Quarter of a Century

27^th December 2011

10:29 PM

Doha, Qatar

Looking back, I feel so blessed. I can safely say that 2011 is my year. With all the ups and downs that came along with it, ‘twas a remarkable year for me. This year started out so well and I believe it will end in a much a better way.

Like a normal young professional, I have experienced the so-called “quarter-life crisis” that took some toll on some, if not every aspect of my life. Being a Registered Nurse was never an easy feat. It takes a lot of courage, patience plus the famous SKA – skills, knowledge and attitude to become one. I may not be the best one but I assure you I’m giving my best when it comes to my profession. Time and again, I kept on telling stories that I never wanted and I never intended to become a nurse. All I wanted was a job in a corporate set-up: an air conditioned office with a desktop computer or laptop. That’s it. Practically a business or computer course, but it was my family who pushed me to pursue Nursing. In demand, for a greener pasture and work abroad – those were the reasons why many of us, if not forced, took the noble vocation of Nursing. So being an obedient child, grandchild and nephew, I enrolled for a course that did not appeal to me, no disrespect intended. Don’t get me wrong but I’m so grateful to God and my family that I was given a chance to continue my studies for there are some unfortunate high school graduates who don’t make it to college due to financial constraint. Since I’m not the type who plans, I blindly followed them and entered the magical world of Florence Nightingale.  I don’t know what to expect at first so I just lived the days as they came.

Four years in the College of Nursing is uncertain and is a serious matter. One wrong move and you’ll be kicked out of your seat. It will take a lot of time and effort to finish the battle. You will face a lot of examinations, reporting, demonstrations & return demonstrations, case studies, hospital duties, case completions, etcetera. You will brave a lot of breaking points like your terror clinical instructor, battery examination and for some, repetition of the semester. I once said that if in case I don’t survive the Battery Examination, I’ll quit and I’ll just apply and work for a call center, but that was not the case. Being a happy-go-lucky and a not so grade-conscious type of student, I’m just glad I passed every semester with good grades except for two major subjects in my freshman year wherein I almost flunked. It is just now that I realized that if I became more focused and exerted extra effort, I’ll fair better than what I got, but no regrets. The four years I spent in college was a roller coaster ride. It has ups and downs and sometimes it turned my (our) world upside down. It’s a good thing I had my classmates, whom some became my good friends, along the journey not to mention the unending support of my family.

It’s been said that nothing monumental happens overnight. It is. So after all the hardships and perseverance, it paid off during our graduation back in 2007. It was a happy day, a fulfilment of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. After graduation, I purposely asked for a sign whether or not I should take the boards and then the Lord gave me a clear answer. Two, three days in euphoria and yet another chapter of agony is about to begin, the discombobulating phase of review. Eight solid hours of endless lectures that will cause you mental fatigue. It’s like compacting everything you learned in four years in less than two months prior to the boards. What’s more insane is that there are some topics being discussed that were never thought in our classes. Panicking was an understatement. Again, being a Filipino, we always put some joy into our labours and so there were days we procrastinate and skipped some review sessions and played in the arcade instead, a diversion in some way to balance the stress we were encountering then. Time ran so fast and before we knew it, it’s the first day of the 2-day board exam. I laid all my worries behind and lift them up to the Lord and prayed that He guide me throughout the examination. The weeks following the boards were crucial because the results will either make or break you. We waited about two months for the results. It was one Sunday afternoon in August, a few weeks before my 21^st birthday, when I received the great news – I passed the Nursing Licensure Examination. Although I did not make it in the top notch and just got a good enough rating, I still consider it a huge blessing simply because I made it. It was then I realized how important it is be specific in your prayers. Praying to pass the boards and praying to pass the boards with a 100% rating spelled the difference. The days following the release of the result sent us to cloud nine although some of our friends and colleague did not make the cut. It was an awkward period wherein we were celebrating and we were empathizing all at the same time. As always, life goes on. We were all anticipating for the upcoming Oath Taking Ceremonies wherein we will be officially conferred as Registered Nurses and will have the right to append the letters R and N after our names, to be held at the Big Dome, the Araneta Coliseum. By the way, we were the last batch to have an oath taking in the said venue. A few days prior the ceremony following my birthday, I was rushed to the hospital and was admitted at Capitol Medical Center due to Dengue Fever. It was my first time to be hospitalized. I talked to my Attending Physician and was discharged the morning of the said ceremony. Although tired and weak, even though I don’t appear to be, I made it to the ceremony. All along we thought that was it and that we’re ready for employment, but we were wrong. A lot of requisites should be completed before you can apply for a job in a hospital. PRC card, IVT license, BLS, seminars, etcetera. So we postponed our job hunting to 2008 and just waited for our PRC card to be processed and had our Intravenous Therapy Training instead in between.

