over pandesal with cream cheese: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

When we do hear about fathers, we tend to hear a lot about what men aren’t doing right, about how fathers have let families down, how they tend to get so strict and about their potential to be abusive. 

But let us spare a thought for the dads who actually are where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to be doing, and serving their families in the best way they know how.


US President Barack Obama wrote a book entitled "Dreams from my Father". On fatherhood he says: 

“Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important. And we are called to recognise and honour how critical every father is to that foundation. They are teachers and coaches. They are mentors and role models. They are examples of success and the men who constantly push us toward it”.

This may not be true for all fathers, but I would like to believe that majority would like to fulfill this task. The task of being behind every family's foundation and strength.

My dad is not a perfect dad. He gets cranky when we wake up late during weekdays, blabbers side comments when we're taking too long to shop at the mall, picks up arguments with my Mom and forgets to take his meds. But amidst all that imperfections, I can proudly say that he has pushed us towards the right. 

My dad inculcated in us the value of hardwork and honesty. He taught us that intelligence is not all about books and facts, majority of which can be seen in the attitude. He gave his genes, love, money and jokes. He showed how a father can be feared and loved at the same time. 

Everyday, fathers are faced with the dilemma of choosing what fatherhood style to utilize. Well, my father being the topnotch lawyer that he is (atleast to me and to my siblings), one cannot forget to ask "Is your Dad strict?" To close all issues, it depends. As for night outs or dates with friends, tell him the who, when, where and what and you'll get a yes. For suitors, well that's not really a problem because a) I don't have any suitors and b) If ever there is, it will only take a formal meet up with him and it's fine. Some would even say that "Baka kaya wala ka pang boyfriend kasi si Daddy mo strict" Oh please, let's get my dad out of that issue! (Plus, it's another issue, really). At the end of the day, a father must choose whether to use the rod or the staff, whether to inspire with praise or caution with criticism. 

Here's an inside story of how I became a Daddy's little girl. When I was born, I was dark and had big black eyes. My Mom, being a mestisa, was quite surprised about my looks. She even asked the nurse if I was really her child and was not exchanged. (Just imagine my shock! What a Mom! Hahahaha kidding Mama! I love you. But I can't blame her, I look pretty horrible when I was a newborn, I can seriously pass off as a tsanak Hahahaha!) To calm my Mom down, my Dad told her, "Ano ka ba, ikaw lang nanganak ngayon no, anak natin yan"  Finally, someone claimed me! I am loved! So when I was little, I had thousands of photos with my Dad and few photos with my Mom. I am smitten with the legend so ever since, I've become so close to my Dad. 

We watch basketball together and cheer for the same team. I go to some of his hearings, play the role of being his secretary during my free time, take time together to sneak in at a beauty counter for his facial care needs, catch a bite at our favorite restaurant and share stories over pandesal with cream cheese and coffee after a long day from work. 

I can be stubborn and he adjusts to my opinions. I have my occasional what to do moments and he dishes out advices. I fell in a ditch and in an instant, he carries me back to the right track. I cry and he gives me hugs, kisses and pandesal with cream cheese. 

I'm just saying that I am glad that my Dad accepted the challenge of being my father. You are taking a fairly good shot at fatherhood. 

I don't know if I ever thanked you enough. Here's an addition to the million more to come:

THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU, Papa

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

:)

careers, dreams in random

Instead of resting my heavy head (and body at that) from duty, I'm seriously defeated by my urge to surf the net. I feel like it's been years since I was able to catch episodes of pretty little liars, read a good book and chatted with friends. What a duty can do! But there's seriously no room for complaining. I love the job that I do and that I'm learning so much from it. 

Well, I'm proud to say that I'm on my 4th month of residency! I am so, so proud of myself! Before I started, I was even asking myself if I can even finish the 6 months training but look at how time flies!! There is so much more than books and mnemonics in the clinical area.  So here's a few career lessons I've learned, just random:

1.SET ASIDE YOUR FEAR. As a nurse, you're welcomed by tons of procedures. If you have fear, you can never do them well. If you don't do it yourself, you will never, ever get rid of that fear, of that uncertainty. So, set aside fear and just volunteer and do it!

