Simple words for me

Doha Food Festival 2012

2012-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

After weeks of spending overtime at work, I need to refuel my happy hormones; and the best way to do it is eating good food!

I invited two of my friends who spoke the same language as mine to join me in breaking the monotony of our routines. Gladly, Laarni and Stepahnie were spontaneous enough to accompany me with my food triping...

We spent our night at the Doha Food festival where we got to taste cheap hotel dishes at a bargain price. Foods are overflowing everywhere with different labels coming from different countries.

The place was packed with a lot of people, locals and expats-alike; and there is food for everyone. Though sold at a very cheap price, its presentation and hygiene weren't compromised. The table, chairs were decorated for a fine dinning experience. From 6pm to 11pm, were were just walking-eating-sitting-walking-eating. Our stomachs were filled too much, giving an impression that it wanted to explode.

Congratulations to the organizers of the DOHA FOOD FESTIVAL and to QATAR, you never failed to impress us.

With a feeling of wanting more time to enjoy, my two friends were kind enough to let me experience how it is like to party in Qatar. They took me to Sheraton hotel and we danced the night away at the club to the beat of the music.

Just like anyone else, we grooved at the dance floor and let the music take control.

It was a fun night for me and I am looking forward for more party nights with my friends.

Smoker me

2012-02-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for their health but still almost everyone does it. I was always curious why a lot of people spends money to just burn it on cigars. I see people who smoke before as those who wants to claim a spot on a social hierarchy and that's me on a third person speaking.

Now, Im on the side of smokers.

It started with a dare from a woman who says Im too much of a "good boy" and still acts as a boy. For a 23 year old, its not a good impression for me. So i started to spark a curiosity on smoking; to somehow ease out a bad boy aura. I asked my workmates to teach me how its properly done and one my first two sticks, I found it enjoyable and relaxing.....it is now that I understand why people loves to smoke.

Now, I found myself buying Marlboro lights from the supermarket, sitting on an outdoor coffee shop with a cigar on hand but I am not an addict. Yes I now its bad but believe me...it gives a mysterious relaxation to the mind and everytime I smoke I seem to meditate on many things. Its a mental activity for me.

Still, Im hiding it from my parents not that Im afraid of them but I don't want my mom to get disappointed on the fact that I am starting a bad vice.

thoughts

2012-02-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

It has been a month and everything happens so fast. I love what I'm feeling and never thought we would come to this point. The situation might not be in our favor but with a lot of compromise, we still managed to express what we ought to.

Thank you for granting me our first lunch date and I am looking forward for more stolen moments with you. I limit my expectations and savor every moment I share with you ;)

2012 goals

2012-01-02T10:59:00.001-08:00

Law of attraction tells us that we should think of the things we want to own or achieve. Usually, I do list my goals for the upcoming year and so far, almost all of them have been met before the year ends. Likewise, I would do the same thing this year.

These are my goals for this year...

Comply all the requirements for VISA SCREENING
Travel/Visit to any country except Philippines and Qatar
Weigh at least 70kg by December 2012
Have a photo taken riding a Camel
Obtain a Qatar-Driving License
Buy a good camera

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

2011 ended very fast. Everything happened so fast for me. Here are the highlights of 2011 for me:

January 2011 - I was so apprehensive on how I am going to tell my seniors and co-workers in Ramiro Hospital that I am planning to resign to seek for a better paying job in Qatar. After careful weighing of things, I submitted my resignation at the last week of January and was firm of that decision.

February 2011 - I made the most of my stay at Ramiro, I spent time with the people Im comfortable with, maintained the right attitude towards work. Though I know I would miss the laboratory and its staff, I know I need to spend more time with my parents in Qatar. Its all a matter of choice between my parents and them. My parents comes first without any hesitations.

March 2011 - I was gearing up for my departure. Secured all the needed documentation and spent my remaining days in the Philippines with good friends. I even invited my bestfriend Pong to Bohol for a week. On March 19 I left the Philippines and tried my luck in a new place - Qatar. On the same date, I found myself on a place so far from where I came from.

March 26 - I was invited for a training program on Doha Clinic Hospital for a week as per
requirement for employment. Due to lack of experience in my field, they choose to turn
my application down. Though a bit depressed, I tried my luck applying in other medical
institution and my mom was with me all the time, giving me my needed strength and
optimism.

April 2011 - I received a call from the American Hospital, inviting me for an interview.After the interview,
I was assured that my application is accepted and they would process my papers to transfer
my visa sponsorship and would help me file for an application for medical licensing.

Mom began to complain about her leg pains and had difficulty in sleeping. I breaks my heart
to hear and see her suffer from such pain. All I could do is give her a massage which gave
her temporary relief.

May 2011 - I began working at the American Hosptal as a Laboratory Scientist and met new friends at the field. It helps to be surrounded with fellow Filipinos, the adjustment was easy.

Mom's leg pain continues and I continue to give her a leg massage just to put her to sleep. The doctor told us that she needs an operation to take her myoma which might be the reason for her extreme leg pains.

June 2011 - I get used and established my own routine at work. I started going out with friends and explored Qatar more and more.

July 2011 - I got my evaluation certificate for licensing. Experienced the extreme summer heat.

August 2011 - first Ramadan experience. I took the opportunity to take overtimes at work. Spent my birthday with Mom and Dad after so many years!

September 2011 - Mom was scheduled for an operation for her myoma. After the surgery, I wanted to hug my mom seeing her so weak. I am thankful for the successful operation. Mom never had those leg pain episodes anymore and had a very good night sleeps since then.

October 2011 - nothing special happened, purely work , work and work

November 2011 - Experienced EID celebration and went to Dukhan and had a beach party with Laarni. Its the beginning of the winter season.

December 2011 - Volunteered for the Arab Games, Interest in Astrology sparked after meeting a girl, Spent Christmas with my parents after a very long years of Christmas without them

This year was the year of my reunion with my parents. I wanted to spend time with them more and God granted it. I am looking forward for a more prosperous 2012. Cheers to good health and long life for all of us!

Because Bim2x is going home..might be for good :(

2011-12-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

Erilee Contreras, also known as Bim2x, is one of the few pure-hearted person I've ever met. Her pureness, kindness and happiness exudes in her personality. She walks with a very light and positive aura and everyone seems to like her for simply being her.

It saddens me a lot knowing that she is leaving Doha for emergency reasons and might stay in the Philippines for good. We would miss her a lot but we understand why she had come up with such decisions.

Here are the points I would miss about her and would want it to immortalize in my life blog:

1. Eating Lays with her during our night shifts
2. Hearing her voice talking too much about her budding lovelives..yes...in plural form
3. Making coffee or tea to keep us awake during duty
4. Cracking jokes and laughing with her
5. Talking with her with almost everything
6. Her positive aura that brightens up each one's day
7. She may be childish at times but the child in her makes her a good company.

I really feel sorry for the fact that her Dad is suffering from liver cirrhosis and have been predicted by doctors that his body would give-up on him in a few months. I wished I could ease her pain but all I can do is pray. I really hope that she would remain strong after all these trials. A kind person like her deserves to be happy.

Good luck and God Bless Bim! I really wish you all the best. I would help you in praying for your Dad. See you soon..

ARAB GAMES Thanksgiving

2011-12-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Against all the odds, I managed to attend the thanksgiving party for the Arab Games Volunteers.

REACHING THE AREA

Reaching the venue of the party could be very tiresome and costly for me. But with the help of some friends and friend's connection, I was able to reach the Athletes' village at Wakra with ease. Originally, I planned to join my workmates by hitching a ride from one of our seniors in the hospital though instincts barred me for doing so with confidential reasons for me to keep.

Luckily, Ate Fatima's husband named "Wawa" needs company as much as I do. A day before, She called me and offered me to go with Wawa so that I could have a transport going to the secluded venue. Though with hesitations of going with someone I never talked nor introduced to me, I agreed to do so hoping that my "sociable self" would took over me.

THE PARTY ITSELF

The party was boring to be frank and it started late as scheduled. We were patiently waiting for the programme's commencement on a chilly field. I was lucky to grab a coffee with me to keep me warm for an hour.

The people were disappointed with the way the fellowship was managed. But to be fair, they served good food and it seems to be flowing everywhere. There were a lot of food and drinks for everyone. Qatar is a generous host indeed.

All of us were expecting for a generous gift voucher from the organizers but it never came to us.

BRING UP MY SELF
Surrounded with relatively strangers, I was able to carry myself well and deal with the situation with spontaneity and I am proud of that.

Gifts for Christmas

2011-12-25T03:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

2011 ended very fast for me... It seems it was just a month ago that I attended the Christmas party in Ramiro Hospital with heavy thoughts of resigning; thinking that it would be my last party with them.

Christmas in Qatar are no more than any other days in the calendar. Its my first time to experience a silent christmas with no excitement even a bit at all. Most of us Filipinos just cooked a few foods and let the day pass by just like other days.

This year, I am able to give my parents a gift for Christmas for the very first time and they were happy about it. For mom, I bought her Calvin Klein's Euphoria while for my dad, I gave him a Tommy Nash's polo shirt which might be very useful for his work.

I remember my mom a few months ago, who wishes to buy a new scent at Debenhams but after checking on their prices, she put them back on their shelves and decided to defer her wants and allocated the supposedly amount for what is really needed.

These gifts might be the start of giving back to my parents after all their sacrifices for me and my siblings. The tables were turned this time, they become the receiver and I am the giver. I am happy to be able to afford these for them.

This Christmas, I never received anything but its okey for me. Their simple smiles and "thank you" are more than enough for me.

CK euphoria for mom

Tommy Nash Polo Shirt for Dad

Remembering Mocha's lonesome days

2011-12-06T15:15:00.001-08:00

"Man's need to socialize is true to all creature"

We've got our first high-bred dog in year 2005. My brother named her "mocha" for reasons only he knows. She was the only pet we had at that time and spent all her life outside the house. I feel how she might have felt being alone all the time with no one to talk to, sleep with and respond to her all the time.

She was 3 months old (March 2005) when my dad bought her from the pet shop. During her first 3 months with us, she was well pampered and received much attention from me and my brother Jake. I was about to graduate from high school while Jake, having his summer vacation, is about to be in his second year in college in Silliman University. Over the summer, all we do is play,cuddle and give her morning baths which she obviously hates. Mocha surely felt loved by the two of us.

Mocha is very active and loves to run all the time. She enjoys being chased off and snatching some clothes. She patiently waits for our return with a cute grin whenever we go out of the house. Despite of her "fierce-look" and humongous body built, she is very sweet and gentle. She is very smart and knows when not to mess with her masters. She has her own style of catching our attention; craves to be patted on her forehead and to be touched on her neck. She rattles and run around when one of us would grab her chains giving her a hint that its time for a good walk!

By June 2005, me and Jake have to leave home to attend school in a separate island. Both of us realized what might be her plight with neither of us around. One morning, when me and my brother went out the house with our travel bags, mocha sniffed them through out of her curiosity. We cuddled her for the last time and said our "goodbyes" in our own language which surely mocha didn't understand. She might think that we'll be gone for just a few hours and could see us again by night time- and that all she should do is to wait on the end of the gate for our return. I could really picture her out doing that!

While me and Jake focused on our studies in the University, we have no idea how was mocha doing at home. She might have waited for us for a long time at the gate for our return during the day we left and wondered where have we been and what took us so long. She might felt lonely at some point with no one to play with her and cuddle her the way we do. All we could do is to hope for the best for her.

At the end of the semester, I decided to take my break at home while Jake choose to stay in our dormitory. As I am nearing our gate, I could hear and see mocha barking-rattling happily and appears to be so excited. I was glad she knows who I was after our long time of separation. She hurriedly jumps at me and snatched a lick on my cheek. It might be her way of saying that she missed me. As expected, I spent quality times with her during my stay. By the end of my semestral break, I have to leave her again alone and the same scenario happened with the first time we left her and this continued until I graduated from college and got my degree.

A year after I passed the board examination, I decided to work at my hometown which gave me more time with Mocha, (40 years old in dog years). Though I was with her at home, I struggled give her much attention since my work was so tough on my schedule. I worked 12 hours a day and left me tired and wanting to rest the moment I arrived home.

Mocha's loneliness radiates on the way she acts as I secretly peeked on her on some random nights and days. To alleviate her feeling of loneliness, I convinced my parents that we need more dogs to guard the house as well as give mocha company which i failed in doing so.

