Marky's mark

According to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Marky Cielo was found unconscious and unresponsive lying on the floor in his bedroom morning of December 7, 2008. When his significant others failed to arouse Marky, he was immediately brought to the hospital but was pronounced DOA (Dead on Arrival).

Marky Cielo died at a young age of 20. He rose to fame upon winning as the Starstruck batch 2 in GMA 7. He was admired for his dancing prowess. He is also well-known because of he is proud to have an Igorot-descent.

His life story was featured in Magpakailanman sometime after winning the talent search.

While investigation is ongoing, a huge speculation about the cause of Marky's early death is Acute Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis or AHP. In Filipino, AHP is known as "bangungot" or death in sleep.


The same disease that took the life of matinee idol, Rico Yan, died at the age of 28. Below is the article about Rico Yan's death and about AHP.


ACUTE HEMORRHAGIC PANCREATITIS CAUSE OF RICO'S DEATH

Quezon City, April 2, 2002 (STAR) By Rainier Allan Ronda - The mysterious disorder that caused the death of popular young actor Rico Yan last week remains a puzzle to medicine as no specific cause is yet known to trigger the affliction.

According to gastroenterologist Dr. Higino Mappala, assistant medical center chief and a specialist-consultant on internal medicine of the Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis (AHP) has several known risk factors such as alcohol and drug intake, gallstones, viral infections, obesity, trauma, intake of fatty foods and metabolic disorders.

Mappala defined AHP as a severe form of inflammation of the pancreas, a digestive organ located in the posterior of the stomach.

Acute pancreatitis may be caused by several factors, Mappala explained, but the specific mechanism by which these factors trigger pancreatitic inflammation has not been identified.

Mappala cited the case of alcoholic drinkers wherein an occasional and even a first-time drinker of alcohol may suffer from acute pancreatitis but it may not happen to an alcoholic.

He also stressed that AHP and dying due to a bad dream or nightmare, or what is termed colloquially in the Philippines as bangungot , are two different things. Medicine, he said, does not recognize bangungot as an official cause of death.

It was learned that AHP is characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain. The pain is steady, localized at the epigastrium, and often radiates to the back, more intense when the patient is in supine position. The abdominal pain is often relieved by sitting with the trunk flexed and knees drawn up.

One can only ascertain that one is suffering from AHP only after numerous tests.

Mappala clarified that AHP may strike whether or not a person is sleeping.

In cases such as that of Yan who was reported to have been struck by AHP while sleeping, Mappala gave this advise: "When you see a person moaning in his sleep and doubling up in pain, wake him up gently and immediately rush him to the hospital."

He said, however, that cases of AHP are hard to revive particularly when the patient is brought to the hospital late or when the attack is really severe.

On the matter of Yan being a heavy snorer as reported by people close to him, Mappala said that a heavy snorer has a bigger chance of suffering from apnea or a situation akin to that of a breakdown in respiration while sleeping.

Mappala said, however, that an autopsy had already declared AHP as the cause of Rico Yan’s death.

Motherfuckin in Manila!!!

November 16, 2007 is the date when Rihanna, with her boy toy, Chris Brown, turned the Taguig open field and more than 70,000 people in it into disturbia!!!

It was almost 8:00 pm when me and my sister arrived at the venue after running a mile from Market! Market! just to make it in time.

Only to find out that the line for the SILVER accommodation is as long as the C5 road nearby.

It was past 8:15 pm when the night starts with Chris Brown doing a "Spider-Man" stunt continuing into a series of songs with some done in lipsynch. It was clear that he was just a front act.

It was around 9:30 pm when the crowd was surprised with a Globe-sponsored firework display that's ain't cheap!

At around 9:45 pm... the crowd went crazy when Rihanna showed up singing "Disturbia"!!!

Being Filipinos as most crowd in the concert is, people tend to more passive. That's when Rihanna asked "Are we having fun?", the crowd reluctantly shouted "Yes!", then Rihanna replied with, "Then make some motherfuckin noise!" It rally broke the ice among the conservatives and made the crowd grove more!