2. DON'T REFUSE LEARNING. As an entry level nurse, we should get all the learning we can get. If the learning is all out in the open and you're not ready to grasp every bit of it, then it's useless. Grab every bit of learning while you can! 

3. DON'T THINK EVERY DUTY IS A STRESSFUL ONE. A career is something that you will do forever. To do to earn. To do for a living. You will just stress the hell out of you if you have the mind set that every duty will give you stress and nothing but shit. Shoo away those negative energy and build positive ones! Every duty is an opportunity for learning, an opportunity to help, an opportunity to grow. 

4. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. This I've always kept in mind. It's a must for me to say even a short prayer before I go out from our nurse's quarters. Ask for guidance and surely, our good Lord will help you. 

5. UNWIND WHEN YOU CAN. All work and no play makes a person dull. We have free days of course! I will definitely resign from a work that offers no rest! Everyone needs it. On free days, we are our own head nurse. We do whatever we want! Take it as a reward from all the work that you've done. 

Recently, I think I've been on a career crisis. I was so torn between going for what I really wanted (communications) and for what I have right now (nursing). I tried out for a reporting job, but got cut from the final round. I was depressed. Not the I-don't-want-to-eat-I-just-want-to-die depressed, just the I-thought-I-have-what-it-takes-*sigh*-so-will-just-cry-and-sleep-it-off depressed. 


Here's a snippet of what happened with my encounter with first love. I was really hesitant to pass my resume just when I was already in the building, just a few steps from the office. I don't know what has gotten into me. Jitters maybe. Or probably, shyness. But somehow, I heard myself say in the quiet halls of the building. This is now or never. And why should I be shy? Everyone has to go through these steps. So I mustered enough courage and went inside. I did not get a call a week after I passed my resume. I was almost ready to give up. Just when coming home after our ward outing, my brother welcomed me with the news that a certain Patricia Carlos called me for the auditions. I was flabbergasted!! I looked at the date when they were expecting me and OMG I have duty. Just then, I thought of that one day when I was pulled out from my shift was asked to relieve for the night shift. I asked permission from my head nurse if I can get an extra off with all due respect to my extra duty day. And yes, I was given an off and was able to attend the audition. With that, I felt that the universe conspired. THE HIGHER ENERGY WANTS ME TO FOLLOW MY FIRST LOVE. I was called back for round 2. I felt really proud of myself. The producers told us that we were called because we have potential. Potentials to be tapped. I WAS OVERWHELMED! They thought I had potential in speaking?! That's beyond amazing!! Sadly, that's the end of it. I got cut from the next round. Nonetheless, I was proud of myself of having gone through the whole process. Plus, there's always a next time. 

As of present, I'm continually psyching myself that God has His own perfect timing. Good things are bound to happen. 

The story does not serve to contradict what I said earlier. I love the job that I do. I do. It's just that sometimes, long and well bonded ties are hard to loosen. They creep you once in a while and in those times, you need to give in. If you don't, you will build regrets. Regrets are a no-no. Right? 

on birthdays and pedia world

What a noisy world indeed!

Forget the chirping birds by your windows; we wake up to alarm clocks, early morning shows and blaring car horns. We are a generation of endless sounds.

A minute or even a second without noise is UNIMAGINABLE. Di ba? Imagine going on a date without even saying a word. A family get together where no one is speaking. A dead air when partying with friends. The accompanying emotion of silence is tension, awkwardness, discomfort or even fear.  

We forget the value of silence. 


I always make it a point to spend some alone time. I think it is important to hear yourself think and re-assess the life events as it happens. Stress can cloud your mind, really! 

Last week, I had the time to spend some quality alone time. It was super refreshing! I am renewed! (HAHAHAHA okay forgive my humor) It's during those times that I realize unfailingly that we don't always have to contribute to the noise. It's perfectly okay to say nothing. 

ON BIRTHDAYS AND PEDIA WORLD

I celebrated my 22nd birthday last March 23. I really enjoy celebrating my birthday! I look forward to it every month. In fact, I even posted this on facebook!

