Filipino American Daddy Blogger is a Healthy Dad #HealthyDad

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I weighed exactly 200 lbs. 12 months ago. I’m now down to 183 lb. just by diet alone (see video below and contest to win $100). I’m happy with my weight loss but my next goal, now that I just turned 40 years old is to gain muscles. I know I cannot develop a chiseled body by moderate food intake alone. So I need a workout program to carve my body and give it some manly form.  

This month, I started the Body Beast workout program – a muscle defining, resistance training program designed to gain me some muscles in 90 days! You heard it right… 90 days. Yes, it sounds like Tony Horton’s P90X program but it’s not. You may or not be a fan of these intense workout DVDs, but you can agree with me that becoming fit and healthy is an important requirement to being a good dad.

http://instagram.com/jasonebruce

Fellow Christian dads and new friends Andy Neher (Fitness Redemption) and pal, Brian Chaffin (Elite Systems Training) got me into the program (read Andy's fitness journey and story here). I’m two weeks into the program and so far so good. Well, not all the time. I’m wiped out and sore everyday. Some of the routines are hard to love and enjoy because I struggle with it - specially the cardio. But I’m pressing on. My wife and kids are always in my mind. They are my motivation. I want to live longer and healthy for my children and I want look good and desirable for my wife (wink wink).

Anyone who is starting a new workout program should consider the health disclaimer, “Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.” Who has time to do this? Sometimes it’s tough to get to a doctor. But Anthem Blue Cross Blue Sheild’s (who happens to be my family’s health care provider) LiveHealth Online App may have the answer. With LiveHealthOnline, you can connect with U.S. based, board-certified doctors within minutes by two-way video chat in the privacy of your own home. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Doctors are available to handle acute conditions, worsening of chronic conditions, triage, refills and general advice. Ideal to give anyone the medical consultation they need to start a workout program.

To learn more about LiveHealth Online, visit www.livehealthonline.com. You can register by downloading the app from iTunes or Google Play store and signing up in one quick step. 

The first step to taking care of our families is to take care of ourselves.

Follow and join my health and fitness journey: #HealthyDad

 http://instagram.com/jasonebruce

CONTEST ALERT: Make your own #HealthyDad video 
via Vine or Instagram. Post it on the Healthy Dads
Facebook page and you could win a $100 Amazon gift card. 
Click here for more details.

(Thanks to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, who sponsored the campaign, for including dads in this important discussion about family health care. My views are based solely on my experience as a parent, and not as a medical professional.)

The Power of Dad and Family Dinners

One simple way I protect my children from the dangers of drug abuse, suicide, and premarital sex is simply sitting with them at the dinner table. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, children who have dinner with their parents at least five times a week are less likely to drink, think about suicide, smoke, or say they will use drugs in the future.

My dad was always home for dinner when I was growing up. Our dinner table was not only where my family enjoyed my mom’s cooking. It was also where we shared our values, where we asked questions, and where we learned from each other. I make an intentional effort to continue this tradition with my own family. I’m always home for dinner. I intentionally looked for a job that was close to home and would get me home in time for dinner everyday. It brings a smile to my face when I hear my kids scream “daddy’s home” every time I walk in our front door from work.

The best dinner is when I cook and my family would love it. Last Memorial Day, I prepared a Texan-style smoked pork shoulder for the first time. I smoked it for 12 hours until 1 am. The long wait was worth it. We had the smoked barbecue the following dinner. I knew I scored a home run with the dish because all mouths and fingers were messy while eating my smoked pork. The smiles were precious and was definitely an “I love being a dad” moment for me.

The Rock, Fatherhood and Milk

One commercial that stood out last Super-Bowl XLVII was the “Got Milk?” ad from action-star Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. Why? Because it shows a noble character who was willing to do whatever it takes to get milk for his children. Even if it means chasing the milk delivery truck through the streets in his pajamas, while the city around him is in absolute commotion. I understand the urgency. An 8 oz. glass of milk contains 8 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality “body fuel” protein that will help tackle your day – who doesn’t want that for their family.

Dad to Be Mo Twister's Sad Video to Unborn Child & on Girlfriend's Abortion

Wow! This is so hard to watch. Filipino TV and radio shock jock personality Mo Twister or Mohan Gumatay in real life records a video message to his unborn child as girlfriend, model-actress Rhian Ramos gets an abortion. The video was shot in 2010 and was recently leaked via social media. Read the transcript below the video on YouTube to understand its content. Twister is already facing legal action and has apparently left the Philippines. Rhian Ramos is mum about the video as of press time.

