. : s i e s t a : .

Lucky

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:43:00 +0000

click to watch

1234

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:42:00 +0000

click to watch

1234

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:41:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.c

om/watch?v=7_-IXu9GqQ0

June 2008 Philippine Nursing Board Exam Result

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:03:00 +0000

June 2008 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam Result

Congratulations to our new Nurses!

Click here to see the result.

http://media.inquirer.net/inquirer/examresults/NURSE/20080724/

Wait…Timeout!

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 12:06:00 +0000

Last week, I was pulled-out to ward due to understaffing. The last time I have my duty to ward was long time ago. From only three patients in ICU, I was back to handling 10 patients. Honestly, I missed having my duty in the ward because there, I am free. I can go to any hospital departments and relate with my co-staff nurses unlike in ICU where I am always locked inside and alone.

During this duty, I had an admission. It was a hypertensive patient with a difficult and demanding watcher/relative. (Nurses, it’s a toxic wife.) The patient’s wife keeps on asking me to come over with lots of questions and requests. I accentuate to her that they are confined in the ward and that I can’t give much attention to her patient. I make cleared that I have plenty of patients and that I have to prioritize them. And still, I told them I will do my best to attend their needs.

On that evening duty, this wife keeps on asking me to bed bath her “ambulatory” husband. I told them I can assist them after I am done with my routines. Watchers here in Philippines usually do the bed bath for their patients and nurses assist them. But this wife, she wanted only me to do it all. And so when his husband purged, she called me and told me to clean him. Though there were caregivers, I did all the cleaning. Good thing the patient is cooperative unlike her wife. I told him to clean his ass while I was assisting him with the soap, water and things. Even though I was wearing a thick mask, his sh*t was very smelly.

And just yesterday, I was pulled out again. And guess what, I handled this patient again. Good thing they are already for discharge. They are not as demanding as before. Yes, Lucky me!

After I gave them the home medication instructions, they thanked me for the service I rendered. They apologized for being too demanding and gave me an endowment. It was a pack of 16 treat size Cadbury Chocolate TimeOut. I refused to receive it but since they insisted, I accepted it. Haha! Happy.

Shopping Spree

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Even if it was my day-off, I still went to the hospital yesterday. I scheduled my mom for an X-ray, mammogram and free bone scan as well. Good thing they still have slots.

Afterwards, I went on a fast food chain where I meet this friend. She wanted me to accompany her in buying a laptop. In short, I was her techno-adviser. We had our lunch inside the van going to Festival Mall, Alabang. I also showed her some products and price lists I brought. I emphasized to her the importance of computer’s specifications rather than its look.

When we got the place, we started canvassing. We hopped from different branch to branch. We didn’t stop until we see ‘the right one’ or three, rather. Yes, we had 3 prospects. She has to make a very wise decision because we’re talking money here.

For her to think correctly, we decided to have our dinner first before choosing and buying. We rode a taxi and went to another known classy mall, Alabang Town Center. We supposed to have our dinner at a Japanese eat-all-you-can restaurant there but sadly, the famous restaurant is now closed. So, we looked for another and found the Yakiniku Japanese Restaurant. We ordered ‘of course’ the famous mix sashimi. We included maguro (tuna), kari (crab stick), ebi (shrimp), sake (salmon) and tamago (sweetened egg). As usual, I didn’t put wasabe on my kikoman soy sause. I don’t like the taste of wasabe.

What’s new to my taste were; the Gomoku soup, clear soup with mixed sea foods, pork and egg; katsudon, breaded pork omlet with stirred egg tipped on rice; tonkatsu curry rice, mixed seafoods with a potatoes, carrots and gravy. And to push down all we ate, we ordered four seasons smoothie with a very good presentation.

With full stomach and brain in good process, she finally made a good decision. Among the three laptop prospects, she chose only one. And the chosen one is…

We hurriedly went back to the mall and to the store where we found the chosen one. And she bought it. The salesman gave us a quick demo of the products and gave us info or “what to know”.

Going out, a music player and digital cam window display of a store caught my attention. It’s Abenson, a store near to the mall’s entrance. We went in and looked at the products. I can’t keep my eyes to these items and on a pop, I decided to buy them. Buying a music player and a digital camera was not in my plan. I was just supposed to accompany my friend in buying a laptop. Haha! I never though I would buy something for my self. Anyway, I am very happy with these new Samsung gadgets I have.

Good Job

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:31:00 +0000

After my tiring duty, I hurriedly went on an ATM and cashed out some savings. Being exhausted, I decided to treat my self for an indulging lunch. And when I got my orders, I swiftly remembered that I was supposed to watched “Hancock” in theatre with Jec and Hazel. And so, I called Hazel who I left in the hospital and was looking for me…and Jec who’s at home getting ready to go out. Then, I told them where I was and to come over.

