Sannga ba ang punta natin?

Well I had a very lengthy discussion with a very good friend, and this time, the topic is about "heaven and hell", which, I guess is a quite heavy topic for a casual conversation.

Paniwala nya kasi, there is no heaven, hell, or purgatory, while I think otherwise. He believes that we are placed here on earth and it is here where we should make our own heaven, doing what Jesus has made while He is here on earth, and we should all strive to live a good Christian life. That way, our stay here on earth becomes heaven.

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So this is how life goes..

You Only Live Once.

This is a statement that you might commonly hear everywhere. This cliché Has been used repeatedly that it has lost its real meaning. Well, based on my observations. Youngsters tend to do things which maybe dangerous, or overly pleasure-giving, and say YOLO! afterwards, as if what they did can really make life worth living.

Just today, I realized how fragile life is. How important it is to be cherished and to be enjoyed the right way. Let me tell you the story of Chicky (as named by my sister).

Day 1. May 9, 2015. Saturday
It was the start of the strong winds and rains Dodong has unleashed in our province. For an hour or two, torrential winds really blew up everything to our house - dust, dirt, garbage. As I was planning to go outside and meet friends, I waited for the rain to stop.

It stopped after two hours, and then left our house. As I came back, I heard it. This chick peeping, maybe asking for her mother. I saw it, still wet from the rains, in a box, with a flashlight focused on it, one foot still not working, one eye still closed. It just lay still, probably looking for its mother.

I asked my mom where they got Chicky. She said they saw it in our backyard after the rains. (Well, we do have a wall before our backyard, and it stands 6 feet. So Chicky really flew its way across - or better yet, was carried by the strong winds.)

I took Chicky in my hands, put some gentle pressure over it with both hands, to simulate a hen's way to keep her chicks warm. For a second, it stopped peeping, and felt it sleep.

Still looking for a heat source (we don't have a lamp), I tried improvising. I took our WiFi router, put some foil over it, and then put the router on a box. I placed Chicky, still immobile, over the router. It continued sleeping.

Well, I just prayed that Chicky will make it through the cold night.

Day 2, May 10, 2015, Sunday
As I went out of our room, I saw Chicky's box empty. As I rushed to the box, I heard some peeping. Chicky is on the floor! And she's able to walk and the other eye was open! I took Chicky on both hands, and thanked God for the blessing. And then, I put Chicky on her box.

We are set to go to our grandparents' house to celebrate Mother's Day. I can't bring Chicky along. The air conditioning might cause hypothermia. What I did is, I put the box below the table where it's at, took some water and cooked rice (the best I can give), and left the box open for ventilation. Took off.

Now as we arrived, I noticed that our grandparents are currently taking care of a hen! So sad we didn't bring Chicky along. I was looking for surrogates, since I really have no idea where it came from in our street.

Came home, and looking for a sign of Chicky. Yes, that peeping is still present! Again, prepared its pseudo-coop, and resigned for the night,

Day 3, May 11, 2015, Monday

Well Chicky is a strong chick. I was able to hear the peeping while still in my room. She's in her lair, unlike yesterday. Took her some food, water. And was ready for the day. My sister took her outside - saying that she needs the warmth. Took her out, then put her in shade after an hour or two of exposure. She shows promise to survive until I look for surrogates.

I tried looking for other houses which have hens, but still, negative. I really wonder where Chicky came from.

The night of Monday, Chicky has a weaker-than-normal peeping. I thought she was just tired for peeping the whole day. Hell, who wouldn't? I set up her lair again, and put her on top of the router. She moved, but the peeping is the main concern. It was weaker.

An hour later, the peeping stopped. My brother told me that Chicky stopped peeping, and was immobile. I immediately ran to her box and looked, her eyes closed, immobile, but still, breathing spontaneously. "She's sleeping.", I told myself.

I never thought it would be her last day.

Day 4, May 12, 2015, Tuesday

No peeping. No signs of Chicky. I saw her on her lair, immobile, and not breathing. I took her with my hands, and saw that she laid still, one eye open (possibly because of her position), with what I think is saliva dripping out of her beak.

Chicky has died.

Filled with sadness, I took Chicky to our backyard, our first encounter with her, dug a hole, and told Chicky that I am sorry for being a bad steward. I buried Chicky with a promise to be a better one to other animals.