After performing 9 hit songs, RIhanna ended the night singing the song that made her a global phenomenon, "Umbrella". It was the remix version that opted Chris Brown back on stage.

All in all, it was all worth it! dum dum dee dum... dum dum dum...

Quantum of Solace: Quantum Excitement

Quantum of Solace is Daniel Craig's second movie as James Bond.

In compare to the first movie, Casino Royale, the movie lacked the bulk in the story and it seems that it has been edited galore! Though the story is a continuation of the first movie, it never stood on it's own.

I just hope there is a next movie that could redeem this. Something shaken, not stirred!

Exorcism of Emily San Juan (Heart Evangelista)

Emily San Juan is Heart's character's name in the just concluded "Asero" starring Richard Gutierrez. It is her first Kapuso show after transferring from ABS-CBN.

A lot of people observed how her acting changed (horribly!)...

Perhaps the role was not really meant for her but due to that she is the newest and biggest transferee, it was reluctantly given to her.

On monday, her new show "Luna Mystika", will start sharing the billing with an alter ego of herself and Mark Anthony Fernandez as the leading man.

The people will be watching if indeed Heart belongs to the Kapuso network and if she can deliver.

Obvious Obesity Overload

The article below is a wake up call for me and other people who, may it be intentionally or unintentionally, ignore their health.

I am not obese, not yet! I'm 20 pounds overweight than my ideal body weight for my height which is five feet, seven inches.

Upon passing all rigorous interview for St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City.

I was adviced by the HR officer to loose weight before the start of my training.

Back then, I admit that I was offended but reading the article below made realize that she was just telling what is best for the interest ofthe hospital which promotes good health and my profession.

Obese Philippine flight attendant grounded after 20 year court fight

Reposted from AFP - Saturday, November 1, 2008

MANILA, Oct 31, 2008 (AFP) - An obese flight steward for national flag carrier Philippine Airlines has been grounded for good by the Supreme Court after a 20-year legal battle, court records released Friday said.
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In a 28-page ruling, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier decision by a lower court that found merit in the termination of Armanda Yrasuegi's contract.

The 217-pound Yrasuegi was dismissed by Philippine Airlines (PAL) after he failed to lose weight as specified under his contract in 1989.

Yrasuegi challenged the dismissal arguing that his weight had nothing to do with the airworthiness of PAL's airplanes in a legal battle that would stretch for 19 years.

He argued that his being fat was a "sickness and a physical abnormality" that was beyond his control.

But the Supreme Court noted that Yrasuegi repeatedly refused offers of medical assistance to lose weight and ignored weight checks.

It said Yrasuegi ignored suggestions to "trim down."

"Thus, his fluctuating weight indicates absence of willpower rather than an illness," the court said.

"Passenger safety goes to the core of the job of a cabin attendant. On board an aircraft, the body weight and size of a cabin attendant are important factors to consider in case of emergency.

"Aircraft have constricted cabin space, narrow aisles and exit doors," it stressed.

Yrasuegi's ideal weight should have been 166 pounds for his height of five feet, eight inches.

Horrible HSM

High School Musical (HSM) should have stayed in television and not moved on the big screen.

It was not worth paying a movie ticket for. Thank God, it was just a treat from my cousin.

Though it is expected to have a very cheesy plot like the first two HSM, I never expected it to be that plotless.

Unlike the first two installments, almost all of the songs this time are forgettable.

If you fantasize on Zan Efron aka Troy Bolton, you will really drool on his solo scenes, as well as in his scenes with Corbin Bleu, known as Chad Danforth in the movie, who is quite obvious that he buffed up.

I must commend Ashley Tisdale for being consistent in her role as Sharpay Evans. Perhaps because she is not as over-exposed as Vanessa Hudgens, if you know what I mean. Known as Gabriella Montes, Vanessa is over-acting.

Thank God, Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brother never did a cameo! Whew!

