Friday, September 20, 2013

Dentists Philippines

Dentist Angeles City, Manila Philippines
Dentists in the Philippines


Click to enlarge this amalgum image


Dentists in the Philippines


Mercury in Fillings and Root Canals



97% of terminal cancer patients previously had root canals!
(See a short video by Dr. Mercola)

Why to say no to a root canal.


Update Apr. 28, 2014: Read about the possible negative effects of having a root canal.

Update Sept. 18, 2024 about why not to do root canals and crowns.


mercury dental filling

The prices in the chart above are U.S. prices.

NOTE: Go to a typical dentist in the USA.

Go get your teeth cleaned and then have them tell you "Oh, you need a deep cleaning now." How much is that? "Oh, it will be $350." So, I said to the dentist, 
"What a scam! Who dreamed this one up? It used to be that when you got a cleaning it was a thorough cleaning. Say you hire a maid to clean your house and pay her then she says, 'Oh, sir you really need a deep cleaning now....' " Same, same HUH?! He did not appreciate my comment. He would not keep me as a "patient."

Try to find an honest dental practice in the USA nowadays! Oh, by the way, in the Philippines a cleaning is a cleaning. No BS. And only the dentists do the cleanings. No cleanings done by assistants!

Mercury Poisoning -


Root Canals Pose Health Risks.

Protocol for amalgam (mercury fillings) removal.


See mercury vapors being released into the mouth from amalgam fillings!

Mercury free dentists in Philippines.

Find mercury free dentists in the USA.
  

“There is no safe dose of radiation since radiation is cumulative. Harm in the form of excess human cancer occurs at all doses of ionizing radiation, down to the lowest conceivable dose and dose rate.” ~ John Gofman, Ph.D., M.D. in Radiation and Human Health -

 Are you sure you want those dental Xrays?


Try some of the best restaurants. After dining please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar Western or other ethnic foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list. Check their sites to find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.



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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about dentists in the Philippines. This page last updated Sept. 28, 2024.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Fukushima and the Philippines

Radiation Sign
Nuclear Radiation a Hazzard


Fukushima Disaster

U.S. orders 14 million Potassium Iodide tablets for children of Pacific Rim islands (reported Dec. 9, 2013.)

Is Japan exporting food to your country?

What effect will the Fukushima disaster have on the Philippines?

Will foodstuffs be contaminated? Produce, Rice, Grains, Fruits, Fish?

Japan has banned the national and international sale of fish caught in the vicinity of Fukushima.


"Deep-dwelling fish, such as cod, flounder, sole, halibut and pollock, caught in waters surrounding the plant still show high levels of contamination, which was a bit of a mystery to scientists until the recent announcement of continued spill of radioactive water into the ocean off the Fukushima plant" (excerpt from article at the link above).

Watch this short video where Arnie Gunderson talks about Fukushima and its effect on Pacific Ocean fish. His comments about Pacific Ocean fish is in the last part of the video.

Fukushima farmers describe what it's like to harvest poisoned food.


See Foods to Avoid in the Philippines.

For new insight into the disaster read this article dated Oct. 1, 2013: 



I have tried to find updates from the Philippine government but have not been able to find any to date. Will post more information when it is available.


Update June 11, 2015: I just found the following YouTube video, about turning your smart phone into a Geiger counter, which you may find helpful.



 
PROOF that rains bring radiation to US and Canada from Fukushima. For those of you living in the USA there is a radiation map available for viewing.








Check out Helen Caldicott's website for more information.




Check out this article "Fukushima radiation taints US milk supplies at levels 2000 percent higher than EPA maximums."

“There is no safe dose of radiation since radiation is cumulative. Harm in the form of excess human cancer occurs at all doses of ionizing radiation, down to the lowest conceivable dose and dose rate.” ~ John Gofman, Ph.D., M.D. in Radiation and Human Health -

---------------------------------------------------


Update from SHTFplan.com August 21, 2015:


"Elite Hiding in Bunkers to Escape War with China: “Intended Survivors Are Moving Underground.” What could happen if an EMP took out the power to USA and Canada nuclear power plants.


