Whats On & Expat Features Magarao Parahilot

More than Massage

Next to Naga City is the town of Magarao, where a similarly impressive church built in 1750 stands.

But what I find more amusing are the signboards “Parahilot” found in almost every alternating home throughout the town. Intent to find out what it means, I stopped to get a word with the “Anfamosong Felizardo B. Villamer alyas Legid” (The famous Felizardo B. Villamer also known as Legid) whose house has a parked ambulance outside. He wouldn’t budge, saying he has a very ill patient.

Parahilot is a Bicolano vernacular meaning a masseuse employing the traditional Filipino massage called hilot. If the signage says Babaeng Parahilot that means it’s a lady masseuse. There are more men who practice this art of healing massage that goes beyond the mere physical kneading of knotted muscles, says Novie Rosalinas, a babaeng parahilot. The hilot here promises to cure, if not alleviate, medical conditions from skin diseases and arthritis to goiter and other internal sicknesses with the use of a mix of secret oils and of course, prayers.

Featured 11/25/2007 - 12/01/2007

Happy Birthday Jeffrey

Krystal Wellness Center is not merely a business enterprise concerned with the health and wellness industry but is a family. On this day we celebrate the birthday of Jeffrey, the godson of the founder of Krystal Wellness Center. He celebrates his birthday of November 13. He was formerly a part of the showbiz industry as a talent but is now lending his talents and expertise to Krystal Spa.

This maybe a new field of endeavor for him but he has given his best in this new field. Happy birthday Jeff!

Dangers of MSG

U.S. Government Food Safety Warning. Because there is so much concern about MSG, the FDA commissioned a study be conducted by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). The study resulted in a 350 page report completed on 31 July 1995. The research determined that MSG consumption can result in the following side-effects:

* burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest
* numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back
* tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
* facial pressure or tightness
* chest pain
* headache
* nausea
* rapid heartbeat
* bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma
* drowsiness
* weakness

Krystal Spa Offers FREE Tai Chi Classes

Krystal Spa is offering FREE Tai Chi classes for all patrons. Classes are to be conducted by expert Jo Baldonasa who has spent years honing in this ancient art . Come and learn the art of relaxation from the master himself!

For details please contact Krystal Spa at 973-20-45

Vitamin C

Facts about Vitamin C

-In 1912 Polish-American biochemist Casimir Funk developed the concept of vitamins.

-British chemists Sir Walter Norman Haworth and Sir Edmund Hirst were able to synthesize Vitamin C between 1933 and 1934 making it the first Vitamin to be synthesized.

-Commonly found fruits like the kiwifruit, guava and lychee have high concentrations of Vitamin C.

Functions of Vitamin C

-Helps strengthen the immune system to ward of diseases.

-Helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.

-Increases the absorption of iron and calcium.

-Improves the integrity of blood vessels.

-Promotes the healing of wounds, fractures, bruises, some hemorrhages.

-Aids in the production of collagen.

Krystal Spa Offers Shiatsu Massage!

Krystal Spa brings to the Philippines the Shiatsu. Shiatsu, also known as acupressure, is a finger pressure massage technique. that is sometimes confused with acupuncture. Shiatsu massage therapy and acupuncture are founded on the Chinese meridian system. The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the client's body that have been determined during an assessment period prior to the massage session. There are no needle pokes involved with Shiatsu. Massage techniques like tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and applied pressure are applied along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of ki.

Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

• Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
• Stress reduction and management
• Releases toxins from the body
• Dis-ease preventative
• Increased flexibility
• Improved blood circulations
• Reduces blood pressure
• Reduces mental anxieties
• Balances ki (chi)
• Calms nervousness
• Increases mental and spiritual awareness
• It feels good!

Minestrone Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cannellini beans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 small russet potato, medium dice
• 2 medium celery stalks, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
• 1 medium bay leaf
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 6 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium chicken broth
• 3/4 cup ditalini, tubettini, or other small pasta
• 1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley (from about 1/2 bunch)
• Grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese, for garnish

Procedure

1. Place beans in a large saucepan, fill with about 5 cups heavily salted water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until beans are tender all the way through, about 2 hours. Reserve 4 cups of bean-cooking liquid. Drain beans and reserve.
2. Heat butter and oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once butter foams, add onion and garlic, and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add potato, celery, carrot, and bay leaf, and stir to coat. Cook until celery is just soft, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juices, season with salt and pepper, stir (scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan), and cook until juices are almost completely reduced, about 2 minutes.
3. Add 1/2 of the green beans, 1/2 of the zucchini, 1/2 of the peas, and the broth and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until zucchini just begins to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir in reserved beans and bean-cooking liquid; remaining green beans, zucchini, and peas; pasta; and 1/2 of the parsley, and simmer until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in remaining parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. To serve, place soup in bowls, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle grated cheese over top, and season with freshly ground black pepper.