Mga ka-BER day kong sikat

Famous People who share the same birth date with me.
Someday I will join their ranks. Naks!

1980 Christina Aguilera (singer)
1978 Katie Holmes (actress)
1970 Earl "DMX" Simmons (rap artist)
1970 Rob Van Dam (wrestler)
1963 Brad Pitt (actor)
1964 Stone Cold Steve Austin (wrestler)
1950 Leonard Maltin (movie and film columnist)
1948 Bryan 'Chas' Chandler (musician)
1947 Steven Spielberg (director)
1943 Keith Richards (guitarist)
1932 Roger Smith (actor, writer)
1919 Anita O'Day (Colton) (jazz singer, films)
1917 Ossie Davis (writer, actor)
1916 Betty Grable (Elisabeth Grasle) (actress)
1916 Douglas Fraser (american labor leader, president of the uaw)
1913 Lynn Bari (Marjorie Bitzer) (actress)

BER-day

When I was a child, I always look forward to the month of December. When the BER-months approach, I'd always put up the Christmas tree myself and have a countdown not to Christmas but to my birthday which falls exactly a week before Christmas.

Today I turn a year older again.
I don't look forward to my birthday anymore.
I stopped my countdowns.
I don't look forward to Christmas anymore.
Bah-humbug!!!
Ebenezer Scrooge lives! Wahehehe!

But, nah, I still look forward for gifts though.

Bulacan-ized

It has been more than two months since I've updated my blog. Had a lot of things coming my way and I'd like to share them with you.

Last month, I started my 3-month volunteer service as a nurse trainee at the Bulacan Medical Center (BMC) formerly Bulacan Provincial Hospital in Malolos City. At first, I was ambivalent because I didn't know what to expect because this was bigger hospital than the previous one I've volunteered for almost a year. On the other hand I was excited about the things that I'm going to learn from these experience and the people (co-nurse trainees, staff nurses, head nurses and of course, patients) that I'd be meeting and interacting with.

Had a weeklong orientation and soon after I was assigned to the Pedia Ward. Had too many admissions as the season became colder and wetter that kids began to get sick of pneumonia. As a nurse trainee, I was expected to perform such tasks as admitting patients, attending to their needs, preparing and administering medication, initiating IVF, blah..blah..blah... The usual things that staff nurses do in the hospital setting. Had a smooth sailing experience there but before my tour of duty ended at the Pedia ward, I soon got sick. I had sore throat and cough. I'd blame it to the lack of ventilation in the area. Thanks to Co-Amoxiclav 625mg BID for 7 days and it was all gone when I soon began my rotation at the Surgery Ward.

The dreaded 11pm to 7am duty was my schedule. I was worried about my circadian rhythm because I had a hard time sleeping during daytime. I thought I won't be able to survive the PM shift but I did sans the Tylenol PM with Diphenhydramine that Mum sent.

At the Surgery ward, I took care of patients in their pre-operative or post-operative state. Endorsement at the beginning of the shift and charting nurses notes by 1 am. Interspersed with it are attending, of course, to patients' needs. By 4 in the morning, it was medication time. Pretty much it was a busy with some periods of calm. In my stay at the ward, thank God, had never experienced a dying patient. Whew!

I learned a lot from my rotation in this area especially in gaining confidence with the nursing skills that I almost forgot with the yearlong hiatus since I graduated and passed the boards. The staff nurses that I worked with were really nice in helping me out. I also learned how to deal with all-too worrying patient's relatives. And I do miss the early morning pandesal that Ate Jolly would bring.

Just as my rotation at the Surgery Ward was about to end, my life as a city-dweller in Quezon City was about to end too. Though home is in Bulacan, I practically breathe, though biologically hazardous to health, Metro Manila. I have been educated and lived in Manila and Quezon City practically all my life and now I had relocate back to my roots in Bulacan. So I had to pack my stuff that I'd need to haul them all over. Then, I also need to get some of my things to a dormitory in Malolos that I'd be staying in 'til January. Just imagine the lack of sleep that I had to survive with and the things I had to arrange just to get my ass back to Bulacan. Thank heavens, it went smoothly as planned.

