MEMOIR

Seeing Through Aroma: Chapter 2

2018-11-17T21:29:00.003+08:00

Chapter 2

Americano Coffee

As soon as I got out from the house, I've decided to drop by the Café and grab some coffee before heading to work. I need some buffer for a very long day to come. I always assume to have a busy working environment right after my rest day because that always happens.

Then right at the moment when I am already in front of the Café , I saw Isaiah.

He is at the counter and facing towards me. Although I don’t see his face but with my heightened senses I can tell that he smiles at me.

I just looked straight to him through the glass door.

Then the glass door opened and the bell rang which brought me back to my senses.

I went inside together with the lady who opened the door and I smiled at her, expressing my gratitude.

I ordered hot Americano coffee on-the-go , the largest size. I went on my favourite spot while waiting for my order to be ready.

Isaiah called my name and handed me the coffee. Then he said, “Have a nice day with this coffee,” He was holding my right hand while handing me the coffee I ordered.

To my surprise, I just nod at him, turned my back and went straight outside the Café.

It was brief yet a pleasant kind off suffocation. As if my vitals where all on their extreme limits except from my respiration. His scent that I looked forward to did not make an impression on me that day but rather the strongest smell of hot Americano Coffee that goes along with the memory of our hands join together for that short time overpowers the scent that I usually longed often.

I was walking but the feeling was like gliding in the air, and again it was an outside world experience. Then I heard something ringing.

I woke up from a daydream and it was my phone! The alarm set on 7AM was ringing and I am late for work!

The usual thing happened at work and as expected, the surgical cases for today is overflowing. Then again, even if I will bet my entire whole life salary, I will be having overtime instead of working for only 8 hours. What keeps me going with this busy hours at work is my passion towards it. Although sometimes I blame it why until today, I am the only one in the work place who’s single or unmarried.

After my shift I just remembered that the Americano Coffee I ordered was just halfway consumed so I went to the pantry to check if it is still there and yes! The cup is still on the table. Since one of my co nurses were also near the table, I asked a favor to hand over the cup so that I can throw it out.

“Oh… are you sure you’ll gonna throw out this cup? Ahhmmmmm… “ Joana showed me the backside where the name is supposed to be written.

“What’s that? Is there something written on it?”

“Come, read. I guess it’s not only the coffee that you brought out from that Café .”

I approached Joana. Some of my coworkers and resident doctors at that time got also curious with it as well.

“Come back at 9PM. I will wait here at the Café. –Aiah.”

They were teasing me! They were asking me who that person is.

I grabbed the cup from Joana and ran away from them but I can still hear them teasing me.

I shouted,”Bye!” and they were all laughing.

I got curious with what Isaiah wrote on the cup.

Why he wanted to see me? Is it something serious? How will I handle it? What if he noticed that I felt something towards him? Or he got angry to towards my behavior of being obvious in liking him. What if… what if….

A scene inside the Café caught me by surprised. It was Isaiah. He is sitting with a girl while holding her hand. He was wiping off her cheeks and touched it. The girl then closed her eyes while touching Isaiah’s hand on her cheeks . Then he stood up and approached the girl. He brought her up from the chair and hugged her and caressed her back.

I was in a state of shock rather than being jealous or angry.

And again I asked myself, why? Why would he call me out to his Café and see all those scene?

I did not get inside. I dropped the cup and walked away rapidly.

I found myself in tears, tears of confusion - confused to why I am acting like this.

I realized, I like him so much that I put everything about him as a hypothesis-a 50% chance of looking forward for him to like me back as well and hoping that I would hear a positive statement out of my hypothesis.

I had an inner debate with myself. Am I acting rationally?

No. I was just too focused on myself not considering whether he likes me as well. I crossed beyond the line by only thinking of my affection. I did not consider the fact that what I’ve seen earlier could happen and it did.

I got too fond with the comfort that he provides me, the comfort of his own scent that captured me and brought me to a different kind of experience.

I got too familiar with the comfort I’ve felt without thinking that I do not know much about him.

It was an unrequited feeling.

Walking towards the Bus stop, I was drenched and soaked wet by the heavy rain that poured without noticing it. The sky empathized with my unsorted emotions by sending the dark clouds and pouring the water down to me maybe because it doesn’t want to see me crying out of things I cannot figure out myself.

I stayed for a while on the bus stop while waiting for the rain to stop.

Trying to compose myself rationally, I tried to justify my reaction towards what I have witnessed a while ago.

I went home feeling a bit relieved by looking forward for a happy drug – another sunrise, another day, another chances for new beginnings.

I dried myself up and went to bed.

The next morning came and I still have a bit of hungover from the sight last night but I need to pull myself up. I feel a bit sick maybe because I was soaking wet from last night’s heavy rainfall.

For the first time, I did not had coffee. The colds I have right now seems a blessing in disguise because I am not craving for any scents or smell.

At moments like this, unless the person talks to me first, those people I know are like a complete strangers to me, I hardly recognize them.

To those who are not aware of my condition, they most often tell me I am arrogant or snobbish.

Well, I learned to live with it.

As soon as arrived the Operating Room, I checked the OR Schedule Board.

I was assigned as the scrub nurse to a major case that I guess would last the entire shift.

I prepared the operating room for the procedure scheduled for 10 am.

Just as I was about to receive the patient to be prepped prior the induction of anesthesia, I received a call from the Emergency Room.

It is a stat OR case. A vehicular accident case with multiple cranial and panfacial fracture schedule for Emergency Craniectomy.

I informed the surgeon and anesthesiologist. The Supervisor transferred me to this case and assigned the 10 am case to other nurse.

I received the endorsements from the ER and prepped the patient at the OR.

The patient had a severe hemorrhage on the frontal lobe which would take long for the procedure to be finished because the reconstruction surgical team will then take over after the decompression of frontal hemorrhage. I was assigned on the Cardiac and Reconstructive procedures so I guess I will be staying the entire day in the OR.

I did not notice the time passed so quickly. The procedure was successful and the patient was endorsed directly to the Intensive Care Unit post surgery.

Then Joan called me,” Hey! There is a message for you here at the station”

“Okay thank you Joan. I will read it later.”

“Read it now, the coffee might get cold”

“What coffee? I did not order for some to go coffee?”

“Hhhmmmmm… Just come here at the station.”

I got curious so I went directly to the station and looked for the said coffee.

It was a vacuum thermos tumbler about the size of the tallest cup to go.

There was a sticky note on it saying, “9 PM at the coffee shop. I waited but you did not come last night. – I J “

It was Isaiah. I was reminded of my irrationality.

What is it that he make me go there after what I had seen last night?

It’s not typical either for an acquaintance to have such request unless it is urgent.

Yeah, I forgot! It might be something urgent that he needs my presence despite my absence last night.

But what will I reason out for not going?

A part of me says,” Go, to put an end to everything and to clear things up. As this would let myself hear and know where I should stand”

I am just a mere acquaintance in his Café. That’s it!

There is no holding back!

I arrived at his Café and I stood still in front of the glass door.

There were only empty chairs and table inside and him. It will only be him and I.

As soon as he opened the glass door, the bell rung and his calming scent welcomed me inside. I was captivated by it, like a magic spell taking its effect when casted on me and charmed by his love potion. He led me to my favorite spot while going with my pace.

“Have a sit first. I’ll prepare something to eat.”

I nodded and smiled back. I sat on the spot where I usually stay.

I was looking at the direction where he prepared the food and drinks.

Then he went back to me bringing the tray with the food on it.

Judging on its smell, the food is delicious. But as far as I could remember, it doesn’t smell familiar.

He put the tray on the table and he sat with me.

The food he prepared is not on the food shelves and by looking at I suspect it is off the menu.

Then he said”, This is off the menu. I had only prepared this food to two persons.”

Wait, did he read what my mind says? Or my looks were making obvious on what my mind says.

“Oh really? I am flattered. Thanks.”

He was looking on the table when he said, ”I was expecting for you to come last night. Something urgent must have come up along the way.”

Is he numb? Dumb? Isn’t he aware of what he did last night? I forgot, he did not know I saw everything last night.

And so I replied with a sarcastic tone,” Isn’t it weird for a guy like you calling out to see a guy like me? We’ve barely know each other?”

He looked towards me. I cannot see his facial expression but with my heightened senses, I can feel that he is smiling at me and he said

“Isn’t it too obvious?”

“Obvious what? Come on dude were both men!”

“Then if you are so concerned with that matter, Why did you come here tonight?”

And I was caught off guard. I do not want to stutter. I want myself to believe that what I have seen last night in this very place is the most rational thing.

“I was thinking you might need something urgent… like someone you know is sick and you might need some opinion about it?”

“If that’s the case I could have made a suggestion of having a check up with a specialist, am I right, Sebastian?”

He even knew my name! Is he a stalker? Or does he really liked me that much that he knows a lot about me!

I am trying to stand firm with my statement on both men having a date.

“I have to go”

“I understand Sebastian. You might be shocked with my confessions right now. But I hope you would consider me. I liked you so much that it pushed me to my limits of holding unto my feelings.”

I stood up from where I seated and stared at him for a while. I do not quite understand how it goes with what other people were saying about proving ones sincerity by looking through his eyes.

I cannot decipher his face and it is still too soon to judge whether it is just a scam, prank or if it is really a sincere confession.

“Isaiah, I’m glad you understand me right now. I am confused and shocked with what I’ve heard right now. At least give me some time on how to sort out my feeling so that I could respond to what you’ve said to me”

He held both my shoulders and tapped twice.

“I understand. Just don’t run away. I will prove to you that I am sincere.”

“They say that by looking through someone’s eyes proves his sincerity with his words and acts. But for me that is not the case.”

“I kinda knew about it. You don’t have to worry.”

“Well that’s quite impressive of you! You did your research about me, huh?”

“Hmmmm… not that much. Just enough to feed my curiosity about you.”

“I’ll go ahead. It’s quite late already.”

“Okay. If you have time tomorrow let’s have some breakfast here.”

“Sure, if nothing urgent will come up. I will try.”

“I’ll be expecting. Take care on your way home.”

“Thanks”

I went out the Café ahead of him.

I tried to rationalize and justify my thoughts about what I have seen and what he said a while ago.

He seemed serious, but what was that about the scene last night?

Is he just comforting a lady friend?

And whether I admit it to myself or not, I got jealous and hurt yesterday with the sight of it.

However, I feel a little good tonight than yesterday. Everything was unexpected although confusing.

I do not want to make any assumptions despite the fact – or I guess the act of telling me on “what-he-felt-towards-me” thing.

The Americano Coffee flashed back – the note on the cup. Its scent give me a 50-50 impression which is the impression of telling me that he likes me and the impression of seeing him with a girl. But these impressions fall under one general truth and that is confrontation. I was confronted with both situation that still needs to be verified if they are both right or just one of these is the right one.

I kept on asking myself if I should answer with his invitation to have a breakfast at the Café or not.

Either way, I cannot escape from this situation. He seems persuasive and I cannot even say no.

As if I am unknowingly captivated by the wholeness of how unique his own scent combined perfectly with Citrusy Lemon Grass scent.

I almost passed through my drop off point. I was drifting away every time I remember his scent.

I arrived home and called it a day.

I woke up early today and I trying to have a fresh morning.

My body was looking for something to warm it up, Hot Americano coffee!

So I’ve decided to have some breakfast at the Café before I go to work.

I grabbed my phone and it vibrated, so I checked on it.

I received a text message from ISAIAH!

It says “Hi there! You’re breakfast is ready. Just drop by the Café. See yah later.”

Woah, he is persuasive indeed. I just hope he will be consistent to prove his worth. I appreciate the acts more than any other factor. Who knows, I might give in.

So I prepared to start my day and I went to the Café after.

The sight of the girl still bothers me until today. I should ask him about it.

I arrived at the Café and there I saw him through the glass door. Everything seems in slow motion, from the time I opened the door, and every stride I take until the very moment he held my hand and I’ve heard him saying “Wait for me at your favorite spot, I will bring the breakfast”

I went to my spot and I noticed something. A small golden metal plate nailed at the corner of the table and something is written on it.

To my surprise, I almost went out of breath.

It was very sweet and thoughtful act. He reserved this spot just for me!

The plate says,

“Kindly look for another seat. This spot is reserved for Sebastian intended just for him in any instance he wants to be here”

He brought the food and I can feel he smiles at me.

I am surprisingly happy right now. I did not expect this to happen. So asked him while pointing on the golden plate “Isaiah, when and why?”

He answered with in a very calming and romantic tone “The day before I called you to drop by here, I decided to put that on this very spot. Ever since I opened this Café, I noticed you already. I do not know but every time I look at you there is a weird sense of calmness that I can cee on your face. It enlightens this entire place. I dedicated this whole place for my passion in delivering a sense of belongingness through food. And so by the time you walked in here, it sums up my purpose of having this Café.”

“Why reserved a place for me?”

“Because you deserve it. The girl who went here that night, she said that she’s so grateful that I have this Café because she has a place to run to or stop by every the world seems so cruel and unaccepting.