LIFE may seem easy, as we can do everything with it, as well as our bodies, as we can do as we please. Little do we know that this life that we take for granted is a highly fragile one, and once the damage was made, there's no turning back. It's our choice if it will pass and be remembered, or be put into misery. 

Once life is already lost, we cannot say sorry to the Lord, the only life giver, for being a bad steward for our bodies and lives. A life is a gift from God, and what we must do with it is something that will make God proud of.

Rest in peace, Chicky.

GENERIC MEDICINES: Ano nga ba sila?

Kanina, kagagaling ko lang sa palengke dito samin para bumili ng maintenance drugs ng nanay ko. Matagal na kasi syang na-diagnose ng hypertension pati diabetes, at kinailangan na talaga nyang ma-control ang presyon at blood glucose nya.

Pumunta ako sa pinakamalapit na The Generics Pharmacy at Generika, (bawal bang mag-advertise? Hehe) para dun bilhin ang mga gamot nya. Actually nagsimula yan nung magtrabaho ako sa PhilHealth, kasi nag-pledge ako na ako ang bibili ng gamot ng nanay ko, bilang contribution ko na din sa gastusin sa bahay. Nang una, branded pa binibili ng nanay ko, at sabi ko naman, try muna naming bumili ng generics, tignan namin kung parehas lang ang epekto o hindi. Sa ikinabigla namin, parehas lang ang epekto - umayos naman ang blood pressure ng nanay ko, at ang sugar, medyo tumataas, pero ayos pa din naman. Ibig sabihin, effective din naman. Nice. Tipid.

Nung BS Nursing pa ang tine-take ko, palagi nang sinasabi samin ng mga professors namin na ang mga generic drugs naman daw ay effective at safe, nagkaiba lang naman sa excipient (yung powder na nag-huhulma sa tabletas). Simula noon, nung mag-duty kami sa mga hospitals, napakalakas kong advocate ng generic medicines. Talagang pinag-pipilitan ko sa mga pasyente na bumili ng generic medicines, para maka-mura.

Pero pagdating ko sa Medicine course ko, di ko alam kung magbabago ba ang pananaw ko sa generic drugs o hindi.

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Stay, or Go Away?

Kanina, kausap ko ng masinsinan ang kasama kong Christian galing sa ibang denomination when it comes to faith and Christianity. Tinanong ko sya ng isang tanong na matagal ko nang gustong tanungin, isang tanong na bumubulabog sa sarili ko bilang isang Kristiyano.

"Kung hindi ko na nararamdamang lumalalim ang paniniwala ko sa denomination ko ngayon, anong advice mo, lumipat ako ng ibang denomination, o mag-stay na lang akong ganito?"

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The "Elegant" that GILAS PILIPINAS is now

We are never the "giants" in world basketball. We entered the arena being belittled, and inasmuch as we have the heart to play and win this basketball tournament, when it comes to physicality, we are highly outmatched. Iilan na nga lang matangkad sa team natin, yung isa, "naturalized" pa.

But hey, we soared high this time!

I am not a devout fan of basketball. I am just a silent watcher (viewer, whatever you may call it) and whenever our national team plays in a game (either local or international), I am just there to watch and support them, even if I'm just in front of the boob tube. However, this arrival of the Philippines to the world stage has set my liking to the sport to the next level. It made me realize better the "coolness" of the sport. Naks, pang-FIBA na talaga tayo! and this time, even though we aren't able to get to the finals or just to the next round, I became more proud of being a Filipino, for these guys definitely brought home the bacon.

We may have lacked the skills to face these giants blocking our way to championship. We may have lesser resources to train on. We may not have the tallest people on the team. Let's admit it, the team, as they played against different countries, looked like they are just a bunch of children playing with professional ballers - for they got the height and the proper training to venture in this tournament.

But these "tiny players" got something to show. Walang malaking nakakapuwing. There's definitely a "David" for every "Goliath". We may be insufficient to be in that stage, but looking at the team's performance - 3/5 games we have lost by just 3-4-point difference, 1/5 lost with just a 12-point difference, and the last battle we had to face, we have won, with a 3-point lead - it definitely shows that we can make it, and next time, we can do better.

Whenever a team loses a battle, sadness and depression definitely sets in. Not only to the players, but also to their supporters. However, my friends and I have felt the opposite - there may be regret at some point, but through what they have shown, the team has got the highest respect that we can offer. Even my friend has said that "Kahit di tayo umabot sa Top 16, pero kapag umuwi ang mga yan, at may Heroes' Welcome sila, pupunta ako." ("Even though we didn't make it to the Top 16, but if the team went home and is given a Heroes' Welcome, I would definitely go.")

