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              " Poverty is the worst form of violence"
-Mohandas Gandhi-






















""" Life is a struggle in which survival of the fittest is the main context"








"PROBLEM is just a word and DECISION is the action. There's no hindrances. Your just being stuck up into it so you think there's a problem. Be motivated of what you'd experienced rather than foolishly abhor of what's happening. Stand up and never give up!"







"Poverty is not an impediment to look good and feel good…”











"Poverty is not a matter of chances; instead it’s a matter of choices. As stated by the daughter of a radio broadcaster, “Hindi ako mahirap, madali ako.”






















  
The AUTHORS.. Full View



Ah the 100 Peso Bill. Back then I was in Grade 1, I never had the opportunity to hold such an amount. It took me a span of years until they’ve entrusted me with such a bill. First notion on me about it is it is a big bill but as time passes by and you’ll feel it’s just another part of your allowance. I should reconsider what I’ve just thought. Its value is still a hundred and you can count ways even more than a hundred on how it can help and how it’s used. 


The 100 Peso Bill these days has become the midway when it comes to money holders. Hold something lower than that and it can symbolize that you can afford less thus in a lesser class. The only advantage is it’s better to use when commuting. Holding something higher than that and it puts you to a level in which you can afford most products. Just make sure you have that spare change. Can’t go out the house with only a 500 or a 1000 Peso Bill.


The 100 Peso Bill wasn’t around until the Hyperinflation in the Japanese Invasion era which is explained below.

*Japanese government-issued Philippine fiat peso
            -Date of issue was from 1944 - 1945; it’s a result of Hyperinflation forcing the Japanese to issue them. Its main color is brown.



*English Series
            -It was issued from 1951 – 1974; it had TandangSora on the Obverse side and Regimental flags and the Katipunan veterans on the Reverse Side. Main Color was Yellow.




*Pilipino Series
            -It was issued from 1967 to 1974 with Violet as its main color. Manuel A. Roxas was shown in Obverse while the Former BangkoSentralngPilipinas Building was shown in the Reverse side.




*Ang Bagong 
Lipunan Series
            -Issued from 1973 to 1993 almost the same features as Pilipino Series only the Reverse side shows the BSP Complex.




*New Design Series
            -The front side of the 100-Peso banknote features Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Philippine Republic. This independence is shown at the right side where the Philippine flag was raised while that of the United States was lowered on July 4, 1946.
The banknote is predominantly colored violet.


            -The reverse side of the banknote depicts the Manila compound of the BangkoSentral.


            -The 100-Peso banknote is the smallest-valued banknote to have the new security feature implemented in recent years. But before the advent of the new security features, the 100-Peso banknote is interesting for having other security features. On the front side is a barely visible"100" logo above the signatures of the president and the Central Bank governor. This logo is best            seen on crisp new 100-Peso banknotes. On the reverse side, the top row of windows of the main building has the words "BangkoSentralngPilipinas" ("Central Bank of the Philippines") running the whole length.


            -The 100-Peso banknote became the subject of controversy after banknotes printed in France in   time for the Christmas season were printed with the President's name misspelled, the first in Philippine history. The banknotes, of which a small amount are still in circulation and are still legal       tender, spelled the President's name as "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" versus the correct Gloria  Macapagal-Arroyo. The incident was subsequently the subject of public humor as soon as the        issue made national headlines. The BSP probed the mistake and corrected the error afterwards.
*New Generation Banknote Series

            -Issued Recently last 2010, it has now become Bluish Violet. Seen in its Obverse Side is Manuel A. Roxas, Old BSP building in Intramuros, Manila, and the Inauguration of the Third Philippine Republicwhile in its Reverse Side shows Mayon Volcano in Albay,Rhincodontypus, whale shark, and the Bicol textile design.




And yeah there you have it, the history the 100 Peso Bill. It’s come a long way but still in -more than the value it holds- it still will be an important symbol of Filipino money wherever you go. Indeed, it is a symbolism that may represent courage, hope and yes, a warning at the same time.