She was my best friend in our hometown. When I went into high school, my family had to move out and settle here. Although I was separated with here, we continued our communication so she knew every little detail of my life. When she had a work already, she decided to move here since her parents passed away when she was in college. She had so much in her hands at that time and just recently, her husband died due to a car accident. They were supposed to celebrate their anniversary here and so I decided to call you to introduce you to her.”

My heart broke and shattered when I’ve heard what Isaiah said.

I was being too hysterical at that time and I neglected the other factors like this when I saw him with her. Jealousy took over me and I was being irrational.

I almost cried but so I held back my tears.

“I am sorry to hear that Isaiah, I hope she’ll be better in time. I totally understand how she feels that moment.”

“It’s okay. I felt the need to tell you this because I want you to know and believe in me. I want you to believe that I sincerely like you.

I want to know more of you and share myself as well. I know for myself that I will regret if I will let go of this moment telling you how I really feel.”

Isaiah, I want to take thing slowly. Let’s see each other more often and see how things will work between us. I appreciate so much all these stuff that you did for me. And for the record, the last I checked, you are the first guy who did these stuff to me and you cause little heart attacks on me”, I responded with a smile and I felt my face was a little warm.

I was staring at him while he holds my hand. I was thinking about the night when I saw him with the girl until this very moment that he confessed everything.

I therefore conclude that I was wrong and irrational. Jealousy is a dangerous storm that would cover up the rational things and when you ended up drowning on it, it will be a disaster.

Emotions should not be on top but rather at par with your mind. They should come hand in hand and share common decisions inorder for you to come up with the best and rational decision. Take things one step at a time because a rush decision can mostly end up in a domino effect of failures.

He serves me a hot Americano Coffee when I summed up all these thoughts and so it gave a more meaningful to me now that the hypothesis in my mind where all segregated well as to which one is the truth and not.

Seeing through Aroma

2018-09-06T21:46:00.001+08:00

Seeing Through Aroma

Chapter 1: Orange and Lemon Grass

Every one of us has his own struggles and challenges in our daily lives. One might actually be not able to sleep at night and he has to wake up before the dawn breaks,

or a student might not be able to solve a simple algebraic equation right now while having his math exams, or an aspiring Navy might be taking Ishihara test and not able to distinguish the right color and fail from it.

It is a struggle indeed and some of it might be irreversible and has no permanent solutions to that. Either way, we tend to deal with these struggle in order to survive and go on with our lives.

As ordinary and as common as other people around this world, I too have my own struggles, but I am not going to tell you this early and just go on reading through me. Enjoy - Laugh, Cry, Get mad and fall in love as you go along with my story.

This is not an out of this world story but rather it will just be as simple as what you are going through right now. It's just that there is one thing that makes it special and different from any one from you or maybe, there another person just like me and might be able to understand what I am going through right now.

I remember when I was little, my family lived in a small town with very few neighborhood, so I usually just spend time at home and not like any other kids who play outside who run and get along with each other and then go home very dirty and happy.

I was happy too then but it was somehow different from the usual experience of a typical kid since I play with my parents and two siblings- By the way I am the youngest.

Then I started going to school and things got a bit hard. I was struggling on how to approach my classmates! I got scared but when I looked at my teacher I got a bit confused but it calms me a little bit, I guess I am seeing a common image from her face but a bit confusing. I looked at my classmates again and they too were a bit confusing.

It continued until I reached my High School years. It was tough for me because I usually do not go along with other children in our school because I am confused and scared!

I did not even tell my parents about it although they were asking "how's school?"- every day- despite the fact that they sent and fetch me from school every day. I just shrug my shoulder and say,'Uhm, it's okay. Nothing's new"

But I guess they notice my aloofness getting worst day by day. I even got confused lately with my dad and brother, I am finding it hard to distinguish who is who since my older brother got tall now, same as my dad's height. They actually might be a perfect example of "Like father like son", they seem to be very alike in all aspect including the perfume and the way they dress as well as they're body built. It seems dad has not gotten any older since then.

As for mom and Sissy, she stand out from mom because of her pastel coloured outfits and her sweet flowery scent, while mom is more of citrusy.

One day my mom asked me,''Honey, is everything really okay?"

"Yes mom, why'd you ask?"

"Uhm, I get confused too sometimes honey."

"hhhmmm? Of what mom?"

"I have been watching you since you were a child. You seem to have no problem with your eyesight don't you?

"Nope, I guess so? I can clearly read even at a distance. Why'd you ask mom?"

"You always get confused with your dad and Sam lately but when you are reading I've observed and assume that you can clearly see since you are very fond of reading books since you were a little child. Tell me, what are you seeing honey?

Then I get more confused when mom asked me this.

I can clearly read but I cannot distinguish my family's face?

Everything flashed back.

When we went to the mall when I was seven years old with my mother and I saw a gorgeous wrist watch, my hand got lose from my mother because I approached the stall where the watch is then I realized later on that I lost my mother so I was crying while shouting for her name, to my surprise, a lady approached me and hugged me while saying –"Honey, I am just here in front of you, stop crying now" and I did not recognized her by looking at her face but I recognized her voice and her citrusy scent and I stopped crying and said, "Mom?", "Yes Honey it's me. Let's go home now."

And Yes! Even my classmates and my teachers, I cannot recognize them by looking at their face. And I have been hiding it from them ever since. They just thought that I am snob or whatever but the truth is, I got confused!

I can only recognize some by remembering their common scent, or a special feature on their face the likes of having a beard, or the difference between their heights.

I do not really know what is going on but it has been like this for so long and now my mother knew about it already.

"Mom, I dunno either."

"Come here honey! I will tell your father regarding this one, he has to know also about this."

"Mom, not now please? Until we figure out what's this"

"Okay, but please let me bring you to the hospital tomorrow for you to be checked, will that be fine?"

"Yes mom."

"You go to your room now. Get yourself fixed and have a rest okay?"

And I nodded and went upstairs.

I lay down to me bed staring at the ceiling, procrastinating. Then I got out from my bed and grabbed our family album.

I was crying while flipping the pages, looking at the pictures on by one. At first it was not hard to recognize some photos since we have different heights. But as I was flipping the other albums that was just filed recently, I cannot distinguish Sam from dad and mom from my Sissy- Sarah.

Why can't I recognize them? What's wrong with me? Am I sick or something?

I went back to my bed and cried. I did not noticed that I fell asleep.

Next thing I know was I can feel the warmth and the radiance of the sun, the sun is up for another day!

This will be the day that we will know what's really wrong with me!

My mom called our teacher to inform her that I cannot make it today. She made an alibi and I've heard their conversation over the phone.

"Yes Miss Jenner, It's the schedule for the annual medical exam so no need to worry.

Thank you Miss Jenner, Bye."

"Mom"

"Oh, are you good to go?"

"Yes mom, but quite anxious. I am a bit scared. I dunno what's gonna be the result after this."

"So do I. But Let us just hope for something not to worry that much. Whatever this maybe, I am always here, We are here Honey, Okay?"

"Yes mom"

After we had our breakfast, we went to the hospital and seek a consultation with an ophthalmologist, Dr. Hannah Garner.

She used stuffs which I dunno. She let me see through a machine with a hot air balloon inside. Then she let me read all the number in different colored dots.

She also let me read those letters then she went back to her desk and asked mom," Do you have any picture there of your family members?"

"Yes, I have it on my wallet, let me get it doctor"

Then the doctor asked me," Okay now do you see this photo?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell me who is in this picture?"

"Hmmmm, I am not quite sure, I guess it's Sam."

"Now this one?"

"Sarah?"

"Okay how about this one?"

"Sam?"

"Okay. Ma'am, Your child has a 20/20 vision and she can clearly read without the need for eyeglasses. However, ..."

"However?"

"Yes, however, your child is one of those who have what we call prosopagnosia."

"proso... proso what doctor?

"Prosopagnosia. Or in layman's that is what we call face blindness."

"Face blindness?"

"Yes, face blindness. It is a neurological condition where in a person has an inability to recognize face and it ranges from less to not seeing any facial features the likes of the eyes, eyebrow, lips, nose etc. Some cases sees all facial features but somehow everything is rambled, mixed or seeing an upside down face."

"But how? hoo...how did it happened? To my child? I do not understand! I took all precautions during pregnancy and we raised the child with so much precautions!"

"I understand that you are an upset and worried mother right now. The case as I say is neurological so it affects mainly the brain that perceives what the light that the eyes get. There are various different factors that leads to the condition, it could be a brain trauma or injury previously acquired, or underlying other neurological problems the like of autism or it could be psychological or unknown by nature."

"Doctor, is there anything I can do about it?" I asked

They were quite surprised with my response, but for me this was the best response I could give and the best concern I could I asked as of that moment. It was not quite surprising when the doctor said that I cannot distinguish faces because I knew it all along, I just did not tell my family about it. But with the doctor's affirmation, it somehow confirms that I am different.

"You are quite a strong child. Well, before that we will undergo some further examinations to know the cause for this. There are therapies also that you could attend to improve your compensatory strategies- in short you will be having a special lesson here in the hospital, it's like an additional subject from your school"

The consultation ended well but my mom was still in a state of how to tell the rest of the family regarding my condition.

I was quite worried at that time.

We arrived home and mom disclosed everything during dinner.

Conclusions and concerns were answered regarding the odd behaviors that I was exhibiting.

They were quite worried too but with the assurance that "Compensatory Strategies" will be learned, it will not be a difficult situation for all.

After several session with my therapy, the family was able to cope. The set what the others called "Identifiers" but personally I want it to be cool, I call them "Deter" from "determinants"

Then I applied it to the people whom I am close with, I set different Deters from them.

It was difficult at first but eventually I got along with it.

Now, that I am a professional, working in an institution, I went into nursing.

Yes, I was medically different which urged me to choose this path.

It is not a hindrance at all thanks to the standard protocol of verifying the patient's identity, I still got the right patients to take care with. I sometime asks the help of my co workers especially when patients are not able to talk.

Later on my practiced I was transferred in the Operating Room were in there is less interaction with patients which requires les facial recognition as well.

They say the common scent of a nurse is the alcohol ethanol due to the fact that we often times require self-disinfection for infection control purposes.

But for nurses in the OR it's either the smell of Povidone iodine or the surgical scrub solution which has more distinct and strong smell.

With the different chemicals that we are exposed every day and the different smell and scents that I encounter, I need some refresher to my nose, since my sense of smell is more developed due to my compensatory strategies.

There is this certain Deter that I look forward every after shift or if I am very stressed out. It calms my inner soul. It brings my spirit temporarily away from a certain struggle that I am in. that orangy scent that fusses with the lemon grass teleports me to a world of peace and calmness. I tried looking for that perfume from different stores and malls and I found it! To my excitement, I bought one and sprayed it to my body but it smells different. There is a missing ingredient when it spreads in the air. I feel frustrated, I cannot figure out the missing ingredient.

I tried to remember the experience with the scent. I sprayed some perfume that I bought and I laid down on my bed with just the table lamp shining on a midnight frigate.

I closed my eyes and tried to recall the scent that my entire being was longing for while comparing to the perfume that I bought. It was almost the same, the warm orange and the refreshing lemon grass is there. Then I started hearing a voice – yes there is a voice, a deep, soothing, calming and hypnotizing voice. It is the voice , one of the missing ingredients. To my frustrations, I tried digging down through my psyche where I've heard that voice and smell that scent.

I was drinking a mixed berries infused green tea while looking through the glasses and taking glances on the view outside from my favorite corner inside the café. It is in my favorite café just along the neighborhood. The voice comes from the counter, the owner of the café. It was just this moment I realized that I did not pay attention to where the scent was coming from because I got obsessed with the scent itself for it became a safe haven from a very stressful day, and to my obsession, I even search for it because I want it to come in handy. I missed the most important ingredient of that scent which is the person who creates a distinct potion with the perfume and his own body. A potion that was made to perfection that creating a new dimension of experience.

Then I've felt a warmth on my face while hearing the alarm, ALARM! Yes, an alarm.

I opened my eyes and it was day time already. It's already 8 am. I feel asleep while going down through the memory train.

Today is my restday and the first thing on my list is the café.

I got out from bed with an unexplainable excitement. I want to see my safe haven!

I got my self prepped to go out from the house. I walked through the streets on my way to the café. The weather is very good, with a slight cool breeze of the morning, the soothing morning breeze brushes through my face and hair and the warmth from the sun.

Then I arrived at the café, standing in front of the glass door, I looked down then faced the door again and opened it. I entered the café with a pounding heart – and I stopped upon hearing the ring of the bell on the door. I dazed through him and for the first time, the comfort, calmness and relaxed experienced was added with a fast and pounding heartbeat. I cannot explain how and what I am feeling right now. I woke up from the daydream when I heard his voice saying

"Hi Good Morning!"

"Oh, Hi Good morning! I'm sorry I haven't eaten any breakfast yet.... Low... blood... sugar.. maybe?" I responded while slowly approaching the counter with a very blunt affect.