Anyway, after 2 weeks at the Surgery ward, I was assigned at the OB-ER / LR-DR (Obstetrics-Emergency Room/Labor Room-Delivery Room). In short, where pregnant Bulakenyos give birth. This is one area that I really like. Hmmm...I know what you're thinking but it's not that. Ever since in nursing school, I enjoyed my maternity-pedia classes. My professor, a former BON member, was ever too enthusiastic in teaching us the rudiments of pregnancy, labor and delivery. Coupled with that my clinical internships as a student nurse at the nation's "baby factory" which is the Fabella Hospital.

Going back to my stint at the OB-ER/LR-DR of BMC, I really sank my teeth into it by admitting patients, monitoring pregnancy induced hypertensive mothers, initiating IVF with the all-too difficult to insert Gauge 18 cannulas, assisting in delivery, preparing and administering IV meds, etcetera. Though there were many student nurses who were also there to learn and of course, gain the required DR cases; I learned a lot from it as my confidence level as a nurse got a notch higher. Thanks of course to the staff nurses who were supportive and really did a lot in helping me out in the area.

Just as I was getting a hang of it at the OB-ER, I am now assigned at the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and again, assigned in the PM shift with the vortex of the holiday season right smack into it. Argh! Another round of assimilating into the ICU culture and am hoping that it'll be as exhilirating as the previous areas.

By January, I'd be in the OB ward where postpartum mothers (those who gave birth) are confined and finally at the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Hopefully by February, I'd be able to apply as a staff nurse at the Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria which is just a few minutes away from my "new home." But I'm also keeping my hopes high with my scheduled panel interview at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

But for now, quid pro quo, learning and serving.

Chris Brown/Rihanna Concert tickets out

Finally got tickets for the Chris Brown and Rihanna concert on November 16.

Dubbed as the "biggest concert of the year", the Rihanna and Chris Brown Back-to-Back Concert shall feature their Grammy Award winning hit songs. The concert starts at 8pm at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field in Taguig City. Ticketworld has just released the tickets for the concert today and they have great offers for early birds.

Ticket pricing until October 31
PLATINUM PhP 8,240.00
GOLD PhP 3,090.00
SILVER PhP 1,545.00
BRONZE PhP 309

Ticket pricing from November 1 to November 16
PLATINUM PhP 10,300.00
GOLD PhP 5,150.00
SILVER PhP 3,090.00
BRONZE Php 618.00

For ticket inquiries, call (+63 2) 891-9999 or visit Ticketworld.

Raves: "Boyce Avenue"

Saturday evening and surprisingly nothing good to watch on television. So was just surfing the net and hoping that my serotonin levels dozes me off to sleep.

As I was updating my iTunes playlist, my cousin asked me if I have heard a guy's version of "Bleeding Love". I said, I'm familiar with the Leona Lewis song because my neighbor in Manila would always sing it over at the videoke everyday. So just imagine the horror I've been getting into by just unsolicitingly listening to my neighbors vocal histrionics.

Anyway, a guy doing that song? That I have yet to hear. Then he told me that this band also did acoustic versions of Alicia Keys' "No One", Jordin Sparks' "Tattoo" and Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love", Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris" and One Republic's "Apologize." That really piqued my curiosity as I also love listening to acoustic songs. So I searched for Boyce Avenue over at YouTube and watched how amazing this Florida-based band is.

Boyce Avenue came together in 2000 and consists of the Manzano brothers Alejandro (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Fabian (guitar, vocals), Daniel (bass, percussion, vocals), and later Stephen Hatker joined in as drummer.

Since their performance over an audience of 350 at a Florida high school and finishing their college degrees (Fabian pursued architecture while Daniel has a Harvard Law degree), the music bug still caught up with them. In 2007, they joined and were honored in songwriting competitions and after taking yet another hiatus to write, produce and record additional singles, their debut album, "All You're Meant To Be" was released in March 25, 2008.

I have yet to listen to their album but it will soon follow through as I've been downloading Boyce Avenue's acoustic renditions such as Colbie Caillat's "Realize", Rihanna's "Umbrella", Justin Timberlake/Madonna's "4 Minutes", U2/Mary J. Blige/Beatles' "One" and "Let It Be" medley among others.

I know Filipinos will love this band as we are suckers for acoustic performances. I'm hoping that a producer will bring Boyce Avenue over to Manila for a concert soon.

