True Blood (Not A Vampires Story)

                If you’re expecting a play by play about the popular foreign series, then you have the wrong page. This is a story about the quest for denizens who volunteered to donate blood that even a vampire will not put any effort of biting. Hence, it will also save the victim from all the trouble of pain and fainting. Imagine the horror if a vampire bit you and his teeth was full of caries and was tetanus prone…aieeeeee!

                Waking up early is not my cup of tea. Late is my profession but there are a few exceptions such as the mobile blood donation project of the Department of Health in partnership with the different barangays. I was assigned to join the team to screen potential blood donors. With the sun almost peeking behind the clouds and no traffic jams, I arrived at the site on time. I was told that our program will be at Callawa, Buhangin District. The thought of Buhangin gave me the confidence that the area was just a stone away, but I was wrong, very wrong. Armed with all the gadgets and riding an old Tamarraw FX with a busted air conditioning system (the things we have to do for the Filipino people!) we traversed the rocky roads and went through forests and banana plantations. I do not know what was our elevation but when we arrived at the area it was indeed far from civilization that my phone was on No Service already (calling Globe and Suncellular). I was warmly welcomed with the place already prepared with assigned areas for beds, screening as well as for meals.

                Minutes passed and the blood donors arrived. After answering a series of questions and filling up forms, patients were asked to drink plenty of fluids. Their hemoglobin was then checked and was then referred to me for final disposition. With the guidelines in hand (lists of condition deferred for blood donation), I asked several questions about their current health status and past medical history. It turns out that most of them has been donating blood ever since. After my approval they were then sent to the donation area where they are told to lie down as they are extracted with blood. I was looking around the vicinity for unidentified flying objects or blue colored crowd, however they were no show. Patients were then told to relax for several minutes to prevent fainting and were then ushered to the dining area to partake their delicious meals.

                In the end, we had a handful of blood bags enough to save hundreds of lives. Kudos to all who donated their precious fluid, your precious!  Our efforts were rewarded with a sumptuous lunch. And we then proceeded home after. An arduous journey which I thank God for the trees or else without them I’ll be a sunny side up. Indeed, it was a humbling experience.  Below are guidelines from the Philippine Red Cross for those who plan to donate blood.

http://www.redcross.org.ph/nbs

You can donate blood if you…
- Are in good health
- Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
- Weigh at least 110 pounds;
- Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
- Pass the physical and health history assessments.

How to donate blood?

---

Preparation before donating blood
1. Have enough rest and sleep.
2. No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3. No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4. Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty food.
5. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood
1. Have your weight taken.
2. Register and honestly and complete the donor registration form.
3. Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
4. A physician will conduct a blood donor examination.
5. Actual donation--the amount of blood to be donated (either 350cc or 450cc) will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. It usually takes 10 minutes or less.
6. A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid-intake are necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation?
1. Drink plenty of fluid, like water or juice.
2. Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
3. Refrain from strenuous activities like:
     a. Lifting heavy objects;
     b. Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.; or
     c. Operating big machines.
4. Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
5. Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
6. If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours.
7. If there is dizziness, just lie down with your feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice; and in just a few minutes or so, it will pass.

band of brothers

through rocky roads

still rocky roads

going bananas

this is it

waiting for donors

getting ready

list of diseases to ensure a healthy blood

tubes in a plastic container (obviously)

barcode to ensure confidentiality and easy tracing

our blood center team

our first donor. mabuhay ka sir!

vitamins for more blood

parang kagat lang ng isang dosenang langgam

yummy!

450 cc and youre done!

busy si sir!

the first female patient

meals after

multitasker

getting samples for further tests

storage...protected from vampires

questionaires

personal data sheet

PE and approval

walang dapat magutom, kaya kakain ng itlog!

the lone ranger

thank your for the assistance

going home

Health is Wealth

 Currently, I am suffering from a bad case of diarrhea. I don't know what happened to my gut. All of a sudden it became so sensitive. Did someone put a curse on me because I never gain that much pound despite my big appetite? Lately, I have been taking care of myself and strict in my food intake however just yesterday I was a main presence at the john. Is this a subtle message telling me that I should go back to my previous eating schemes? I have taken all the medicines and feel dehydrated. Instead of sulking in bed and wait until my stomach behaves I opted to surf the web. I then came across this article that is vital to our daily health. Medicines are costly nowadays, worst, its even expensive to be admitted at the hospital. If you are on a budget, these foods will help you stay strong and sharp. Click the link below.

http://www.details.com/health-fitness/diet/201205/14-foods-as-medicine#slide=1

Last Song Syndrome

As to why they huddle to one musical instrument, only they have the answers. But the creative juice is there and the weird sound is refreshing to the ear. The lyrics bring back old forgotten memories that somehow pinch the heart a little. Somewhere in life we have someone the we used to know.