I can hear his smirk, maybe because he wasn't expecting and I bet I really looked funny at that time and I feel so embarrassed. He offered me a small plate with a piece of cake on it.

"Take this caramel cheesecake first and get your order later. You might faint with low blood sugar."

I said thank you and I looked down, took the plate then went on my favorite spot.

I did not smell the caramel, the portal to the other dimension opened when I smelled his scent instead. I woke up from my dream last night and yet now I am daydreaming again.

I took glances on him and he caught me! I am on cardiac arrest right now, and as if all my blood rushed up to my head. I looked down on the table but I can smell his scent getting more prominent and he is in front on me,

"Are you okay? Do you feel any better now?"

"Ahhmmm...." I took sip of water and nodded.

"Is there anything else you want?"

"Ahm, I'll this breakfast of the day please."

"Okay, one order of breakfast of the day? How about your drinks?"

"Hot chocolate please."

"Is that all?"

"Yes." And I was stunned.

"I'll be back with your order within 15-20 minutes. Will that be okay?"

"Ahmmm.." I nodded and scanned through my bag. I was supposed to pretend to look for a book but thank God, I have a book inside my bag.

He smirked and went back to the counter. There were not much customers at that time since they've just opened which I find comforting because I really find myself funny today! I just hope he did not notice my odd behavior.

I did not notice the time. I was just staring at the introduction of the book then I noticed him standing again in front of me. I feel a little suffocated. My heart is beating rapidly.

"Here is your order. Just call me if you need anything else. I'm Isaiah"

"Isaiah... Thank you" I survived the struggle of having no air to speak out. It was between normal voice and whisper with a rasp.

He smirked again and walked away from my spot.

I tried to divert my attention while having my meal. And so I faced through the glass wall taking a look outside. Busy people were walking through the streets. I am supposed to be one of these people right now but luckily I am here enjoying a meal, taking my precious time even just for a day.

Unconsciously, I glanced again at the counter and stared at Isaiah. He was taking the orders of the customer. I want to know if he smirks right now but I cannot see. I can only smell his scent but quite faint.

The Orange and Lemon Grass scent was completed. I found all the ingredients.

Light through a Pinhole

2018-08-24T10:02:00.003+08:00

The first few steps that baby makes is a great excitement and an unimaginable fear at the same time for the baby.

It is always scary to step into things that you might not know what the outcome will be yet exciting because you'll feel the sense of achievement. 

Taking few steps outside from Pandora's box is never easy and comfortable at the beginning especially when you try your best to get out from it but what's inside keeps you pulling back inside the box. 

You end up seeing yourself again being one with them inside- Loneliness, Sadness and depression.

you end up weeping again and drown with the water drawn by the bitterness that keeps crumbling your soul. Taking down every piece of you, trying to consume you from the inside.

Sleep becomes less of an option and most often being neglected as one of the priorities.

But a minute light getting in from a pinhole somehow gives hope that one day, Pandora's box will voluntarily shove me out to light of a bigger and promising hope.

Raindrop in a Pit Hole

2018-08-17T15:37:00.002+08:00

“The sun stopped shining for me is all. The whole story is: I am sad. I am sad all the time and the sadness is so heavy that I can't get away from it. Not ever.”

Nina LaCour, Hold Still

A suitable quote to questions thrown by many people,

”Is depression a choice?”

Depression has never been one of the choices by any other person in this world.

Logically, no one wants to feel sad, lonely and depressed at any course of his life. It’s like having a super typhoon on a summer bliss wherein instead of enjoying the radiance and heat of the sun and run through the swift of sea waves, you are locked in a four cornered room with so much fear and full of uncertainties on how destructive the typhoon will be and to when it should end.

It is somehow a life in Pandora’s Box, instead, you are one with the sorrows, loneliness, sadness and tragedies kept inside the box.

It goes back to how relative and variable life is.

Every raindrop is never the same, so as to the bucket and pit holes where it should land. It fills every space at different rate which makes it relative.

I just woke up one day and I felt empty, lonely or sad, and seems lost. I woke up one day that everything seems not to fit completely. My soul was lost, my thoughts were just blank and I lived out of instincts – no goals to achieve.

I don’t really know when and where it started but my world was liked a bucket filled with water and then suddenly it flipped –upside down- spilling all the water on it in all directions and not even a drop to spare from a totally flipped bucket.

I started questioning myself, what is my motivation lately? What keeps me driven out of life?

Nothing. I wake up as soon as the sun is resting and sleeps when the sun is awake.

I have no purpose. It feels like I lost everything.

There is a kind of pain that I do not understand to what it really is. It’s like having a piece of expensive steak on your plate but when you slice a portion of it and chew on it, it tastes like water – Nothing.

My life had become bland. No flavor, no taste. Like a blank slate that has no calligraphy on it.

A canvass painted on black.

I am not suicidal but I am frustrated and disappointed. What have I become?

The Ruins of Banza Church - Butuan City

2015-04-09T14:53:00.001+08:00

"Historic Butuan" - the tag that I see almost everywhere in this City called Butuan.

As a newbie in a certain place, it will really come across to your mind, what could this place offer me? And most certainly, to what particular matter makes Butuan a historic one?

Part of my current job is to travel a lot and I saw this signage saying "TO BANZA CHURCH RUINS" and I asked myself,'Is this one of the stuff that makes it what they are saying it is?'. Then just today, I decided to take my feet there and let my eyes see what this place could be.

The ruin is located near a river bank in Barangay Banza, Butuan City, particularly the Lilo Banza

From Baan, you can take a ride at their multicab and take a stop at the junction between the magsaysay viaduct bridge I and II. On your left you cross over the road and take a ride on a motorcycle and they definitely can take you there.

The ruins' history has been written on a tablet of marble place inside the ruin.

It was said that the church has been destroyed due to war.
Some folks there said that the bell of the church was found just beside the ruin and together with it is a skeleton of a human. Beside the ruin is a giant acacia tree. When you take a closer look you can see that there is a big structure made of concrete and corals which is an evidence that these were made and built during the old Spanish colonization in the Philippines. That huge structure has been engulfed by the giant tree for several years and that structure has a hollow space inside which makes the people think of where could it lead to.

Indeed, with this, the place is really historic and I am looking forward of exploring more this place called Butuan(BXU)

N HOTEL

2012-02-16T00:49:00.000+08:00

With its modern design, great comfort and gracious service, you are sure to feel completely at home and experience convenience and relaxation as you go about your business or leisure trip.
N Hotel is located along Kauswagan Highway in Cagayan de Oro City; a mere 15 minutes from the airport and about 5-10 minutes from the city center. It provides a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes family and business travelers from all over.

Rooms
N Hotel offers 65 guest rooms, three (3) suites and three (3) family rooms, all spacious and comfortable. Deluxe rooms and suites have bathtubs. Moreover, they have balconies overlooking the pool area.
All rooms are equipped with hot and cold shower, cable TV, safe, mini bar and wired Internet service.
The suites have anterooms with receiving areas and dinettes and the main bedroom is furnished with a plush king-sized bed, cable TV, bathtub and glass-enclosed shower stall.
Families and groups traveling together may opt to book the spacious family rooms, which could accommodate from 11 to 18 persons. The rooms have refrigerators and cable TV and private baths and toilets.
Celebrations
Life’s milestones are best celebrated with loved ones, friends and associates at N Hotel. You may choose from any of the function spaces – The Heliconia, The Anthurium, The Cattleya and The Lambago Hall – that will suit your needs best. Allow the staff’s classy service to take care of the details that your event requires. Celebrations at N Hotel create wonderful memories for life.

(http://nhotelcdo.com/about-2/)

BON Café

Offering a mix of western and Filipino cuisine, the all-day dining restaurant, Bon Café

provides hearty and tasty meals and snacks for guests and walk-in customers.

Dine al fresco or in the cool comfort of the restaurant.

Bon Cafe is open from 6:30 in the morning until 11 in the evening.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

Wi-fi in certain public areas
Business Center
Restaurant
Laundry service
Car/van rentals
Airport, seaport pick-up and transfer services
Swimming Pool & landscaped courtyards
Ballroom & Function Rooms
Extensive parking area
24-hour security
Uninterrupted power
Wellness Center

All major credit cards accepted.

OUR SERVICES

Adaptors Adaptors can be obtained at all times. Please call our House Keeping. Deposit of P100.00 will be posted on your account and will be reversed upon return
Amenities We have provided you with an extra pillow in the overhead cabinet. Please contact Housekeeping for your other needs.
Breakfast Breakfast is served daily at Bon Café 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. Breakfast is also available through Room Service; however, charges apply.
Business Center Located at the lobby, the Business Center offers internet, photocopying, scanning and facsimile transmission.
Cable Television Your television has 80 international and local channels. A listing of channels is available in the entertainment guide found on your bedside table.
Check Out Time Check-out time is at 12:00 noon.
Credit Cards Honors all major credit cards. For inquiries, please contact the Front Desk.
Drinking Water Two bottles of water are provided complimentary in all rooms daily. Other preferred mineral waters are also available from your room mini bar applicable charges apply.
Dry Cleaning/Laundry/Pressing Please call the Housekeeping for your dry cleaning / Laundry / Pressing needs. Charges will be applied.
Emergency Exit Please refer to the floor plan posted on your door.
Hair Dryer Please contact Housekeeping should you require any.
Internet Service Broadband internet access is available in your room via cable with minimal charges. WIFI access at the Lobby is free of charge. Please call the Front Desk for assistance.
Keys Please keep your room key card with you at all times. Should you lose your key card, please contact the Front Desk. For your own security the Receptionist will ask you to provide valid identification. Kindly return the keys upon check out. Lost key cards shall be charged P 100 per key to your account.
Local Tours & Sightseeing Please get in touch with the Front Desk.
Lost Property Please get in touch with Housekeeping.
Luggage Please contact the Front Desk should you wish your luggage to be brought down.
Mail Please contact the Business Center or Front Desk for mailing, courier and shipping services.
Maintenance Please help us to maintain our rooms in the best possible condition. If there is anything in your room that needs the attention of our Engineering or Housekeeping Department, please advise our House Keeping.
Make-Up Room We want to serve you best so we shall be making up your rooms with or without the door sign hanging outside your door. If you do not wish to be disturbed or your room made up, please hang the Do Not Disturb sign outside your door.
Personal Checks The hotel does not honor personal checks.
Pets Pets are not permitted anywhere in the hotel. Exceptions are made for police bomb / drug sniffing dogs.
Power Supply The hotel operates on a 220 voltage (60 cycles) power.
Religious Services A list of places of worship is available at the Front Desk.
Reservations Contact our Front Desk .
Room Service Room Service is available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only . Please refer to the Room Service Menu.
Safe Deposit Box A personal electronic safe has been installed in the wardrobe closet of all rooms and suites. Please be advised that the Hotel is not liable for the loss of personal valuables in guest rooms or public areas.
Security Our security officers continually patrol the hotel and close circuit television cameras are in use throughout the public areas and guest floors. Please use the door viewer and safety latch in your room. In your own interest, avoid offers made by unauthorized agents and do not hesitate to report unsavory characters to the Duty Supervisor.
Sundry Shop The Hotel has a sundry shop at the Business Center for certain items which you might need. Please call the Business Center or Front Desk for assistance.
Swimming Pool Open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Registered guests are allowed to use the pool free of charge. Applicable charges apply for non-in house guests. Please observe pool rules.
Taxi Service Taxi Service is available 24 hours.
Travelers’ Checks The hotel does not accept travelers’ checks.
Wake Up Calls The Operator will be pleased to take down your required wake-up call.

POOL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Checked-in guests may use the pool for free. Walk-in guests pay P 150 per guest.
There are no lifeguards assigned to this pool. Please take safety precautions.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by adults at all times. Children under 4 ft. will not be allowed in the regular pool unless accompanied by an adult.
The pool is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. No one may use the pool beyond the specified time range.
The maximum pool depth is 4.5 feet. Diving is therefore strictly prohibited. (Children’s pool is 2 feet deep.)
Pool users are required to use proper swimwear. Other types of clothing such as T-shirts and shorts are strictly disallowed.
Young children are not allowed to wear disposable diapers while using the pool.
Please take extra precaution in securing personal articles and/or valuables as they remain in your care.
For sanitary reasons, individuals with infections or with open wounds may not be allowed access to the pool. For this same reason, pets, food and drinks are not to be brought in the pool.
Users are required to shower first before using the pool.

Suites
The suites have anterooms with receiving areas and dinettes. The main bedrooms are furnished with plush king-sized beds, cable LCD TVs, bathtubs and shower stalls. The suites have balconies overlooking the pool, where one may enjoy the warm sun during the day or the cool breeze at night.
Room Rate:
P5,000.00
This is with complimentary breakfast.