From what we call "The Curse of Korea", the team has really flourished like a tiny sampaguita - soft, pure, and fragile - but when it blooms, it gives out a fragrance that no one can't mimic. We have turned from the "cursed" to the "breaker" of curses, from a small, belittled team to a big and respected one. We definitely have soared from the "broken-winged" bird we have become for 40 years now. They have definitely shown "Gilas" (elegance), in which the team is named after.

I can't really express how I admire and how hand-down I am for these people. With our "PUSO", we have conquered every obstacles that have come our way. You guys just made me, no, the Philippines proud. Ayos lang kahit di tayo pumasok sa Top 16. Even I, if given a chance, would definitely prepare a welcome for you.

...and this event (might) open the government's eyes that we definitely can go to the world stage when it comes to sports. We have the right people and the "heart" - we just need the proper support and a little "push" - and we can dominate in every aspect we work on.

Saludo ako sa inyo, Gilas! Pati na rin sa'yo Coach Chot!

(Photo taken from Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Fanpage)

#LabanPilipinas #PUSO #ParaSaBayan

PS: Tignan nyo, may humihirit pa, Wildcard daw for Top 16. Naks naman!

Ang Pilipino at ang "Freedom of Speech"

Kahapon, habang nanonood ako ng balita, ipinakita ang iba't-ibang reaksyon ng mga Pilipino ukol sa state visit ni US President Barack Obama sa Pilipinas, at ang paglalagda ng isang agreement na napapatungkol sa "military presence" ng Estados Unidos sa ating bansa. Bawat Pilipino'y may kanya-kanyang opinyon - may mga sang-ayon sa ideyang ito, at meron din namang mga hindi sang-ayon. At dahil sa ating "Freedom of Speech", malaya nating naipapahayag ang ating mga opinyon at saloobin.

Pagkatapos ng Martial Law, malaya na nating na-e-exercise ang "freedom" na ito. Wala nang manghuhuli sa atin, kung sakaling ipapahayag natin ang ating mga opinyon. Malaya na tayong makaka-tuligsa o sumang-ayon sa bawat galaw ng gobyerno. Malaya.

Kalayaan. Freedom. Napakagandang salita. Ngunit mahirap pangatawanan.

Naituro sa amin sa eskwelahan ang paksang "freedom". Ito ay estado na kung saan nagagawa ng isang tao ang mga gusto niyang gawin. Ang gawin ang isang bagay ng walang pumipigil, at walang pag-aalinlangan, ngunit may kapalit - sa bawat kalayaan na naibibigay satin, dapat, may responsibilidad. Kasi, kapag nagamit mo ang kalayaan mo para masira na ang kalayaan ng ibang tao, hindi na iyon maituturing na kalayaan.

Ipinakita sa telebisyon kahapon ang iba't-ibang kilos protesta na isinagawa ng iba nating kababayan bilang pagtuligsa sa Visiting Forces Agreement at ang state visit. May mga nag-welga sa daan, kumain ng itlog bilang tanda ng kanilang "maralitang hapunan" na pinaniniwalaan nilang "tunay na estado ng Pilipinas sa ngayon". Umulan, ngunit hindi pa din napigilan ang kanilang pagpapahayag ng kanilang saloobin. Kung sa persistence lang, napakagandang hakbang nito upang ipaglaban ang sariling opinyon ng may kaakibat na responsibilidad.

Sa General Santos City, isang grupo naman ng kabataan ang pumunta sa isang satellite branch ng Department of Foreign Affairs sa isang mall. Kung tutuusin, kalayaan din naman ito upang ipahayag ang kanilang opinyon. Ngunit iilang sandali lamang, lumapit na ang grupo ng mga kabataan, pinagtatanggal ang mga posts na naka-ayos sa branch, sumugod sa lugar kung saan naghihintay ang mga kababayang namamag-asang makakuha ng passport, pinag-susugod ang mga gwardya at kinauukulan, at ginulo ang mga upuan na dapat sana'y ginagamit ng mga customer nito. Sa madaling salita, isang kaguluhan ang nangyari sa kung tutuusin dapat ay isang tahimik at payapang pag-proseso ng iba sa kanilang mga dokumento.

