated bridge photo for a wedding ceremony was taken from the balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. If you have any copyright issues, let me know and I will delete it. I have no intention of infringing your copyrights.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
British Occupation of Manila-Forgotten Episode in Philippine History
Do you know that the Philippines was under British rule for two years from 1762 to 1764? Read on if you are a history enthusiast.
The British Occupation of Manila between 1762 and 1764 was an episode in Philippine colonial history when the Kingdom of Great Britain occupied the Spanish colonial capital of Manila and the nearby principal port of Cavite. This episode in Philippine history was not emphasized in Philippine History books during my high school days.
The resistance from the provisional Spanish colonial government established by members of the Royal Audience of Manila and their Filipino allies prevented British forces from taking control of territory beyond the neighboring towns of Manila and Cavite and Isabela Province in the North. The British occupation was ended as part of the peace settlement of the Seven Years' War. Here's more information from Wikipedia on this forgotten episode in the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. As a history enthusiast, I found this very interesting, indeed!
Offensive actions: Battle of Manila (1762)
On 24 September 1762, a British fleet of eight ships of the line, three frigates, and four store ships with a force of 6,839 regulars, sailors and marines, sailed into Manila Bay from Madras. The expedition, led by Brigadier-General William Draper and Rear-Admiral Samuel Cornish, captured Manila, "the greatest Spanish fortress in the western Pacific".
The Spanish defeat was not really surprising. Former Governor-General of the Philippines, Pedro Manuel de Arandia, had died in 1759 and his replacement, Brigadier Francisco de la Torre had not arrived because of the British attack on Havana in Cuba. The Spanish Crown appointed the Mexican-born Archbishop of Manila Manuel Rojo del Rio y Vieyra as temporary Lieutenant Governor. In part, because the garrison was commanded by the Archbishop, instead of by a military expert, many mistakes were made by the Spanish forces.
On 5 October 1762 (4 October local calendar), the night before the fall of the walled city of Manila, the Spanish military persuaded Rojo to summon a council of war. Several times the archbishop wished to capitulate, but was prevented. By very heavy battery fire that day, the British had successfully breached the walls of the bastion San Diego, dried up the ditch, dismounted the cannons of that bastion and the two adjoining bastions, San Andes and San Eugeno, set fire to parts of the town, and drove the Spanish forces from the walls. At dawn of October 6, British forces attacked the breach and took the fortifications meeting with little resistance.
During the siege the Spanish military lost three officers, two sergeants, 50 troops of the line, and 30 civilians of the militia, besides many wounded. Among the natives there were 300 killed and 400 wounded. The besiegers suffered 147 killed and wounded, of whom 16 were officers. The fleet fired upon the city more than 5,000 bombs, and more than 20,000 balls.
Occupation of Manila
Once Manila fell to British troops, the churches and government offices were ransacked, valuables were taken and historical documents such as Augustinian records, government documents and even the copper plates for the grand 18th-century Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines were ransacked along with the naval stores at the Cavite Naval Yard, the paintings in the Governor General’s Palace, the contents of Intramuros churches and the possessions of most wealthy houses. Rape, homicide and vandalism also rampaged through the city in what is known as the first "Rape of Manila". The British demanded a ransom of four million dollars from the Spanish government to stop the plundering of the city, to which Archbishop Rojo agreed in order to avoid further destruction.
On 2 November 1762, Dawsonne Drake of the British East India Company assumed gubernatorial office as the British Governor of Manila. He was assisted by a council of four, consisting of John L. Smith, Claud Russel, Henry Brooke and Samuel Johnson. Villacorta managed to escape. When after several attempts Drake realised that he wasn't getting as many assets that he expected, he formed a War Council that he named Chottry Court, with absolute power to imprison anyone who he wished. Many Spaniards, Latinos, Mestizos, Chinese, Indians and native Malays were brought into prisons for crimes, that as denounced by Captain Thomas Backhouse, were "only known to himself.
Resistance
In the meantime the Royal Audience of Manila had organized a war council and dispatched Oidor Don Simón de Anda y Salazar to the provincial town of Bulacan to organize continued resistance to the British. The Real Audencia also appointed Anda as Lieutenant Governor and Visitor-General. That night Anda took a substantial portion of the treasury and official records with him, departing Fort Santigo through the postern of Our Lady of Solitude, to a boat on the Pasig River, and then to Bulacan. He moved headquarters from Bulacan to Bacolor, Pampanga, which was more secure, and quickly obtained the powerful support of the Augustinians.
Anda eventually raised an army which amounted to over 10,000 combatants, most of them voluntary natives, and although they lacked enough modern weapons, they were successful in keeping the British forces confined to Manila. On 8 October 1762 Anda wrote to Rojo informing him that Anda had assumed the position of Governor and Capitan-General under statutes of the Council of the Indies which allowed for the devolution of authority from the Governor to the Audiencia in cases of riot or invasion by foreign forces, as such was the case. Anda, being the highest member of the Audiencia not captive by the British, assumed all powers and demanded the royal seal. Rojo declined to surrender it and refused to recognise Anda as Governor-General.
The surrender agreement between Archbishop Rojo and the British military guaranteed the Roman Catholic religion and its episcopal government, secured private property, and granted the citizens of the former Spanish colony the rights of peaceful travel and of trade 'as British subjects'. Under British control, the Philippines would continue to be governed by the Real Audencia, the expenses of which were to be paid by Spain. However, Anda refused to recognize any of the agreements signed by Rojo as valid, claiming that the Archbishop has been made to sign them by force, and therefore, according to the statutes of the Council of the Indies, they were invalid. He also refused to negotiate with the invaders until he was addressed as the legal Governor-General of the Philippines, returning to the British the letters that were not addressed to that effect. All of these initiatives were later approved by the King of Spain, who rewarded him and other members of the Audiencia, such as José Basco y Vargas, who had fought against the invaders.
The isolated British force proved insufficient. Severe disagreements then broke out between Dawsonne Drake and the military commanders who replaced Draper and Cornish, preventing either effective military action or fruitful negotiations with Anda. In the year 1763, the hacienda Buenavista is the supplier of food in Intramuros, they also selling cow’s meat to the British Government. The hacienda was given an order to mark the cow’s meat so that they could count and sold it properly according to the needs of the British Government. The British tried to persuade the Filipino workers to revolt against the friars in the Hacienda. British rule ended at the end of the Seven Years War. Reference: Wikipedia.org
Personal Note: Can you imagine what the Philippines would be right now if the British were successful in ruling the whole island from Spain. Perhaps we will have more British names than Spanish derived names. We would be predominantly Episcopalians instead of Roman Catholics. Would you like that? Just a thought!
The British Occupation of Manila between 1762 and 1764 was an episode in Philippine colonial history when the Kingdom of Great Britain occupied the Spanish colonial capital of Manila and the nearby principal port of Cavite. This episode in Philippine history was not emphasized in Philippine History books during my high school days.
The resistance from the provisional Spanish colonial government established by members of the Royal Audience of Manila and their Filipino allies prevented British forces from taking control of territory beyond the neighboring towns of Manila and Cavite and Isabela Province in the North. The British occupation was ended as part of the peace settlement of the Seven Years' War. Here's more information from Wikipedia on this forgotten episode in the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. As a history enthusiast, I found this very interesting, indeed!
Offensive actions: Battle of Manila (1762)
On 24 September 1762, a British fleet of eight ships of the line, three frigates, and four store ships with a force of 6,839 regulars, sailors and marines, sailed into Manila Bay from Madras. The expedition, led by Brigadier-General William Draper and Rear-Admiral Samuel Cornish, captured Manila, "the greatest Spanish fortress in the western Pacific".
The Spanish defeat was not really surprising. Former Governor-General of the Philippines, Pedro Manuel de Arandia, had died in 1759 and his replacement, Brigadier Francisco de la Torre had not arrived because of the British attack on Havana in Cuba. The Spanish Crown appointed the Mexican-born Archbishop of Manila Manuel Rojo del Rio y Vieyra as temporary Lieutenant Governor. In part, because the garrison was commanded by the Archbishop, instead of by a military expert, many mistakes were made by the Spanish forces.