Extra bed – P1,200 with breakfast

De Luxe Rooms
The De Luxe rooms are spacious and are furnished with one single and one double bed. They come with bathtubs and are provided with the regular room amenities. De Luxe Rooms are designed with balconies that overlook the pool.
Room Rate:
P2,800.00
This is with complimentary breakfast.
Extra person – P 950 with breakfast.
Extra bed – P 1,200 with breakfast

Family Rooms
Guests traveling in groups may do well to consider booking in the Family Rooms. N Hotel has three (3) Family Rooms, which can accommodate from 11 to 18 persons. The rooms are furnished with refrigerators, cable LCD TV and private baths and toilets.
Room Rate:
P 9,950 (good for 11 persons)
P 13,510 (15 persons)
P 16,240 (18 persons)

Superior Rooms
The more affordable rooms but are just as comfortable; superior rooms are furnished with one single and one double bed and have cable LCD TV, hot & cold showers and the regular room amenities.
Room Rate:
P2,500.00
This is with complimentary breakfast.
Extra person – P 950, with breakfast

Rates indicated are promo rates.
Rates may change without prior notice.

ROOM AMENITIES

Wired internet service
NDD/IDD telephone service
Massage service
Safe deposit box

OTHER SERVICES

Transfers and Pick-ups
For our guests’ convenience, N Hotel provides transfers and pick-ups to and from the airport, seaport and bus terminal. Our Van and SUV may be rented as well. Please ask Front Office for bookings.

Flight confirmation
We can assist you with your flight bookings. Just inform the front desk for any assistance that you may require.

PHOTOS OF N HOTEL:

Entrance

Junior Suite with King-size Bed

Driveway/parking space

Bon Cafe Extension

Superior/ De Luxe Room

2nd Level Lobby

3rd level Lobby

Stairway to Lambago Hall (min of 150 pax max of 300 pax)
which is the biggest function room

Entrance

1st level receiving area/lobby

Pool

Front desk at the 1st level

poolside

Family Room good for 11 person

Superior/De Luxe Room

Elevator and Stairway to the 2nd level

1sr level view on the 2nd level

Balcony of De Luxe Rooms

N Hotel

Kauswagan Highway
9000 Cagayan de Oro City

Telephone

TRUNK LINES

+ 63 88 880-1924 to 25

+63 88 858-2200

+63 8822 738596

Mobile

+ 63 922 8018691

Sales

+638822 73-79-83

+ 63 922 8480260

+ 63 917 7965211

Fax

+ 63 88 880-1926

sales@nhotelcdo.com

website

www.nhotelcdo.co

Sendong: A name to remember, an experience to bring forever.

2012-01-24T14:01:00.000+08:00

- I was so excited to see my friend Judely, from Butuan City. EJ and I was at Gardenia located at Tambo-Biasong, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City to have some copy of the notes from Bxu Peakers that we need to read for the NLE on December 18, 2011 and waited for Judely to arrive. The rain is so heavy and wind is whirling all around. When my Friend came together with Maam Tricia, we hugged each other and started to chit-chat. The current has been interrupted several times but then we still continue to have fun because she'll be leaving for Manila the next day. By 10 PM she and Maam Trish left already because she still needs to prepare for her flight. We then went to Room 129 together with our fellow peakers and decided to spend the night there because the rain is so heavy and so that we could spend more time with our fellow Peakers. At that night I could hardly sleep because of my cough.

December 17,2011 (Around 12 am)

- The busy people woke me up. I saw my roommates struggling to lift their baggage and transfer it on the bed. When I looked at the floor I was wondering why did the floor turned brown? Where does this muddy water came from? Later I realized that the water is rising very fast! We then decided to go on the 2nd deck of the bed. Three of our roommates rushed to the door to open it when we heard the people outside screaming."Bai panggawas na mo kay taas na kaayo ang tubig!"

I was so shocked when our roommates shouted ," Halaka! Dili ma abre ang pultahan! " (the door won't open). It feels like we are gonna die that time. I was starting to do bargaining to God. A few moments later the door cracked and the water rushed inside, adding more water inside, adding up our anxiety. We were so hopeless at that time, telling ourselves that this might be the end. We could only hear the rush of water that's getting inside our room, a muddy water that could and might leave us lifeless if we could not get out from the room and the shout and scream of the people outside.We were trapped for some time and thanks to God our door opened but it swept away 3 of our roommates inside the room. Luckily, they managed to get out from the muddy water. We then went out the room while our minds were fastly processing the ways to escape through this once we are out from the room. I was at EJ's back while he was the one who swam through the muddy water because I don't know how to swim. We saw the wall just beside our room and we climbed to it and went to the 2nd floor. It was a blessing to us that the 2nd floor was not yet finished. People were looking for their roommates "Asa silang Suyene?" - "Asa silang Mark?" - "Ang uban girls aha man?" Suddenly, the so called Jet Li feel throught ceiling down to the room on the 1st floor " Bai tabangi sa mi naay nabulasot!"We were so disturbed of what we saw. Heads and hands from the hole went out trying to escape from the water which reached through the ceiling. They were the 17 girls who were left trapped in their room. Some already drunk the muddy water and some were already weak. Thanks to God that we were able to rescue all of them from the room filled with chocolate-colored muddy water. The others pulled out some kind of metal frames to utilize it and use it as our bridge to transfer to the other building. The others were already in panic because the water is fastly rising in just a matter of few minutes. It was very hard to all of us because we could hardly see our way. When we reached the other building, someone told us. "Didto mo sa likod ang uban para mabahin. Naay agiaan dadto." Others were struggling to reach the roof and we headed to the backdoor to transfer to the rooftop of another building. I said to myself, "Lord paundanga lang ang ulan Lord ug patabuka lang mi dadto padulong sa rooftop para ma kampante mi gamay" .

We then felt the extreme thirst, hunger and coldness when we reached the rooftop. We left behind all our things including our gadgets.We reached the rooftop around 1 AM. We saved our lives and left with nothing. We were waiting for some rescue at that time but no one came. It was so disturbing to hear the screams of the people asking for help and rooftops that wrecked down with the people screaming then ended with a moment of silence. Children screaming " MAMA! TABANG!" but then you can do nothing stare at the dark surrounding. We waited for the water to subside. We get the courage to go down at 7 AM. Then Maam Marivic and the rest of the staff came to lead us the way out. We walked frem Gardenia to Oro Christian, about 700 meters, seeing the devasted Barangay Macasanding. The water was estimated to have a height of 20 feet seeing the dead animals and other things up on the branches of the trees. The mud was all over. It was painful to walk trhough the mud with little stone and pebbles with your bare feet. We were brought to the PEAK office and waited for some announcements. The Butuan PEAKERs were transfered to Budgetel in front of Capitol University. I went home with my things full of mud because some of our things were retrieved from the wrecked place. My mom rushed to the gate and I entered while crying and telling them what happened to us. She said " Ok ra na imohang mga gamit, pasagdi na na ang importante buhi ka. Nabalaka jud baya ko nimo kay pagtext nimo adto naa na mi Bukid". I was not able to communicate well with my mom because I left my phone inside Room 129. I was able to send her a message at the roof top around 2 AM because I asked favor to those who were able to save their phone to send my mom a message. Sendong was an eye opener to me for many things.

The day after, December 18, 2011, We took the Nursing Licensure Examination. The PRC did not consider moving the day of the examination despite of the state of calamity. It was difficult but we have no choice but to take all of these as an obstacle and challenge through what we aimed for.

I would like to give thanks to Maam Marivic Yamit Tabasan for the unending support to all of us. To all the PEAKERs from CdeO and Butuan, thank you for the support and friendship that we've shared for months of review. Indeed it was an unforgetable experience to be with you. Kuya Kim and Kuya Ariston, our saviour, our disaster management leader. And most of all to our God almighty for saving all of us.

I am Net2x, a future nurse, a Sendong survivor, and this is my story.

(Sorry for the wrong grammar. I am not a writer nor an expert of the english language)

Sendong aftermath photos at Gardenia

Hiram

2011-06-29T01:07:00.000+08:00

Hiram

Sa bawat sandaling tayo'y magkasama
Wala na akong ibang inaalala
Kun'di ang mga kaunting panahon na ating tinatamasa
Sa piling ng bawat isa

Batid ko na ikaw ay masaya
Sa pag-iibigang ating nadarama
Ngunit napaplitan ng kalungkutan ang aking ligaya
Dahil alam kong may iba na sa'yo ay umaaruga

Ano ba naman ang aking panlaban?
Kng panahaong pinagsamahan ang pag uusapan
Sapagkat di ko kailanman mapapantayan
Ang inyong mga pinagsamahan

Sana'y iyong maintindihan kung ito'y aking naisasapuso
Sa mga sandaling ika'y wala sa tabi ko
Dahil minsan masakit talagang isipin
Na ako'y nakikihirm sa pag-ibig na di matatawag na akin

Stolen Moments

2011-06-29T01:04:00.000+08:00

If only I was wiser enough, I shouldn't be with you right now
But I let stupidity creep and engulf my soul
Just to spend some stolen moments with you
Without asking for anything in return
I have you for a glimpse of time because you are not mine
I am yours but someone owns you
Sometimes I don't know which way to go
Either to leave it all behind without you in my life
And choose the easier way out yet it will break me for not having you
Or the complicated way that makes me happy for a moment
Yet it kills me slowly thinking thant you are not mine fully
But in the end I always choose to be with you
Because love prevails over consequence

FRIEND: Chalk or Marker?

2011-05-10T21:49:00.000+08:00

There are only two things I can define the word FRIEND; it is either a chalk or a permanent marker.
Friends I consider a CHALK are those who tried to be versatile but they left no significant marks to me. They just come and leave. They tend to relay important message but at the end they are being erased. Friends I consider a permanent marker are those people who were strong enough to write what they want you to know despite the fact that they will be permanent in you because they were never afraid to mold you into a better one even if they might do mistakes in your life. But the fact that they are permanent they will never leave you with words alone but as well as to the love they had for you. Which one you think you are?

Starbucks is Now Brewing at the City of Golden Friendship

2010-11-06T02:27:00.003+08:00

STARBUCKS at Cagayan de Oro City

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH STARBUCKS AT CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY:

The Starbucks opened their branch at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City on October 30, 2010. I, personally is not a coffee drinker or a coffee-addict but I am very glad that they opened their branch here in our city. It was just this day, November 5, 2010 that I tried their coffee and other products since it opened. The coffee is just the way I'd like it, not too sweet and not too bitter. This coming monday November 8, 2010, we planned with my friends to go there after class to enjoy some cup of cold blended coffee and a bun of Cinnamon roll. I think I'm gonna start loving each sip of coffee because of the great taste.

The exact location is the Parking Lot A of Limketkai Center Near McDonalds and Missy Bon Bon. Although the price is quite higher, but the experience with the coffee is great.

Right now, they had a promo where in every core products and holiday products would have a corresponding sticker which will be sticked on the card that they will give you once you purchased. Eight sticker for core products and nine stickers for holiday products will be collected, all in all you need to have 17 stickers, to have their exclusive Starbucks 2011 Planner.

This promo started on November 03, 2010 and will end on January 05, 2011 and redemption of the planner will be until March 06, 2011.

Some pictures I took while waiting for my turn and while enjoying the coffee I had.

My Mocha and Cinnamon Roll

IN GENERAL PERSPECTIVES

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY:

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle Washington.

Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world,with over 17,800 stores in 49 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, nearly 1,000 in Canada and more than 800 in Japan.

Starbucks sells drip brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, coffee beans, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and panini, pastries, snacks, and items such as mugs and tumblers.

Through the Starbucks Entertainment division and Hear Music brand, the company also markets books, music, and film. Many of the company's products are seasonal or specific to the locality of the store. Starbucks-brand ice cream and coffee are also offered at grocery stores.

From Starbucks' founding in later forms in Seattle as a local coffee bean roaster and retailer, the company has expanded rapidly. In the 1990s, Starbucks was opening a new store every workday, a pace that continued into the 2000s. The first store outside the United States or Canada opened in the mid-'90s, and overseas stores now constitute almost one third of Starbucks' stores. The company planned to open a net of 900 new stores outside of the United States in 2009, but has announced 900 store closures in the United States since 2008.

Starbucks has been a target of protests on issues such as fair-trade policies, labor relations, environmental impact, political views, and anti-competitive practices.

HISTORY:

FOUNDING

Howard Shultz
Founder and CEO of Starbucks

The first Starbucks was opened in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 1971 by three partners: English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegl, and writer Gordon Bowker. The three were inspired by entrepreneur Alfred Peet (whom they knew personally) to sell high-quality coffee beans and equipment.The name is taken from Moby-Dick; after Pequod was rejected by one of the co-founders, the company was named for the first mate on the Pequod, Starbuck.

From 1971–1976, the first Starbucks was at 2000 Western Avenue; it then was relocated to 1912 Pike Place, where it remains to this day. During their first year of operation, they purchased green coffee beans from Peet's, then began buying directly from growers.