Scarlet's colorful curses

I'm not a fan of "Iisa Pa Lamang" but I got fascinated with Angelica Panganiban's character's deadly dialogues against the protagonist portrayed by Ms. Claudine Baretto.

The most appropriate word to describe Scarlet dela Rhea is FIERCE!

I just hope ABS-CBN will give her a much deserved lead role in a teleserye soon.

Below are the colorful lines of Scarlet:

Gold-digger in red

Merry widow in black

Dirty mistress in dirty brown

Jail bird in orange

Murderess in yellow

Men Are Just Happier People:

What do you expect from such simple creatures?

1) Your last name stays put.
2) The garage is all yours.
3) Wedding plans take care of themselves.
4) Chocolate is just another snack.
5) You can be President.
6) You can never be pregnant.
7) You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
8) You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
9) Car mechanics tell you the truth.
10) The world is your urinal. (Just do it in the pink urinals when you are along EDSA.)
11) You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
12) Same work, more pay.
13) Wrinkles add character. (Not unless you’re John McCain!)
14) People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. (Just at your crotch!)
15) The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
16) New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
17) One mood all the time.
18) Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. (20 seconds if you work in a call center!)
19) You know stuff about tanks.
20) A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
21) You can open all your own jars.
22) You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
23) If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. (Not unless it’s your EX!)
24) Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
25) You almost never have strap problems in public.
26) You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
27) Everything on your face stays its original color.
28) The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
29) You only have to shave your face and neck.
30) You can play with toys all your life. (Toys for Big Boys!)
31) Your belly usually hides your big hips. (Or your big Big crotch do!)
32) One wallet and one color for all seasons.
33) You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
34) You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife.
35) You have freedom of choice concerning growing facial hair.
36) You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes. (Just 1 item in 12 different colors!)

No wonder men are happier.

MRT: Most Reliable Tips (for MRT commuters)

Living just 5 blocks away from the MRT Boni Avenue station makes it very convenient for me to travel along EDSA. Below are the tips that I can share to newbies in the metropolis who also plan to use the MRT:

1) If you are riding the MRT more than twice very week, it would be better for you to buy a stored value ticket worth P100 instead of falling in line to buy one-way ticket. Doing so saves you a lot of time and effort.

2) If you are mobility challenged or just simply lazy to walk within the station, if you are going south bound (Taft Avenue) take the first coaches and if you are heading north bound (North Avenue/TriNoma), take the last couches since it is both nearer to the escalator and elevator inside the station.

3) If you don’t want to get “tight-touchy moments” whenever you get off the train during peak hours, be familiarized with the loading and unloading ramp of the station of your destination. For example, both Buendia and Boni stations has the center ramp for both southbound and north bound trains while Ayala and Guadalupe stations has separate ramps on the opposite sides. It will be best for you to position yourself upon riding the train nearest to the doors which the ramp will face.

4) To support the advisory of the DOTC to MRT passengers to always watch out for pickpockets, my advise is to always to keep your bag closest to you with the zippers closed facing your torso and avoid unnecessary opening of your bag as well as using mobile phones while inside the train.

5) Last but not the least, no matter what your religion is, prayer is always advised before you travel. Presence of mind is always necessary whenever you ride public transportation such as the MRT. As my twin, John Lloyd, always says, “Ingat!”

McLesson in Life

I was so touched by the article below that I have to blog it stat and share it with you:


Breakfast at McDonald's

This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.

The last class I had to take was Sociology.

The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called, "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions.

I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So I thought this would be a piece of cake.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning.

It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then
even my husband did.

I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside me as I turned to see why they had moved.
As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men.

As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".

His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers.

That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand.

I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it.

Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?"

I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

There is an Angel sent to watch over you.

In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.

An Angel wrote:

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head.

To handle others, use your heart.

God Gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Send it back, you'll see why !

A Box of gold

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With a secret inside that has never been told

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This box is priceless but as I see

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The treasure inside is precious to me

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Today I share this treasure with thee

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It's the treasure of friendship you've given me.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Project Runway Virus

It is very contagious, pandemic even!