But for now, I'm still having their songs from their Acoustic Sessions lined up in my iTunes and I'm not yet sleepy.

xxx

Boyce Avenue's physical album is available worldwide exclusively through www.campuscustom.com/boyceavenue, while the download versions can be found on iTunes/ Amazon.com/ Rhapsody/ Napster/ eMusic.

Visit the Boyce Avenue Official Site for more information.

"Tulo Laway" faces off with "Hopia"

Today, defending champion San Beda Red Lions tries to sustain the 3-peat championship as it faces off with the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Bombers for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 84th season Senior Basketball crown.

As we shall witness the cheers and jeers of each teams resonating across the Big Dome, I have been wondering why we, Bedans, were always mocked as "Beda Tulo Laway" and JRU as "Hopia!!!"

"Beda Tulo Laway!"

Pinoyexchange forum members shared some insights to the taunting remark against Bedans. One explanation is that "tulo laway" (drooling) is a mockery against the Chinese people as they have been labeled as "Intsik beho, tulo laway." "Beho" which means viejo or old man who usually is a peddler or a vendor. As for the ptyalism, Chinese have been known to be industrious people who work really hard early in the morning and then take naps during midday when business is slow. As mandibles are relaxed during sleep, drool oozes out of their mouths.

As for Bedans being Chinese, San Beda isn't densely populated by Filipino-Chinese as it has been founded to be a school for Spanish mestizos because of its proximity to the old rich communities of Arlegui and of course, Malacañang. But through the years, San Beda College has evolved to cater to different Filipino ethnicities.

The forum reader surmised that the "Beda Tulo Laway" jeer was a product of the idiocity of Beda's opponents as a futile attempt to sound like Beda's Indian Yell which goes "Heyum kim kum kawa".

Another is that San Beda was an exclusive school for boys in the Mendiola Consortium having been surrounded by girls or co-ed schools like Centro Escolar University, La Consolacion College, College of the Holy Spirit and San Sebastian College. Before San Beda became co-ed recently, which I, my brothers, and Bedan batchmates didn't like the idea plus moving the elementary and high school departments to a remote place in Rizal.

Anyway when Beda was still San Beda, there was a walkway between the driveway and the Junior Football Field (where a building stands there today) where Bedans would sit around, wait for their classes or sundo, leave their things there or play at the covered basketball courts, our college kuyas would sit there and wait for the CEU and LaCo colegialas walk through to get to the school's swimming pool for their P.E. classes. San Beda used to rent out the swimming pool to other Mendiola schools which don't have the facility. I just don't know if they let other schools use the pool until today. But did they even bother to worry about what floats and what's in that pool? Hehehehe. So where were we? Oh, so we, Bedans would sit there, gawk and stare as the CEU and LaCo girls parade their way to the swimming pool from the driveway, down to the drummer boy and infront of the high school building and off to the quadrangle then to the Senior Football Field then to the pool. Just imagine the number of prying eyes of the Bedans savoring the presence of girls. Hence, "Beda tulo laway!"

But gone were those days since San Beda opened its doors to girls and had to revise some lyrics (I guess) of the Bedan Hymn, overhaul the student handbook, and create more ladies room. I remember when my mom would come fetch me and my brothers, they were only about 2 ladies room where she can go to.

Hopia!!!

On the other hand, JRU's monicker is "Hopia!" Word has it that the 80 Shaw Boulevard campus was a former hopia factory. I don't know if it's an urban legend but it has always been said about them during NCAA games. I even remember when Beda and JRU had a game in that filthy Rizal Memorial Coliseum, someone threw hopia in the court.

But things has evolved as JRU tries to change the embarassing remark of Hopia to H.O.P.I.A or Highly Outstanding People In Action.

Of Red Lions and Bombers

San Beda College "adopted the Red Lion emblem from the ancient Scottish/English heraldic symbol, the Red Lion Rampant." San Beda College which was named after the Venerable Bede of England, naturally chose the heraldic symbol of the ancient Scots/English for courage.

While Jose Rizal University adopted the Bombers nickname supposedly from the World War II bombs that were once stocked in the school during the Japanese occupation. Hence, the JRU bombers.

As the Red Lions come face to face with the Bombers at the Araneta Coliseum for Game 1, we will see who goes home with the hopia or magtutulo laway for winning the game.

"Worlds Within" on GMA 7 or ABS-CBN?