Posted by: Sergio Miguel A. Villena


HISTORY OF THE 100 PESO BILL Full View

According to Oscar Lewis, the culture of poverty constitutes a "design for living" that is passed on from generation to the next. It means that poverty is a predicament that you can never escape. According to Charles Darwin which is the proponent of “ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES”, life is a struggle in which survival is the fittest and the main context of the theory. Survival of the fittest interprets that only the fittest will prevail. In the case of the Philippines, according to the latest press release report of the NSCB, one per 100 Filipino was lifted out of food poverty between 2006 and 2009.But that is not enough to say that we have been released to the slavery of poverty. Many Filipinos are engaged to the jobs in which their specialties are not suited for. Lack of education and large number of population are some of the reasons why we experience poverty. To cope up with this situation, people tend to search or find for an alternative living in order for them to survive in their everyday life.


This article explains and shows the value of one hundred pesos in taking part in sustaining the needs of an individual and the length of time spends to earn it. To be able to experience how hard to earn one hundred pesos in just one day, I apply as one of the ushers in a small carinderia at Don Antonio Heights Quezon City.


According to the owner’s compensation, he would pay me one hundred pesos if I would spend two hours to do all my responsibilities in his business. It’s a kind of proposal that would let me think whether I accept it or refuse it. But anyway, my goal for this work’s to have an experience, showing to everybody the reality of life that represents the “100 PESO BILL”. So, I chose to accept the Job.


After I finished the work for that day, I felt emphatic to all the people who truly love their work no matter how small or big they earned from it. It was a nice experience to socialize to other people and to serve them. Seeing them happy and cheerful in a simple way was a great. I have learned a lot from this experience and it also teaches me to saw the reality of life because many people out there are striving to earn money, and for only one hundred pesos to sustain their family is a big BLESSING. What a big help to them? No matter what is your work try to value it and it will give back to you a hundred times, not only the amount of money but the honor and the smiles of people around you.




















Posted by: Bernafe O. Serra
ACCEPT OR REFUSE? Full View

This was my first time to stay on my classmate’s house for almost two days due to lack of money as for my fare. Seemingly, it was also a great opportunity for us to talk about our next entry for this blog. With this, we have come up into a chronological story that might give the viewers insights of what happening in our status quo and this is the CULTURE OF POVERTY.


“IN THE FANGS OF BOREDOM”  
On my way home, I saw a street vendor, selling candies, cigarettes and soft drinks. In my curiosity, I asked her a few questions relevant to our topic. In God’s will, she did not falter on giving us information about her work.  She taught me lot of things in selling this and that, the prices of those purchases and even the worst part on that job… the “catch me if you can” blues. Obviously, one of the biggest enigmas on our government is these vendors who are not afraid of being caught just to earn money for a living. And in my experience, I’m not just enjoying this role but having this great courage on how to defend myself in times, when that thing would happen.
                After forty minutes of sitting in front of that rectangular stall, I earned thirty-four pesos only. I waited for so long and yet only small amount serves as my price.
“VOICE OF EAGERNESS” 
On the other hand, I’d also experienced on how to practice my voice for a cause. I’d also done the role of a “BARKER”. Basically, this kind of job was sometimes be confused of. WHY? Here are the untold reasons:



               
 Did you ever see a guy whose calling passengers while his beside of his driver? How about a guy whose pleasing people and after awhile being paid of the certain jeepney driver? That two are somehow related yet, varied on the nature of their work. The first one is what you called as “KONDUKTOR”.  In our fast-paced generation and even by the innovative sense of our fellows, they come up on such thing as “KONDUKTOR” in jeepneys and even in tricycles. Some of them are relatives of their drivers, while some are just close friends. And of course, the latter, is the common person we know… the BARKERS. These people only earn a peso per passenger and per jeepney, they earned ten pesos only. Actually, this kind of job is quite easier than sitting on a bench and waiting for your customers.
 This work is somewhat entertaining and a type of easy-money job. It’s a decent kind of job indeed. While experiencing this, I’m not just a simple barker but also a tourist guide for those who are not aware on their way home. Apparently, I’m not ManileƱa nor even aware on different routes.
 This job is not just enjoyable but a worthy deed. You’re not just earning money but also, boost your simple being. If you’re going to study a phenomenology on Filipino traits, I suggest you to go on this because they’re really true-blooded fellows who pursue the real essence of our blood and even nationalism within us.
“THE SMELL OF DILIGENCE”
               
