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Daughter’s Piety

The latter half of my March seemed to be loaded with events of A-MT90 get-togethers. I was already booked for March 18, 2009 with Alvin Matulach together with Judith Mendoza for a product knowledge class with A.R.M products and March 26, 2009 for Rock for Reason concert— a fundraising gig for Franz Pantaleon, son of Rachel and FF, when Joy Fernandez Ramirez posted this message last March 17, 2009:

We have a family get together on my sister’s birthday on March 29 at 11:00 AM luncheon in Max’s Scout Tuazon. You are invited. Hope you can make it. E-mail me before March 26 if you’re coming. Or, Karl or Nova can text the no of classmates coming after the March 26. My cell no in the Phil is 0919*******.
Hope to see you. Come early so that we can chat a little bit. We are going to the province that evening.

This news of her coming back to Philippines brought in great excitement for me for among all get-togethers we had, this is the first time with someone coming from abroad.

Part 1: Joy F’s Breaking News

Three days had passed and I found myself in a bus again going to and from Manila. Tiring as it may seems with the age that we are now getting, yet meeting Joy F. is something I refuse to miss. This is because among all overseas 4amtust90 members, she is the most active member. From the moment she joined last January 8, 2008 she never failed to make her presence felt. Her comments in fact would be an occasion of taunting and teasing, contributing to the life of the e-group. Among the taunting and teasing is her none vegetarian advocacy eighteen years ago. Yes guys! It is not a typographical error… when some women sought slimming salvation in strict vegetarian diet; she was a NONE vegetarian bona fide. So fanatic was she to the point of provoking rebellions from her enemies, making such a nightmare a news item written in the year book Inter Nos.

The next news breaking record made by Joy F. is the performance that rocked MT90 males. During the practices for the Drama Fest, Joy F’s acting lacks an impact that will definitely put her viewers to sleep. But when finally the spot light stared widely at her, she showed off her shoulders eliciting whistles and woos from MT90 male audiences. Such elicited reaction is a success enough to convince us that her role as a whore in a very Catholic theater is well performed. Although not awarded as Best Actress, hers is the Best Acting that A-MT90 will never forget.

Part 2: Enjoying Our Differences

Chime of bells interrupted my recollection of Joy. My text reflexes then made me scoop deep into my bag to fish out the device that kept me connected. Joy F who is not used to Philippine text lifestyle had her sister text me the function room where I am to meet her. I looked out of the bus and saw that it had reached Makati, so I replied with the information of my location. Thirty minutes later, when I have just gotten out of the bus, another message set the chimes to a play again. This time however, coming from Judith:

“Hey nand2 n me ksma ko n sister ko. Me p lng and2. San n u?

So I texted back that am on my way and to proceed to Mercedes Function Room. She the replied that they are already in the site of the event. In a few minutes my taxi, without getting lost finally made it to the site. I was immediately welcomed by Joy F, with a big hug and a wide smile. Her sister likewise greeted me with a great smile and making reference to my unforgettable curly hair. Then I was lead to the table where I saw Judith and her sister seated. Judith immediately revealed that Alvin is sure to come because from there they will be riding with Alvin for another seminar. This started a conversation as regards the write up of our previous get-together with Alvin. Joy F. however was still busy welcoming her guests, so I kept Judith and her sister busy by showing her through the cell phone the website where I posted the write up. This was however interrupted with by an incoming call, yet when I pressed to answer I heard Alvin’s voice from the other end but was immediately cut. Then came in another ring but only once as if the call was canceled, so I thought Alvin might be outside already. When I went in search for Alvin, I saw Karl Zafra in the main dining room of the restaurant, standing behind a glass window, with all smiles stacking money into the wallet while looking onto the function room. I then motioned for him to get in and he simply nodded. I then proceeded to look for Alvin but he was no where in sight. So I went back to Judith and she told me that Alvin called again to say that he is on his way. I then responded that Karl has arrived but have no idea why he is not yet joining us and is taking time in the main dining room. While waiting for the rest, I resume my conversation with Judith and her sister as regards Glinda Masajo, who was a classmate in first year but shifted to dentistry. It was confirmed that the number I have is the correct number of the lady dentist now. Shortly after wards, Karl finally entered the room. He was lead to our place and Joy F. introduced her husband. When Joy F. had left, Karl asked us for the name of the husband to which we could not answer. Later, Karl managed to converse with him despite not knowing his name. When Joy F. and her husband once again got engaged in welcoming the relatives, Karl kidding, commented that he will have Alvin sit between him and Joy F’s husband to be at the forefront of English Communication challenge. Soon enough when Alvin arrived, Karl indeed made him sit beside Joy F’s husband. A little later, lunch is already served and as soon as Joy F. joined us, she was immediately teased about her none vegetable diet. To which she replied that she now eat vegetables. Then another message brings the chimes to life. It was Rowena Lim-Sylato, asking if we are still in Max. I then replied yes and she responded that she will be coming to see us as soon as she finds the place. The soon she arrived and joined us, we had our group picture taken.

At Max Timog, with Joy Fernandez-Ramirez

It was kind of tricky then, because Joy F. has to juggle between attending to her relatives and to us. Nevertheless we managed to mingle a little yet too bad for me since am seated at the farthest end of the table I hardly catch up with what Joy F. and her husband is saying. All I managed to hear is the teasing she gets from her husband as regards chat that “You are not a teen ager anymore…” To this we chuckled. Then I asked Karl why he took much time in the main dining room of Max before he comes over to join us. He then told us that his car broke, but since he has appointment in Bulacan that he cannot cancel, he decided to hail a taxi and hire the driver for the whole day. The man complied willingly and he was surprised at how trustworthy he (Karl) must have looked for the driver let him get down in Max without asking for a down payment. For Karl, it was such a very easy way to escape paying the taxi if he happened to be a bad man. Nevertheless, in consideration of the man he bought lunch for him and that explains his lengthy stay in the main dining room. With such a story I cannot help but be awed with such kind of heroism. Judith and my approximately 96 km travel from the province is no match to Karl’s strong will to get there. Then the conversation shifted back to Joy F. it was quite noticeable that she speaks with the accent most call center agents are now sporting. Karl could not help but blurt out “I used to speak that accent you have now. I am now hearing it from you.” Such comment carries a reality of one factor that raised our eyebrows back in June 1986 when we were just introducing ourselves. His was a Fil-Am accent so crisp that type cast him as a snooty one. This image was further added when he mentioned the high-school he came from. Now, the world seemed to have turned all upside down. Karl now is very much a tagalong speaker with deep tagalong vocabulary while many of our classmates now speak the accent that once intimidated us. Life indeed has a way of changing people and with it we learn to enjoy our differences.

Part 3: Piety to Him Who Nurtured Her

The briefness of the get-together left me shortchanged as we really haven’t got much time to enjoy the company of Joy F. Moreover, that time her attention was on a tag-o-war between us and her relatives. Nevertheless, it was worth attending for such a short time we had a glimpse of her familial love and concern they have with their kin. In that gathering, I get to witness the enormous amount of effort his aging father exerted to get his wobbly knees to dance despite looking so awkward, so as to give joy to his son, daughters and grandchildren. On the other hand Joy F. in her piety responded with eagerness to record such cheerful outward manifestation of her father’s dealing with his old age. A week later, when I have come to meet Joy F. again in University of Sto. Tomas she mentioned that while they were in Nasugbu, they carried the old man down the cliff. From then I know Joy F. as a daughter who will never forget her roots, a manifestation gratitude to him who had nurture her, mark of her deep piety towards her parents… compliance to the word of God:

[Eph 6:2] they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is [1 Tim 2:3] acceptable in the sight of God.