On 5 October 1762 (4 October local calendar), the night before the fall of the walled city of Manila, the Spanish military persuaded Rojo to summon a council of war. Several times the archbishop wished to capitulate, but was prevented. By very heavy battery fire that day, the British had successfully breached the walls of the bastion San Diego, dried up the ditch, dismounted the cannons of that bastion and the two adjoining bastions, San Andes and San Eugeno, set fire to parts of the town, and drove the Spanish forces from the walls. At dawn of October 6, British forces attacked the breach and took the fortifications meeting with little resistance.
During the siege the Spanish military lost three officers, two sergeants, 50 troops of the line, and 30 civilians of the militia, besides many wounded. Among the natives there were 300 killed and 400 wounded. The besiegers suffered 147 killed and wounded, of whom 16 were officers. The fleet fired upon the city more than 5,000 bombs, and more than 20,000 balls.
Occupation of Manila
Once Manila fell to British troops, the churches and government offices were ransacked, valuables were taken and historical documents such as Augustinian records, government documents and even the copper plates for the grand 18th-century Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines were ransacked along with the naval stores at the Cavite Naval Yard, the paintings in the Governor General’s Palace, the contents of Intramuros churches and the possessions of most wealthy houses. Rape, homicide and vandalism also rampaged through the city in what is known as the first "Rape of Manila". The British demanded a ransom of four million dollars from the Spanish government to stop the plundering of the city, to which Archbishop Rojo agreed in order to avoid further destruction.
On 2 November 1762, Dawsonne Drake of the British East India Company assumed gubernatorial office as the British Governor of Manila. He was assisted by a council of four, consisting of John L. Smith, Claud Russel, Henry Brooke and Samuel Johnson. Villacorta managed to escape. When after several attempts Drake realised that he wasn't getting as many assets that he expected, he formed a War Council that he named Chottry Court, with absolute power to imprison anyone who he wished. Many Spaniards, Latinos, Mestizos, Chinese, Indians and native Malays were brought into prisons for crimes, that as denounced by Captain Thomas Backhouse, were "only known to himself.
Resistance
In the meantime the Royal Audience of Manila had organized a war council and dispatched Oidor Don Simón de Anda y Salazar to the provincial town of Bulacan to organize continued resistance to the British. The Real Audencia also appointed Anda as Lieutenant Governor and Visitor-General. That night Anda took a substantial portion of the treasury and official records with him, departing Fort Santigo through the postern of Our Lady of Solitude, to a boat on the Pasig River, and then to Bulacan. He moved headquarters from Bulacan to Bacolor, Pampanga, which was more secure, and quickly obtained the powerful support of the Augustinians.
Anda eventually raised an army which amounted to over 10,000 combatants, most of them voluntary natives, and although they lacked enough modern weapons, they were successful in keeping the British forces confined to Manila. On 8 October 1762 Anda wrote to Rojo informing him that Anda had assumed the position of Governor and Capitan-General under statutes of the Council of the Indies which allowed for the devolution of authority from the Governor to the Audiencia in cases of riot or invasion by foreign forces, as such was the case. Anda, being the highest member of the Audiencia not captive by the British, assumed all powers and demanded the royal seal. Rojo declined to surrender it and refused to recognise Anda as Governor-General.
The surrender agreement between Archbishop Rojo and the British military guaranteed the Roman Catholic religion and its episcopal government, secured private property, and granted the citizens of the former Spanish colony the rights of peaceful travel and of trade 'as British subjects'. Under British control, the Philippines would continue to be governed by the Real Audencia, the expenses of which were to be paid by Spain. However, Anda refused to recognize any of the agreements signed by Rojo as valid, claiming that the Archbishop has been made to sign them by force, and therefore, according to the statutes of the Council of the Indies, they were invalid. He also refused to negotiate with the invaders until he was addressed as the legal Governor-General of the Philippines, returning to the British the letters that were not addressed to that effect. All of these initiatives were later approved by the King of Spain, who rewarded him and other members of the Audiencia, such as José Basco y Vargas, who had fought against the invaders.
The isolated British force proved insufficient. Severe disagreements then broke out between Dawsonne Drake and the military commanders who replaced Draper and Cornish, preventing either effective military action or fruitful negotiations with Anda. In the year 1763, the hacienda Buenavista is the supplier of food in Intramuros, they also selling cow’s meat to the British Government. The hacienda was given an order to mark the cow’s meat so that they could count and sold it properly according to the needs of the British Government. The British tried to persuade the Filipino workers to revolt against the friars in the Hacienda. British rule ended at the end of the Seven Years War. Reference: Wikipedia.org
Personal Note: Can you imagine what the Philippines would be right now if the British were successful in ruling the whole island from Spain. Perhaps we will have more British names than Spanish derived names. We would be predominantly Episcopalians instead of Roman Catholics. Would you like that? Just a thought!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
I have Mild Food Poisoning, Yesterday
Last night, I was vomiting, was nauseated, no appetite, and had stomach cramps. I vomited all the lunch ( fish and chips)that I have and was feeling slightly dizzy. After throwing up I felt better. I took a cup of tea and went to sleep. This morning, I feel better and am back to my normal activities( writing this post). I believe I know what caused my mild food poisoning experience. The other day, after our trip from the Casino, I took the Fish and Chips that I barely consumed ( my wife and I had another dish that we shared). I placed it the refrigerator as soon as we arrived, but forgot to eat it till the next day. I am lucky my food poisoning symptoms was mild. Because of this experience, I did a little internet search on this subject and here's what I learned.
"Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea that occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming a contaminated food or drink. Depending on the contaminant, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may follow. These symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an outbreak).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States, 1 in 6 people becomes sick from eating contaminated food. In 2001, the CDC estimated that food poisoning causes about 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and up to 3,000 deaths each year.
Norovirus and salmonella are the most common infectious forms of food-borne illness. Salmonella causes the most deaths followed by Toxoplasma and Listeria. Worldwide, diarrheal illnesses are among the leading causes of death. Travelers to developing countries often encounter food poisoning in the form of traveler's diarrhea or "Montezuma's revenge." Additionally, there are possible new global threats to the world's food supply through terrorist actions using food toxins as weapons.
Increased virulence of known pathogens has caused deadly outbreaks such as the E. Coli STEC outbreak in Germany in 2011".
Reference: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81362-mild-poisoning-symptoms/#
Note: This week Northern California is on triple digits temperature. With this heat, viruses that cause food poisoning grow fast, so food may be easily contaminated. Just be careful, because food poisoning could be deadly.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Time for Some Inspirational Music-The Prayer
I have heard several versions of the Prayer, with Celine Dione, Charlotte Church, Susan Boyle etc...Bot this video of Charice Pempengco(1) with the Canadian Tenors(2) is I would say, one of the best rendition of these very popular piece of music. View it and let me know if you agree or disagree. Just in case you have not heard of Charice and the Canadian Tenors, a brief description is printed below.
(1)Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco was born on May 10, 1992. She is popularly known by the mononym Charice. She is a Filipina singer who rose to popularity through YouTube. Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as "the most talented girl in the world", she released her first international studio album Charice in 2010. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number-eight, making Charice the first Asian solo singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.
She released the single "Pyramid" which featured singer Iyaz. It is her most successful single to-date, charting within the top 40 in a number of countries, and debuting on The Oprah Winfrey Show where she sang live vocals. Crossing over to acting on television, she joined the cast of TV series Glee as Sunshine Corazon.[4] She has released a new lead single, "Before It Explodes", written by Bruno Mars, from her international sophomore studio album, Infinity. Her latest single "Louder" was written by Andy Thi Hy in 2011. In March 2012, she signed on to be one of the four judges of the Philippine version of The X Factor, which began to air on ABS-CBN in June. She was in the news recently for admitting she is a Lesbian.
