My Lucky Star (2007 Taiwanese Drama) Review

My Lucky Star main casts

After watching the whole series, I would give My Lucky Star 9 out of 10 stars because it definitely hooked me and my cousin's heart till the end. I declare that this is my best taiwanese drama watched so far. Aww from start to finish, the whole drama never bored us that we have to sleep late just to finish one hour each episode (but it took me a week to finish it because of school stuffs). Whew! So what are the reasons why we were so crazy with this drama? CHECK this out.

CHARACTERS

The Jimmy Lin-Yoo Hana tandem has chemistry (not to mention Jimmy is already 33 here while the Korean Hana is just 21 while shooting this drama, isn't it amazing?). If you will just look at them regardless of their age they seem to be so good together. Hence, the pairing of these two is very very very good, BRAVO to all the staff of this show for choosing them. They are both attractive and everytime they make a cheesy scene they always nailed it to the point we burst to uncontrollable smiles and shivering with excitement. Hey Mr Jimmy Lin, why do you have to be so handsome? Your looks is so attractive and not only that, you're talented and smart too. As for Ha Na, she's really pretty and she's sticking to her character as the invincible and high-spirited Ah Xing that makes the story better as it goes on. I wish you two end up together as you guys make a lovable couple. They both look good at any angles and in different face expressions. A very nice pair so far!

The comedy is worth a laugh, thanks for the supportive characters like Uncle Guang Ming who is an epic fail at all times. I just have to admit that I don't like seeing Tian Qi's ex-girlfriend Ou Ya Ruo still rooting for him even though she's engaged to someone else and that was Tian Qi's brother Tian Jun. 

In the half part of the story, there comes the hot, cool and fearless Han Zhi Yin who was starstrucked by Ah Xing because of her character. This made half of the drama something to be watched as he comes to Ah Xing's rescue every now and then. His aura is sooo cool. 

STORY: Though we're already spoiled of a poor girl rich boy kind of story but I really like the realistic approach of this one. There may be people who don't agree with their love story but it can be mended through time. I truly admire Tian Qi's love for Ah Xing coz his love is unconditional, he's ready to give up everything (even leaving his own family) and work hard for the things that make Ah Xing happy. The trials spiced up the story, thrilling scenes such as the car racing competition between Tian Qi and the extoriionist Fa Ge where Jimmy Lin showcased his burning passion in car racing and so with Han Zhi Yin as well. Every episode is a must-see as something would happen  

ENDING

As for the ending...I have to say. I WAAAANNNNTTTT MOOOOREE! Hey, why do they have to end there? I laughed at the fact that my cousin really looked for an episode 21 but she failed. At least the conflicts brought from the previous episodes were solved and I think this already suffice to a good ending. Anyway, I assume they will get married soon because Ah Xing was already pregnant.

LESSON
For someone who's like Ah Xing, the girl who cries like a wolf and telling lies all the time, it's not the end of the world yet. We are all given the chance to make things right and start anew. Also, I see the point of  'everything happens for a reason' because if Ah Xing didn't persevere to be given a parole so soon then she and Tian Qi will not be destined to meet at a very circumstantial manner. It's like life sometimes leads you to unexpected events. There are ten thousand possibilities (as Ah Xing said) to choose from and Tian Qi really choose the path with Ah Xing. Aww, so sweet!

Also, since Zhong Tian Qi's family is in jewelry industry it also imbibe with Ah Xing's passion in jewelry designing giving us hint that every design has its story behind it and how important it is to create something of your own needless to copy other's idea.

Ahh..I hate the fact that the drama had to end on episode 20 but then, My Lucky Star made me laugh, made my heart touched as well as made me fall in love. ♥_♥ Thank you Thank you Thank you sooo much for the casts and the rest of the crew. I think it will take me months to move on and get to watch a touching drama same as this.

medtech level up...INTERNSHIP! (my expectations)

at last, so happy with my scrub suit on!

Wow! This is it! The blue internship uniform! I couldn't believe that I'm wearing it now and will be wearing for the next six months to come. Right in front of the mirror, I see myself differently. It's like an updated version of me wearing that dignified scrub suit. Though I look so professional on that blue outfit but I just couldn't hide my worries and made-up 'what-ifs' to would happen for this span of time.

