Happy Fiesta

Fiesta, the time for heaps and heaps of delicious foods and overflowing drinks and liquors. Everybody during this time just want to be full, drunk, and be merry. It has been a long tradition for Filipinos to celebrate the feast of either their patron saints or the foundation of their hometowns or baranggays, and no matter how bad the economy crisis is, Filipinos still find ways just to have a decent or even flamboyant celebration of their fiestas and that includes borrowing money from others. As what the old folks here often say, "One day of enjoyment, one year of torment." This saying often makes me laugh but I find it true. I know a lot of families here in our place having a hard time finding solutions to pay their debts after fiestas. That's how life balances everything here in the Philippines.

Fiestas are also moments where in cholesterol and alcohol levels soar up to the maximum but most of the time, a hypertensive like me couldn't really help but to munch on those enticing greasy and carbohydrate-rich food. Yeah, I know it's bad for me but should I just look at them drooling and torturing myself? As my former teacher in anatomy and physiology subject in college once said: "It doesn't matter if you die early as long as you die happy, smiling in your coffin." Well, maybe she's right but the last part, I have a doubt about it because until now, I have never seen a smiling corpse.

I know that we Filipinos need some time even just once a year to be jovial just to forget for a short moment all the problems our unfortunate third world country is facing, but sometimes I wonder if fiestas could really be a good instrument for this purpose or just another problem-producing event both for our pocket and for our health? Just asking.

Anyway, happy annual fiesta to my beloved hometown Maasin! And advance happy new year too! Let us look forward for a brighter life next year. God bless us all.

The Ultra-Amazing Super Jim

For years I have kept this secret in the deepest recesses of my soul. No breathing thing on this planet have I ever confided it for the reason that I wanted to protect those people I love from the curse of this secret. But unless I bare myself to the world, I will be forever caged in this clandestine that is starting to swallow my being. And so I decided, that it is now the ripe time for me to reveal this secret to all. The secret that yours truly is.......

................... none other than the ultra-amazing SUPER JIM!!! (Kabooooommmm!!!)

Yes dear friends, I am a superhero. And not just your typical superhero because I don't just stop a train that has lost control, or save a baby from a burning apartment building, or help an old woman get back her snatched purse from the filthy scoundrel, but I also do special things that will complete your day.

-oOo-

Are you having problem with those "medusas"? I am referring to those women who sit beside you in public use jeepnies and let their long unkempt dry hair slap your face while the PUJ takes speed to the point that your face reddens like that of a tomato? Well, have no fear, or should I say don't get mad, because SUPER JIM is here!

If I am in a good mood, I'll just talk with that woman in a nice way and ask her, "Excuse me miss, your hair have been slapping this person's face for almost a time now. And your shampoo doesn't even smell good, not to mention those split ends that are pricking his/her face like barb wires. So could you please, for the salvation of the whole world and your poor soul, keep your hair away from his/her visage?"

Now if I'm in a bad mood, I'll say nothing 'cause I'll just tie those hair without her knowing it, to the hand rail of the jeepney. There, that will keep those hair in place and eventually, the owner too! Har har har...

-oOo-

You're queuing in a long line for the ATM machine when suddenly, an impertinent moron from out of nowhere enters the queue ahead of you. You and the rest of those poor people lining after you are infuriated with this arrogant move to the point that your blood boils like a lava. Cool yourself, SUPER JIM comes to the rescue!

If I'm in a good mood, I'll just approach that person, look at him/her directly in the eye and ask whether he/she have had a Values Education subject before. If he/she will answer "yes", then I'll just remind him/her of the phrase that even my preschool cousin knows by heart that our values education teachers kept on repeating when we were still kids and that is: "Fall in line and wait for your turn!" If he/she will say "no" then I'll be glad to offer him my free good etiquette tutorial service. If ever he/she will answer "I forgot", God forbid me but I will just hit him/her in the face then I'll just said "Oops, I forgot my right manners and proper conduct. Sorry..."

Now, If I'm in a bad mood, I'll just step hard on whichever foot of his/her, and then push him/her on the side as he/she whimpers from pain. Then I'll just stand still as if nothing happened. If he/she will fight back, then it's time to use my Karate skills. Hiyaaaa..... If not, I'll just ignore the moron.

-oOo-

You see, your superhero here can do more aside from those things mentioned above. All you've got to do is shout for my name, as in shout to the point that your throat vibrates and dehydrates, and I will be surely there to help you. Don't worry, my service is free of charge, but I would say no if you'll offer me a cup of coffee and a pizza as a gratitude for my goodness. He he he...

Wait... I hear someone screaming my name for help. I think I'll just leave you here for the meantime my avid followers. I've got some saving to do. And by the way, before I go, for the sake of protecting my private life against those paparazzi, please lets keep this as a secret, okay? Thank you ever dearest confidants.

Up up and away!!!!!!

Christmas Lost, Christmas Redeemed

When I was small, Christmas was one of my favorite occasions every year aside of course from my birthday. The presents, the blinking lights, the cold breeze, the food, the jingles, and yes, the festive mood, all of this gave me the feeling of innocent bliss. And since Christmas only comes once a year, the long wait always added a feeling of thrill in me.

As I grew up, the spell that used to mesmerize me about Christmas started to wane. I think it all started with the onset of financial problems in our family that limited us from having a celebration that was well, fit for Christmas. You know, the kind of celebration kids always thought about -- lots of foods and gifts. I think during that time, that was during my elementary years, my parents were having a hard time with money due to hospitalization after hospitalization of my younger siblings. Christmas during those years were quite sad and cold because not even a simple lantern hanged on our house's front window.