Palagay mo, "freedom of speech" pa din ba ito?

May bugbugan, may alitan, may away dito at doon, at nang may magtangkang kumuha ng litrato ng insidente, isang raliyista ang sumugod, kinuha ang cellphone na ginamit at akmang sisirain ito. Natigil lang ang gulo nang may isang raliyistang masugatan at naging duguan.

Don't get me wrong. Ayos lang din naman sa akin kung may mga raliyista at tumutuligsa sa isang bagay na sinasang-ayunan ko. Dahil sa kanila, may mga pagsasaayos na nagagawa sa mga batas at mga alituntunin na ipinapatupad ng gobyerno. At dahil dun, nasasaayos ang ating bansa. Win-win situation, diba? Pero kung isinasaalang-alang naman natin ang kaayusan, ang kalayaan ng ibang tao, at ang kaligtasan ng lahat, palagay ko'y dapat magkaroon pa din ng masinsinang pagiisip at pag-aalinlangan kung dapat bang gawin ang isang hakbang. Maraming paraan upang maisagawa ang mga bagay na ito, at marami din namang options na ligtas para sa lahat, at nasisiguradong walang naaabalang tao. Sundin ang mga batas at alituntunin na ibinigay kapalit ng kalayaang gawin ang gustong gawin. I-consider ang mga benefits at risks na maaaring mangyari. Gawin ito sa mapayapang paraan.

Batid ko ding mukhang bingi-bingihan minsan ang ating gobyerno tungkol sa mga opinyon at kuro-kuro ng mamamayan. Minsan, ang mga rally at mga petisyon ng mga Pilipino ay naibabaon na lang sa limot. Pero hindi ito masosolusyunan sa marahas na paraan. Sa maayos at masinsinang pakikipag-talastasan, at least, may pag-asa pa din naman. Gumawa ng online petition. Gumawa ng ingay sa social media.At kung titignan mo, ang mga isyu na naipapalabas sa media ay ang mga isyung tinututukan ng gobyerno. Dahil yan ang abot-kaya at ang ginagamit ng kabataan at ng mga mamamayan ngayon, (tulad ng ginawa ni Barack Obama sa kanyang campaign) siguradong may pag-asa pa din para mapakinggan ang ating boses. 

Mabuhay ang bansang Pilipinas!

Is this GEEK talk getting overboard?

It was a plain Friday night when my friends just invited me to crash on a friend's house, buy some snacks, and just talk to each other and update each other on whatever happened to our lives these past few months. 

Yeah, it's the usual meet-up - us munching on food, and others already talking about their cool experiences. One opened up about his new found love, the other, about breakup. Advice has flown from a party to another. One talked about getting a movie, and then sharing it with others, and even planned for a movie marathon. And yeah, yours truly, has thought about how this person will get his movie, and yeah, I talked about torrenting, and explained its concepts, benefits, and risks. Truly something about my life.

"Torrenting is just simple. You take a piece of paper, then transfer it to others piece-by-piece. When your internet connection stops, the "paper distribution" just stops, but when it's on again, you just continue. Unlike regular download, you can resume on your stop point, until you finish. When you finish, you do the paper sharing with others, together with the one who shared it with you."

This is statement I gave to my friends, and they were absolutely stunned - I don't know if I spoke with words they can't digest yet (they're not that tech-savvies), or because I did that "geek talk" again, with no relation whatsoever to what we're talking about. After that long pause, I asked them, "am I that geeky?" Others said "no", but others kept silent.

Then another friend continues the "personal experiences" talk.

I asked myself, am I too geeky? I remember some who told me that I tend to over-expound things, however, they also said that it's better to explain it further than leave it under-explained.

There was one occurrence when a friend asked about what a neurosurgeon (my dream specialization) does. I told him about the usual, performing craniotomy, and other surgeries that involve the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. But I didn't stop there - I talked about craniotomy, how it is done, why it is done, etc. Moreover, I also talked about diseases that may lead to doing craniotomy, using terms that are not that misleading, as much as possible.

I also remember talking about the Stonehenge, and the Great Pyramids of Giza, and their histories, involving the alien-conspiracy theories evolving about these structures, as well as the recent news about these structures while we are talking about a song entitled "Stonehenge".