Now enters "Gabby", a german shepherd, a same breed as mocha. At first mocha was so cruel towards gabby and seemingly liked to kill the poor puppy. After a week, she might have accepted Gabby and appears to treat him as her own son.They played around all the time and I could see how happy Mocha was with Gabby around. Gabby gave Mocha another reason to live. Though she is relatively old, she tries to play with gabby and spoil his childish acts. Imagine a 40 year old woman playing with a 7 year old kid.

Man's need to socialize is also true to all species. It would be impossible for any creature to be happy alone. They might survive for survival's sake, but the soul dies within.

The sixth sense

2011-12-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

You might not believe me telling you that it is my first time watching this movie entitled "the sixth sense".

The movie was released in the year 1999, rough estimate tells me that Im in grade 5 at that time. I even could remember asking a good childhood friend of mine, Venice Doron, telling me that the movie was so scarry that prevents her from having a good sleep that night. Being cautious enough, I decided not to watch this movie so that I could not ruin my sleep just like what happened to her.

I thought the movie was a masterpiece. Bruce Willis did a good job in his role but the child, Haley Joel Osment did a better job. Osment gave integrity to his character and every emotions needed for the scene was adequate. The little kid could act! Making a boy act an age where toys are the only thing that matters, means a natural talent.

I love everything about this movie. It was well crafted, planned and directed. I even regret of not watching this movie before. I felt I was so way-behind!

But hey, Where's Haley Joel Osment now??

2011-12-02T16:33:00.001-08:00

Samsung Galaxy S2

I am one of the countless people who is having a "nonsense trouble" of choosing which smartphone fits me- the iphone 4 or the samsung galaxy s2! Currently, Im holding a Nokia Xpress music 5530 which served me well and felt contented somehow on the things it could provide me.---thats the thrift and practical me talking.

Having been working in Qatar for few months gave me a little liberty in my long-gone purchasing power. And this is the techy-and-want-oriented me speaking...i want a latest smartphone available in the market!!! Well, iphone 4s was never on my options since I dont need a mobile assistant with me- Siri! Iphone 4 could be enough for me.

Now this is a battle between Samsung galaxy S2 and Iphone 4! I have read a lot of blogs to compare which one is hotter and better. It is also a choice between Android and iOs.

Iphone 4, image from google

In terms of design, both phones are good and relatively elegant. Carrying either of these phones gives you a great leap in terms of mobile capabilities.

If i would base the blogs I've read comparing both phones, Samsung galaxy S2 beats the iphone 4! but I cant drop the fact that the iphone is an APPLE product!

My final decision would be the moment Im going to buy the phone! Now, Im waiting for my salary! Once I have money at hand, proceed to the mall and would be carrying home either of these phones above!

Its hard to be overweight!

2011-11-15T18:01:00.001-08:00

I am standing 5 feet and 7 inches tall with weight of 75 kg. My Body Mass Index tells me that I am overweight. To be labelled as fit, I need to weigh 54 kg. Well, that's an extra 21 kg to loose!

It really hard to be overweight and I've been with this "label" since high school. Of course, I had my episodes of wishing to look good half naked, walking around the beach with a visible abs and be branded as "HOT" by the people around me. Yet, minimal actions were being made to make these dreams a reality.

I often console myself of how different I am with the rest of the guys. True enough that there's more into me than what meets everyone's eyes. Yes, I am aware that I am just rationalizing as to defend myself. The wishful me is deep inside me. Wishful to look better with a better body.

Being on a body as mine affects much of my self esteem. I am having hard times on choosing clothes that would satisfy and would lie on my true fatty figure. Dark colors are my colors to flatter myself. It seems that I am still taking care of my baby fats. (laughs).

Before I feel bad when someone teases me on how fat I am. After hearing it a lot of times, I get used to it and even afford to make fun of myself through my fats. They have been a good punchline to my friends ;)

I am more of an academic man than athletic. I would prefer reading books or studying than sweating around. I remember when I was in high school, I feel bad about myself whenever get too sweaty. I wanted to play around and learn some sports but I was too conscious not to sweat! By now, my sweat glands seemed to follow the orders of his masters--I minimally get wet even though I jog for 30 minutes or more.

Yes, I do some exercise routines with my Dad but I often caught myself cheating; having wane-out the motivation needed. In loosing weight, motivation is the key which I often lose.

A certain blog then motivated me to change. The blog was written by a man with a family name of Spark. He was overweight for many years and got used to his weight. He began to notice that he was gaining weight more and more and wasn't doing anything about it. Like me, he wanted to strip all those flabs and look better and realize that those fats wont leave him by themselves- he must do something about it. Today, he looks good on his new weight.

To look good requires to be physically fit. The word fat is almost synonymous to ugliness to the modern world! I want to look good and don't want to be called UGLY of course.

I hope I could do what Mr. Sparks did. I hope I could borrow his motivation to change my lifestyle. If this goes on...I would end up an obese man suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Worker 1 and 2

2011-11-14T17:22:00.001-08:00

How can I deal with incompetent people without having to hurt their feelings/ esteem? How can you get a lazy employee be the best or at least as hardworking as you? How can you trust a person if they were caught lying most of the times? - These are the questions that bothers me these days after reading the tale of the two workers.

Here's the summary of the story . . .

A known family have 2 workers. Each have different characteristics and level of competence. Worker 1 has been a member of the family's working force 7 months earlier than worker 2. Worker 1 is known among the rest of the workers as an incompetent, fond of lying, backbites a lot and slow. Worker 2 on the other hand, has been silent, doing his job as what is expected and have been known to be an achiever and stands for what is proper.

Being new in the family, Worker 2 chooses his words and actions. He have been very careful not to offend anyone and have been keen in observing the people around him. Of course, he heard a lot of stories about worker 1 but he choose to be impartial.

One day, Worker 1 wanted to take a break from work at the expense of worker 2. He convinced worker 2 to cover up his time so as the masters wont notice his doings by producing the expected outputs on time. Worker 2 realizes that by doing so, it would tire his body a lot and would give him at most 3 hours of sleep every day. Being weary, worker 2 disapproved and asked worker 1 why he wanted to take his leave without proper permission from the masters. Worker 1 began telling worker 2 his reasons and convinced him again to do the work for him. After hearing out his reasons, worker 2 noticed inconsistencies on it and told worker 1 that he wont do it and was upset by trying to outsmart worker 2. Worker 1 then felt embarrassed after being caught that his reasons were merely lies and shallow.

Worker 2 have proved to himself that what others were telling him were facts. Still, being a good and careful human being, he choose to shut his mouth and never told their masters not only the attitude of worker 1 but also his poor performance in producing outputs.

BLS CERTIFIED!

2011-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

I am now holding a Basic Life Supporter ID card which might authorize me to do CPR whenever needed.

For two days, I underwent a Basic Life Support training at the Hamad International Training Center along with safety officers and engineers and I would like to put into record my experience during my two-day training.

DAY 1: OCTOBER 4, 2011

I arrived at the center 30 minutes earlier the scheduled time, I met three fellow filipino who later told me to register my name on the attendance sheet. At around 4pm, the center was filled with people who were loud, friendly and seemingly excited men. We spend the dead time glancing and exhanging friendly smiles to each other. Few made their acquaintances and usual greetings while I sit at the corner and continue to observe the people around me. Im not the "Hi everyone, Im Prince" kind of person. I hoped that my effortful-lightened up face would give them the impression that Im not snob and ready to make friends. I figured that these men knew each other and later found out that they worked on the same company. I was one among the few others who were added to the group to reach the desired number of participants. They took pictures and had the training tarpulins as their background. Then the instructor all summoned us to the lecture room and commenced the training.

Everyone sounded interested and were fairly participative. The instructors on the other hand had their serious look and voices with a touch of appropriate cracking of jokes. I was impressed with the manner they explained the concepts of life support on lay-mans term. Having these instructors, you don't need any background on medicine to understand why this and this should be done. They spoke with a middle eastern accent but their English were perfect and clear.

Last part was the return demonstration of CPR and we were grouped into three with 10 persons each. My group consists of 4 Filipinos, 3 nigerians and 3 indians. All of us were able to demostrate the proper way of doing CPR given different situations and that's because we had great instructors. The Nigerians were fun to be with. The moment they crack their jokes, we found all ourselves wide-mouthed.

DAY 2: October 5, 2011

The call time was 3:30pm and I almost didn't made it because I fall into a deep sleep. (I was tired since I came from the hospital with my mom for her follow-up checkup). I slept at around 1:30pm and forgot to switch on the alarm. Thank God, out of nowhere, I suddenly woke up at around 3:15pm. I rushed to the bathroom and had a very quick shower. Everything was done in a breeze. By 3:20, Im out of my building and began walking, occasionally checking for taxi within the perimeter. Luckily, I got a taxi two minutes after and made it to the center just in time.

The second day was basically practical and written exams and almost everyone got it. During our break sessions I decided to be more sociable and approached people and had a short chat with them. The day ended with the distribution of all our certificates and ID.

I admire the vision of Qatar- to be the leading Arab country with a mix of London and New York. They invested not only in infrastructure but also with its people. Basic life support has been made available to the citizens and expats of Qatar. As for my line of work, its one of the requirement to get a license to practice my profession. If everyone knows how to do CPR, unnecessary deaths would be a thing of the past.

MOM's operation

2011-09-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

photo taken a day before mom's operation

Today was a great day for my mom! She just had her hysterectomy this morning and thank God everything went well! She needed this operation since a fibroid mass has been disturbing her badly by giving her intense uterine bleeding. We are also hoping that the leg pain she was feeling for the past months were associated with this fibroid mass that we might hit two birds with one stone.

A day before the operation, she was admitted at the Womens Hospital for her pre operation preparations. I had the chance to accompany her in the morning of September 19, 2011 and somehow ease her of the boredom being confined on a hospital. Men were given specific strict visiting hours since the hospital was built for women only and aims to provide muslim women the privacy and the liberty for them to take off their "hijabs". As for expats like us, we should abide by the hospital rules and the country's culture.
I am very much pleased with this hospital starting with the building's aesthetic designs,advance equipment and seemingly well trained medical professionals. I get envious seeing doctors making their team-rounds just like on "grey's anatomy" and reminded me of my once ambition. I even shared the thought to mom and I noticed she looked at the window and took a short moment to ponder. I guess she felt what I felt. To ease me up, she told me again of the family's budget constraints and gave a suggestion to pass on my dream on my niece.

OPERATION DAY- SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

We were told that Mom's operation would be on 10am. Me and my Dad decided to come to the hospital at around 8am to have a short talk with mom before her operation. I woke up at exactly 8am and rushed to the bathroom and took a very quick bath. While taking a bath I was anxious about mom's operation yet I disclosed the fact that hysterectomy is not a life threatening operation given a well trained team of surgeons. I admit I was pissed my dad's lack of urgency. He even had time to take his breakfast knowing we were battling against time. While we were on our way to the hospital, I took my phone and intended to call mom informing her that we are on our way. As I unlocked my phone, it reads "one missed call" and it was from mom. I hurriedly dialed her number a dozen of times but no one is answering.
As soon as we arrived at the hospital, I had the feeling that her operation was made earlier than what has been planned. We rushed to the 6th floor where mom's room was located. I arrived at moms door and was about to open it when nurse Elvie told me to pick all the things of my mom since she would be transferred to another room after the operation. Right at that moment, I was stunned! Mom had her operation without me or dad to wish her God bless. My instinct was right then, the missed call was to inform me that she is to be taken to the operating theater sooner than we expected.

We waited outside the operating hall from 9am to 2am. Me and my dad were among those men waiting anxiously, whose wives are having their delivery at the same operating theatre my mom is. As time passes by, patients from time to time goes in and out of the hall. At around 12 noon, I get worried and wonder what happened to my mom inside the theatre. I build the guts to rush to the main door where I pleaded to the female security to allow me to check on the status of my mom. Dad was behind me when the security escorted us to the nurses station of the theatre. I asked for my mom's status and they told me that the procedure is on going and it might take a while. I was relieved by the look of the nurse that seems to be telling us that everything is normal. So, we sat back on the waiting area and waited for another 2 hours.

after the operation

POST OPERATION

Mom looked very very exhausted after her operation. I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything is ok and she is fine. But the "strong" figure that a man should be stopped me. As she was transported going to the critical ward, I never cease to stare at her. I had an intense pity on her. At the same time, I thank God for making the operation a success.
I thought that when she gave birth to me and my brothers, she might have the same "tired look" and I am lucky to witness this for the second time, or am I? I am thankful that the burden she had been carrying physically was taken away from her and hoping that her leg pain would vanish a few weeks from now.

