A mother appreciation post: Nelly Escoba

To the breadwinner of the family since she got her first job at the age of 20. A friend to all and a very supportive mother of 3 kids. If she had not decided to get married at 32 years old, God knows where would we be in this world.

I saw this newsletter published on January 1984. This was secretly kept in a brown envelope so that means she doesn't want anyone to see this (her short hair perhaps?). The article really says about her, hardworking and independent. That's why she definitely deserves a post in my feed.

The article says:
With her petite build Nelita "Nellie" Abriol of toiletry production division looks more like a teener than a 24-year-old woman. Nellie considers her four years with IPI as time well spent. She finished her secretarial course at Abellana National School while working fulltime.

Like other self supporting students, Nellie had her own share of difficulties but her guiding ideal of "striving consistently to reach success" helped her out.

Nellie who is the eldest in the Abriol brood turns to gardening when she's not with friends or reading her favorite magazines. She's quite conservative in her taste for music preferring classical and mellow tunes.

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I love you, Mum/Momsh/Mader. 😘
My 25-year old self isn't ashamed to tell.

Remembering my Flores de mayo days

Since it’s the month of May where kids are supposed to join the yearly Flores de Mayo, I will share wIth you the time when I joined this exciting activity for kids.

Flores de Mayo is a catechism class for kids in the Philippines. It happens every month of May where kids are spending summer vacation from school. This is where catechists teach children religion about Papa Jesus, Mama Mary and the Saints.

I was only five years old when my grandmother told me to join Flores de Mayo. This was my very first time to hear about the word and I really loved the idea of going to the chapel and picking flowers from our garden to offer it to Mama Mary.

At that time I really wanted to join Flores de Mayo, but the chapel where Flores de Mayo is held was far away from home so my mother wouldn’t let me and so I just listened to the accounts of my friends. They said they have learned so much from Flores de Mayo. They were provided school supplies during the culmination.

In my heart, there was that longing of joining and wonder. How I wished that the chapel is just near to us but God is so amazing! He heard my prayer. I heard that a convent, just meters away from our house called The Adoration Chapel of the Holy Face of Jesus would also be having a Flores de Mayo for the kids in our area!

I was already ten years old but I just want to experience the fun it brought to other kids as they come to learn about God so I didn’t miss the first day. That afternoon, I, together with my younger sister walked all the way to the convent.

On the first day, we were asked to introduce ourselves and expressed our expectations for the Flores de Mayo.

In there, I felt the acceptance and the presence of the Lord. I was never absent as I kept on looking forward to the activities.

Through Flores de Mayo, I learned to use the bible. The catechists gave us this homework where we were to identify the twelve apostles and since I didn’t have a computer at home and my mother couldn’t remember the twelve of them, I used the bible as my reference.

This was also where I learned to use the rosary, memorized the mysteries, and recited the prayers. There were times when I’m assigned to be the leader of the rosary.

I remember holding one of the letters of the AVE MARIA and beside me were two angel kids with their ‘feathers’ as we put it into the altar after every mystery.

I realized that the nuns are friendly. We sang and danced religious hymns. We played games and that’s where I made friends with other kids too.

We never forget to bring our bowls because after the rosary, there’s a feeding program. Foods like lugaw, binignit, and champorado were served to each one of us so we went home with a happy belly.

It was sad that the month of May ended and so is this catechism class. During the culmination, It was even fun when I was chosen as one of the Reynas in our sagala parade. They allowed us to wear the colorful dresses. I wore a light blue dress. I can’t remember which of the Reynas I was during the sagala. We also presented an interpretative dance in front of the parents who were our audience. I remember I was given a special award. I also received my own rosary, it was white in color.

Flores de mayo built the foundation of my faith in God. I really miss it. Spending vacation time learning about Jesus is exciting. I hope that this will be practiced by the children of today. This will definitely encourage the younger ones to follow Jesus as they travel this journey called LIFE.

What’s wrong in using TikTok?

This blog is a message to all the people out there who are making fun, judging and telling it’s weird to use Tiktok. If you don’t like Tiktok then ignore it, swipe it right away!!! By not using Tiktok, does that make you feel socialite? Ahead of the ladder? I think not. 

While everyone is stuck at their homes and feeling bored on this lockdown, I think social media platforms could help ease the boredom of the people like Tiktok. I find Tiktok to be entertaining because aside from watching videos from famous Tiktokers you also have the chance to create your own Tiktok video.

We are not forcing you to watch our video so respect one’s decision to use the application. In Filipino, walang basagan ng trip! Sorry for the rant but I have to get this off my chest. Mind you, some people use Tiktok after a hard days work to ease stress. Let them be!

A message to my fellow frontliners; colleagues in profession

To my fellow medical technologists, I know the feeling of not getting recognized while we’re still out there in the frontlines fighting against this menacing virus. We are behind every testing and we keep telling ourselves that we are integral in research, patient care and diagnosis.

It’s true that we must use our voices often to hear our cries and woes, including higher salary wages, call for more testing supplies and personal protective equipment.