All is set for January 2008’s hospital job hunting. Name it; we’ve been there, after all, it’s not a sin to aim high – St. Luke’s, Makati Med, Medical City, Capitol, Cardinal Santos, UST Hospital, Asian Hospital, Manila Doctors, PGH, Philippine Heart Center, Veteran’s, Philippine Children’s, Philippine Orthopedic, NKTI, and our home-base, MCU Hospital, and some more, but to no avail. All of these hospitals will just say either they have no vacancy or they’ll just call you. Some of them responded, even having you take an exam which is a way for them to generate money, and some did not respond at all. I was so exhausted and frustrated back then because you’ll come prepared in business attire and yet you won’t even get to see a single HR officer. It’s only the security guards who well get your documents. Isn’t that degrading because you’re already a professional and yet you’ll be treated just like that? Some even posted that they will prioritize the graduates of their school and their affiliates, but that did not happened to us. We were like strangers in our own land. The most painful was you can’t get hired because someone got ahead of you with their internal and external connections. You wasted a lot of time, effort and money but seemed ‘twas all wasted. I reached by breaking and boiling point that I was ready to give up Nursing. I talked it through my family and I told them maybe it’s not for me. So after months of waiting for a hospital job, I decided to apply for a call center. I had a referral from my friend and after the 13-hour application process, I got hired. That was my first job, first pay slip, first Christmas bonus. I was happy then but my family got in the way again and so my call center stint was short lived.

My father asked me long before to do volunteer works in the hospitals and it might be a stepping stone for me to land a position there but I insisted not to. My thinking was why I should go work for free wherein I should get paid because I’m a licensed professional. It was good idea after all and soon enough, I ate what I said and found myself working in a government hospital for free. We were even paying for the training program. It was in Tondo Medical Center where I had my first taste of hospital work and I’ve been there for five months. After five months in hiatus, I resumed training again in Quirino Memorial Medical Center for ten months. If we haven’t stopped that would be one whole year. In both hospitals, I had a chance to get employed but then, due to uncontrolled circumstances, it did not push through. The experiences I got from the two hospitals were so worthwhile. The learning and the friendship built over a short period of time were priceless.

It was around in April of this year that my uncle asked for my resume and he said he’ll try what he can to help me get a job. I e-mailed my resume and did not take it seriously. I was very happy training then in QMMC. My training contract ended in June and so I bumming around again when one day in July, my uncle told me that I’m included in the shortlist of the applicants being considered and just wait for a call from the agency. I was hesitant then and so I’m delaying things. My grandmother was more excited than I am and she insisted that I phone the agency. True enough the agency was waiting for me to come to their office. Then I went to the agency, completed some forms and submitted my documents. I was then scheduled for a medical examination. The medical was so tiring and took practically a whole day. Everything went well until the physical examination. A fistula was noted and was advised to undergo surgery for me to get cleared medically. I ran out of words for a moment because I’m afraid to go under the knife. My condition, according to them, was not life-threatening so aside from their preferred surgeon, we asked for a second opinion to two more doctors. They said that the procedure is considered elective and it can be delayed. However, if it’s their policy to have it done, we shall proceed. Left with no choice, I found myself admitted at Medical Center Manila – my first time to have a surgery and should be the last time. I was not nervous at all; I just found it weird that the nurse is now the patient. The procedure lasted for 18 minutes under local anesthesia. We opted out for the spinal anesthesia to cut cost and to avoid the down time following it. I was asked to stay in the hospital for the night for monitoring and was discharged the following day. After two weeks, I got my surgical clearance and had it processed. I was then asked at home if I’m really decided to work abroad. My response was I did not go all through that pain for no reason at all. They were glad with my answer but in the back of my mind, I’m asking myself, “Are you ready? Are you sure? Do you really want this?” Those questions were boggling my mind. I don’t know the answers to this question. As I’ve said earlier, I don’t plan and I live as the day comes.