"Somebody That I Used To Know"
(feat. Kimbra)

[Gotye:]
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[Kimbra:]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
Part of me believing it was always something that I'd done
But I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

[Gotye:]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough
And you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[x2]
Somebody
(I used to know)
Somebody
(Now you're just somebody that I used to know)

(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know)
Somebody

Inspire

          The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents hope for mankind. It’s not easy to be nailed on the cross, become lifeless and come alive once more, all that to convince the human race the he is The Chosen One. Despite all the “magic” he had done, still it has to come to a grueling drama for several generations to believe in him. Saving mankind is literally a pain in the certain part of the body.

            Back to hope. Hope is not the brand of cigarette you kill yourself slowly. Hope inspires you to live one more day. It gives you the will to persevere in life. When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly…err.

            In the spirit of resurrection of Jesus, I would like to share one of my favorite readings. I have read several books in my life and I came across this when I was in  my lowest point. So low, I thought the ground would swallow me. Yes, I am a bookworm. I love the taste of paper and the smell of a freshly purchased paperback. One of my favorite books is The Gift of Acabar by Og Mandino. The passage below helps guide me in my existential crisis. Here it goes.

                                                                    CREDENDA

                                         

Turn away from the crowd and its fruitless pursuit of fame and gold. Never look back as you close your door to the sorry tumult of greed and ambition. Wipe away your tears of failure and misfortune. Lay aside your heavy load and rest until your heart is still. Be at peace. Already it is later than you think, for your earthly life, at best, is only the blink of an eye between two eternities. 

Be unafraid. Nothing here can harm you except yourself. Do that which you dread and cherish those victories with pride. Concentrate your energy. To be everywhere is to be nowhere. Be jealous of your time, since it is your greatest treasure. 

Reconsider your goals. Before you set your heart too much on anything, examine how happy they are who already possess what you desire. Love your family and count your blessings. Reflect on how eagerly they would be sought if you did not have them.

Put aside your impossible dreams and complete the task at hand no matter how distasteful. All great achievements come from working and waiting. Be patient. God’s delays are never God’s denials. Hold on. Hold fast. Know that your paymaster is always near. What you sow, good or evil that you will reap. What you are is through your choice alone. Learn to live with honest poverty, if you must, and turn to more important matters than transporting gold to your grave.

Never meet trouble halfway. Anxiety is the rust of life; when you add tomorrow’s burdens to today’s their weight becomes unbreakable. Avoid the mourner’s bench and give thanks, instead, for your defeats. You would not receive them if you did not need them. Always learn from others. He who teaches himself has a fool for a master. Be careful. Do not overload your conscience.

Conduct your life as if it were spent in an arena filled with tattlers. Avoid boasting. If you see anything in you that puffs you with pride, look close and you will find more than enough to make you humble.

Be wise. Realize that all men are not created equal, for there is no equality in nature, yet no man was ever born whose work was not born with him. Work every day as if it were your first, yet tenderly treat the lives you touch as if they will all end at midnight. Love everyone, even those who deny you, for hate is a luxury you cannot afford. Seek out those in need. Learn that he who delivers with one hand will always gather with two. Be of good cheer.

Above all, remember that very little is needed to make a happy life. Look up. Reach out. Cling simply to God and journey quietly on your pathway to forever with charity and a smile. When you depart, it will be said by all that your legacy was a better world than the one you found.


God Bless us all.

                                              

Soul Searchers

                Lenten season is a long holiday. It gives you time to fix your room, keep up with the bills, catalogue your belongings and enjoy your well-deserved break. Did I mention that sacrifices are extremely important this time? As the Lord suffered for us, walking his way down the rocky road without loafers and carrying the cross without shoulder pads and so do we need to put aside our comfort zone for a while. And besides being nailed to the cross is not a beautiful sight. I wonder if he ever got Tetanus shot prior to being fasten to a wood with the words INRI on top and being put to public shame. My heart cringes with that thought and the movie Passion of Christ is a manifestation of how deep His love for us.

                And to show our love in return, my friends and I embarked on our journey that involved too much water. Days before the Holy week I suggested having Visita Iglesia as a way of sacrifice. I planned out the route and the churches we will be praying. Myk, Arlene and Totet agreed with the proposal. I searched on the internet the exact number of churches will be going to however there was no definite figure. So, I decided to make it eight to be lucky.  It will also be our last hurrah together since Arlene will be going to Legaspi for several months to do marital duties and Myk will be reviewing for his bar exam. Totet and I will be left here in Davao. We will try to keep the memories alive. It’s like walking with only one leg.