The other thing that made me lost my interest in Christmas was upon learning that Santa Claus doesn't really exist. For years I had been living in the fantasy that Santa makes a list of little boys and girls' names all over the world and that he's checking it twice as what a certain Christmas jingle says so that those who have been good for the rest of the year will receive a gift from him. I thought that the Santa (should I put an "s" on the last letter?) that I always see in department stores during yuletide season waiting for kids to ask him for a picture taking was real. I later found out that that Santa was just for commercial promotion and that he worked as a security guard on the other days. Frustrating it was for me to learn the truth that the old stout man with immaculate beard and mustache and wearing red suit while saying "ho ho ho!" on his sleight pulled by flying reindeers was just a creation of adults' creative mind. But those were childhood days, innocence was still pure and undefiled. Days were we could be easily convinced about fantastical things without evidences. Sometimes I'd rather wish I just stayed that way, believing easily in things that were really fiction, rather than be awaken to the harsh and cruel reality of this world.

Lately, I joined our college's community extension service program and my first exposure to the community we are supporting was when we had our gift giving activity and medical mission for the indigents in that area. They say that Christmas time is a time for sharing because God himself gave his only begotten Son to us, Jesus Christ, in order to save the whole humanity. Well, The Nativity was really a beautiful story but I didn't get the real essence of it not until we went to Brgy. Tanao, Batad for the said activities I mentioned. It was the first time I did some humanitarian act and yes, it was a wonderful experience. I just want to emphasize on the thing about "sharing". I learned that to share not what you abundantly have but the one you have little of was amazing. It made me feel that a part of me went to the thing I shared and that part of me lifted that receiver's spirit because of the genuine smile I beheld on his/her face. Now I know what Jesus felt when he gave himself to us and with that, a new "magic" suddenly enchanted me about Christmas. It is the magic of self-giving, of unselfishness, of genuine fraternal love. I lost my faith on Christmas when I was kid, now Christmas has redeemed itself to me.

Merry Christmas everyone and let us continue to spread peace, love, and joy to the whole world! God bless us all.

-oOo-

"God, bless this food..."

Chibugan Time

Simple Christmas With Family & Relatives

My Cousins

The Reverse Effect

Last December 20, I went to Brgy. Tanao, Batad together with my fellow UICN-CES volunteers for our medical mission and gift giving activities. I decided to go there despite of the gloomy weather and the almost 3-hours travel for the "grand humanitarian purpose" that I will be able to touch and change other people's lives for the better. You know, the "hero thing" (and I have found out that we could! That is, if we will just do it).














When we reached our place of destination, I was very excited to start as soon as possible our first activity that I was able to consume 4 cups of chicken vermicelli soup and 6 pieces of pan de leche which was served to us by the locals there. I didn't even mind my tiredness from the three hours of travel! The warmth and congeniality of the people of Brgy. Tanao and the beautiful landscape of the place which was hilly on the other side and the sea and an island on the other (the island is still a part of the barangay) was enough to erase my fatigue.














And so the activity started. On that afternoon, the locals of Brgy. Tanao, especially the indigents, coming from the different far flanged sitios arrived. I could see that some of the indigents could not afford to buy at least cheap decent clothes basing on the faded and tattered clothes they wore. Some even walked the muddy road in going to the barangay's plaza where our gift giving program was held barefooted. A realization dawned upon me during that time that I am indeed far more blessed compared to these people. And it also made me feel guilty why I always complained of some petty things like not having a load for my cellphone or not having been into the cinema and watch a blockbuster movie for almost three months. Why am I giving importance to these irrelevants things when a lot of people doesn't even have a scoop of rice to eat? I suddenly asked myself indignantly.


















During our gift giving, most of the recipients wore a big smile on their faces. Others even danced out of sheer joy upon receiving their packages. A few cried out of gratitude. The scene was very touching that it suddenly changed my perspectives in life.


















On the second day of our stay there, we had our medical mission. The situation was still the same as that of the first day, people flooded hoping that they could avail of the free medical check up and likewise medicines for their illnesses. Everybody was wishing to be called first for the free check up afraid that they might not be called until the doctors will leave in the afternoon. Such an overwhelming effect of poverty I must say. Very saddening.














My trip to Brgy. Tanao, Batad was life-changing on my part. I went there on the purpose, as what I have stated earlier, to touch other people's lives. But in my stay there, something I didn't expect happened to me. That is, the people there touched my life also in a grand scale. The Batad exprience taught me that life is meaningless unless you share it with others. I never knew that a reverse effect would take place while I was there! I was..... amazed.

-oOo-

P.S. Oh by the way, I really enjoyed our caroling moments there...














...and I miss the linugaw...


















... and of course the gang!















God Bless!

Batad, Here I Come!

I'm going to Brgy. Tanao, Batad, Iloilo tomorrow for our medical mission and gift giving activity for the indigenous people of the said place. This is a actually a yearly activity of the University of Iloilo College of Nursing - Community Extension Service Program.

I applied to become a volunteer of CES last semester, and luckily I was accepted, so that I may be able to help in my own simple way those people in depressed areas who are unfortunate enough to have at least a comfortable way of living. This is my way of expressing my deep gratitude to God for blessing me with more than enough. This is also my way of stirring a revolution to change this hatred-driven world which is the revolution of love. Very grand yet possible. I know, I could be a channel of God's love and care. We can.

