26 Things I've Learned and Realized From My 26 Years Of Existence (Part Two)

I had a major "epiphany surge" during the past few weeks and I failed to write it down. As you may know, my memory is as rusty as an iron nail that was exposed to air moisture. But after aggressive extrication from my subconscious, here is the other half of the "26 Bullcrap Things I've Learned and Realized From My 26 Years Of Existence", as promised from my previous post.

1. Do things for yourself...not for other people - There is nothing more satisfying than doing something that you are very passionate about.
2. Learn to make decisions on your own - I've seen patients in the OB ER in their mid to late 20's who are still not able to decide on their own. That's when I realized that at the moment that your parents allowed you to have a taste of freedom, grab it and learn to decide for yourself. You may also ask for guidance from your parents and friends so at the end of the day, you learn how to take risks.
3. Even after giving things a careful thought before doing it, shit happens once you've done it - I know most of you already figured this out for yourselves but it's a different thing when it involves a life-changing decision. Since that will define the next few days, months or even years of your life, careful thinking is warranted. Despite that, there may be instances that things don't always work out to your advantage. Don't worry, it's fine! It isn't your fault that things aren't always what they seem to be. Even if it will turn out to be catastrophic in some point, always remember: this too, shall pass. Which brings me to the next item...
4. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and learn from it - There is no point in wallowing in self-pity after making an epic fail of a decision. This is what you call a *lapse of judgment and it happens even to very careful people. As Jess and Erick always tells me if ever I start to whine about my recent major lapse of judgment: learn from it and charge it to experience. That's what I did and now I'd like to believe that I'm stronger and wiser after that. Rise from the ashes, you little phoenix, you!
5. Set standards accordingly - Never set standards that are unrealistically high or too low. You'll end up with nothing if your set the bar too high and if you set it too low, you'll get a really bad headache. I've had an experience that I lowered my standards a bit and I ended up with a total douche. Trust me on this one, you get what you settle for.
6. If you want to be treated well, then demand it - People get treated in the way they want to be. I'm not talking about barking orders like an obnoxious asshole. You have to do it in such a way that you have to assert yourself that you don't want to be treated like crap. Don't settle for nonsense. If you allow people to walk all over you, then that's how it's going to be.
7. It's okay to be not in a relationship at this point - Just because everyone around me is getting engaged and married doesn't mean that I should scour the world for "The One" and marry him right on the spot. Because if I do, chances are my standards would be messed up and I may end up with a total douche who exhibits all of these characteristics. Again. See #5. And besides, I have always believed in the notion that "Love Finds You"...because right now, I must be Waldo. Lol.
8. It's better to have loved and lost than to live with a douchebag for the rest of your life - Seriously. In my experience, this item is numbers 3-7 combined. Hahaha! But really, who would want to endure a lifetime of douchebaggery? It's good while it lasts, at least you know that you're human because you're capable of the "feels". Just remember you should be treated like a queen and you don't deserve anything less than that.
9. Always have a "Me Time" - Give yourself some love and allot time to pamper yourself. You have been working hard and you deserve it. And don't forget those medical check-ups. RuPaul always says 'If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?'
10. Doing something good for others because you want to is very fulfilling - Enough said.
11. You can't always get what you want - Teenage Dream. OHGAHD! I think it's a cosmic joke that the thing you want the most is usually the thing that you cannot have. I have learned to live with it that's why even if I know what I want, I prepare a Plan B just in case my original plan does not work out. I just relish the thought that even if I cannot get it, I know what I want. If there's one thing I can't stand is not knowing what I want...it freaks me out.
12. When someone tries to piss you off, just smile - Not the genuine kind of smile but the kind of smile that says, "Not today, bitch!" It avoids unnecessary drama and it maintains peace. Sometimes it's better to choose your battles and dealing with idiots isn't supposed to be one of them.
13. People talk and you can't make them shut up - That's okay as long as you don't change yourself into someone that is acceptable by their standards.

So that's it. I'll also make a mental note to write down the next batch of life lessons and whatnot the next time I have this "epiphany surge". I hope you picked out something from this too. Remember, it's a PSYCHO thing. Mrhrhr.

I love merengue. Psychos love merengue.

* Thank you Freyja, for coining this term. This is officially my favorite phrase of the year. Haha.

26 Things I've Learned and Realized From My 26 Years Of Existence (Part One)

The year 1986 has been very eventful because a lot of things happened during that time like President Nixon's resignation, Snap Elections, and the EDSA People Power Revolution. But there's one thing that happened that is known to many but of least significance to popular culture: I was born.

An old photo of me, circa 1988

Growing up, I was practically a wallflower. Although I have friends, I find solace in being alone because that's where I get to think things over and look into things in another perspective. Well, it's a PSYCHO thing. Lelsss.

So in celebration of the 27th year of my existence, I would like to share with all of you 13 out of the 26 things I've learned and realized from the past years about myself and life in general.