We met and headed to the theatre. Many had come to see the film too. We’re glad that we still found seats. We were just on time when trailers of upcoming movies were being advertised. And what made me excited were these new “Batman” and “007” movie trailers.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

The starting scenes of the movie were very entertaining. Seeing a drunk, dirty, miserable and ‘a not so hero’, superhero is unpredictably witty. He is homeless, awful and dejected. He saves lives but causes more property damages. As in, million dollar damages and the public have enough of it. In short, he’s an A-hole. Yes, Hancock is an A-hole. And he hates it when people called him that way. So, better be careful because he competes even with children. Trust me; you would not want to be thrown up in the sky by this heroic idiot.

But when he saved and met this PR spokesperson Ray, he was pushed to change. Ray turned Hancock to an ideal superhero. Hancock changed his bad image to a good one by sending his self into prison, wearing a-more-like superhero suit and by praising LA cops with his catchy line “Good job.”

The entertaining scenes of the movie turned dramatic when Hancock met Mary. (It’s the part where I unconsciously had a short nap.) It was a startling twist that divulged facts about Hancock’s past. I personally think that the movie lost its momentum to that part.

The movie was too fast. First, he was an A-hole, and then he’s an Idol. That’s it. I was expecting more twists other than the not surprising dramatic part. But still, I praised its good visual effects and its success in mixing action and comedy. Fair enough.

Shuffled Entries

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:35:00 +0000

Since I lost my new mobile phone, I have to use my old one. Through SMS, I am connected again with my friends with my new SIM card. That means new mobile number again. I haven’t gathered all my friends’ numbers yet. And I am trying to get them all as soon as possible. That’s my mission impossible for now. How I wish I backed them up before I lost it. But I am not to blame. I never thought I would lose it, anyway.

Good news. I am very happy that my brother, Arcie and my sister, Ariane made it too. Last April, I help them construct a scholarship application to Red Tab Foundation. It’s a scholarship program somewhat similar to the one I had way back when I was on college. Their application was submitted via mail to California. I just tied up their application with few edits on grammar and made use of simple phrases. And just yesterday, after months of waiting, I am very pleased to know that they have been selected to receive a Red Tab Scholars award. A check payable in U.S. dollars will be mailed to them for their respective schools. Now, they can use the amount for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment. The award is renewable provided that they will maintain satisfactory academic performance in a full-time undergraduate program.

This scholarship is a big help for our family especially now that the price of fuel and everything else is soaring. On behalf of my brother and sister, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Red Tab Scholars, Scholarship Management Services. And of course, I would like to thank God for the blessings. Thank You.

With Feedjit, I can see live traffic on my blog. Most of the time, I see someone searching for their assignment or research studies (maybe) with search engines and end up to my site. I am happy that somehow my site had been their resources. But sometimes, I find my self laughing with the keywords they’ve searched which is not related to my articles.

(click the picture to enlarge)

I never thought someone would also look over for my name in the internet. Surprisingly, someone just entered my complete name in yahoo search. This is not just the first time, but the third time someone did it. And it appeared to be the same browser, OS and place. I made this post because I am curious about *you. I may know you. You may reply to this post.

It Wasn’t Me

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:20:00 +0000

Someone I hardly know went our house this afternoon. She’s from the farthest compound of our barangay; very far from our house. She said, she was looking for a nurse and found me. Her purpose for her visit was to ask favor if I can insert an IV line (dextrose) on his sick father. Her father is bedridden and needs vitamin infusion. And so, I said “yes.”

After a very long walk to their house, she introduced me to the patient and gave me the materials needed. I was saddened when I saw the needle I’ll be using. It was a butterfly IV, an old and nearly faced off needle use in IV insertion. I was worried ‘cause I seldom used this kind of needle. Insytes or introcan are the IV canulas commonly use nowadays.

While I was preparing the IV line, I was shocked when she told me to add vitamin c on the dextrose. As nursing standard, I asked if there’s any prescription so I can give the medication. The lady showed me a prescription saying, “Infuse 1 ampule of Vitamin C to D5LR to run for 20gtts/min.” The order was clear. But when the lady gave me the vitamin, I was surprised again. She handed me a bottle of vitamin c capsules, branded “Vital-C”. On a nice manner, I clearly state that I can NOT give that medication. It was not as prescribed by the doctor. So, I refused to give it. But they insisted that the doctor instructed them that if ampule is not available they may use diluted vitamin c capsule instead. That was COMPLETELY strange. I never heard nor learned that an oral medication may be given through IV injection or infusion.

What I did was to explain clearly my side and reasons why I can’t give that medication. I don’t want to take any risks.

Then, she called the doctor who gave the prescription. The doctor clarified the order. “I understand why the nurse wouldn’t give it because it is unusual…but it may be given that way,” the doctor said. I never knew this doctor and this ‘Vital-C’ and so I still refused to give the drug. But they seem so sure. She even told me that the nurse yesterday just did it. Since they insisted, I gave them an option.

The option was that I will insert the IV (since there is an order) but I won’t give the medication. I said, it’s up to them to give the drug and I won’t give any responsibility in it. So, I explained the legality again CLEARLY, and they understand that I have no legal accountability. I successfully inserted a butterfly needle on the patient’s right hand vein, aseptically. And SHE gave/incorporated the said vitamin on the dextrose solution. Not me.