I'll be packing my things a moment from now then I'll head for Iloilo City. Our departure for Batad will be at 4 o'clock tomorrow. Batad, here I come! And may God bless our trip and activities there. Amen.

P.S. An article related to this titled Destination Batad was posted by yours truly on my other blog, wildnurse.blogspot.com, so kindly check it out. Thanks and God bless! Mwah.

Less-Human Trying To Be More Human, At Least

Vacation time! Thank God! And thank God too 'cause Christmas is fast approaching. I am looking forward not for the gifts (ows?) but for the ample time that I will be able to spend with my family. I miss home even though I go here every weekend. It is my sanctuary from all the chaotic stirring of the city. There is no place like home. And what about the world outside it? It's nothing but a vast jungle roamed mostly by less-humans.

-oOo-

Yesterday afternoon, yours truly, together with my UICN Community Extension Service (CES) gang had our packaging activities of the goods to be distributed to the indigents of Batad, Iloilo for the gift giving activity of CES this Christmas season. We had fun and it really felt good to know that all our efforts, from solicitation of goods to segregation and transportation, will not be wasted because we know that these will benefit our unfortunate brothers and sisters in Batad espcially those living in the remote areas who cannot even afford to buy at least one kilo of rice everyday for their food.

Lately I learned that the best way to make ourselves really feel good is to think less of ourselves and more on how to alleviate the sufferings of others. And I learned too that this doesn't only make us feel good, it also makes us more human, at least.

From Rockstar to Nurse

Man, I couldn't believe I sang last December 5 in the duet competition for our College of Nursing Foundation Day. It was like, I don't know how to describe it. Ha ha ha... All I know is that I stupidly accepted the request of our council to do it. I can sing ummmm... fair but not that great so it was like a suicide when I accepted the "challenge". But on the other hand, I want to experience and explore new things that will enrich my life so I think the better time to start it is now -- the time of my life when I am still young, bold, and boosting with energy!

When I was kid, I dreamed of becoming a rock star or even just a not-so-famous recording artist when I grow up. I don't know what happened to that dream because I just woke up one day pursuing the path of the nursing profession. But even though I already plunged into the pool of medical field, the child within me who wants to become a rock star someday still "possesses" me from time to time and I know he won't rest until I give him what he wants. So I last December 5, I gave him what he wanted which was a 10 minutes of performing on stage and the claps he wanted to hear from the audience.

On the day of the competition I was really scared to the max! I feared that my strained voice would give up on the middle of the song and that I might get off key and wouldn't be able to blend with my singing partner Ceelina and mess the whole thing! It would be a nightmare that instead of claps I, or we, might get "boos" instead. The fear of rejection.

So I tried to shake off my fears on that final moment, built my confidence, and tried to perform without reservations. I tried not to mind the good performances of the other competing couples because I might compare myself to them and would only create a feeling of inferiority in me. Wow, after our performance ended, I couldn't believe that I made it through. Our performance was not that great but I must say, pardon me if I sound bias, that it was good. And yes, the audience clapped and I know that in that moment blood rushed to my face. Ha ha ha...

We won the second place and for me, it was more than enough. Not bad for a first timers like us, what do you think huh? Anyways, the experience was great and I learned that fear is the only thing that holds us back from the things that we wanted to do in life. Things that if not fulfilled, we may keep on asking ourselves later "What if?"

To the child within me: I hope that the ten minute limelight exposure on stage will pacify you. I hope too that you will understand that although entertaining people is a good thing, healing them is far more better. From rockstar to nurse.....


P.S. To Ceelina: Thank you! To Anne, Rena Joy, & Rio: Congratutalations!

Hey!

Nursing Day Celebration is over. Thank God! I had a lot of things to tell you, experiences I had during the celebration but my body and my mind are until now still exhausted. I need to have enough sleep. I need to regenerate my cells first. Got to go. Bye. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Of Books, Chest Pain, & Death

Back to school. My books and I are reunited once gain. I miss them and I know they miss me too especially the intimate moments we shared together in the wee hours of the morning with them opened and yours truly sleeping. Ha ha ha... But now, we have plenty of time again for bonding and ummm... sleeping together? lol!

Ok, let's put aside books as of the moment because I am eager right now to talk about the pain (as in literal pain!) I am experiencing in my left chest which sometimes radiates to my left arm. I want to talk about it because I am deeply troubled. You see this pain in my chest started to occur in coincidence with the discussion of our topic in Nursing Care Management regarding cardiovascular diseases and their management. It made me frantic! Could this be angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or much worst than that!

I've tried to listen to the sounds of my heart with my stethoscope and since I am not yet an expert in distinguishing normal from abnormal sounds, the swishing, thumping, murmuring, gushing, or whatever made me even more paranoid! Oh my God, I am too young to die, I told myself.

Dying, why are most people afraid of it? Even I have a foreboding feeling about it sometimes although me and my classmates sometimes made a joke about it. Maybe it is just the fact that we don't know what happens next after dying. No one returns from the grave after a year of being dead and told us what is it like on the after life. I guess this where the role of the Bible enters. It gives us insights and hope about new life after death. Now I don't care if other people doesn't believe in what the Bible is saying especially on the aspect of life after death. As long that it gives me something to hold on to when my time has come to lie on the death bed, a promise to look forward to when my mortal body starts to give up, that's only thing that matters to me most. It is because it erases my fear of death and thus gives me the inspiration to live life to the fullest.