We tried as best as we can to persuade them that we are also essential in this battle since we are the ones exposed to the virus.

Attempts are made but I just want to ask, When is too much? It hurts to see some of our colleagues asking for attention but still being ignored.

'I think that’s enough my friend'.

Let’s stop asking for sympathy, guys. In this crisis, with or without acknowledgment, let’s continue to love our profession. We can’t force them if they don’t know us and what we really do in this so-called 'healthcare'.

Let us work together, sign a petition, and let our actions speak louder for us. God is watching us. He knows our dedication and hard work to serve humanity.

I know that someday all of our sacrifices will be worth it. To every medical technologists in the lab whose time and dedication are offered…I want to give all of you a pat on the shoulder and say: You’re doing a great Job! Keep up the heroic work!

My random thoughts about COVID 19

In this vulnerable time where we face this catastrophe against COVID-19, we, as frontliners in this scenario are asking for your full cooperation in this matter. We can’t completely control this without doing your part. You should be part of the solution, not a burden.

It’s risky in our lives. While you were asked to stay at home, we healthcare workers are still reporting to duty, exposing ourselves, and testing the samples of what might be positive to the virus. It is our oath to use our profession to serve the humanity. We work in silence even though it goes unnoticed; no matter how infectious or deadly it may be.

Test kits may be limited but the government is exerting their efforts to order PCR-based and FDA-approved kits from other countries to facilitate nationwide testing.

Honestly, it’s new to my ears hearing these words such as self-isolation, extreme enhanced community quarantine, and social distancing, but it’s strictly imposed now and thus it should be practiced in our community to mitigate this disease.

I consider panic buying of surgical masks and hoarding of alcohols greed. Carts full to the the brim with hand sanitizers, soaps seem to be insensitive. Some don’t have consideration that others need it too.

Fake news is circulating everywhere so we should do fact check to credible sources such as DOH, WHO or CDC.

Elderly and immunocompromised persons are usually affected so it’s our priority to protect them.

Death tolls have increased worldwide resulting to lockdown of airports to help prevent spreading the virus. Thermal guns and scanners are so useful these days for checkpoint.

Sad to say, it has not only affected the health of others but the livelihood of Filipinos because most businesses are closed. Some do skeletal staffing which is hard for those people who are breadwinners.

I appreciate the country’s efforts in putting the people’s welfare by suspending classes and work and National Telecommunications Commission sending constant texts reminding proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

I just saw Bayanihan in this country, working hand in hand to reach out for those affected. I truly appreciate those companies who recognize our efforts by giving food packs to frontline health workers.

Churches are closed. It saddens me that masses are temporarily suspended on Sundays but in the midst of this pandemic, let’s pray that there would be fast discovery to cure.

Now isn’t the time to blame the government or worst, oust the president. Although, we are a nation with different perspectives, now is the time to show unity and solidarity. It is so dismal to see people rallying for delayed relief goods and aid. 

Stay at home and practice social distancing. Keep updated to the news and be informed to updates.

As a medical technologist, it’s an honor to serve. This is my profession. I’m no longer calling for hazard pay but donations such as the PPEs are appreciated to get through every single day. I believe we could put an end to this sooner. We fight for you, so please fight for us by preventing the spread of infection.

VisaScreen Application Process: What you need to know

According to CGFNS International, the VisaScreen® certification is a federal screening program intended for professionals born outside the US. The International Commission on Healthcare Professionals is a division under CGFNS that administers the VisaScreen®. This is valid for 5 years. For healthcare professionals, this is an essential document to prove that your credentials are legit and you are eligible to practice the profession. This is one of the requirements needed to start on processing your working visa (H-1B) petition to USCIS.

The screening includes:

·         Assessment of educational credentials to ensure that it is equivalent to that of a US graduate

·         Verification of professional licenses

·         English language proficiency

                 You can ask help thru an agency for this, but in my case, I applied on my own. I started my application on March 2019.     

                 Reminder: Never attempt to send FAKE DOCUMENTS. VisaScreen® will surely revoke your application and you’ll ban to apply for VisaScreen forever!                                                                                                     

Let’s get you through the application process:

1.       The most convenient way to complete the application is thru online. Create your account at http://cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp This account will keep you updated about the status of your application.

a.       You are given 30 days to pay for your application

b.      The application fee is $540 thru credit card.

c.       Once the payment is made, you will be given 1 year to comply all the required documents

2.       Complete the application form

a.       Double check the spelling of each information (name, birthday, gender, mailing address, citizenship, education)

b.      Select H-1B as occupation visa information (for medical technologists in the Philippines)

c.       Select ICHP Visascreen Certificate as VisaScreen category

d.      Upload your Passport size ID Picture with white background. This is the same photo to be applied to your certificate.

 

3.       The documents to be reviewed:

                Note: There are downloable forms to each document that you need to include, so please fill out the required forms (applicant) as well.