1. I have slowly come into terms that I will never be stick thin - Well, that's the way genetics goes. Fat or not, I know I'm awesome. And so are you.
2. It's okay to say NO once in a while - You don't have to say yes to everything that is being offered to you. Hey, it's okay to refuse. But of course you have to think about it before you do, especially if it is life-changing, career-defining or whatever. Just think: You can't give away something if you don't have it in you.
3. Being a good physician is also about good work ethics and a high quality output - I've learned this from Dr. Joma Bravo, a neurosurgery rotator from Makati Med. When I was assisting in one of his surgeries, he kept telling me that aside from theoretical knowledge, a good work ethic and a high quality output is important because it helps you accomplish more things, hence it'll enrich you more.
4. High school drama never ends - Making a huge deal out of small things isn't the way to go. Well, it's okay if you're in high school because it's a phase wherein you're full of angst and you're at the peak of being rebellious. But if you're in your 20's, utang na loob naman! Wag nang palakihin ang maliit na bagay. Sometimes I'm guilty of that but I realized that I have to learn to control my emotions and I have to learn other ways to adapt. Which brings us to numbers 5 to 8.
5. It's all about respect - No matter how much you loathe a person or how crappy a person treats you, you still have to show them and treat them with respect. Although it's cliché, you should not allow them to drag you down to their level.
6. Let go of the people or things that makes you feel bad about yourself - If you think you are in company of someone who puts you down or surrounded by something that makes you go on self-deprecation, it might be better to give yourself a break by letting go of them. You are not worthy of that. L'Oreal does not keep on saying this for nothing: because you're worth it.
7. Talk things out - I believe in diplomacy and that things could be straightened out if you keep an open mind, listen, and then get your point across. If they refuse to budge and still keep on yakking, it's not your problem anymore. Just think that they need to read something thicker than a magazine in order for them to expand their horizons.
8. Learn to ignore - There are times that I seriously want to punch annoying people in the face but of course, I know better. Sometimes what they do is just a way to scream for attention and you don't want to give them the satisfaction by giving them just that. Choosing to ignore them is the best way out, because it's a form of preemptive supalpal and it'll do wonders for your patience too. Hrhr.
9. Back yourself up with evidence - When making accusations, it is imperative that you do not base it on assumptions but on solid facts. While your assumptions may be true to you, it does not always hold true for everyone else. It's an entirely different thing if you drop names based on the premise of your assumption because once you're proven otherwise, you'll look like a dumbass and it gives me the liberty to laugh at you for your epic dumbassery (like that's even a word. LOL).
10. Traveling is fun - Self explanatory. But let me add up that aside from the fun factor, it also teaches me a lot of things that I did not learn in school. Make your trips more worthwhile by immersing in the local culture and observing their traditions.
11. Stop. Breathe. Think. - Sometimes I find myself doing things that I am completely unsure of or that I have gotten tired of. If ever I feel lost or have no clue at all, I stop whatever I'm doing, take a moment to rest then after which, I think of my purpose of being there and my goals. After mulling about those things, I'm good to go. In this fast paced life, sometimes we lose sight of our goals and purpose that's why we also need to do a little perspective check once in a while.
12. Nakakagwapo kapag mabango ang lalaki - I recently realized that I like guys who smell good. Koya kahit di ka mala-Adonis, instant pogi points kung mabango ka. Isang malaking "Hello, Koya" ito! Eyeloveyou. Lels. 
13. I am yearning to become financially independent - As an extended adolescent, it burns when I see friends and classmates who are already providing for their families in their own small ways. And as for me, I'm still siphoning money off my dad. Minsan nahihiya na akong humingi kasi ang tanda ko na, di pa rin ako kumikita! Haha. I know daddy understands but he's getting old and he should've had built an even bigger nest egg if it weren't for me. That's why I want to be financially independent, so that I won't ask for money anymore (except in major life changing decision-related events like moving to a different country).

Pretty nifty, eh? Stay tuned for the part 2 of this list on my next post. 

Merry Christmas!

Some Songs From Australian Artists On My YouTube Suggestion List

I've never seen myself as a music authority but I'm always up to listen to new music from other countries. Since I watch random videos from all over the world via YouTube, there are some links to music videos of some Australian artists that I never had time to check out. Thanks to this bad case of APD exacerbation, I stayed home and finally got a chance to check it out. Here are some of the songs that piqued my interest:

Jessica Mauboy - Pop A Bottle (Fill Me Up)

What could get any better than a day off with your girl friends, basking in the glory of the sun and just having fun. If I'm given to pick a song for that moment, this would be it.

Nathaniel - You

I think the song is kind of sexy until the part he goes "oooooh, oooooh". Mrhrhr.

Justice Crew - Everybody

At first I thought that they are a dance crew but then I realized they're like Australia's party version of One Direction. Screw the 1D comparison but the chorus is enough to make me pump it up with the beat.

Taylor Henderson - Borrow My Heart

This guy is a product of The X Factor Australia and I must say that he is good. This song reflects innocent notions of "luuurve". Lol.

Vance Joy - Riptide

This song seems like a mix of pop and folk music. The lyrics, "I gotta lump in my throat cause your gonna sing all the words wrong" just cracks me up. Not to mention the wrong subtitle was used just to get across the point that the words are going to be sung so wrong. Well played!

Orthopedic Surgeon Wannabe

As a medical intern who has already decided what field to pursue after the board exams, nothing beats doing majority of the procedure on your own. In my case, I've always wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon so just imagine my excitement when I was allowed to handle a simple procedure of Below the Knee Amputation (BKA).

I know it's really, really simple but for noobies like me, it's a big thing.

Although I have hits and misses during the surgery, I must say that I had fun because it really sealed the deal that it is what I want to do. I still don't know where but that's how I envision myself to be in the next few years.

The Aftermath

Thank you Dr Remo for this supercharged experience. I almost shed a single tear. Mrhrhr.