Wow, I just realized that this entry has jumped from one topic to another! From books, to chest pain, to death. Talking about random thoughts from my gray matter!

Just Like Texting

I was talking about fate, destiny, and the likes in my past blog entries more often lately. I was questioning the purpose of my existence in this world and the direction that my life is leading to. Very deep huh? Yeah, I do get very philosophical sometimes that after my philosophical trance I usually tap and ask myself if the real Romerei is already back in his body. But one thing I love every time I am possessed with the "philosophical me" is the soliciting and pondering of questions the "real me" usually takes for granted. Questions which I think are very vital not just to keep me sane and anchor me to reality but likewise to keep me whole as a being.

In quest for my fate and purpose, God answered me recently with such clarity that I do get amaze every time I recall the way he laid the answers on me. But before I plunge to that portion of the story, I think it is better that I should make the matter clear first why I keep on fussing about the purpose of my existence in this planet and about my fate. You see, I've been around in this earth for already 28 years and my journey in this life is nothing but an endless wandering, no sense of direction at all. I've tried so many things in my life and a lot of events have already molded me into what I am now but still I haven't found the one that I am looking for. The thing that would make me satisfy and give me the sense of meaning. I used to ask God about all these things and for years I didn't get any answer from him. And so for years too life for me was nothing but an endless questioning and searching.

Until recently, a big realization had dawned upon me. It started with a problem regarding my schooling. It was the last day of enrollment at that time for second semester and I still didn't have the money for it because of some complicated problems that my aunt,who is also my benefactress, had encountered in the States. So she wasn't able to send me the money I needed. It worried me big time that I almost reached the point to freak out and wail. But of course, I didn't do that. Instead I calmed myself and prayed to God sincerely. I asked Him to make some miracles for me right at that moment. Why? A voice in my head asked me instantly and I was like groping for an answer for a few minutes. I searched my heart and the only answer I could find there was the desire that I want to become a registered nurse in the future. It may sound like I'm a hypocrite but I really wanted to care for the sick and serve humanity in my own humble way. Nursing is the path that I chose to tread on in order for me to become God's channel of his love and care. The profession has now become my devotion, it has become my life already. So I told God at that moment that if I loose the chance to become a nurse in the near future, it would be hard for me to go on for this is the fate or destiny that I chose.

After that serious talk with God, my cellphone beeped. A friend of mine, without me even asking him, offered to help me by lending me the amount of money I needed for my enrollment. He said that he heard about my problem from a common friend of ours and that he is willing to help me. I was stunned right on the spot. Wow, what a quick answer by God! It was just like texting! I told myself and I just found myself later shouting out of jubilation.

One important thing I learned from that experience is that we make our own destiny. God has given us the gift to choose that we possess the power to create our own fate basing on the choices we make in every moment of our lives. God is there for us only to guide us and laid unto us the hundreds of options to choose from. The rest of it lies on our hands. I told God sincerely that I want to become a nurse and that nursing is now already my life and that loosing it means emptiness for me. And yes, he didn't denied it from me. Haaay... I wasted all my time looking and asking God for my purpose, my destiny, and he was right there all along waiting for me to make up my mind and tell him what is it that I really want. If I have known earlier, I should have finished nursing earlier too. But it is not yet too late, 30 is still a young age to graduate. Besides, I feel like my age perpetually stopped at 19. Ha ha ha...

Lastly, another thing I learned from that experience is that never hesitate to pray to God for miracles. Prayer does move mountains. God answers immediately (just like texting! he he he...) to those who pray with sincere hearts.

Thank you God. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Road Trip

Last week, we had our road trip. Yours truly together with my close pals or better known as "The Jugings" decided to travel the narrow road of Iloilo heading south.We just wanted to have a break from the many pressures and tensions going on with our academic life. We thought fresh air, the blazing sun, and the welcoming view of the beach might release all the negative energies and recharge us with positivity once more. After a very short, hasty, and on the spot preparation, of we went!













While we were traveling, laughters filled the car. By the way, we were using Cee's Fortuner and yes, she was the driver too. He he he... But what really made me love that moment was the tranquility that dawned upon me while watching the road and the road side as we went. The scenery of the coastal line on the left side, the hills and trees on the right, and the simplicity of rural living made my soul calm and collected. Another funny moment was when we crossed the bridge of Tigbauan in going to Guimbal wherein we held our breath from the beginning of the bridge until we reach the other side of it. For what purpose? Nothing, just for sheer fun. He he he...

We had two stop overs. First at Poblacion, Miag-ao wherein we just wanted to have a full gaze of the famous Miag-ao Church which is known for its unique and beautiful architecture. Then at San Joaquin wherein we bought some of the spices we needed for the food we were going to cook for lunch.

After almost two hours of speeding in the road, we finally arrived at our destination which was a not so famous beach resort in San Joaquin. The place actually was not that peopled when we got there and its name was kinda funny called "Basa Beach Resort" which in our local dialect "basa" means "wet". What do you expect of course when you swim in a beach? lol!














After settling down in a cottage we paid, we headed on to the beach and did a lot of swimming, rock climbing, and wave counteracting (what a term!). And then by 12, we had our sumptous lunch and then continued swimming afterward. It was fun. I had a lot of good time. We went home 4:30 PM tired yet satisfied. We were maybe physically tired from the experience that day but we knew that deep in our hearts, we were once again recharged with youthful enthusiasm and childlike eagerness.