·         IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test result- the USA sets a standard for medical technologists: a candidate must take the ACADEMIC MODULE and have at least a total band score of 6.5 with a speaking score of at least 7.0. It’s better if you take IELTS before VisaScreen.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 10000 PHP

                                                             ii.      VALIDITY: 2 years

                                                            iii.      Once you pass IELTS, you can ask for an ADDITIONAL TEST RESULT FORM from your test provider (in my case, IDP) to send the result to CGFNS. Just fill out IDP’s form of ‘Request for additional TRF’ for electronic sending. The service is free for 2 weeks after you pass. After that, you’ll pay 200 PHP.

·         Highschool Diploma with English Translation- Must be a ‘certified true copy’ from your high school registrar. This doesn’t need to be sent thru a courier. You can upload the diploma into your account.

·         College Requirements – This might take 1 to 2 months of processing depending on your school so it is advised that you go back to your college as early as possible. Give the form to be filled out and sealed/stamped by the registrar. The school will be the ones to send the educational credentials to CGFNS, otherwise they won’t accept it even if unopened.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 2500PHP including mailing fee (price varies depending on your school)

                                                             ii.      Transcript of Records with remarks FOR VISASCREEN PURPOSES ONLY

                                                            iii.      Course Description- a summary of all the subjects you’ve taken from the first year to final year of your bachelor’s program

                                                           iv.      Completely Filled out form of Request for Academic Records/Transcripts from CGFNS website by the applicant and the university registrar’s section

·         The registrar should include the clock hours of Clinical Internship

·         Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Certificate of Good Standing.

- CGFNS ICHP validates your license to confirm if you have completed the requirement by passing the board exam and to check if your registration has not been suspended or revoked. Also, the licensing authority should be the ones to send the documents, not from you or a third party on your behalf.

                                                               i.      Submit a photocopy of your Transcript of Records and the filled out form Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma from CGFNS website

                                                             ii.      PRICE: 2100 PHP including FEDEX

                                                            iii.      PROCESSING TIME: 1 week

Remind the university and the licensing authority to send the documents to CGFNS mailing address:

CGFNS/VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment

3600 Market Suite 400

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-2651 USA

I finally got my certification on June 2019, so my processing took 3 months. So update your CGFNS account frequently to check the status of each document. If everything is complete, CGFNS will issue the IHCP VisaScreen Certificate. You will be given a FEDEX tracking number to trace the mail. If not, they will notify you about insufficient or lacking documents.

References:

CGFNS International Application Handbook

Visascreen certificate for medtechs, how to apply visascreen, visascreen for nurses, cgfns ichp visascreen, visascreen application process, h1b visascreen medtech, how to apply as medtech in usa, filipino medtech in america, medpro international

OEC Processing Part 3: Phase 2 Requirements to OEC Issuance

This blog is all about how I secured each of the Phase 2 requirements.

Since I was waiting for the POEA documents sent to Manila. I wasted no time in complying the requirements indicated in Phase 2. Still, you need to submit photocopies of each document.

The following are the essential documents I submitted to POEA:

1.       E-registration account- you need to print out the Worker’s Information Sheet where the registration number is located.

·         Make sure you are connected to the internet to complete this process

·         Log-in to http://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph

·         Click Register to create an account. Fill out the form correctly.

·         With your email address, they will be sending a temporary password so check that mail, get the given temporary password and go back to POEA website and Log-in

·         Input the temporary password so that you can change your own password for security.

·         Once directed to your homepage, upload your photo and passport by clicking Attach Profile Picture and Passport respectively.

·         Update your Personal Details, Beneficiaries, Education, in My Profile tab

·         You can also upload documents such as NBI, Police and Medical Certificates in PDF format in My Documents tab

·         After completing all the necessary fields and reviewing the information, go to My Resume. Click Print Resume (green button) located at the upper left of the page.

·         Ensure that all pages (2 pages if letter size) are complete

2.       Medical Certificate from a POEA-accredited medical clinic. POEA will provide a list of accredited clinics.

·         Fees may vary. In my case, I paid 2000 pesos for the whole package.

·         You will undergo several tests such as blood examination (CBC, blood typing, Hepatitis B Antigen and HIV screening), urinalysis, stool analysis, X-ray, Drug Test, Dental, Physical, Psychological, Audio and Visual examination.

·         The results depend on the turn-around time of the clinic

·         See to it that your Medical Certificate has a FIT TO WORK recommendation by the clinic’s physician

3.       PDOS certificate issued by OWWA

·         As I mentioned from the previous blog, I was scheduled on Thursday of that week. I went early to OWWA office for the registration. This was a whole-day seminar. I’ve learned so much about the topics presented by each speaker. They were all informative and their tips were useful for a first time OFW like me.  

·         The PDOS certificate are given after the seminar. The attendance is monitored so it is expected that you must be present in the morning and in the afternoon.

4.       Insurance Certificate

·         Better ask POEA which Insurance companies can cover the benefits provided under section 37-A or RA 8042

·         Present your passport and employment contract.

·         Prepare for your payment. I paid 1800 pesos.

·         The insurance certificate will be given to you right away.

5.       Fees

·         POEA - 100USD or Philippine Peso equivalent

·         OWWA – 1258 PHP

Hope this helps!