The Problem about Love

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Love is a problem itself. I know some of you are happily living with your love ones or currently having a meaningful relationship. But others are not. (Clears throat) See, there’s no perfect relationship. You may be in good terms right now but along the way you may encounter trials. Problems exist; as love exists. These may be small or worst, big. So, be careful handling it.

I know some of you are in great deal of heartache or pain right now. Honestly, I have been there too. And I am not going to tell you how painful it is ‘cause I know you know it too well.

Funny, I realized how bitter I was. And I imagined how crazy and psycho I was before. Haha! Good thing my head didn’t gave up.

Before, I have hard time of waking up and rolling out of bed in the morning. I turned off or skipped songs on my music player because every song is painful and reminds me of her. I can’t even bear to eat to the same restaurants I took her to. Sometimes, I binge eating for comfort. I even constantly check my email or mobile phone to see if she has sent me a message, think constantly why she really left, and felt massively depressed. Back then, everything in me had fallen apart. But, I am OK now.

If love failed, please know that this is not our fault. We weren’t thought this in school, right? We weren’t taught by our parents…and there is no “love fails” or “how to cope when love failed?” lessons in any classes.

The real problem about love is that it can never be learn even by the most intelligent men in the planet. This can not be learn by reading books, watching movies, listening to music, sitting in on a lecture or by reading blog entries like this. Love... Love is ONLY learn by heart.

A Horror Story

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:31:00 +0000

Last night, a friend invited me to go out. We went to bonjour—a cafeteria. While I was sipping my chocolate frappe, he posed a surprising question. With a serious voice, he asked “Pare, how can I tell my girlfriend that I don’t like her facial hair?” I chuckled. Fortunately, I able to managed not to spit out the frappe I was drinking on his face. Then, I said, “When did you start dating men? Are you sure she’s a girl?” He giggled. I thought he got offended. But seriously, I felt his pain.

I don’t know how to help him. I can’t think of a way how to get him out of his hairy horror.

I suggested showing her girlfriend a movie in which a beautiful celebrity is having hair-removal wax strips. And I told him to break to her girlfriend gently that she would be as beautiful as the celebrity if she gave that a try. I also suggested to show some hairy horror photos to her and say “Ok na sana…problema lang may bigote sya.”

In the end, I told him that at least her girlfriend has some kind of hair. Because, wouldn’t it be freakier if she had none—as in no eye brows, eye lashes and all? Sigh. I say this is a very tough dilemma.

Sand Fantasy

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:50:00 +0000

I was astounded by this unique masterpiece I watched from youtube. Take a few minutes watching this amazing talent of Ilana Yahav. Watch as she draws sand animations using only her finger on a glass table.

“Incredible.”

The combination of sand, lighting and music truly creates a lively, prevailing and wonderful art.

Flooded Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Being bothered by the noisy wind, I plugged the headset on my mobile phone and listened to music.

I was very worried about the storm yesterday. I was on the hospital; having my 10pm-6am duty. The wind was so strong that the door keeps on wobbling. I saw on the glass window how the wind bends trees and the rain flooded the road.

Many staffs had called and informed the supervisors that they won’t be able to go to work due to the bad weather. I was very anxious because I may work overtime or have straight duty due to understaffing. I’m glad it didn’t happen. The next ICU nurse on duty that day came in spite of the bad weather. After the endorsement, I hurriedly went out and prepare my umbrella. There are seldom jeepneys passing by and so I waited long for a ride.

After long minutes, a jeepney stopped. Because the rain was too heavy, I ran fast under my umbrella so I won’t get awfully wet. But as I was running, my new cell phone slept out of my pocket. Oh no! It fell and was dragged by the outpouring ground. I tried to catch it but the water current was too strong. So quick, it disappeared.

I felt miserable. Who wouldn’t? It was a birthday gift from my mom. I only used that phone for 5 days…and now, it’s gone. I am so STUPID.

Happy Birthday to Me

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Yup, today is my birthday. And I am getting older. Sigh.

June 19, 2008 is Dr. Jose Rizal’s birthday too, our national hero. And because Rizal was born here in our own town, Calamba (which is now a city), there’s always a big celebration held at his house which is a tourist attraction. I remember last year, we went there; tried to join the big crowd and watched. But our patient was too short that we decided to go to other places because it was too hot and earsplitting.

June 19 is also Laguna Day, our province day. It’s always been a holiday; means, no classes, no works, no offices. That’s why, unlike others, I never celebrated my birthday in school.

Aside from me and Rizal, there are also few friends of mine whose celebrating their birthday today. They are Jonn (my bible study mate), Gene (my co-worker), Jason and Ate Itchy (which are my former classmates). I know there’re many more birthday celebrants out there aside from us. So, happy birthday too!

I thank those who telephoned and sent me SMS, IMs, and emails just to greet me. Thank you for remembering my birthday. How thoughtful and touching.

Thank you God for giving me another fruitful and meaningful year! Thank you for this challenging and yet wonderful life you are conferring. I’ll treasure this gift, life, you gave me and do my best to live the way you wanted.

CDH at 15

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:41:00 +0000

Today marks the 15^th anniversary of Calamba Doctors’ Hospital, where I am currently working. As part of celebration, there were programs, games and other competitions.