I hope there will be next.

-oOo-

The Jugings: Ceelina, Leslie, Rena, Tyke, Barbie, Jayson, Earl, Yours truly, & Paul. (Some of the Jugings were not able to made it on this road trip. Next time guys!)

The Naked Me

First and foremost, I am very happy today ’cause I finally have my copy of Alicia Keys’ new album titled As I Am. I am listening to it right now and man, I really love it! The track Superwoman is dedicated to my nanay! Alicia rocks big time!

Last Friday night was quite funny. Ummm well, me and my close pals Tyke, Jayson, Paul, and Earl were kinda tipsy already drinking rum during that time in Tyke’s house when suddenly, maybe due to the heat the weather brought (or alcohol too… he he he), we decided to undress leaving nothing but our undies to cover our — you know! Ha ha ha… I was kinda hesitant at first but Jayson kept on insisting that I must, just for the sake of fun. So I did.

LET LOOSE!!! That was the “theme” hanging in the air during that night — let loose of all insecurities, of all shame, of all inhibitions, of all worries, and just have some fun… free like little children! The girls - Ceeline, Barbie, and Anne were all surprised on what we did and they beheld that night but then they just laughed on our childlike behavior. They say I’m the sexiest. Flatterers! ha ha ha…

I don’t know why but what we did that night actually gave me a sense of freedom deep inside. It was like a metaphor of going out from your cocoon of shame, fears, inhibitions, insecurities, and pain and fly like a beautiful butterfly! Very liberating to the heart and mind. It was like bearing my soul to my friends, to the world. Now don’t get me wrong. I am not a nudist, an exhibitionist, neither a pervert. I am just a bold creature trying to conquer his own self.

By the way, the girls had us photographed showing our butt cracks but I will not post those pictures here. Why? It would be unfair ’cause Earl showed his, whole! Gross! Wahahahaha…

Finding Destiny

I think one of the hardest questions that until now I am still groping for an answer like a blind man in a vast wasteland is, “What is the purpose of my existence in this world?” I have a lot of conjectures but none really satisfied me as the “TRUE” answer. There must be a significance why I came to this world and become what I am today. I cannot settle down to the idea that I am here just to pass by silently like a beautiful wild flower that grew and withered unnoticed. There must be a purpose. There must be…

Finding the meaning of one’s own existence is very hard indeed. It is like a never ending journey with no exact destination. But despite of it, I am still very glad that this is happening. Why? Because it gives me the excitement everyday to know what the future stores for me. It fuels me to go on living, and explore and live life to the fullest because who knows one day I might be able to find my own destiny and fulfill it. Thus, I might also find myself, and become the person that I should be… And then I will be whole. Amen.

Resurfacing

After a very long topsy turvy, adrenalin rushing, and sleepless hell of a ride in nursing schooling, I'm back at last!... And I need some air! *Gasp!*

My pimples are erupting too! Urgh!.... Hu hu hu....

My Venice

Once again, my world was flooded last Friday. Literally flooded! I went home from school and witnessed the streets of Jaro transformed into brown rivers. And yes, the jeepneys into gondolas! Amazing! I was apprehending to step down from the PUJ upon reaching my destination, I was worried that my immaculate black shiny shoes will get wet, or soak to say it right. So I walked toward my boarding house on feet. Wow, it felt like crossing Jordan. He he he... And my shoes? Inside my backpack.

When I opened the boarding house, what I beheld was such a spectacular site! The house was turned into a pool! The carpets, rags, and slippers were floating; and shit, same with my bed mattress, blankets, and pillows! Disaster. I should have chosen the upper deck of the bed a long time ago. It's too late... The damage had already been done. Curse the typhoon! Now where Am I gonna sleep? I asked myself. Bernard (my boardmate) was not around, he texted me later that he went home to Passi City. My landlady and her son on the other hand didn't come home. I think they already saw the situation prior to me and had decided to stay at the construction site of their future mansion. Who would bear to stay in such a swampish place anyway? So I decided to went home and I did.

I haven't yet returned to my boarding house since I left it flooded with the water coming from the overflowing river of Jaro. I just hope that the flood has already subside. Haaay... I have been in this situation many times before especially during rainy season. Iloilo City has evolved, it has become now my Venice. How I wish it to be as romantic as the latter but hell, it's not. It's messy!

The Vanishing Rice And The Claustrophobic Canister

The Philippines is having a shortage in the supply of rice lately. Well, that's what all the news in television and in papers say. The government is, as usual, trying to deny this by saying that there is an ample supply of the staple food we Filipinos considered as "manna". And the authorities are very desperate trying to seek for rice hoarders to be convicted. But despite of the assurance by the government that we will not be groveling on the ground because of hunger for two years, people are still panic buying. Becoming hoarders themselves without them knowing.

So why is the Philippines, an agricultural country and main producer of rice decades and decades ago, is now having this rice shortage crisis? Number one reason is that the government failed to focus more on the agricultural industry especially the needs of our farmers (e.g. accessible rural roads, good irrigation, low cost fertilizers, and proper incentives for our farmers), instead, it seems like they advocate more on the conversion of the country's agricultural lands into residential and commercial ones. Second, the research and production of good quality and high yielding variety of rice were not given emphasis by the government. The Filipinos have to suffer first from hunger before the authorities finally realized that they were very idle when it comes to the development of these genetically modified rice that will boost rice production. Filipinos have never yet outgrown procrastination. Now rice is slowly vanishing in our plates. Tsk tsk tsk.....