God really knows how to sort things out. He planned of me coming to Qatar in time that mom would need me the most. I know Dad could be very devastated without me to talk with while waiting for mom outside the operating theatre. God gave mom to me and likewise me to her.

after the operation

Mom's operation today reminded me of my real purpose of coming to Doha and that is to spend more time with my parents which had been taken away from me during my growing up years. I hope my brothers are here with me that they might also have more time with mom....

CONGRATULATIONS MOMMY!

DONT DISTURB MY SLEEP

2011-09-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with a very bad mood! I was forced to move out of my bed after my mom and dad woke me up to prepare a quick breakfast for the three of us. To be frank, I really dont want to be disturbed from my sleep..not unless it was of my request. Well, they just wanted me to cook rice, boil water and fry some eggs, simple tasks that even a grader could do. Instead, they opted to just lay down on their beds watching tv and gave all the responsibilities to me. They even had the pleasure of laughing and talking about the tv show they were watching....they were obviously alert and fully awake.

I dont have anything against me being commanded to do so but please dont wake me up! Im not even a breakfast eater...I could survive and go to work without breakfast. Plainly, it would not benefit me even a bit.

The "obedient" me stood out of my bed with a frowning face and prepared everything that I would be needing. I made it obvious that I was pissed and was not taking the pleasure of doing such chore. I murmurred, (making sure that they could hear), "ngano pukawon man jud ko, gahulat jud na ako mobakod"

Mom told me that she cant cook since she feels dizzy with her medicine by which I understand fully. But Dad had no reason to say....it was clear to me that it was purely out of laziness.

As I grew older, now 23, I know that its my time to give back to my parents. I am willing to do all the chores at home which I usually do, but please please please! NEVER DISTURB MY SLEEP! My close friends and my older brother knows that I would gone wild if that rule would be compromised.... If you do so, its not me you're dealing with, its the other side of me that only a few had the opportunity to meet.

False POSITIVES and True POSITIVES

2011-09-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Immunochromatographic methods are rapid qualitative methods in determining presence of specific antigens/antibodies in a given specimen. It provides a prompt diagnosis and is considered to be highly specific and sensitive.

During my shift this evening, I received a serum sample requesting us, laboratory technologists, to detect the presence of H. pylori antibodies. Being assigned to the section, I perform the test, and after 10 minutes, read it as POSITIVE.

Few minutes after, another serum was brought to the lab requesting for the same test. Again, I performed the procedure, and read it as POSITIVE.

"two positive H. pylori antibodies on the same shift? " I said to my self and began doubting. Both results were held and should never be released not until controls and quality assurance were being met. I immediately run a negative control and just as I thought, the negative control gave a POSITVE result.

Further investigations have led me to discover that the kit we used expired 10 days ago and was overlooked. I was relieved by the fact that both results were held and was not released immediately despite of the ordered urgency.

I opened a new kit and found out that the first serum was false positive while the latter was true positive.

The incident reminded me how man-made kits and technologies could betray us anytime. Any unsuspecting technologist might have been a victim of this. Our role (laboratory technologist) is to ensure that all results are valid and no machine could ever replace us.

LESSON LEARNED: (1) It pays to check the expiry dates on each reagent before using. (2)To ensure quality assurance, positive and negative controls should be run side by side with each test. (3) never release doubtful laboratory results.

Mysterious- that's what you are

2011-09-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

If only my eyes could paint a picture, it would show a cloudy and disturbing picture of you. You have been a mystery and found myself wanting to be your detective. You're a book whose pages have been surrounded with thick clouds that I could hardly read. Your eyes were so fierce, seductive and tempting. I even cant believe myself writing this down in honor for you. Thoughts of you makes me sleepless; thinking of you.

You told me you're sick, clueless as you may seem, it makes me wanting to be with you and give you rest in every ways possible. You blew off my mind after trusting me enough to touch your skin. You're scent is undeniably addictive. I stare at you and you do the same. I conceal a smile of admiration with a friendly one.

I found my self searching every information available on the web to get to know you. Even google can't give me answers. The more secluded you are, the more I crave to know you.

I've heard rumors that someone owns you. How lucky could that person should be. You are there, and I am here. I am looking forward to know you more.

Infatuated- that's what I am to you.

turned 23!

2011-08-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

For the past five years, I spent my birthdays with my brods and sis but this year was different- had it with my mom and dad. I couldn't even remember when was the last time I got to celebrate my birthday with my mom and dad at the same time and this could be the first time for the longest time. Well, birthdays are of no big deal to me but its still good to dine-out once in a while and have a few pictures as I grow older and older.

We ate at an eat-all-you-can Chinese restaurant at Villagio and had our stomachs filled and expanded to its fullest. Diets were postponed for all of us for this "occassion". I invited Laarni, my workmate in Ramiro, to join us and the four of us had a good talk while eating. Dad happened to be a classmate and a friend of Laarni's Dad so they had a connection somehow.

I missed the times in Dumaguete where I used to throw a small dinner get together with my brothers and sisters from Upsilon Phi Sigma and usually after dinner, we go straight to the booth area and listen to some bands since my birthday fortunately falls on the founder's week of Silliman University. It was like a great party for me.

I know I will be spending more birthdays away from home or even alone.... it should be the case... Oh Im already 23 and still like my life is still going nowhere....

Traffic Violation - - - Again!

2011-08-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

Me and my dad woke up early this morning for our scheduled walking at Corniche. We had high hopes of having a good walk and wanted to start the day with a good sweat. As my dad drove through the Corniche street and was looking for a good parking area, he suddenly made a U-turn on a very narrow crossing which is obviously not allowed.

I, kept my silence since I not sure if I was right then... suddenly, cars across the road made an annoying beep which caught our attention. My dad then doubted what was the horns for. I told Dad that I think we made a wrong turn since the road appears to be so narrow making it impossible for a U-turn. He then dismissed me and told me that what he did was right.

Still bothered, after we parked the car, we decided to drop by the area and have a good look on the road. A "no U-turn sign" was there with three traffic cameras with it. My dad then felt so disappointed with himself and was very worried since it might cost us a lot of money to pay for the said violation. What I've heard, disobeying traffic signs would mean a 6,000 QR and that's a lot of money to spend on a non-sense violation! What a waste indeed.

I wanted to blame my dad for being so absent-minded but I realize it wont do any good. I know my dad is in distraught and I should not add to it. Instead, I advised him to let it go since we cant do anything about it. All we have to do is to save some money to pay for the violation. Now I wonder what would my mom's reaction would be after hearing this! I hope the traffic cameras were turned off!

A year ago, my mom paid 10,000 QR for my dad's traffic violation and then here it goes again! hahay.....too much money to waste!

The Tudors

2011-08-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

British Monarch's history portrayed on a well produced series - thats how I prefer to describe the "The Tudors"

The series brings us back to the reign of King Henry VIII, who was brought to the throne by surprise after the apparent death of his older brother. The king, like any other leaders, wanted to have his name immortalize giving his people pride and honor in every ways possible.

The series gave us a good knowledge on how the people around the king conspired and betrayed each other to advance their different interest and ambitions.
Famous personalities of the times includes Queen Katherine of Aragon, Mary and Ann Boleyn, Mary Tudor (latter known as Bloody Mary). Based on my researches, these characters were well portrayed.

I salute the producer/s and writer/s and the people behind this series. This is a much watch series and is worth your time.

From a Book's interest

2011-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

After reading Philippa Gregory's book entitled " The Red Queen" , which was carefully mixed with historical accounts and figments of fiction, I found myself interested on the history of the British Monarchy. Tracing the blood lines, stories of the monarchs have been my hobby for the past days. I am positive to get the whole picture of the monarchs' stories and would have many stories to tell to my friends about their origins.... and who knows I might also find myself traveling to England and have pictures on the historical landmarks that had touched the royal's history.

Vice Ganda in Qatar

2011-07-15T15:26:00.000-07:00

Sheraton Hotel in Doha witnessed Vice Ganda's prowess in uniting the Filipino community in Qatar last July 15, 2011.

The admission was worth 150 QAR making it one of the most expensive Filipino event here in Qatar. Despite the ticket price, the "kabayans" never hesitated to drop on the monetary issues just to have fun, relax and have a good laugh with Vice Ganda!

The Al Dafna hall was full of whistles and cheers when she came out and began her spills. She really knows how to handle the crowd. Her impromptu jokes were really great and every word she utters makes us laugh hard making our abdominal and facial muscles contact hard.

The show was really worth the pay and surely, it made everyone's night great! I hope Vice wont run out of jokes to share to the Filipino people and would continue to make us laugh and forget our worries for a while! Thank you Vice Ganda for visiting Qatar, you proved to be unkabogable!

2011-07-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

photo stolen from her facebook page during her oath taking

If there could be one person I admire the most, It would be this lady at the left side of this page, Maryvick Acebes Mejorada.

We've known each other since grade 2 but became really good friends when we were on our 2nd year in high school. Im putting here into record the things I want to remember about her since I knew her.

When we were in grade 2, I was the typical shy boy who observes and comes to class regularly. I was the " good-boy" then. Maryvick on the other hand was always on top of the class, the star of the room and the " reference book" of my classmates when we dont understand a lesson by which she only could comprehend easily given our very little and innocent minds. Obviously, everyone not only in the room but the whole level including our teachers can't help but notice her.
Back then, we never had the chance to have a good talk nor play a game together intimately since a "shy boy" who does his own thing on the shadows could in no way (maybe intentional) could make friends with a celebrity and seems to be everybody's friend. Kids of my level really wanted to have her as a friend being on the status she is in. Apparently, Im not one of those people who comes close and strives hard to make friends with her.
Ironically, our mothers became good friends and shared the common duty of a mother, looking out on the welfare on their kids. I get informations about maryvick and knew her through the stories told to me by my mother which she also got from her conversations with maryvick's mother- Vicky.
The school year ended and again we never had the chance to be friends. It seems to be me being at the bottom and she, being on top who kept looking on the sky, making her not notice me I guess.

The following year, we were in grade 3, we belong to different sections and had our individual lives and friends in school. Still, It has been rumored that she tops the whole level and was branded as genius. Everyone in the year level knows her undoubtedly.

Here comes our Grade 4 years and we were again classmates. Our status remained the same and she made good friends with other top and promising students in the classroom. While most of us got low scores or hardly passed our periodical examination, she on the other hand got it with few mistakes, making her name more and more popular.

At the end of our elementary years, she graduated valedictorian.

Our lives crossed once again during our second year in high school. We were assigned on the same team back then by incident. We even called our team as RT1, the number one, being populated with promising and responsible people in it and ofcourse, we have our standard bearer- Maryvick! Still, I feel the same thing towards her, I felt inferior and thought that people like her belittles people like me.At first, I remained distant towards her, almost always avoids to sit beside her nor even talk to her. Then comes the time that our sitting arrangement had been changed for some reasons and I found myself sitting beside her. At first it was a struggle for me, feeling uncomfortable having her beside me. It was as if I am sitting next to a queen, the all-perfect person in the level.
Unexpectedly, she kept on reaching out to me and always talks to me. Sometimes, poking me and saying the words "hoi" ... then after days of reaching out to me, I was able to tell her my misconceptions on her and realized that this star or seemingly perfect person is just like me, have her share of weaknesses, times of laziness and have same opinions on boring subjects just like normal students like me.
Maybe it was fate who took its course and we became really good friends to the point we shared secrets back then. Since then, we always have good conversations about school, family and life in general.
We have been classmates until our fourth year in high school.

picture taken at Choco hills, 4th yr faith

Our good friendship deepened on our fourth year in high school. I was able to proved to her that I consider her as my bestfriend and have given my trust in all aspects of my life. She was there when I wanted to say trash words about some of my problems and gave me positive advises. I really admire her wisdom, She has the ability to make me realize the beauty of life, and how perspective changes and affect our moods. She is not only a genius in terms of academics but in life as well. Her wisdom guides me and appreciate life surrounding me.

Nov. 11, 2004 was the date when we agreed (all of a sudden) to pretend as if we were boyfriends-girlfriends at the most unexpected places of all - Rizal park. Since then, we acted like one, had exchanges of letters, sent text messages regularly until it became official after our graduation.
It was with her, when I first dreamed and made plans for the future. We shared common interests in traveling places by a motorcycle. High school could be boring without her having as a friend.

Some plans were never meant to be. I took up medical technology instead of electronics and communication engineering, which we both have supposedly decided to take. She went to San Carlos University in Cebu while I enrolled at Silliman University in Dumaguete. Though our communication remained open, the long distance relationship didn't work for the both of us. I made a wrong move of leaving her unaware of my admiration towards others. We broke up and had separate lives. For two years we never communicated with each other.