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Check out the site of Beyond Nuclear, which is "working for a world free of nuclear power and nuclear weapons." 
                    
Some more food for thought regarding Fukushima.

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After dining please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar Western or other ethnic foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list with links to help you find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.



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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about Fukushima nuclear disaster and its effects on the Philippines. This page updated April 28, 2022.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Operation Smile Philippines

Before and After of child with cleft lip
Help kids with "Hair Lip"

Operation Smile corrects,

"Cleft Lip" and "Cleft Palate"

Thanks to you if you donated this year!
Over 740 boys and girls have had the free corrective surgery in the Philippines so far this year (2014).


Many parents cannot afford corrective surgery for cleft Palate. Their children suffer the consequences. Families even need help to get their children to evaluation sites prior to surgeries.




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After dining please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children and orphanages in the Philippines.

Want some familiar foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list with links to help you find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.


Was this article helpful?

If you have found this article helpful, have suggestions, advice or insights please "comment" below.


This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about Operation Smile in the Philippines. This page last updated April 28, 2022.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Street Children Philippines

Street child sleeping on sidewalk in the Philippines
Street children in Philippines


Feeding Street Children in the Philippines
Feeding Street Children in the Philippines

Street Children in the Philippines






You can help by supporting one of the following missions:

"Child Hope"

"Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association"

"Chosen Children Village - Helping Special Needs Children Thrive"

"Precious Heritage Children's Home"




Check out my page about poverty in the Philippines.

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Try a restaurant near you. After dining, please consider sharing some of your wealth with street children ministries and orphanages in the Philippines. On occasion I have seen someone in need and shared with them. For example, I was walking in the discount shopping area of Baclaran, and an obviously destitute young lady walked past me carrying her young baby. I gave her 100 pesos.

Want some familiar foods? You will find many American fast food franchises in the Philippines.  This is an extensive list with links to help you find local branches near you as you travel the Philippines.

Be careful, check out Foods To Avoid in the Philippines.

Find grocery stores in the Philippines. In these stores you will be able to find some American foods, drinks and snacks.

Try some Filipino foods Americans like.


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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about street children, hunger and orphanages in the Philippines. This page updated June 4, 2022.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

No Toilet Paper In Philippines

empty toilet paper rolls in Philippines malls
Toilet paper in the Philippines

No Toilet Paper in Bathrooms?

When you arrive in the Philippines one of the first things you need to buy is a roll of toilet paper. Many bathrooms in malls and public places do not provide toilet paper. Shocked? It's true.

For example, if you go into the bathrooms (comfort rooms or CRs as called by Filipinos) at SM malls there are toilets, but you will find no toilet paper or toilet seats in the stalls. However, they do sell small packets of toilet paper for around 5 pesos in vending machines on the wall as you enter the bathroom, or "comfort room (CR)" as referred to by Filipinos. But if the machine is empty, you will really be in a fix, especially if you do not speak Filipino! If you wear cargo pants flatten a roll and keep it in a leg pocket.

Ayala malls and Robinson's malls usually have paper in the stalls in CRs. But to be on the safe side be sure to always carry some with you.

I was in the habit of carrying a small sling bag in which I always carried a roll.

Take heed of this advice or you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

Oh, and always carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand wash with you. The liquid soap dispensers in SM Mall CR's are often empty. You can buy the small carry size in drugstores and grocery stores.

If you need to find a "bathroom" ask directions, ask someone, or any security guard, "where is the CR?"

Read about malls in the Philippines.

American fast food in the Philippines.

Filipino food Americans and Europeans like.

Do not eat or drink these foods or beverages.


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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about toilets and toilet paper in bathrooms  in the Philippines. This page last updated June 4, 2022.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Self Defense Philippines

Firearms & Self-Defense in the Philippines



Self Defense and Guns In the Philippines


Guns & rifles may be used under certain conditions.

Self-Defense in the Philippines


See updates below.