PICTURES:

With Joy Fernandez Ramirez at UST

Joy F. scanning the changes in UST

 

Joy with Husband

The Arc of UST

Arc of the Angelic Doctor

ARMfully Beautiful

“You have a beautiful glow in skin!” Hearing these words from a friend, I knew I hit a gold mine when it comes to beauty products. It was only three days after applying the skin whiting product given by Alvin R. Matulac through his company A.R.M Skin Essentials Corporation, when they already show pleasing result. From then I knew am going to buy again. After a month, following Alvin’s advice, I then tried using his anti-aging product. A week after, my former co-worker then commented, “Whatever that product you are using for your skin, it really did a great job and please sell them here because am going to buy.” From that moment on, I texted Dr. Alvin R. Matulac for the permission to sell.

Part 1: Getting a Date

SMS is not a thing for a very busy person like Dr. Alvin R. Matulac, yet when I was very much in pain Dr. Alvin, has proved to be a friend. So, I gave it another shot. A day had lapsed and there was no reply. So, I went to see the business card he distributed and there I found the number and address of the company. In haste, did I call, but I was told that Dr. Alvin seldom visit the shop anymore. Nevertheless, I asked for some directions on how to get to the office in order to purchase the products for myself. After I have gathered information I needed, I hang up the landline phone and pick up my mobile phone. On the screen is a flashing one message in the inbox. I pushed the button to read it and there appeared Alvin’s Message:

“Sorry for late reply. Judith is also interested. You may coordinate with her for a schedule of seminar so that I will teach you how to use it.”

A current of thrill, once again flowed into my nerves as this somewhat promises another business venture. So, I texted Judith right away and 11:48 AM, I received the response:

“Sorry for my late reply. Antay ko lang availability ng sister ko sama daw cia txt u f ok n para m set ntin date. “ – Judith Mendoa-Torda, 27 Feb 2009

To this, I agreed and waited. March 12, however, I still received no update, so I texted Judith once again and so she suggested to go with me even without her sister. To this, I texted Dr. Alvin right away and the date is set on March 18, 5:00 PM. He then suggested that we take our dinner in their house because it is going to take long, perhaps until 11:00PM. “That long!” Judith replied to my forwarded message. But despite the surprise we both agreed to the schedule because an efficient beauty product is not something that can keep waiting.

Part 2: The Road We Travel

March is the beginning of a searing hot summer, yet when 18 came, I knew I just have to be valiant about the roasting temperature to get to the place where my skin will be treated well. Upon climbing up the bus, I texted Judith and Alvin to remind them of the arranged seminar. Alvin confirmed the time and the place where Judith and I will be picked up. I then coordinated with Judith as regards the manner with which we will go there. At 1:30 PM, I arrived Manila from Tiaong, Quezon. After my meeting with another person, I set out from La Salle Taft to get to PGH where Judith is receiving her training in Microbiology. By the time I reached PGH, it only took 5 minutes of waiting until Judith came in sight. With great anticipation did we travel along the long stretch of Taft Ave. and España in a cool FX taxi-jeep. Upon reaching Welcome Rotonda Judith asked me if I still knew where Capitol Medical Center is, I answered positively. Yet, that query made this certified probinsyana’s back depart from restfully leaning at the car couch to stretched my neck up letting my head stick out above the rest of the passengers in order not to miss the hospital. When an imposing blue building caught my sight, I halted the taxi-jeep with the break word “PARA!.” Hurriedly did we jumped out of FX to silence the beeping horns of cars behind. As soon as we landed the street, our feet walked us towards the café where we took a little bit of a snack in order to wait a while because we are an hour and a quarter early. Hoping for the possibility of being picked up early, I texted Alvin to announce that we had arrived. Alvin however gave no reply, perhaps still engaged in another meeting, so we just waited for 5:00PM. Ten minutes before five, the event calendar announcement flashed out of my cell phone screen, followed by an incoming message from Alvin saying that he is on his way. Very punctual did he arrived at an agreed time. We get into his dashing car and soon the wheels rolled.

Part 3: Celestial Abode

The wheels ceased to revolve in front of one of the unit of houses painted with streaks of empyreal yellow. The sedan smoothly parked into the covered garage and from there we alighted. We then enter the house and immediately were dazzled with the radiance of glimmering golden room bedecked with cherubim emanating a sweet silent sound of heavenly home. I can’t help but get entranced by the surroundings and be beaconed to comfortably lounge in one of the lovely Victorian couches. As my eyes wonder around every details of the living room, I got captivated at the sight of Judith sitting beside the angels. This inevitably made me tease her with her angelic role in the drama fest twenty years ago. Five minutes later Alvin’s household staff brought in some sodas to our refreshment. As I enjoy the sizzling perk of this tingling sensation of a drink on my tongue, Alvin told us to wait a while until he finish his meeting with the medical representatives. I then took the opportunity to take pictures of seemingly celestial abode and to try my luck with the Alvin look alike one and half year old daughter.

Part 4: A Beautiful Future

After a quarter of a minute a very fair lady with a long dark black hair descended from the stairs to greet us. She sat right across me and from there I could clearly see how well had Alvin taken care of her skin. My tongue could no longer hold to utter words of adulation for hers is a flawless silky white skin that would drop the jaw of anyone who crosses her path. She then relayed the skin regimens that she had undergone. Moments later, a cute little girl by the age of four or five strut down the staircase and joined her mother. The stark contrast in their complexion gives a visual testimony of how well A.R.M products do its job. In her one can see a beautiful future of what and A.R.M. users can be.

Part 5: Twenty first Century Professor Higgins

Past an hour lapsed, the medical representatives bid their farewell. Judith and I then proceed to the dining room when Alvin called for us. Without wasting much time he gave us presentations of his numerous products. The first part was like a review of skin histology. It is quite amusing to see how the “Bonging” of the class whom his cheatmates used to coach is now the one giving a lecture. After skin overview, introduce the different processes by which soap is made. This portion was like a supplementary class to soap making class in one chemistry subject years ago. This is then followed by introduction of wide arrays of skin soaps. But he emphasized on the need to treat the pimples or acne first had there any client manifests such skin problem, hence he showed us the batch of Anti-bacterial soaps like Guava soap, T3soap and Sulfur Soap with Salicilyc Acid. The next batch are the hypo-allergenic soap like Oatmeal soap. After these he brought out the whitening soaps: Black Pearl, Bleaching, Calamansi, Green Papaya, Kojic Acid, Mushroom Soap, Papaya and Milk, Pineapple, Tamarind, vitamin C, Licorice Soap, Burberry, Glutathione and Singkamas. He then proceded with Anti-wrinkle soaps: Carrot, collagen, Green Tea, Placenta and Tretinoin. He then move on to acquaint us with other soaps like moisturizing soaps like oatmeal with honey soap and goat’s milk. The soap lesson ise concluded with accessory soaps like Musculine Bar, Coffee for slimming and deodorant and Prosperity Soap.

After the soap lecture comes the other forms of skin care products like those in solution forms, lotion forms, and cream or gel form be they for whitening, toning, anti-acne,moisturizing, sunblock, anti-wrinkle or body scrub. He emphasized on using the middle and ring finger in applying these on face.