Valid or not, or the intention behind the video is unknown, the grief of this man proves that people inherently know that abortion takes a human life. We are made in the image of God and destroying life has a profound effect on our minds, emotions, and souls. One can’t just “get over” an abortion and move on. We must recognize that there are likely many women (and men) among us who are silently suffering from past abortions and will carry that grief for a very long time. These people need our compassion and prayers.

Abortion and RH Bill Debate

Abortion is the hot topic in the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill debate and many pro-life advocates and religious groups in the Philippines argue that the Bill will permit abortion. Senator Tito Sotto even went over-the-top to compare the Bill with eugenics and claimed that groups pushing for the Bill has "sinister" motives like Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America.

On the otherhand, folks who support the RH Bill should also refrain fear mongering and demonizing the Catholic church and those who are against the Bill.

Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow and CURE International to Build Hospital in the Philippines

The Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE International have announced plans to build a children's hospital in the Philippines- where Tebow, the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos and a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Florida, was born. See embedded video below.

The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City will be a 30-bed surgical facility focusing primarily on orthopedics. The groundbreaking will be held in January 2012 and the hospital is expected to open in mid-2013.

Pat Robertson and Alzheimers

My dad suffered from Alzheimer's and I will always remember my mom's unconditional care for him until he passed away in 2004. She cared for my dad because its the right thing to do.

Last week on the 700 Club, Pat Robertson said a man could divorce his wife if she had Alzheimer’s since it was “a kind of death.” He then added, “but get some ethicist besides me to give you the answer.” Yes, please get another answer because his answer couldn’t be more wrong. Our vow for better or for worse must include worse.

Robertson’s words deeply contradict a Biblical worldview of what it means to be human. Alzheimer’s can be considered “A kind of death,” but so could depression, brain damage, Parkinson’s and all sorts of conditions. But even so, a “kind of death” isn’t death, and it doesn’t make anyone less human or less worthy of dignity and love. No one loses the image of God, even if they no longer know it.

(Adapted from The Point, by John Stonestreet)

Reproductive Health (RH) Bill Debate in the Philippines

Many believe that economic and social problems in the Philippines are caused by the country's high population rate. Current census indicates that the country has over 90 million people and estimated to grow exponentially in the coming years. This is why lawmakers formulated the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill that will provide reproductive health care programs aimed to slow down the population rate and distribute proper social services to everyone.

Purple Spots and Resilience

About three weeks ago our 5-year-old daughter started to complain about a red “bug bite” on the bottom of her foot. We didn’t give it too much attention because we thought it was just a simple mosquito bite that usually goes away. Until a few hours later she was in excruciating pain and her leg was swollen and almost covered with purple spots.

A rush to the ER revealed that Isabelle has Henoch-Schonlein purpura, or HSP. It’s a rare condition where the blood vessels get inflamed, usually after a viral infection, causing bruise-like spots to appear on the body and joints to swell. HSP could last for a few weeks or a few months, it usually attacks children, and there’s no known cause or cure for it. It’s not seriously life-threatening but it’s painful and could affect the internal organs -- children who had it showed signs of kidney problems later in life. So far, lab and blood results of my daughter showed everything is still within normal range. No medication was prescribed except lots of liquid, rest, and Ibuprofen for the daily pain.

This is what my family has been learning these past few weeks: As we care for Isabelle and watch her condition, we are also learning an important lesson on resilience. It’s true what many say, that children are resilient: They easily bounce back from pain. My daughter would cry every night because of the throbbing pain in her legs, but once the pain was gone, she was back to her fun, spirited self as if nothing had happened -- no “woe is me” nor dwelling on the past. There are many children who are in a worse or more painful condition than my daughter. My heart goes out to them and their families, but it’s comforting to know that these children possess the same resilience I saw in my daughter. I think God created all children this way . . . which means that all of us adults are capable of being resilient as well. For me or anyone else who tends to forget this innate human quality, Christ offers a word of advice: “. . . be like children” (Matthew 18:3)

(Originally posted on The Point blog)

Sino ang Tunay na "Biggest Loser?"

Isa sa mga TV show na pinapanood ko ngayon ay ang "The Biggest Loser." Ngayon ko lang sya pinanonood dahil kilala ko yung isa sa mga contestant. May auditions na rin for "Biggest Loser Asia" at posibleng magkaroon ng ilang contestant from the Philippines. Pero sino ba ang tunay na "biggest loser?"