HAHAHAHAHA Looking back, I find it really funny and papansin. But it paved off! HAHAHAHA I got lots of greetings and calls. I was so touched when my favorite cousin, Fred, called me past 12 midnight. He is NEVER a sweet person so for him to call me was just touching. Miss Ava, who is my big sister slash spiritual director called me too! I was touched because she took time from her very busy day to sneak a phone call! My long time high school and college friends greeted me too. Actually, I don't really want to post my birthday on facebook because I want to see who will really remember my birthday! (Super papansin no?!) But then I thought I will get less greetings or may be none at all, so I changed my mind and posted it for everyone to see! HAHAHAHAHA =) Thank you for all your greetings!!

Spent the first half of my day at the mall. Watched a movie, ate at my favorite restaurant and bought myself a gift!! :) The other half was spent with my crazy family! WE had dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Halfway our dinner, Senator Richard Gordon walked in. (Note: My Mom works at the Philippine National Red Cross Headquarters, Admin Dept) My mom approached him and Senator Gordon heads over to our table. HE GREETED ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Unfortunately, the file was corrupted from our camera. BOOOO. 

I LOVE PEDIA! <3 <3 <3

The pedia world gives spice to my day! I never really thought of specializing in pediatric nursing. Originally, I wanted to apply at the hemodialysis ward. When I was in college, I was fascinated with kidneys and dialyzer. However, come interview day, when I was asked "What is your preferred ward?" I blurted out "Pediatrics" Minutes later, I was asking myself, "What happened to me?! Did I just say I wanted to give nursing care to kids?" Looking back, I felt it was destiny that brought me where I am. 

Yes, the adjustment period was tricky. I was used to taking care, giving medications and getting the vital signs of adult patients. But with kids? IT WAS A LOT HARDER! They wouldn't offer you their arm or hands. They would hide when they see a needle. They won't take the medications easily. In short, they will make things hard for you! So in return, you need to devise ways. Ways not written in any nursing books. Ways how to woo them, ways how to make them take their medicines and most especially, ways how NOT TO LOSE YOUR PATIENCE. 

It's almost a month since I got there but things are just bound to get harder. It's a fact. But I decide not to dwell too much on that fact. Instead, I will enjoy every duty while learning! :) 

Meet the lovely people who controls their patience and finds ways to be friends with kids on a daily basis, too! 

L to R: Mean, Gab, yours truly, Kat, Cha (not in the picture: Jolo and Ruth)

So yes, consider me a kid at heart! :)

Have fun!! 

Why worry?

What are your worries?

• I worry about my nursing training. Will I be able to finish it?
• I worry about my career. Will I be a good pediatric nurse? Will my license be safe for the next three years until I renew?
• I worry about expectations. Will I meet them? 
• I worry about the future. Can I make a living with my profession?
• I worry about my family. Good health?
• I worry about the littlest of things. Will Ginebra win against Alaska? Can UST play catch up with La Salle?

A man once said, 90% of the things you're worried today, you'll laugh about them tomorrow. 

Worry is a creature that worms its way to the gut. It sinks in your chest making you gasp for air, turns the tachycardic button of your heart, gnaws at your nerves leaving them exposed. I don't need to reacquaint myself with worry. I seem to worry at even the littlest of things. We are such good friends!

But I would like to believe that I am conquering worries and fear.

I read an article that says FAITH and FEAR are the same. Both are beliefs. Faith believes that good things will happen. Fear believes bad things will happen. Beliefs BECOME REALITY. Hence, when we fear, we create the very thing we're afraid of. We are asking for larger servings of the things we are afraid of. 

One evening, I was inside the souvenir shop of the Padre Pio Chapel in Libis, Quezon City. I decided to drop by the chapel to ease the burden I am carrying. Just when I was surveying the prayer books, a title caught my 20/40 vision. It says "Worry is useless, trust that your prayer is heard". At that instant, I felt relieved. God does not turn a deaf ear to our prayers. 

I am glad I am worried, because I can be relieved and thankful later on. :)

In other news:


I am about to start my residency next week. I am half excited, half nervous.
It seems like a decade when I last went on duty as a student. Now, with a title and license tucked under my belt, things will be so different. It's my own call, no clinical instructor supervising my every step. I AM A PROFESSIONAL, indeed! Please include me in your prayers. Thank You!