We have a parade this morning as an opening. Even though I came from a night duty, from 10 PM to 9 AM, I still managed to attend and join the parade. With balloons, banners and respective color team shirts, the parade began around 8 PM. It’s too early, that’s why I haven’t had the chance to go home first. What we, other night duties, did is to take a few rests and take our breakfast on a near fast food. In spite of feeling drowsy and burned under the sun, I continued walking and finished the parade.

Afterwards, there was the symbolic ceremony of lighting a torch which marked the opening of the games/competition. Yup, just like in the Olympics. Haha!

Then, there was the cheer dance competition. There were five groups in all; the Red, Violet, Blue, Green, and Orange Team (my group). Proudly, our group with a nice costumes and momentous choreography won first place. Hep-hep, Orange!

I didn’t watch all today’s program because I have to go home and sleep. Anyway, there were parlor and relay games, volleyball, basketball, etc.

Feeling lazy, I didn’t join any contest. What’s important to me is that the hospital is giving us an increase in our salary (aside from the nationwide increase). Yes! Plus, our ICU was refurnished and repainted. And the new NICU and PICU are now open.

Addendum:

I was pulled out to have duty on PICU. I am one of the first nurses to use the newest PICU. And what a coincident, our first patient is also celebrating his “15^th” birthday.

Nurses’ Day Out at Batangas

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:07:00 +0000

After my journey to Bicol, here comes our trip to Batangas.

Because we haven’t been to any beach last summer, we decided to do it this June. I know we might be late for the summer. But at least, the weather these days are still hot. We’ve been preparing for this for a long time. It’s our only chance for this year—before the rainy season comes.

The meeting place was again in front of our dearest alma mater, our former school. I was the last one to come because I wasted my time searching for the camera’s USB port. And I have no cash yet, so, I have to go to an ATM. I thought I’ll be left behind. I am glad I still made it.

Because some of us haven’t seen ourselves for a long time, there were endless chit chats inside the van. The road was clear. It took us more than two hours to get to the beach. We looked for a good-looking beach resort with a good cost too.

We rented a tiny house with a kitchen, dinning table, room and comfort room. The cottage is comfy enough. And we got it for a cheap price of Php700. We also rented a boat bike for us to wander around beaches all day long for a cheap price of Php700 too. Because there’s less expenses for our stay, we have plenty of budgets for foods.

Before doing any beach activities, first, we settled and grab plates. We didn’t prepare any food for this outing; everything was bought at the nearest talipapa or small market.

With our stomach full and recharged bodies, we did the first activity—site seeing. We wandered, felt the fine sand with our feet, relaxed our eyes with the blue horizon and smelled the fresh sea breeze. Of course, there were endless picture takings.

Then, we drove the boat bike. This ride has pedals for two persons and a steer. It can accommodate up to 7 persons. While on the boat, we can see the sea bed and the corals under. The water is so clear.

The next activity was body henna tattooing. There are lots of designs to choose from. I decided to have a tribal tattoo on my nape. A boy, about 10 years old, drew the pattern on my back with a pen. Then, his older brother did the henna tattooing. My other friends have their tattoos at their biceps and on around their ankles.

We have to let the henna dried up first. So, the next activity was sun bathing. We laid and sat on the sand while letting our skins get sunburns and skin cancer. *Joking. We wore sun blocks for our protection. Then, we covered Ric with sands. We buried him alive. Haha! Afterwards, we all got sand body scrubs.

Next, we swam. The water is cool enough and colder below. You can swim well because there are only small waves. The sea bed’s sand is so fine. You can feel it with your feet’s soles. There are some portions that are rough because of the coral reefs under. We played, glide, float and stroked.

Afterward is my favorite part. We rode a fishing boat and sent us to The Little Cave Island. The ride only cost us Php500 back and forth, plus free snorkels for us to use. It took us about 15 minutes to the little cave. We were all stunned by the beauty of that place. The water is very clear—crystal clear. The cave is said to be the nest of fisher birds. It has awesome boulders and bounty fine-looking sea shells. The place is breathtaking…a perfect time for picture taking. Haha!

I caught live sea shells (small creatures called, “I don’t know”) which I brought home. I placed it on my small aquarium with my little soft shelled turtle.

The next best thing we did was snorkeling. We grabbed snorkels and goggles. Then, jump to the sea. Wow! The coral reef is so splendid. There are corals with different colors, shapes and sizes. There are small fishes which seem to be playing around with you. But if you tried to hold them, they would swim away. Some creatures I saw were clown fish, angel fish, sword fish and star fish. (Sigh.) The underwater world is so dazzling. It feels like were on a giant aquarium.

After that underwater adventure, we went back to the resort. We took merienda or snack. Minutes later, we went back to the water for our last swim. About 6pm, we all decided to have our fresh water bath/shower and dressed up.

We saw the spectacular sunset. The sun seems to be a giant orange basket ball. We all hate to leave but we have to say goodbye to beach…and drove way back home.