Entrepreneur Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982 as Director of Retail Operations and Marketing, and after a trip to Milan, Italy advised that the company should sell coffee andespresso drinks as well as beans. The owners rejected this idea, believing that getting into the beverage business would distract the company from its primary focus. To them, coffeewas something to be prepared in the home, but they did give away free samples of pre-made drinks. Certain that there was money to be made selling pre-made drinks, Schultz started the Il Giornale coffee bar chain in April 1986.

In 1984, the original owners of Starbucks, led by Baldwin, took the opportunity to purchase Peet's (Baldwin still works there).

During the 1980s Starbucks' benefits were enviable: part-time baristas not only had medical insurance, they had stock options.

COMPANY'S HERITAGE:

Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better. It was true when the first Starbucks opened in 1971, and it’s just as true today.

Back then, the company was a single store in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. From just a narrow storefront, Starbucks offered some of the world’s finest fresh-roasted whole bean coffees. The name, inspired by Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.

In 1981, Howard Schultz (Starbucks chairman, president and chief executive officer) had first walked into a Starbucks store. From his first cup of Sumatra, Howard was drawn into Starbucks and joined a year later.

A year later, in 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience. He had a vision to bring the Italian coffeehouse tradition back to the United States. A place for conversation and a sense of community. A third place between work and home. He left Starbucks for a short period of time to start his own Il Giornale coffeehouses and returned in August 1987 to purchase Starbucks with the help of local investors.

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection.

Our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Today, with more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. And with every cup, we strive we bring both our heritage and an exceptional experience to life.

THE COMPANY:

To say Starbucks purchases and roasts high-quality whole bean coffees is very true. That’s the essence of what we do – but it hardly tells the whole story.

Our coffeehouses have become a beacon for coffee lovers everywhere. Why do they insist on Starbucks? Because they know they can count on genuine service, an inviting atmosphere and a superb cup of expertly roasted and richly brewed coffee every time.

Expect More Than Coffee

We’re not just passionate purveyors of coffee, but everything else that goes with a full and rewarding coffeehouse experience. We also offer a selection of premium Tazo® teas, fine pastries and other delectable treats to please the taste buds. And the music you hear in store is chosen for its artistry and appeal.

It’s not unusual to see people coming to Starbucks to chat, meet up or even work. We’re a neighborhood gathering place, a part of the daily routine – and we couldn’t be happier about it. Get to know us and you’ll see: we are so much more than what we brew.

ORIGINAL LOGO

SOURCES:

http://cagayandeorodev.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/starbucks-cdo-now-brewing/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starbucks
http://philippines.starbucks.com/en-US/ - STARBUCKS PHILIPPINES WEBSITE
http://starbucks.com - USA BRANCH WEBSITE - OFFICIAL STARBUCKS WEBSITE

A Belated Happy Birthday: A Blast! A Great One at Dahilayan!

2010-10-24T21:23:00.002+08:00

I woke up early today because I was preparing for the trip to Dahilayan ( a dream comme tru, At last!)... Then we went to tagoloan to fetch some of our relatives. We then headed to bukidnon around 9 AM.Then at the middle of pineapple plantation, we got lost, the driver doesn't remember the way ( additional adventure! weeeee!) then around 11 AM at last we arrived at Dahilayan passing by a very very rocky and uneven road ( stones gave me some bruises! heheeh).... By the time we arrived there, we took some picture with the statue of different animals. We played at the playground and it is somewhat a theme park. We enjoyed the place. The coldness of the wind. after that, I really insisted to have a ride at the zipline..... and wee!!!! I really did!!! It seems like I am flying at that time.!!!!!! It feels like Superman and Edward!!!Terrific adventure!
Here are some pictures.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY'S SCENERY

2010-09-26T22:47:00.000+08:00

THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN DURING OUR OVERNIGHT BUT THE THING WAS THAT NO ONE DARE TO GET INTO THE WATER BECAUSE IT WAS SO MUDDY ... =)

A GREAT LOVE (an excerpt from a love letter to a captain from his wife)

2010-06-02T13:18:00.001+08:00

This letter is taken from CAPITOL CHRONICLE'S PAMATI - A LITERARY PORTFOLIO of Capitol University

Captain my Love,

Just by thinking that we are sleeping underneath the same big sky makes my loneliness of you disappear. As wide as the oceans around you, I miss you that much. Indeed, I have loved you ever since the day we first met. I love you now as deep as the deepest sea, as pure as the purest of pearls. I shall love you until the moon loses its daughter, until the last star loses its glow.
Every time twilight drops her curtain down and pins it with star, I find retreat in your precious letters. my love, your letters are my prized treasures, as precious as your love.
Through your words, I can feel your very presence a if there are neither mountains nor great seas that divide us apart. I content myself with the thought that one day, one sweet day you will be back in my arms again. Whenever I see young lovers together, hand in hand, I remember the days of you and me. How perfectly happy we were! It was always like there's no tomorrow, like we were afraid to miss even a second away from each other. We were young and carefree and we have not got a care if the world would stumble upon us that very moment as long as we were together. But darling, time and circumstances change. Sometimes we have to accept the reality of life and the uncertainness of the future. I understand that you must pursue your ambition and that this is what you really dreamed of. Even if it breaks my heart to watch that big ship take you away from me, I will stay strong for you and your dream for our future.
Oh Captain of my heart, I will forever be a captive of you. Never will my love falter nor my trust fumble. In vain I shall not wait for I know that I am your one and only love from oceans and beyond. Remember that our little house of dreams will always be here waiting the return of its captain. And I sir, will always keep the heart warm. And alas!Aye Captain , I love you!!

All the Love,
Ella ( who's forever in love with someone far away)

COKE FLOAT SAVES ME FROM SUMMER HEAT

2010-03-23T16:43:00.000+08:00

coke float

Actually, di talaga ako kumakain sa McDonalds because I use to eat to other fast food chains. But when someone introduced me to this kind of drink, at first it looks a little bit weird to me and so unusual. Coke? With ice cream? And with Chocolate? what might be the taste when these three are combined? will it taste Weird just like what it looks like? Naiinom ba to?When I had my first sip with it, it really captured me. Even on the coldest times I'd still love to have Coke float, especially now that the heat attacks to our innermost system, i would sometimes go for 2 Monster Coke Float..... sometimes if I feel bored, I just drop by and by this drink. It really saves my day especially this summer season wherein i always feel very dehydrated....

Sakit ng mga PINOY

2010-02-22T13:49:00.001+08:00

Kainan nah!!! Kapag ang mga katagang ito ay narinig na ng isang pinoy, siguradong lalapang kaagad at kung minsan ay mag aagawan pa, pero bakit pag iisang piraso na lang ang natira, ni isa wala ng dadampot??? Ano kaya ang dahilan kung bakit sa panahaon ngayon, naging ugali na ito ng karamihan. Nahihiya??? Baka oo, pero bakit hindi nakakaramdam ng hiya kapag nag aagawan sa pagdampot??? heheheh... Wala lang... Hindi naman sa na memersonal ako pero ang mga ito ay ayon lamang sa aking nakikita.... Sana naman ay walang natamaan... hehhhe

Sadness

2010-02-16T23:31:00.001+08:00

There is really a point in our lives that we feel very devastated and all we can do is to stare at the nowhere thinking how to resolve things. Frustrations arise from the folds of our past which triggers our emotions to outpour more. As if there will be another sunrise and it will forever be silence in the darkness. Despite of the fact that we are surrounded by the people who loves us and someone that is is very special in your life, but still, you are an individual that sometimes left alone in the middle of your silence about what you really feel with your life so that they will not see you as a weak person. When i feel that things are getting worst, i just think of YOU and everything seems fine already.

SUNRISE AT THE SEASHORE

2010-02-12T13:14:00.001+08:00

It was about 5 am when i woke up, where in this is not the usual time I get up to bed. I usually get up @ 10 am if I have no class. I was wondering if what can i do out of this time?
After quite sometime of thinking what productive thing i can do at this very early in the morning, I decided to go to the sea to check if it is low tide and i was so happy to see that the tide got low and spoof!!!! i rushed back to the house to get my L201 Samsung digital camera (not a DSLR). hehehehhe.... Then you will see here the photos i captured at that moment while waiting for the sunrise.

SYMBIANIZE: A SITE FOR MOBILE WORLD

2010-02-07T22:48:00.000+08:00

If you are wondering," Is it possible to bypass the network when browsing through a phone?"
we'll, definitely, the answer for that is yes!
But be careful, some of the tips and tricks in here might harm your unit because you will be using an IP ( Internet Protocol) address which you do not know who owns it, it could be the IP address of the FBI.
If you are interested with this, here is the link.

http://symbianize.com/

HP and Compaq NETbooks and NOTEbooks: here is your solution

2010-02-07T22:33:00.002+08:00

Got any problems with your HP and Compaq notebooks and netbooks?
just visit the link below. Drivers are being posted and all you have to do is download, depending on the model of your unit.

Http://www.hp.com

2010-02-02T22:24:00.000+08:00

Ang Kalupi

(Maikling Kwento)

ni Benjamin P. Pascual

(May mabigat na pagkakasala sa batas si Aling Marta dahil sa mali niyang paghatol sa katauhan ng bata. Madalas mangyari na dahil sa ayos ng isang tao ay dagli siyang napagbibintangan ng di mabuti. May karanasan ka ba na nakapagbintang o dili kaya’y napagbintangan ng di mabuti? Basahin ang kwento at ikaw na ang humatol sa mga tauhan nito.)

Mataas na ang araw nang lumabas si Aling Marta sa bakuran ng kanilang maliit na barungbarong. Aliwalas ang kanyang mukha: sa kanyang lubog na mga mata na bahagyang pinapagdilim ng kanyang malalagong kilay ay nakikintal ang kagandahan ng kaaya-ayang umaga. At sa kanyang manipis at maputlang labi, bahagyang pasok sa pagkakalat, ay naglalaro ang isang ngiti ng kasiyahan. Araw ng pagtatapos ng kanyang anak na dalaga; sa gabing iyon ay tatanggapin nito ang diploma bilang katunayang natapos niya ang apat na taong inilagi sa mataas na paaralan. Ang sandaling pinakahihintay niya sa mahaba-haba rin namang panahon ng pagpapaaral ay dumating na. Ang pagkakaroon ng isang anak na nagtapos ng high school ay hindi na isang maliit na bagay sa isang mahirap na gaya niya, naiisip niya. Sa mapangarapin niyang diwa ay para niyang nakikita ang kanyang anak na dalaga sa isang kasuotang putting-puti, kipkip ang ilang libro at nakangiti, patungo sa lalo pang mataas na hangarin sa buhay, ang makatapos sa kolehiyo, magpaunlad ng kabuhayan at sumagana. Maaaring balang araw ay magkaroon din siya ng mamanuganging may sinabi rin naman. Nasa daan na siya ay para pa niyang naririnig ang matinis na halakhak ng kanyang anak na dalaga habang paikut-ikot nitong sinusukat sa harap ng salamin ang nagbubur-dahang puting damit na isusuot sa kinagabihan. Napangiti siyang muli.

Mamimili si Aling Marta. Bitbit ng isang kamay ng isang pangnang sisidlan ng kanyang pamimiling uulamin. Habang daan, samantalang patungo sa pamilihang bayan sa Tundo, ay mataman niyang iniisip ang mga bagay na kanyang pamimilhin. Hindi pangkaraniwang araw ito at kailangang magkaroon silang mag-anak ng hindi pangkaraniwang pananghalian. Bibili siya ng isang matabang manok, isang kilong baboy, gulay na panahog at dalawang piling na saging. Bibili na rin siya ng garbansos. Gustong-gusto ng kanyang magtatapos na anak ang minatamis na garbansos.

Mag-ikakasiyam na nang dumating siya sa pamilihan. Sa labas pa lamang ay naririnig na niya ang di magkamayaw na ingay na nagbubuhat sa loob, ang ingay ng mga magbabangus na pagkanta pangisinisigaw ang halaga ng kanilang paninda, ang salit-salitang tawaran ng mga mamimili.

Linggo ng umaga at ang palengke ay siksikan. Sa harapan niya painiling magdaan. Ang lugar ng magmamanok ay nasa dulo ng pamilihan at sa panggitnang lagusan siya daraan upang magdaan tuloy sa tindahan ng mga tuyong paninda at bumili ng mantika. Nang dumating siya sa gitnang pasilyo at umakmang hahakbang na papasok, ay siyang paglabas na humahangos ng isang batang lalaki, at ang kanilang pagbabangga ay muntik na niyang ikabuwal. Ang siko ng bata ay tumama sa kanyang dibdib. “Ano ka ba?” ang bulyaw ni Aling Marta. “Kaysikip na ng daraanan ay patakbo ka pa kung lumabas!”

Ang bata ay nakapantalon ng maruming maong na sa kahabaan ay pinag-ilang-lilis ang laylayan. Nakasuot ito ng libaging kamiseta, punit mula sa balikat hanggang pusod, na ikinalitaw ng kanyang butuhan at maruming dibdib. Natiyak ni Aling Marta na ang bata ay anak-mahirap.