On our third year in college, we found ways to reopen and save our friendship. We have been good friends once again and it seems nothing has changed. She is still the woman I know back then and remains to be good to me despite everything that happened. I shared to her everything that happened to me for the past years and same with her.

Up to the present time, we shared a common bond that only the two of us might understand. We were meant to be bestfriends and Im sure that bond would endure until our death beds. I am looking forward for more years of good friendship with her. No matter where our ambitions and dreams would take us, Im sure this bond is bound to eternity. Soulmates? maybe...

"What should have been"

2011-07-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

It still do pains me on how my fate unfolds right before me. I admit, it still pains me looking at my classmates and a few friends who made it to medical schools and took a step closer to the dream we once shared in our medical technology days. I used to tell myself and had made a target that I would be a doctor of medicine someday. But being persistent to these goals isnt enough to achieve it. Circumstances are to be considered and should be one's side, as for me, that dream might be forever a dream.

A now sickly mother + unemployed brothers + a not so responsible dad = a laboratory technologist like me who needs to stabilize himself and accept the call of responsibilities waiting for me.

This might be a lesson of humility and a call of sacrifice for me. I settle with the fact that I am helping my family in this way and giving my parents relief on financial burdens.

Not everyone in the planet could attain the degree I have and I am so thankful and would be forever grateful to my parents who stives hard just to give us the best education there is. With this, I know I am left with something that I could hold on to just to survive in our day to day struggles in this lifetime.

To those who were blessed enough to make it to medical schools, I hope you guys are making the most of it for someone here wanted to be in your position but cant. Godbless us all!

2011-07-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

Laarni's Eat-all-you-can bday celebration at Shanghai Garden, City Center, Doha

Today was an exhausting yet enjoyable day for me. Its Laarni Damalerio's birthday celebration and she invited us to an "eat-all-you-can" restaurant at City Center Doha.

She greeted me by saying "tamboka naman ka prince oi" tsk tsk... nice greeting huh? A resistance for an upcoming full-eating session. As expected, i ate up to my heart's content and enjoyed almost all the food served. While eating, i realized that I am a changed man, being able to converse and tell jokes to people whom I met for the first time. (two of the people in the picture on my side were Laarni's friends and met them for the first time).

Again, I need to be more strict with my weight-loss plans and moves and promised by my birthday on August 27, I would look better.

Out of nowhere, we found ourselves going to Doha Zoo to explore the place and agreed to do what it takes just to go there, not to mention the burning heat of the sun. There at the gate, we met a "friend" which we never talked to yet always wanted to do so. hehe.

The zoo was a well-maintained facility but I was disappointed since most of the animals during the time of our visit were sleeping. We wanted to trigger their anger by shouting, yelling and laughing loud yet they don't even care to give us their "madness" which we wanted. Anyway, Thank you ate laarni for a very nice day today!

Weight Loss?

2011-06-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

Eversince highschool, I always dreamed of a trimmed and fit body and yet until now, had never achieved it.

I made a promise that by the 27th of August, I should weight 160Ibs which is my ideal weight for my height. This time I would be more serious about this for me to look better, feel better and be confident.

DISCIPLINE is the only key to this program. Kaya ko to!

Hoping

2011-06-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

A promise of a new day gives us hopes that one can undone the mistakes of yesterday. As long as the sun continues to shine, hope would never fade.

Power of Naruto Uzamaki

2011-06-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Naruto Uzamaki had come a long way in the Shippiden episode 176. Any naruto fanatic would agree with me that this episode is one of the most inspiring episodes so far of the said series.

The power to create positve change in people is one characteristic that I appreciated most. Being a "no-one" to step up and do these changes in his anime world reminds his audiences that everyone has the potential to be a light to everyone by simply being theirselves.

Just like Naruto, I wanted to find my place in this world and build the confidence to create positive changes. Step by step, I know Im getting there; enjoying the present and making the most out of it because there's no playbacks in life.

BLOOD TYPING ISSUES

2011-06-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Blood typing procedure is one of the most easily understandable, short turn around time procedure in a clinical laboratory. As easy as it may seem, releasing wrong blood type result could be a very very serious problem and would revoke your license as a laboratory scientist for life.

The same issue happened this morning in my laboratory. An indian outpatient requested for a blood typing procedure to be done on his blood. I did the procedure and had doubts about the result of his RH reaction. I called up my senior to confirm if its negative or positive. My senior affirmed to me that the tiny agglutination (almost not visible) is a positive result. Being confident on the result, I typed it in and released the result. Suddenly, the patient complained since he know he was a Rh negative.

My world suddenly stopped as he showed his ID to me to prove that he is an RH negative. My doubts on the blood type should be dealt more skeptically and I regret not doing further confirmatory test on the blood just because of my senior's opinion. I can't also blame my senior since our RH reagent is known to be weakly-reacting and they bore with it for almost a year. I tried to convince them to use the tube method and employ antihuman globulins as part of the frequently ordered reagents but the laboratory's culture seemed to disregard my opinion.

Lesson learned: I will take time to confirm doubtful results and would depend much on my own learnings since my license and integrity is at stake.

The Witch of Portabelo

2011-06-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

The world has been enclosed with pre-conceived ideas and people tries so hard to align their-selves on these long-made norms and culture.

Paolo Coelho's "The Witch of Portabelo" shows his radical side and chose not to dwell on pre-conceived ideas made by ancient people, who in some circumstances, gave definition on each word and ideology we know today! Take for example the word "WITCH" . . . by mere a sound of it, we can associate it with rituals to the devil, priestess of hell and other satanic conceptions one could imagine. But, it might be a complete opposite on the side of the "witch".

I love this book not because of the story but on how Paolo successfully incorporate his propaganda into a novel. It awakens us to be open minded and realize that we should'nt let other people, let alone norms, define who we are.

Never again

2011-06-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

I promised long ago that I would never commit the same mistake again. I will never go to futile lands ending up in despair. People succumb to his/her feelings, but I will make sure not to. I am a different man now, no one could bend me now.

Blood grouping at American Hospital

2011-05-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

I was summoned to the American Hospital once again for me to have my blood grouping done as per requirement of the Qatar immigration. I entered the laboratory and met a lebanese lab tech named Russia. As she took blood samples for me for testing, I grabbed the opportunity asking her how would it be working with the institution. She positively replied on all my questions making me more excited to begin working with them.

Memorable pic!

2011-05-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

I was browsing on my old pictures transfered from friendster to picassa and I stumbled upon this picture:

Yes, the picture above is my right leg. Haha.. All i can say its worth the pain! Can't divulge more information about this to be safe... Someone might use this against me or someone. Just being nostalgic on those memorable days... I missed my busy yet fun college life!

Music of David Foster

2011-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

I've just downloaded all the works of David Foster from Bitlord and got the chance to listen to most of them while waiting myself to fell asleep... Instead of falling asleep, a lot of memories popped up- lot of people and unforgettable chats and experiences.... His music made me sentimental and had reminded me that quality of life depends on how good our relationships had gone towards others. Life is more meaningful if you have friends and loveones around you!

Being a alone nullifies all the worldly treasure you have. Having someone to talk, laugh and experience with makes the world beautiful and full of meaning!

Have met countless people in life but only a few lingers most of the time.

OH MOM!

2011-04-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

Mom always get sick everytime she recollects the "doings"of dad. He is indeed her stressor and make her sick and weak! I know he's my dad but I cant help it but hate him the way she treats my mom. Is love still there? i really doubt!

If you love the person, you'll do all things to make her happy and contented! You'll not make a slave out of your partner! You're not a supreme master that needs to be served up to the simplest details! Be a man! Be responsible for once!

If Dad continues to treat mom the way he does, in no time, his sons would go against him!

I even wonder why mom loves dad after all! To be tact, they are the complete opposite! One is so good while the other is so stubborn! hay, opposites attract! Im so sorry for mom! I dont want to see her in pain and hurt!

Gago Ka!

2011-04-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Baga au ka ug nawong! Mura kag si kinsa manulti na ikaw mismo tapulan ug parasite! Maot na gani ka nawong maot pajud ka batasan! Mga magbinutan nimo imo abusohon maypa suklan ka kay wa kay angay respetoon! Adto sa basurahan kung asa ka mobagay! Cge raka ug pangwarta, huthot ug kwarta mura pod og ikaw ang naghago! Gago ka.....naa time suklan taka taman! Makatilaw ka ug karma! Prangkahan taka sa tanan mga pang gago ginabuhat nimo!

My temper blows off

2011-04-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

I really hate myself in times when I get to loose my temper. I get to be so irrational and narrow-minded! This morning I went to the Supreme Council of Health Office to file-in my papers for evaluation and data flow processes as per requirement of the Qatar Licensing procedure.

The lady at the counter 13 instructed me what to do but since she is an arab and cant speak english well, I misinterpreted her instructions leading me to series of nakakainis na dimalas! hahahay!

Loosing my temper makes me dumb and had made me so narrow minded! One good thing was I was with my mom who tried to calm me down....after sitting and thinking, I have thought a good way through it. Thanks to Mom!

Qatar's Impression on Filipinos

2011-04-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

On my third week of staying on this multi-racial-filled-country Qatar, I had this impression on how these people "judge" me being a Filipino. The descriptions are based on a number of experiences as I interact with the people here.

HARDWORKING . During my one-week training at Doha Clinic Hospital as a medical technologist, Ive heard comments coming from indians that I work like a typical Filipino; finishes the work first before chatting, and works on things following a smooth system. Most employers here even prefers Filipino workers for the same reason mentioned.

SUPER THRIFT. I happen to rode a taxi with a driver who refused to use his meter. Of course, I complained about it and told him that Im willing to pay how much my travel would cost as long as it appears on the meter. He reasoned out that 10QAR would be enough based on the distance from my point of origin to my desired place of drop off. After few arguments, I convinced him to use his meter with a comment saying "ah Filipinos"

GOOD ENGLISH SPEAKERS. Without a doubt, aside from British people around, Filipinos communicate using the english language fluently and correctly. Though they (Indians,Qatari,Egyptians) know how to speak english, they use words that shouldnt be used and often drops off articles in the sentence. To top all that, they even have a hard accent making their english worse.

SECOND CLASS CITIZENS. I have felt the discrimination during my short stay here. Various instances would prove my claim. On one instance I was on the information desk in a private hospital to inquire where the HR office is, I stand infront of the desk facing a qatari-receptionist. Though I arrived first and ask questions first, she halted me and proritized an Egyptian who came later than me. My height and friendly look might be a factor.
The Philippines has been a factory of workers, a large pool of cheap human resouce. I hate to admit this but we really are being so dependent on other nations in order for us to survive. Thoughts about how poor the Philippines is weakens me.

Even though how poor we are as a nation, I am still proud to be a Filipino (theres nothing I could do about it). Most of us are well educated and smart! Well, Filipinos are more than what meets the eyes!

One of my favorite songs! so classic

2011-04-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Someday by Nyoy Volante

2011-04-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Remembered the days when I got so addicted on this song! This song seems to enchant me almost everyday those days! Glad Im done with it!

I consider those time my "dark and depression" days. Everyday seems so dark and no meaning at all. My mind was so pre occupied to the point that it had affected my performance at work.

I even know how my colleagues think of me: being so "clumpsy" and "irresponsible". They even set a meeting without me. I really felt so alone and thought that if something might happen to me, no one would care! I had set a limit amongst my workmates and doesnt share informations about me. I had build a fortress within me which had been a two-bladed sword for me and had hit me hard!

Well those days were gone and had found a good friend which I considered to be my bestfriend. Thank you for listening to me over and over. Thats all i need: someone who could listen to me over and over until the pain lessens . . .

Thats also the time I realized how everyman needs a friend and this experience of mine proved the adage that no one is an island. Building a fortress of your own would kill you deep inside.

Hope is Good!

2011-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

At last and I found a possible employer to hand me in an offer letter as required by the Supreme Council of Health in order for me to sit in for a licensure exam. I just came from the American Hospital in Doha and gave me a fair offer with all written terms and conditions on it. All i need now is to process all my papers and pass the exam! Then after, I am very welcome to join the health care team at the American Hospital! pretty good name huh!

Still continues to pray hardly and remains positive that these latest events would turn into my favor! sigh!

Dark Times

2011-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

These times are dark times for me. Just this morning, I was about to be accepted as a medical technologist at Doha Clinic Hospital after a week of training to different sections in the laboratory. I tried my best not only to win my supervisors but also to do good in every task assigned to me. I even started to love the laboratory, the staff and the work itself. Everything runs smooth not until I was called by Doc Selim to visit her office to discuss important things to me.