Tasty, hot and affordable… this is our very own MANI. If you’re in a street and starving, buy peanuts. In just 5 pesos, you’ll feel full and satisfied. According to Kristie, a writer in HealthMad website, peanuts have ten (10) major benefits and these are:
1.  Helps Promote Fertility 
Peanuts contain a good amount of folate. Repeated studies have shown that women who had a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduced their risk of having a baby born with a serious neural tube defect by up to 70%.
2.            Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation
One fourth cup of peanuts can supply the body with 35% of the DV of manganese, a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
3. Helps Prevent Gallstones
It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones. But 20 years of studies have shown that eating 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter a week lowers the risk of developing gallstones by 25%.
4.           Helps Fight Depression
Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain. Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
5.           Boosts Memory Power
Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B3 or niacin content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
6.            Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels
The same nutrient which gives peanuts their memory enhancing power also helps lower and control cholesterol levels. Added to that is their copper contents which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
7.            Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Numerous studies have shown that regular nuts consumption is linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. Reach for a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
8.            Protects Against Age-related Cognitive Decline
Study participants have shown that those who have an intake of the most niacin-rich foods like peanuts were 70% less likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease. A quarter cup a day of peanuts can already supply almost a quarter of the daily needed value for niacin.
9.           Cancer Protection
A form of phytosterol called beta-sitoserol (SIT) is found in high concentrations in some plant oils, seeds, and legumes including peanuts. Phytosterols not only protects against cardiovascular disease by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol, they also protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
10.       Lowers Risk of Weight Gain
Surprise! Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain. Research has shown that people who eat nuts at least twice weekly are much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never eat them.
PEANUTS have:
  • Fibers that makes are tummy feel full and helps lower the risk of colon cancer, an ounce of peanuts contains 2 grams of fiber 
  • A good source of Coenzyme Q10 which protects the heart during the period of lack of oxygen example high altitudes and clogged arteries 
  • Contain high concentrations of antioxidant polyphenols, primarily a compound called p-coumaric acid 
  • Contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases 
  • Contain iron which is essential for the correct functioning of red blood cells 
  • Also helps to accelerate the growth of male and female hormones that’s why, when you over eat peanuts, you’ll get acne and pimples on your face due to its rapid process


Anyhow, this job is really, the most in-demand in streets special children for it is a food and food is the primary concern of public consumers. It’s also a good source of money for in just 15 minutes, you’ll earn 70 pesos.
At the end, I could say that poverty is not a hindrance for one’s success. It’s definitely just a motivating tactics on how people survive on his lethargic way of living.
















Posted by: Sharon May L. Elorde
RANDOM THOUGHTS BEYOND TIME... Full View


Most of us ordinary Filipinos are depriving ourselves from the “luxury” such as giving ourselves a treat or break for the refreshment or recharge of our body, mind and spirit. For us, it is as plausible as failing of wealth or wasting time and money in order to have indulgence and a glimpse of “extravagance,” especially that we belong to a developing country (a third world country).  But, do you ever imagine that you can have a full-package wellness not more than one hundred pesos? Counter-intuitive as it may seem, but indeed, it is possible. Let me share you some tips that will help you to recharge your batteries as you strive for survival and revive yourself from grueling work and challenges of life, paving the way to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness, health and beauty. Just perceive indulgence and rest as an investment.


In workplace and in school, there are many engagements to do resulting to exhausted mind and body and “haggard look.” Hence, how can you combat these problems? The answer is in your own kitchen. For refreshed face and de-puffed eyebags, grab a tiny ice cube and run it all over your face. If you want a resemblance of microdermabrasion, just mix up one tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water and kiss the dead skin cells goodbye. For those who are longing for natural version of face mask, all you need is a leftover pulp of the papaya and rub it to your clean face and neck. Leave it on for five minutes. Later on, you will feel a tingling sensation which means that the enzymes are starting to dissolve your dead skin cells resulting to smooth and less wrinkled skin. You may also try to mix up olive oil or virgin coconut oil with sugar for dry, cracked and peeling lips. It’s time to pout those puckers.  Don’t also forget your entire body and hair by doing daily elimination habits and moisturizing.