Filipino fans of Korean novelas will soon witness the team up of Hyun Bin (Kim Sam Soon, Snow Queen, A Millionaire's First Love) and Song Hye Gyo (Full House, Endless Love: Autumn in my Heart) in "Worlds Within".

The 16-part Korean drama is about "overcoming the complications that arise from unspokern barriers" as Bin portrays a fledgling director, Jeong Ji-Oh while Song also plays a director, Joo Joon-yeong.

"Worlds Within" is Hyun Bin's comeback to the small screen after 2 years. His last was the romantic comedy hit "Kim Sam Soon". On the other hand, "Worlds Within" is Song Hye Gyo's return to television after "Full House" (with Korean superstar Rain) which was released 4 years ago. Both were aired on GMA-7.

"Worlds Within" was filmed in South Korea and on location in Singapore. It will feature the sights of Sentosa island, Singapore River, and Orchard Road.

The cast had a press conference in Singapore last week and revealed the poster for the drama which will be aired in South Korea on October 27th and in other Asian countries by November 2008.

Neither GMA-7 and ABS-CBN 2 has confirmed if they bought the rights to air "Worlds Within" from KBS2.

Methink that it's good to see Song Hye Gyo and Hyun Bin back on the small tube. I guess, GMA-7 should shell out some money and buy the TV rights for this Korean drama because they've been having a disappointing program line-up lately. Thank God, that horrendously stupid Filipino version of "Ako si Kim Sam Soon" will soon end on GMA 7. While ABS-CBN has been working hard on their line up, too. Methink that ABS-CBN's "Three Daddy and One Mommy" is funny and entertaining.

Out: Friendster In: FrensZone

The Battle of Social Networking sites is on with the arrival of FrensZone.

Earn CA$H and rewards by uploading photos, videos and MP3, creating groups, blog, events, classifieds, commenting on members' profiles, announcing parties or events, rating other members' profile and photos, other members viewing your profile, other members viewing your photos, other members viewing your blog, videos and music, other members viewing your group and inviting your friends to join.

So saan ka pa? Go na.... Go!!!!!!!

Rave: Super Size Pastillas

Today, my home province of Bulacan shall attempt to hit the "Amazing Feats" Category of the prestigious Guiness Book of World Records with the longest pastillas (pastilles) in the world. This sweet-tooth event will coincide with the 430th founding anniversary of the province.

Pastillas is a delicacy which is basically made up of pure carabao's milk and sugar. This mixture is boiled until it becomes soft and white-brown and rolled under a bed of granulated white sugar. Then it is traditionally wrapped in an intricately colorful and painstakingly designed papel de hapon.

Numerous provinces and towns in the Philippines have attempted to rival yet miserably failed the pastillas made in the town of San Miguel. Since then, San Miguel has been considered the pastillas capital since they produce the best tasting pastillas. Hands down, the BEST!

I remember my Dad would drive all the way to San Miguel just to buy pastillas from his supplier. He buys it by the kilo because it is cheaper than to buy it by the box. Though bought by the kilo, the pastillas are still carefully wrapped and placed in boxes. And when he comes home, my family would immediately devour these pastillas. So when my parents migrated in the States, we almost filled up a balikbayan box with pastillas as pasalubong for my brothers, sisters and of course, for their grandchildren.

As my fellow Bulakenyos unwrap this mouth-watering 200 meter pastillas at the province's Capitol Grounds, I can just imagine the creamy goodness of The Bulacan Pastillas.

Willy Wonka at UP-PGH?

Woke up really early this morning at 4 to get ready to queue for the submission of staff nurse requirements at the Department of Nursing Research and Development (DNRD) office of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).


This was my second time to line up for the designated date of submission since I didn't make it to the 60 slots for applicants in March 22, 2008 because I came there late. So this morning, I got there really early. The sun hasn't come out yet as it was still dark. Time checked in: 5:15 A.M.

Following the advice of my friends, I came in straight to the PGH lobby, passed the security guards then to the second floor where the DNRD office is located without any hitch. I planned to bring my brown envelope with my requirements only but I thought I would appear conspicuous as an applicant to the prying eyes of the lobby guards so I decided to bring my bag. So when I got to the DNRD office, there were only 5 applicants. I learned that they came in from the ER of the hospital since the lobby guards were stalling applicants from coming in. So we waited for few minutes until one of the guards told us to leave the DNRD premises and go to the lobby where other applicants were waiting. But we didn't budge. We just scrammed and then returned to our posts.