“Pasensya na kayo, Ale” ang sabi ng bata. Hawak nito ang isang maliit na bangos. Tigbebente, sa loob-loob ni Aling Marta. Ang bata ay takot na nakatingin sa kanya, “Hindi ko ho kayo sinasadya. Nagmamadali ho ako e.”

“Pasensya!” – sabi ni Aling Marta. “Kung lahat ng kawalang-ingat mo’y pagpapasensiyahan nang pagpapasensiyahan ay makakapatay ka ng tao.”

Agad siyang tumalikod at tuloy-tuloy na pumasok. Paano’t pano man, naisip niya, ay ako ang huling nakapangusap. Higit kong daramdamin kung ako na itong nagawan ng hindi mabuti ay sa kanyang pa manggagaling ang huling salita. Mataman niyang inisip kung me iba pang nakikita sa nangyari. Marahas ang kanyang pagkakapagsalita sa bata at maaaring may kakilala siyang nagdaraan na nakarinig ng kanyang mga sinabi. Dumating siya sa tindahan ng mga tuyong paninda at bumili ng ilang kartong mantika.

“Tumaba yata kayo, Aling Gondang,” ang bati niya sa may kagulangan nang tindera na siya niyang nakaugaliang bilhan. Nakangiti siya at ang babae ay ngumiti rin.

“Tila nga ho,” ani Aling Gondang. “Tila ho nahihiyang ako sa pagtitinda.”

Natawa si Aling Marta at pagkaraan ay dumukot sa bulsa ng kanyang bestido upang magbayad. Saglit na nangulimlim ang kanyang mukha at ang ngiti sa maninipis niyang labi ay nawala. Wala ang kanyang kalupi! Napansin ng kaharap ang kanyang anyo.

“Bakit ho?” anito.

“E…e, nawawala ho ang aking pitaka,” wala sa loob na sagot ni Aling Marta.

“Ku, e magkano ho naman ang laman?” ang tanong ng babae.

Ang tanda niyang laman ng kanyang kalupi ay pitumpong piso na siyang bigay na sahod ng kanyang asawa nang sinundang gabi. Sabado. Ngunit aywan ba niya kung bakit ang di pa ma’y nakikiramay ang tonong nagtatanong ay nakapagpalaki ng kanyang loob upang sabihing, “E, sandaan at sampung piso ho.”

Nanatili siya sa pagkakatayo nang ilang saglit, wari’y tinakasan ng lakas, nag-iisip ng mga nakaraang pangyayari. Mayamaya ay parang kidlat na gumuhit sa kanyang alaala ang gusgusingbatang kanyang nakabangga. Tumama ang siko nito sa kanyang dibdib, sa kanyang katawan! Dali-dali siyang tumalikod at patakbong lumabas. Hindi pa marahil iyon nakakalayo; may ilang sandali pa lamang ang nakaraan, ang tabas ng mukha, ang mukha, ang gupit, ang tindig. Sa labas, sa harap ng palengke na kinaroroonan ng ilang tindahang maliliit at ng mangailan-ngilang namimili at ang batang panakaw na nagtitinda ng gulay, ay nagpalingan-linga siya. Patakbo uli siyang lumakad, sa harap ng mga bilao ng gulay na halos mayapakan na niya sa pagmamadali, at sa gawing dulo ng prusisyon na di kalayuan sa natatanaw niyang karatig na outpost ng mga pulis, ay nakita niya ang kanyang hinahanap. Nakatayo ito sa harap ng isang bilao ng kangkong at sa malas niya ay tumatawad. Hindi siya maaari magkamali: ang wakwak na kamiseta nito at ang mahabang panahon na ari’y salawal ding ginagamit ng kanyang ama, ay sapat nang palatandaan upang ito ay madaling makilala. At ang hawak nitong bangos na tigbebente.

Maliksi siyang lumapit at binatak ang bata sa liig. “Nakita rin kita!” ang sabi niyang humihingal. “Ikaw ang dumukot sa pitaka ko, ano? Huwag kang magkakaila!”

Tiyakan ang kanyang pagsasalita; ibig niyang sa pagkalito ng bata sa pag-aapuhap ng isasagot ay masukol niyang buong-buo. Ngunit ang bata ay mahinang sumagot:

“Ano hong pitaka?” ang sabi. “Wala ho akong kinukuha sa inyong pitaka.”

“Ano wala!” pasinghal na sabi ni Aling Marta. “Ikaw nga ang dumudukot ng pitaka ko at wala ng iba. Kunwa pa’y binangga mo ‘ko, ano ha? Magaling, magaling ang sistema ninyong iyan! Kikita nga kayo rito sa palengke!”

Marami nang nakapaligid sa kanila, mga batang nagtitinda, lalaki at babaeng namimili. Hinigpitan ni Aling Marta ang pagkakahawak sa leeg ng bata at ito’y pilit na iniharap sa karamihan.

“Aba, kangina ba namang pumasok ako sa palengke e banggain ako,” ang sabi niya. “Nang magbabayad ako ng pinamimili ko’t kapain ang bulsa ko e wala nang laman!”

“Ang mabuti ho’y ipapulis ninyo,” sabing nakalabi ng isang babaeng nakikinig. “Talagang dito ho sa palengke’y maraming naglilipanang batang gaya niyan.”

“Tena,” ang sabi ni Aling Marta sa bata. “Sumama ka sa akin.”

“Bakit ho, saan ninyo ako dadalin?”

“Saan sa akala mo?” sabi ni Aling Marta at pinisil ang liig ng bata. “Ibibigay kita sa pulis. Ipabibilanggo kita kapag di mo inilabas ang dinukot mo sa akin.”

Pilit na nagwawala ang bata; ipinamulsa niya ang hawak na bangos upang dalawahing-kamay ang pag-alis ng mabutong daliri ni Aling Marta na tila kawad sa pagkakasakal ng kanyang liig. May luha nang nakapaminta sa kanyang mga mata at ang uhog at laway ay sabay na umaagos sa kanyang liig. Buhat sa likuran ng mga manonood ay lumapit ang isang pulis na tanod sa mga pagkakataong tulad niyon, at nang ito ay malapit na ay sinimulan ni Aling Marta ang pagsusumbong. “Nasiguro ko hong siya dahil nang ako’y kanyang banggain, e, naramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking bulsa,” patapos niyang pagsusumbong. “Hindi ko lang ho naino kaagad pagkat ako’y nagmamadali.”

Tiningnang matagal ng pulis ang bata, ang maruming saplot nito at ang nagmamapa sa duming katawan, pagkatapos ay patiyad na naupo sa harap ng nito at sinimulang mangapkap. Sa bulsa ng bata, na sa pagdating ng pulis ay tuluyan nang umiyak, ay lumabas ang isang maruming panyolito, basa ng uhog at tadtad ng sulsi, diyes sentimos na papel at tigbebenteng bangos.

“Natitiyak ho ba ninyong siya ang dumukot ng inyong pitaka?” ang tanong ng pulis kay Aling Marta.

“Siya ho at wala ng iba,” ang sagot ni Aling Marta.

“Saan mo dinala ang dinukot mo sa aleng ito?” mabalisik na tanong ng pulis sa bata. “Magsabi ka ng totoo, kung di ay dadalhin kita.”

“Wala ho akong dinukot na maski ano sa kanya,” sisiguk-sigok na sagot ng bata. “Maski kapkapan ninyo ‘ko nang kapkapan e wala kayong makukuha sa akin. Hindi ho ako mandurukot.”

“Maski kapkapan!” sabad ni Aling Marta. “Ano pa ang kakapkapin naming sa iyo kung ang pitaka ko e naipasa mo na sa kapwa mo mandurukot! O, ano, hindi ba ganon kayong mga tekas kung lumakad…dala-dalawa, tatlu-talto! Ku, ang mabuti ho yata, mamang pulis, e ituloy na natin iyan sa kuwartel. Baka roon matulong matakot iyan at magsabi ng totoo.”

Tumindig ang pulis, “Hindi ho natin karakarakang madadala ito ng walang evidencia. Kinakailangang kahit paano’y magkakaroon tayo ng maihaharap na katibayang siya nga ang dumukot ng inyong kuwarta. Papaano ho kung hindi siya?”

“E, ano pang ebidensya ang hinahanap mo?” ang sabi ni Aling Marta na nakalimutan ang pamumupo. “Sinabi nang binangga akong sadya, at naramdaman ko ang kanyang kamay sa aking bulsa. Ano pa?” Sa bata nakatingin ang pulis na wari’y nag-iisip ng dapat niyang Gawain, maya’y maling naupo at dumukot ng isang lapis at isang maliit na kuwaderno sa kanyang bulsa.

“Ano ang pangalan mo?” ang tanong niya sa bata.

“Andres Reyes po.”

“Saan ka nakatira?” ang muling tanong ng pulis. Lumingon ang bata sa kanyang paligid, inisa-isa ang mga mukhang nakatunghay sa kanya. “Wala ho kaming bahay,” ang sagot. “Ang tatay ko ho e may sakit at kami ho, kung minsan, ay sa bahay ng Tiyang Ines ko nakatira, sa Blumentritt, kung minsan naman ho e sa mga tiyo ko sa Kiyapo at kung minsan e sa bahay ng kapatid ng nanay ko rito sa Tundo. Inutusan nga lang ho niya ‘kong bumili ng ulam para Mamayang tanghali.”

“Samakatuwid ay dito kayong mag-ama nakatira ngayon sa Tundo?” ang tanong ng pulis.

“Oho,” ang sagot ng bata. “Pero hindi ko nga lang ho alam ang kalye at numero ng bahay dahil sa noong makalawa lang kami lumipat at saka hindi ho ako marunong bumasa e.”

Ang walang kawawaang tanong at sagot na naririnig ni Aling Marta ay makabagot sa kanyang pandinig; sa palagay ba niya ay para silang walang mararating. Lumalaon ay dumarami ang tao sa kanyang paligid at ang pulis na umuusig ay tila siyang-siya sa kanyang pagtatanong at pagsusulat sa kuwaderno. Nakaramdam siya ng pagkainis.

“Ang mabuti ho yata e dalhin na natin iyan kung dadalhin,” ang sabi niya. “Pinagkakaguluhan lamang tayo ng mga tao rito at wala namang nangyayari. Kung hindi naman ninyo kaya ay sabihin ninyo at tatawag ako ng ibang pulis.”

“Hirap sa inyo ay sabad kayo ng sabad, e” sabi ng pulis. “Buweno, kung gusto n’yong dalhin ngayon din ang batang ito, pati kayo ay sumama sa akin sa kuwartel. Doon sabihin ang gusto ninyong sabihin at doon ninyo gawin ang gusto ninyong gawin.”

Inakbayan niya ang bata at inilakad na patungo sa outpost, kasunod ang hindi umiyak na si Aling Marta at ang isang hugos na tao na ang ilan ay pangiti-ngiti habang silang tatlo ay pinagmamasdan. Sa harap ng outpost ay huminto ang pulis.

“Maghintay kayo rito sa sandali at tatawag ako sa kuwartel para pahalili,” ang sabi sa kanya at pumasok. Naiwan siya sa harap ng bata, at ngayon ay tila maamong kordero sa pagkakatungo, sisiguk-sigok, nilalaro ng payat na mga daliri ang ulo ng tangang bangos. Luminga-linga siya. Tanghali na; ilan-ilan na lamang ang nakikita niyang pumasok sa palengke. Iniisip niya kung ilang oras pa ang kinakailangan niyang ipaghintay bago siya makauwi; dalawa, tatlo, o maaaring sa hapon na. naalala niya ang kanyang anak na dalagang magtatapos, ang kanyang asawa na kaipala ay naiinip na sa paghihintay; at para niyang narinig ang sasabihin nito kung siya’y darating na walang dalang ano man, walang dala at walang pera. Nagsiklab ang poot sa kanya na kanina pa nagpupuyos sa kanyang dibdib; may kung anong sumalak sa kanyang ulo; mandi’y gagahanip ang tingin niya sa batang kaharap. Hinawakan niya ito sa isang bisig, at sa pagdidilim ng kanyang paningin ay pabalingat niyang pinilit sa likod nito.

“Tinamaan ka ng lintek na bata ka!” ang sabi niyang pinanginginigan ng laman. “Kung walang binabaing pulis na makapagpapaamin sa iyo, ako ang gagawa ng ikaaamin mo! Saan mo dinala ang dinukot mo sa ‘kin? Saan? Saan?”

Napahiyaw ang bata sa sakit; ang bisig nito ay halos napaabot ni Aling Marta sa kanyang balikat sa likod. Ang mga nanonood ay parang nangangapatdan ng dila upang makapagsalita ng pagtutol. Ang kaliwang kamay ni Aling Marta ay pakabig na nakapaikot sa baba ng bata; sinapo ito ng bata ng kanyang kamay at nang mailapit sa kanyang bibig ay buong panggigil na kinagat.

