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Showing posts from June, 2007

Stones of Life

Simon Wilder in the movie "With Honors" taught me one habbit when I was still young, that is, collecting stones from every place I visit. I didn't quite fathom his reason for doing such but for me, I did it to remind me of the memories forged during my stay in that place. It really did not matter what kind of stone it was. When I find one with a peculiar cut, I keep it. Or if the color and shape intrigued me, I bring it home. When I became older I outgrew collecting them. I just simply lost interest. Looking back, I remember that the stones I picked from streams where the waters are gushing more strongly were smoother compared to the rougher stones of the stiller and calmer bodies of water. Some had shapes and colors that were distinct to the place. Some were exceptional while others were just ordinary. On a deeper note, stones are similar to people. We are different from one another. Each one of us is unique. We have our own distinguished cuts, shapes and size

Life in a Jeepney Ride

Almost everyone has a jeepney experience that we love to recount again and again.I live in a city where jeeps are a necessity of life if you want to get anywhere. From those scorching hot afternoons when you need to go downtown to those rainy days when you just want to catch a flick at the mall, the jeep is a life saver! If you have ever tried walking a mile under either conditions, then you’ll definitely be able appreciate its presence. On the other hand, smoke, dust and a mix of other sticky and sweaty aromas wafting from one nose to the next is always part of why I also hate to ride this necessity of life at times. And so goes my love-hate affair with jeepneys. My first real jeepney ride, if I still remember right, was when I was in my budding age of 12. The years before, I wasn’t allowed to ride the jeep alone. They told me I was too young and it wasn’t my time (sounds like a love song to me). But that day, I had the freedom to ride on my own! In truth, it was just that there

Breast Tests for Peace of Mind

I have encountered women concerned with having lumps in their breasts. I am not an authority with regards to this but I advised them to have it checked out by their gynecologists. An ounce of diligence could really give a lasting peace of mind. It’s always best to consult someone when you see or feel something unusual in your bodies. I am posting general information regarding breast tests for the information of anyone interested. I hope this helps. These screenings increase your odds of detecting breast cancer early. I. Self Exam Who it's for : All women, starting in their 20s, should be doing a self check. It will get you well acquainted with your breasts so you can identify anything out of the ordinary. How often you should do it : Once a month. Some experts say self exams aren't strictly necessary, but there is no harm in checking. Not all lumps are palpable, but some are, so we say, feel away! How it works: Perform each of these steps with your arms at your sides.

"Estudyante Blues"

Monty was on high spirits last Wednesday, June 13, 2007. She woke up early and excitedly ate her breakfast. The smile on her face expressed all the feelings she can't verbally articulate. It was all that I wished for to see, as a father, from a daughter on her first day of school! I was also two years old when I first stepped on school ground. I can't remember the details except for the name of my teacher who had a long hair, Miss Gloria Diego. I think I had a good time because I spent the next 22 years after that, in school! Monty's school was in a festive mood when we arrived. All the teachers were in attendance and flashing wide smiles. The parents and guardians were also there, all tensed up and more excited than their kids. Rot and I, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law were frantic as well, attending to Monty's things. She was so happy and keyed up that she wasn't minding us at all. She was on her new world and she was so thrilled to start. That was

Two Faces of Philippine Nationalism

A 21 year old student from Tondo was with a group of men who were preparing for a nationwide strike for alleged government mismanagement and insensitivities. They were planning to hold a rally at Mendiola at all cost even it would create some violence and would put some of them in danger. They were determined to march there and make their statements denouncing the leadership. Because they were lacking in number, they asked the unemployed people who were also protesting for lack of job opportunities (but actually never tried looking around to find one) to join them and carry their placards. It was a well funded activity, thanks to their 'sponsors' from the 'house'. The student was skipping classes, even if it meant being dropped from the roll of students for the third time for exceeding the allowed number of absences. He has a principle that he believes is worth fighting for. The day came and he was walking on the streets expressing his principles! Before this day,

Friends Through The Wires

Lately, through the internet , I have been able to get in touch with friends from the past. These are the people who have a mark in my life for they were the hands that molded me into who I am now. As I've said before, I wasn't fortunate to grow up with my parents around to guide me, so I relied on other people to see me through. They are, for me, channels of blessing that I will forever be grateful to. Getting in touch with people you haven't had contact for sometime is a great feeling. Thanks to the gazillion wires of the internet, this is so easy to do in this day and age. It brings back memories, it refreshes the heart, and guides you back to 'ancient' paths. Friends will forever be friends whatever happens. Friendship is a God's gift to people who are receptive to it. Live not if you don't have people you can truly call 'friends'! To my friends all over the world,  .

The Perks of Fatherhood

I don't have much memories of how my father and I bonded when I was young. Due to illness, he passed away when I was just 7 years old. I practically grew up without a 'father image' that could have guided me through my 35 years of existence. Fortunately, I have a Father in heaven who took very good care of me. But, many times I wondered what my life would have been if my biological father was still alive. What would have he felt when I finished my studies with honors? How proud would have he been for all my achievements thus far? Would have he pompously said over and over again that I looked like him? If what I feel now as a father to two beautiful daughters is a generic feeling to all fathers, then I could safely assume that my dad would have felt the same way. Excited as I was when my first daughter, Monty, said her first word and took her first step. Proud as I am because my daughter, at the age of 2, can already name the rainbow colors, and identify the alphabet

A Heart For Missions

Last weekend, I had the privilege of joining a medical mission in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. We attended to the locals and a tribe of Mangyans. It was just a one-day activity so I had to squeeze-in and see 300plus patients for 7 hours. It seemed to be tiring but, just like in the past missions I participated in, it was worth every drop of saliva and sweat! I always have a heart for missions. In fact, it is one of the major reasons why I pursued medicine despite my being a dentist already. I wanted to do more, be used as a channel of blessing for more people. And now that I am able, I want to maximize every opportunity. We all have a purpose in life and I feel mine is this, missions. I am just waiting upon the Lord to put me in wherever I am most useful. This is my path and I've long accepted it. I hope you find yours too.