At around 5:30 A.M., a couple of applicants joined us at our posts and they told us that there was a list at the lobby where applicants were asked to log in their names. But we were hesitant to go to the lobby because we may not be able to return to our posts if the list prepared by the guards will not be honored by the DNRD office. Fifteen minutes later, my former classmate and friend, J, came in and saw me. I found out that one of the applicants was one of their trainees, E. So J told us to join her at their unit if the guards continue to bother us.

So we went in to J's unit and talked with the other nurses who were curious of the growing crowd at the lobby. We told them that those people were nurse applicants, too and that there was a list floating around in the lobby for these applicants. They told us that we should remain at our posts at the DNRD office since it has been the practice that whoever is in the line gets the slot. But E was still bothered about getting our names written on the list so she got my ID and have our names listed. When E got back, she said we got numbers 66 and 67. Darn! They will only get 65 new applicants for the Nursing Proficiency Exam. But she said that there were other retakers who were listed, so we might get in.

7:35 A.M.: We went to our post at the DNRD office and saw about a dozen applicants waiting for the office to open. A few minutes later, one of the nurse officers, let's call her Nurse M blurted out and said, "Sino ba masusunod, silang nasa baba or kami dito sa office?" (Who should be the one calling the shots, those people at the lobby or us?) Nurse M. assured us that they will talk to the Nursing Service Office about the situation.

7:46 A.M.: Chief Nurse Ms. T came in to the office. A few minutes later, Nurse M went out of the DNRD office and told us that after a meeting with the Security Officers and the Chief Nurse, DNRD will have to honor the list in the lobby. Disappointed, we went down the lobby and saw Nurse R calling out the names of applicants from the list and awarding them numbers that seemed like to me, Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. Methink, I hauled myself out of bed for nothing?

8:15 A.M.
Nurse R: Dela Cruz, Rosario
Nurse R: First time applicant or retaker?
Applicant: First time applicant
Nurse R: (Gives a piece of paper with number 46)

E told me that it was number 55 on the list.

Nurse R: Amiro, Jay
Nurse R: First time applicant or retaker?
Applicant: Retaker
Nurse R: (Hands out a piece of paper with number 5)

Nurse R: Cenon, Christopher?
Nurse R: First time applicant or retaker?

Number 57, 58, 59... on the list
Nurse R hands a piece of paper for retakers and first time applicants

Nurse R: Tan, Kristina... Tan, Kristina?
(Nobody answered...going once, going twice...)
Nurse R calls on another name.

Number 65 on the list...Yey! We're getting close, I thought
Number 66 on the list. It was E. Nurse R gave her a piece paper with number 55.


And yes, I was the next on the list and Nurse R called my name and I came forward. She asked, "First time applicant or retaker?"

"First time applicant, Ma'am," I answered. Then Nurse R gave me the "Golden Ticket" No. 56. Wohoooo!!!

So E and I hurriedly went up to the DNRD office and saw the 54 other applicants who were ready to submit their requirements. We waited in line again. Of course this is U.P. or the University of Pila (queue) after all.

10:15 A.M.: Finally, I was able to submit my requirements, paid the P150 exam fee, and got my exam permit.

I went out of the UP-PGH premises with the scorching heat of the sun and noxious pollution of Taft Avenue blowing into my face. I came out really exhausted yet happy because I got my "Golden Ticket."

But hey, it doesn't stop there. The saga continues as I take my exam on Thursday. Whew!

Redux: SBC vs. Letran

I woke up this morning with an SMS from my Letran batchmate and friend JP Soriano of GMA-7, "Ei, lets watch letran beda game sa sept. 10 =)"

"Oh no! Not again!" I quipped.

Almost a year ago, I came to watch the penultimate final game series between San Beda and Letran with Jaime, Carmela and JP. We watched at the patron side and witnessed how the Red Lions devoured the Letran Knights off its feet. It was such a disappointing game.

Soon as Letran's hymn was played, we held our fists high in the air and tried to sing the hymn which I forgot what the song meant because it was in Spanish. Soon after, the Letran spectators began leaving the bleachers when San Beda played that all-familiar hymn which resonated across the coliseum.

I told my friends, I just have to watch this... NO, I have to sing this!