I don't know. I can't compare myself to the knowledgeable "Kuya Kim Atienza" of the Philippines, but I surely idolize him. I know I tend to over-explain things to people, and talk about additional information wherein they don't even ask for it. Being that way, I think may have its benefits and risks in my chosen career. I may explain a disease condition further to a patient, explain the treatment regimen that I have chosen, what the risks and benefits of performing something, and what to expect. Patients love that. However, there are also risks involved, which may include a patient being bombarded with so much information that it just gets complicated.

I really don't know. I think that this quality is already a part of who I am, with that underlying "researcher" inside me, I think that this "geek talk" will stay that way, and I hope to harness its benefits in the future.

Anyway, Happy Easter, everyone.

Is it your first?

Final exams have just ended, and being able to answer the 110th item in that exam means that I am finally free from all the school works, and finally, a vacation after about what, 10 months?

Either I admit it or not, those past ten months, my body has been full of epinephrine, as well as cortisol. Stress hormones. Every day, I have to do something productive, and even though I don't have something to do the next day, my mind would still look for something to do, and even invoke my conscience that I should do something so my workload will somewhat lighten.

Yes, medicine is quite challenging. Before I entered medicine, I thought to myself, this is just an easy course. It's like nursing wherein I will study for an hour or two, sleep, then eat, then prepare for school and still, ace the exams. Have a relaxing day or two, then study just the night before, then take the exams again. But now, everyone has to read a handout twice, or thrice, just to get the answers right. Moreover, some professors would somewhat "add a twist" by getting questions from other books which are not prescribed or somewhat not read.

But still, I'm proud I survived this year, and I'm proud that I entered medicine. Not only because I don't have a stable job (so this is somewhat a form of escape, haha), but also, because this is my childhood dream, and while working as a nurse, I just felt the feeling that I can do something better. I have always thought I can diagnose and treat patients, conduct medical missions and such, and perform surgeries that only a trained physician can do. Right now, I am an MD. "Medyo Duktor".

This is a year of firsts. My first to have this big a peer group, who will support me in everything I do. It is also the first time that I have a symbiotic relationship with a group of people, wherein we carry ourselves, not racing to go to the top spot. I learned to give more than I give myself, I learned how to be patient with people, and I learned how to deal with others more. Someone who can appreciate the talents that I have long hidden.

It's my first to play the piano. Actually, it's my childhood dream to play the instrument. I remember that before, I used to bug my parents about getting a keyboard, but unfortunately, my wish was never granted. It's understandable - who will teach me if ever I got one? And now, this friend (who is really great with the instrument), saw my desire to play the piano, and even though it seems really late to play such, still tried to teach me the basics, the chords, scales, etc. Now, I'm getting the hang of it.

It's my first time to, for three consecutive months, have a somewhat "fitness routine". Jogging, then diet control. If not of these friends who continually encouraged me to run (even though at first, my endurance was really poor), to control what I eat, I think I won't be motivated to have a more active lifestyle, and somewhat lose weight. Guess what? Before this school year ended, I lost some! And this summer, I plan on getting regular runs, and hopefully, next school year, I would show up more fit than before.

It's my first time to drink alcohol that much. Yes.

It's my first time to enjoy schooling and life at the same time. To sum it up, it's stressful, but it's worth it. With the proper people to join me in this journey, I think that having myself in this challenging condition would be a joyride.

God said, "Let there be light: and there was light."

In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

                                                              - Genesis 1: 1-4 (KJV)

Imagine life without electricity. Not being able to use your computer or cellular phones for communication. No television to be updated with the latest news. No radio for simple entertainment. If you're a person like me who depends on electricity in order to function properly, then, you might just think, "I won't live." 

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The Perfect Pinoy Resume (Part III)

Just in case you've landed here and haven't read the first two installments, you can start reading here. If not, then, you're welcome to proceed.

Step 12. Aesthetics. Your resume is something that reflects who you are. This means that it depends on how you style it how your prospective employer sees you. However, there are some standards to keep when doing your resume.

a. If you're trying to get into a company that works on design or architecture, and the like, then you can make a resume that is full of aesthetics. Lines and shapes might just make you land the job, if done right. You need to use whatever designing methods you can do, however, you must know what is excessive and what is lacking. Something that can impress, a clean but sophisticated resume can help you.

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Next year, is the year of the ALTAR!

The incoming year is fast approaching - as I am writing this, (it's exactly 10:38 PM GMT +8), it's approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes before we welcome another set of 365 days, another year of joy, blessings, and prosperity. But let me ask you, who is to thank for the past 365 days, and for the incoming 365 days?