Muchas Gracias!

I am so happy for the donations that we received after posting a good number of PSA's on Facebook. It's actually my first time to be hands on with these relief efforts and I am really overwhelmed with the generosity of our fellow Filipinos and foreigners as well.

As promised, the Task Force Yolanda Facebook page is currently posting updates regarding your donations.

Let me just share the photos that I took prior to the pickup of the first batch of donations in CEO Flats last November 18.

That's the truck from Food Asia Corp.

These boxes also contain some of the 700 relief bags
from Trash Mountain Project Philippines

First batch of donations is now loaded :)

We have so many donations so it cannot fit into the truck. That's when we decided to repack the other goods left because we heard that there's not much space for repackaging since most of the open spaces were used as evacuation centers.

The rest of the goods were picked up and was sent to Roxas City on November 19. Thank you Food Asia Corporation for flying the relief goods for free. I would also like to thank CEO Flats and its very accommodating staff for allowing us to use the backroom and the parking space to store our donations.

I would also like to thank my San Beda Med batchmates Ice Soria and Joy Sayo for donating. Thank you Kuya Macky for driving us to CEO Flats. And a big thank you goes out to Ma'am Jackie and Kuya Leo of the San Beda Med Office for facilitating the tarpaulin donations of the Colleges of Law, Arts and Sciences and the Alumni Association. For the rest of the photos of the donations, feel free to check out my Task Force Yolanda Album on Google Plus.

This will not be the last. Nagpapahinga lang muna kami. :D

Update!

Update from Capiz:

According to Tracy's uncles in Cogon, Panit-an, Capiz, there's about 3,000 people who are dead. The only relief goods that the province was able to receive was from Mar Roxas and PNoy and it wasn't enough for the whole province and it didn't reach the remote areas. Anyone who's been in the province knows that the seafood is it's prime product but no one in the province wants to eat the fish because they are scared it's been feeding on the dead bodies scattered in the area. They have no electricity and from Roxas City, only motorcycles can be used to go to the towns of Panit-an, Pan-ay and Pontevedra.

This province also needs help. If you have something to spare, please donate it. Tracy, Pia and I are accepting donations in form of the following:

>> blankets

>> canned goods

>> bread

>> candles and matches

>> water (lots of it!!)

>> hygiene kits (sanitary napkins, diapers for babies, toothbrush, toothpaste)

>> flashlights with batteries

>> used clothes and toys

>> generators

Your donations will then be shipped to Roxas City via LBC/Air21/JRS wherein we are currently organizing with The Boy Scouts of the PH-Iloilo, Iloilo Law Students, Purisima College, Capiz Medical Society (and just in!) Rotary Club and JCI Roxas City and some PRIVATE SECTORS. We will be monitoring this personally and taking full responsibility of the donations to be shared and given to the right people.

Drop off area are as follows:

- 9th floor unit 10 The infinity Bldg, 26th street BGC Taguig

- Tokyo Posh Rockwell Branch (beside Draft)

- We can also do meet ups in Makati (Greenbelt, Glorietta, Rockwell), Alabang Town Center, Robinson's Galleria, Manila (Taft Avenue-Pedro Gil) if ever you are too far away.

For immediate contact, text at 09088513397 (Tracy dela Cruz) 09088163599 (Pia Alviola) or 09178924628 (KC Cervales)

Please repost, reshare or donate your excess goods. Thank you.

Help Us Fill Up A Box For Northern Cebu and Capiz :)

The past three days have been very tumultuous as the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) wreaked havoc upon Central Philippines, leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless, thousands of people dead and a lot of properties destroyed.

Since most of us know how greatly devastated the province of Leyte is, I am taking this opportunity to bring some of the other devastated places to your attention since we hear less of these places. Photos courtesy of Task Force Yolanda Facebook Page

1. Northern Cebu

Daanbantayan

Bantayan Island

2. Capiz 

e.g. Roxas City - my daddy's hometown! :(

Ang Panublion

I followed Task Force Yolanda in Facebook because they focus on other places that receive minimal help from LGUs despite the massive scale of damages.

Right now, my mom and younger sister are collecting and packing our old clothes to send to these places. Even my mom's friends are pitching in so we can fill up the boxes that's available at home. So far we have almost filled up a large Speedbox with clothes. I would like to ask you to lend us a hand in filling up these boxes. Right now, these are the things that we are collecting, based on the basic needs:

1. Ready to eat food (canned food, biscuits, bread) 
2. Drinking water 
3. Medicines for cough, colds etc. 
4. Basic toiletries (i.e. soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo) 
5. Clothes and blankets

I would also like to thank my friend Tracy, who helped me out in this by posting Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in various social media to help us gather more relief goods for the victims of the typhoon. There were people who already pledged donations and with that I'm really happy.

You may email me at kristine_cervales@yahoo.com or send me a private message at my Twitter or Facebook accounts if you are interested in helping us fill up a box.

Here are some of the drop off points for donations if you also want to help out Task Force Yolanda:

TOKYO POSH EASTWOOD

3/F Eastwood Mall - Beside Me and You
Please look for Jocelyn

TOKYO POSH ROCKWELL
R2 Level, Power Plant Mall - Beside Draft
Please look for Joanne

ENERGY. / MARA CHUA MANILA
Unit 9-C Scout Rallos St. Brgy Laging Handa Quezon City
You can leave them with the security guard - There's gonna be a box there soon!