Hindi niya gustong tumakbo; halos mabali ang kanyang siko at ang nais lamang niya aymakaalpas sa matitigas na bisig ni Aling Marta; ngunit ngayon, nang siya ay bitiwan ng nasaktang si Aling Marta at makalayong papaurong, ay naalaala niya ang kalayuan, kay Aling Marta at sa dumakip na pulis, at siya ay humahanap ng malulusutan at nang makakita ay walang lingun-lingon na tumakbo, patungo sa ibayo nang maluwag na daan. Bahagya na niyang narinig ang mahahayapna salitang nagbubuhat sa humahabol na si Aling Marta, at ang sigaw ng pulis at ang sumunod na tilian ng mga babae; bahagya ng umabot sa kanyang pandinig ang malakas na busina ng ilanghumahagibis na sasakyan. Sa isang sandali ay nagdilim sa kanya ang buong paligid at sa pagmumulat na muli ng kanyang paningin, sa pagbabalik ng kanyang ulirat, ay wala siyang nakita kundi ang madaliin ang anino ng kanyang mukhang nakatunghay sa kanyang lupaypay at duguang katawan.

Hindi umimik si Aling Marta habang minamasdan ang bata. Maputla ang kulay ng kanyang mukha at aywan ba niya at pati siya ay tila pinanawan ng lakas. Malamig na pawis ang gumigiit sa kanyang noo at ang tuhod niya ay parang nangangatog. Hindi siya makapag-angat ng paningin; sa palagay ba niya ay sa kanya nakatuon ang paningin ng lahat at siyang binuntunan ng sisi. Bakit ba ako nanganganino sa kanila? Pinipilit niyang usalin sa sarili. Ginawa ko lamang ang dapat gawin nino man at nalalaman ng lahat na ang nangyayaring ito’y pagbabayad lamang ng bata sa kanyang nagawang kasalanan.

Ang pulis ay nakabalik na sa outpost at sa isang ospital na tumatawag. Ang bata ay napagtulungan ng ilan na buhatan sa bangketa upang doon pagyamanin at ipaghintay ng ambulansiya kung aabot pa. Ang kalahati ng kanyang katawan, ang dakong ibaba, ay natatakpan ng diyaryo at ang gulanit niyang kasuotang ay tuluyan nang nawalat sa kanyang katawan. Makailang sandali pa, pagdating ng pulis ay pamuling nagmulat ito ng paningin at ang mga mata ay ipinako sa maputlang mukha ni Aling Marta.

“Maski kapkapan ninyo ako, e, wala kayong makukuha sa akin,” ang sabing paputol-putol na nilalabasan ng dugo sa ilong. “Hindi ko kinuha ang inyong pitaka.”

May kung anong malamig na naramdaman si Aling Marta na gumapang sa kanyang katawan; ang nata ay pilit na nagsasabi ng kanyang pahimakas. Ilang sandali pa ay lumungayngay ang ulo nito at nang pulsuhan ng isang naroroon ay marahan itong napailing. Patay na, naisaloob ni Aling Marta sa kanyang sarili.

“Patay na ang dumukot ng kuwarta ninyo,” matabang na sabi ng pulis sa kanya. Nakatayo ito sa kanyang tabi at hawak naman ang kuwaderno at lapis. “Siguro’y matutuwa na kayo niyan.”

“Sa palagay kaya ninyo e may sasagutin ako sa nangyari?” ang tanong ni Aling Marta.

“Wala naman, sa palagay ko,” ang sagot ng pulis. “Kung me mananagot niyan ay walang iba kundi ang pobreng tsuper. Wala rin kayong sasagutin sa pagpapalibing. Tsuper na rin ang mananagot niyan,” may himig pangungutya ang tinig ng pulis.

“Makakaalis na po ako?” tanong ni Aling Marta.

“Maaari na,” sabi ng pulis. “Lamang ay kinakailangang iwan ninyo sa akin ang inyong pangalan at direksyon ng inyong bahay upang kung mangangailangan ng kaunting pag-aayos ay mahingan naming kayo ng ulat.”

Ibinigay ni Aling Marta ang tinitirhan at pagkatapos ay tuwid ang tinging lumalayo sa karamihan. Para pa siyang nanghihina at magulong-magulo ang kanyang isip. Sali-salimuot na alalahanin ang nagsasalimbayan sa kanyang diwa. Lumakad siya ng walang tiyak na patutunguhan. Naalala niya ang kanyang anak na ga-graduate, ang ulam na dapat niyang iuuwi na, at ang nananalim, nangungutyang mga mata ng kanyang asawa sa, sandaling malaman nito ang pagkawala ng pera. Magtatanong iyon, magagalit, hanggang sa siya ay mapilitang sumagot. Magpapalitan sila ng mahahayap na pangungusap, sisihan, tungayawan, at ang mga anak niyang ga-graduate ay magpapalahaw ng panangis hanggang sila ay puntahan at payapain ng mga kapitbahay.

Katakut-takot na gulo at kahihiyan, sa loob-loob ni Aling Marta, at hindi sinasadya ay muling nadako ang pinag-uugatang diwa sa bangkay na bata na natatakpan ng diyaryo, na siyang pinagmulan ng lahat.

Kung hindi sa Tinamaan ng lintek na iyon ay hindi ako masusuot sa suliraning ito, usal niya sa sarili. Kasi imbis, walang pinag-aralan, maruming palaboy ng kapalarang umaasa sa taba ng iba. Mabuti nga sa kanya!

Kinakailangan niyang kumilos, umisip ng paraan. Kinakailangang kahit papaano’y makapag-uwi siya ng ulam sa pananghalian. Pagkakain ng kanyang asawa ay malamig na ang kokote nito at saka niya sasabihin ang pagkawala ng pera. Maaaring magalit ito at ipamukha sa kanya, tulad ng madalas na sabihin nito, na ang lahat ay dahil sa malabis niyang paghahangan na makagpadal ng labis na salaping ipamimili, upang maka-pamburot t maipamata sa kapwa na hindi na sila naghihirap. Ngunit ang lahat ay titiisin niya, hindi siya kikibo. Ililihim din niya ang nangyaring sakuna sa bata; ayaw ng kanyang asawa ng iskandalo; at kung sakali’t darating ang pulis na kukuha ng ulat ay lilihimin niya ito. At tungkol sa ulam mangungutang siya ng pera sa tindahan ni Aling Gondang at iyon ang kanyang ipamimili – nasabi niya rito na ang nawala niyang pera ay isang daan at sampung piso at halagang iyon ay napakalaki na upang ang lima o sampung ay ipagkait nito sa kanya bilang panakip. Hindi iyon makapahihindi. May ngiti ng kasiyahang naglalaro sa manipis na labi ni Aling Marta nang ipihit niya ang kanyang mga paa patungong pamilihan.

Tanghali na nang siya ay umuwi. Sa daan pa lamang bago siya pumasok sa tarangkahan, ay natanaw na niya nag kanyang na dalaga na nakapamintana sa kanilang barung-barong. Nakangiti ito at siya ay minamasdan, ngunit nang malapit na siya at nakita ang dala ay napangunot-noo, lumingon sa loob ng kabuhayan at may tinawag. Sumungaw ang payat na mukha ng kanyang asawa.

“Saan ka kumuhang ipinamili mo niyan, Nanay?” ang sabi ng kanyang anak na ga-graduate,

“E…e,” hindi magkandatutong sagot ni Aling Marta. “Saan pa kundi sa aking pitaka.”

Nagkatinginan ang mag-ama.

“Ngunit, Marta,” ang sabi ng kanyang asawa. “Ang pitaka mo e Naiwan mo! Kaninang bago ka umalis ay kinuha ko iyon sa bulsa ng iyong bestidong nakasabit at kumuha ako ng pambili ng tabako, pero nakalimutan kong isauli. Saan ka ba kumuha ng ipinamili mo niyan?”

biglang-bigla, anaki’y kidlat na gumuhit sa karimlan, nagbalik sa gunita ni Aling Marta ang larawan ng isang batang payat, duguan ang katawan at natatakpan ng diyaryo, at para niyang narinig ang mahina at gumagaralgal na tinig nito; Maski kapkapan ninyo ako, e, wala kayong makukuha sa ‘kin. Saglit siyang natigilan sa pagpanhik sa hagdanan; para siyang pinanganga-pusan ng hininga at sa palagay na niya ay umiikot ang buong paligid; at bago siya tuluyang mawalan ng ulirat ay wala siyang narinig kundi ang papanaog na yabag ng kanyang asawa’t anak, at ang papaliit na lumalabong salitang: Bakit kaya? Bakit kaya?

CRANIOTOMY

2010-01-27T22:14:00.004+08:00

WATCH THIS VIDEO OF AN ACTUAL CRANIOTOMY

http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-Craniotomy.htm

Overview

Craniotomy is a cut that opens the cranium. During this surgical procedure, a section of the skull, called a bone flap, is removed to access the brain underneath. The bone flap is usually replaced after the procedure with tiny plates and screws.

A craniotomy may be small or large depending on the problem. It may be performed during surgery for various neurological diseases, injuries, or conditions such as brain tumors, hematomas (blood clots), aneurysms orAVMs, and skull fractures. Other reasons for a craniotomy may include foreign objects (bullets), swelling of the brain, or infection. Depending on the reason for the craniotomy, this surgery requires a hospital stay that ranges from a few days to a few weeks.

What is a craniotomy?

Craniotomy is any bony opening that is cut into the skull. A section of skull, called a blone flap, is removed to access the brain underneath. There are many types of craniotomies, which are named according to the area of skull to be removed (Fig. 1). Typically the bone flap is replaced. If the bone flap is not replaced, the procedure is called a craniectomy.

Craniotomies are also named according to their size and complexity. Small dime-sized craniotomies are called burr holes or keyhole craniotomies. Sometimes stereotactic frames, image-guided computer systems, or endoscopes are used to precisely direct instruments through these small holes. Burr holes or keyhole craniotomies are used for minimally invasive procedures to:

insert a shunt into the ventricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus)

insert a deep brain stimulator to treat Parkinson Disease

insert an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor

remove a small sample of abnormal tissue (needle biopsy)

drain a blood clot (stereotactic hematoma aspiration)

insert an endoscope to remove small tumors and clip aneurysms

Large or complex craniotomies are often called skull base surgery. These craniotomies involve the removal of a portion of the skull that supports the bottom of the brain where delicate cranial nerves, arteries, and veins exit the skull. Reconstruction of the skull base is often necessary and may require the additional expertise of head-and-neck, otologic, or plastic surgeons. Surgeons often use sophisticated computers to plan these craniotomies and locate the lesion. Skull base craniotomies can be used to:

remove or treat large brain tumors, aneurysms, or AVMs

treat the brain following a skull fracture or injury (e.g., gunshot wound)

remove tumors that invade the bony skull

There are many kinds of craniotomies. Ask your neurosurgeon to describe where the skin incision will be made and the amount of bone removal.

Who performs the procedure?

A craniotomy is performed by a neurosurgeon; some have additional training in skull base surgery. A neurosurgeon may work with a team of head-and-neck, otologic, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeons. Ask your neurosurgeon about their training, especially if your case is complex.

What happens before surgery?

You will typically undergo tests (e.g., blood test, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray) several days before surgery. In the doctors office you will sign consent forms and complete paperwork to inform the surgeon about your medical history (i.e., allergies, medicines, anesthesia reactions, previous surgeries). You may wish to donate blood several weeks before surgery. Discontinue all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (Naproxin, Advil, etc.) and blood thinners (coumadin, aspirin, etc.) 1 week before surgery. Additionally, stop smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery because these activities can cause bleeding problems.

What happens during surgery?

There are 6 main steps during a craniotomy. Depending on the underlying problem being treated and complexity, the procedure can take 3 to 5 hours or longer.

Step 1. Patient preparation
No food or drink is permitted past midnight the night before surgery. Patients are admitted to the hospital the morning of the craniotomy. With an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm, general anesthesia is administered while you lie on the operating table. Once asleep, your head is placed in a 3-pin skull fixation device, which attaches to the table and holds your head in position during the procedure (Figure 2).

Insertion of a lumbar drain in your lower back helps remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), thus allowing the brain to relax during surgery. A brain-relaxing drug called mannitol may be given.

Step 2. Skin incision
After the scalp is prepped with an antiseptic, a skin incision is made, usually behind the hairline. The surgeon attempts to ensure a good cosmetic result after surgery. Sometimes a hair sparing technique can be used that requires shaving only a 1/4-inch wide area along the proposed incision. Sometimes the entire incision area may be shaved.

Step 3. Craniotomy, opening the skull
The skin and muscles are lifted off the bone and folded back. Next, one or more small burr holes are made in the skull with a drill. Inserting a special saw through the burr holes, the surgeon uses this craniotome to cut the outline of a bone flap (Figure 3). The cut bone flap is lifted and removed to expose the protective covering of the brain called the dura. The bone flap is safely stored until it is replaced at the end of the procedure.

