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!