How can I forget that Maramba-Roco composition when I've been singing it all my preschool, grade school and high school lives? The Bedan Hymn which has been embedded in my mind at the same time when I learned to memorize 'Lupang Hinirang.'

My Letran friends obliged as they knew that I was a mongrel of both schools. I couldn't resist clapping or rooting for Beda when the games were on because they knew I was a Bedista.

As we left the Big Dome, I met my batchmates and friends from San Beda and exchanged high-fives because we won. Not until my high school friend Teejay spilled that I was a "balimbing" or turncoat because I was also a Letranista. Yes, you may call me a turncoat but I've been a Bedista since birth along with my brothers and cousins.

I may have spent one of the best times of my college lives (plural form) in Letran but I won't allow my being a Bedista to be disparaged just like that.

And so, on Wednesday, I will be watching the Letran-San Beda face off once again and I will be rooting for both teams again.

Win or lose, but one thing is for sure, I'd still be going home happy.

VountFEEr Nurse

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of volunteer:


vol·un·teer
• a person who freely offers to do something
• a person who works for an organization without being paid

In the Philippines and for new Filipino nurses:

vol·un·teer
• a registered nurse who either pays a fee to a hospital ranging from P2,500 to P10,000 ($55 to $222) for a duration of 6 weeks to 6 months, or works for free in a hospital, with a promise of getting hired in the future which seldom happens.

Other terminologies used: Post-graduate courses, Advancement Program, Basic Skills Training, Competency Enhancement Training, Training Courses

RANT: A Nation of Resting Nurses

400,000 licensed nurses have no jobs in RP – PRC
By Mayen Jaymalin (Philippine Star: September 1, 2008)

Nearly half a million licensed Filipino nurses are now out of jobs.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that the country now has an oversupply of 400,000 licensed nurses.

“Both public and private hospitals could only accommodate 60,000 positions, so right now we have an oversupply of 400,000 nurses,” said PRC Commissioner Ruth Padilla.

Padilla pointed out that the country produces 100,000 licensed nurses annually, but there are no additional positions created in both government and private hospitals nationwide.

She, however, expressed confidence that a lot of employment opportunities abroad are available for those licensed Filipino nurses who cannot find jobs in the country.

“We will not have difficulty meeting the high demand for nurses abroad because we have an oversupply. We welcome opportunities outside the country,” Padilla said.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) earlier reported numerous job orders for Filipino nurses overseas, particularly among highly developed countries.

POEA said the high demand for Filipino nurses is expected to continue for years because of the aging population in many highly developed countries.

But the Philippine Nursing Association (PNA) said the country now has an oversupply of nurses because of the continuing decline in the hiring of Filipino nurses overseas.

For the past years, the PNA said the demand for nurses in key destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom has declined due to US visa retrogression and the shift in UK’s policy.

Padilla, however, said the government is now negotiating for agreements that would allow the hiring of Filipino nurses in various countries.

-- xxx --

Methink, the national government should raise the budget allocation to the health sector for the upgrading of provincial or regional hospitals nationwide. This would give Filipino nurses the required training and experience for local employment and deployment abroad. They should do this instead of allocating big chunks of the trillion peso national budget to military airplanes that are "widow makers" and "flying coffins."

The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) should also start doing its job by upholding the rights of nurses instead of collecting annual fees for a membership that doesn't benefit nurses. It should make its presence more felt than just be quasi doomsayers among unemployed nurses.

Lastly, parents and high school seniors should think twice about pursuing a degree in nursing. Not only the capital outlay of nursing education is tremendously costly but the return on investment is uncertain.

(Photo from the October 2, 2007 Oathtaking of Nurses at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.)

He's a merman! No, he's Michael Phelps!

His secret is out! Michael Phelps is a merman.

Dubbed as the "Greatest Olympian of All Time," having broken world records and won an outstanding 8 gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, US tanker Michael Phelps has been captured by the lens of renowned American portrait photographer Anna-Lou "Annie" Leibovitz as a merman. Phelps appeared with award-winning actress Julianne Moore as they live out their 'Fantasea' from the "Little Mermaid" for the “Disney Dream Portrait Series." The photo was published in the June 2008 issue of Vanity Fair magazine

From John Frost's report on the Disney Blog:

Fitted in his silvery fishtail, Phelps was lowered into a backlot tank in Los Angeles used for underwater movie scenes. Leibovitz was on the outside, snapping away, communicating her instructions to Phelps via members of her crew.