CEO FLATS
27 Canopus Street Cor Jupiter St. Brgy Bel Air Makati City
c/o Pauline Alviola

HABI SHOWROOM
Unit 217 FBR Arcade Brgy. Loyola Heights Katipunan Ave
(above Yellow Cab)

Rest assured that your donations will be delivered to the above mentioned areas. Thank you guys!

Let's Fly, Kids!

I'm thrilled to find out that AirAsia Philippines will be moving its flights from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark to NAIA Terminal 4 in Manila. With this move, AirAsia is also joining forces with Zest Air and the partnership will be known as AirAsia Zest.

I've actually had a nice experience with AirAsia when I went to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It's always known that low-cost airlines serve instant food and has a cramped leg room but to tell you the truth, AirAsia is not your typical low cost airline. You won't say that "you get what you pay for" because the leg room is just enough for your knees not to reach the backside of the seat in front. As for the on board meals, you can pre-order when you book your ticket. The meals are reasonably priced because the portions are just enough to fill you up. Let me just share the meal that I had:

Exhibit A: Roast Chicken with Barbecue Sauce - Not bad and it's not too spicy for my taste.

Exhibit B: This water container - I found it cute. Haha.

I can't remember how much our airfare was at that time but I remember it being cheaper than 2,000 pesos than the other low-cost airline that flies to KK. It may not be that huge but hello, it's still 2,000 pesos saved! Not to mention, the flight schedules are in sync with my schedule so I said YAY to AirAsia.

Other people may say otherwise but all in all, my experience made me consider flying with them again. However the major setback of AirAsia back then is that it's only based in Clark. I don't like the hassle of travelling from Laguna or Manila to Clark. Personally, this AirAsia in Manila thing is putting a smile on my face as it gives me many options whenever I want to fly somewhere...and hide. Haha.

AirAsia Zest flies from Manila to any of these local destinations: Cebu, Davao, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and Cagayan De Oro; and these international destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai, and Incheon. Although they still have limited areas, the best part of that is AirAsia Zest can take you to your destination at affordable prices.

That being said, along with my wanderlust and recent penchant for "top lists", I have made a Top 5 list of the AirAsia Zest destinations that I want to visit someday:

One Step To Break The Monotony

I think I will do just that. :)

Dati-rati

Whoever said that OPM is dead, sure does not know what they're saying. There are a lot of great songs by Filipino composers that are hitting the airwaves. Take this ultracute example, "Dati" written by Thyro Alfaro and Yumi Lacsamana for the 2013 Philippine Popular Music Festival. The song was given justice by Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos and Quest.

In a shitty day, all I need is to play a feel good tune to chase the blues away. This song will do just that because it reminds so much of how simple things had been and the friendships that you made when you were a child. From Nintendo to Sarah ang Munting Prinsesa, this song has got all the elements of the 90's. Because yeah, you can take me out of the 90's but you can't take the 90's out of me. Songs don't have to be all about boobs, butts and booze. The simplicity of it all makes it tick.

Expect me to play this song over and over again until I start to get tired. Tee-hee!

This Article Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth

I love reading articles from Thought Catalog and this particular article got my attention so I'm going to share it to you guys.

People Tell Me I Have High Standards, But A Feeling Is All That I’m Looking For 

SEP. 27, 2013 By JENNIFER VANDERS 

I do not date much and as a result, both friends and family have accused me of having unreachable standards. One of the arguments that I constantly hear is that every boy deserves at least a chance.  

The problem with giving every guy a chance is the false hope that accompanies it. I have always operated under the golden rule of treating others the way I would like to be treated. There have been so many times that I have been on not one, but multiple dates with guys who were ‘just giving me a chance’. I would honestly prefer it if they did not even bother because most of the time, if they are indecisive from the get go, it never changes. I know that there are exceptions to every rule, but in my experience, every time I've allowed myself to become remotely involved with a guy who was on the fence about anything, I have found myself disappointed. With that in mind, I also know that if I am even slightly iffy about accepting a date invitation from a guy, most of the time I am definitely not interested enough to be wasting his time and money. I understand that the concept of dating is taking the time to get to know someone, but it’s not fair to string someone along with my uncertainty. I appreciate the same respect from guys because in the end, I don’t want to just be considered an option, and that’s what uncertainties usually end up. Options. Not decisions. 

Whenever I use this argument among friends, they like to counter with my standards being too high. I have been told that I am superficial or that I am asking too much or that I watch too many Disney movies and am looking for a handsome prince that doesn't exist. The bottom line is that I am not looking for some handsome prince to sweep me off my feet. I actually do not have a specific set of standards that I expect a man to conform to. All that I’m looking for is a feeling; I want someone who makes me want to check my phone for texts every two seconds, want to feel butterflies every time I go out to meet him. I want someone who challenges me, makes me think, makes me question everything and just generally makes me a better person, while hoping that I do the same for him.  

I think that ultimately, a feeling is all that anyone is looking for. There are different standards that are set to achieve said feeling, but the desired outcome is usually the same. Some people will date a million guys in search of it; others will sit and wait for the right one, ignoring all others in favor of that perfect fit. Having high standards is no worse a means of searching than the philosophy of giving everyone a chance is.

I'm glad to know that I'm normal at this point. Haha.