(2)The Tenors (formerly known as The Canadian Tenors) are a vocal quartet (originally a vocal trio) consisting of Remigio Pereira, Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters, and Clifton Murray, with Murray replacing earlier member Jamie McKnight. They perform operatic pop music that is a mixture of classical and pop, featuring songs such as "The Prayer" and Panis Angelicus from the former genre, and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah from the latter. The venues they have performed in include the Tel Aviv Opera House, and the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. They have also appeared on the 2009 Grey Cup broadcast and on CBC Television’s Holiday Festival of Ice.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Botanical Drugs versus Botanical Dietary Supplements
Do you know the differences between botanical drugs from botanical dietary Supplements? Please read on even if you know the answer.
There are only two botanical drugs approved by FDA as of today. Last January, FDA approved Fulyzaq, the first anti-diarrheal drug for HIV/AIDS patients. Fulyzaq (crofelemer) is only the second botanical drug approved by FDA. The drug is made from the sap of the Croton lechleri plant. It is indicated for the treatment of watery diarrhea due to the secretion of electrolytes and water in the HIV/AIDS patients gastrointestinal tract. FDA reported that a recent clinical trial of 374 HIV-positive patients established the safety and efficacy of the drug. In the study, nearly 18 percent subjects taking Fulyzaq twice daily experienced clinical improvements.
FDA approved the first botanical prescription drug, Veregen, in 2006. VEREGEN® is indicated for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata) in patients 18 years and older. It is formulated as an ointment.
Approval of this first botanical drug came about two years after FDA issued a guidance for the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) in 2004. Prior to my retirement from FDA, I was a member of a Committee that drafted this guidance.
Two important distinctions between botanical drugs versus supplements are product claims and designated uses. In some cases the formulations of botanical drugs and botanical dietary supplements can be similar, but labeling has to be different.
Moreever, a botanical drug can claim to treat, prevent, cure, mitigate or diagnose a disease, but a supplement cannot. Therefore in order to become a botanical drug, the manufacturer/marketer must obtain pre-market approval from FDA by submitting an IND application, and then move on to the extensive NDA process to confirm safety and efficacy.
(http://theintellectualmigrant.blogspot.com/2011/11/simplified-overview-of-new-drug.html)
In the United States, a dietary supplement is defined under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) as a product that is intended to supplement the diet and contains any of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical (excluding tobacco), an amino acid, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any of the above or a substance historically used by humans to supplement the diet.
Furthermore, it must also conform to the following criteria: intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form, not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet, and labeled as a "dietary supplement"
Based on the Dietary Supplement Health And Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as a category of foods, and not as drugs. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies are required to obtain FDA approval, which involves assessing the risks and benefits prior to their entry into the market, dietary supplements do not need to be pre-approved by FDA before they can enter the market. Thus approval of new botanical drugs is a slow and tedious process, whereas dietary supplements are freely available for the consumers.
In September 2012, a report said sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States rose by 4.5 percent in 2011. That report estimated 2011's U.S. sales as US$5.3 billion, whereas sales of the two botanical drugs approved was poor and sluggish.
I hope more botanical drugs are approved by FDA in the future. Botanical drugs in general have less side effects compared to the synthetic drugs.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Exotic and Bizarre Foods of the Philippines
I would never call the balut bizarre or exotic, since I am a Filipino-American. But if you are not a Filipino, I will not blame you. I have eaten the balut more than a hundred times when I was growing up in the Philippines, numerous coconut-rice cakes, fried crickets, stuffed frogs, cow internal organs, blood pudding(dinuguan) but not the coconut and mangrove worms and the chicken intestines.
Balut is very delicious and nutritious and consider a brain food. When I was a student at the University of the Philippines, I will buy 4 baluts and gorged on it before my final examination in Chemistry. I dare you to try one, if perchance you have the chance to visit the Philippines in the future. The segment in the video about the underground river in Palawan is informative. This is an excellent video series by Andrew Zimmern.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Have You Heard of Siquijor Island, Philippines
While I was searching for Herbal Medicine in the Philippines, I accidentally found this video about the Healing Festival in the Island of Siquijor. Do you know where Siquijor is? Siquijor [siki'hor], is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea, is the island of Mindanao.
Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country, in terms of population as well as land area (after Camiguin and Batanes). For a time it was part of Negros Oriental. During my teenager years, it was still a part of Negros Oriental, but I have already heard that is an island for witchcraft, magic and the prowess of the local medicine men and women. My interest in Siquijor Island have always been in my mind since my teenager days. The following video is a must view if you are interested in healing and alternative medicines practices in the Philippines.
Thousands of tourists and visitors flocked to the mystical island of SIQUIJOR for the annual healing festival held at Bandilaan Mountain View Park. This province has become known worldwide as the center that promotes natural healing. Tree bark, roots, herbs, dirt, insects and other 'secret' ingredients are thrown into a large cauldron filled with coconut oil. It is believed that supernatural forces roam the earth and share their healing powers to those who seek their assistance. Some sorcerers concoct 'love potions' or make amulets that are know to make their owners invisible! The videographer have personally witnessed and videotaped four healings and cures right before his eyes.! Thank you, Mr. videographer for info@globalvideoprotv.com for this excellent and informative video.
It is one of a most amazing healing videos and alternative medicine in action that I have seen so far. I really find this video informative and interesting. The scenery, waterfalls, white beaches and the tropical plants in this video reminds me of my second home in the Philippines- Marinduque Island. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did~
Monday, June 24, 2013
Herbal Medicine 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
Sunday, June 23, 2013
My first Vegetable and Beef Soup Dish
I cooked my first Vegetable Beef Soup dish yesterday. Ever since (about 7 months ago) when my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, I was forced to help in the kitchen. I have never cooked in my life before my first dish, a Filipino Chicken Vegetable soup (Tinola) that I described in my blogs about a month ago. Today, I enjoy cooking and am learning a few cooking tips everyday.
Yesterday, I cooked my first Vegetable Beef soup dish. I purchased 1.5 lbs beef shank, 2 lbs soup bones and ½ lbs of beef stew meat. After washing the meat, I placed it in a boiling crock pot containing about 12 cups of water. I added salt and garlic powder and one sliced onion. I continued the boiling until the meat was soft. I added 1 lb peeled taro roots cubes ( gabi roots in Philippines), then ½ lbs of washed fresh green beans cut about 6 inches. I continue the boiling until the taro roots were cooked then add one sliced green pepper and two hot sliced jalopenos ( seeds removed). The Jalopenos will give the soup a spicy taste. Omit the jalopenos, if you do not want a spicy flavor.
When all the vegetables were cooked, I added 10 bok choy stalks( washed) and simmer the pot for another 5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to suit your taste. Served with steam rice. Bon Apetit!
Note: If the soup is not salty enough to your taste, add patis ( fish sauce). In my case, I add hot pecante sauce, since I love hot and spicy dishes. The two jalopenos above did give the soup a spicy taste, but not spicy enough for those who love hot and spicy dishes. If taro roots are not available in your area, you may substitute it with potato cubes.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
FDA Approved New Drugs for the Mid-Year, 2013
A couple of days ago, I posted a list of new drugs approved in 2012. Again, as an FDA retiree formerly involved in the approval of new drugs, I am still very interested on what is new in FDA drug development this year.
FDA has been very busy this year so far. One medical device and more than sixty new drugs had been approved in eighteen therapeutic areas already for this mid year. In 2002 the year I retired FDA approved more than 100 new drugs that year. By the end of 2013, I predict that another 60 new drugs will be approved.
As a diabetic, I am quite delighted that two new drugs for type 2 diabetes are approved. These new drugs will be expensive, but we the patients have an an alternative options if we desire and believe these new drugs will have more benefits than risks in the cure of our malady. Congratulations to FDA and its employees for a good year so far.