Project Runway Philippines is raising the temperature of the country's fashion front.

This show really proves that Filipinos are indeed talented and creative if only given the right exposure and opportunity to fluant such couture masterpieces.

Among the 14 designers, my bet is Mara Reyes of Pasig City.

I really liked her edgy style and I was really amazed when she made a "hoodie" gown for Sara Meier.

Project Runway Philippines is shown every wednesday at 10 pm on ETC Channel 21.

After Decade Masquerade Ball

August 10, 2008 starts the countdown to the 10th Homecoming Party in 2010.


Title: After Decade Masquerade Ball
Concept: tin/aluminum (tenth anniversary)
Attire: white dress/attire with tin/aluminum mask


Tentative Date: December 2010
Tentative Venue: Hotel Alejandro (Tacloban City)


Organizer: Jeffrey Robin Avorque
For inquiry and please send SMS at the following mobile numbers:
Globe - 09159002350
Smart - 09293654655

Corporate Rip-off

I've been applying for a job here in Metro Manila for quite sometime already and below are the common responses by human resources that an applicant won't get hired:


Victor Potenciano

HR: Sir, may nag-refer po ba sa inyo?
Applicant: Wala po pero I got the hiring information online.
HR: online po?
Applicant: Opo, sa internet, sa website ninyo.
HR: (pretending to flip the papers inside the applicant's folder) Wala po pala kayong IV Therapy, priority po kasi namin yung may IV Therapy na.
Applicant: "At referral di ba?"
HR: Mismo!
(Buking! Nepotismo yun ah!hahaha!)


Medical Center Manila

Applicant: Saan po ilalagay yung resume at mga requirements ko?
HR: Dun sa box katabi ng trash can.

(Prangkahan na! hahaha!)


Manila Doctors

HR: Saan ka graduate?
Applicant: Sa Leyte po.
HR: Ganun ba? Punta ka muna sa Nursing Service, tanong mo kung may hiring sila.
Applicant: Ok po.

(At the Nursing Service)
Applicant: Pinapunta po ako dito ng HR para magtanong kung may hiring.
Nursing Service: Tumawag nga lang yung HR, pinasasabi na wala na daw hiring.

(Pakisabi rin sa HR na MARAMING SALAMAT ah!hahaha!)


Cardinal Santos

HR: Madali lang yung hiring process, once you pass the written exam, interview ka agad. Mas mabilis kesa sa ibang hospitals.
Applicant: Kelan po yung written exam?
HR: Sa April 2009, 9:00 AM, please be here early and bring black ballpen.

(Early ba kamo! Pwede bukas nandito na ako, ok ba? hahaha!)

Ten Commandments for Nurses to Avoid Illegal Recruitment

1. Do not apply at recruitment agencies not "currently" licensed by POEA.

2. Do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders.

3. Do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.

4. Do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority.

5. Do not pay more that the equivalent of one month salary as placement fee, exclusive of documentation and processing costs. For some countries in Europe, the placement fee is paid by the employer, not the worker.

6. Do not pay any placement fee unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt.

7. Do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a Post Office (P.O.) Box, and to enclose payment for processing of papers.

8. Do not deal with agents of training centers and travel agencies who promise overseas employment.

9. Do not accept a tourist visa for overseas employment.

10. Do not deal with fixers or entrust your money and documents to them.

Reposted from Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) website.

In Memory of Jeremy

This photo of Jeremy was taken last May 2008. Jeremy doesn't want to have his picture taken. This was just a stolen shot by his mother.

I never personally met Jeremy but I think he will definitely call me "kuya".

Jeremy was born on September 16, 1988. Let us just say he wasn't really expected like most conceptions are. My uncle impregnated the "yaya" of my sister who was just few months old then. A very "telenovela" beginning for Jeremy.

After birth, Jeremy was left in the care of his maternal grandmother in our hometown since his mother has to work in Manila just to raise him alone.