It is in this year that I celebrated my twenty fifth year of existence. I’m not the type who makes a big fuss for my birthday so my family and I just had a simple dinner after a Sunday Fellowship. Little did I know that I’ll be getting yet the biggest surprise of my life. A few days following my birthday, I got a call from the agency and we were then finalizing my application process. I was asking them for an exact date of departure but they can’t give any yet. They just told me to be prepared. I don’t know what to feel. Part of me was happy, excited, confused and in denial. Again, I was procrastinating and was just bumming around and having a good time with my family and friends. A short two-week notice was given and I was busy buying stuff and fixing my schedule to give time for my family and friends before I leave. I was out of our house everyday doing this, buying that and meeting them. It was out of denial that I did not pack my things early that we crammed fixing my things the night before my flight. We finished at almost sunrise.

October 23, 2011 marks the day of my departure, and it was in this day that everything sunk in. I was very emotional for a moment and was able to control it soon enough. My father was even joking that if I don’t really want to go, then I should stay. I said no. A lot has been done for this to happen. My uncle even said that they should push me literally to board the plane. I left our house feeling nothing. I was quite the whole time on our way to the airport. It’s my first time to be away with my family but I need to do this for me to grow. The actual farewell was far from what we see in the movies and drama shows. We just prayed and hugged each other. I that point in time, I don’t feel anything as I said goodbye. I walked away and didn’t look back. We just had our final phone conversation before I checked-in, I had my final text message before we boarded the plane. Our itinerary was Manila to Kuwait then Kuwait to Doha. We had an almost two-hour stopover in Bangkok as the plane loaded gas and crews switched. It was a long flight but I just slept it through. Upon arriving in Kuwait on October 24^th, we were told that our flight to Doha was cancelled and so we were stuck there for more than eight hours. The airline company just checked us in the airport hotel. Thank you to the Wi-Fi connection in the hotel, I was able to let my family know my whereabouts because my phone’s roaming service isn’t working yet. The flight from Kuwait to Doha was less than an hour. We were then transported from the airport to the labour camp, and there our adventure begins…

Things happened so fast and I’m just thankful to the Lord and the people He used for me to be here. I don’t know why I am here but I know there’s a reason for everything. We asked if this is His will and if it is, then so be it. I guess so. :D


"Life begins when you start to step out of your comfort zone."

Fully Booked

When you got nothing to do, keep yourself busy. LOL.

August 06, 2011/Saturday

"Ang Babae sa Septic Tank"

Photos Courtesy of:

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/ang-babae-sa-septic-tank?before=1312378869

http://rodmagaru.com/2011/08/01/ang-babae-sa-septic-tank-showing-in-cinemas-nationwide-on-august-3/

The much acclaimed movie of the 7th Cinemalaya Film Festival has crossed from "indie" to mainstream. Thank you to Star Cinema for bringing this wonderful movie closer to us. Since it started advertising that it will be released commercially, I've been wanting to watch it on its first day of screening which was August 3rd. Unfortunately, I have no one to accompany me on that day so I waited until last Saturday, August 6th. We went to Gateway Cineplex to see the movie. 5:50 PM block was almost sold out (few seats left, like less than 10) and we got the almost front row seat (second row actually because we can't afford to watch the 7:50 PM screening due to time constraint). It was a pseudo-3D experience. Our necks might have hurt, but the movie will make that feeling bearable.

The movie basically is a movie within a movie and talks about how artistic people make an independent film. It showed the adventures and misadventures of dedicated and driven film makers as they make their project work and meet its demands --- time frame, budget, location and the star of the film, et al. The movie also touched some social issues that do happens in reality like poverty and human trafficking. I don't want to go into details and relay the story so as not to be a spoiler. Better watch the film if you haven't! 

The film was highly enjoyable and it made its audiences laughed their hearts out. It was well applauded. Cai Cortez, Kean Cipriano, JM de Guzman and "The Miss Eugene Domingo" worked their asses off and they delivered. They complemented each other, thus, making the movie effective and awesome. Hats off to their writer Chris Martinez and Director Marlon Rivera. Truly, they deserve the 5 major awards from Cinemalaya.

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank was one of the best 88 minutes of my life. And what's a better way to end the night??? A hearty dinner over a fun conversation at Super Bowl of China. 

Black Gulaman, Seafood Chopseuy, Birthday Noodles, Lechon Macau, Yang Chow Fried Rice

August 08, 2011/Monday
"Medical Exam"

12:00 AM: I put myself on a nothing-per-orem status in preparation for my medical examination on that day.