Balanced diet is also a must. But, I, as a vegetarian, am maintaining my health by eating alternative foods. You don’t have to compromise a lot of money for the sake of health. Just include vegetables and fruits and follow the food pyramid.


In a daily basis, we encounter various dilemmas such as financial and non-financial problems. We tend to be unproductive, demotivated even despondent caused by emotional and mental stress. We must be imbued with energy and enthusiasm to our work and activities. The key is to RELAX and INDULGENCE. No, it does not necessarily mean that you will spend a lot of money. All you have to do is to unclutter your mind from negative vibes and infuse positive vibes and emotions by spending your “alone time” (e.g enjoying the beauty of nature). You can also spend your quality time with your friends and family in such a way that is edifying. By doing this, you are strengthening the family ties and the foundation of your relationship from one another. 
Another thing is to maintain a strong relationship with the Creator (since the Philippines is a religious country). Attempt to reserve spiritual recharging, letting go some of your highly-cherished activities in school or in work. Make some reflections and schedule it as your “Sabbath Day.” With this, you are creating an antidote of negative feelings and emotions such as futility and despair.


As a conclusion, poverty has been teaching us to be more creative and resourceful on the things that may benefit us to the future. We are evolving from being maladaptive to adaptive to our environment. We take it as a challenge not a problem.




Posted by: Eve Glenn Clarisse P. Morado. 
FULL PACKAGE WELLNESS! Full View

Posted by: Angelica B. Piolino. 



Poverty in general is a never-ending problem to the society. Juan should know how to respond when this crisis strikes, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board, (Highlights of the 2009 Official Poverty Statistics) In terms of the magnitude of the poor families, there was an increase of about 185,000 from 3.67 million in 2006 to 3.86 million in 2009. On the other hand, the magnitude of poor population increased by almost 970,000 Filipinos from 22.2 million in 2006 to 23.1 in 2009. Meaning, most of the Filipinos are on the poverty line and there are only few of them who are living in prosperous life and there are a lot of them who suffers everyday.


Few days ago, I’ve met a destitute family somewhere in Quezon City who has a low family income and a budget meal of more or less 100 pesos. As I’ve interviewed ate Shela (housewife) she stated that it’s really hard to budget their income because it’s not enough to sustain their basic needs ever day.




She is only a housewife of five children, all of them are schooling. Her husband is a contractual construction worker whose salary in one week is only 1000 pesos. They don’t have permanent home and it costs them to pay 1500 pesos a month for this. 700 pesos for the water bill and 200 pesos for the electric bill. Imagine how they make proper budgeting for all of these expenses. How about their food? Sad to say, it becomes their least priority.



Ate Shela, being the mother of the family knows very well their circumstances. That’s why she with her kids sells out barbecue on the street. According to her, 10% of the income belongs to her as the seller and the rest of the income will belong to the owner. She gains 40-80 pesos for half of a day. With this little income, it tends to sustain the needs of the family.    



Seeing those persevering people made me realize that life is a never-ending cycle of poverty, but in one point of their lives, they strive for a solution. For me, it’s a matter of choice whether to be poor for a life time or not. I am thankful even though I’ve experience poverty as well. That’s only a little percent from the part of the destitute persons who are experiencing this kind of circumstances in life.




preparing for the family's meal
Being the participant observant, I with my blog mates decided to be a part of the solution because we believe that as Filipino citizens of this community, we are responsible to help them. We know that in spite of their difficulties, they've try their best to make it possible to live each day.




budget list
We’ve prepared 100 pesos budget for their breakfast. With this, the possible food to cook is a soup. I’ve experienced to budget their food; went to the market with one of the kids. I’ve found it enjoyable since it’s my first time to cook on other house with the people who need food to eat. When I see this family eating the food I had prepared, in my heart, I feel the unexplainable gladness. I can’t tell how it feels like being the participant observant. It’s immeasurable to think these experiences.  






HUNGRY JUAN: “Anong mabibili ng isang-daang piso mo?” Kalam ng sikmura ni Juan, bigyan ng kasagutan. Full View

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