BIR ASSISTANCE

Bureau of Internal Revenue Regional District Office Number 19 of Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City conducted the whole day today a massive information campaign for taxpayers to settle their obligations promptly and correctly as this would help in building a Strong Republic. Deadline for filing taxes is April 15, 2005.


Shown in pictures are Boy Scouts from James L. Gordon Council assisting in the information drive, persuading businesses to file their income tax return early to avoid the rush and penalties. The Scouts were given the task to post stickers especially on establishments' cash registers to remind both the business establishment and the consuming public the importance of issuing and demanding receipts for purchases made. More than one hundred scouts from different districts of Olongapo City participated in the endeavor.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN

Vice President Noli De Castro was the guest of honor in this year's Araw Ng Kagitingan celebrations. Boy Scouts had the honor of giving "Kabayan" the welcome salute.


Soldiers then and now.


Olongapo delegation to this year's Araw Ng Kagitingan celebrations at Mt. Samat, Bataan was led by City Councilor Edwin J. Piano and Scout Executive Board members

Olongapo lad Abigael Fabrigas, graduate of Regional Science High School and presently studying at University of the Philippines, Diliman won this year's Araw Ng Kagitingan oratorical contest. The theme of this year's celebration is "Mabuhay ang mga Beterano. Kahanga hanga ang inyong kagitingan."

Beach buff: the tonic effects of sun, sea and sand

There’s more to beach life than sun damage and windburn. The beach can be nature’s own health spa. The sun, sea and sun can do you good, if you do the beach right. So beach bodies rejoice, for here are a few more good reasons for you to go to your favorite resorts.

Dr. Alfonso Ligaya, medical director of Living Life Well Medical Spa and complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Clinic, relates that the sun, sea and sand are also good for their healing components. The sun is for its energy, the sea for its salt-water property and the sand for its physical effect on the feet.

We know already that the sun is good source of Vitamin D but a lot have already shied away from the sun for fear of cancer caused by the exposure to ultraviolet rays. Sun is good if you catch it at a right time, and that is before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

The sun energizes the whole body. Most of the energies we use today come from the sun. It has been used in the past to prevent and cure diseases and we should welcome it back to help our body revitalize. The sun is a potent, life-giving and healthful source for us. Remember how we sometimes feel gloomy when the sun is not around.

For its cleansing and healing properties of its salt content, we hail next the sea. The salt is known for its cleansing and healing properties. If you have any skin ailment or infection, the seawater is good for you.

It is also good in reversing balding. Ever seen as bald fisherman? Our hair and even our nails are special skin cells. When it is exposed to more irritants, it produces more cells, thus more hair. If you cannot go to the beach, Dr. Ligaya recommends rubbing scalp with salt.

To reinforce the energizing and healing properties of the sun and sea, the sand steps in. Walk barefoot in the sand for 30 minutes and you’ll get a good exercise. Our feet have points representing all organs of the body. For example, the toes correspond to the head and neck, the balls of the feet reflect the lungs, heart and chest, the points on the right foot relate to the right side of the body and the points on the left foot relate to the left.

In Chinese traditional medicine, it is believed that stimulating these points can increase the flow of energy to various parts of the body. When this energy is blocked, illness can result.

This is the reason why a good walk at the beach not only relaxes but also improves overall health.

So the next time you hit the beach, be conscious not just of the cute babes and guys around, but also of the beauty and health benefits of this fun summer activity