 

Then the last part of the presentation is the medical procedure for a more aggressive skin whitening. With this comes the surprising models_–is household helps to whom he had this procedures applied in gratis. This revelation made me lift myself off my seat to joke about my envy and interest to be hired as his house personnel. In dawned on me that in that home, the household staff were like Eliza Doolittle on their way to becoming lovely fair ladies. Alvin Matulac is the twenty first century Proffessor Higgins.

 

Part 6: ARMfull

Supper was served in between the seminar. Alvin and Joy provided us with an abundant amount of roast pork and fresh lumpia. I had stuffed myself so much that made me feel sleepy and is hardly catching up with the chaining words of Professor Alvin. Thanks to technology that recording is made easy via cellular phone. After the lecture, the products that were presented is for us to keep. Alvin, who is such a nice chap, had the grace of providing us with a company cotton fabric bag to give dignity to our luguage. But before leaving we had our pictures taken for a souvenir.

 

Yet, that is not where Alvin’s generosity ended, together with his wife and his look-a-like daughter, he drove us all the way from Quezon City to Pasay City, in order to make sure that we get home safe. We get off from car extremely grateful for we are blessed with an ARMfull (the acronym in A.R.M. Skin Essentials Corporation stands for Alvin R. Matulac. ARMful is a play of words to signify that we are recipients of the benevolence of A.R.M Skin Essential products and services).

Part 7: Beauty Right Through Your Finger Tips

Alvin, for section A is the “Bondying” or the baby of the class. His is a manner of being gives delight to the group in a way the whole family takes pleasure over their youngest sibling. Much to our amusement is his childlike hanging on the arm while we cross the pedestrian of Espana and his fidgety over being discovered by his mother that he joined the class excursion. Yet, life indeed is full of surprises. Who will suspect that the easy going Med. Tech student Alvin is a Beauty Products Manufacturer in the making… a man who will provide jobs to more than a hundred Filipinos, a man who gives business opportunity to entrepreneurs here and abroad, a man who supplies to the country’s well known beauty doctor of the stars, a man who applied an iron hand to thefts and scandalous staffs and most especially a man who confirmed that Beauty is only skin deep and hence is achievable right through middle and ring finger tips.

Landco Summer Events

 

for details and reservation please place your comments below.  thanks

Laughing Medicine

Part 1:  Balik Classmate

 

Looking for him via his name will only leave you frustrated as there are so many John Joseph Ledesma living in Bacolod.  This fact, James Lugue can testify under oath even perhaps before the Senate and can firmly say before them “been there, done that your honor!”  Hence after exhausting all our means in searching for the rest of classmates to no avail, we abandon it to the hands of time.  Indeed, after several earth’s rotation, some of the yet missing classmates started to find us instead.  In approximately three months after Judith Mendoza-Torda found us, John Joseph Ledesma succeeded in his search.  Thanks to WordPress blog site that makes the names of our classmates searchable under the search engine.  Hence, when I opened my major e-mail account, and browse through several mail, one caught my eye “John Joseph Ledesma left a comment in your blog.”  To this, I immediately click on the item to open the mail and click onto the link to automatically log me in my blog account.  True enough, John Joseph left a comment in two of the photos of the Christmas Party:

 

 

Submitted on 2009/01/16 at 11:40am

hi rach, weng and pink. Wish I was there. Still looking good after all these years. Miss You all!

John

Submitted on 2009/01/16 at 11:34am

Hello to everyone. Rosalee and weng used to copy from me. Wish to see all of u! Miss you all! hope you still remember me.

john

Upon reading, I immediately went back to the announcing mail.  In there the e-mail address of John, so without further a do, I texted Karl Zafra and gave him the address.  Immediately, Karl invited John Joseph to the group and soon become a “balik classmate.”

 

Part 2: Came Back to Life

 

Having John Joseph back in the circle brought cheers to most of us, because ‘ ei! The treasurer is back!!!’   Once again the 4amtust90 yahoo group came back to life.  The posting of messages became a time of teasing (about his speed as well as who is the fastest to pay) and updating (as regards his where about).  Then came the imac hullabaloo… what is this?  Oh! John Joseph don’t know how to upload the pictures to the site.  Then another one?  Huh? He lost all the mails?  Hmmm… this only happens to John Joseph. 

 

Although in writing he declared to have speeded up in his ways but the giving out of his cellphone numbers declared otherwise.  Sigh!!! Karl has already given out his number and twice I did for him to get in touch with us, but it landed on deaf ears… or shall I say blind eyes as it was written in mails.  This only leaves me wondering as to how a get together with him can be organized if he indeed make it to Manila (as pre-announced in one of his posted mail).  Once again, we leave it in the hands of time.

 

Part 3:  Mysteries Revealed

 

Indeed, some mysteries are revealed in time.  Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:12 am, an e-mail announcement posted:

 

I will be in Manila on Feb 24 ………

Hopefully i can see some of you guys (if your sked permits) on that evening somewhere in Makati area (I stay in Legaspi st.)  near Greenbelt mall.

My cell no. is 0917********

 

So, indeed he has a cellphone and his number finally revealed.  I chance upon Karl being on line and so I asked if he is calling on a get-together but he responded that he is waiting for John Joseph’s notification.  Soon after that conversation, Karl posted a message addressed to John Joseph as regards organizing the group.  That leave me only waiting for the SMS broadcast.

 

February 24 came and no broadcast, so I texted John Joseph for the need to confirm the meeting since I will be coming all the way from Quezon Province.  Then he texted back using his SUN cellular number— “So, he has a Sun cellular number after all—another revalation!”  Taking advantage of the 24/7 unlimited, I called him.  From the other line I heard a very familiar voice of 19 years ago (counting starts from third year).  He has indeed picked up speed in speaking.  After a short exchange of hellos and how are you’s the conversation has to be cut in order to broadcast the short notice get-together.  As soon as we cut the line, I started texting everyone.

 

Part 4: Responses 

 

As soon as messages were sent, Karl Zafra immediately replied:

 

“I could follow sa resto.  Did you send the group text na”

 

To this I replied yes.  Then the other messages came:

 

          Emily Carbonel-Dy -  Can’t make it. Tnx 4 inviting.

JC Huang-Pascual – Would love to, but I’m sad to say I cant come L have fun.

Joy Ramos-Igarta – Sayang. I have an appointment tonight.  Wala bang for tomorrow night? ÜÜ

Judith Mendoza-Torda – Sayang I wont b able 2 make it. F tom sna. Pls say hi 2 john for me. Tnx

 

Considering that such an opportunity to meet John Joseph Ledesma in Manila is quite rare due to geographical distance of Bacolod, I committed myself to pursuing the get-together even if it will only be the three of us because nevertheless a picture posted in yahoo group will be a delight for the rest of the classmates and for some batch-mates who might knew him.  So I set off to ride the bus on the way to Manila from my hometown Tiaong.

 

Part 5:  Uncertainty in Time

 

I arrived two hours earlier in Manila, so I went to my brother’s place yet to put down my backpack and to take a few rest.  An hour later, John Joseph called confirming the get-together event.  I called using SUN cellular but the line is quite weak so I resorted back to texting.  It so happens that he is already in the doctor’s clinic and his mother is on cue for the laser eye operation.  I confirmed the coming of the event.  He haggled for two hours delay due to the uncertainty of the time by which his mother’s operation will start and end.  I begged off to say that there might be classmates who had not replied but may come at the time set.  So, I suggested that I will simply hang around Greenbelt to  meet the others who might come.  To this, he agreed.  Aware that it may take a much later for the get-together to commence, I took my supper at such an early time.    At 5:30 PM, I went to ride the Light Train Transit and the Metro Rail Transit.