As I attend the New Year's mass today in our church, I've experienced one of the most spiritual and most inspiring mass as to date. After finishing the mass, I just felt energized, felt positive, and hopeful for the incoming year. Now, I would just like to share to you one of the most striking statements of our priest, which is about the ALTAR.

This new year, we must always remember the ALTAR. Everytime we receive Jesus' body and blood, we must remember the ALTAR, and as we pray, we must remember the ALTAR. If you're wondering what the ALTAR is, let me break it down for you.

ADORATION. We must adore the Lord, and worship Him, for He is the most generous, loving, and forgiving person we know. He has given us a lot of blessings which we do not even expect and deserve. He is loving because He accepts us even though we have turned away from Him several times. He is forgiving, because that hand is forever extended to us, even though we have sinned. Adoration. Something that is deserving to the Lord, our Creator, and our Savior.

LOVE. Let's express our love to Him. Right now, let's tell Him how much we love Him. For a person who is overly generous and forgiving, He definitely deserves our love and affection. A loving relationship with Him is definitely the best relationship we can enter into, for this is a relationship that is full of love ONLY, and no space for hate. Love that does not expect love in return, for it just depends on us if we decide to give it back. That time is now.

THANKSGIVING. We may not realize it, but we are definitely blessed more than what we expect, and what we deserve. There are a lot of things that we have taken for granted, and there are definitely a lot of things we should thank for. Ultimately, let's thank Him for the gift of life. We are lucky to be waking up everyday, experiencing things that we enjoy, spending time with our family and friends, and more time to prove that we are worthy of our existence. A simple "thank you" is enough. A "thank you" for all those blessings we have and we are currently experiencing, and those blessings that we will definitely experience in the future. A "thank you" for the food in our tables, for our family, friends, and many more, and a "thank you" to Him for giving His only begotten Son, to save us from our own sins.

ASK. For someone who knocks, the door will be opened. Moreover, we are lucky that the person inside that door is infinitely generous. Ask Him everything you want to have, be it physical health, spiritual guidance, material wealth, peace of mind, anything. Ask, and you shall receive. Most of all, claim it. Thank Him already for those things you have asked for, for He will grant them - not instantly, but in ways and in the time we do not expect.

REJOICE. Rejoice because there is a new year coming. Another year of experiences, of happiness, prosperity, peace, enriching problems, of growth, and life. This second, minute, hour, and day is a moment of joy, and that is because the Lord is always with us, and has never left us, even in times of difficulty. Let us rejoice because this will definitely be a blessed year, and because we have overcome a year of problems and difficulties. Rejoice because we get another year wherein we can praise Him for all His goodness. 

That's it, the ALTAR. Adoration, Love, Thanksgiving, Ask, Rejoice. The Lord is definitely worthy of all these - and is more than willing to accept these. Moreover, as the year ends, let's offer Him everything we have - be it our successes, our happiness, our joys, or even our problems and doubts we had the past year, for He will definitely multiply those positives, and reduce those negatives. Now, as 12 o'clock ticks in our watches, let's offer a small prayer, better if we have our families with us, and think of the ALTAR.

For that light will definitely save us in times of darkness.

In addition, let's light a candle in our tables. The first thing that the Lord has made is the light, and that our candle's light is a symbol of being reborn. As the New Year approaches, let's be born again, with all those positivity, and brush away those negativities. Let's let that small light burn in our hearts and minds, to warm those cold times we have in store for next year, and to enlighten our minds when we are covered in darkness.

Again, a prosperous, happy, and peaceful New Year to all of us! It's a New Year, and it's definitely a NEW BEGINNING!

(And let's watch our blood glucose and cholesterol levels after, shall we?)

PMA (Pahinga Muna, Anak)

Kamakailan, habang kami ay nasa bahay ng aking lola, paglabas ko ng kusina ay narinig ko ang nanay ko kausap ang aking tiya, na sinabi daw ng isa ko pang tiya na "naaawa daw sya sa akin, dahil parang napagkaitan daw ako ng kabataan nang dahil sa pag-aaral."