Step 4. Exposure of the brainAfter opening the dura with surgical scissors, the surgeon folds it back to expose the brain (Figure 4). Retractors placed on the brain gently open a corridor to the area needing repair or removal. Neurosurgeons use special magnification glasses, called loupes, or an operating microscope to see the delicate nerves and vessels.

Step 5. Correct the problem
Because the brain is tightly enclosed inside the bony skull, tissues cannot be easily moved aside to access and repair problems. Neurosurgeons use a variety of very small tools and instruments to work deep inside the brain. These include long-handled scissors, dissectors and drills, lasers, ultrasonic aspirators (uses a fine jet of water to break up tumors and suction up the pieces), and computer image-guidance systems. In some cases, evoked potential monitoring is used to stimulate specific cranial nerves while the response is monitored in the brain. This is done to preserve function of the nerve and make sure it is not further damaged during surgery.

Step 6. Closure
With the problem removed or repaired, the retractors holding the brain are removed and the dura is closed with sutures. The bone flap is replaced back in its original position and secured to the skull with titanium plates and screws (Figure 5). The plates and screws remain permanently to support the area; these can sometimes be felt under your skin. In some cases, a drain may be placed under the skin for a couple of days to remove blood or fluid from the surgical area. The muscles and skin are sutured back together. A turban-like or soft adhesive dressing is placed over the incision.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, you are taken to the recovery room where vital signs are monitored as you awake from anesthesia. The breathing tube (ventilator) usually remains in place until you fully recover from the anesthesia. Next, you are transferred to the neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU) for close observation and monitoring. You are frequently asked to move your arms, fingers, toes, and legs.

A nurse will check your pupils with a flashlight and ask questions, such as "What is your name?" You may experience nausea and headache after surgery; medication can control these symptoms. Depending on the type of brain surgery, steroid medication (to control brain swelling) and anticonvulsant medication (to prevent seizures) may be given. When your condition stabilizes, you’ll be transferred to a regular room where you’ll continue to be monitored and begin to increase your activity level.

The length of the hospital stay varies, from only 2–3 days or 2 weeks depending on the surgery and development of any complications. When released from the hospital, you’ll be given discharge instructions. Stitches or staples are removed 7–10 days after surgery in the doctor’s office.

Discharge instructions
Discomfort

After surgery, headache pain is managed with narcotic medication. Because narcotic pain pills are addictive, they are used for a limited period (2 to 4 weeks). Their regular use may also cause constipation, so drink lots of water and eat high fiber foods. Laxatives (e.g., Dulcolax, Senokot, Milk of Magnesia) may be bought without a prescription. Thereafter, pain is managed with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., aspirin; ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin; naproxen sodium, Aleve).

A medicine (anticonvulsant) may be prescribed temporarily to prevent seizures. Common anticonvulsants include Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), and Neurontin (gabapentin). Some patients develop side effects (e.g., drowsiness, balance problems, rashes) caused by these anticonvulsants; in these cases, blood samples are taken to monitor the drug levels and manage the side effects.

Restrictions

Do not drive after surgery until discussed with your surgeon and avoid sitting for long periods of time.

Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (e.g., 2-liter bottle of soda), including children.

Housework and yardwork are not permitted until the first follow-up office visit. This includes gardening, mowing, vacuuming, ironing, and loading/unloading the dishwasher, washer, or dryer.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Activity

Gradually return to your normal activities. Fatigue is common.

An early exercise program to gently stretch the neck and back may be advised.

Walking is encouraged; start with short walks and gradually increase the distance. Wait to participate in other forms of exercise until discussed with your surgeon.

Bathing/Incision Care

You may shower and shampoo 3 to 4 days after surgery unless otherwise directed by your surgeon.

Sutures or staples, which remain in place when you go home, will need to be removed 7 to 14 days after surgery. Ask your surgeon or call the office to find out when.

When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following:

A temperature that exceeds 101º F

An incision that shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or drainage.

If you are taking an anticonvulsant, and notice drowsiness, balance problems, or rashes.

Decreased alertness, increased drowsiness, weakness of arms or legs, increased headaches, vomiting, or severe neck pain that prevents lowering your chin toward the chest.

Recovery

The recovery time varies from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the underlying disease being treated and your general health. Full recovery may take up to 8 weeks. Walking is a good way to begin increasing your activity level. Start with short, frequent walks within the house and gradually try walks outside. It’s important not to overdo it, especially if you are continuing treatment with radiation or chemotherapy. Ask your surgeon when you can expect to return to work.

What are the risks?

No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific complications related to a craniotomy may include:

stroke

seizures

swelling of the brain, which may require a second craniotomy

nerve damage, which may cause muscle paralysis or weakness

CSF leak, which may require repair

loss of mental functions

permanent brain damage with associated disabilities

What are the results?

The results of your craniotomy depend on the underlying condition being treated.

Figure 1. Craniotomies are often named for the bone being removed. Some common craniotomies include frontotemporal, parietal, temporal, and suboccipital.

Special tools & techniques

Broadly termed image-guided surgery (IGS), stereotactic techniques help the neurosurgeon pinpoint the exact location of a lesion within normal tissue.

Stereotactic means to locate a structure by use of 3-dimensional coordinates.

Frame-based stereotaxy uses a lightweight stereotactic head frame attached to the patient’s skull. CT or MRI scans are taken. The stereotactic frame shows up on the scan and helps pinpoint the exact location of the lesion. The frame serves as a reference point to precisely guide instruments through a burr hole.

Frameless stereotaxy uses tiny markers, called fiducials, instead of a head frame. MRI or CT scans are taken and used to create a 3D computer model. During surgery, the fiducials and infrared cameras correlate the “real patient” to the 3D computer model and function as a global positioning system to help plan the craniotomy and locate the lesion. Instruments are detected by the cameras and displayed on the computer model.

Intraoperative MRI or CT is a specially designed operating room in which the patient can undergo an MRI or CT scan before, during, and after surgery. This enables the surgeon to have real-time images of the patient’s brain and to know exactly how much tumor has been removed prior to ending the procedure.

Figure 2. The patient’s head is placed in a three-pin Mayfield skull clamp. The clamp attaches to the operative table and holds the head absolutely still during delicate brain surgery. The skin incision is usually made behind the hairline (dashed line).

Figure 3. A craniotomy is cut with a special saw called a craniotome. The bone flap is removed to reveal the protective covering of the brain called the dura.

Figure 4. The dura is opened and folded back to expose the brain.

Figure 5. The bone flap is replaced and secured to the skull with tiny plates and screws.

PHILOSOPHY: MAN

2010-01-27T22:03:00.003+08:00

The very existence of man here on earth is still questioned not only by the philosophers but also by ordinary men. The purpose of continuous journey of every creature, was it resolve and defined? Or still clinging in every human's mind?

In the ancient times, there were already many attempts and postulates that were spoken and taught to every person's mind on how man exist and what we really are. Some of them even defined the word "man",

In the english dictionary, man has been defined as a member of a race of erect, biped mammals, with a highly developed brain, having the powers to articulate speech, abstract reasoning and imagintion; regardless of where in eath they live.
But in the Bible, man has been stated as a being created from dust and given life by the breath of the GOD, created according to his likeness and goodness: which will then justify that man in nature is good and the only thing that makes him do evil is by man's ignorance and not by man's choice. Man was born like a blank sheath where in nothing is written to it. He will then possess knowledge through his experience with regards to his holistic completeness.
For some philosophers, GOD has been defined as a superior being: the mind of the world - the Universal reason. So with this, they believe that man's soul upon creation come's from the Universal reason.

" Soul exist even before the creation of the body. It has some functions and without the body, it cannot perform its functions. It voluntarily allows itself to be imprisoned in the person's body so that the soul can do its functions"

So with these words sited, it points out the reality that man has been planned to exist before it was created. The reality - refers to the world of phenomena -cannot be explained in details by philosophy nor science because some events are existing or happening for a reason where in even a single person don't know what's with this mystery glued in our life.
Man's existence comes with freedom, the freedom to chose your own life. Freedom is a gift, an essence within a man's heart. It is complementary to reason - one of the activities of human mind. Freedom is absolute and determined. Free under reasonable circumstances and not only by what we want to do. It is limited in terms of human reason's and desires as well as to its purposes on one's life. Choices are given to us and it depends to which choice we will grab. Choices doesn't exist without the decision, there is no decision without desire, there is no desire without need and there is no need without existence.

Therefore, our journey has been defined in million ways but still there is a thought , a precise one, that every being is looking for which leaves in every mind a clinging question that can never be answered except by the UNIVERSAL REASON.

2010-01-27T17:57:00.000+08:00

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Iritis: A Case study

2010-01-14T21:42:00.004+08:00

INTRODUCTION

The iris is a circular, pigmented membrane that provides the eye its color and forms the pupil of the eye.The iris is made up of muscular fibers that control the amount of light entering the pupil so that we can see clearly. The iris accomplishes this task by making the pupil smaller in bright light and larger in dim light. In some people, the iris can become inflamed. This is termed iritis.

Where in, Iritis is inflammation predominantly located in the iris of the eye. Often, iritis can't be linked to a specific cause. But sometimes, iritis results from an underlying chronic condition or genetic factor. Also referred to as anterior uveitis, iritis is a serious condition that, if left untreated, could lead to blindness. If you have symptoms of iritis, see your doctor as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.

Inflammation in the iris is more correctly classified as anterior uveitis.The ciliary body can also be inflammed and this would then be called iridocyclitis. The problem usually affects only one eye and, with treatment, should clear up in a week or two.

Iritis usually starts as an infection in another part of the body that moves to the eye. It sometimes occurs as a result of a disease or an eye injury. Often the cause is unknown. When the iris is inflammed, white blood cells (leukocytes) are shed into the anterior chamber of the eye where they can be observed on slit lamp examination floating in the convection currents of the aqueous humor. These cells can be counted and form the basis for rating the degree of inflammation.

Since iritis is an inflammation inside the eye, the condition is potentially sight threatening. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of iritis are essential. To minimize any loss of vision, the patient should have a complete eye examination as soon as symptoms occur. If diagnosed in the early stages, iritis can usually be controlled with the use of eye drops before vision loss occurs.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

The iris is the colored part of the eye. As light conditions change, the iris may dilate to make the pupil bigger or constrict to make the pupil smaller. This allows more or less light into the eye.

The eye is a complex organ composed of many parts. Good vision depends on the way in which those parts work together. It is helpful to understand how the eye works before learning about macular degeneration.

The human eye is the organ which gives us the sense of sight, allowing us to observe and learn more about the surrounding world than we do with any of the other four senses. We use our eyes in almost every activity we perform, whether reading, working, watching television, writing a letter, driving a car, and in countless other ways. Most people probably would agree that sight is the sense they value more than all the rest.

The eye allows us to see and interpret the shapes, colors, and dimensions of objects in the world by processing the light they reflect or emit. The eye is able to detect bright light or dim light, but it cannot sense objects when light are absent.

Process of vision

Light waves from an object (such as a tree) enter the eye first through the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. The light then progresses through the pupil, the circular opening in the center of the colored iris.

Fluctuations in incoming light change the size of the eye’s pupil. When the light entering the eye is bright enough, the pupil will constrict (get smaller), due to the pupillary light response.

Initially, the light waves are bent or converged first by the cornea, and then further by the crystalline lens (located immediately behind the iris and the pupil), to a nodal point (N) located immediately behind the back surface of the lens. At that point, the image becomes reversed (turned backwards) and inverted (turned upside-down).

The light continues through the vitreous humor, the clear gel that makes up about 80% of the eye’s volume, and then, ideally, back to a clear focus on the retina, behind the vitreous. The small central area of the retina is the macula, which provides the best vision of any location in the retina. If the eye is considered to be a type of camera, the retina is equivalent to the film inside of the camera, registering the tiny photons of light interacting with it.

Within the layers of the retina, light impulses are changed into electrical signals. Then they are sent through the optic nerve, along the visual pathway, to the occipital cortex at the posterior (back) of the brain. Here, the electrical signals are interpreted or “seen” by the brain as a visual image.

Actually, then, we do not “see” with our eyes but, rather, with our brains. Our eyes merely are the beginnings of the visual process.

HEALTH TEACHINGS

Stress the importance of the following:

To maintain fluid and electrolytes balance:

Monitoring for fluid and electrolytes balance
Assess intake and output every 8 hours.
Weigh patient daily.
Assess presence and extent of edema.
Encouraging patient to increase fluid intake.

To prevent infection and injury:

Maintaining good personal hygiene.
Avoiding stress which can aggravate symptoms.
Encouraging activity within prescribed limits but avoid fatigue.
Protecting from injury when carrying out activities.
Protecting patient from exposure to infectious agents.
Maintaining good asepsis during treatments and procedures.
Encouraging proper diet.

To promote comfort:

Medicating patient as needed for pain.
Providing comfort measures like massage and changing of position.
Encouraging rest for fatigue.
Providing calm, supportive environment.

To assist with coping in life-style and self-concept.

Promoting hope
Providing opportunity for patient to express feelings about self.