Insomnia + Boyband Videos on YouTube = Nostalgia

A few nights ago, I couldn't sleep for no apparent reason. Giving up my lame attempt to get some sleep, I had this sudden urge to watch music videos of boybands from the 90's. I'm a 90's kid and I love boybands so I had a kick out of watching because every video brings back the bittersweet memories of my childhood, early adolescence and mid adolescence. Before I start pointing out the appropriate developmental task by Erik Erikson per stage, let me share my top five favorite videos I watched the other night:

 5. Code Red - What Good Is A Heart

Well, what can I say? One pretty boy, CHECK. That random guy who never gets to sing the lead, CHECK. Cheesy dance moves, CHECK. This video comes in complete in the boyband requirement even if they have four members only (standard is 5 members). It's nostalgic because as a high school freshman transferee at that time, coming from a very strict school, I don't get to see something as golden as high school senior dudes dancing to this in the exact choreography of this song.

 4. 911- How Do You Want Me To Love You

This song comes off from the band's second album. I liked their first album so I have high hopes for their second shot and I wasn't disappointed. This was nostalgic to me because I dance to this whenever I clean up my stuff in the room that my sister, Cha and I share. The cleaning part is so rare but the dancing comes in more often. Whatever, it makes me feel good despite the fact that I dance like a crippled dog.

3. LFO - Girl On TV

LFO, which stands for Lyte Funkie Ones, became my favorite boyband during the late 90's because of this song. This song is my most favorite among all of their songs and it's the reason why I bought their first album...in cassette format, which I still have up to this day. I remember at that time, Jennifer Love Hewitt's career was flying off the hook so I wasn't surprised that she was chosen to be the lead in this video. The reason why this song is memorable because the popularity of this song among my male classmates and my possession of the LFO album helped me to become as "one of the boys". It was an achievement for a socially awkward female transfer student during the formative years of adolescence, in which talking to strange boys could kill in an instant. LOL.

2. Boyzone - Isn't It A Wonder

The cool thing about boybands is that they can get away with matchy-matchy outfits and each member can still stand out in it. Take this example from the Irish boyband, Boyzone, who wore white tops with casual bottoms while cruising the dirt road to some town in a far off place. Ang gagwapo nilang lahat dito. Plus points for Keith Duffy for the motorcycle. But what the heck, I was in love with Ronan Keating. Hahaha. This is nostalgic to me because I was playing this song on the same day I heard the news that Stephen Gately died. </3

Little Things That Make Me Happy (Internship Edition)

Since I'm a dork whose life revolves around the hospital for now, I have turned into some sort of a freak of nature...like I have my head up my ass. Although I have this anal retentive vibe going on right now, I'm still the idiot that gets giddy over little things. Here are some of the internship related things that make me pull my head out of my sphincter once in a while:

1. Tisanes Herbal Thai Tea Drink from K2

Image from Amazon. 

I first tasted this when I went on a solo adventure in Orchard Road in Singapore three years ago. The ginormous can intrigued me so I decided to try it out for myself and boy, it tasted good! Fast forward to 2013, I was glad that I saw that K2 Drugstore (across QMMC) started selling this. The pharmacy assistants already know that it's what I came for. Hrhr. Although it's a bit sweet for my liking, it remains a good pick me upper for extremely annoying duty days.

2. Beef Tapa from Dimsum House

Photo from Startin' A New Life Too

Beef tapa or cured beef is a popular Filipino breakfast staple usually served with egg and fried rice. This is also served in Dimsum House, a cafeteria (?!) across QMMC wherein most of the nurses, doctors and hospital staff hang out. I think their beef tapa is one of the tastiest there is so I order this most of the time whenever I have breakfast on a from status. Who doesn't feel good when there's yummy food in front of you?

3. Chillax Duties Without Stage Moms/Anxious Relatives/Difficult Patients

Don't you just love it when you're on pre-duty or on duty with a reasonable amount of patients sans the stage moms, anxious relatives and difficult patients? I understand where they come from but personally, I think these kinds of people are a roadblock in giving the patients the appropriate treatment because you also attend to them. Although it is practically impossible for a duty to go on without those three, there are those days that they actually didn't swing by. Those days are just priceless.

4. Industrious and Efficient People

If you know me very well, you'd know my pet peeve on the job are lazy people. I mean, seriously, what the hell are you doing here if you're just going to sit around and won't do work?! GTFO and wipe Preparation H on your ass, please. Industrious and efficient people on the job are heaven sent, I tell you. Luckily, I haven't had a "lazy partner experience" or a "lazy nurse experience". Yet. Mrhrhr.

5. When the LRT 1 isn't crowded

Image from GMA News

No explanations necessary.

So there. These are the little things that make me happy while I'm cooped up during my internship. Now excuse me while I go back to my anal retentive self. :P

No Excuses

Got this from Nike Tennis Twitter page after I retweeted the photo that I liked best from their No Excuses campaign for this year's US Open.

@sugar_baroness made #NoExcuses in NYC. Check out your moment on the 34th St. billboard. pic.twitter.com/ynyNR10CmK

— Nike Tennis (@NikeTennis) September 20, 2013

This is a pretty good campaign, just in time for my slacking, in connection to reviewing for the board exams. I procrastinate so many times that I actually never get anything done. 

I can do this. I will finish that Physiology BRS book.

No excuses. :)

Laway Makes The World Go Round

When there's a major hoopla, there would be idiots who would be feasting on that certain issue. Give morons a smartphone or a computer with an internet connection, then you'll have an instant source of entertainment or a headache. As the level of stupidity increases, I get more ambivalent. That is, I don't know whether to get annoyed or feel sorry for that person because he or she is such an imbecile. Sometimes I just dismiss it with a good laugh and briefly wonder how can a person with that level of narrow-mindedness exist.