 

Part 6:  Long Time Waiting

 

Knowing that the get-together will not begin at the scheduled time I decided to stop over the food stall where my former student is working.  To that stall I killed time by taking a soda.  Fifteen minutes later, my ambulance ringtone reverberated from my bag.  I scooped out my mobile phone and heard on the other end Karl asking who has confirmed.  I then revealed that only him confirmed.  To this we both laugh and then Karl assured me he is going to catch up at the restaurant.  After that, I put back the phone into my bag and on my foot walked to look for the Starbucks landmark John Ledesma has mentioned.  After asking and going around the greenbelt I finally found the Starbucks and the condominium he was referring to.  In Starbucks, I then decided to kill time again.

 

At Starbucks, after getting my refreshment from the counter, I texted John that I have arrived.  John then responded that he has just arrived at the condominium and requested to give him half an hour to refresh himself.  So, I decided to wait by checking 4amtust90 yahoo group.  There I was updated of recently posted teasing messages from my classmates in response to John Joseph’s messages. 

 

Part 7:  Meeting

 

Half an hour past, a knock on the glass wall was heard and upon shifting my gaze to the source I saw John Joseph waving.  I waved back and motioned for him to come in, to which he complied.  Upon coming in, we exchanged welcome greeting.  .  Then he looked into the mini-laptop and mentioned the much discussed topic in yahoo group – his ordeal over posting his pictures in the site.  From my interrogation, it was then that the root cause of the problem became known… he was trying to drag the photo file from his PC to the yahoo site— a procedure that can be done from memory stick to PC.  To which, a little chiding I gave and then bring his attention to the computer.  As I was about to teach him the procedure, my mobile phone rang.  Although the name registered that appeared is that of Karl Zafra, I heard a woman’s voice, Rowena Lim-Sylato.  She then announced that they are about to park.  After that phone conversation, I decided to pack up and John Joseph motioned that we wait for them outside.  Upon coming out of the café, we however walked continuously far from the café, so I told him that we might miss them, to which John Joseph seemed to have not heard me.  When we reached the driveway of a mall, I spotted Karl and Rowena on the other side of the driveway.  I told, Joseph about this and he attempted to cross the grass island, but backed out.  So as not to let Karl and Rowena walked further away from us, I then called on the name of Karl loudly.  To which they immediately saw us and so convened at the crescent road. 

 

 

Part 8:  All about Joseph

The meeting of Karl and John is the start of male bantering.  The boys made fun of each other as we walk in search of a place where we will dine.  Soon we all consent to take our meals at Big Buddah.  John Joseph expressed his preference to sit outside but Karl motioned that temperature is cooler inside, so we agreed to take the indoor table.  After placing our order, John begin to relate his story.  He narrated that did not appear in graduation because he contracted measles.  According to him, few days before the graduation, he was with his friends in Antipolo.  One of the girls however felt the night was chilly so as a gentleman he gave out his jacket to her.  Unknowing to him however, the girl has just recovered from measles and is definitely at the stage where she sheds off what she had been nurturing.  So when they parted he successfully got his share… crimson rash upon the skin.  Fast forward… he got a job in a bank and worked for one and half year.  After, he went back to the Bacolod, there he met the girl he is to wed and fathered to three.

Part 9:  Side-splitting Memories

 

Part 10:  Laughing Medicine

 

I once heard from a friend this phrase “Sa Ilo-ilo walang nagmamadali.”  I shall say, this also holds true to its neighboring town Bacolod, for John Joseph Ledesma was known to us as the “speeding turtle.”  Slow as he might seem, yet, his lifestyle of ease became such a valuable attribute to which the whole section A had placed their trust as when it comes to money.  For the entire three years John Joseph Ledesma served as the most realiable, trusted, efficient, patient and funny class treasurer and collector (no wonder, after graduation he finds himself employed in a bank company).  Nineteen years after, when all computer technology has speeded up from kbps to mbps and now gbps, John Joseph access of memory acheived bps. But unlike computers where at such rate you are rendered infuriated, John Joseph leaves us laughing the whole time.  Thanks to age that humor for John Joseph became effortless.  And such laughter he roused makes this one forwarded message true:

 

Laughter is a unique medicine that

places our problems in perspectives,

Relaxes our tense muscles,

reassures those around you and

helps you to enjoy life.

 

John Joseph that night is a nitrous oxide, a laughing medicine.

Rock for Reason

Rock for a Reason

Fundraising gig for Franz a teenage boy diagnosed with Extra-Skeletal Ewing’s Sarcoma
Host: FOR FRANZ PANTALEON

Type: Music/Arts – Concert

Network: Global
Start Time: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time: Friday, March 27, 2009 at 3:00am
Location: SaGuijo
Street: Guijo St.
City/Town: Makati,
Band Lineup:

Sandwich
Pedicab
Duster
Chillitees
Bagetsafonik
South Super Highway
Gasolina
Juan Lunar
Chubibo
Rivermaya

Entrance fee is P150, which includes 1 beer. 50% of that will go towards Franz’s medical bills. We’ll also be collecting donations there, so if you’d like to give more than the entrance fee, it would be very much appreciated.

Directions to SaGuijo: From EDSA, take Buendia, then turn right on Pasong Tamo. Turn right on Bagtikan, then take the first left into Guijo St. SaGuijo is on the right, you can’t miss it.
Click on the link below for the map

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Guijo+St.%2C+Makati%2C+Philippines

Check out KLM – Fill a Plane – Promote your plane

Hi,

I want you to take a look at : KLM – Fill a Plane – Promote your plane

Private Rylan

 

 

 

Part 1: Hurt to Be Strong

 

Only 17 days had lapsed since I was discharged from the hospital, am still dealing with a difficult customer and is two days nursing a grief over the loss of my sister when all of a sudden a Labrador came rushing towards me and bit my upper right thigh, thereby throwing my mobile phone up into the air then dropping three meters away from me while am pushed down to the floor landing on my butt. The helper then rushed to pull back the dog at its collar while I picked myself up and my phone then walked limping towards the living room. My hostess’ relatives were stunned and ashamed for what had happened. They instructed me to put down my pants to see if I was wounded. My skin showed scratches and small spots but no blood leaking. Then my hostess assured me that her Labrador stays only within their backyard and is complete with anti-rabies vaccine. Nonetheless, while I was letting my shock pass, I started making a broadcast SMS announcing my dogbite accident and inquiring for a smart immediate measure and who is the nearest doctor in the hospital now. In an instant Dr. Ricky Deang replied in SMS telling me that it is advisable to have an anti- tetanus vaccine because dog’s teeth are dirty and then he prescribed antibiotics for the wound. After half an hour of rest, I then bid my host goodbye. In pity that I will have to walk a long stretch of meters to get to the MRT station, the host then offered me a lift. Upon getting down the car I heard a ring from my cellphone and at the screen is the registered name of Mon Carmona. From there transpired an online consultation with Dr. and Dra Ramon and Tin-tin Carmona. As a result I was given the same prescription that Dr. Deang texted me earlier. When the conversation ended I then immediately hailed a taxi in order to bring me to the nearest hospital which is East Ave. Hospital.