Basically, Jeremy was recognized by our family despite his illegitimacy though he wasn't really accepted by his own father which got worse when it had a shotgun wedding and four offsprings came after that.

When Jeremy was in grade 3, he was under the advisory of our paternal grandmother. He several times before told his mother that he can recall that "lola" used to fetch him riding a pedicab and gave him few pesos for snacks. Lola was very fond of him, perhaps because he is just nearby and almost the rest of her grandchildren were raised in the city which an hour away from our hometown.

From Grade 4 up to the time he graduated from elementary and first two years in high school, Jeremy spent it with his mother's relatives in Antipolo. Here, he got close with his cousins, which now I envy a lot.

It was in his junior year that Jeremy returned to our hometown but his studies was put into halt after a humiliation incident occurred that involved a classmate of him pulling down his trousers and teased him as faggot. After then, it seemed quite hard for Jeremy to stay in school. It even got heavy on Jeremy when his beloved maternal grandmother who raised him passed away.

Jeremy did not finish his senior year after several attempts and motivations.

It was until recently that after years of separation, Jeremy was able to spend longer time with his mother who was always away working abroad for him. Everything was fine for the first two months. His mother acquired a house for the both them. The two of them helped in painting the walls and slowly furnishing of the house that they would call home from then on.

It was just last week that Jeremy's mother has started to work on her papers to leave once again since all her savings is already slowly depleting. She even requested him to postpone plans to going back to school to next year.

On the night of July 1, 2008, Jeremy's mother arrived at their home noticing that all the lights were off and the music is turned on. She turned on the lights first as well as turned on the television to check the news. Then she was really wondering where Jeremy might be. It was when she opened the door to the comfort room that she saw her only child lifeless. She was screaming and asking for help from her relatives who were just staying next door. She was hugging Jeremy by the torso telling to herself that wasn't happening. Afterwards, a letter was found on her bed. It was from Jeremy.

Today, July 9, 2008, Jeremy was brought to his final resting place. He was buried where her maternal grandmother was buried before. Me and my sister was there to see him for the last time yet his memory lives on with us and those who love him though he thought that nobody did. And up to the last minute, his father was a coward and didn't see him just even for the last time.

Jeremy at age 19, left us with a lot of questions and lesson that I want to share to whoever might be reading this. This is to never abandon nor neglect any family member no matter what.

During the wake, I was able to get hold of Jeremy's mobile phone and I found out that we have something in common. We are fond of red Ferrari cars. That's why during the interment, I dropped a die cast model of a red Ferrari car on top of his white coffin to let him know his kuya will surely miss him and he will not be forgotten.

Gossip Girl hits the G-spot

I instantly got hooked on this new show "gossip girl".

It depicts the complex life of manhattan "it" girls and boys.

Sex or "doing it" for these junior high school students is just like eating yogurt! This show really turned another New York-based series “Sex and the City” into a relic… oh yeah!


But don't just take my word for it... Check it out and see for yourself. Locally, the first season is aired on ETC every tuesday night.

I know you’ll also get hooked!

x.o.x.o
Gossip Guy (hahaha!!!)

DYOSA... Dios Mio!

ABS-CBN should do a private test shoot first before airing a teaser. I am a diehard Anne Curtis fan and I liked her shot here for her upcoming fantaserye, "DYOSA". It is one of the three (3) transformations of Anne as a Filipino mythological goddess.

I really got disappointed when I saw the teaser just this week wherein she had an ugly, ill-fitted, red wig!

I hope this new teleserye will make Anne as the undisputed TV primetime goddess.

Please vote for Anne for FHM's Top 100.

Nursing Survival Guide (NSG)

I think I am very much qualified to make a nursing survival guide since I already experienced being nursing student, a staff nurse, and a nursing clinical instructor.

The following are the essentials if you want to survive nursing:

1) ATTENDANCE - Always remember that whenever you are absent, it is always a double jeopardy situation because you missed signing in the attendance sheet that might cause you a sanction or make up duty as well you probably missed a quiz or two.