1. Cardiology/Vascular Diseases
Kynamro (mipomersen sodium); Genzyme; For the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Approved January 2013
Liptruzet (ezetimibe and atorvastatin); Merck; For the treatment of hyoerlipidemia, Approved May 2013
Nymalize (nimodipine); Arbor Pharmaceuticals; For the reduction of incidence and severity of ischemic deficits following subarachnoid hemorrhage, Approved May 2013
2. Dermatology
Sitavig (acyclovir) buccal tablets; BioAlliance Pharma; For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis in adults, Approved April 2013
3.Devices
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved May 2013
4. Endocrinology
Invokana (canagliflozin); Janssen Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, Approved April 2013
Nesina (alogliptin); Takeda; For the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, Approved January 2013
Osphena (ospemifene); Shionogi; For the treatment of dyspareunia and vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, Approved March 2013
5. Family Medicine
Actemra ((ocilizumab); Genentech; For the treatment of Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved May 2013
Flublok (seasonal influenza vaccine); Protein Sciences; For the active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved January 2013
Ilaris (canakinumab); Novartis; For the treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Invokana (canagliflozin); Janssen Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, Approved April 2013
Liptruzet (ezetimibe and atorvastatin); Merck; For the treatment of hyoerlipidemia, Approved May 2013
Nesina (alogliptin); Takeda; For the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, Approved January 2013
Osphena (ospemifene); Shionogi; For the treatment of dyspareunia and vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, Approved March 2013
Quartette (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the prevention of conception, Approved April 2013
Sitavig (acyclovir) buccal tablets; BioAlliance Pharma; For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis in adults, Approved April 2013
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate); Biogen Idec; For the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, Approved March 2013
Uceris (budesonide); Santarus; For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Approved January 2013
6. Gastroenterology
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer; For the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Approved February 2013
Uceris (budesonide); Santarus; For the treatment of ulcerative colitis, Approved January 2013
7. Genetic Disease
Kineret, anakinra; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum; For the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, Approved January 2013
Kynamro (mipomersen sodium); Genzyme; For the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Approved January 2013
Ravicti (glycerol phenylbutyrate); Hyperion Therapeutics; For the treatment of pediatrics and adults with urea cycle disorders, Approved February 2013
Flublok (seasonal influenza vaccine); Protein Sciences; For the active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved January 2013
8. Hematology
Kcentra (Prothrombin Complex Concentrate); CSL Behring; For the reversal of vitamin K antagonist therapy-induced coagulation factor deficiency, Approved May 2013
Nymalize (nimodipine); Arbor Pharmaceuticals; For the reduction of incidence and severity of ischemic deficits following subarachnoid hemorrhage, Approved May 2013
Pomalyst (pomalidomide); Celgene; For the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, Approved February 2013
Ravicti (glycerol phenylbutyrate); Hyperion Therapeutics; For the treatment of pediatrics and adults with urea cycle disorders, Approved February 2013
9. Immunology
Flublok (seasonal influenza vaccine); Protein Sciences; For the active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved January 2013
Kineret, anakinra; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum; For the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, Approved January 2013
Sitavig (acyclovir) buccal tablets; BioAlliance Pharma; For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis in adults, Approved April 2013
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate); Biogen Idec; For the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, Approved March 2013
VariZIG, Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human); Cangene; For the post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella zoster (chickenpox), Approved January 2013
10. Infections and Infectious Diseases
Flublok (seasonal influenza vaccine); Protein Sciences; For the active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved January 2013
Sitavig (acyclovir) buccal tablets; BioAlliance Pharma; For the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis in adults, Approved April 2013
VariZIG, Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human); Cangene; For the post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella zoster (chickenpox), Approved January 2013
11. Musculoskeletal
Actemra ((ocilizumab); Genentech; For the treatment of Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Ilaris (canakinumab); Novartis; For the treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate); Biogen Idec; For the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, Approved March 2013
12. Nephrology
Procysbi (cysteamine bitartrate); Raptor Pharmaceuticals; For the management of nephropathic cystinosis, Approved May 2013
Neurology
Nymalize (nimodipine); Arbor Pharmaceuticals; For the reduction of incidence and severity of ischemic deficits following subarachnoid hemorrhage, Approved May 2013
13. Nutrition and Weight Loss
Nesina (alogliptin); Takeda; For the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus, Approved January 2013
Obstetrics/Gynecology (Women’s Health)
Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine); Genentech; For the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, Approved February 2013
Osphena (ospemifene); Shionogi; For the treatment of dyspareunia and vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, Approved March 2013
Quartette (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the prevention of conception, Approved April 2013
14. Oncology
Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine); Genentech; For the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, Approved February 2013
Pomalyst (pomalidomide); Celgene; For the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, Approved February 2013
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer; For the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Approved February 2013
Xofigo (radium Ra 223 dichloride); Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastases, Approved May 2013
15. Pediatrics/Neonatology
Actemra ((ocilizumab); Genentech; For the treatment of Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Ilaris (canakinumab); Novartis; For the treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Kineret, anakinra; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum; For the treatment of Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, Approved January 2013
Kynamro (mipomersen sodium); Genzyme; For the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Approved January 2013
Ravicti (glycerol phenylbutyrate); Hyperion Therapeutics; For the treatment of pediatrics and adults with urea cycle disorders, Approved February 2013
16. Pharmacology/Toxicology
Kcentra (Prothrombin Complex Concentrate); CSL Behring; For the reversal of vitamin K antagonist therapy-induced coagulation factor deficiency, Approved May 2013
Pulmonary/Respiratory Diseases
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved May 2013
17. Rheumatology
Actemra ((ocilizumab); Genentech; For the treatment of Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Ilaris (canakinumab); Novartis; For the treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Approved May 2013
Trauma (Emergency, Injury, Surgery)
Kcentra (Prothrombin Complex Concentrate); CSL Behring; For the reversal of vitamin K antagonist therapy-induced coagulation factor deficiency, Approved May 2013
18. Urology
Xofigo (radium Ra 223 dichloride); Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of prostate cancer with bone metastases, Approved May 2013
19. Vaccines
Flublok (seasonal influenza vaccine); Protein Sciences; For the active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved January 2013
VariZIG, Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (Human); Cangene; For the post-exposure prophylaxis of varicella zoster (chickenpox), Approved January 2013
Source: www.centerwatch.com
Friday, June 21, 2013
Amazing 4-year old Plays the Piano
This video reminds of an article on the 10 most popular child prodigies of the 19th century. Among the most popular prodigies are Pascal, von Neuman and Maria Agnesi. The article is as follows: http://science.discovery.com/life-earth-science/10-child-prodigies.htm
Thursday, June 20, 2013
FDA Approved New Drugs in 2012
As a retired FDA employee formerly involved in the approval of new drugs, approval of new drugs by the FDA is a subject still close to my heart. Last year ( 2012) had been a very busy year for FDA. More than 200 new drugs in 26 therapeutic areas were approved. The following is a list from www.centerwatch.com for your reading pleasure and information. Consult your physician, if you think one of these new drugs will have more benefits than risks ( side effects) in the treatment of your malady.