What's the best remedy for this problem since the cost of rice nowadays are soaring high? Nah, not cannibalism, we'll make Hannibal Lecter jobless. How about cutting our daily rice intake into half? Instead of having two cups of rice per meal, maybe we could lessen it down to one cup! Problem is, most of our fellowmen don't even have a half cup of rice to be cut down. This is how miserable the Philippine economy is! Tsk tsk tsk.....An archbishop suggested in a news report that Pinoys must find a way to fill their hunger by eating alternative carbo rich foods like root crops. He mentioned specifically cassava. My only question is, will the price of cassava stay the same if it will be in demand to consumers? Or will it soar high too? Can our body tolerate the accumulation of hydrocyanic acid after eating cassava for six months? Or we will end up with our mouths foaming? Hay, life in the Philippines is really challenging. Everyday I feel like I'm in the reality show called Survivor. The only difference is, no cameras around to glorify my struggles. Hu hu hu...


-oOo-



Everybody was shocked especially the people in the different medical fields and the authorities when the news about the "black suede scandal" broke out. Well, the scandal was actually about a homosexual who's rectum was inserted with a spray canister by a guy whom he had a one night stand. The subject resorted to a medical operation to remove the canister and while the procedure was done, some of the operating staff took a video of the operation. The removal of the canister was really seen on the video and aside from that, the yelling and howling of the staff were also heard upon the recovery of the canister. One member even opened it and sprayed it on the operating room. The said video was then uploaded into Youtube.com and became a video of the week!

I myself was really shocked upon seeing the video in my classmate's cellphone. It was, in my opinion, a total violation of the patient's right to privacy! My classmate, on the other hand said that the man deserved it because he was a pervert anyway. But I think the act must be exclusive to the man alone. I mean let his guilt, that is if he have one, bother him. The medical team who had done the operation has no right to publicly share the incidence. They totally stripped the man of his last ounce of dignity. What happened to the code of ethics of those doctors and nurses involved? Gone to the trash bin? Shame! I couldn't believe those people who swore to protect, cure, restore, and save lives had the capacity to do such inhuman things like that while the patient was unconcious! Shame again!

The latest news was that the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), due to the said incidence, is currently planning to add two new subjects in BS Nursing which will focus and give emphasis more on nursing ethics. So all it took was a canister to stuck up in someone else's rectum in order for our officials to be serious enough in honing our medical, nursing, and paramedical students to be professional enough someday in doing their job as curators of life. To that canister guy, a big thank you! Your as*, I mean, your experience serves as an eye opener. To the poor innocent canister, I couldn't imagine how you feel while you were inside. I can't blame you if you will develop claustrophobia someday. My sympathy.

To Carmen

The moment that my life sparked it happened within your womb. You carried me inside your body for nine months, nurturing my development as my body started to take shape and become complex. You bear all the hardships of conception and likewise the excruciating pain of delivery but despite of those, you told me later on that you could not explain the happiness of seeing your firstborn. It was indescribable joy you said, feeling my warmth with your hands as you cradle me with your arms.

You witnessed most of all the "firsts" in my life. My first cry, smile, and laugh. My first step, walk, and fall. My first tooth and my first word which was "nana". You were the first person to whom I showed my first perfect score in a test during my kindergarten year. Likewise you were the first one who saw my first zero score in a quiz during my schooling in grade 2 which I tried to conceal from you but you accidentally found it while tidying my school bag. You were also the first person to noticed my first pimple and then giggled that her son was already a soltero or a teenager. You were the first one to whom I confided my dreams and ambitions in life, of what I wanted to be. Same so with all my fears, disappointments, and frustrations. It was also you who first confronted me when the signs of depression manifested upon me and carried me through my recovery. You know that I can endlessly enumerate it all here, but all I really wanted to say was thank you for always being there for me.

The connection we have established is too strong that only death can break it. What is more wonderful is that you turned out not just a mother to me but a sister and a best friend as well. Thank you for bearing the perils, pains, and hardships of raising me and likewise my four younger brothers. You said it was a bliss, but we know that often times you were hurt especially when you took the responsibility alone of raising us when Tatay died and most of our kins deserted you. You are really a woman of strength and we your sons admire you greatly.

What I am now is mostly because of you. You are my driving force and my inspiration ever since I was a child. Thank you for making me and my brothers a better persons. We love you more than you have ever known. You are the wind beneath our wings and we thank God for having a wonderful mother like you. I and my brothers could not ask for more. HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY NANAY CARMEN!

-oOo-

Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul

- A Song For Mama
by Boyz II Men (1997)

And I Laugh Out Loud With My "Fake Laugh"

Summer classes have just started. Me and my new classmates were as usual (for the third time), assessing each other mentally. The rule of socialization: KNOW THY NEIGHBOR, BEFRIEND THE HARMLESS, AND IGNORE THE MENACE.

I think I don't need to describe my clinical instructor in Fundamentals of Nursing because I already did it in my last blog entry (refer to my previous blog entry in wildnurse.blogspot.com dated April 12, 2008). The only thing I guess I need to add is that she's the head of UI's Community Extension Service program. In fact, she was not around this morning to handle our class since she was too tired from their circumcision operation in several of the barangays in Batad, Iloilo. A noble act I must say, cutting foreskins and making those boys embraced manhood. I am not giggling here!