Thinking about moving from the USA to the Philippines to live? Basically, you will be defenseless while you are in the Philippines. As you will be in most countries you visit. You will be reduced to using your fists or if you have training in martial arts that may help in times of need. Best if you keep a low profile and treat everyone you encounter with respect. Filipinos will be friendly if you are. Treat them like dirt and you may very well regret it! I have seen a guy thrown out of a bar in Angeles City for some reason. He took a drunken swing at the bouncer. He should have left peacefully. He was the recipient of several punches from bystanders and tricycle drivers. Fortunately, he was able to walk away.

If you think gun laws in the USA are restrictive you ain't seen anything yet. Read about the
new gun laws in the Philippines which were just signed into law by the President of the Philippines (the news story is dated June 2, 2013.)

According to the story (dated June 2, 2013):
"the gun holder should be a Filipino, at least 21 years old, a taxpayer, and has not been convicted of a crime.
Under RA 10591, only small firearms may be registered by licensed Filipino citizens or licensed juridical entities for ownership, possession and concealed carry." But only the military and law enforcement "can lawfully acquire and possess high-powered weapons."  And "All licenses should be renewed after two years or risk revocation of the license and confiscation of the firearm." Learn more by clicking on the link above.

Semi-Automatic Rifles


Update March 6, 2024
Story by Emmanuel Tupas
 • 10h
MANILA, Philippines — The decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allowing gun enthusiasts to own and register 7.62 semi-automatic rifles will boost the country’s external defense against China’s aggression, the head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said yesterday.
Update March 6, 2024 - PhilStar Global - Manila, Philippines — Civilian gun owners can now own and register 7.62mm semi-automatic rifles, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Upon enactment of Republic Act 10591, civilian ownership of rifles was prohibited although they were allowed to license and sell them, she added.

A technical working group was formed to study the possibility of amending certain provisions related to the function and authority of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.


Update at Inquirer.net Mar. 27, 2014: Gun Owners to Go to Supreme Court Over New Rules.


Read this great post by JohnM titled
"Foreigner + Gun = Prison." He even covers the idea of your Filipino spouse owing a gun. This is a must read.

See this Wikipedia article about guns in the Philippines for more insight into past and present gun ownership issues.

Foreigners are not allowed to possess firearms in the Philippines. So, how to protect your dwelling and property in the Philippines? You could rent a home or apartment in a "secure" neighborhood. Another way would be to purchase a condo in a building which has "good" security. What does good security consist of? Well, armed guards at the entrances of condo buildings, armed guards at the entrances of residential subdivisions. Some subdivisions have roaming armed guards. And be very sure everyone you allow into your residence can be fully trusted, beyond a shadow of a doubt. If you are married to a Filipina, she and her family members could possibly get gun permits and purchase weapons at gun shows or gun stores. But as one blogger said "in the Philippines ladies are not considered to be pistol packing mamas" so, if the police respond, they will likely assume you did the shooting even though the weapon is registered to her.

Update July 15, 2016 (excerpt from newsinfo inquirer dot net)

"Gun Permits Made Easier:"

"PNP chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa said the 10 requirements for a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) have been reduced to just four: the neuro-psychiatric screening, drug test, police clearance and the RTC/MTC or NBI clearance."


What about the carrying of knives? Here is a page from the Philippine Law Dictionary. Do you know what self-defense weapons foreigners and Filipinos are allowed to carry? Please submit a comment below.

Gun shows in the Philippines
Gun shows in the Philippines.

Regardless the dangers, it is reported that there are about 300,000 US citizens living in the Philippines. Some of those are dual citizenship Filipinos. I have read that approximately 30,000 US citizens are living in Angeles City.