10:15 AM: Arrived at the clinic in Makati. It was just a LRT ride away and 1-2 jeepney ride depending on which LRT station you will alight. There was a number of people in the clinic. Looking through the flowchart, I told myself that it will be a long process. After accomplishing a form, I waited for my name to be called and paid for the necessary charges. Then again, you have to wait as you go through the step-by-step process. Step 2 was the submission of the urine and fecal specimen and the blood extraction (CBC, Hepa, Crea, HIV). By then, I drank water since I had nothing since 12. Step 3 was the Vital Signs Monitoring done by a Registered Nurse. Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, Height, Weight and Body Mass Index were noted. Step 4 was the Optical Exam. It was quite fast because the doctor was on a hurry. She just asked me if I'm wearing glasses and made me read some letters from the Snellen Chart then its done. Step 5 was Chest X-Ray. I almost got cut off due to lunch break but I was lucky enough. I decided to wait for the lunch break to be over and proceed to the next step. Step 6 was the Dental Exam. Due to the number of people in queue, the dentist just checked my teeth and asked me to have the extraction done outside and just present the dental certificate thereafter. Two tooth should be removed. Step 7 was the Physical Examination. Good thing it was an old, female internist who will do the assessment. Unfortunately, she found something that needs to be referred to a surgeon. Further surgical evaluation will be needed. Step 8 was the Psyche Test. It was at that time of the day wherein you're tired and drained that you need to do an essay and answer a questionnaire. That was the final step. Results will be released in 2-3 days.

04:45 PM: The day is over. Exhaustion was an understatement. I hope everything will go well. Went home immediately after the long day.


August 09, 2011/Tuesday
"NBI Clearance Part II"

A couple of weeks ago, I went to NBI's satellite office to renew my clearance. However, renewal is not possible since you need to apply for a new one for they have undergone some changes in their software since their previous contractor ceased to render their service. This change of service gives a lot of hassle and headache to every Juan dela Cruz who wants his clearance renewed.

A priority number was given and was asked to come back to the assigned date for your paper to be processed, hence August 9th. Having in mind that I am scheduled, I didn't bother to go to the satellite office early. I arrived at around 11:30 AM and was surprised with the number of people. I was pretty dismayed because I was waiting along with the walk-ins of that day. I told the security personnel that I'm scheduled for the day but he told me that I need to stand in line along with those who just arrived. I arrived just in time since the cashier was about to leave. After  accomplishing the form and paying 115 Pesos, the long waiting period started. We were asked to sit on those white monobloc chairs while waiting. We seemed like playing musical chairs since we have to move from time to time as the people ahead of us finished theirs. Being a (very) patient person, the waiting time was not an issue and I just looked around and observed. Some made new friends and kept on chatting. Their stories were so animated that we eavesdroppers can't help ourselves but laugh. Some got irritated and kept on complaining and some just killed the time by having a short nap. Sit patiently, move 2 to 3 chairs to your left (or right), sit again and wait seemed to be an endless cycle. As the day grows old, the line became shorter and the number of people decreased. It was 06:00 PM when I had my turn. The NBI staff will then encode the pertinent information you have written on the form given earlier to their new system and have you check it for accuracy. After that, you're picture will be taken in the usual white background, black-and white photo and have your biometrics through finger scan. No more messy black inks will be left on your fingers and avail the 2 Peso wet wipes. Then your clearance is ready for printing --- that is if no hits will be found. Unfortunately, I've got a hit and was asked to come back on the 31st to have my new clearance. Even before with the old system, I always have a hit but it only takes 2-3 days for me to get my clearance. The holding time was eradicated when we purchased the NBI Clearance Renewal Card that appears to have no use at all since they've changed system.

Wait, wait, wait for patience is still a virtue. At least my day wasn't put to waste. How I wish our government will do something about this matter because time, money and effort are exerted here. Paging Mr. President.