Because Ms. L, the name I call our C.I., was not around this morning, me, EJ, Jayson, and Leslie, spent the whole morning sitting at the corridor of the 3rd floor of Nursing building, chatting, joking, and kibitzing other people's lives. A very noble act I must say too in the sense that we occupied our idle time by entertaining ourselves with words instead of doing vandalism, taking prohibited drugs, or hold upping a nearby bank. Ha ha ha...

In our Nutrition subject, our teacher is a ghost. That is, we don't know if her existence is tangible and visible 'cause until now, no solid form of her has appeared in our midst. Boring...

Meanwhile, our Philippine History subject was like a club with a comic trying to make his audience laugh. The comic was none other than our Phil. History instructor, Mr.... I-forgot-his-name. His jokes were really corny and they really bored me to death. I felt like shooting him with a machine gun or rather with a bazooka while listening to his old, dull, uninteresting, gag.

Will someone please stop this guy and send us all home so that he will also stop waisting our time?!

But I was laughing out loud. Why? Because first, there was nothing interesting for me to do at that time so I tested myself if I could fake a sincere laugh and I think I did!

The winner for the best actor category goes to.....

Second, because I pitied him with all of his desperate efforts to entertain us all. Okay, a laugh or a "fake laugh" to be specific is not expensive anyway, so I gave some. Lastly, because I thought I was already crazy. Well, there is just a thin line between sanity and insanity anyway. Who knows, I am indeed?! And who knows if my history teacher and my classmates are in my league too? Ha ha ha...

Ciao!

Welcoming Summer, Enjoying Vacation

The heat is on..... and everyday, I am drenched in sweat! Haaay... Summer is here at last and vacation had just started last week after the final exams. Whew! Time to relax and take my mind off for a while from all matters concerning school. Enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy! Yes, that's what I will do in my 2 week vacation.

I actually welcomed summer just after my last final exam on the afternoon of March 17, 2008, in which the subject was Microbiology. I thought that I deserve to have some fun after the bloody, brain-stirring activity. So right on the spot, yours truly and my beloved classmates Maricar, Cory, Juvy, Ritz, and Bridgel decided to have a night swimming party at Nes and Tat's Beach Resort in Oton, Iloilo. So after changing our uniforms to beach suits and cooking chicken adobo and rice for our supper at the resort, we then headed to Nes and Tat's with nothing but excitement in our hearts, making us giggle and act like little children. We planned to stay there overnight so we also brought some drinks and chips. When we arrived at our destination, we then headed to the customer service counter for the fees. We paid 800 plus all in all, a very reasonable price. Then we settled our things at the cottage assigned to us and then we started to have FUUUUUUUUNNNN!!!!!

Happy summer and enjoy your vacation guys!

xoxo

(Note: The photos are posted below.)

The Computer Monitor

I'm giving myself a break from all these weird sounding names of microbes --- Toxoplasma gondii, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Giardia lamblia, Treponema pallidum, Vibrio cholerae, and etcetera and etcetera! (Etcetera and etcetera by the way is not a microbe... Ha ha ha) That is why right now, I'm here facing the monitor and rant about nonsense. This is my way of diverting my mind from too much stress. But I guess ranting is also stressful, don't you think? lol

Hmmm... Finals is finally here and the end of the semester is drawing at hand. I should be celebrating because it's vacation time but the sad fact is that I or we nursing students don't have a summer vacation because we have summer classes! Waaaah... This is tragic 'cause that means, NO REST AT ALL 'til fourth year. That is, if I will be able to proceed to fourth year 'cause the results of our Assessment for Nursing Potential, a test that will qualify us to proceed to third year, have not yet been released. So it's still 50-50. I'm really praying that I will be able to pass the exam. I have already invested a lot in this course, I don't want that all those sacrifices and hardships I had encountered will just go to waste. It will be a nightmare for me! I would rather choose NO REST AT ALL 'TIL FOURTH YEAR rather than FAIL. Haaay life!

Okay, I think I'll better go back now to my Microbiology book, the thought of FAILING suddenly gives me the drive to study hard. Naks! Hmmm... I never thought I could come up with such reflection by just staring at the computer screen for several minutes. I told you ranting in front of the monitor is a good diversion! Good night.

Troubled Words From An Imperfect Friend

People who do not know me well often have this impression of me as being quite, reserved, and "kind of serious" but to my close friends, they know that I am the opposite. They always describe me as childlike, candid, and playful which basing on my own "biased" observation is true. I love to be like a child always --- carefree, curious, bold, and adventurous. I think this is why they love me. They often have a fit of laughter every time I do my funny acts and have their eyes grow wide when I confess things I do that they find odd.

But my childlike nature has always been the cause of why sometimes I unintentionally hurt my friends' feelings. It really makes me sad to think that I didn't mean to cause any harm but the damage has already been done. And the worst is that they could not comprehend why I have done such thing to them when it is very clear that a child does commit stupid mistakes too. I AM JUST HUMAN --- very prone to flaw. They couldn't understand that I cannot please them always, that my limitations sometimes (or often) lead me to failures. I'm afraid that I have created a persona out of me that to them is always pleasing, always adoring, always loving, like a child that is. A friend that is almost perfect, which, I could never be and neither there is such a thing! I just hope that this is not what they expect from me 'cause I'm starting to get afraid. Afraid that I may lose the bond of friendship we carefully nurtured and protected together due to unfulfilled expectations. Friendship is what makes my life beautiful, one of the precious things that gives meaning to my existence and to lose it is like dying slowly. It's like a child losing his grip to the string of his favorite kite and let the thing soar to the endless sky until he loses sight of it forever...