“One of the most complicated shots I have ever done,” said Leibovitz. “I didn’t know if it was going to work, what to expect. I have to tell you, he was beautiful. Michael put on that tail and … he just became like a modern dancer. He just took to it and enjoyed himself and swam through this tank. I was blown away.”

For the four time “World Swimmer of the Year” (as designated by Swimming World Magazine), donning flippers was worlds away from the swimming competitions he’s used to.

“It was kind of weird to be able to put on a tail and swim around in a tank,” Phelps admitted. “To work with Annie and try these crazy sorts of ideas is really an honor and something I won’t forget.”

A host of US swimming stars, past and present, joined Phelps in the water and final image: Janet Evans, Rowdy Gaines, Brendan Hansen and Cullen Jones.

The 23-year old Phelps has won the hearts around the world with his amazing discipline and hard work. Even US Olympic swimming legend, Mark Spitz (who won 7 gold medals in the 1972 Munich Olympics) praises Phelps to epic heights, "It goes to show you that not only is this guy the greatest swimmer of all time and the greatest Olympian of all time, he's maybe the greatest athlete of all time. He's the greatest racer who ever walked the planet."

With a total of 16 Olympic medals, this Maryland-born swimmer is no merman. He didn't come out of the sea to be an Olympic swimmer. He is Michael Fred Phelps.

Michael Phelps poses exclusively for the August 25, 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated magazine in this photograph taken by Simon Bruty in Beijing, China on August 17, 2008.

"Jose Pidal" Bill bars registered professionals to leave country

RANT: Arrogance does run in the family

The Philippines' First Family is at it again. One of their family members, Congressman Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo has filed House Bill 4580 which mandates registered Filipino professionals to render at least two (2) years domestic service before seeking foreign employment. Arroyo seeks to address the exodus of health workers abroad which he said could lead to a "possible paralysis" of the country's health system.

Under the proposed measure, medical professionals are required to render a two-year compulsory service in the country prior to working overseas.

Covered by HB 4580 are doctors, nurses, pharmacists, midwives, medical technologists, physical therapists, engineers, teachers, sailors, accountants, interior designers, nutritionists and criminologists and even librarians, guidance counselors and master plumbers.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Secretary-General Ernesto Herrera has spoken on behalf of registered professionals that this bill is "unfair' and "discriminatory" He questioned the wisdom of Rep. Arroyo's proposal, considering the large surplus of professionals in many sectors of the labor market.

"We have a huge glut of professionals in many sectors. In the case of nurses, the main reason they are leaving the country is because wages here are grossly inadequate. And the pay is meager precisely because of the massive surplus of nurses. This is the law of supply and demand at work," the former senator noted.

Annually, around 21,000 nurses leave the country to seek employment in the United States and Europe, which are considered the highest paying market for nurses globally.

To recall, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) earlier reported that the country has over supply of nurses because of the dwindling demand in the nurses abroad. The Philippines has been producing more than 132,000 nurses every year.

It is but apt that this news came out when 64,459 new nurses will take their oath as registered professionals before the Board of Nursing (BON) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) today.

I AM A REGISTERED NURSE and it has raised so many questions in my mind that I'd like to address to the Honorable Congressman from Negros Occidental who publicly admitted to be "Jose Pidal":

Is "Jose Pidal" aware of the sacrifices that we, registered nurses and families, have gone through in order to finish our nursing degrees and pass local and international licensure examinations?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware of the costs of nursing education and training?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware how difficult it is to seek nursing jobs in hospitals today?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware that nurses have to pay a fee for some hospitals in order to render "volunteer" work?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware of the stress that nurses face everyday because of greater workloads?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware of how poorly motivated nurses are due to low pay?

Is "Jose Pidal" aware that it is a human right for every man to earn his keep and, if he sees it necessary, seek greener pastures in a foreign land for his family because he cannot secure his future in this God-forsaken country?

Does "Jose Pidal" know what he is talking about?

Indeed, arrogance does run in the family.