Take this example from this viral photo from Facebook posted by Jun Dizon. 

Saan ka ba nagpapatingin Koya, sa magtatawas? Yung tipong papalawayan mo yung tiyan mo para di ka mabales? Wala ka naman sigurong napuntahan na doktor na nagrekomenda ng laway bilang gamot. Kahit ako, never pa akong inutusan ng mga residente na magreseta ng laway.

I am astounded by the audacity of this person to say such things. "Laway lang puhunan"? How can you say that doctors are the leading tax evaders? Please prove your point by showing 20 appraised journals with meta-analysis of the facts presented. I wanted to rant to prove my point but I'm sure Koya wouldn't get it anyway.

Para sa akin, ang shunga mo Koya dahil ang tingin mo laway ang nagpapatakbo ng mundo namin sa ospital. At dahil dyan eto ang rating ko sa kashungahan mo:

INFINITE FACEPALM!!!

Akala mo ang talino ko eh, no? Haha.

Ang Carinderia Ni Doc KC

Since the BIR's new directive drew flak from netizens and the involved professionals, I decided to protest through poking fun at it by making a list:

Kasi naman magmumukhang carinderia ang mga clinic pag natuloy ang gusto nilang mangyari. Carinderiang may menu ang kalalabasan kung ililista ko lahat. Kaya ayan tinuloy ko na, nilagyan ko na rin ng pagkain para naman di nakakahiya sa kanila. Haha. DAWORST.

Oozing With Vacuous Ideas

As I was lurking online last night, after deciding that staring aimlessly at my Anatomy book is not studying, I came across numerous posts regarding the BIR's directive that professionals should post in their offices the rates that they charge their clients. 

That, by far, has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my entire life. No, probably in my lifetime. 

Speaking as a future physician, I really cannot hide my disgust for this directive because I felt that it belittles medicine as a profession. Ever since I went to med school and went on to internship, I experienced a lot of things that a lot of people do not see. These are the years of sacrifices and hardships that the physician and their families had to go through in order to care for the sick. Giving up a part of your life for the sake of others is not easy but we opted to do it to serve the people. And now the smart aleck BIR comes up with a a bright idea that equates the profession as a money-making scheme.

It's true that there is a so-called "business side of medicine". Hey, we also need to earn money to live but we don't do it all the time. I know of the noble deeds of my mentors and seniors who do not charge financially incapable patients. I don't need to expound on that but I'm sure you've heard of such stories already. A simple "thank you" is enough for them and it makes them feel like they've been paid a million dollars.

That makes the practice of medicine worth it and it cannot be equated to any amount of monetary value.

I do not approve of this directive because his move is plainly UNETHICAL and it DEVALUES THE NOBILITY of the profession. Let me check it out with the Philippine Medical Association's Code of Ethics so I can prove my point about this directive being unethical:

 Exhibit A: Article III Section 4

So you see, only the name, field of specialty, office hours or the office or residential address may be posted. I do not see a SERVICE PRICE LIST written in there and in the other parts of the Code as well. To drive my point home about physicians giving out their services for free and why some fees seem to be higher than that of the other cases, I give you:

Exhibit B: Article II Section 7

Funny how this is imposed at the same time that questionable allocation of revenues is the current national issue. So now I'm thinking about how would the taxes that I'm going to pay in the future be used?

Sentimental Value

Ever since I lost my stuff to those fucktards a few weeks ago, I can't help but feel sad because all of the stuff they took are of value. As you might have known or read a few posts back, I don't wallow on the monetary value of my stuff but on the sentimental value of it because all are gifts from my parents and friends. At this point, I don't want to gag at my own sentimentality but I would like to go to the reasons behind that. What was most painful was the loss of my watch that was given to me by my Tito Nonoy when I was in 6th grade and my Samsung Galaxy Tablet which was given to me by my dad for my 26th birthday.

You might say that I shouldn't worry about the material possessions I lost because at least we weren't hurt. Yes, I'm happy that no one was hurt but you see, I have reasons for mulling over the loss of my stuff. First off, I am not the type to ask my parents for seriously expensive stuff unless I really need it or deserve it. I usually wait for an occasion so I can ask for it or I just wait for it to be given to me if my parents also think as I do. So just imagine my joy when it's given to me. Not only that, we were raised by our parents wherein we should work hard in order to gain something and that not everything should be given in a whim. For example, something would be given if we follow the condition that we would get good grades at school. Receiving stuff out of hard work is really bittersweet. Lastly, if an object was given to me out of sheer kindness and generosity of the giver, I really treasure that because it makes me feel that someone actually cares. Haha. Mababaw lang naman ang kaligayahan ko, basta naalala mo ako kahit gaano pa kamura yan, binibigyan ko yan ng halaga.

For the record, I am not materialistic. I am just a very sentimental young woman. Kbye.

I Should Write A Book

When I was in med school, I take "trans making" seriously because it serves as my means of studying that particular topic. Not only that, I hate disorganized notes with bullets that go to various directions, too large font sizes, wide spaces and outdated information (OC ALERT!). I opted to make my own trans because I can't afford to be distracted by disorganization-related anxiety. My friends also did the same because there was no formal arrangement for a trans committee for our class. So one day, we connived and the Boastful Trans committee was born. 