 

Part 2: Lose to Try Harder

 

In haste, did I get out of the taxi when it finally halted at the front of the gate. Then in no time did I planted myself before the information clerk at the emergency department only to be let down saying that dog bites are not treated in that hospital but rather in San Lazaro. I begged the man, if at least some staff looks into my wound and clean it because San Lazaro is too far and am alone. But I was declined by saying the same procedure will be done in San Lazaro anyway so it is better to go to San Lazaro. So with self-pity that I left the emergency department, walked towards a bench interior park and went back to my only hope… a response from people I texted a broadcast. When the screen appeared blank, my tears started to fall profusely out of exasperation due to the fact that am in two days morning, my acute erythomatous gastritis is still painful and once again am alone trying to figure out what am I to do with myself in this time of misfortune. Then a sign of hope... I saw a minivan ambulance with the sinage that it belongs to my hometown Tiaong, Quezon, rollin in the hospital compound. In despair, did I approached the driver and asked if I can be assisted. The driver responded that he is not from my hometown and he was only asked a favor to drive for a particular patient. Once again I felt the rejection and went back to the bench crying… hoping to receive a response from any doctor friends who might be available in a nearby hospital.

 

Part 3: Smile to Overcome them All

 

After a quarter of an hour waiting, my cellphone beeped and there appears a message coming from Dr. Rylan Flores… the message says that he will be in Delos Santos Medical Hospital at 3:00 PM. Although this means an hour of waiting, such a message brought up a smile on my face,  feeling the hope of redemption had arrive. Hence, I dashed out of that apathetic government hospital, called for a taxi and ordered the driver to get me to the De los Santos Medical Hospital. In fifteen minutes I arrived. I then texted Rylan that I already arrived and is waiting at the lobby area. While waiting, I tried to remember who Rylan Flores is….

 

Searching over my brain files, I remember a picture of Rylan in Internos. Such an image reminds me that we were not introduced to each personally nor did we ever crossed each others path. Yet towering existence will never be a miss, more so is his pair of boots. Likewise, the impression I got is that he is one of the guys who you would stereotypically cast as a chick boy socialite…. Eighteen years after graduation, when I started organizing small batch get-togethers, I came across his name at friendster under Dr. Froilan Francisco’s friends list. In the lead picture posted, he is with his wife and his daughter. At first I find it difficult to recognize him because it looked as if his head is shaved. Hence, that is the latest image that is impressed into my graymatter. From there, I invited him to join my list of friends… in response my friendster account recorded that he only viewed my profile but did not accept my invitation. So I wrote him saying that I am a batchmate back in Medical Technology and hope that he will accept my invitation. Days later he did, but that is the only picture posted in that account so I still have a very scant update of how he looked now. The next incident of a closer encounter with him is a text message of his number from whose source I can no longer remember. From time to time then, I would announce the small MT90 get-together that I would organize. The first instance of an established SMS communication link with him was when he responded over the announcement of a get-together in Pampangga saying that he will be near the location and if opportunity allows he will be in the event. Unfortunately, he did not make it. After, the event, I made another SMS announcement of the write up of the outcome of the Pampangga and Subic Get-together entitled “Titanic Fidelity.” A day after that I received a message from him asking for Rick’s Pascual’s number. After that, I heard nothing from him again until this dog bite chapter in my life…

 

2:55PM, my cellphone beeped a message. There I read Rylan saying that he is already in the emergency department.

 

Part 4: Dr. Rylan Flores in Person

 

I went out of the lobby and slowly walked along the descending driveway. Upon entering the emergency department I asked some people seated at the bench where I can find the doctors… they pointed at a dark tinted glass door. So I put my hands to frame my face at the side and stick them too close to the glass. As I peered through I saw a tall long haired man speaking over the mobile phone giving a wave of acknowledgement to me. Hence, I opened the door and entered the airconditioned emergency room. Soon I am finally face to face with Dr. Rylan Flores.

 

Upon putting down his phone, I immediately took the chance to greet him. Then my vivaciousness immediately spring out a remark “Are you realy a doctor?” Such was my reaction because am totally flabbergast at the sight of a long haired doctor wearing a sport cotton shirt, a military green knee length pair of pants with pull strings at the hem and a pair of rubber shoes… an outfit you would see worn by hip-hop dancers. Apparently, Dr. Rylan Flores is not officially on duty that Sunday, but since he received calls from the hospitals for some patients he decided to go after dropping off his wife and daughter for some school activity. Lucky for me, had it not been for those patients, I will be left crying on the bench, under a tree of the East Ave. Hospital. After cordial “hello and how are you’, he immediately looked into the wounds. It was only then that I realized that the teeth despite the cellphone barrier had punctured a wound and started to bleed slightly. With this sight, Dr. Rylan confirmed the advices given me by Dr. Deang and Dr. Carmona that I have to be injected an anti-tetenus vaccine and take anti-biotics… but for the mean time a skin test must be performed. Soon, the attending nurse did a skin test on me while Rylan attended to some other patients. After several minutes, Rylan went back to me and started updating each other.

 

Rylan as he relayed attended his first medical course in UST, but on the third year he went to the United States. Upon coming back, the road along Aurora Blvd. is under construction for the Purple train and it takes two hours to get to UST from his place, hence he opted to attend the rest of his medical course in UERM. He then continued that he hardly opens his friendster accounts but more of his facebook account, that he get to read write ups of the get-together through his major e-mail account and not through the yahoo group site hence, he has was not able to view pictures posted in yahoo group… but yes, he was able to view pictures posted through links. Then he continued that he really wanted to join us in Pampanga but something prevented him and he was so happy to see Ric at the pictures I posted which incited him to asked for Ric’s number. From there, he was able to talk to Rick Pascual. After which it is time to update him of whereabouts of classmates and batch-mates am in touch with, until it is time for me to be given the anti-tetanus vaccine.

 

After the vaccine was injected, Rylan set out to the station to write the prescription, while the nurse handed out the bill to me. I noticed that Rylan did not charge me for his professional service. After I payed the cashier, I requested the nurse to have our picture taken so that the rest of MT90 will know how Rylan looks now. A shot was taken but am not happy with the picture outcome.

Nevertheless, I will have another chance of capturing his image when I get back to him for the filling out of form for my insurance accident claim. When all were settled, I thanked Rylan and bid my goodbye. Rylan in turn gave a fraternal comment of concern due to the fact that I am injured yet by myself on a public transportation going home. After a jeepney ride and two train rides, I made it home.

Part 5: Another Accident

 

After receiving a Physician Statement Form for my Accident Insurance Claim from PRu LIFE UK, I immediately texted Rylan for another appointment. Knowing that Dr. Sonny Guevarra is also holding his clinic in DLSH, I tried to bring them together for a get-together. Unluckily however, the schedule of Dr. Rylan starts three hours after Dr. Sonny’s clinic ended. So, I dropped the plan and opted for a more convenient follow-up meeting with Rylan which is at Borough Diagnostic Clinic in Eastwood.  It is only a walking distance from my client’s house.

So in that Clinic, I went up to see Dr. Flores. He went in the room this time in a white doctor’s long blazer and unshaved beard. He elicited the usual lively fun loving guy while I attempted to take another photo. Another accident occurred… luckily by mistake, my cellphone was set to video mode so, I captured a brief video of Rylan in action.

Rylan diligently filled up the form I handed out to him and insinuated his hope that a get-together in Manila be organized. I however, responded that it is going to be a tough job for me because it will be a bigger group… yet, I might give the St. Luke and the DLSH group a try. After a few more updates, Rylan handed out the form to me and we said our good byes.