August 10, 2011/Wednesday
"Unkabogable: The Gandang Gabi Vice Experience"

We were supposed to watch the taping of GGV a week ago, but since the ticket was not available yet, it was postponed until this day. We met at around 01:00 PM in Gateway since our contact person told us to be at ABS-CBN by 02:00 PM. We arrived ahead of the expected time and the security told us that he can't let us in until its two. So we walked around the loop to kill time (we saw one of my favorites, World Champion Jed Madela). We went back to the entrance before 2 and they said that they'll let us in by 3. So we just decided to have a snack while waiting (MUST TRY: Starbucks' Hazelnut blended drinks. Thanks for the sample). We went back to the audience entrance just in time. We looked for our contact person then we headed to the holding area. We waited about an hour or so and the program coordinator started to brief us along with the security and safety marshalls. Indeed, very cautious and systematic, after all, it for our own good. We were led to Studio 10 and took our designated seats. After everyone's settled, additional instructions were given and a stand-up comedian was keeping us company while waiting for the main event. Then, the show's main man Vice Ganda arrived and the cameras started to roll. For more details, watch Gandang Gabi Vice, Sunday Night(s) after Pilipinas Got Talent, where else? Of course on ABS-CBN.

It was a fun experience. Laughter was all around the studio as he threw funny antics and friendly banters with his guests. We saw how it works behind and on camera. Team work is essential to make everything work. True enough even in our everyday living. Also, I was reminded that just like us, celebrities are mere human beings. They commit mistakes and have their fair share of flaws and imperfections.

After the show we were so hungry. After all, I think we shed some weight because even though the studio have an adequate air conditioning, once the camera is on cue, the lights were so warm and bright that causes sweating. Shakey's was the top choice to end the day.


August 11, 2011/Thursday
"Dental Chair"

In compliance with the requirements of the clinic, I have to undergo dental extraction... extractions I must say because its two tooth. I set an appointment with my friend's sister for the procedure. Their clinic is located in Intramuros. It has this homey feel and will make the patients comfortable upon arrival. Arrived there before 04:00 PM, just in time before it rained. I've waited for a few minutes since Dra. Iris was attending to a patient ahead of me. By 4, it was my turn. After a short introduction and small talk, the procedure started. I had dental cleaning first then proceeded with the extractions. Doctor said that she doesn't usually do extractions bilaterally so she did the upper left side first. Topical anesthesia was applied then Doc told me the "parang kagat lang ng langgam" (ant bite) line before applying the actual anesthesia to the gum(?). First exodontia was done quite fast, Then she asked me how I was and if I can still go on with the right side. I said yes. So we proceed with the second one. Although I can say that my pain tolerance is high, the doctor kept on reminding me not to endure the pain, that once I feel a slight pain, raise my hand and she will readily add an anesthetic agent to the site. We ended up re-applying anesthesia 3-4 times on the right side since the tooth seemed to be problematic. The tooth was cut into 2, bone in the palate was slightly reduced --- it seems too complicated and I even forgot how the doctor explained it to me while the procedure is going on. Well fortunately, through Doc Iris' perseverance, the stubborn tooth was removed. The procedure lasted about two hours or so but its okay. No pain, no gain as they say, however, pain was kept at minimum. The doctor told me that I have a good oral hygiene and a good dental structure though some of my tooth are prone to cavity and so I need to take extra care on them. I was advised that 5 of my teeth needed dental filling (or pasta), 2 of which immediately to avoid further damage, that is root canal or worst, another extraction. And since 6 has been missing in my pearly whites family, she suggested me to have dentures made. All other options were discussed. She just gave me some reminders after the procedure:

• Pack the site with sterile gauze or cotton balls to prevent bleeding. If bleeding is still profused, used soaked tea bag to compress the site.
• Avoid eating or drinking warm and fishy stuff. Ice cold drinks are better. Observe soft diet for the time being.
• Take antibiotic (Amoxicillin) every 8 hours for 7 days and a pain reliever every 6 hours as needed (I prefer Medicol).
• Brush teeth in a circular or vertical motion not horizontal so as to facilitate a better cleaning of the teeth, gums and the in-between. Take your time while brushing your teeth and if possible, do it in front of a mirror for better cleaning. Use mouthwash or if not available, lukewarm water with salt will do.
• Floss. Do not use toothpicks.
• Have a regular dental check up. At least twice a year.

I'm a happy patient after the procedure. I can still flash my smile since my front teeth are still there : ). For a healthier teeth, have a regular check-up at Intramuros Dental Care Clinic, Rm 101 Emmar Condominium, 718 Potenciana cor. Solana St. Intramuros, Manila with contact # 482-0064 and look for Dra. Iris Nunez.

T'was a long week.

Two of the hardest tests in life: the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what you've waited.