Siguro, may mga pagkakataon ding nasasabi ko sa isip ko na tama nga ang sinabi ng tita ko. Na napagkaitan ako ng kabataan. Nabuhay ako ng 22 years na puno ng pressure - ako ang kuya ng buong pamilya, na inaasahang posibleng bumuhay sa pamilya sa hinaharap. Ako din ang maituturing na "achiever" sa bahay, dahil maganda naman ang performance ko sa school. Pressure diba? May mga pagkakataon noong grade school ako na grounded ako dahil ayaw kong mag-aral para sa "Spelling Bee" na hindi naman kailangang ireview. Nang high school, napakalaking parusa sa akin nang malipat ako ng second section dahil sa computer games. At nang college, nawalan ako ng "night life" dahil sa pag-aaral ng mabuti. Kung ikaw ang makaranas nito, masasabi mo bang napagkaitan ka ng kabataan?

Ako, napagkaitan ba ako ng kabataan?

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Siguro. Siguro dahil kung titignan mo ang "bell curve" at ang standard deviation ko sa mga ka-edad ko, nasa outliers siguro ako, o yung mga nasa lugar na hindi pangkaraniwan (kung sa imahe sa itaas, nasa asul na mga punto siguro ako). Outlier dahil hindi ako nakapaglaro ng tumbang preso kasama ang mga bata sa daan, hindi nakapaglaro ng patintero kasama ang mga pinsan araw-araw. Dahil hindi ko na-enjoy ang rebellious phase ng high school, walang ganoong katinong barkadahan, at hindi nakatikim ng alak o nakapunta man sa mga bar dahil wala akong nightlife nung college. Malungkot siguro ang buhay ko. At nasabi ng isang kaibigan, masayado daw "predictable" ang buhay ko, dahil napaka-plantsado ng buhay ko. Dry. Tuyo. Barren.

Kailangan kong tanggapin ang mapait na katotohanan, na napagkaitan nga ako ng kabataan. Pero kung tutuusin, nang dahil sa pagdadamot sa akin nito, nabigyan naman ako ng masaganang kinabukasan. Ang mga achievements na natanggap ko simula nang bata ako, mga honors, pagpasa ng board exams, at ang ngayong estado ko, bilang studyante ng medisina, at mga nalalaman ko ngayon, ay bunga ng pagdadamot nila nang bata ako. At dahil dito, siguro nama'y may naghihintay sa aking napakagandang kinabukasan, hindi lang para sakin, kundi para sa pamilya ko na din, at para sa mundo. 

Kung matapos ko man ang kursong ito, dadagdag ako sa mga doktor na kasalukuyang nagkukulang sa Pilipinas. May isang doktor na sasama sa mga medical mission na kung saan maraming mga tao ang nangangailangan. Isang doktor na posibleng makagamot sa isang hindi pa magamot na sakit. At higit sa lahat, isang doktor na may takot sa Diyos.

At dahil sa mga bagay na naghihintay na 'yon, siguro, hindi muna ako magpapahinga. Sabi sa amin ng mentor ko sa school, in Medicine, you learn continuously, even after you graduate. Kaya siguro, hindi na talaga ako magpapahinga sa pag-aaral. At kung yung duktor sa taas ang kapupuntahan ko, ay wag na talaga akong magpahinga. Dahil yun ang kailangan sa kasalukuyan, at may tsansa akong mapunan ang pagkukulang.

Kung sigurong magkaka-anak ako, at mayroon silang mga pangarap na mukhang napakaimposible, itutulak ko pa din siguro sila. Dahil minsan, ang mga bagay na napakaimposible ay nasa ganoong estado dahil sila ang pinaka-kailangan ng lipunan. Sabi nga ng isa pang blogger, "Be Unrealistic and Dream the Unattainable." Ipe-pressure ko sila ng naaakma sa kapasidad at sa mga pangarap nila, tulad ng ginawa ng ina ko, dahil darating at darating din naman ang araw na maiintindihan din nila kung bakit ko ginawa yun.

Ngayon, outlier na kung outlier. Tulad ng isang napakasikat na quotation na "because being normal is too mainstream." Di ko man naenjoy ang kahapon, eh siguro maeenjoy ko ang kinabukasan. Nang dahil sa pressure, naging masaya din naman ako kahit papaano, dahil maraming nalalaman, at nagbubunga din naman lahat ng paghihirap. Siguro, passion ko na talaga ang learning. Kaya, thanks, 'ma! :)

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...pero joke lang ang sabi ko sa itaas. Uminom din naman ako ng alak nung college. Pero konti lang, siguro dalawang bote lang ng RH simula first year hanggang graduation. Honesto, pramis!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, mga kaibigan!