 

Part 6: Opening the Window

 

Meeting Rylan in person is quite disorienting. I was expecting a bald tall dark snooty doctor. On the contrary, I met long haired, flawless and fair skinned towering doctor in a hip-hop aura. I would say he does not only look younger he also emits a very youthful energy. Someone you will associate with Gary Valenciano (well I don’t know if he sings and dance) or shall I say the Billy Crowford get-up with Arnel Pineda hair. Wine indeed become sweeter in time… eighteen years ago he is a guy whom I have stereotyped as an elite who will never associate with me…yet, at the most unexpected moment when all the two public servants had shut the doors on me, surprisingly private Rylan opened the window.

 

Emergency Meeting

Part 1: SMS broadcast

October 16, 2008 my Pru-Life Agent who at the same time is my recruiter handed me my PP plus policy and persuaded me to start talking to prospective client so that I can start selling. I jestingly responded it would be great to be hospitalized so that when I get my hospitalization income claim, I have something to show my clients. This has been a repetitive response I give him whenever we meet.

Nov 30, 2008, Malate a day after a very wild working event, I felt an excruciating pain in the stomach that penetrated through my back and shoots up to my nape. Scared that this might be a heart problem I texted Dr. Sonny Guevarra and Dr. Willy Alba. With this it was Dr. Sonny who replied. He then gave me a contingency medication and advised that I had myself check by I doctor. In reply, I inquired if he has a clinic on Dec. 1 even if it was declared a holiday. He however gave the negative reply and said that I can be check by any resident doctor. I conversely replied that I preferred a batch-mate for a reason that some doctors give unnecessary medical procedure to have an added revenue. To this Sonny replied with a sad face text message and said not all doctors are like that. For the meantime, I decided to buy the medicines prescribed to me. Nevertheless, I couldn’t be stopped in finding solutions to my ordeal, hence, I sent broadcast messages to all MT90 batch mate doctors revealing my troubles and asking for referrals of Internal Medicine specialist. In a short while Dr. Emily Carbonnel-Dy gave me a call. Although she is a pediatrician she willingly gave a medical advice just like any General Practitioner would do. After an hour later Dr. Alvin Matulac gave me a call and did the same. Few minutes later Dr. Mikel Lui texted that Dr. Henry Chan is an Internal Medicine-Cardiologist who might be able to help. So he gave me his number and then in no time did I text him.

Part 2: Meeting Dr. Henry Chan for the first time

With the number that Mike gave me, I send a message introducing myself, relayed my ailments and asked if he will hold his clinic on Dec. 1 despite the holidays. An hour or two he responded: “Yes, 2:00PM… at Chinese General Hospital.” This gave me such a mental relief despite the persisting tear pain. Hence, the following day I took the LRT ride and a jeepney ride to Chinese General Hospital. Being an hour early I have to wait for an hour in his clinic, wondering how Dr. Henry Chan looks now and what will turn out of this meeting because we were never personally introduced to each other even during the Med. Tech. years. All I know about him was that he was is known to all as a real nerd back then… haven’t seen him associating with the fun loving boys… and with the small instances that I shared a classroom with him during the regular Wednesday intern meeting at UST, I see him very quiet. I however do not have the Inter-nos OMTI yearbook at hand to browse through the write-up made by his classmates. Nevertheless, confident that I am actively organizing MT90 batch get-together, there is something common to start a conversation with.

By 1:45 pm, a knock was heard at the door. The medical secretary opened a door and there emerge a medium size Dr. Henry Chan. Nothing much changed in his face, so he is easily recognizable. I then immediately greeted him, introduced myself in case he can’t recognize me… but seeing that he has a styro-phore food container, I figured out he has not eaten his lunch yet, so I immediately told him to take his lunch first and I will wait.

By 2:00 pm the medical secretary called for me and I then proceeded to his cubicle. Aware that he is from section C, I immediately mentioned that I have been seeing Dr. Belen Garana. From that we started a very cordial conversation as he does some medical exam check up with me. He suggested an ECG at the clinic. When I agreed, an ECG was made by a paramedic and the result was normal. So, he called up the admitting department for reservation of room. I was scheduled to be admitted at 4:00 pm. Since it is still early, I decided to have the other laboratory exams written in the prescription paper, because once admitted the charges will be higher. So I went to the Ultra Sound Department.

Part 3: Funny Full Bladder and Humorous Gel

One funny thing about full abdomen ultra sound is that they make you drink so much water then prohibits you from urinating and then press the ultrasound handset against the lower abdomen making you feel that your bladder is going to spill out its content at anytime. This is the agonizing diagnostic experience of a virtual visual access to your internal organs, save to the cold non greasy gelatinous matter that lubricates the handset which gives a ticklish sensation when it touches the lateral thorax. The latter is definitely the humorous part of the procedure.

Part 4: Bumped Off

When clock strikes 4:00pm, I proceeded to the admitting office to fill up my application. When I finally made it to the counter, I was told that there was no room available. To this I texted Henry suggesting that I be admitted tomorrow because I was told that there is no vacancy. To this Henry called up the admitting clerk and there I over-heard that the previous reservation that he made was given to the patient of the director of the hospital. After a few minutes of that conversation I was asked if I will comply with semi-private room to which I replied yes. Hence, I was told that the room will probably available by 5pm, but it is no guarantee. With that I responded that I will go back to my house and from there call for confirmation. This is where my conversation in admitting clerk ended.

Part 4: Gloomy Hours

Going back to my house is one sort of a tear flowing experience. The pain is so intense which was further intensified by a foresight that there will be no one to neither help nor accompany me in the hospital and that my savings will be drained by hospital bills. Hence, while the train is running I couldn’t control my tears from flowing. Upon arrival, the house I informed my brother that I will be hospitalized for a work out in order to check if my pancreas is inflamed or if I have a gall bladder stone. My brother was stoic about the news, so I went up the room and packed my things crying profusely. When I finally finished packing and set out to leave, my brother told me that he will send me to the hospital together with his wife. To this I was relieved a little. Upon driving to Chinese General Hospital my brother started talking that I should had myself admitted in Quezon because no one is there to look after me. But I answered that I could no longer stand the pain, anyway it is just for a night… in case the hospital days have to be extended I will call on my brother in the province to have me picked up and transfer hospital. After half an hour, we arrived at Chinese General Hospital area. Despite the pains, I tried to lighten things up. When my sister-in-law took notice of the fact that the hospital is situated right next to North Cemetery, I replied that such is a good business strategy; once a patient died they are transmitted directly to the Cemetery.

Part 5: Admission

After parking the car, we walked towards the entrance of the hospital and had my bag checked. The guard saw that I have a laptop with me and said that this will require an additional amount. I agreed to pay whatever amount is assigned to such electrical equipment, but the guards could not find the amount in their list. Hence, I simply commented that I wanted to be admitted immediately because I am in so much pain… if the laptop is going to be a problem I will just send it back to my brother. To this the guard allows me to get in the hospital.

At the admission office I was handed out the form to which I filled it up. After finishing it, I handed it down to the clerk, from which he started encoding the information. Upon reaching the bottom part he asked, is there anyone else who can settle your account. I replied NO ONE, I am on my own. But he insisted at least to name someone who will more likely settle your account if ever you cannot do it on your own. To this I put in the name of my brother who is based in Manila. After encoding the information I was directed to the cashier, in order to pay the deposit. This I did and then went back to the admitting counter and presented my receipt. Hence, the clerk made the last entry to the computer data base and handed down my admission paper which I am to show the nurse station along with a basin and things in it. Upon receiving all this stuffs I signaled to my brother and sister-in-law that all is done and time to go up to my room. On the way up to the room, my sister-in-law looked into the basin kit. To this I quipped, I am checking in to do the laundry.