The Story Behind the NBI Clearance & the Red Ribbon

"The NBI Clearance"

The last time I got an NBI Clearance was June 08, 2009. Long time ago. Back then, I haven't had a hard time getting my clearance since I have the Clearance Renewal Card.

I got mine renewed at SM Megamall. The line was insane. from the lower ground up to the third floor I guess. Having this card was an advantage since you don't need to stand in line and wait. All you need to do is go straight to the cashier, pay the amount due, have your picture taken, do thumb marking and your done with ease.

But nowadays, getting an NBI Clearance is a hassle. After the sudden change in their system software, everyone's having a hard time getting one. Many Filipinos are complaining about it as seen in the news, that is, they need to go to NBI's office as early as 2AM and they'll just accommodate the first 100 person in queue, and the rest will have to go back the following day and be the first 100 waiting.

Since I needed to get my clearance renewed, I gave NBI's Hotline a ring to inquire. According to the other person on the line, their nearest office to us since I live in Quezon City is where else? The Quezon City Hall and Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall in Monumento, Caloocan. Since I tried going to the former before where the lines are crazy, I opted for Grand Central. Add to the burden is that the above Clearance Renewal Card is not honored anymore, meaning you need to start from scratch. What a waste of money! We paid an extra 120 Pesos for that card and since they changed their software it has no bearing. An absurd thought. Since I needed it, there's nothing I can do but to comply with their workflow.

All you have to do is:

1. Have 2 valid ID's ready. No need for the old clearance since they're using a new software.
2. Go to the nearest NBI office or satellite stations.

And there another hassle begins. Upon arriving at Grand Central's 5th level, I was happy because I saw that the line wasn't that long and I told my self that I'll finish it in less time. But much to my surprise, they'll only give you a priority number and a designated date of when to come back and have your document processed.

I got priority # 49 and I need to go back there on the 9th of August. Waste of time, effort and money. I hope the government can resolve this soon and have a much better system about this just like before.

"The Red Ribbon"

No. Not the bakeshop chain. It is the authentication of your documents if you have plans of working abroad via the Department of Foreign Affairs.

For us Registered Nurses this is necessary, again I say, if you have plans of working abroad. I'm so idealistic before graduation and before taking the local boards that after having my diploma and my license, it will be easy. But it never was. The journey only begins there, and the rest is history. I had my papers authenticated for future use. 

For this you need to allot a day to finish everything. And of course, your pockets or wallet will be sorry for that day since you'll be shelling some serious amount. I suggest you go first to PRC then to your college. That's what we did. 

At PRC, you need your PRC Card, Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Passing and Certificate of Board Rating. Have them photocopied in black and white except for your PRC Card wherein you can have it scanned front and back in one page if you want it colored. Then there's a booth upon entering the gate where they will check your papers and give you an Action Sheet to fill for free. After accomplishing the form, you'll proceed to the documentary stamp booth and give the photocopied documents. The stamp costs 21 Pesos for each paper. Then you need to pay for PRC's Certification of the photocopied papers for 75 Pesos per page. The you'll have an option if you want to avail the courier service by DHL/WWWExpress so that you'll save time and effort or if you want to go to DFA on your own. I don't know what's the next step if you opt to go on your own since we chose to avail DHL's service. After paying the prescribed amount at the cashier, you need to go to DHL's booth. Window 1 will check your papers and give you a form wherein you need to write pertinent information. Mind you to write heavily since you are writing in quintuplicate copies. You need to accomplish two quintuplicate forms since the PRC Card & Certificate of Registration and the Certificate of Passing & Certificate of Board Rating will go to two different verifying office. You'll be charged 100 Pesos for each document and 300 Pesos for the Courier Fee (handling fee for Manila Residents is 150 Pesos and 200 Pesos for Provincial Residents, and since it will go to two different verifying office, you need to pay 300). Note: The price doubles if you hold another degree. After paying and logging the transaction, you need to go to the respective window to finish your day in PRC. Window K for the Certificate of Passing and Certificate of Board Rating. You are required to leave the original copies as well and claim it after 2-3 working days. Window 17 or 18 for the PRC Card and Certificate of Registration. Then its done. You just need to wait for 7-14 working days and the authenticated documents from DFA will be delivered right at your doorstep. Just make sure to always leave a valid ID and an authorization letter to the person you elected to receive the document in your absence and his or her valid ID as well.