2) APTITUDE - For a 100-item test, always remember to never leave any test items unanswered as well as avoid doing super impositions or alterations that may invalid your answer. It is best to have a pencil and an eraser with you. Always be time conscious whenever you are taking a test, limit a maximum of 45 seconds or less than a minute on each item that you are unsure. Encircle that item then return to it after you are done answering the items that you are more sure of your answers.

3) ATTITUDE - Unlike any courses, all nursing faculty give a weight as much as 10% for attitude in a grade of the nursing student. This can be very subjective since it is based only on the clinical instructor's perception but you can make it to your advantage by being more polite, punctual, and prepared in any requirement given to you. Instead of spending time arguing with a clinical instructor about a missing written requirement that you did pass earlier, how about avoiding that situation by having a photocopy of the written requirement as contingency and your copy for future reference.

4) ALLOWANCE - Money. Money. Lots of money! You definitely need to budget your allowance or request for a constant raise every semester because of the expenses of assignments, requirements, contributions, affiliations, and many to mention (as in words with suffixes "-ments" and "-tions" in nursing!).

5) AMOR - It is the Spanish word for "love". It means that you should love nursing because it makes everything easier for you as a nursing student and professional someday. Nursing may not be the course that you really like but it doesn't mean you have to hate it. The best thing about nursing is that it can be your stepping stone for another career and can be your reliable fall back if all else fails in the other career that you choose. Nursing can also be your motivation for living a more healthier life for you and the people you care about the most.

Cook Book

David cook has been my bet since I heard him sing "Billie Jean" and when David Archuleta started to dance obnoxiously!

I became more hooked when he made his own (better) version of MC's "Always be my Baby".

I even downloaded the 2 songs (illegally!!!) into my mobile phone and made it my ringtone and message alert tone.

Below is the winning song that David sang as the new American Idol:

The Time of My Life

(A tribute to David Cook, American Idol 2008!)

I’ve been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something
I could believe in
And looking for that
Magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn’t see it
Until I let go
Gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn
Now I’m coming alive
Body and soul
And feelin’ my world start to turn

And I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

Holding onto things that vanished
Into the air
Left me in pieces
But now I’m rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

So I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

And I’m out on the edge of forever
Ready to run
I’m keeping my feet on the ground
My arms open wide
My face to the sun

I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
This is the time
This is the time of my life.
This is the time of my life.

Communication Barrier

Mcdonald's

Robin: Miss unlimited ba yung coffee nyo pag-breakfast hours?
Crew: No sir, Free refill lang!!!

Bus Terminal
Robin: Miss, may bottled water kayo?
Tindera: Wala sir, mineral water only.

Jollibee
Robin: Miss, I will have all my order to go please.
Crew: Gusto mo sir ng goto?

Pizza Hut
Robin: Miss, asan nakalagay yung mga condiments?
Crew: Thank you sir!

PLUS and MINUS

PLUS stands for "people like us".

That's a common term for homosexual and bisexual guys to use in a discreet manner.

Most recently, hormones really made another rage post-puberty when a good PLUS friend stood me up after making me wait for almost 3 hours for the mere reason that he forget how time flies which is really a big rip-off.

If that's a simple eyeball... I would not make a much of a big deal but it involved a good PLUS friend whom I don't get much.

My real good friends are the usual straight people way back in high school who likes homosexuals and are using homosexual language but definitely they will curse me if I got involved with their ex-boyfriends, brothers, or worse, their fathers...

So it is really a BIG deal for me if I make good friends with a PLUS because I can be more open to just about anything without fear of judgment from that type of friend.

From experience, PLUS guys that I mostly meet (like 80%) tend to end up as either one night stand, fling, fubu (if it's on a daily or weekly basis), lover, partner (if it's more serious), stalker, or worse, competition.

My perception towards PLUS guys really changes whenever I meet someone who becomes a good friend which brings hope and understanding that the homophobic society just misjudge people like us.

