Is Laughter The Best Medicine?

By Alon Calinao Dy: The old saying that 'laughter is the best medicine' is absolutely true since it can relieve daily stress from our work. Late Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr., known by many as "Dolphy" was the king of comedy in the Philippines who captured the hearts of a million Filipinos through his unparalleled sense of humor. Most of the time, he entertained the sick people because laughter is truly contagious. 

I remember when my two grandfathers were still alive, they always laughed at Dolphy. When I saw their happiness I then understood that the value of a simple smile was priceless. No sum of money can heal the suffering of a sick person, but only the magical powers of  laughter. 

My grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Prudencio Dy, Sr.

I recall when my late Chinese grandfather was dying of lung cancer, he was a fearless man. He ate all the food that was served to him by my grandmother Pacencia and I did not hear him sounding off any pain even though his disease already progressed to bone cancer. He was probably the bravest man I ever knew. Do you want to know his secret? He has been a comedian ever since and many people enjoyed him doing funny things in public.
So when his time drew near, he thought about the many people he made happy. He died a natural, painless death.

Enough with a real-life drama, I've suffered enough. Hehehe. It merely made me feel sad when I thought about him. I'm sure my late grandpa wanted me to smile at all times, and this is why I believe that laughter proves to be the best medicine to soothe one's soul. Because when you become depressed, you are vulnerable to deception of life that it has no more reasons to be happy. In this instance, one has the intention to commit suicide because it is the only way to end the pain of life. Suicidal ideas are completely avoidable if laughter techniques can be easily carried out and is one of the essential ways to make a person feel better.

Again, is laughter the best medicine?

In many studies, researchers have found out that laughter has a healthy benefit since it helps prevent a potential heart attack. Mad or depressed people are susceptible to sudden strokes because of emotional outbursts that may contribute to unhealthy responses to stress.

There's tons of evidence that laughter does lots of good things for us. Although some people differentiate smiling and laughing, it bears a similar meaning in a way that it establishes a positive feeling and connects with people. Whether you laugh or smile, it is definitely infectious. So don't forget to laugh or smile today.

show me your brightest smile

Watch this Japanese Funniest Video:

Meet My Niece, Jairah Calinao

By Alon Calinao Dy: I am so happy today to watch the pictures of my beautiful niece Jairah on Facebook. She is so pretty. My heart is full of joy because she is healthy. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Jaren Calinao.

Photo courtesy of Jairah Calinao on Facebook

Facebook photo of Jairah with my grandma Soledad

Facebook photo of Jairah with her dad and my cousin Jaren Calinao

Agoy-Agoy and Calinao Families originally came from a Spanish blood. But Calinao Family originated from the province of Capiz, where the Spaniards ruled over 300 years, and who brought Christianity to the land.

Photo taken last Dec. 2012. My lovely two cousins and her son

Aside from Jairah, I can't wait to meet my handsome nephews Tovie, Jacob, Bill and gorgeous nieces Kenzie, Gab-Gab. I am sure I would be having a nosebleed after an informal talk with them in English. They are next in line to be added to our kinsfolk tree. Indeed, I'm so happy for you guys and we are so proud to have you. "Go forth and multiply" as my late Chinese grandfather always said when he was still alive. Hehehe.

Photo taken on December 2012. I was with my Grandma Pacencia Paglinawan Abenis Dy

I lived with my grandma when I was a kid. She raised me so well. In fact, all my cousins who now reside in the US are very fortunate to have her in our life. Without her endless support and love while our parents were away from their homes, I suppose we would never be well-off these days.

I am truly blessed to have Mama Loyan, Papa Loyan, Nanay Soling, and Tatay Teddy. These are the names I usually called my grandparents. They really took good care of us and considered us as their own children. I think I believe in the saying that grandparents love their grandkids more than their own children. I can't say this is true for everyone, but it is a big YES for us.