                The day started with an eating session. It turns out our meeting place, Merco, has its Lenten season promo. And besides with the route ahead, we need that extra calories to keep us up and atom. And Totet was also late period. Under the scourging heat of the sun we coursed through Davao City with the following churches in chronological order: St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Holy Adoration Chapel, Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, Shrine Hills, San Pedro Cathedral, Our Lady of Fatima, Sta. Ana Parish and lastly, Redemptorist. I made a point that all churches will be documented however due to dehydration the last church was missed out. To even challenge ourselves, we did the station of the cross by foot from the Matina Gallera jeepney stop up to Shrine Church. Luckily, we did not look bulimic afterwards and our lips were still moist and our eyeball not sunken. Thanks to the funny antics of Arlene our journey was fun and memorable.

                We started at nine thirty in the morning and I arrived home around three in the afternoon. It felt like having four yoga sessions, two spinning class and several work outs. In the end, it was all worth it more especially for first timers Totet and Arlene. Through movies, eating sessions, coffee breaks, story-telling and now soul searching, our bonding has gone deeper but not the Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna level (history refresher – blood compact). Soon, when they come back we will be having our next big project and that you’ll have to wait. For now, we will be living and creating memories individually. God bless us always.

St. Jude, first stop.

Helped me on my past two board exams.

Documentation. The soul searchers.

Pink Sisters. Walked all the way up and down.

Love the hymns they do.

Arlene, all smiles after her rosary redemption.

the heat cannot beat our smiles

Retouch. The power of make-up.

Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. We were the only people there.

Prayers for atonement.

Click. click.

4th station of the cross all the way to shrine hills.

8th station of the cross. Ahead are rows of sari-sari stores.

Shrine Hills Chapel

Say another prayer.

Bonding moment on the leaves of grass at shrine hills. Itchiness not included.

our king can fly.

San Pedro Cathedral.

Gold plated interiors.

Our Lady of Fatima.

Arlene, Totet and Myk have fond memories here. Did I mention they sing?

Sta. Ana Church

Airconditioned. And gold plated as well.

Redemptorist Church courtesy of the net. Our 8th church. May the Lord accept our sacrifices.

Surprise! Surprise!

http://vimeo.com/36010517


We were thinking of what to give to our birthday celebrant. Something fresh, something new. So we did the extraordinary, going out our comfort zones and braving the humiliation. Hope you'll have fun.

A Tribal Affair

              In this modern era where innovations come and go, scientific explorations are released from time to time and inventive gadgetry are produced, civilization has stepped up creating a faster and better way of life to many but not in the case of Barangay Talos. Situated on  top of the hill, this quiet little village is home to around eighty families of our Lumad brothers and sisters. I was fortunate enough to meet them and render my service through the Mobile LGU Program of the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte headed by their dynamic Mayor, Hon. Maximo Estela, M.D. They aim to bring, aside from government services, medical and dental examination to the various barangays of their municipality.

The next Generation

Dr. Erwin and Dr. Karen - agent of change

            I arrived at the area with excitement running through my veins. I find it rather an honor to meet with the tribes who have helped shaped our society and despite globalization have cling to their ancestry. The place was peaceful and the houses were mostly made of nipa. As the parents enlisted themselves for the consultation, the children were then asked to line up and were individually given specially cooked meal as part of the Feeding Program. Children from different ages sat on an empty lot and savored their food while I and Michael were taking pictures of them. I was consumed by the moment that I could no longer locate my colleagues, Dr. Erwin Polinar and Dr. Karen Kathleen Palec, only to find out that consultation has begun. 

Food. Glorious Food!

            My patients included a three week old baby with hernia, children with either parasitic infection or protein deficiency, a mother with a heart problem and an 80 year old woman with tribal tattoo marks on her body which complained of low back pain. I could not help but comment on other kids who were dirty and unkempt only to be told that water was scarce on their area and that they have to walk a few kilometers to get their water which was not clean as remarked by one villager. Worst, electricity could not reach them. Their fight for survival was noticeable in their faces. My only happiness came from the fact that they have a school in their locality and education is one of the priorities. Children can read and can pronounce well. 

         We finished by noontime and have given free medicines as well. As I bid farewell to this solitary place, Karen and I realized that truly, we are blessed. While we complain about how we look, what clothes to wear, why our life is a mess, they try to make it through hoping to have a decent meal at least three times a day. We took our ride and after a few minutes of the bumpy, roller-coaster like road, passing foliage of trees and a single windmill, we were back to civilization.  I hope that through our simple efforts, we made their lives a little easier even for that single moment. God bless everyone.

Happy patients

The Austere Professor

The Mark of a true Survivor

 

Food Delight

(Fearless times 2011)

A good way to start the New Year.

the simple secret to happiness.