But, our journey didn’t stop there. Going back home, we decided to have our dinner on an also famous place in Batangas, at Tagaytay. The place is similar to our country’s summer capital city, Baguio. Tagaytay is a high land where you can view the smallest volcano in a middle of a lake called Taal.

We had our dinner at Mushroom Burger. It’s a popular restaurant that uniquely serves cultured mushroom dishes. I ordered mushroom beef and 100% mushroom burger, their specialty. Hmm…yummy! You must taste these burgers. They are not just delicious but nutritious as well. Trust me. (Endorser? Haha!)

We all went home safely with our body tired, hearts filled with joy, and faces painted with smile. This had been another happy and unforgettable bonding moment for us. Actually, on our way home, we are already wondering and planning for when and where will be our next outing. We all can’t wait.

For more photos, click the link below:

Nurses' Day Out at Batangas Multiply Photo Album

Journey to Bicolandia

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:15:00 +0000

I have been gone for a long while and I am finally back. I had been to Bicol with my family. It took us 13 hours to be there. We traveled by land. But if you travel by a domestic plane, it will just take you few minutes. But, it’s very expensive.

The last time we went to Bicol was few years ago. And Bicol now seems to be just the same as before, for me. Though, some roads are now solid, my favorite hanging bridge is now concrete and the padyak is now motored tricyle. There were few developments, but still Bicol is a bucolic province. It’s a province dominated by rich and fertile rice lands. Aside from its plains, Bicol is generally hilly and mountainous. It also has many rivers, lakes, bays, mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, caves and spring. I am very lucky to see these beautiful and interesting spots again. One of my favorite spot is the majestic world’s nearly perfect cone Mayon Volcano. I am glad to see Mt. Mayon still with its perfect cone shape after many eruptions.

I was also fascinated by the Philippine’s 2^nd tallest mountain, the Mt. Isarog. It’s an inactive volcano which has a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

I also found out that Bicol has its leaning tower too, similar to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s called Leaning Tower of Milaor. It’s a beautiful and strong stone tower composed of three layers stood. I was curious about what’s inside the tower but I didn’t attempt to go inside. I was scared the tower might fall down.

Naga City is the nearest city where we stayed at. It was said that it is the heart of Bicol. It’s a commercial center and it’s where we often shop and buy foods. Naga is erected with many catholic churches mostly housed with image of Virgin Mary.

What I missed most to Bicol is its spicy dishes, called “Bicol Express”. Due to abundance of chili plants, it’s been a custom that foods in Bicol are generally spicier. Eating them is very challenging for me. But, it will really increase your appetite and will make you eat lusciously. Other famous native foods I ate here are rock n roll (colorful banana chips), Naga’s toasted siopao, pili nuts (found in Pili town) and the famous smallest edible fish, which is the tabios or sinarapan (found in Lake Buhi and Bato).

The people and culture of Bicol never changed. They are still very hospitable and entertaining. They are very joyful and kind. They still live with so many pamanhiin or superstitious beliefs.

I still find hard times of learning its dialect. But, I have learned few words and can understand few phrases when they were talking to me in Bikolano.

My stay at Bicol seems to be living from the past. There were no TV, DVD, music player and internet. But I enjoyed that simple way of living. Eating with my bear hands, sleeping inside the kulambo or mosquito net, and taking bath on farm’s water irrigation are my blissful experience in Bicol. It’s the place I would love to go back to. See you again, Bicolanos!;)

Leaving...for a while.

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:31:00 +0000

I am going to a very far land. It will be an extremely long travel. So, I’ll be gone for few days. I hope to connect to this cyber world when I got there.
I am packing my baggage right now…and be leaving early in the morning.

HS friends, sorry I won’t be able to attend our reunion.
Workmates, I’ll miss you all.
To my dog, please safeguard our house.;)

Alright, see you soon, guys!

The Atheist Professor VS the Christian Student

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:29:00 +0000

"Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand. "You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"

"Yes, sir."

"So you believe in God?"

"Absolutely."

"Is God good?"

"Sure! God's good."

"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"

"Yes."

"Are you good or evil?"

"The Bible says I'm evil."

The professor grins knowingly. "Ahh! THE BIBLE!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help them? Would you try?"

"Yes sir, I would."

"So you're good...!"

"I wouldn't say that."

"Why not say that? You would help a sick and maimed person if you could... in fact most of us would if we could...God doesn't." [No answer.] "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?" [No answer] The elderly man is sympathetic. "No, you can't, can you?" He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. In philosophy, you have to go easy with the new ones. "Let's start again, young fella.....Is God good?"

"Er... Yes."

"Is Satan good?"

"No."

"Where does Satan come from?"

The student falters. "From... God..."

"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he?" The elderly man runs his bony fingers through his thinning hair and turns to the smirking, student audience. "I think we're going to have a lot of fun this semester, ladies and gentlemen." He turns back to the Christian. "Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"

"Yes, sir."

"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? Did God make everything?"

"Yes."

"Who created evil? [No answer] "Is there sickness in this world? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All the terrible things - do they exist in this world? "

The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."