1.Cardiology/Vascular Diseases
Eliquis (apixaban); Bristol-Myers Squibb; For the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism resulting from nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, Approved December 2012
Juxtapid (lomitapide); Aegerion Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Approved December of 2012
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl); Amarin Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, Approved July of 2012
2. Dermatology
Erivedge (vismodegib); Genentech; For the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, Approved June 2012
Picato (ingenol mebutate) gel; LEO Pharma; For the treatment of actinic keratosis, Approved January 2012
Sklice (ivermectin) lotion; Sanofi Pasteur; For the treatment of head lice, Approved February 2012
3. Endocrinology
Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride); Arena Pharmaceuticals; For the chronic management of weight loss, Approved June 2012
Bio-T-Gel (testosterone gel); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of hypogonadism, Approved February 2012
Cometriq (cabozantinib); Exelixis; For the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, Approved November 2012
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Jentadueto (linagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride); Eli Lilly; For the treatment of type II diabetes, Approved February 2012
Korlym (mifepristone); Corcept Therapeutics; For the control of hyperglycemia in adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, Approved February 2012
Lucentis (ranibizumab injection); Genentech; For the treatment of diabetic macular edema, Approved August 2012
Qsymia (phentermine + topiramate extended-release); Vivus; For the treatment of chronic weight management, Approved July 2012
Signifor (pasireotide diaspartate); Novartis; For the treatment of Cushing's disease, Approved December of 2012
Ultresa (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis or other conditions, Approved March 2012
Viokace (pancrelipase) tablets; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy, Approved March 2012
4. Family Medicine
Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension); Celgene; For the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, Approved October 2012
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, Approved April 2012
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, Approved July 2012
Aubagio (teriflunomide); Sanofi Aventis; For the treatment of multiple sclerosis, Approved September 2012
Cometriq (cabozantinib); Exelixis; For the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, Approved November 2012
Cystaran (cysteamine hydrochloride); Sigma Tau Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation due to cystinosis, Approved October 2012
Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate); Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.; For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, Approved May 2012
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Erivedge (vismodegib); Genentech; For the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Fycompa (perampanel); Eisai; For the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures, Approved October 2012
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, Approved June 2012
Inlyta (axitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Jentadueto (linagliptin plus metformin hydrochloride); Eli Lilly; For the treatment of type II diabetes, Approved February 2012
Jetrea (ocriplasmin); Thrombogenics; For the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, Approved October 2012
Korlym (mifepristone); Corcept Therapeutics; For the control of hyperglycemia in adults with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, Approved February 2012
Kyprolis (carfilzomib); Onyx Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of multiple myeloma, Approved July 2012
Linzess (linaclotide); Forest Labs and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, Approved August 2012
Lucentis (ranibizumab injection); Genentech; For the treatment of diabetic macular edema, Approved August 2012
Lyrica (pregabalin); Pfizer; For the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, Approved June 2012
Myrbetriq (mirabegron); Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; For the treatment of overactive bladder, Approved June 2012
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest); Bayer; For the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Approved March 2012
Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System); UCB; For the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome, Approved April 2012
Omontys (peginesatide); Affymax; For the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, Approved March 2012
Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended release); Supernus Pharmaceuticals; For the adjunctive therapy of partial seizures in adults and in children 6 years to 17 years of age, Approved October 2012
Perjeta (pertuzumab); Genentech; For the first-line treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, Approved June 2012
Picato (ingenol mebutate) gel; LEO Pharma; For the treatment of actinic keratosis, Approved January 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride); NextWave Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Approved September 2012
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
Sklice (ivermectin) lotion; Sanofi Pasteur; For the treatment of head lice, Approved February 2012
Stendra (avanafil); Vivus; For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Approved April 2012
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved September 2012
Stribild (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate); Gilead; For the treatment of HIV-1 infection, Approved August 2012
Subsys (fentanyl sublingual spray); Insys Therapeutics; For the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, Approved January of 2012
Surfaxin (lucinactant); Discovery Laboratories; For the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, Approved March 2012
Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide inhalation powder); Forest Laboratories; For the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved July 2012
Viokace (pancrelipase) tablets; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy, Approved March 2012
Voraxaze (glucarpidase); BTG International; For the treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations in patients with impaired renal function, Approved January 2012
Xeljanz (tofacitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, Approved November 2012
Xtandi (enzalutamide); Medivation; For the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, Approved August 2012
Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept); Sanofi-aventis; For the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved August 2012
Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution); Merck; For the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure, Approved February 2012
5. Gastroenterology
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Fulyzaq (crofelemer); Salix Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in adults with HIV/AIDS, Approved December 2012
Gattex (teduglutide); NPS Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of short bowel syndrome, Approved December 2012
Linzess (linaclotide); Forest Labs and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, Approved August 2012
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved September 2012
Ultresa (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis or other conditions, Approved March 2012
Viokace (pancrelipase) tablets; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy, Approved March 2012
Xtandi (enzalutamide); Medivation; For the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, Approved August 2012
Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept); Sanofi-aventis; For the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved August 2012
6. Genetic Disease
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Fycompa (perampanel); Eisai; For the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures, Approved October 2012
Juxtapid (lomitapide); Aegerion Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Approved December of 2012
Kalydeco (ivacaftor); Vertex Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of cystic fibrosis with the G551D mutation in the CFTR gene, Approved January of 2012
Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended release); Supernus Pharmaceuticals; For the adjunctive therapy of partial seizures in adults and in children 6 years to 17 years of age, Approved October 2012
Ultresa (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis or other conditions, Approved March 2012
7. Hematology
Bosulif (bosutinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of Ph+ chronic myelogenous leukemia, Approved September 2012
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Iclusig (ponatinib); Ariad Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Approved December 2012
Kyprolis (carfilzomib); Onyx Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of multiple myeloma, Approved July 2012
Marqibo (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection); Talon Therapeutics; For the treatment of Ph- acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Approved August 2012
Neutroval (tbo-filgrastim); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the reduction in the duration of severe chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, Approved August 2012
Omontys (peginesatide); Affymax; For the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, Approved March 2012
Synribo (omacetaxine mepesuccinate); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of chronic or accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukemia, Approved October 2012
8. Hepatology (Liver, Pancreatic, Gall Bladder)
Inlyta (axitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Kalydeco (ivacaftor); Vertex Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of cystic fibrosis with the G551D mutation in the CFTR gene, Approved January of 2012
Ultresa (pancrelipase) delayed-release capsules; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to cystic fibrosis or other conditions, Approved March 2012
Viokace (pancrelipase) tablets; Aptalis Pharma; For the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to chronic pancreatitis or pancreatectomy, Approved March 2012
9. Immunology
Flucelvax, Influenza Virus Vaccine; Novartis; For the treatment of influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved November 2012
Fulyzaq (crofelemer); Salix Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in adults with HIV/AIDS, Approved December 2012
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, Approved June 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
Stribild (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate); Gilead; For the treatment of HIV-1 infection, Approved August 2012
Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide inhalation powder); Forest Laboratories; For the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved July 2012
10. Infections and Infectious Diseases
Abthrax (raxibacumab); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment and prevention of anthrax, Approved December of 2012
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, Approved April 2012
Cystaran (cysteamine hydrochloride); Sigma Tau Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation due to cystinosis, Approved October 2012
Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate); Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.; For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, Approved May 2012
Flucelvax, Influenza Virus Vaccine; Novartis; For the treatment of influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved November 2012
Fulyzaq (crofelemer); Salix Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in adults with HIV/AIDS, Approved December 2012
Jetrea (ocriplasmin); Thrombogenics; For the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, Approved October 2012
Linzess (linaclotide); Forest Labs and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation, Approved August 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
Sirturo (bedaquiline); Janssen Therapeutics; For the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, Approved December 2012
Sklice (ivermectin) lotion; Sanofi Pasteur; For the treatment of head lice, Approved February 2012
Stribild (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate); Gilead; For the treatment of HIV-1 infection, Approved August 2012
Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide inhalation powder); Forest Laboratories; For the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved July 2012
11. Musculoskeletal
Aubagio (teriflunomide); Sanofi Aventis; For the treatment of multiple sclerosis, Approved September 2012
Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa); Pfizer; For the treatment of Gaucher disease, Approved May 2012
Lyrica (pregabalin); Pfizer; For the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, Approved June 2012
Myrbetriq (mirabegron); Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; For the treatment of overactive bladder, Approved June 2012
Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System); UCB; For the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome, Approved April 2012
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
Stendra (avanafil); Vivus; For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Approved April 2012
Votrient (pazopanib); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, Approved April 2012
Xeljanz (tofacitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, Approved November 2012
12. Nephrology
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, Approved April 2012
Inlyta (axitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Myrbetriq (mirabegron); Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; For the treatment of overactive bladder, Approved June 2012
Omontys (peginesatide); Affymax; For the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease, Approved March 2012
Stendra (avanafil); Vivus; For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Approved April 2012
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved September 2012
Voraxaze (glucarpidase); BTG International; For the treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations in patients with impaired renal function, Approved January 2012
13. Neurology
Eliquis (apixaban); Bristol-Myers Squibb; For the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism resulting from nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, Approved December 2012
Fycompa (perampanel); Eisai; For the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures, Approved October 2012
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, Approved June 2012
Lyrica (pregabalin); Pfizer; For the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, Approved June 2012
Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System); UCB; For the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome, Approved April 2012
Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended release); Supernus Pharmaceuticals; For the adjunctive therapy of partial seizures in adults and in children 6 years to 17 years of age, Approved October 2012
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride); NextWave Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Approved September 2012
Subsys (fentanyl sublingual spray); Insys Therapeutics; For the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, Approved January of 2012
14. Nutrition and Weight Loss
Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride); Arena Pharmaceuticals; For the chronic management of weight loss, Approved June 2012
Qsymia (phentermine + topiramate extended-release); Vivus; For the treatment of chronic weight management, Approved July 2012
15. Obstetrics/Gynecology (Women’s Health)
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, Approved July 2012
Natazia (estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest); Bayer; For the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, Approved March 2012
Perjeta (pertuzumab); Genentech; For the first-line treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, Approved June 2012
16. Oncology
Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension); Celgene; For the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, Approved October 2012
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, Approved July 2012
Afinitor (everolimus); Novartis; For the treatment of renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, Approved April 2012
Bosulif (bosutinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of Ph+ chronic myelogenous leukemia, Approved September 2012
Cometriq (cabozantinib); Exelixis; For the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, Approved November 2012
Erivedge (vismodegib); Genentech; For the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Iclusig (ponatinib); Ariad Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Approved December 2012
Inlyta (axitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, Approved January 2012
Kyprolis (carfilzomib); Onyx Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of multiple myeloma, Approved July 2012
Marqibo (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection); Talon Therapeutics; For the treatment of Ph- acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Approved August 2012
Neutroval (tbo-filgrastim); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the reduction in the duration of severe chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, Approved August 2012
Perjeta (pertuzumab); Genentech; For the first-line treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer, Approved June 2012
Picato (ingenol mebutate) gel; LEO Pharma; For the treatment of actinic keratosis, Approved January 2012
Stivarga (regorafenib); Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of previously treated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved September 2012
Subsys (fentanyl sublingual spray); Insys Therapeutics; For the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, Approved January of 2012
Synribo (omacetaxine mepesuccinate); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of chronic or accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukemia, Approved October 2012
Votrient (pazopanib); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, Approved April 2012
Xtandi (enzalutamide); Medivation; For the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, Approved August 2012
Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept); Sanofi-aventis; For the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, Approved August 2012
17. Ophthalmology
Cystaran (cysteamine hydrochloride); Sigma Tau Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation due to cystinosis, Approved October 2012
Jetrea (ocriplasmin); Thrombogenics; For the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, Approved October 2012
Lucentis (ranibizumab injection); Genentech; For the treatment of diabetic macular edema, Approved August 2012
Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution); Merck; For the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure, Approved February 2012
18. Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
19. Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, Throat)
Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate); Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.; For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, Approved May 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
20. Pediatrics/Neonatology
Fycompa (perampanel); Eisai; For the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures, Approved October 2012
Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended release); Supernus Pharmaceuticals; For the adjunctive therapy of partial seizures in adults and in children 6 years to 17 years of age, Approved October 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride); NextWave Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Approved September 2012
Sklice (ivermectin) lotion; Sanofi Pasteur; For the treatment of head lice, Approved February 2012
Surfaxin (lucinactant); Discovery Laboratories; For the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, Approved March 2012
21. Pharmacology/Toxicology
Voraxaze (glucarpidase); BTG International; For the treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations in patients with impaired renal function, Approved January 2012
22. Psychiatry/Psychology
Qsymia (phentermine + topiramate extended-release); Vivus; For the treatment of chronic weight management, Approved July 2012
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride); NextWave Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Approved September 2012
23. Pulmonary/Respiratory Diseases
Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension); Celgene; For the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, Approved October 2012
Dymista (azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate); Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.; For the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, Approved May 2012
Kalydeco (ivacaftor); Vertex Pharmaceuticals; For the treatment of cystic fibrosis with the G551D mutation in the CFTR gene, Approved January of 2012
Qnasl (beclomethasone dipropionate) nasal aerosol; Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, Approved March 2012
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
Sirturo (bedaquiline); Janssen Therapeutics; For the treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, Approved December 2012
Surfaxin (lucinactant); Discovery Laboratories; For the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, Approved March 2012
Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide inhalation powder); Forest Laboratories; For the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Approved July 2012
24. Rheumatology
Rayos (prednisone) delayed-release tablets; Horizon Pharma; For the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, COPD, asthma and psoriatic conditions, Approved July of 2012
Stendra (avanafil); Vivus; For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Approved April 2012
Xeljanz (tofacitinib); Pfizer; For the treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, Approved November 2012
Trauma (Emergency, Injury, Surgery)
Lyrica (pregabalin); Pfizer; For the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, Approved June 2012
25. Urology
Bio-T-Gel (testosterone gel); Teva Pharmaceutical; For the treatment of hypogonadism, Approved February 2012
Myrbetriq (mirabegron); Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; For the treatment of overactive bladder, Approved June 2012
Stendra (avanafil); Vivus; For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, Approved April 2012
Xtandi (enzalutamide); Medivation; For the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, Approved August 2012
26. Vaccines
Flucelvax, Influenza Virus Vaccine; Novartis; For the treatment of influenza virus subtypes A and type B, Approved November 2012
Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil); GlaxoSmithKline; For the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, Approved June 2012
Personal Note: I was the Chemistry Team Leader in the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, New Drug Chemistry, prior to my retirement from FDA in 2002. I was responsible for all the Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) requirements for all new drugs prior to approval supervising the work of 5 to 6 Chemistry Reviewers.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Aswang and Dystonia Parkinsonism (Lubag) of Panay Island, Philippines
Halloween is still about 6 months away, but today I am sharing with you a video about witches ( or aswang) of the Philippines. I accidentally found this video while doing a search on parkinsonism. I found that there is a malady endemic to Panay Island associated with witches, because of the muscle twitching. The local residents called it lubag which meant twitching in their dialect. The video indicated that this may be the reason why the province of Capiz, Panay Island is often associated with the home of the aswangs.
So what is lubag? It is a sex linked recessive dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) discovered in Panay Island in the mid 1970's. It is a movement disorder unique to adult Filipino men whose ancestries can be traced to only to Panay Island, Philippines. It is characterized by severe, progressive torsion dystonia, which dominates the first 10 to 15 years of the illness and is associated or replaced by parkinsonian features in the later years of life. This malady was believed to be caused by the aswang or witches of the area.
Have you heard of the word aswang? If you are a Filipino, you know what is an aswang. But for my non-Filipino readers, Aswang (or Asuwang) is a mythical creature in Filipino folklore. The aswang is an inherently evil vampire-like creature and is the subject of a wide variety of myths and stories. Spanish colonists noted that the Aswang was the most feared among the mythical creatures of the Philippines, even in the 16th century.
The myth of the aswang is well known throughout the Philippines, except in the Ilocos region, which is the only region that does not have an equivalent myth. It is especially popular in the Western Visayan regions such as Capiz, Iloilo, Negros, Bohol, Masbate, Aklan, Antique. Other regional names for the aswang include "tik-tik", "wak-wak" and "soc-soc".
I grew up in the Philippines, so my parents had inculcated in my mind as a child to be afraid of witches at night. Today, as an adult residing in the US, the aswang phenomena was just a part of my childhood years and I have outgrown it.