She told me that after my papers have been verified, they found out that I cant stay on the hospital because I only have a year and 2 months of post graduate working experience. I insisted that I had 2 years and 2 months of working experience because of my one-year internship training before graduation and since I work as a medtech though an intern, it should be counted as a hospital experince. Even though how hard i tried to explain my part, she told me she cant keep me, though I did a good job during my training, because hospital protocols needs to be followed.

Depressed and ashamed, I pack my things and bid goodbye to my "supposed co-workers".

Tomorrow is another day and would try my luck as I roam around the city in search for a job, I am taking these things in a positive light, I know I belong somewhere. May God lead me the way . ..

Didnt Shine with Shine

2011-03-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was assigned at the Chemistry section with maam Shine today on my 3rd day of training and I hate her for the fact that she blames me on her clumpsiness. She must have understand that its my first time on the section with an unfamiliar machine. She taught me how to operate Hitachi right before my eyes yet no hands-on! Oh c'mon! Medical technologists needs hands-on training! Grrr....

Now, she blames me on some test not performed only to find out its all her fault! I think she doesnt want my presence! Aw bahala ka.... God knows I did my best to do my work. Not all is under my control. Bahala ka lamuna imo makina! I'll look for Filipinos who could teach me better than you!

Training at Doha Clinic Hospital

2011-03-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Arrived home from my first day of training at Doha Clinic Hospital as a medical technologist. The day went well with my indian partner Nazir. Though, some things explained by Nazir are'nt clear because of language difficulties, I was lucky to catch up. I met two Filipino ladies at work but never got the chance to talk to them enough since they were so busy in their different sections.

Indians work well and seems to be nice.... on my impression, they dont discriminate a newbie. Just like in Ramiro, people consult each one when in doubt and tries to solve problems together. I met Mohammed who looks really smart and I could associate him with Sir Harvey in Ramiro except for the fact that the former is sociable and more friendly. Other indian ladies seems so friendly and tries to reach out to me-giving a warm smile.

The head of the laboratory appears to be very nice and does smiles to all always. She's an egyptian for sure.

I dont want to miss this opportunity and would do my best to focus on my work. Afterall, it difficult to look for a job with an experience as short as mine.

thoughts from the streets

2011-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

today reminds me that hope is never lost as long as life exists. I spent the day finalizing my resume and application letters hoping to find a good-paying job in the this country. After fishing some wisdom from experienced job-seekers here, I felt belittled because of my one-year experience on my credentials. According to them, usually employers opted for at least three-years experience.

Walking alone to a nearby shopping center to purchase an ink refill for my printer, thoughts came accross.... then i remembered a very close friend of mine who weeps for her lost mother who just died last week of cancer. I then called her up to check on her. She then described to me how her heart aches when she heard her mother complaining of extreme pain brought about proliferation of abnormal cells.

Then, I realized, my feeling of depression is no match to hers. There's more to life worth celebrating for!

Exlporing DOHA!

2011-03-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Arrived at Doha, Qatar last Sunday! The place is far better than the Philippines. Though the sun seems to burn my skin, the air is as cold as ice!

As noticed, indians dominates the population and I am having a hard time conversing with them.

Now, I need to look for a job as a medical technologist and today is the start of my search! May God be with me!

Dumaguete Revisited

2011-02-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

I spent my weekend at Dumaguete City, a place where I got my degree and become a better person. I visited my old apartment remembered the fond memories left there. I ate on my favorite restaurants and slept at my sis's apartment. I even had a productive walk in Silliman University and missed college life. I sat at the amphitheater and was amazed on its scenery.

I couldn't help but notice the difference between Tagbilaran and Dumaguete City. Most people in Dumaguete looks-simple-classy-intellectual while the former is the exact opposite.

I will forever love Dumaguete City and would always be proud to be a Sillimanian!

Blind Mice Pictorials

2011-02-09T02:10:00.000-08:00

Just had a "suprise-pictorial" last night at work. Everything was according to Donna's plan! She suddenly took out her camera, set up the tripod and waved five sunglasses to be used for the pictorial.

She dubbed this pictorial as my pre-send off pictorial before my resignation from work and its was really fun! We tried so many poses and wishes to do more. Sadly, her camera's battery runs low :(

Most of the people in the lab loves to face the camera and pose. When a camera is about to be shot, everyone drops their activities and rushes to pose in front of it. Truly, a camera binds us all!

Thanks for the initiative Don!

Pamangkin

2011-02-07T22:40:00.000-08:00

This is Dianna Trish Batausa or simply "Trish". She is the eldest daughter of my brother Mark. Obviously, she got the good genes of both sides.

Unlike other kids, she loves to go to school not to study but to play with her friends. We all could see her efforts on wanting to learn how to read,write and draw; and we all do appreciate that.

Now 6, she is aware of her role as an "ate" of her other 3 siblings. When her mom is not around, she actively took the role of watching over her sisters and brothers.

Food is never an issue to her, anything laid on the dinning table is eaten without complains. We really wanted to stop her eating to much but she, herself, doesn't want to loose weight and is comfortable with his body!

All we wish for this kid is to have a competent education and a bright future. May she be guided well as she grows up.

Remembering Mam Pure

2011-01-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

The road I took as a medical technologist started in Ramiro Community Hospital- and when i hear the company's name, two words comes to my mind: (1) Laboratory and (2) Mam Pure.

Now that Im leaving the hospital soon, I would like to immortalize my memories of my department head: Mam PUREZA BELDEROL ENRIQUEZ or better known by many as "Mam Pure"

It was November 2009 when I received a phone call from Ms. Clydin Ramiro (the hospital HR), instructing me of my interview schedule with the chief medical technologist they call "Mam Pure"

In my mind, I was imagining an old woman with glasses, wrinkled forehead, wearing a thick make up and lipstick and emulates a "no-nonsense look".

Then the scheduled date came, I went to the laboratory 30 minutes before the agreed time. I told the receptionist (Sir Rey), that I am a medical technologist applicant scheduled for an interview with the laboratory head. To give integrity to my formal look, I communicated in 90% full english to him, apparently I was responded with plain "bisaya". I was asked to seat on the waiting area designated for out-patients. Though seated, I got the chance to took a glimpse on the people inside the laboratory- I remembered Lloyd peeping the microscope while laughing, Mabel ,occasionally coughing, seriously running the Alcyon, Shasee and Leigh seating beside the receptionist named Rey talking about the book on Leigh's hands. At same moment, I was looking for an old lady that fits the title "Chief Medical Technologist" (was actually looking for a 60-year old-looking lady).

Suddenly, a woman looking in her mid-20s stepped out of the door and called me up. She told me, "hi, adto ta taas". Thinking that the seemingly mid-20-woman is a plain staff medical technologist and about to show me my way to the chief medical technologist office, I responded "hi maam" and followed her. While on our way, I planned to have a few chat with her and take informations I would be needing and on what to expect on the interview proper,nature of the the chief medtech and of course, her name. Then i asked her, "asa diay c mam pure mam?" She answered "ako" ,with a controlled smile and trying to be humble as possible.

Trying to conceal the shock, I told her, "really mam? Bata pa lagi au ka mam" (for sure, it sounds great for her), "sus!" she answered.

The interview went well for me and I felt good with it because Mam Pure made it less intimidating, it was as if you're talking to a friend and answering her questions.

With a year working with her, I could describe Mam Pure as the most considerate department head there is in Ramiro. She tries to understand your request without making you a brat. She hates late-commers and have a fair mood-swings. She is well-informed on current issues and with no doubt, everybody seemed to like her. She can be a concerned friend to the nth level and she can nag you when you do some "tinanga"- i got some of those :( . She could also be a silent type (if suffering from migraine) lol.

With her strong yet fun personality, she got everyone's respect. To wrap it all, her best asset is her personality!

Humble, loquacious and curious - that's MAM PURE :)

Resigning!

2011-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am soon to resign from my work in Ramiro Community Hospital to search for a better paying job in Qatar. Working in the Philippines as a health worker wont enable you to buy the things you ever wanted and make some investments in the future. For me, there no other way but to work abroad.

Well, I was raised on a working family. My parents work in Qatar to provide us good shelter, send us to reputable schools and in a few extent to buy our wants. Like my parents, I want to earn the money they're earning to make me more financially independent. Being young, I know I can handle all the challenges that awaits me.

As for now, I should build the confidence to tell my superior of my plans.

TARGETS for this YEAR

2011-01-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

For this year, here are my goals that I should accomplish before the year ends:
1. Have a good paying work in Qatar
2. Buy Sony VIAO laptop
3. loose 10 pounds!
4. Buy a new Dog!

Ramiro Xmas Party

2010-12-21T09:19:00.001-08:00

This year's christmas party at the hospital I've been working for was my 2nd actually and probably the most memorable so far. Not because I've enjoyed it but instead, I "humiliated" myself! so crazy me indeed.

The picture was taken during my performance of the so old and baduy "pasayawa ko inday". I refused the role given to me because it so not me. I don't know how to perform in cebuano let alone knows how to act as a comedienne.

Despite my constant refusal and appeal, they continue to call me up and send me text messages to do the said role. I decided to give it a try thinking that it might be my last christmas party in Ramiro Hospital. Overall, the presentation was a flop and could never forgive myself why i gave-in to the requests of my department head to do the role.

Also, during the said Christmas party, I was on duty! I never got the chance to enjoy the food and the program.

On a positive note, I receive my 13th month pay and a towel as a gift.

Hoping the people who saw the said presentation would forget about it. hehehe

Got my Plate!

2010-12-12T22:38:00.000-08:00

After a week of plate-less-motorcycle-driving, I finally found time to go to the LTO and settle things to regain my plate number. In just an hour everything is done. Thanks to the fixers around.

Ideally, I hate red tapers but when time arises, they seemed to be beneficial specially for stubborn citizens like me. heheh

Been a While

2010-12-11T01:32:00.000-08:00

Whew.. its been a year since i've updated this blog! Well, a lot of things happened since my last entry. A month after that, I came back to Bohol and begin my career as a medical Technologist. I work at a tertiary hospital (1 year now) named Ramiro Community Hospital. I've met new friends and had a fair share of pitful experiences.

I have passed the ASCPi examination making me certified internationally. An hour from now Im off to duty and do routine stuff.

Generally, Im bored not with work but with the environment Im in. Im often alone and spent most of the times alone (in contrast to Dumaguete where my brods and sis are just around the corner). Generally, I also don't trust people.

Feeding Preparations

2009-10-16T18:16:00.001-07:00

Today I will be off to LEE Superplaza to buy foods for the simple feeding program this afternoon at the boulevard. This activity is my way of thanking God for all the blessings I received more especially for passing the board exam.

Though Im still sleepy but have to go..... yawn ; )

Status: Unemployed!

2009-10-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hahay... its been weeks now that I began my search for my first job yet until now, I am still unfortunate to have one! I hope I can find a good job with a good pay soon. I hope that will be anytime next week.

As for tomorrow, Im going to send letters to hospitals some hospitals and laboratories in Cebu through mail.

crossing my fingers.. sigh!

thoughts that bothers

2009-10-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep . . . a lot of things are in my head- its about my future. I made the decision NOT TO PROCEED to MEDICINE but there seems to be some hesitations. I just came from a party at Lester's house and met some of my classmates in College. We talked about Med School and told them about my decision. I felt partly insecure knowing that they (classmates) are 100% sure and firm in achieving their long time goal- to become a DOCTOR.

Am I really sure of my decision? Honestly I am still confused.

Being a Doctor has been a goal of mine since I entered College. My mind was programmed and thought to be geared towards Medicine. I often say to myself, " I will be a good doctor in the future". Being a Medical Technologist (only?) was never been an option in the past. I even criticized the nature of the work as "boring". I was really sure and determined to be a doctor then.

Now, right after passing the Local Board Examination, I came to a selfless decision of giving up my long time goal. I want to give relief to my parents. I want to be independent financially as soon as possible. I want them to save their salary for their own. I want them to enjoy their remaining life happy and allow them to visit places they wished to. I felt the responsibility of giving back what was been provided to me. I want them to relax by now since they are already nearing their retirement age.

Will I be happy with this decision? Will I not regret this? Life is not like a movie that we can press rewind. There's no turning back indeed.

I hope God is leading me as to what he has planned for me.