Christmas - It's About Thanking and Giving Back

First of all, guys, I would like to greet you a Merry Christmas, in behalf of my family!

I remember one church homily just on my way to completing the Simbang Gabi, stating that Christmas is a season to thank God for all the blessings that we have received for the year, and also to give back to what He has provided us with. It is indeed true - the Lord, first of all, has given his only begotten Son just to redeem us for our sins, and that, is something that we cannot do - more than that, He also has given several things that we even might not be aware of.

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Are we Pinoys really crazy?

"I think, that you are all getting crazy."

The statement above is what an "American" classmate said after getting a low score in one of our exams. He is an "American" because he lived in the USA for several years, though having both Filipino parents. Note: He declared himself a Filipino for him to get a huge tuition fee discount, but when we asked him if he considers himself a Filipino, he said he doesn't. Cool.

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Anak

"My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. Their teaching will improve your character as a handsome turban or a necklace improves your appearance."  - Proverbs 1:8-9 

Kamakailan lamang, habang nakasakay ako sa isang jeepney, may tatlong lalaking sumakay pagkatapos ko. Maingay ang mga kalalakihang kasama ko sa jeep, at parang may pinag-uusapan sila. At dahil hindi ko din naman maiwasang makinig sa kanila dahil wala naman akong earphones, medyo may mga narinig ako tungkol sa kanilang pinag-uusapan.

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It's Been Ages!

Habang nagkaklase:

Medyo matagal na din akong hindi nakakapagpost sa blog na 'to. Bakit kaya? Clue, maraming ginagawa. Boriiiiiiiing. Actually, habang ginagawa ko 'to, may klase kami. Wahahaha. *insert evil laugh here*

May 2013 pa ang last post ko. Approximately, almost 4 months na akong hindi nakakapagpost. Every month, may isang araw na naiiisip kong magpost ako, at i-share ang mga ideas ko. Kaso, darating at darating din ang panahon na tatamarin ako, minsan maraming ginagawa, at eventually, hindi na ako nakakapagsulat. Reasons.

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It's Payback Time

Minsan, may naririnig akong ungol na galing sa salas. Isang tunog na hindi ko mawari kung ano ba ang pinanggagalingan. Sa pagkakarinig ko, hindi ito ungol ng kaligayahan, hindi rin ito ungol ng lungkot at pag-iyak. At kapag nakikita ko na kung sino ang umuungol, tiyak matatamaan ako agad. Ito ay ungol ng sakit. Ungol na galing sa sumasakit na kamay ng aking inay. At ang impit na ito ay galing sa sobrang pagpipigil na nya sa sakit, pero hindi pa din mapigilan.

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Pride: Sabong Panlaba, o PRIDE lang ba talaga?

Heto ang kwento:

Nag-uusap-usap kaming magkakasama sa simbahan tungkol sa lakad namin for summer. Celebration, dahil nanalo ang kupunan namin sa basketball - champion sa Juniors division, at second placer sa Seniors division. Naisipan kong mag-trip sa mga kasama ko, mga sobrang close kong kabarkada. Sabi ko, wag na silang sumama dahil hindi din naman namin sila gustong isama, dahil hindi naman sila pumasok sa court. Agree naman ang mga kasama naming iba.

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The Perfect Pinoy Resume (Part II)

Just in case you're not able to read the first part of this resume-making saga, you can click this link.

Well, what have we accomplished? Your picture (which should not be your Facebook profile picture), contact details (contact details, not a telephone directory), and your career objective (which should be directed perfectly to your company and the position you're applying for.)

Let's now proceed to the next portion of this job-hunting step.

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The Perfect Pinoy Resume (Part I)

Unemployment is one of the issues being tackled by the government lately. This is a problem that has occurred long before, and is currently being experienced by the people today. It becomes more prominent every year because of the increasing number of graduating students, which adds to the number of unemployed sector of the population.

There are several factors in consideration when hiring individuals for work. The not-so-unusual Padrino/Backer system, as we all know, is something prominent here in the Philippines these days, but there are still companies in which this system does not absolutely prevail, like the one I'm now in. These qualifications need to represent the whole individual as an employee himself - clothing, punctuality when it comes to interviews, language, everything that reflects how the individual will be once an employee.

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