At you college, you need your Transcript of Records (no remarks should be written on the TOR or the one specified for employment purposes and not the one you used upon applying for the local boards), Summary of Related Learning Experience, Diploma and Certificate of Graduation. Have all of these documents photocopied as well. Go straight to your college's Registrar Office and present all the documents mentioned above and you need to accomplish a form for CAV --- Certification, Authentication and Verification. Then you'll be asked to pay for some amount (varies depending on your school) and will be instructed accordingly. Waiting period will be between a week or depending how hardworking your Registrar is. I got mine in a week. An acknowledgement receipt from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be given since they are the assigned agency to certify, verify and authenticate your school credentials and again, you have the option to go to DFA and have it processed or avail a courier service. I opted the latter and went to the nearest DHL branch (Trinoma). You just need to present the acknowledgement receipt and pay for the necessary fee, that is the authentication fee for DFA and the courier's fee and then its done. Count 7-14 working days then someone will knock at your doorsteps.

I hope our government agencies will have a better and faster service regarding these concerns. 

Food Battle

We Filipinos love to eat? Who doesn't?

Last July 12-13, my friends and I decided to go for a night swimming at Bosay Resort in Antipolo. The place was great since its not crowded on the time of our visit. We did enjoy the place, but what made the trip special was our "company" and the things we did together... singing using a videoke machine, swimming and of course, eating.

We had grilled tilapia, grilled liempo, chicken & pork adobo, pancit palabok and of course, tons of junk food. 

And we never get enough of each other. Or should I say it has been our tradition to meet at least once a week and our latest gathering was last Thursday. Our resident food tech cooked her signature pasta that we all love. We went to Rustan's Supermarket in Katipunan to buy more food and drinks. The rain didn't stop us from having fun.

Aside from the pasta, we had shrimp siomai, roasted chicken, sisig and watermelon. The works. We're so full, with food and laughter.

Yesterday, after sending my cousin to school, Nanay and I went to SM for a walk and to buy some fruits. We were talking about where to eat until we found this Mr. Chow.

Their menu is affordable and relatively delicious. We ordered their rice toppings - sweet & sour pork and beef brisket. What I liked most was their Japanese siomai. It tastes like meat and fish all at the same time. Indeed, you don't need to spend much for such good food.

Nanay asked me to cook spaghetti for dinner because she saw Toni Gonzaga eating pasta on her KrisTV guesting.

 

I used hotdog, corned beef and mushroom for the sauce. It taste okay though. Then this morning, we had our brunch at Jollibee. I found their ad for the Chicken Nuggets Cruncher very appealing. I was expecting for the carrot bits as seen on TV.

 

But then I was disappointed. McNuggets tastes better. Sorry, just an honest opinion. And to balance everything, I'm now munching on these rambutan bought from SM Supermarket. Maybe its not their season yet because its not that sweet. 

 

But as the cliche goes, anything in excess is bad. With that thought in mind, we can say that too much eating, especially those unhealthy stuff is bad for our body. I must admit I sometimes overeat. I try my hardest to control my food intake but I end up starving and in return, tend to eat a lot because of extreme hunger. I suddenly remember my previous Facebook status:

I know, losing weight is not an easy feat. Sheer determination, discipline and desire for a better life are needed. It is a decision you need to make and commit to. There are no magical fixes for the battle against weight. However, due to advancement in science and technology, there are available treatments but I don't want to go under the knife. People tell me that its better to shed those excess pounds the natural way - through proper diet and exercise. My father always tells me to reduce weight especially because I'm on the medical field, hence, I must practice what I have learned and apply all the health lessons I've learned throughout the years so that I can be an effective nurse who aims to preserve and prolong life. You know what they say, WALK THE TALK.

Good thing there are shows like The Biggest Loser: Pinoy Edition. Its just amazing how one contestant lost 85 pounds in two months time. I want to achieve that. Hopefully. The battle is on.

 

HEALTH IS WEALTH.

Welcome Back

I have time in my hands right now. Its must be a pain to admit it, but due to the so-called unemployment, I have spare time, a lot of spare time to spend to do whatever random things that I can think of.

So I decided to go back to writing, i.e., blogging using the first platform I've tried. It is wise to write and share all the good things that's stuck in your head that can be of inspiration not only to yourself but to all the people that surround you, and to the online community who can read this at this very moment. 

Let this page be an outlet of any intellectual or emotional outburst that I will go through and I welcome you to share your insight/s for whatever matters I will post here. An open book where you and I can communicate and have a sensible conversation.