Part 6: Room 455B= Sneak in SPA

Upon reaching the floor, I handed down the papers to the nurse and with this we were directed to the room. Upon opening the door I scanned the place and commented that the room is decent enough. It is spacious, with two beds and two side table beds. The toilet and baths are presentable enough to give its basic functions. So I put down my things and went to my bed. I opened the contents of the basin and in there are: thermometer, cotton, tissue roll, alcohol and soap. After which my brother and sister-in-law then decided to buy something for dinner, for which I requested congee. When my brother and his wife set out for dinner, the nurse came in to put the dextrose. After half an hour my brother and his wife returned with my congee dinner, which I took gratuitously.

My brother and his wife stayed for a while, so I tried to entertain them with my newly bought electronic massage gadget that had escaped the guard’s scrutiny. With that my sister-in law took the electronic hand massage device and started applying to herself and to her husband. We humorously commented that we had turned the hospital into a SPA.

Part 7: Bone Show

When the night had gone deeper my brother and his wife left the hospital. Shortly afterwards a nurse and radiology personnel came in with a wheel chair. Such a sight sent in a mute message that I very well understood… it my bones’ show time. So the radiologist helped me grapple along with my dextrose and had me sit on the wheel chair. Once perched, he wheeled me to the X-ray room. Along the way his observing yet unbelieving eyes asked a visually obvious situation, “You have no companion?” To which I answered “yes.” Then the guy told me that he had seen me walking from one laboratory to another earlier and it is so surprising to see that am the patient. So with a smile I responded that while waiting for my room. After all is set my bones dominated the show.

Part 8: Strength Alone

After the X-ray procedure, I was wheeled back to my room. Concerned that I am very much alone, the nurse showed me the button that I can press in case I will be needing help. I tried the button and it gave me the assurance that it will perform well. After this the nurse left the room. Room alone, my tears began to fall. Upon lying back to my bed, my memories were reeled back to the fourteen years of monthly visits I made for the poor sick five years ago. There I have gathered strength from images of old sick ladies of National Orthopedic Hospitals whose bones are screwed to a hanging metal, confined to their beds without companions, for reasons of the need that their kin had to scamper for the payment of hospital bills. With these scenes, I knew I am far luckier because my legs are free and that my PP plus Pru Life UK insurance entitles me to a hospital income benefit-enough to cover for the room charges.

Part 9: Memoirs of a Medical Technology Intern

Few minutes had lapsed and my dramatic moment was cut by a young man entering a room with a regular sized tackle box. His presence is a reminiscent image of my Med. Tech. intern years. He left leaving sticking a cotton ball onto my punctured arm. Such made my mind wonder onto my internship adventures:

A. Children’s Medical Center
I remember the times when we were first installed to Children’s Medical Center. We were eight from UST: Karl Zafra, Marlyn C. Dizon, Jean Marie Dorothy G. Sanchez, Maria Margarita G. Cuesta, Lucy Y. Chua, Marc Frederick Q. Panganiban, Arvey Devin R. Valdevilla, and lastly me.

After the introductory orientation with the Chief Med. Tech then, we were lead to the main laboratory and from there meet up with the Medical Technologists and co-interns from other schools. Later, when things had gone more cozy between fellow interns, we were told that the striking image that remained imprinted of UST group’s entrance in the laboratory is that they are all wearing an ear to ear smile.

The six months internship program in Children’s Medical Center is half a year of playful training. We mingled with a very confident FEU group, a very relax and fun loving MCU and slightly reserved ladies of PWU. I remember the times when my towel caught a fire while passing the glass slides through the flames, when I scared the hell out of an FEU intern with my ghost story, when the teased and sprayed bangs of a PWU co-intern sizzles above the Bunsen burner, when Marc pretended to eat a fecal specimen from a vial to revealed later that it is peanut butter inside, and the grand night when Lucy Chua and other FEU co-intern placed a sock in our the black tea drink. After six months came to know of the following:

Karl Zafra is at best as a leader
Marlyn Dizon is ‘ata girl.
Jean Dorothy Sanchez is such a sweetheart (of Malone Guevarra)
Marc Frederick Panganiban is a guy who brings along his toiletries in an American Military bullet box.
Maria Margarita G. Cuesta is a masculine shouldered Kikay
Lucy Chua is a silent Chinese with wild ideas
Arvey Valdevilla is a gigantic frank.

B. UST OPD CD and my heroic illusions

After Children’s Medical Center I was assigned to UST OPD CD. It was only for a short period that there is little opportunity of getting to know my co-interns. From the scant memories that retained, I can recall I am with: the simple guy Ramir Abano, the twisted humored Dennis Bascon, the ever cool hunk Frederick Tanengee, the very vibrant Ma. Cielo Divino, the livewire Anna Christina G. Ceniza, and the rest are stored in memory called Gap.

My memories of UST OPD CD are not as fun and colored as CMC because then I was already involved with a very controversial Catholic Organization. My presence in the laboratory is an aura of a strange fanatic. Yet such an image saved me out of receiving a repeat internship penalty when I accidentally interchanged the blood smears. I guess my very bizarre image then emanates a threatening witch, influencing the Chief Med. Tech to be under the spell of blankness. Yet this eccentricities is no powerful than the twisted humored co-intern who mocked me with a kowtow in-front of the rest of the co-interns. Nevertheless, that time I was in the height of idealism that I took it as one of ordeals that heroes encounter. Then came the climax for the saint wannabe… the phlebotomy department. This is the area where the interns are left to their own without the presence of the professional Medical Technologists. So, with their mischief on the loose, cunningly they created a business of making handmade vacuum tubes that will finance their grand internship night. That was such an ordeal for that this weird saint wannabe… that she declined to participate in the business and boycotted the celebration. Months later when all had graduated this saint wannabe whistle the blow to the Intern Coordinator which ended the traditional naughty project of Med. Tech interns.

C. Blood Bank-Hasik

Of all the Medical Technology Internship assignment, Blood Bank-Hasik is the highest rate of petix time. I have difficulty recalling people in that area because from time to time we co-mingle with the CD main laboratory that contained an approximately 50 Med. Tech interns. Nevertheless, I do remember Peter Stephen R. Caballes Jr., Ronan Curesma, perhaps Ma. Cleotilde M. Guinto, perhaps Joseph Chan and for the rest, the search engines declared no match found.

My days in Blood Bank is the time of feeling a full pledge Medical Technologist for I have a good exposure on extracting blood. The first time I remembered was in the Emergency department done for a sick old man. I was praying intently to my guardian angel to guide my hands and true enough, I performed like a pro.

The Blood Bank-Hasik time was the most cordial environment for me because the people are not the exacting ones. So friendly that the Blood Bank resident Dr. Santos took me as her favorite intern whom she pulls along for an early six o’clock mass daily. At night is a get-together with the adjacent department interns where stories of ghost and nightmares are shared. I remember crossing path with Carol Cabisudo and Nixon Cabocchanpongco. Then late at night is a side by side sleeping on a banig. During meals is a delivered food in a plastic bag and the favorite is what they called Scheswan something. Then I remember a co-intern whose name I cannot remember is so fare that she can manage to put white baby powder to her legs and arms.

Hasik on the otherhand is a field work that is more of an excursion than a medical mission. It is a fun day of exclusive jeepney ride and a day of chikas, chickas, chickas but for the boys it is flirting treat with beautiful student nurses around. Then the Blood Bank pay is one real drowsy bloody day. An alternate of blood extraction and sleeping activity.