"Who created them?" [No answer] The professor suddenly shouts at his student. "WHO CREATED THEM? TELL ME, PLEASE!" The professor closes in for the kill and climbs into the Christian's face. In a still small voice: "God created all evil, didn't He, son?" [No answer]

The student tries to hold the steady, experienced gaze and fails. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace the front of the classroom like an aging panther. The class is mesmerized. "Tell me," he continues, "how is it that this God is good if He created all evil throughout all time?" The professor swishes his arms around to encompass the wickedness of the world. "All the hatred, the brutality, all the pain, all the torture, all the death and ugliness and all the suffering created by this good God is all over the world, isn't it, young man?" [No answer] "Don't you see it all over the place? Huh?" [Pause] "Don't you?" The professor leans into the student's face again and whispers, "Is God good?" [No answer] "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor. I do."

The old man shakes his head sadly. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen your Jesus?"

"No, sir. I've never seen Him."

"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"

"No, sir. I have not."

"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus...in fact, do you have any sensory perception of your God whatsoever?" [No answer] "Answer me, please."

"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."

"You're AFRAID...you haven't?"

"No, sir."

"Yet you still believe in him?"

"...Yes..."

"That takes FAITH!" The professor smiles sagely at the underling. "According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son? Where is your God now?" [The student doesn't answer] "Sit down, please."

The Christian sits...Defeated.

--------------------------------------...

Another Christian raises his hand. "Professor, may I address the class?"

The professor turns and smiles. "Ah, another Christian in the vanguard! Come, come, young man. Speak some proper wisdom to the gathering."

The Christian looks around the room. "Some interesting points you are making, sir. Now I've got a question for you. Is there such thing as heat?"

"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."

"Is there such a thing as cold?"

"Yes, son, there's cold too."

"No, sir, there isn't."

The professor's grin freezes. The room suddenly goes very cold.

The second Christian continues. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold, otherwise we would be able to go colder than 458 - You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. Because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just..," [Silence fills the room] "...the absence of it." [More silence. A pin drops somewhere in the classroom.] "Is there such a thing as darkness, professor?"

"That's a dumb question, son. What is night if it isn't darkness? What are you getting at...?"

"So you say there is such a thing as darkness?"

"Yes..."

"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something, it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, Darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker and give me a jar of it. Can you...give me a jar of darker darkness, professor?"

Despite himself, the professor smiles at the young effrontery before him. This will indeed be a good semester. "Would you mind telling us what your point is, young man?"

"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with and so your conclusion must be in error...."

The professor goes toxic. "Flawed...? How dare you...!"

"Sir, may I explain what I mean?" The class is all ears.

"Explain...oh explain..." The professor makes an admirable effort to regain control. Suddenly he is affability itself. He waves his hand to silence the class, for the student to continue.

"You are working on the premise of duality," the Christian explains. "That for example there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science cannot even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism but has never seen, much less fully understood them. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, merely the absence of it."

The young man holds up a newspaper he takes from the desk of a neighbor who has been reading it. "Here is one of the most disgusting tabloids this country hosts, professor. Is there such a thing as immorality?"

"Of course there is, now look..."

"Wrong again, sir. You see, immorality is merely the absence of morality. Is there such thing as injustice? No. Injustice is the absence of justice. Is there such a thing as evil?" The Christian pauses. "Isn't evil the absence of good?" [The teacher is temporarily speechless.] The Christian continues. "If there is evil in the world, professor, and we all agree there is, then God, if he exists, must be accomplishing a work through the agency of evil. What is that work, God is accomplishing? The Bible tells us it is to see if each one of us will, of our own free will, choose good over evil."

The professor bridles. "As a philosophical scientist, I don't view this matter as having anything to do with any choice; as a realist, I absolutely do not recognize the concept of God or any other theological factor as being part of the world equation because God is not observable."

"I would have thought that the absence of God's moral code in this world is probably one of the most observable phenomena going," the Christian replies. "Newspapers make billions of dollars reporting it every week! Tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"

"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."

"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?" [The professor makes a sucking sound with his teeth and gives his student a silent, stony stare.] "Professor. Since no-one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an ongoing endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a priest?"

"I'll overlook your impudence in the light of our philosophical discussion. Now, have you quite finished?" the professor hisses.

"So you don't accept God's moral code to do what is righteous?"

"I believe in what is-that's science!"

"Ahh! SCIENCE!" the student's face splits into a grin. "Sir, you rightly state that science is the study of observed phenomena. Science too is a premise which is flawed..."

"SCIENCE IS FLAWED?" the professor splutters. The class is in uproar.

The Christian remains standing until the commotion has subsided. "To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, may I give you an example of what I mean?" [The professor wisely keeps silent.] The Christian looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out in laughter.The Christian points towards his elderly, crumbling tutor. "Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain...felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain?" No one appears to have done so. The Christian shakes his head sadly. "It appears no-one here has had any sensory perception of the professor's brain whatsoever. Well, according to the rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science, I DECLARE that the professor has no brain."

The class is in chaos. The Christian sits... Because that is what a chair is for.

Adage

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Sat, 31 May 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Kapag may sinuksok, may madudukot…
While I was ironing my scrub suit this morning, I noticed a bulky thing on its pocket. I thought it was just a shredded tissue paper which got wet and dried up from washing. I was surprised when I found out that it was a Php100 bill. Haha! My sister, who did the washing didn’t see it.