I want to buy another Mary Poppins bag for duty. All my other big backs are bag-napped by my sisters! I think I'm asking it as an advance birthday gift. 

Bayo has this kind of bag, too. It's roomy, don't you think? Perfect for all my duty essentials. Feel na feel ko na student ako na kailangan bumili ng bagong school supplies when school opens. =)) 


My brother won his marketing presentation!! I AM SO, SO, SO PROUD OF HIM!! He'll be competing against other universities. I told you, I am the least talented in our brood. Congratulations, Gab! This calls for a celebration! :)


My sister is finally enrolling in UP. I am such a stage sister! I am wishing you all the best, Tin! So, so, so proud of you!! 


MAC lipsticks, super want!! Either I splurge or my generous titas will give me one. HEHEHE =)) All I have to do is ask. 

I have duty tomorrow. I don't think I was able to use my two days off well. Watched TV on Tuesday and baby-sat my little brother today. Just like that, work knocks on my door again. This weekend better be productive! The battle starts next week, OFFICIALLY!


To those who are asking, I will not be enrolling in med school this coming school year. I appreciate all your concerns and kind words, but I am still having second thoughts and wants to venture into my first love (communications), probably by May or June. I am deeply touched by my batch mates and even former professors who says I am "doctor material'. Thank you so much.  :) 




I AM GOING TO BE A BLESSING MAGNET!


I BELIEVE IN GOOD THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN!


God Bless!

random and other drugs

 you've been a witness to my lame attempts 

UP's courtside reporter Riki Flores

Ateneo's courtside reporter Jessica Mendoza

 Just saw this at Andi Manzano and Jessica Mendoza's tumbr site! The newest addition to the growing collection! Hahaha! 

in other news, watched love and other drugs yesterday. jake gyllenhaal's stare is my drug!! 

isn't he hot and adorable at the same time? *SIGH* 


I haven"t gone shopping that much nowadays. been extra busy this week. Maybe I can make that my agenda for this week, before things start to get busy with my nurse residency program. 


I WANT!! I want flat top sunglasses from bunker

I WANT!! I want loafers from suelas

I WANT!! I want a cate kidston bag

FLASH REPORT:


i am about to start my nursing residency program this february! this surely be a hectic year! i'm gonna be assigned in the PEDIATRIC WARD. i'm quite excited to a) deal with children of all ages b) wear scrub suits for work and c) practice my nursing skills which needs to be retrieved from way down under my brain


wish me goodluck!

people of my year 2010

this may be a bit too late. it's perfect because insomnia knocked thrice!


this entry is dedicated to those people who made a difference in my life. take this as a little way of saying thank you :)

BRIGID FRANCES ARAGO

i had the biggest privilege to know BF through common friends. we became really close at a time when things are stressful and in a bundle of jitters! after a few talks, reserved seats during board review and frequent st.jude trips, we are inseparable! it's super funny since our closest friends tease us that we seem to be each other's boyfriend already! what's even funnier is parang ganun na nga! she's a strong woman. well, i would like to think that we both are. we compliment each other's weaknesses and it's amazing that we get along really well on different issues. as of the moment, we keep in touch as much as possible. here's to more years of awesome friendship! 

DOC ROEL EVANGELISTA

he's the walking brunner and suddarth. he was a board topnotcher in two licensure exams, nursing (7th, 1998) and physician (11th, 2005). and yes, he happens to be my cousin. i am so proud to have met him in the comfort of my alma mater! he blabbers during lecture. all of a sudden, he mentions he hails from Bagamanoc, a small town where my dad grew up and where everyone is a relative. it was lunch time when i asked him, "Doc, taga Bagamanoc pala kayo. Yung daddy ko rin, taga dun e." we went on tracing our family trees and when both sides are clear, "Ay oo! Mag pinsan nga tayo!" 

kung alam nyo lang gaano ako ka-proud!! to tell you frankly, i'm quite worried that my batch mates don't appreciate him as much as i do. for one, he's the serious lecturer. he cracks up jokes that are, uhm, far below comedy bar perfection. two, he is my cousin. to some extent, kung ano performance nya sa lecture, i think it reflects on me too! just the same, i am proud to be his cousin! 