I have lived in the Philippines for over 5 years and have only experienced 2 pick pocketing attempts and a snatching. My wife and I were walking near a bus station in Manila when a thief tore a necklace and pendant off her neck and ran back the other way. It was not an expensive necklace. We chased him through the heavy crowd on the sidewalk and down a side street. He disappeared. We approached 2 police officers near a fast food restaurant and asked for help and described what had happened. One responded, "I think I know who it was. Maybe he gave it to his aunt." I told him I would give him a reward if he could retrieve it and gave him my cell phone number. The next day he called and said that he had retrieved the pendant but not the necklace. We took a long ride in a jeepney to go meet him. He returned the pendant but I did not give him a reward because he did not retrieve the necklace and we had spent about 2 hours traveling to go meet him. My wife offered to buy him some food at the fast food place he was stationed near. He said he had plenty of food but wanted money. She told me let's just walk away and that is what we did! Living in the Philippines will take some getting used to.

Pickpockets, Crime and Security in the Philippines


Armed guards at shopping malls in the Philippines
Armed Security Guards check bags at most malls we have visited.
We always feel safe in the malls. We have never seen an incident.

Probably the safest places to be in the Philippines are in the world class shopping malls. There are armed guards at all entrances. They search inside all handbags, backpacks, sling bags, all other bags and even sealed boxes shoppers bring into the malls. They even do a quick pat down at the waist checking for weapons (as seen in the picture.)  

Inside the malls many merchants have uniformed guards at their entrances. 

In the Philippines all Western foreigners are called "American." Don't ask me why, I don't know. All "Americans" are considered "rich." So, whether you dress well or dress down you are still seen to be "rich." When traveling via jeepney, tricycle or bus always be cautious. The US Dept. of State issues travel advisories. In an advisory in 2011 it advised travelers to the Philippines not to ride on motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys, buses or trains. The advice was to use only metered taxis. However, taxis are hardly ever found outside major metropolitan areas. We traveled, without harm, for over 5 years using all available modes of transportation.

Beware of pickpockets, especially when riding in jeepneys. Read my post about my run ins with thieves titled "Pick pockets in the Philippines. Crime in the Philippines."





Another excellent method of self-defense is Krav Maga. Filipinos, visit the International Krav Maga Federation of the Philippines website where Filipino is spoken.






If would like to train in your country do a Google search for "krav maga" in your city or a nearby city. 


 


There are legal self-defense methods for foreigners in the                  Philippines.



I have lived in the Philippines for about 5 years without major incident.

Find Attorneys in the Philippines.


If you have insights, suggestions or questions please let me know in "comments" below.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about self defense, foreigners and guns and gun shows in the Philippines. This page last updated July 20, 2022.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Health Insurance Philippines.

Health Insurance Medical Insurance in the Philippines
Health insurance in the Philippines

Health Insurance in The Philippines, International Health Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

You may very well be able to pay for emergency room and outpatient visits out-of-pocket. Medical services cost far less than in the U.S. so you may find that you could pay for hospital stays as well. But, to cover the possibility of long hospital stays, treatment or medical evacuation you may want to consider getting an insurance policy.

Find out about health and travel insurance in the Philippines. 

Some Philippine insurance carriers are PhilHealth (for Filipinos) and Pacific Prime (international insurance). I have contacted Pacific Prime and a senior consultant emailed me rates promptly.
Some more international insurance carriers are  AllianzBupa InternationalCigna, and HealthCare International.

From the US Travel.State.Gov web site:

"MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s 

very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether 

or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. 

You need to ask your insurance company two 

questions:
  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?

  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?
In many places, including in the Philippines, doctors 

and hospitals expect payment in cash at the time of 

service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not 

cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. 

Medicare, for instance, does not cover care received 

outside of the United States or its territories. If your 

policy does not go with you when you travel, it’s a very 

good idea to take out another one for your trip. For 

more information, please see our medical insurance 

overseas page."

I have heard that Medicare may cover emergencies which occur while you are traveling outside the USA. So, check with your insurance company regarding coverage.

Check out this worldwide health map. It reports outbreaks, etc.

Learn about Hospitals, Clinics, Doctors and health care in the Philippines.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about health insurance or medical insurance in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Safe Drinking Water? Philippines

Should I drink tap water in the Philippines?
Is drinking water safe in the Philippines?

Is it safe to drink tap water in Philippines?