Thanks for the video, Mr Jordan Clark. It is a well done and researched documentary indeed! I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do. It is one of the best documentary I have seen about the aswang of the Philippines.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Memories of a Declamation Contest-Rizal's My Last Farewell
When I was in 6th grade, I participated in a declamation contest sponsored by our school district. There were ten schools in our district from three neighboring towns. If you have not heard of a declamation contest: It is just public speaking contest reciting and acting poetry, a short story or an article. My English teacher was my coach. I remember memorizing for 4 weeks, a short story titled "A Yankee in Love". The short article were filled with American slang words that I could barely understand. The piece was more suited to an older teenager, possibly someone who has already fallen in love. As a result I delivered my declamation piece without any feelings or emotion but with an American accent taught by my coach. But I was surprise to win 5th place ( among 10 contestants). The winner was from the school in the next town and I remember very well her declamation piece was Jose Rizal famous poem, My Last Farewell.( Ultimo Adios in Spanish). Jose Rizal is Philippines number one national hero. December 30 is Rizal Day in the Philippines.
Here's the first and last stanzas of this patriotic poem both in its original Spanish and an English translation. The poem has 14 five-lines stanzas and has been translated into 30 languages. I will never forget this poem as long as I live because of the Declamation Contest that I lost during my elementary school days in the Philippines.
Mi Ultimo Adiós.
Adios, Patria adorada, región del sol querida,
Perla del Mar del Oriente, nuestro perdido Eden!
A darte voy alegre la triste mustia vida,
Y fuera más brillante más fresca, más florida,
Tambien por tí la diera, la diera por tu bien.
Adios, padres y hermanos, trozos del alma mía,
Amigos de la infancia en el perdido hogar,
Dad gracias que descanso del fatigoso día;
Adios, dulce extrangera, mi amiga, mi alegria,
Adios, queridos seres, morir es descansar.
An English Translation
My Final Farewell
Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress’d
Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!,
Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life’s best,
And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest
Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost.
Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away,
Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed!
Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day!
Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend that lightened my way;
Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!
The last phrase, "In death there is rest" ( morir es descansar) is appropriate in Rizal's Life. Dr. Jose Rizal who was executed by the Spanish colonizers of the Philippines on December 30, 1896 for his alleged role in the armed revolution against Spain. He was in prison and on the night before his execution, he wrote this poem as a final statement to his fellow Filipino countrymen. Here's a partial video of the poem sang and with English sub titles.
The "Mi Ultimo Adios"(My Last Farewell) was originally written in Spanish. I feel that the English translation loses the depth of emotion Dr. Rizal felt at the time he wrote it. The poem is so inspiring, I do not get tired reading it again and again. How about you?
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Bluebirds in my Backyard-Happy Father's Day
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It is already Father's Day in the Philippines. Here in Northern California Fathers Day will be tomorrow. Next week will be the official first day of summer. However, since mid-May this year six Blue Jays have been frolicking with abandon in my backyard. Two are the parent birds and four are the babies. I have been feeding them with bread crumbs and rice morsels, and faithfully replacing their bird bath and water every day.
For the last four years from Spring To Fall I have bluebirds residing in my back yard here in Northern California. They nest and play in the Holly and Pyracantha Shrubs planted as screens for the small swimming pool in my backyard. In addition, this year I have a pair of mallard ducks rollicking in my swimming pool every now and then. The pair of Mallard ducks are tame, so they must be pets of neighbors. They love to swim in the pool and sun bath on the sides.
As far as blue jays: Are blue jays common in my neighborhood ? I know my yard is the only one with four or more residents of blue jays that enjoys the water and food that I give them every day. Sometimes, I forget to give them bread crumbs or rice. They will remind me by their loud chirping, jumping and coming closer to the patio. They are getting so tame, that they stay only a few feet from their feeding station when I go out to give their daily bread crumbs or rice morsel. As soon as I put the food in the feeder, they would happily consume the food and bring some to their nests for their babies. If I gave them too much food, the leftover is welcome by a couple of residents squirrels in the yard.
The blue jays are also a favorite of my grand daughter, Carenna. When she visits us, the first thing she would ask is if she could feed the birds. I consider these birds my pets. We have pets in the Philippines, one dog, two cats and several chickens. But here in Northern California, our only pets are these blue jays that reside in my back yard during spring, summer and fall in this beautiful Northern California neighborhood every year. However,occasionally we house sit for Gimlet, our daughter pet cat. Do you have pets in your back yard?
Oh, Yes, happy fathers day again to all fathers of the world!
It is already Father's Day in the Philippines. Here in Northern California Fathers Day will be tomorrow. Next week will be the official first day of summer. However, since mid-May this year six Blue Jays have been frolicking with abandon in my backyard. Two are the parent birds and four are the babies. I have been feeding them with bread crumbs and rice morsels, and faithfully replacing their bird bath and water every day.
For the last four years from Spring To Fall I have bluebirds residing in my back yard here in Northern California. They nest and play in the Holly and Pyracantha Shrubs planted as screens for the small swimming pool in my backyard. In addition, this year I have a pair of mallard ducks rollicking in my swimming pool every now and then. The pair of Mallard ducks are tame, so they must be pets of neighbors. They love to swim in the pool and sun bath on the sides.
As far as blue jays: Are blue jays common in my neighborhood ? I know my yard is the only one with four or more residents of blue jays that enjoys the water and food that I give them every day. Sometimes, I forget to give them bread crumbs or rice. They will remind me by their loud chirping, jumping and coming closer to the patio. They are getting so tame, that they stay only a few feet from their feeding station when I go out to give their daily bread crumbs or rice morsel. As soon as I put the food in the feeder, they would happily consume the food and bring some to their nests for their babies. If I gave them too much food, the leftover is welcome by a couple of residents squirrels in the yard.
The blue jays are also a favorite of my grand daughter, Carenna. When she visits us, the first thing she would ask is if she could feed the birds. I consider these birds my pets. We have pets in the Philippines, one dog, two cats and several chickens. But here in Northern California, our only pets are these blue jays that reside in my back yard during spring, summer and fall in this beautiful Northern California neighborhood every year. However,occasionally we house sit for Gimlet, our daughter pet cat. Do you have pets in your back yard?
Oh, Yes, happy fathers day again to all fathers of the world!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Blueberries Pancake for Breakfast
I learned to cook blueberries pancake, yesterday. In my previous posting about cooking, I wrote about my feeling of accomplishment after I cooked my first Filipino dish ( Chicken Tinola with Vegetables) with out the supervision of my wife. Please note that my wife was an excellent cook before her PD diagnosis, so I during the last 55 years of our marriage, I never intrude in her kitchen except to wash dishes.
Yesterday, I cooked my first pancake recipe without my wife supervision by just following the instruction in the box. This event was inspired when I saw fresh blueberries in the Farmer's Market near us. The blueberries are in season now here in Northern California. They look so fresh and yummy, I purchased a pint for less than $3.
I purchased a pancake mix from Raley's ( any brand will do) with an instruction that I followed as follows: Mixed 2 cups pancake mix, 1 cup milk and 2 eggs in a bowl. Mixed thoroughly. Add the pint of washed blueberries. Mixed and scoop a big spoonful or two of the mix in a flat electric skillet or at top of stove at medium heat. Do not forget to add cooking oil in the flat pan. Turn the pancake as soon as one side is brown. In 15 minutes I had 14-6 inches blueberries pancake for my wife and my breakfast. Easy and Fast.
Again, I can not believe, I can cook excellent pancakes without any sweat. Serve with bacon and brewed Baracco coffee from the Philippines. You can add butter or syrup or powdered sugar in your pancake if you wish. I am so proud of my newly discovered talent.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Top 15 Pharmaceutical Firms in the World
Last week, I posted a list of top ten pesticides manufacturer of the world. One of my readers suggested I post a similar list for drug firms having been a former FDA employee. Yes, indeed as former FDA employee involved in the approval of new drugs, the subject of pharmaceutical firms, doing well really interest me. There was a report in Forbes Magazine by Mathew Herper( 2012) listing the top 15 best pharmaceutical firms based on the number of new drugs ( new chemical entity -NCE) approved by FDA. NCE is a drug that contains no active moiety that has been approved by the FDA in any other application submitted under section 505(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The list is as follow with reference noted below.