Lahat tayo, we put a lot of time and money to stay fit and slim. Ako nga sanay at habit na ang pag-woworkout para magkaroon ng konting muscles ang katawan at mamaintain ang proper cholesterol levels. I wake up early, mostly before sunrise to go to the gym, spend $10 per month for gym membership, subscribe to Men's Health magazine and stopped eating white rice on week days. This is important because we should treat our bodies as God's temple. But do I put the same discipline into maintaining my spiritual health? Im guilty na minsan di gaano.

To stay spiritually healthy, we must have spiritual disciplines. This means we study and pray over the Bible, share our faith, get involved in church, and fellowship with other believers. Gaya ng regular physical workouts para maging healthy, kailangan nating lahat ang spiritual workout so we can live out our personal relationship with Christ. When we fail to do this and draw near to Him, we’re the biggest losers.

Philippines Worst Flood in 42 Years

It is now reported that the Philippines has been declared a "state of calamity" when nearly a month's worth of rain fell in six hours in the Philippines - the country's worst flooding in more than 42 years, killing several people in Metro Manila and stranding thousands on Filipinos on rooftops.

It's a good time to pray for the country and if you're a Filipino abroad, the Philippine National Red Cross has information on how to help.

(Image from Yahoo News)

Whiter Skin is Beautiful

UPDATE: I went on Youtube to view the latest skin whitening products in the Philippines and I was appalled how blunt many skin whitening commercials has become in giving Filipino women the wrong message about their skin. Here's an example from Ponds:


(the article below was originally posted on The Point blog)

Chris Rock’s new documentary, Good Hair, tackles an issue I was clueless about until I saw the film's preview, below. (Note: It contains occasional profanity and sexual references.) The movie is the comedian’s perspective on black hair and shows what black women go through just to have relaxed and flowing straight hair.

The preview clips were hilarious in a way that only Chris Rock can pull off, especially on a subject that may be sensitive to many African-American women. I could not speak for the black community, but Good Hair reminded me of the appearance issues we have in my own culture. Growing up Filipino, we viewed people with white or light skin as more beautiful and attractive than those with a darker skin tone. In fact, skin-whitening is a big industry in the Philippines and I once fell into that idea. Centuries of Western colonization brought about this mentality in the Philippines; a certain “caste system” was introduced, labeling the dark or brown-skinned natives as Indios who belonged to the bottom of the social hierarchy. To this day, we look up to Hollywood as the perfect standard for what is beautiful and admirable.

Whether reinforced by historical events, traditions or media, every culture has its own issues of inferiority. It’s human brokenness that manifests itself in a culture’s quest to change its appearance because of a notion that a certain skin color or physical feature is unattractive. The good news is that only God holds the true standard of what is attractive and acceptable. Until we know whose eyes we first need to please, our efforts to look new and different will be short-lived and insufficient.

The Philippines, a "Hotspot" for Organ Trafficking

Our friends at the Online Nursing Programs blog sent me some interesting and shocking facts about organ trafficking. On my previous post on the subject, I mentioned that the Philippines rank 5th in the world for organ "hotspots" - a recognition no country should be known for.

Here are the facts that may also be truth to our Filipino brothers and sister. Please click on the link for more information. You can read the entire article here.

1. People seized against their will
2. Organs harvested from children
3. Outrageous price of kidneys
4. Sellers denied money and care
5. Go in for an exam, leave without a kidney
6. Detained and executed for organs
7. Only legal in one country
8. American rabbis selling organs
9. Babies auctioned for organs
10. Transplant tourism

Organ Trafficking Still Prevalent in the Philippines

According to a recent report (embedded video below), organ trafficking is still prevalent in the Philippines. In fact a World Health Organization reported that 400 kidneys were sold in the Philippines last 2008 ranking the country 5th in the world organ trafficking "hotspot." At least 40% of the kidney recipient were foreign nationals taking advantage of poor Filipinos struggling to make ends meet. It is said that donor are paid from $2000-$3000 per kidney. This is a serious problem, thus the strict implementation of the Anti-Trafficking Act or RA 9208 is urgently needed.

Organ donation is perhaps one of the greatest selfless deeds a person can do to someone. But the organ should be given freely and should never be coerced or bought. God designed human life to be sacred and valued. The selling of organs is not only unethical but it's a violation of the dignity of the donor and treats human life into something God never intended to be - a commercial commodity.

