Mariana Montalvo

Poverty is like a cancer.  It is slowly scattered worldwide.  Like in the some country, millions of people are experiencing poverty and I do believe that I belong to this lower class of family.  I never finish my four year course in college because of poverty.  I cannot apply for the so called white collar job because of the high standard qualifications the company imposed.  But I have to work to sustain the needs of my family.  I am a married man with four kids.  I am a cab driver  with a minimum earning.  Obviously, it is not enough to earn a living.  Sometimes we only eat two times a day.  All of my kids go to school.  Two in primary school and two in secondary.  I need more income to support my family’s need.  So i decided to work abroad.  I have to sacrifice to leave far away from my family to support their needs.  Fortunately,  I was hired as a waiter in a five-star hotel which is a big help to support my children until they finish their studies and not to experience what I had been in the past.

Many people specially mothers cook food with a lot of ingredients and spices, which is not really necessary in cooking.  For some reason, maybe they cook in old fashion way.  Like for example, Adobo.  Some people cook chicken adobo with potatoes,eggs,and others.  But practically, you can cook chicken adobo with this ingredients such as, vinegar, soy sauce, black pepper, cooking oil, water, garlic and onion.

First, boil the chicken with vinegar,after boiling,take away the excess water.  Get a frying pan and put oil in a medium heat.  Put the garlic and onion with the chicken.  Mix it for about two minutes.  Then add two cups of water and boil it for about three minutes.  Put three spoon of soysauce and one spoon of vinegar and boil it for two minutes.  Do not stir  until it is not done.  After boiling, keep on mixing until the sauce comes creamy.  It is up to you if you like more sauce.

You see, it is very simple and tasty.  I am sure it is good on your budget.  So everytime you cook chicken adobo or any kind of food, make it simple and cook it simple.If you have any question about fast and simple cooking just mail me.

Just got home from work last Monday night when my cellphone ring.  My husband who worked abroad called up confirming his flight schedule this coming Wednesday.  He is going home to spend his vacation after a two-year job contract.  It is really a great news for me and I cannot wait to share my happiness to our children.

Our children were all excited knowing that they will soon see their father again after a long while of absence to their lives.

At the airport, we were surprised to see our head of the family changed a lot in all aspect.  He became more mature physically and emotionally than he was before.  Maybe because of what he experienced abroad.  He revealed to us how he terribly missed everybody.  He shared to us his experiences away from and what he learned base on his experiences.

At home, I noticed the joyful feeling of my husband while watching on us busy looking at the different gifts we received from him.  He laughed upon seeing the kids amazed at the latest gadgets he bring to them.  I kissed and thank him for the wonderful jewelries, perfumes and make up he give to me.

Many people are making self medication because of poverty and high price of drugs. Some reasons also are they do not care on what they feel. I tell you people, it is not right.  If you feel something bad in your body specially internal part, consult a doctor.  Just like in my case, I thought I had only phlegm because of my habitual smoking.  Until one day while I am sleeping, I woke up with the feeling that I am choking and I cannot breath properly. I take cough syrup for one day as a self medication.  But for about three days of continuous coughing and choking at my bed, I decided to consult a doctor.

The doctor found out then that I have an accute tonsilectomy and needs operation immediately.  He explained that the air passage inside my mouth was blocked.  They have to remove the blocked area to avoid complication.  That same time the doctor set the operation.  It takes three hours for my operation.  I am very thankful to the doctor who operate my tonsil.  With the early diagnose of my tonsilectomy the possible complication was prevented.  Now, i can breath easily and no more choking during bedtime.  I hope that i give some information or let say lesson in this column.  Do not abuse your health because your health is your wealth.