Table 1:Top 15 Firms Based on New Drugs Approved for the past 15 Years
Company - Number of New Drugs
Novartis 17
Merck&Co 16
J&J 15
Pfizer 14
Wyeth 13
Bristol-Myers 11
Hoffmann/Roche 11
Lilly 11
GlaxoSmithKline 10
Abbott 9
Amgen 9
Pharmacia/Upjohn 9
Source: Bernard Munos, InnoThink Center for Research in Biomedical Innovation
On the other hand the top ten pharmaceutical firms based on Dollars sales for 2012 is as follows:
Table 2: Special Report: Top Pharma Companies by 2012 Revenues-Billion of Dollars *
1 Johnson & Johnson- 67.2
2 Pfizer- 58.9
3 Novartis- 56.7
4 Roche- 47.8
5 Merck- 47.2
6 Sanofi- 46.4
7 GlaxoSmithKline- 39.9
8 Abbott Laboratories/AbbVie- 37.8
9 AstraZeneca - 27.9
10 Bayer HealthCare- 24.3
*Reference: Pfizer - FiercePharma http://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/pfizer
Note: Based on the two tables above, four firms are confirmed not only to be innovative but also profitable. The firms are J&J, Novartis, Merck and Pfizer. Wyeth and Roche made it to the top five firms for Table 1 and 2 respectively.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Song for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The above song reminded me of my childhood years, when I hear my Mother sing this song in church and also in our house.
This is a song in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is one of the most popular spanish religious song in the Philippines in the 20th century. It was written by Manuel Bernabe, a Filipino poet who was a master of the Spanish and Latin languages. Bernabe was one of the most gifted luminaries of early 20th century, whose volume of work spanned translations, anthologies, and countless poems. No Mas Amor was originally written as a poem, and then set to music by Simeon Resurreccion.
No mas amor que el Tuyo
O corazon divino,
El pueblo Filipino,
Te da su corazon.
En templos y en hogares,
Te invoque nuestra lengua,
Tu reinaras sin mengua
De Aparri hasta Jolo.
Coro:
Ha tiempo que esperamos
Tu imperio en el Oriente,
La fe de Filipinas
Es como el sol ardiente,
como la roca firme,
Inmensa como el mar.
La iniquidad no puede
Ser de estas islas duena
Que izada en nuestros montes,
Tu celestial ensena,
Las puertas de infierno
No prevaleceran.
There is no greater love than yours
There is no greater love than yours, O Most Sacred Heart,
so we, the Filipino people, offer you our hearts.
In our temples and in our homes, we cry out to you.
May Your kingdom stand firm from Aparri to Jolo.
Chorus:
Long we have hoped for Your empire in the East.
Like the sun burning bright is the faith of the Philippines,
It stands strong like a rock and fills all void like the sea.
Never shall these islands be possessed by sin,
For on our mountains is raised your heavenly sign
And the gates of Hell shall not prevail.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Advantages of Dual Citizenship (PHL and US)
About two years ago, I reacquired my Filipino citizenship. I became a dual citizen of the US and of the Philippines. After a slow two hours and foggy drive from Sacramento to San Francisco, Macrine and I with son David arrived at the Philippine Consulate at Sutter Street at 9:30AM. After one hour I was ready to be sworn in and took the Oath of Allegiance in the presence Of Alfonso A. Ver, Deputy Consul General, Philippine Cosulate, San Francisco, California.
It was a very smooth process although six other Filipino-Americans were also applying along with me at that time. We were out of the consulate by 11AM, plenty of time to celebrate my birthday lunch at Fisherman's. Wharf with Dungeness crabs that was in season at that time.
I applaud the Consulate for the smooth process. The application fee was $50. So why did I apply for dual citizenship. The advantages are as follows:
1. One who re-acquires Filipino citizenship can vote in elections in the Philippines according to Art V, Sec.1 of the Philippine Constitution.
2. One can own real property with no size limitation.
3. One can practice his/her profession provided he/she is licensed or permitted by the Philippine authority to engage in such practice ( RA 9225).
4. One can own and operate a business not generally open to foreigners among others, explorations, public utilities, mass media, cooperatives, and advertising.
5. The citizen's spouse can get an immigrant visa that entitles him/her to permanently reside in the Philippines - come and go, avoid exit clearances, entry fees, etc.
6. Can run or get an appointment to a public office provided that the person renounce his allegiance to the other country.
7. Can apply for Philippine passport and can stay in the Philippines for an unlimited period.
Ownership of real property is a significant advantage, as existing law in the Philippines restricts ownership of real property to its own citizens. Although a foreigner is permitted to take title to a condominium, he/she cannot take title to real property (land and a house). A foreigner can lease land from a Filipino and then take ownership of a house on the land, but this type of transaction is extremely rare in the Philippines. Thus, through re-acquisition of his/her Philippine citizenship, the Filipino is once again able to purchase real property, with no restrictions.
For those wanting to retire to the Philippines, the ability to run a small business or practice one's profession is a strong benefit. Through dual citizenship, retirement in the Philippines can be the start of a new chapter in one's life, as a business person or a professional. Ownership of business as a sole proprietor or as a wholly owned corporation is severely restricted, unless a foreigner makes a significant investment ($200,000 as a minimum).
Without citizenship, a foreigner wishing to operate a business in the Philippines is limited to forming a corporation, of which he/she can only own a 40% interest. As a dual citizen, the Filipino re-acquires the right to wholly own his/her business. Thus, a foreigner married to a Filipino with dual citizenship can take 40% ownership of a business and keep it in the family by his/her dual citizenship spouse taking the remaining 60% ownership.
Other than being in an immigrant status, there is only one way a person carrying a foreign passport can reside in the Philippines for any significant amount of time, and even then it requires the foreigner to be married to a "Balikbayan" (a returning Filipino who was born in the Philippines). A Balikbayan and his/her spouse can visit and reside in the Philippines for up to one year, after which they must exit the country, and then re-enter should they wish to stay another year. This must be repeated on an annual basis
Balikbayan status is not an immigrant status, but rather a special non-immigrant visa status. Yes, one can enter without a visa and stay for a maximum of 21 days, and then get a renewal for another 38 days, followed by two month extensions for about USD $100 per extension, up to a maximum of one year. There is also a special retiree visa program permitting unlimited stay status, but it does not permit real property or business ownership.
There are only two ways for a foreigner to be registered as a non-quota immigrant and those are (i) be the spouse of a Filipino citizen who was never became a citizen of a foreign country, or (ii) be the spouse of a former Filipino citizen who has re-acquired his/her citizenship by obtaining a dual citizenship status. If desired, the door is open after 5 years residency for the foreigner to also obtain dual citizenship.
With a dual citizenship status, the Filipino has the best of both worlds - citizenship in the Philippines and all the rights that attach to that plus citizenship in his/her other country (e.g., Canada or USA) and all the rights that attach to that status.
But there are duties and obligations one must follow: Exercise the right to vote, pay taxes on income earned in the Philippines. Last but not least, support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines and obey its laws. To apply for dual citizenship call the Philippine Consulate nearest to your residence.
References: Will Irwin (http://www.retirementlivinginthephilippines.com)and brochure from the Philippine consulate, San Francisco, California, USA
Personal Note: On item 6 above, there are a number of cases in the last Philippine election that a dual citizen was elected, but has no proof of renouncing US citizenship. The most discussed case here by American-Marinduquenos is the case of Gina Reyes. Although she is a dual citizen and claims she renounced her US citizenship before her filing her certificate of candidacy, she has not shown proof of her renouncing her US citizenship.
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