"Veni Vidi Vici"

My Lakbayan grade is C+!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

I tried the Lakbayan: How much of the Philippines have you visited? quiz through the suggestion of my friend Gina. She thought I could get an A with the places I've been to around the Philippines but I only got a C+. As a "lakwatsero", I have yet to visit many places in the Philippines like Palawan, Camarines Sur, Leyte and Samar, the Bicol Region, the rest of Mindanao (hope it will still be part of the Philippines), and THE place to see, the picturesque islands of Batanes.

Traveling around the Philippines before I leave this country has always been my goal. I have always wanted to see the beautiful places of my country before I live in a foreign country in the next couple of years.

I just learned through this quiz that there is so much in the Philippines to conquer with so little time. But I don't easily give up, I know I will be able to visit those places someday. I just don't know when but I know I can and I will.

The Tale of the Happy and Sad Red Horse

Last Wednesday night, had an overnight, sleepless drinking session with my friends from Marangers. (Huh? Marangers? I'll tell you more about this exclusive group next time.) Anyway, at the Mini Stop convenience store, I told my friends about the tale of the "Happy and Sad Red Horse" beer and how the 'kick" differs from each other. Urban legend says that the "Happy Red Horse" has an added more kick than the "Sad Red Horse" and in a case of Red Horse beer, you can find a bottle of the "Happy" one. We kept on looking for the "Happy" horse among the bottles in the fridge but failed. So there goes for the uber kick that we wanted. But boy, that Red Horse Grande that we had never fail to give us the "amats" that we've always looked for in Red Horse.

And the search continues for the "Happy Red Horse Beer"!!!

-- The "Happy Red Horse" (right) and "Sad Red Horse" (left). Photo by jovienaval.

Sorry, Harry Potter fans

The release date for the sixth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, has been pushed back to July 17, 2009 from its original slot in November 21, 2008.

The eight-month change in the opening date is expected to disappoint millions of Harry Potter fans around the world who have already been waiting more than a year to watch the next big screen installment in the international literary and film phenomenon.

Trailers for Half-Blood Prince began running last week in advance of the expected November movie release worldwide.

Warner Brothers says it had decided to make the change to bolster its release schedule for the lucrative mid-year moviegoing season - a period that can account for as much as 40 per cent of Hollywood's annual box office receipts.

Warner Brothers president Alan Horn says the studio is also still feeling repercussions from the three-month Hollywood screenwriters strike that ended in February but has "impacted the readiness of scripts for other films."

"We know the summer season is an ideal window for a family ... release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise - behind only the first instalment," Mr Horn said.

The studio says the change of date will not alter production plans for the final, two-part Potter movie adventure, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The release date for part one is tentatively set for November 2010.

Methink, we just have to push our countdowns for the movie release a little more further. Whew!!!

Wanted: Madame K's "Ensaymada"

Last night, my housemate Mark who works with the Kapamilya network, brought a big box filled with ensyamada which was given to him by his former big boss, Madam K. This sumptuous ensaymada is like no-other. It is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese on top and its innermost layer is sandwiched with cheddar cheese. Delicious would be an understatement. Too bad, Madam K refuses to divulge the creator of this gastronomical masterpiece.

Olympics - "Faked" in China

Just as the world is in a trance over the spectacular Opening Ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics, news reports revealed that some parts of the "most watched show on the planet" was FAKED!!!

According to reports by Agence France-Presse, the cute little girl who starred at the Olympics was just "miming and only put on stage because the real singer was not considered attractive enough." The nine-year old girl Lin Miaoke who performed a patriotic song was "forced" to lip synch because the organizers "banned" the seven-year old girl Yang Peiyi because she had crooked teeth. What can you expect, the little girl is in her school age and she's been devouring a lot of sweets. Besides, her deciduous teeth are bound to fall off. I just hope Peiyi won't have to struggle inferiority because of what the organizers have done to her.

Another highlight of the opening ceremonies which was also faked was the "burning footprints". It was such a spectacle as 29 "footprints" illuminated the Beijing sky as it made it through "The Bird's Nest." The gigantic, burning footprints symbolized the arrival of the XXIX Olympiad in the Chinese capital. Reports revealed that some of the "burning footprints" were not created by fireworks but partly CGI (Computer-Generated Images) or pre-recorded. Their excuse was the pollution that hovered over Beijing.

I would have considered the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics as THE one that could put the Athens' Opening Ceremonies to shame but we were duped, BIG TIME by the organizers. Nonetheless, they really put on a great "show" and sure, if it's made from China, it must be "FAKE".