Then I dozed off. ZZZZZZZZZ.

Part 10: Endoscopy

I awake hungry but ordered not to eat because I will have to undergo endoscopy. Hence while waiting I decided to browse the internet. Once in a while resident doctor would come in my room and ask me the same questions. How I wish I have a voice recorder and player that with one push will give them all the basic information they routinely ask. By nine eight o’clock the nurse wheeled me to the Endoscpy Department. Upon my arrival I heard the same wondering query “no companion?” This time I simply shook my head. Half an hour later I was wheeled into a cubicle and ordered to lie on the bed. I scanned through the machines and unfamiliar faces. A skin test was done and after fewl a very recognizable person walked-in… Dr. Willy Alba, popping in a bright egg-yolk yellow collared shirt. Speaking like running after a hectic schedule he greeted me, asked me how I am, uttered that my condition is most probably stress induced but nevertheless for precision will be looked into so that nothing will be overlooked. Then he turned t the technician why my neck is red, if it is an allergy. The technician negated and added that I scratched it. Then Dr. Alba wittingly quipped “ibig sabihin malamok sa ward.” Then he sprayed sedatives into my mouth, ordered me to swallow and breath on the nose. Then he repeated the procedure. Afterwards he stepped back singing until I fell asleep. I awake with Dr. Alba placing a paper on my tummy saying ‘for your Philhelath” and I answered “for my insurance, thank you” then he left. After fifteen minutes I was helped out of the bed and put into a wheel chair. I was told to stay put because am still partially influenced by the sedative. Upon reaching the room I was aided to climb up to my bed, I checked the paper handed out to me which read Acute Erythematous Gastritis. After which I fell back to sleep.

Part 11: Heart Station
Lunch came and so is my brother and mother to pick me up. I was given by the hospital a soft diet which is bland and unappetizing yet soothing to the stomach. After having heard that I have to stay for another night for more laboratory work, I complied and so my brother and mother left the hospital without me. Later in the afternoon, I was wheeled to the Heart Department for TD Echo and Thread-mill. In a cubicle wires were attached to my chest and soon I hear the sound of my heart beat. After that I was told to move to another cubicle. There another sets of wires were attached to me and told to run along the moving thread mill. Since am not in a rubber shoes I have to do it barefooted and this made the ordeal or the more tiring. At the last speed I feel falling on my knees, thanks to the technician that keeps me standing. After which, am wheeled back to my room where I resume to work with my computer. Moments later a room mate came.

Part 12: Last check-up

The admission of a room mate is indeed an end to my solitary life in the hospital but has only deepened the pain of loneliness. The sight of an accompanied patient all the more intensified a self pity that lurked in me. Hence for that night I silently cried extensively until I fell into deep slumber.

The following morning, I was awaken by hospital staffs bustling around to pick up the lady. When she was brought out it became quite apparent that the husband became engulf with anxiety. I on the other hand began to pack my things as I know fully well that I will be discharge in the afternoon. After a hefty breakfast, I out of the room to ask the nurses if there is already an order of discharge to which they answered that positively and added that they have known that am a batchmate of the doctors for both of them signed in the charges as complimentary. I smiled back with gratitude then back to my room. I laid back to bed with my back facing the door, self pity once more got a better of me that tears began to fall then a mild tap landed on my back shoulder. I wiped my tears and shifted my gaze and saw Dr. Henry Chan with his resident doctor. He announced that all my laboratory result except for endoscopy cleared me out of any ailments, hence I can be discharge that afternoon. Then he went on to give me a prescription of three medicines. After which he asked me how am I, to which I answered “depressed.” Then the meek doctor gently gave an encouraging tapped at the shoulder and mildly uttered “why get depressed…” I just smiled back, thank him for his generousity and then we bid goodbyes. An hour later, the hip doctor in white blazer came in. “Willy!” I uttered. With a paper back of a pharmaceutical company, he scuttled towards my bed table and asked how am doing. I showed him the prescriptions given by Dr. Chan. He scurried for a pen which slipped out of his fingers. I picked it off my bed and gave it back to him. To the prescription he added another medicine. A few chats on the incoming Christmas AMT90 get-together followed and ended with thank you and farewell. After he left I darted out of the room to have my dextrose removed so that I can process my bills.

Part 13: That is my doc: Aga Mulach.

Upon detaching from my dextrose, the nurse called for a security guard to accompany me to the billing station. After settling my bills the security guard went back to his station while I go back to my ward. On the way, upon reaching the nurse station, the nurses inquired if Dr. Alba is more handsome during our college years. I told them he is baduy. Then I showed them our class picture and pointed out where Dr. Alba is. The nurses then commented that he looked like a boy next door back then. But now, they told me that he is artistahin in Chinese General Hospital. They added that whenever he make his rounds, some patients and or their companions would go out of the door with a following gaze on him and asked the nurses is that my doc Aga Mulach?

Part 14:  Discharge

 

Back to my room, I saw the anxious man lying in bed.  Upon seeing me he complimented my toughness over the fact that am unaccompanied.  I then answered that I actually cry at night. Shortly afterwards, my mother and my brother arrive.  My mother handed out the boxes of chocolates I ordered for the nurses.  I then gave it out to them and gave a junior nurse who had assisted me during my solitary ordeal and had taken the BP of my brother a generous tip.  In a few minutes my room mate arrived from the operating room.  The worried man finally relaxes at the sight of his wife.  After they have settled, we exchange a few conversations, bid our farewells and off we go. 

 

Part 15:  A Picture

 

Leaving Chinese General Hospital is quite a relief for am finally going home.  Yet am full of regrets for I was not able to take pictures of Dr. Henry Chan to accompany my write up of this meeting.  Good thing I will have to go back to him for a follow-up check up and to ask him for a physician statement for my hospital income insurance claim.  So indeed after a week, despite Dr. Chan’s begging off, I insisted that his picture be taken.  My persistence has won a single picture of a coy Dr. Henry Chan while filling up the form I handed him. 

After updating my medications, we said goodbyes and the write up is waiting to be written.

 

Part 16:  The Best of the Best

 

Economic meltdown, sickness, accident and tragedy all in a month of December had prevented me from writing down the account of this rare meeting.  When finally things were settled and some goals met, I made sure to move on to another goal only upon having completed this write up.

 

Henry Chan is a name that will never be a stranger to us, the sound of which would immediately send signals of excellence into our brain.  I could only wish for that signal would contaminate all my brain cells and transform it into a mega pixel digital camera, capturing data to the utmost detail and precision.  Nonetheless, Henry is not all brain and nothing else… his specialization as a Cardiologist only says what the true Henry is.  If before, whenever someone asks me how I know Dr. Henry Chan, I would say  “Ah, the nerd of the batch,” now I would say “Henry is the best of the best, both brain and heart.”

 

Part 17:  Aga Mulach

 

If the chance of meeting Henry Chan during Med Tech years is only sharing the same classroom during Wednesday back our internship years, my association with Willy Alba is for the stretch of 1986 to 1989.  More so, it has been for that long stretch of three months that he was a seatmate.  Willy, despite his corniness would succeed in eliciting laughter due to the manner of delivering it.  Business is second nature to him, hence along with his jokes are his funny yet reasonable suggestions on financial possibility of coming up with Christmas Party.  These two qualities he managed to retain until now.  What took me by surprise is the celebrity image he is now sporting.  Now he is the Aga Mulach of Chinese General Hospital and so I will now proudly say “That is my Doc!” (it is a comedy TV program of Aga Mulach in the Philippines)