Back to my "no show" PLUS friend. It was just ok if he just informed me earlier that he has other plans like he's going beefcake party with a more outgoing PLUS friend and not let me wait for almost 3 hours because that's definitely a minus!

Iron Man is Hot

I beg to differ and defer Nico's review of the movie "Iron Man"...

I watched it in SM City Cebu Cinema last May 20th with a buddy and from a range of 1-10 with 10 as a perfect score, I rate it as 7...

Though I admit that the movie is really meant for older audience coz you will have a hard time relating to the movie if you haven't read prior the comic book or watched the animated version.

To begin with, only few of the younger generations know Robert Downey Jr. who played Tony Stark/Iron Man as well as Gweneth Paltrow who played Pepper Potts who is Tony Starks' assistant and later on became his love interest.

Well, Mr. Downey is fit to portray Mr. Stark who is a middle-aged egoistic cold-hearted emperor of the modern world in terms of technological warfare is concerned who later on became the iron-suited hero powered by his nuclear reactor heart after he was abducted by a terrorist group who forced him to create a weapon of mass destruction to there advantage. He manages to turn the table around and was able to escape and swore to protect the innocent, first from his technology, next is from the terrorists and tyrants who want to profit from building ammunitions.

If it was Orlando Bloom or Ashton Kutcher, perhaps the younger generation would be able to enjoy more but the movie will not be true to its original story.

Silver lining in Silver Star (Bus Company)

Not so long ago, I had an immediate trip to Manila to accompany my mother to meet her dual citizen niece and her family who is having a vacation there.

4 days after, I am already at Araneta Center bus terminal waiting for the bus to leave bound for my hometown. The trip lasted 28 hours and here are what I have realized:

1) Ordinary bus ticket is every CHEAP, it's almost 50% of the cheapest airfare. But services on this bus is even CHEAPER! Drivers and conductors get extra income by delivering packages. What happens is that the cargo bins of the bus is already full of this "special" packages, the bulky baggages of the of the passengers get piled up in the aisle making it an "extra challenge" for the passenger to get in and out of their seats during stop-overs.

2) Passengers who usually takes ordinary buses have the following baggages:
a) annoying children with ADHD (not just a child, children!!!)
b) live stock ranging from fighting roosters to puppies (you can play animal sound guessing game the whole trip!!!)
c)the classic biscuit can (with biscuits of course!!!)

3) The travel is already long, what makes it longer and more exhausting is when you have a driver with bladder issues. What happens is that we go on unnecessary halt every 1-2 hours!

4) Starbucks has bottled instant flavored frapuccino in convenient stores at the stop-over.

Now, that's my Silver lining!!! hehehe!!!

Confessions of a Clinical Instructor (Part 1)

by SARS Nars from Mars

Working as a Clinical Instructor is definitely very humbling. It taught me to be more understanding and give more patience toward my students, co-faculty, and my salary for already rendered services.

But I never thought I would say this, but after working as a Clinical Instructor for quite sometime, no monetary compensation can suffice the difficulty a Clinical Instructor have in dealing with students and co-faculty.

Based on my experience, students' attitude definitely varies. But those who are worst to deal with are those who are stubborn, self-righteous, and self-centered.

Some students are stubborn in such a way that you have to constantly remind and reprimand them of their faults. I usually tell these students that a person who thinks but doesn't learn is in great danger, definitely!

Self-righteous students are those who never listens to Clinical Instructors' instructions. Instead, they make their own rules and fear no one because of leverage of their influence in school. An example of this is a student nurse who doesn't bring thermometer on a make-up duty because he thinks he can get away with it and he uses the thermometer at the nurse's station instead. After reprimand, this student spreads rumor among his peers that the clinical instructor is just taking extra effort to watch him closely for faults because of its hidden grudge to him.

Self-centered students are those who take advantage of their fellow students and the faculty as well at all times for their own personal gain. Examples of these are instances wherein these students deliberately compare clinical instructors who they will favor more in terms who can easily be manipulated and who is most likely to pass them with just "pleasing personality" as the basis. Basically, the purpose of these students is to create hostility and competition among Clinical Instructors favoring to their own advantage.