Is it safe to drink tap water in the Philippines?


You can get typhoid from drinking contaminated water or by eating contaminated food in the Philippines.

I do not drink any tap water. I only drink distilled water or at least "purified" water. But only buy it from supermarkets or legitimate stores, not from places where empty bottles may have been re-filled with tap water (for example, from street vendors who walk up to you or who sell water on buses). I did make the mistake of drinking Slurpees a few times at a 7-11 store in Makati, Manila. Later at home I wondered why I was not feeling well. Had to take an Imodium tablet. It took several weeks before I went back to the store and asked the manager at the store if they use filtered water in the Slurpee machine. He answered, "No." Then I looked and sure enough there was a hose from the tap water faucet going directly into the Slurpee machine.

It was suggested that I take "Imodium" to settle my stomach if I ever got a touch of gastroenteritis. I used it on several occasions, and it always worked in a matter of an hour or two. Imodium, or a generic (which is in small green and gray capsules,) is available at Mercury Drugs and other drug stores.

Canteens sell sodas, bottled water and much more. I have never gotten sick drinking name brand bottled or canned drinks from canteens or stores. Prices are much lower in the canteens than in convenience stores like 7-11 and Mini Stop.

I have a Filipina relative in Metro Manila who got Typhoid from drinking tap water in her own house. She was VERY seriously sick with a very high fever and needed medication for several days. She recovered. They purchased a double filter system from Ace Hardware which was located in a nearby mall. The filter system is attached to the wall behind the kitchen sink and the line attaches to the faucet. No one in the family has gotten sick from the tap water since the filter was installed.

Water Filter System in the Philippines available at ACE Hardware stores
After installing this the family has not gotten sick from the water.

Common 5 Gallon Water Bottle

Some Philippine convenience stores (like Mini Mart and some 7-11's) do use purified water in drink machines. Be sure to ask and tell them to show you the source before drinking any of their sodas, Slurpees, Big Gulps or whatever. Often, they will show you large blue plastic bottles. These are used to hold purified water.


Purified Water Refilling Stations Philippines
Purified Water Refilling Stations

In larger, brand name, convenience stores this water will probably be okay to drink. I have never had a reaction to the "purified" waters, in small 500 ML plastic bottles (16.9 oz US), that SM Malls, Ayala Malls, or Robinson's Malls sell, or the ones sold by convenience stores.


5-gallon bottle of Wilkins Distilled Water on top
of a floor dispenser


Wilkins Distilled Water, Philippines
Wilkins Distilled Water - a product of the Coca Cola company.


Absolute Distilled Drinking Water, Philippines
Absolute Distilled Water

But, I feel it is best to stick with either Absolute or Wilkins distilled water for drinking and cooking. Yes, we even used it for cooking. A 500 ML bottle can be purchased for about 30 pesos. We drank those two brands almost exclusively. They can be purchased in 6 litre bottles also. SM Hypermarket at SM City Clark sells several sizes including 10-liter bottles of Wilkins distilled water. Just ask a clerk where it is. The 10-liter bottles are convenient if you drink and / or cook with a lot of distilled water. They are heavy so are hard to carry to a jeepney terminal. Weight is over 22 pounds US or 10 KG. I imagine most people who buy them have a car. From SM Hypermarket a clerk will push your shopping cart to your car, or you may push it yourself.

I keep a small water filter with me when I travel. For those occasions when we run out of purified or distilled water or when only tap water is available. Have never gotten sick when drinking filtered. When traveling I carry mine in my carry-on luggage.

Learn a lot about water and sanitation in the Philippines at this Wikipedia page.

Check out foods to avoid in the Philippines.

CDC advice about Travelers Diarrhea.

Discover Filipino Foods Americans Like.

You will find many American restaurants in the Philippines.

There are grocery stores where you may buy American and European foods.

Malls in the Philippines are World Class! And they feature restaurants from all over the world.


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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back to read more about drinking water, purified water, distilled water and water filtration in the Philippines. Last updated June 4, 2022.