Our trans committee was so efficient that at some point, it was the subject of ridicule and personal attacks. The Boastful Transcriptions also got passed on to the next batch. I didn't mind it at first but it pissed me off that people had the nerve to write my name off from it. Wala naman akong ibang hiningi kundi ang simpleng pasasalamat lang. CHARRR! Haha.

Anyway, that was all in the past and I just focused on the now. Having graduated from med school, it makes me glad to hear that my trans (especially my Legal med series) helped a lot of students. 

Recently, I got a message from a school mate and there I found out that my trans are now known as the "KC Trans"

So I can't help but laugh at the KC Trans thing.

And this school mate of mine knows how it should be. I'm so proud! *single tear*:

I've read about the legendary IM Platinum: The Official Aherrera Notes and the Fatty Liver of Dr Katherine Lei, Dr Willy Liangco and Dr Janus Ong so in a surfeit of ambitiousness, I thought: 

LELSSSSS

Now where's my chlorpromazine injection because I'm starting to think a little loco again. Hahaha.

To The Guys Who Pointed A Gun At My Head and Took Our Stuff...

I hope you guys are having a swell time using the money you earned from selling our stuff at a cheap price. It was pretty nifty, organizing a heist then you guys scare us shitless, forcing us to give you our valuables so you won't blast our heads to pieces then running off with your loot. Genius. Absolute genius.

I have no idea on what your motives are but I'm sure it's rooted in money. Why don't you dipshits get a decent job? At least what you're feeding your family or yourselves do not come from dirty money.

Just so you know, what you took from me is worth more than what you think. Everything has sentimental value to me because those were given by people who are dear to me. Not only that you wiped out my sense of security that I was too scared to even come for duty. In short, you took away my peace of mind, you cunts!

Photo from Einherjar

Oh look, it's written in the stars!

Photo from ~Gottesknecht

I swear you guys will freaking rot in jail. Oh yes you will.

One Down, Eight More To Go

Surgery: best rotation so far!

Here I got to do some surgeries and manage patients on my own (supervised by the residents, of course). It made me extra proud of myself because most people think I won't survive a male-dominated specialty. Not only that, it made me 100% decided to pursue Orthopedics for residency.

Best Block Evaaah. Lels.
Clockwise from top: Rey Langit, Doc Glen, Mareng Juxy, Teh Jet and yours truly
Not in photo: Gracia, Tinay and Meds

And now the time has come to move along and learn some more from other departments. Ciao, Surgery! :)

An Open Letter: The Complete and Illustrated Version

Note: I typed this out in sheer anger. I posted this earlier in Facebook because I really wanted to vent. However, I left out some details with regards to the person's identity. Since it's over and done, and a few people actually read my posts, I'm going to post the whole thing here because it's my blog and I am entitled to vent.

Oh how mature! Lels.

Dear Early Menopausal Dipshit,

Oh hello. Thank you so much for yelling, it really got me going right there. I know you must be tired from saving lives all day but excuse me for asking in the most impolite of ways but I would really like to know what the fuck your problem is.

This is the second time that you pulled that crass act on me despite my calm and good mannered approach. Twice is too much, actually.

You see, I can't really tell my resident and consultant that you told me to wait for all your toxicity to be over before you deal with the patient because if I did, it shows two things: 

1. I'm an imbecile 
2. You're an ass. 

Technically, your toxicity drama will never end and I can't wait for you forever. If you don't want to do it, just say no instead of giving me shitty excuses in the most unorthodox way possible. I can take a hint. As Sweet Brown said: "Ain't nobody got time for that"...

...because we really don't have the luxury of waiting forever, especially my resident and consultant. Go tell that to their faces because:

1. I'm not an imbecile
2. You're actually an ass 
3. I only wait for the one who is my "one true love". 

I may be a lowly intern but I know that a blood glucose level of 395mg/dl is enough to warrant your attention. If it were just me, I would've inserted a fucking IV line of PNSS 1L fast drip so I will not bother you from your toxicity. Since we're following some protocol, I have to course it through you but you were an ass so fuck you.

I'm sorry I got really cranky. It's because you are such an annoying little prick. 

Seriously, where is all that vitriol coming from? It seems to me that you pick on me whenever I wear a skirt. If you're mulling over the fact that you're not the only one that rocks a skirt in the ER anymore, don't let my tight-in-the-ass-bandage skirts get to you. I just wear those skirts and dresses because it's ridiculously hot in our department, like someone turned on the thermostat into hell settings.

If you have a problem with me wearing skirts, I give you the liberty to wear shorter skirts than mine. Pick the one that barely covers your ass then you can go play in traffic. Or better yet, you can go fuck yourself.

That's one useful unsolicited advice. You're welcome.

Oh and another thing, that nice girl show after you have butchered me over nothing does not entitle you immunity from my anger. In fact, it enrages me even more because it goes to show that you are really picking on me. Since I won't be rotated in your department really soon, I just have to force myself to smile and not to punch you in the face. Because if I did punch you, you will make my life a living hell. And I don't like that to happen.

And with that I bid adieu, saying: fuck you very much.

Your obedient servant,

sugar_baroness

When You Are Sick And Have Nothing Better To Do, You Introspect

Being a regular lurker at 9GAG.com, I often see the statement: "I didn't choose the thug life. The thug life chose me". A lot of variations of that statement was made, depending on the occupation or situation of the author. 