Kapag may pinukpok, may madudurog…
One of my patients this morning is lethargic and bedridden. She needed an NGT or nasogastric tube feeding . NGT is a tube inserted to the nostril, passing through the esophagus and ends to the stomach. NGT feeding is an artificial way of ingesting food/medicine for those patients who can't swallow. Tablets can’t pass through the NGT. For them to become powder-like or pulverized, you need to pound them first. We, nurses, use mortar and pestle to crush tablets. Unintentionally, I knocked one of my fingers while doing this. Ouch! It’s a good thing my precious nail didn’t die.

Kapag wala ang pusa, nagbubungkal ng pagkain ang mga daga…
Milk powder is commonly use for NGT feeding, which is the source of energy and nutrients for those who are bedridden. While I was preparing milk for my client, I was fascinated by its flavor. The milk’s can labeled, “Vanilla Flavor”. Out of curiosity, I and my co-staff planned to blend milk for ourselves. Haha! I did the mixing while she vigilantly looked for comers. We were so afraid we might get caught. We were just snooping on what it tastes like. And…yuck! We just threw it up.

Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga…
I end up this day with a mollycoddle dinner with this very delicious bowl nilagang baboy. It’s an easy to cook Filipino food; boiled pork with vegetables. It’s a soupy kind of food dish that is good in any kind of weather. Yummy! I love nilaga.

Kawasaki Disease

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:13:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was able to handle a patient with a very rare illness called Kawasaki disease. It's an illness that involves the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes, and most often affects kids under age 5. My patient was a 2 years old girl. The cause for this kind of disease is still unknown, but if the symptoms are recognized early, kids with Kawasaki disease can fully recover within a few days. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications that can affect the heart.

Kawasaki disease is very rare here in the Philippines. It is most common among Japanese children. That's why it's called "Kawasaki". I interviewed my patient's mom. I asked her if there's any Japanese descent in their family. Unexpectedly, there is none.

There is no prevention for this disease. There are also no definite diagnostic test for early detection of this disease. Doctors usually just base their impression from it's signs and symptoms.

At the first phase of the disease, which can last for up to 2 weeks, usually involves a persistent high fever. The fever lasts for at least 5 days. When I assessed my patient, I found out lots of symptoms that really indicates that she's suffering from Kawasaki. There are severe redness in the eyes; red, dry, cracked lips; swollen tongue with a white coating and big red bumps; and sore, irritated throat. She also have swollen palms on her hands and soles of the feet with a purple-red color. That's why I have hard time inserting an IV canula to her vein for IV-IG infusion.

IV-IG infusion is the usual treatment for this disease. It's an intravenous doses of gamma globulin (purified antibodies), an ingredient of blood that helps the body fight infection. For my patient's case, I need to infuse 10 bottles of IV-IG. Each vial contains 50ml of IV-IG that I need to transfuse one by one using an infusion pump. One vial of IV-IG cost a shocking price of Php15,000. So, for a total of 10 vials, my patient bought it for a more shocking price of Php150,000. That's why I am very careful of handling each vials...making sure not to break them.

A high dose of aspirin may also be given for this kind of patient. It is taken to reduce the risk of complication--heart problems. If Kawasaki disease is treated within 10 days of the onset of symptoms, heart problems usually do not develop.

Cases that go untreated can lead to more serious complications, such as vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels. This can be particularly dangerous because it can affect the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. In addition to the coronary arteries, the heart muscle, lining, valves, and the outer membrane that surrounds the heart can become inflamed. Arrhythmias (changes in the normal pattern of the heartbeat) or abnormal functioning of some heart valves also can occur.

Abduction

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:08:00 +0000

It was fiesta in our Barangay. As usual, there are lots of things to keep myself busy for a day. There are many people to entertain and many errands to go after. It was just like a big family reunion. Every thing was customary, but then…

When the sun was about to set, I got away from home. I went to a cafeteria few kilometers away from the eventful neighborhood. I supposed to meet Kate and her mom there at 6pm. I tried to be there a little bit earlier but I was trapped by a heavy traffic. At least, I came to the place at unerringly 6pm on my watch.

As I was going up on the elevator, my mind constantly thinking why did Kate’s mom invite me for this evening. I looked for a cozy place and settled. Fifteen minutes passed, and still the two haven’t arrived yet. So, I decided to go down and looked for them outside. Then, I saw them; they were looking for me too. When we came in to the elevator, I kindly pressed the button to where floor we’re going to. I pressed number "5". I was shocked when I saw her mom’s reaction. Her face showed an allusion that I pressed the wrong button. Then, she pressed number “2” instead of “5”.

I was taken aback. I thought we were going to a cafeteria but it was not what it looks like. I was kidnapped. I have no idea on where we're going. All of the following activities were not according to plan. I heard someone said, “I was culture shocked.” Honestly, I was too. Not only I was kidnapped; there were many of us.