Further reading: The Human Trafficking Project Blog


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Re: Circumcision: The Rite of Passage for Filipino Boys

I appreciate all the numerous comments I receive regarding my recent blog post on circumcision. Clearly, opinions about this topic is diverse. But I agree with a comment made by Kevin in Manila, I do not personally consider circumcision of Filipino boys a human rights abuse. I think referring it so is a bit of a stretch. Although some will argue that circumcision is another form of genital mutilation and is harmful to young boys, I personally don't feel that way. In the Philippines the reason many (not all) get circumcised is to make the child look more like dad. Choosing to do it early or late in a boy's life is a choice parents make on their own due to past experiences, practical or cultural reasons.

In tune with the objectives of The Living Rice blog, I posted the original article to highlight the final authority on this topic, the word of God. Ancient Jews practice circumcision as a sign that they belong to God. Now, such sign is no longer required by God because Christ has finished the work for us on the cross. As I said in my original post, the principle that matters to God more is the "circumcision of the heart" and not the body. St. Paul said it well, “It doesn't matter if you are circumcised or not. All that matters is that you are a new person” Galatians 6:15 (CEV). And that's what all men and parents should be more concerned about.

Circumcision: The Rite of Passage for Filipino Boys

Bob Martin, author of Live in the Philippines web magazine and an American national living in Mindanao posted his perspective on the practice of circumcision in the Philippines. Circumcision, Filipino-style is very different compared to Western societies. It is considered a rite of passage for boys and is commonly done in their pre-teen or teenage years. So when my wife brought up the question "is Jordan getting circumcised?" Instantly my mind went on flashback mode and with my memories, there's no question, my newborn son is getting circumcised! He can get the rite of passage ritual in some other way.

I don't think the tradition is not related to religion because majority of Filipino boys Muslim, Christian or whatever are expected to be circumcised at their pre-teen age - in Biblical times, boys are circumcised on the 8th day from birth. I don't know how this tradition came about but every Filipino boy has his own story or experience of this coming of age ritual. The rite of passage aspect is real and there's an element of masculine pride a young boy experience when he goes through with it. Traumatic or not, the procedure is part of every Filipino boys life and whether it make him a better man in adulthood is totally up to him.

God made several references on circumcision in the New Testament as a symbol of what a person's heart should be under the new covenant through Jesus Christ. True masculinity is not measured by an external scar but by how one live his life in submission to God and love for others. Thus, for Filipino boys, what matters most and the right rite of passage is not on the body but the "circumcision of the heart."

Some Statistics on Filipino Youth

Thanks to Basta Lovelife podcast I heard some interesting updates on the state of the Filipino youth. Referring to a national study, host Kuya Kevin reported at least 40% of Filipino teens in Manila engage in premarital sex, 23% of all Filipino teens are young mothers, 75% of young Filipino men are exposed to pornography and 400,000 abortions are estimated to occur every year.

It's a little troubling but as I commented on his blog about the statistics, I said... I’m not surprised. I read a similar study on American teens that showed somehow similar results. Someday the two cultures will mirror each other. Teenagers need to learn how to make good choices - choices that are morally objective and not subjective or based on “how I feel”. The best way to establish that is to teach them how to live Christianly and have a Godly perspective in everything. I believe many Filipino teens are way ahead on this aspect than their Western counterpart and that’s one good news I want to highlight.

The young generation need their "love life" to be based on Biblical guidelines because only in the context of God's principles they can live their relationships healthy and few heartbreaks. Nothing beats the Bible as the greatest relationship book of all time.

(data @ State of the Philippines Population Report, 2002).

Philippines Teenage Smoking at Alarming Levels

Health experts have expressed alarm over the increasing number of Filipino women smokers as a result of the tobacco firms' strategy to make smoking look "glamorous and fashionable." According to a recent report, most affected are young girls between 13-15 years in which 30% or 3 out of 10 already have a smoking habit. This is alarming considering that tobacco consumption in developed countries like the United states has dropped due to successful campaigns on the dangers of smoking.

The Philippines need to have more anti-tobacco campaigns specially to directed to young Filipinos. But to be effective, campaigns should teach within a larger perspective or the right worldview that the human body is a gift and made from the image of God. Because when Filipinos understand this they will make good choices for their bodies and do more than just say no to tobacco and other bad habits but yes to honoring God.

(image @ google images)