If you're going to apply that to me, it's going to be "I didn't choose the med life. The med life chose me". I am the complete antithesis of that med life statement because "The med life didn't choose me. I chose the med life."

In retrospect, if I'm given a chance to go back in time, I would still choose this kind of life because it gives me some feeling of accomplishment that's totally priceless. However, there's this feeling that in terms of developmental tasks, I'm always left behind.

I'm a few years away from the big 3-0 and I'm nowhere near accomplishing generativity. Well, I could work something out for intimacy by hoarding cats. Lol.

So in order to feel useful, I should think of passing the board exams in 2014. That should get me going.

The Formal Level Up Launch

This neurotic medical student now went up a notch in the hospital "food chain". I am now the neurotic medical intern.

Although things didn't work out quite well with my Teenage Dream, I don't feel any regret in choosing Quirino for my internship because I acquire the knowledge and skills along with the fact that I have time for myself.

ZOMG. I was friendzoned. ROTFLOL.

Kbye.

Dear Teenage Dream

This is actually a long overdue post that was dated April 14, 2013. I recently came across it since I looked over my old posts when I felt like blogging again. It shows my neurotic and almost obsessive intent in having my medical internship in Philippine General Hospital. I'm going to share it just for lulz.

Dear Teenage Dream,

Ilang araw na lang, magkakalaaman na tayo. Wag mo naman akong i-friendzone because if you do, you'll break my heart again. Not once, but twice. Hindi na nga ako na-match, hanggang pagwa-walk in ba dedeadmahin mo pa rin ako?

Noon pa lang, ikaw na. College days ko pa lang sa St Paul, dyan ko na pinangarap mag-OR elective. Ang laking tuwa ko nung natanggap ako dun. Para akong nanalo sa lotto noong mga panahong iyon. Kahit nung job hunting after ng Nursing board exam, dyan ko inunang mag-apply pero pang-manpower pooling lang ang peg mo pero pinili ko pa ring subukan at maghintay.

Hanggang sa naisipan kong mag-med.

Di nga lang ako sobrang genius para makapasok dyan for med school pero di pa ako nag-eenroll sa San Beda, alam kong dyan ko na gusto mag-internship.

Por que't di ako top 10, dedeadmahin mo na ako? Eh ano naman, pasok naman ako sa top 20. 10 + 8, yun ako. Kahit mainit at toxic dyan, kaya kong tiisin, basta tanggapin mo lang ako.

Para kang medullary thyroid carcinoma at ako naman ay pheochromocytoma kaya I always and truly believe that we are MEN-2B. Hehe.

Love,

Ambisyosang Bullfrog

(ribbit, ribbit!)

Reading through this made me snort with hysterical hyena-like laughter. I am sooooo lame. Kbye.

BRGR: The BRGR Project

I seriously love burgers. Whenever I'm at a fast food joint, I usually order a burger value meal. My friend, Lorenz even tagged me as the "Babaeng Burger" because he noticed I love eating any burger even if it is peddled by hawkers in the sidewalk. And when Leo, a classmate from med school, told me about the annual cook-off in his hometown in California, my mouth would nearly froth whenever I hear his description of how the Americans would cook their burger and what stuff they put on it.

Since we don't have those cook-offs, I developed some sort of fondness of trying out new burger joints. My brother knows a lot of places in the Taft-Vito Cruz area and he would suggest those to me. He was the one who told us about Zark's Burger. And now, his latest suggestion is BRGR: The BRGR Project, located at the first floor of The Grand Towers, along Pablo Ocampo St. (formerly Vito Cruz St.).

It's a burger joint that's known to its loyal patrons as the "Make Your Own Burger" place. Pretty nifty, huh?

I went there with my brother and my sisters on a fine morning. The store just opened up and it's not that crowded. We were given sheets of paper wherein we could tick the boxes of the ingredients that we want to include in our burger. Akala ko entrance exam. Lels.

I'm Allowed To Introspect So Here's What I Have To Say

It was in 2006, when I was in third year college, that I actually thought of entering med school. However, there were too many setbacks so my plans of going to med school took a backseat. But that didn't stop me.

Four years of med school was one heck of a journey. The word difficult is an understatement. I've experienced ups and downs but either way, I'm still thankful for it because it helped me to push myself to do greater things. Despite many difficulties, I kept going because I know that this is what I wanted to do. It also helped that I met great friends along the way because they helped me see fun in what we do and they manage to set my perspective right.

That being said, this is for my parents, family, and friends. Thank you so much for believing in me and for always being around to support me be it personally or virtually. For the negatrons and those who said I cannot do it, thank you for giving me an extra challenge because it motivated me to work harder to reach this goal.

Just as a viral Facebook post says, I also want to acknowledge all students who took the removals, failed exams, lost motivation to continue studying, got ostracized for defying the norms and those who felt physically and emotionally exhausted to the point of quitting. I was there and I know exactly how you feel. Hindi kayo bobo, hindi kayo tanga. Meron kayong natatagong galing pero hindi nyo pa siguro alam kung ano yun. Kung gusto nyo ang ginagawa nyo, kakayanin nyo rin 'to. Hindi man ngayon ibigay, pero makakarating rin kayo sa araw na pinakahihintay nyo, ang araw ng inyong pagtatapos.

Med student KC, now signing off.

Kristine Anne O. Cervales, RN, MD

San Beda College of Medicine

Batch 2013