There’s no need to tell you more about what happened. Just think of it this way; I was kidnapped for 3 ½ hours. Yes. Three and a half hours of no food, no talk, no other movements but just sitting. If you were in my position, you would probably say, "Oh no. What am I doing in this kind of place? Why am I here?" And you want to yell, "Waaaaaah!" But, you just can't. Trust me, it's the place you would never wish to be at...at first. But, you will eventually be a part of the new culture...thereafter. Then, you'll say to yourself, "I am glad I was here."

After I was released, I finally got the chance to eat. We devoured to where we originally planned to go to, at a rooftop cafeteria with plants and fountains landscape (boon with a dazzling bright lights view of the city).

After consuming frappe, shake, juice, clubhouse and presto, we all went home safe and sound.

Addendum:
Since it’s fiesta, there are few programs held at our Barangay’s covered court. At least, I was able to watched the spectacular fireworks display and the winning of my cousin, Nica, in a beauty pageant.

Personal Coat of Arms

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Creative. I love doing things in a completely different way. I always want to do something that is unique. I love inventing.
Friendly. I am fond of collecting friends. I want to be everybody's friend.
Brave and Adventurous. I never give up to any challenges. I love facing my fears. I love traveling and going to places I've never been.
Respectful. I do have respect for elders. I treat them in a good manner.
Sense of Humor. I always crack a joke. I want everybody to laugh with my corny jokes.
Critic. I quickly judge a person. And I often notice faults.
Forgetful. There are times when I was on the middle of a work, I will stop and think..."What will I do next?" It's like when I am in the middle of the stair, I stopped and think, "Am I going upstairs or downstairs?" I am not good in remembering names and birthdays either.
Boastful. Maybe I am just proud of my self especially when I did something that is outstanding.
I have mañana and ningas kugon habit. Sometimes, I skip works. And I am only good at the beginning.
Moody. I quickly change mood.
Greatest Frustration...Are at those times when I felt like I am on a maze. I don't know where to go. I have no idea of what kind of future will I have. I have no proper orientation on what must I do or where must I go.
Greatest Achievement. I somehow helped my clients and my receivers of health care during my duties. It's like doing something good for the welfare of others.
Favorite Part of My Body. I love my ears because I love music. I love to listen to songs. And I love to listen to a friend.
Happy. I am happy when I did something good. It feels good when I passed the exam or accomplished a job/work.
Richest and Powerful Person in the World. If I am the richest and most powerful person in the world, I will promote peace. I want peace in this planet. I want to stop terrorism, crimes and wars.
"Why try to change the world?" A better question is, "Why not?"
Wish. I wish I could travel around the world. I like to go to different places, meet people/culture and have a relaxing day to wonderful sanctuaries.
Now. I feel unease and starting thinking, "What if?"
Next."What should I write?"

Every time you say “good bye,” you have to let go.

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Sat, 24 May 2008 10:58:00 +0000

Because you’ve gone and left me standing all alone,
And I know, I’ve got to face tomorrow on my own.

Everything just fell apart.

It’s been almost half a year since you decided to end it up. For months, I’ve been trying to bring back what we had before. I was hoping to be yours again. I was looking for a place in your heart. I don't know if I am still there. I felt confused. All I did was to wait. There were times I can't sleep. I can't eat. And I can't even laugh. There are times I feel so down and don't know where to go. I'd been trying to go back but everything had changed. And now...I already accepted it.

There's no more "us." And, I am almost used to it.

You know I had never felt for someone like you. You're the biggest surprise of my life. I won't regret the times we shared together and the happiness you brought to my life. You made me a better person. I felt the sweetest warmth during those times you were at my side. I had been in the safest place with your arms. For two years, you had taught me many things about life.

Even though you took away everything from me, I won't regret the things I did, the words I said, and the love I fought for. Because from now on, I'll try not to risk it all anymore and save some for myself. I am not going to be afraid to say goodbye even if it hurts. But I'll stay true to myself and do everything that I have to do...'Cause I know, there are reasons for these things and reasons for the pasts. I will still love even until it hurts me again... And be happy until I cry again. For when my life flashes before I die, I know, I'll be happy for what I did.

If love fails, I have to set myself free. Now, I am letting my heart breaths its life again. I may find love and lose it. But when love dies, I never have to die with it.

Calamba Massacre

noreply@blogger.com (arnie) — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Two days after the bloody incident at RCBC branch Cabuyao, another massacre happened. This time at our own town, Calamba.

Yesterday, early morning, a mother and 2 children were sent to our hospital’s emergency room. The mother was DOA (dead on arrival) while the other 2 were given immediate care. Both of them suffered from profuse bleeding due to gun shot. Because the two don’t have anymore immediate family to take care of, both of them were transfered to Batangas Regional Hospital for continuous management.

The incident happened at a remote area, Barangay Hornolan. As I heard from the news, 8 people died, including 4 children, while 6 were injured. The gunmen open fired 4 houses while the victims were sleeping. Investigators suspect that a police' errand boy and a former member of the Philippine Constabulary were behind this shooting.

I hope no more bloody crimes occur. Officials must keep eye on this kind of matters. They should provide more security to people. This is very alarming...and scary.