A decision has been made

2009-09-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Yes. I made up my mind..... I will work as a Medtech instead of proceeding to Medicine. Reasons:

1. My parents are getting old
2. Financial constraints since my two other brothers are still in school
3. Kapoy na pod skwela....
4. Want to earn my own money para dili nako mangau sa ako parents
5. I can feel that my parents are worried when I told them I want to proceed.

So i will remain Prince A. Batausa, RMT, ASCPi, AMT (Bason lamang)

Confused

2009-09-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hahay... Im so confused on which path to take with regards to my future career: Will I be a doctor or a Medical Scientist? Hmmmm...... Im really so confused....... asking for God's guidance

Im now a REGISTERED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST

2009-09-11T03:49:00.000-07:00

Prince Abrigo Batausa, RMT - - thats the new me! Im so glad I really made it. Now Im bothered thinking on my next move. I feel so saddened that one of my friend failed in the board exam. Maybe he's not ready for the exam or the course itsef is not for him... good luck? bad luck who knows?

I'm indeed so happy that God granted my prayers and have blessed me once again. Now Im on the turning point of my life and career - proceed to Medicine or work abroad as Medical Technologist..... still asking for God's guidance.

Twelve days before the board exam!

2009-08-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

The wait is down to twelve days more. Im back in Manila and as expected, shared the same room with 6 of my classmates. I'm really annoyed and disturbed with so many people around me. Honestly, I can't study as efficiently as I should.

I hate the fact that some of my classmates are so pessimist! So annoying! I hate those times when they expect a lot from you and criticize whenever I get a low score- look, I am trying to study here for the board exam.... damn you! (will not mention names)

I really hate to hear this phrase, "Ah grabeha tuon ni prince oh" i want to retailate by saying, "hilom dra, yawa".

Hahay...... i really dont want to carry on negative thoughts in mind so that's why Im writing all it here!

Nevertheless, I am still very postiive to pass the board exam. I know I can do this!

Microbiology depression

2009-07-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

I just had my evaluation exam in Microbiology this morning. Im so depressed with my grade.... I must retaliate... I need to pass the board exam!

2009-06-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

I'm on my 3rd week of stay here in Manila for my review for the upcoming September board examinations. Well, I have been constantly adjusting to the new environment so as to learn new things about the place. Indeed, this place is highly urbanized and people here seems to have been moving all the time.

During my review, I realized one thing- the best teachers are here in Manila. There were a lot of countless concepts that I have just learned-things that have never been discussed to us by our teachers in Dumaguete.

As for my study habits, I am having a hard time studying efficiently since I'm staying with 9 other people in a room who used to procrastinate.

Still, I am praying that I may pass the exam! I know a lot of opportunities will surely open after passing this examination.

Feeling my Nerves

2009-06-04T05:52:00.000-07:00

We've started the review for the board exam here in Manila. Its been a week that I have been battling with time to study everything that needs to be covered. I am thinking positive that I can pass this board exam.

This is exam is just the first step towards my ambitions in life. Passing this exam would open a lot of doors for me. Opportunities are countless and awaits me.

"Self... kaya mo yan self" that's what I usually tell to myself. I know this exam only needs a couple of hardwork and determination. With God behind me, I know I will pass.....

(so nervous..... feeling the pressures!)

New Environment

2009-05-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

The group moved to Sampaloc Manila to have our review for the upcoming board exam this September. Its my second night here upon writing this blog.

Yes, Im so shocked on how life goes here. The place is so depressing. Poverty is around the corner and the people are so suspicious.

I hope I could survive this kind of environment for me to be able to concentrate on my review. I am praying hard for God's guidance during my stay here.

Results . . .

2009-03-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

I will be graduating as an ordinary graduate.... yes i failed to reach on the latin honors.... yet the best in theory award for the internship program goes to me (unexpectingly) . . .

Im back and counting

2009-03-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last entry to my blog... well over the past weeks, I have been busy either studying or accomplishing requirements for graduation.

And now, every responsibility as a student is over. I am counting on the days for my upcoming graduation (March 22, 2009).

SUPERHUMAN lyrics...

2009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

I seldom appreciate songs..... (not into music) but this song by Chris Brown is an exception

Weak
I have been crying and crying for weeks
How'd I survive when I can barely speak
Barely eat, On my knees

But that's the moment you came to me
You don't know what your love has done to me
Think I'm invincible
I see though the me I used to be

You changed my whole life
Don't know what your doing to me with your love
I'm feeling all super human, you did this to me
A super human heart beats in me
Nothing can stop me here with you
Super human (I feel so superhuman X2)
Super human

Strong
Since I've been flying and writing the wrongs
Feels almost like I've had it all along
I can see tomorrow

Well every problem is gone because
I flew everywhere with love inside of me
It's unbelievable to see how love can set me free

You changed my whole life (life)
Don't know what your doing to me with your love (uh-huh)
I'm feeling all super human, you did this to me
A super human heart beats in me
Nothing can stop me here with you
Super human (I feel so superhuman X2)
Super human

It's not a bird, not a plane
It's my heart and it's going, gone away
My only weakness is you
Only reason is you
Every minute with you
I can feel like I can do anything
I'm Going going, gone away love

You changed my whole life (oh uh)
Don't know what your doing to me with your love (to me with your love)
I'm feeling all super human, you did this to me, yeah
A super human heart beats in me
Nothing can stop me here with you
Super human

Super human

Extension

2009-02-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

I really had a very productive day today.... I spent 14 hours for my clinical duty so as to cover-up the absences and late comings i have committed... I had a great time working since most of my classmates were also doing the same thing as me......

Though feeling tired, I am glad to spend my time wisely....

Boring

2009-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Its another boring sunday for me :(

Expectation not met

2009-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

I saw my grade of my fourth long exam and I am so disappointed... honestly I was expecting for a one-mistake result. Upon reviewing all my "alleged" wrong answers, I realized that those answers were the correct ones. Hahay..... i hate the fact that sometimes teachers give the wrong answer keys.

New Start . . . New Year

2008-12-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

PREPARATIONS:

All people in the house were busy (excluding me) in doing the necessary preparations for new year's eve. I wanted to help but it seemed that all hands were being laid on everything leaving me nothing to do.

Well, I spent my morning walking to landbank to supposedly complain about one incident that happened in Island City Mall last December 24, 2008. The 45 minutes walk was welcomed with a "CLOSED" signboard on the door of the bank. I spent another 45 minutes walking going back to our house.

After eating my lunch, I wash on my dirty duty shoes. The rest of the afternoon was spent making a slide presentation for Diane, Stacy and Gian (My two nieces and nephew).

I waited for 12:00 am to strike for me to welcome the new year. By 11:00, I took a bath and prepare all the needed gadgets to document our celebration. When 11:45 stroke, we started to fire on some of the fire crackers bought by kuya Mark.

Finally, at exactly 12:00 am, kuya mark and noralyn lighted on the fountain, "kweties" and the 16-shot fireworks. Everything were well documented by me of course. hehehe

Eating proceeded with a few chats. Basically thats how we meet the opening of the year 2009! Thank God that all went well. I am praying for good health, continued success and more blessings this year!

A DEPRESSED SHOPPER

2008-12-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

I went to the mall to buy new shirts and jeans for Christmas this afternoon. I strolled on boutiques and brand stalls to choose which stuff is better than the other. Shopping is fun for those people who has the money and the body.

As for me, my afternoon shopping experience made me sad and depressed. Though I have an enough money to spend on the shirts I wanted, I dont have the body to basically fit those shirts on me.

The shirts I choose were indeed good looking but as I wore them, they look odd. The fitting rooms I entered was made into rooms for depression for me. I really look fat and can never have shirts that I want.

At the end of the day, I was still able to buy 2 shirts but was not as good as my first choices. My shopping experience ended by buying oatmeal and weight management-milk for my dinner. Up to this date, I am looking forward of having a model-like body

MOTOR CYCLE ACCIDENT

2008-12-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

It was 2:00 am when my kuya mark knock at my room's door and entered my room. I thought it was just another ordinary nights that he wakes me up for a certain favor. Yet, as I turned on the lights, I got a clear picture of what happened to him- He met a major motorcycle accident.

Being drunk, he immediately lied down to my well-kept and maintained bed. What I did was I check all parts of the body for possible bleeding. It turned out that all injuries were superficial and that is one thing we have to thank God for. I end up cleaning his hands and wounds and acted like a nurse.

This year, this is kuya mark's second accident due to alcohol drinking. The first one required him to undergo a major surgery since he almost broke his head. This year is not his year indeed.

A LOUSY DAY

2008-12-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

I woke up and got off from my bed at 7:50 am (my duty starts at 8:00 am), I hurriedly got in the bathroom at took a bath. I arrived at the hospital 30 minutes late from the expected duty time. After that, series of unfortunate events happened that ruined my day! Here at the bulletin items that happened today:

1. When I arrived at the hospital and groomed to prepare myself for work, I noticed that almost 80% of my face exfoliated leaving my face looking very dry and scalded. Then, I have to rinse my face with tap water alone.

2. I was playing zuma at one of the computers in the laboratory since I finished all my tasks and have nothing more to do, suddenly an RMT told me not to play during duty hours. Though, I look like not affected, deep inside I felt I was a loser and irresponsible.

3. I have to go home for lunch since I have to remove bowel.

4. When I have successfully bled a blood donor, the person concern requested if I could put one plaster instead of three. Me, being so kind, I listened and did what he requested. When I was about to leave the vicinity and about to process the collected blood, my colleague shouted since my donor was bleeding profusely. The whole chair and floor was exaggeratedly flooded with blood! I ran towards my donor and placed a lot of gauze on his arm and ended cleaning all the spilled blood on the area. The supposedly small plaster was replaced with a gauze-covered. some of my classmates responded to the commotion and laughed at me but I gave them an angry stare which made them flew away.

When I arrived home, I immediately returned to the bed where my day started and called it "a lousy day".

Differentiating STAPH from MICROCOCCUS

2008-11-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Staphylococcus and Micrococcus belongs the Micrococaceae family. They are both Gram positive and catalase positive bacteria. The following are their main differences

Micrococcus is not lysed with the presence of lysostaphin
Staphylococcus is lysed with the presence of lysostaphin

Micrococcus is resistant to ferazolidone
Staphylococcus is susceptible to ferazolidone

Micrococcus is oxidase positive
Staphylococcus is oxidase negative

Micrococcus is susceptible to bacitracin
Staphylococcus is resistant to bacitracin

Micrococcus grows aerobically
Staphylococcus is facultaively anaerobe

Now, with this facts, microbiologist/ medical technologists are expected to identify which organisms is which.

Thoughts of an insomniac

2008-11-28T05:05:00.001-08:00

I realized that I have a great dream for myself. I always make it a point that everything I do coincides with my goals in life- Things I want to achieve with my life. Obviously, I am very ambitious and envision myself to be a great doctor (surgeon perhaps) someday.

I have sacrificed the little smiles for the expected big ones. Graduation is upcoming and I wanted to graduate with Latin honours. I’ve been pushing myself to the limits and studied hard just to attain that goal. Whether I reach that goal or not, I am prepared. I just want my parents, family and friends to be proud of me. Of course, I will also be proud of myself eventually.

Following the phenomenal series, “Grey’s anatomy”, I realized one thing—A person can’t have everything in life. People get to choose between a happy family or a very successful career. Many have tried to have both but no one succeeds.
Having a happy family would mean happiness and contentment with little things. Being a family man will enable me to see how my kids are molded to become better individuals. An intact family would mean a well-lighted house to sleep and people who would be there for you in down moments.

A successful career will give the fame, fortune, money and not to mention the respect you get from people. A successful career would also mean being a standard bearer to you family. Eventually people close to you will be proud of you. Your family would even be happy of carrying the same family name as yours.

Obviously, I am one of those people who want to have both. I want to grow old with the security that someone will take care and be patient of me.

2008-11-28T05:05:00.000-08:00

Joyride

2008-11-23T08:58:00.000-08:00

We had a fair joyride to punta cruz watch tower yesterday afternoon. I was the one who initiated such activity so that my classmates could enjoy their sunday afternoon.

Along with me are bang2, Philip, Jason and Kreng2. Bang2 seems to the photographer who catches every moment of the event. Jason and I serves as the drivers while Philip and Kreng2 were our tourists.

It took us about an hour to reach our destination. At exactly 7:14, we arrived at the site; only to find out that the place is closed after 6:00 pm. Though they were not able to see the beauty of the place, Im glad that they enjoyed our what we call joyride.

Feeling Different

2008-11-21T17:47:00.000-08:00

I am feeling weird since yesterday. I feel so tired and am experiencing muscle spasms and cardiac contractions. This may be because of my 24 hours straight duty at GCGMH. huhu.