These 3 type of students usually blame Clinical Instructors for almost all their failures. They really never understand the discipline the nursing profession demands that is incorporated into their curriculum and being implemented by the College of Nursing.

They always wanted that everything either goes in their favor or at their convenience.

In regards with co-faculty, cooperation and respect among Clinical Instructors are essential for a nursing faculty to function well.

But how can that be possible if a junior Clinical Instructor have no choice but to do the work of a very inconsiderate senior co-faculty on its behalf because it directly affects his own output. It is aside from the fact that this Clinical Instructor is already preoccupied with his own work load and other errands though they are both equally compensated which is really unfair and very unprofessional. The senior Clinical Instructor on other hand is much more preoccupied in entertaining other part time jobs and on-call duties.

Though I have experienced all of these, as a nurse myself, I have learned to adjust to the demands of my job now as a nurse educator. I do admit that I am not perfect and I have flaws but I always do my best to improve myself personally and professionally.

If its not also only for the great respect and gratitude I have for my mentors in the nursing faculty, who are always there to give me the much needed criticism, advice, support, and guidance, I may already have quit being a Clinical Instructor.

For the next installment of this article, I will be confessing more on the controversies behind Student Nurse - Clinical Instructor Relationships. Watch out for that one.

Cruel Intentions

First posted at Friendster blog on March 27, 2008.

It has just come to my knowledge that some nursing students are doing extra effort to oust me as a clinical instructor by verbal malevolence.

They would rather prefer to have a senile and an imbecile for a clinical instructor.

As I have said to the nursing students who were under me during the clinical duty in Borongan, "At first you do enjoy being under a clinical instructor who is lax and would pass you anyway but after quite sometime you will ask yourself, what have you learn? The common answer that you would probably have is nothing..."

I may not be perfect but at least I am humble enough to make room for improvements for myself and my profession... for a person who thinks but does not learn is in great danger!

For those nursing students who appreciate what I do, I express my sincere gratitude and a challenge for you to do better in your studies and clinical duties.

For those who see me as a hindrance to their voracious intentions, I will never be threatened and I challenge you to prove me wrong.

Post NCLEX Stress Disorder

First posted on February 27, 2008 at Friendster blogs.

I thought 22 was my lucky number.

February 22, 2008, the day I got my mail from Board of Nursing in Saipan (that's in Northern Marianas for the ignoramus).

I did not PASS the NCLEX. Well, I already have a feeling before I won't make the cut but now, I have the hard copy. I am seriously thinking of having it laminated. It is my first time to fail an exam. (excluding ofcourse la salle, ateneo, UP college entrance examinations)

My folks, like most middle-class parents, were disappointed.

While waiting for the NCLEX result, it seems that my father is already planning the loans he will be applying soon which I am the one who will be paying when I'm already in the land of milk and honey, and britney spears.

It also seems that my mother was already anticipating then that she will be receiving her retirement pension soon aka allotment from my work worth $30 an hour.

But reality kicks in. I did not pass the NCLEX.

My parents told me, "Bahala ka na sa buhay mo..."

But ofcourse, I know what they really meant was that I'm an investment gone bad but I need to take the NCLEX again but now, I'm paying using what I am earning now as parttime Clinical Instructor.

It makes me realize that is this the price of raising me in a bubble? A life where I was expected to do good in everything because everything is already provided and I don't need to work my ass just to get through my studies.

Then, what is the difference between raising a child and hog raising? The feeds perhaps.

I am not saying that my parents are EVIL, like most Filipinos in Metro Manila think of our president, but I believe that parents should integrate empowerment in raising their children.

I know that parents will do to their best to prevent their children from making the same mistake that they made before but if their children did make their own mistakes, the parents, with their guidance, should let them handle the responsibility.

Nevertheless, I never consider myself a FAILURE because I did my best, though in a cramming way.

With that mistake, I learned my lesson the hard way and I am moving forward my way.