Black Valentine With Me, Myself and I

February 14 is Valentine's Day but my close pals would rather call last Thursday as Maundy Thursday rather than Hearts' Day. Ha ha ha! Well I could relate to that 'cause I was also celebrating it minus a special someone. "Poor us, bingkongs!" a dear friend of mine exclaimed that day with a deep sigh. "Bingkong" by the way is a slang word in our local dialect which means "loveless". But despite of the fact that I am indeed loveless during that special day and until now, I never feel lonely at all. Maybe because I am contented with my life. I have a lot of wonderful people who loves me for what and who I am. My mother, my brothers, my aunts and uncles, my cousins, my close friends, all these people give me the bliss and security of being loved. I could not ask for more!

My friends asked me lately why am I not into a relationship as of the moment? My replied was it's either I am evading Cupid's arrow or Cupid has forgotten to shoot me at all! Ha ha ha..... But seriously, my reason for not committing into a relationship lately because I found out that there is bliss in being single. You have all the time and freedom to do the things that you wanted to do without hesitation. Now, I am not afraid of responsibilities in a relationship because everything we do entails responsibilities anyway. It's just that if ever I'll plunge into a relationship, I want to make sure that it's for real this time and not just some sugar coated kind of infatuation that after the sweetness has gone, boredom and blandness follows. Maturity makes you want to scrutinize things indeed! He he he...

Black Valentine --- the Valentine's Day for the loveless. Well, I didn't mind at all if I had a Black Valentine's Day. I was celebrating it anyway with my three faithful companions: ME, MYSELF and I. We love each other like nobody has ever loved before and hey, we really enjoyed our dinner date together that day! Ha ha ha.....

Until next post. Belated Happy Hearts' Day guys!

Of "Lottophobia", Pinworms, Mumps, and Embalmers

Last last Saturday (that was February 09), I had the most mentally draining activity to date ---- I took my Assessment for Nursing Potential Examination. This exam is given to incoming third year students in our school (University of Iloilo) to test if we are qualified, have accumulated enough knowledge essential to the nursing profession, and if we really have the inclination for the said profession. The exam is composed of three parts: the achievement test, the aptitude test, and the assessment test.

The first part of the examination, the achievement test, is designed to measure the knowledge which is of great importance to nursing the student has acquired in his two years of learning. The content of the test includes subjects like Psychology, Math, Chemistry, Physics, General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and English. The second part, the aptitude test, is an IQ checker. It is composed of abstract reasoning, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning and comprehension sub-tests. The last part, the assessment test, is a personality test that will help the Nursing Department of our school evaluate our inclination towards the nursing career if our attitude is really for the said profession. All these when summed together, made up a 350 items exam! And all these , you have to answer in a matter of 3 hours and 20 minutes! Whew!

I am no Einstein so my brain during that time was really squeezed and extracted to pulp! I almost had an epistaxis (nosebleed that is) especially when I reached the Math part which is mostly composed of College Algebra questions. I have a fear of numbers, I call it "lottophobia". Why the name? Well, simply because I always dread what numbers might come out every night during the lotto draw. I might not win. And up to now, I still don't.

Back on the topic, I am lucky I listened well to my teachers in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbilogy and Parasitology subjects. At least some information spilled out from their mouth came out in the test. Like, pinworms make us wiggle even if we have just one breakdancing in our perennial or anal area, and that severe mumps can lead to male sterility (which made me worry by the way 'cause I got two big humps on each side of my jaw when I was still in grade 3). There were some questions like, What disease is caused by a protozoa called Trypanosoma?, which I had doubt with my answers. Maybe these are the info my teachers spilled out during lectures when I was in my chair sleeping and drooling.

I have anxiety about the upcoming result of my ANP Exam. Will I pass or not? This is the daily thought inside my head that has now become a mantra....... and a torture. If I'll pass, a big THANK YOU to the BIG BOSS above! If not, tragedy! My dream of serving humanity (cheesy! cheesy!), and going to Europe will all crumble to dust. Well, come what may. Life is a gamble anyway. I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the better.......... and of course, prepare for the worst! An embalmer/funeral director would be a next good option ( I heard these people, the embalmers and funeral directors I mean, are having a good business lately since a lot of Filipinos are dying nowadays from crude overpricing, and cardiac arrest due to extreme rage on the hypocrisy of the people involved on the ZTE scandal ). Ha ha ha..... Ciao!

Welcome To My World

Mabuhay!!! Oppss, I am not a flight steward so don't assume that I am one ( I'd rather imagine myself as a pilot not of Boeing airplanes but of those battle starships seen in the Starwars movie. Ambitious!). I used the word mabuhay by the way as my opening salutation for no reason at all. It just popped out in my mind out of no where so there it goes.

This is my first post in this blog so I'll consider this as history in the making! Another milestone for humanity (applause!!!). Welcome to all of you who have just visited this anonymous blog. If you are suffering from insomnia then this blog is for you! Why? Because all of the entries here will 100% bore you to sleep! And worst, even to death. The usual topic here is myself. So does it mean I live a boring life? Exactly dumbhead! The rest of the topics? Just mere nonsense.

So there you go. I have already delivered my veeery short intro. I am Romerei and welcome to my world!

Ciao.