TWO DAYS after FIRST SEM INTERNSHIp

2008-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Exactly two days after internship, i feel how life could be relaxing as it could be..... I am temporarily free from pressuring exams and oral discussions.... though my upcoming comprehensive exam on the 27th continues to post a threat with my goal.

Art Attack 2008

2008-08-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Art attack runs for three consecutive years now. Sad to say, only three schools participated in the said competition (Negros Oriental High School, Dumaguete City Science High School and the Catherina Cittadini High school. Though, there were a lot of flaws identified during the event proper, the activity was still a success.

Now let me bring you down to memory lane.....

The Art Attack started by the year 2006, It was my first city wide activity to organize. Im am lucky during that time since I have a mentor by the name of "Kuya Bertch" who guided me all throughout the preparations for the said event. The program and the activity itself run smoothly and in proper order. Luckily, we got 7 participating schools and the awarding ceremony was well attended by different students from different schools. This event was indeed a debut for me in organizing big projects/events.

The Art Attack 2007 was no longer a city wide activity, it have evolved into a provincial wide activity. We got 13 participating schools from nearby towns for the said event. By this time, i have partnered with a lot of strong organizations to aid me in all the preparations. This activity taught me how to relate and deal with people. During this year, I realized that I really got the right people for the right job (Too many to mention).

This year's art attack, im no longer part of any of the organizing committee. I was just there to help my organization in doing their assigned task. Maybe my God planned for me to go to the said event since there were a lot of things that has to be done. Many details were not planned enough. I have no right to judge the organizers since I have not seen/hear how they plan for the said activity. Maybe they were so preoccupied of their academic responsibilities and other priorities. One more thing, the event was not well publicized even to the Silliman University community. Posters and banners were not posted. Still, I congratulate the organizers for giving life to Art Attack. I know that they exerted a lot of effort for this activity and they deserve an applause.

Blood Banking

2008-07-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

I was assigned in the blood banking and serology section with my partner Mae on the 9^th day of our clinical duty (June 30, 2008). Our first day in the blood banking section was basically an orientation on the procedures and laboratory tests routinely conducted. We are allowed to perform a certain procedures yet with some limitations.

Basically in this section, we deal with the screening of blood donors. It is in this section where we were able to talk with various people with different personalities. Some approached us timidly, others talk with a “panicking” guestures, a few of them tried to beg to give them prepared blood so as not to find anymore donors.

Our RMTs in this section taught us how to determine a paid donor and a voluntary donor. A paid donor would appear silent and seems not to talk much with the one requesting for blood while a voluntary donor would behave in a very opposite way. Most of the paid donors appears to be so rugged. Though the hospital discourages people to pay for the sake of blood donations, reasons of “emergency” is the one constantly uttered.

All blood donors would go into serious screening processes. After having the blood donor fill-up his personal profile, we review his donation history by checking on the files of blood donors in the hospital. The donor is then extracted with blood using an EDTA tube for the determination of his/her blood type. This procedure would then tell us whether the blood type of the donor and patient is the same to avoid ABO incompatibility transfusion reactions. This procedure employs both the forward typing and the backward typing. The forward typing uses the donors red cells and is made to combine with reagent Anti-sera (Anti A, Anti B and Anti RH) while the backward typing uses the donor’s plasma/serum and is made to react with reagent cells (A cells and B cells). Further, the donor’s haemoglobin and hematocrit were being determined.

After the determination of the blood type, the donor is then subject to a physical examination and interview with a physician or even a post graduate intern. The donor is tested with regards to his height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and physical appearance. The donor is also being asked with sets of question that might determine whether he/she may or may not be able to donate blood. Obviously, if the donor would tell a lie then he/she might pass the interview but his/her recipient would be the one to suffer. It is for this reason alone why paid donors are being discouraged since these type of donors doesn’t care for the patient but instead their focus is on the money they would gain. During our duty in this section we have met three paid donor that was caught telling a lie. The first one was permanently deferred since he took marijuana in the past. When I asked him whether he was able to donate blood, he told me that he was able to donate blood two years ago and his records implies that he is not allowed to donate blood forever. The other two paid donors told a lie with their names and family names. Though, they have presented an ID from an unknown institution, they failed to say their birthday. Because of such act, Kuya George decided that they may be deferred from donating blood.

After the physical examination and interview, the donor is subjected to serologic tests and malarial test. The tests employed are the HBsAg, Syphilis, HIV and HCV. The donor’s blood smear is also tested microscopically with the presence of malarial parasites. The serologic tests uses a rapid test which takes fifteen-minutes and is intended for screening process only.

If the donor passed the three-stage screening process, the donor is then allowed to bleed. The donor’s blood is collected using a triple bag which contains CPD-A as anticoagulant. This type of anti coagulant allows the red blood cells to remain viable for about 42 days. The purpose of having two more satellite bags making it a triple bag together with the main bag is for separation and storage of derived components like the platelets and fresh frozen plasma.

The donors newly collected blood is then subjected with the cross matching and antibody screening procedure. This tests also confirms the blood type of the donor and the patient. The cross matching procedure is done with three phase which are the Immediate spin phase (where IgM are expected to react with this phase), the 37^oC and the AHG phase (where the IgG are expected to react). Any agglutination in any of the phases would mean that the patient and recipient’s blood are incompatible. The antibody screening uses a machine that makes the procedure efficient and fast. The machine’s way to detect presence of antibodies is that if antibodies are coated in the cells then blood agglutinates would disperse at the end portion of the tube whereas absence of antibodies would show that blood agglutinates would settle to the center of the tube after centrifugation.

In the event that all of the test done shows a negative reaction, then blood donated is allowed to be transfused to the patient.

Aside from the routine blood screening, we are also assigned to perform serologic test for Anti-steptolysin-O, rheumatoid factor, serologic tests for syphilis, C-reactive protein and many others. All these tests are rapid in nature and therefore is so easy to perform.

This section taught me how to control my hands for it not to shake upon dispensing reagents and serum for a certain procedures. This section made me appreciate the nature of blood. It is indeed the river-flow of life. Upon writing this narrative report, I can still recall the faces of the people who requests for blood and shares the life-threatening situation of their patients. Some of the patients survived and a few died. This also reminds me to take care of my life since it is not easy to look for good donors.

Speaking out my Mind

2008-06-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

Its 2 am and have just finished a chapter for our long exam... I plan not to sleep until 8 am so to give myself a break, I will treat myself with an internet session with brain nerves turned on....

The Chapter I have studied was all about the nature of the immune system. The Immune system is composed of complex structures and mechanisms to protect our body from foreign substances that may be pathologic in nature. These foreign substances are termed as Antigens. Antigens may also be called as immunogens if these antigens stimulates an immune response.

The Immune response is categorized into three type basing on the stages of their occurence and order of action. These are the type 1, type 2 and type 3.

Type 1 immune response is also known as the Innate immune response or the Natural occuring immune response. This is a non specific immune response and is not changed upon second exposure to a certain immunogen. This type is exemplified with physical and biochemical barriers in the body. An intact skin and mucous membranes protects the entry of the immunogens to the body. Lactic acids and fatty acids which are present in sweat and sebaceous secretions are bactericidal in nature. Moreover, the enzyme lyzozyme, commonly present in tears, nasal secretions and saliva have the ability to disrupt the cell walls of bacteria.

Type 2 Immune response is still a non specific type of immune response and is mounted upon the entry of the immunogen inside the body. Involved here are the leukocytes, phagocytes, monocytes and macrophages and lymphocytes. Phagocytes are the primary component of this type and the presence of opsonins enhances the action of recognition of the phagocytes towards the offending antigens. Monocytes and macrophages (also known as the mononuclear sytems) acts and helps the phagocytic action or may serve as antigen presenting cell to the antibody for final killing. The natural Killer cells are able to lyze abnormal cells through the process of Anitbody-dependent cellular toxicity. The large granular lymphocytes play are role in the early stages of viral infection. It is able to destroy abnormal cells through the synthesis of cytokins (interferons, interleukins, tissue necorsis factor and colony stimulating factor). Interferons are also known are anti viral cytokins since it inhibits the multiplication and spreading of the virus to the other cells yet this is not active in the prevention in the acquisition of viral infections. The Interleukins in the other hands acts as mediators to stimulate growth, mobilization and activation of leukocytes and the mononuclear system.

Type 3 immune response an immune response that is specific in nature. It is exemplified by the synthesis of antibodies which have originated from the B cells. This kills the cells by the membrane attack complex mechanism through the complement activation

I wished to write all details of the immune system yet I feel tired in typing all of those! MaY GoD BlEsS me for My LoNg ExAm.....

Interns Outing!

2008-06-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

We just had out outing in a certain beach in Dauin. Among the people present during the said bonding moments were: Jonathan Amante, Al Gerome Macalisang, Philip Tantano, Lester Zamora, Mae Matillano, Gordon Tubo, Mir Cantilla.

We expected that at least half of the whole batch would attend this outing since this would serve as our last moment to convene with each other since some of us would be assigned to Bohol for the internship program. We wanted to have this bonding moments for us to have a good bidding of good byes and God bless. Truly, we are disappointed with some of our classmates who seemed to be so insensitive and selfish. College life comes once in a person's life and that each one should learn to make the best of one's times.

I was so impressed on the kuya Al's intiativity for this outing, He was the one who prepared all the food, planned everything and drove us going to the place. He truly spent and exerted a lot of effort for this outing.

Nevertheless, we had fun with each others company. we are proud to say that we have used our time wisely today-and that is to invest in socializing with our friends.

Soulbound!

2008-06-10T03:09:00.001-07:00

I have a soul-bound partner for the internship program! I wanted to work alone. May be God has a reason for this. She is actually academically challenged and I think my teachers plan this partnership that I may be able to help her! God has a purpose for everything. I just hope he (God) will give me more patience in dealing with this kind of personality.

Soulbound!

2008-06-10T03:09:00.000-07:00

Microbio Section

2008-05-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Bacteria are ubiquitous in nature- they may sometimes be beneficial or harmful to each living organisms. The saying, “small but terrible” would best describe the nature of the action of such microorganisms. They proved that size doesn’t matter. Their minute presence may give people serious disease conditions. Hence, the first step to kill or lessen the effect done by these microorganisms is to identify, qualify and quantify them.

The supplemental discussions in this rotation made me rationalize the use of different media for a specified suspected organism. These media aid in the identification and evaluation on the pathogenicity of certain organisms.

The Blood Agar plate is an enrichment media used to allow growth of almost all organisms. Blood is being incorporated in such media to enable the examiner to observe the haemolytic action of an organism which would aid in the identification of certain species of bacteria. The MacConkey Agar is a selective media for gram negative bacilli and members of the enterobacteriaceae. This media allows the differentiation of bacteria according to their ability to ferment lactose. EMB is used to differentiate typical gram negative rods from the atypical ones. All media used in microbiology contains indicators that allow reaction with the presence of enzymatic actions. Understanding the principles and uses of each media would allow the examiner to identify and classify different species of bacteria.

Furthermore, the gram staining procedures would allow the examiner to differentiate bacteria according to its morphological structure, arrangement and reaction with the gram stain. A gram positive organisms is indicated with a purple or violet colored organisms. The violet color is due to its thick peptidoglycan layer which inhibits the decolorization of crystal violet (a primary stain in gram stain). In contrast, gram negative organisms posses a pink coloration due to its easy discoloration since it has a thin peptidoglycan layer. The pink colored is brought by the saffranin stain (a secondary stain employed after decolorizing crystal violet).

During the first day of our laboratory activity in this rotation, we were asked to prepare the different media needed for the culture and biochemical testing of bacteria. I was assigned to make the Urea broth, Citrate, SIM, Vogues Proskauer and BEA. This procedure requires enough time to be prepared. Aseptic techniques in the said preparation made me anxious in preparing the different media. Unfortunately, I and my partner have to repeat making the VP broth since it failed in the quality check.

After all the media has been prepared, the whole class was given specified bacteria coming from different specimen to be cultured and identified. I was given a lesion and wound specimen. For my lesion specimen, no growth among the three media was observed (MacConkey, EMB and BAP). However, the growth of my specimen appears to be alpha haemolytic, non lactose fermenter and a typical gram negative rod. By the aid of the biochemical testing, I was able to identify that the bacteria present in the wound specimen is a Proteus mirabilis. Such organism possess the following characteristic: Indole negative and Nitrate reductase positive (no gas bubbles produced), Methyl Red positive and Voges-Proskauer negative, Catalase positive, Phenylalanine Deaminase positive.