TRINA TAN

her facebook wall was full of thank you-s after the board exam result was released. and why not? she's a huge part of our success! ma'am trina tan was our batch's dearest mother and review coordinator. i always say that year 2010 basically boils down to one thing:  board exams. we prepared for almost half a year and within the same time, we also created a thick thread of relationship with mother trina. 

BOSS '10

my last year in college will not be complete without added stress, deadlines and meetings. yes, they're given in huge packages by my dear bossings! i am so honored and blessed to work with some of the best student leaders in our batch. it was a balancing act and it was no picnic! we went through the challenge of balancing review and graduation events. we're a big family indeed and family gets you through things right? 

SIR JEOFFREY DE JESUS

certainly! we are so, so, so blessed to have the most efficient nurse of 2010 as a class adviser too! sir jeoff was the shoulder to lean on and the hand that gives you a tap and says "good job!" even though after you fell in a ditch. he was one of the proudest when he found out i got honors a few days before graduation. before the graduation rites, i received a text from him thanking me for the honors i gave to our class. a few minutes before i walk on stage during graduation, he went to my parents, shook their hands and told them "ang galing galing po ng anak nyo". isipin nyo yun! just when i thought i was a weakling in clinical rotations, sir jeoff rescues my day and makes me believe, you are superb! i wish you more success sir geoff!

TAL COMOT

di ba nakakahiya na andito ka sa list na 'to?! Hahaha! let the picture be the evidence of how crazy fun it is to be with this girl. well, we became really really close at a time when we BOTH have the same crush. Hahaha! From then on, it was pure friendship and love. i tell you, if you're sad or bad vibes have come your way, CHECK HER PICTURES AND STATUS, instant laughtrip! what i really like about tal? she's a superb conversationalist. at the end, you'll have yourself holding your stomach and jaw, pleading "please stop!" i miss you talybern!

BOARD OF NURSING 

just when i thought a medical surgical final exam was the hardest and most nerve wracking of all exams, here comes the Board of Nursing making it's presence felt with the nursing licensure exam. i had to spend almost a year to prepare and wait for the results! it was a stressful journey but everything was worth it in the end! thanks to PRC and BON for granting me the license to practice the caring profession! Mabuhay ang mga Filipino Nurses!

TIMMY and GRACE

grace (beside me) was a long time friend. we we're duty mates and we have tons of fab moments together. a bit of a trivia: i always borrow her trusty iPod during graveyard shifts to watch a movie. and for the record, wala akong natapos na movie. Hahaha! on the other hand, timmy (with a blue top) was just a classmate, until she ruined our relationship by inviting me to a uaap game! timmy & grace are closer, but with some some uaap connection and cupcakes business, i happened to squeeze myself between the two of them! so as of now, we're the threesome awesome new cover girls of twitter! 

FEU MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

previous years, it has always been a choice between ateneo or la salle or who had the most number of handsome players. but this year, it was no question. i was all out for my alma mater. it may sound rubbish, considering the fact that from the FEU where i came from, it was no biggie to support the tamaraws in the uaap. they lost against the blue eagles in this year's finals which is a total bummer since we watched the two games of the series and it was all pure effort! 

to a super related note:

here's a prized possession! here's a picture of my favorite Tamaraw RR Garcia with his superb girlfriend Jocel. to tell you, this is the first photo opportunity i had with a player and his girlfriend! before this picture, we waited for almost 2 hours outside the south gate of araneta!! i mustered enough courage and guts to approach them, with a little bribe of a cupcake in hand. Thanks to RR and Jocel :)

RAMON BAUTISTA

forget my blurred face and flabby arms! it's ramon bautista! he's super funny but at the same time, super witty! it was a starstruck moment to meet and talk to him in person, a few minutes before our graduation ball starts!! it was a more starstruck moment when he replied to my text and FB chat! superb! you may also want to visit his formspring account here, in case you have some problems. his superb answers will make you crave for more,   so visit his tumblr too! Mabuhay ka, Sir Ramon! 

BIG THANKS! <3

superbness

superbness!

I'm a proud Ate! 


In other news, here's a lame attempt to look like I came out from hell week