The rotation this week on microbiology made me proud of myself since I was able to rationalize by heart the use of the different media used in culturing bacteria. It made me more patient, more careful in doing aseptic procedures. It boosted my confidence level for the upcoming internship program this coming June 2008.

My Microscopy experience

2008-05-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

The rotation on Clinical parasitology and microscopy gave us a brief yet complete review on the important procedures and principles on the test related to microscopy and parasitology.

Over the week, our skills were honed in doing routine urinalysis. Such activity trained us to identify all the possible microscopic things that may be present in the human urine. The lectures and laboratory works made us understand deeply how the multistix-reagent strip works. It made us memorize and understand by heart the individual principles underlying on those test pads.

For glucose, it is based on the double sequential enzymatic reaction of glucose pseudoperoxidase and glucose peroxidase. The said glucose test would serve as a screening test for possible renal disorders or diabetes mellitus.

The pad on Specific gravity is based on the principle of a pka change of polyelectrolytes. The test would serve as an indicator on how many solutes are present in the urine. Thus, high specific gravity would mean presence of abnormal compounds in the urine.

The PH test in the reagent strip employs the use of two indicators namely methyl red and bromthymol blue. Methyl red could determine acidic urine while bromthymol blue could detect basic urine. The determination of the urine PH could aid the examiner in the identification of crystals and other compounds that may be present in the urine.

Moreover, the presence of blood in the urine is determined by the pad that employs the principle of pseudoperoxidase activity of haemoglobin. The reagent used in this test is tetramethylbenzidine. The spots of green is due to the lysis of the red blood cells.

The protein pad in the reagent strip is based on the principle of protein error of PH indicator. Proteins could also attact ions in the reagent strip which was the main proponent of the color change in the reagent stip.

The presence of nitrite reducing bacteria is detected by the pad that employs the greiss reaction. Nitrite test is considered as the rapid test to detect urinary tract infection.

The Ketone pad indicates the possible disorders of fat metabolism. This is based on the priniciple of sodium nitroprusside reaction. Ketones have three forms namely the acetoacetic acid, acetone and beta hydroxyl-butyric acid. Acetoacetic acid, being the most abundant in the urine is the one being detected in the said reagent strip.

The test on urobilinogen and Bilirubin is also incorporated in the reagent strip. The former is used to diagnose post hepatic disorders and is based on the principle of Erlichs reaction. The later, is based on the principle of diazo reaction and is used to determine liver-related disorders.

The leukocyte test is used and employed in the reagent strip to determine the presence of white blood cells in the urine. The presence of white blood cells could indicate possible bacterial proliferation.

After mastering the procedure on routine urinalysis, we also had a review about routine fecalysis. The routine fecalysis was quite simpler than that of urinalysis. But, the examiner for the fecalysis procedure must master the forms of the possible parasites that might infiltrate the human body. Routine fecalysis only deals on the physical and microscopic test. The Chemical test is being employed if special orders from the physician has been noted. For the Chemical test, our class did the occult blood test that would determine bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

The rotation ended with a long exam and a practical exam. The said exams both tested our mastery on the principle and other theoretical aspect relating to the rotation as well as our skills in performing the indicated procedures.

This rotation might be the most dirty rotation in the clinical laboratory but with a good skills and full knowledge of the medical technologist, proper diagnosis is assured. I’ve been always grateful to Silliman University since it taught us to excel not for ourselves but for the people who truly needs our services as medical technologists.

Internship-Histopathology

2008-05-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

The rotation (histopathology), started with a day and a half lecture and review of the basic concepts in relation to histopathology. The topics discussed were the ones being done mainly in the laboratory. We have been re-introduced to the basic concepts and principles applied in the histopathology section.

Our first activity in the laboratory, which happened last April 15, 2008, is about the preparation of reagents. My group was assigned to prepare an acid alcohol with a concentration of 1%. In the said session, we were trained to compute on the volume of each reagent to be combined to make a 1% acid alcohol. The formula C₁V₁=C₂V₂ (dilution formula) was used for the said computation.

The second activity in the laboratory is about paper boat making which would be used for embedding purposes. This happened also during the first day of our laboratory session last April 15, 2008. This activity refreshed and enhanced my skills in paper boat making since I usually make a crumpled paper boats in the past. Because of this activity, I learned and discovered new techniques on how to make a neat and presentable paper boats.

The third activity which happened on the morning of April 16, 2008 was about section cutting and fishing out the tissue in the floating out bath. The tissues were already provided and our job is to cut them and place them on the floating out bath. The floating out bath was maintained at a temperature that is 10^°C lesser than the melting temperature of paraffin (45^°C). Such temperature should be maintained to avoid melting of the paraffin in the floating out bath. The floating out procedure is incorporated in tissue section preparation to straighten up the tissue section prior to fishing out. During the said activity, I realized that practice really makes perfect. Just like paper boat making, section cutting is also my weakness. Following the section cutting, floating out the tissue from the floating out bath was the next procedure done. In this certain activity, I have successfully floated out and stained a section of my tissue during my first trial. During deparaffinization, the whole class used direct flame with the use of an alcohol and xylene.

On the afternoon of April 16, 2008, staining was the next procedure we have performed. We are all required to stain all our tissue sections made. The staining procedure is based on the principle of histochemistry which means the chemical reaction of the tissue towards the dye. This activity made us memorize by heart the uses of each reagents and stain which was positioned in an array according to its sequence. We used the H&E staining method which is a regressive type of staining.

The sixth activity deals on the mounting and embedding of our newly stained tissue. This activity have trained me to control my hands and made sure that there would be no any bubble formation during performing the procedure. The mountant used was Eukitt mounting medium which is considered as a good mounting medium. A good mounting medium should have a refractive index near to 1.518. The Eukitt mounting medium dries in 20 minutes and remains clear for at least 10 years. This mountant is passive to ultraviolet light and is unaffected by cold.

The last activity during our histopathology rotation is pap smearing. Prior to the activity, we were all asked to bring turbid urine. The turbidity of urine is very detrimental on the tissue staining since a lot of debris is needed for this staining process. The Pap test can indicate a presence of infection, abnormal cervical cells or, cervical cancer. This activity made me differentiate the differences and similarities of H&E staining and Pap staining.

INTO A NEW WORLD

2008-04-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have entered the World of War craft! I'm a priest possessing a lot of healing powers and other magics! Never expected that this game is as fun as i thought!

Impossible things are possible in this world! I can levitate, fly riding mysterious creatures and cast magic on my enemies!

Obviously this game has eaten a big part of my daily time schedule! I commit to play this game from 7:00pm to 12:00 am......

Though, I know my limitations! No playing during exam period! Discipline! :)

IM AN INTERN!

2008-04-09T03:20:00.000-07:00

Yipee! I passed all my major subjects in my third year! Whew! That was a really tough year for me..... I must admit in one way I have sacrificed my academics with my extra curricular activities. Often times, achievements needs sacrifice!

While approaching my teacher, I was so anxious. I even thought on how to react if ever I will fail in my subjects... Actually I am so happy! Though i can express it fully within the department since a lot my classmates fail and I don't want them to feel insecure.....

My constant prayers were heard. I know that I can't graduate with latin honors, but at least I can finish my undergrad within 4 years!

Now, more challenges awaits me in my internship and I will make sure that I am ready to face all of them! i promised to drop all my extra curricular activities. I will never sacrifice my academics with any other factors/ activities! I'm a step closer to my long term goal!

Truly, thinking positive really pays-off!

Testing my Strength and Optimism

2008-04-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Now a long term dream may pend due to the different challenges and circumstances of times."

I have just taken my final exam in hematology and it was so mind-buggling! I must admit that I have studied and prepared for the exam for almost five days... yet it seems that all my efforts were not enough....

That exam was a make-or-break exam for me. I need to pass in that exam to proceed to the internship program this summer. Failure to pass the exam would not be able to proceed to fourth year and would repeat the subject until its next offering.

Now What If I fail in that exam? Could i still hold on and remain strong just to fulfill my dreams? Will I still have the determination that I need to survive with this tough subject?

Im really so worried on what would happen next! I cant accept that I will fail (hopefully not). It would be of great shame on me being the president of Medtech who flopped in his academics!

Im still keeping my fingers crossed and still keeping and holding on the little optimism that I have!

May God's will be done!

GROWING ANXIETY

2008-03-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

"Time ticks fast". Today, I have spent my whole day reading for my upcoming exam in hematology! Im still half-way and I need to absorb every information as fast as possible!

This upcoming exam is a make-or-break exam for all of us (junior medtech pipz) to qualify for the internship program! As time continues to tick, my anxiety grows!

Self discipline coupled with a lot of prayers will be my only hope!

A Sad Result

2008-03-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Ive got the result of my NSO application for my birth Certificate-it was negative!

Now piled up problems in chains arose! If i cant secure that NSO certified birth Certificate, here are the consequences;

1. PROMISSORY LETTER. I have to make a promissory letter to the Medtech Department that I will be able to secure my certificate by the opening of the second semester, nevertheless, my internship will be cancelled.

2. CANT GRADUATE. The University requires each of the candidates for graduation a NSO certified birth certificate.

3. CANT TAKE THE BOARD EXAM. Same requirement for the board exam!

Despite these, I still remain optimistic, hopeful and positive that I could overcome and solve this problem as soon as possible!

After all, God gave us problems to train and prepare us for a bigger problems in the future.

NSO DaY!

2008-03-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ahay! Now I can call myself a victim of the Philippine government's poor services!

I spent the whole day in the National Statistics Office here in Dumaguete. I woke up early to be one of the 150 allowed to apply for a national certification of birth. Actually i was the 123th!

I never expected that there's a lot more inconveniences that awaits me in that government agency!

The NSO building seems to be a typical 1940-1950 residential house acquired by the government through an embargo. The office itself speaks that it used to be a residential house and was not built mainly to become the National Statistics Office of the government.

The building has a very poor ventilation and a narrow hallway. Now Im sure there's a lot of airborne bacteria, fungi and viruses that inhabits its air. Upon entering the building, a "sweaty"fume and warm air welcomes each of its visitor! Truly the place is so yucky! If I was given a choice, I would rather wait for my turn outside than to stay inside that microbial palace!

The agency boasts in its posters that they have a computerized system in retrieving files-"making the process faster". But what happen was a complete opposite of what the poster tries to convey! The whole process was interrupted due to the relapsing power interruptions! And sad to say, they do not have a generator! Now the warm air inside the building turns into a hell-like environment! It seems that the building was designed to roast all its visitors!

My recollection reminds me of how the people complains and loose their temper while waiting for the electricity to come back!

Now this is how we, tax payers of the country, were being served by the government! We experienced all the inconveniences in securing public documents plus health hazards that continues to be a potential risk.

Reunion with Cheenee

2008-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

Upon receiving a text message from Cheenee (my sis in UPS) that she is in Dumaguete, I was so excited to meet her and talk to her once again.

She really look good and sexy as she was wearing her light blue shirt and kinky shorts. We talk about a lot of things. Although, we haven't seen each other for quite some time, we still have the bond we had way back then. I really miss her and was happy so her again!

Allow me to tell how i knew cheenee way back before we become brothers and sisters in the same organization:

It was Clint Ordoyo, a good friend of mine and happened to be Cheenee's boyfriend in 2005, introduced me to her. Then I later knew that she was residing in the same dormitory with my crush. Then i tried to befriend her and ask her help for my courting-plans. After then, I later knew she entered a fraternity/Sorority named Upsilon Phi Sigma. She recruited me but I refused to. (was a creepy anti-frat by that time).

I had to admit that I had a crush on her before. hehehe (she knows). heehhe
It was when I decided to join the same organization that I really knew Cheenee and became one of my closest sis in the organization.

BACKTRACKS...... Cheenee left dumaguete after the closing of the first semester of 2007. She happened to be the Grand Archon of Upsilon Phi Sigma.

The picture above was taken when I visit Cheenee in her dance troupe practices at the Luce auditorium. As to the date..... i forgot!

A Lonely Day that was!

2008-03-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am about to surrender to my bed and call it a day. Today is a very boring day for me. Life without pressures could be so boring just like today.

I used to be so busy and think of a lot of things. I used to be so anxious about exams and other academic related problems. I used to think about upcoming meetings and other organization-related stuffs.

Today, I just sat down and surf over the net the whole day. Watching to Youtube and searching on ways to improve my blogsite. I'm not used to this and hate this kind of life. I wanted to be busy again! I feel weak when I don't feel any pressure and thrill!