Yes, I know this will be the toughest one. Being a medtech intern isn't something to brag on because you're thinking you're near the finishing line but it's not yet. We need to work hard and if must, two times the effort that we do to our studies to pass not only internship but a subject called Seminar 2 as well. Now here's the deal, if I was able to escape from the evil clutches of seminar 1 then our clinical instructor reiterated that this time she will be hard on us to see who are those worthy to join the commencement exercises this coming May. Whoa! If most of us think this semester will be all about duty to different medical center, rotating to every department and catching each shifts then that's not it. I have to study still or I'll end up crying again seeing failing grades because of quizzes and practical exams.

my driving force why I'm trying my best to
every step of the way

During the two-week module, honestly I found it so difficult to do the laboratory procedures with order and precision. Truth to this is because when we were still third years, our performance in the laboratory is not evaluated individually. It is a group work all throughout semesters and we just have to observe the person actually doing the test. Well, I have to say that I'm not also that kind of person who easily gets the things to be done after being told. If possible, I have to clarify it first just to make sure things will run smoothly. At times, I'm not with my self letting fear overcome me that took our clinical coordinators to notice it. Waah! Presence of mind please. Most of the day, I feel so sorry with my partner he got himself a clumsy pair like me. (So sorry, please forgive me)

What I have to work more now is phlebotomy and the blood smear preparation coz these two are the essentials in the clinical laboratory and still I couldn't get it right. My first center is in the Sacred Heart Hospital and I hope I would be having a good start on my internship experience. Although they say the center is not so busy but I'm looking forward as to the help that I could render to the patients and for me to harness my skills in the clinical laboratory.

I know there might be extensions along the way but I hope this will not stop me from finishing all the rotations till May. I hope that I could get along with my groupmates as well. What I only ask are their understanding and their willingness to help their co-interns because that alone would lift up our mood and somehow that would build the trust the RMTs would be giving us.  I hope I'll learn more and more as I hop in to one center to the next.

I guess this will end my expectations. I have lots of them on my mind but I give it up to the heavens to be with me all the time. More internship diaries to come!

Feeling excited,

Cindy♥♥♥

RESEARCH STUDY “HEMATOPOIETIC PROPERTY OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Pleurotus ostreatus (OYSTER MUSHROOM) AMONG Oryctolagus cuniculus (MALE RABBITS)”

Escoba, C.A.; Duarte, K.S.L.; Desabille, K.E.L.; Estella, K.D

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the effectivity of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract on the hematopoietic activity among Oryctolagus cuniculus. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) has been found to contain vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B5 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B7 (biotin). The phytochemical screening of the mushroom extract revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, and glycosides.

A total of 20 Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits) were randomly assigned and employed into four groups. All showed a normal hematopoietic activity prior to testing.  There is statistical significance between treatments and time, and interaction of treatments and time; RBC (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003); hematocrit = (treatment=.032, time=.024, interaction=004); hemoglobin (treatment=.034, time=.021, .interaction=.003).

Based on the gathered data and results, the researchers concluded that Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) ethanolic extract has a potential hematopoietic effect among Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbits).

RECOMMENDATIONS 

The researchers of this study yearn to improve the following:

1. That the future researchers might improve the methodology used by the proponents in this experimentation.

2. That there will be additional parameters to be studied upon aside from the red blood cell count, hematocrit and hemoglobin.

3. That there will be induction of any hematological abnormalities that could prove the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and show that there is possibility that it could be used as an alternative treatment.

The BIG SCHOOL

As students, we worry much about our studies to pass hardest subjects. We stayed late, not even get too much sleep or even skipped meals. We worry about getting low grades  or even begging to pass but some of us don't know that this subject called LIFE has more than that. In fact, we tend to forget how we need to do good to impress the one and only teacher in heaven, our God the father. Regardless whether they're grading us or not, (coz I don't know) I'm wondering how we are doing there. How the angels in heaven evaluate us as most teachers on earth do. How is our performance then? Does this impress God? Are we in the edge of failing? Or maybe failed already?

In this world, we are all SCHOLARS. We are even granted a full scholarship. Take a look in to every single thing that surrounds you, YES, these are our privileges! Privileges that we must have to take care and IF POSSIBLE, cultivate. If we think of it, we should attend to class, once a week listening attentively to the salient points the priests summarized from the scriptures. Exams testing our faith and strength come unannounced so we should brace ourselves to whatever problems we may encounter.

Just a question, when we commence into this world, how are we in terms of strengthening our faith on Christ and our fellowship with our brothers and sisters? Does the Lord God give straight As or merit those things we did?

Like the motivation and the hardwork we pour into every endevour, I hope that as we study the depths of Life, we may do our best in overcoming trials. Let's also prioritize our spiritual needs like what we do when striving for our career and financial security. Remember: The best things in life are not measured in numbers, It's about strengthening ourselves, touching lives of others and all that can't be seen but is felt, emotionally and spiritually. There's a second chance to every failures coz we can enroll again and review the mistakes we've done.

feeling disappointed and nervous this semis..

Problems..Problems..Problems.. I'm sooo tired..physically, mentally, emotionally.. Why the world seems so selfish to me? Why?  

I've done everything but it seems all that I've sacrificed and worked hard didn't turn out so well. I don't know what to do especially when I realized that my status this semi-finals isn't great. Why? I failed the blood banking exam! Huhuhu..

Whenever I think I'm gonna fail, I can't breathe. The thought of what would my classmates think of me and how would I break the news to my parents horrifies me. Am I that dumb enough I was not able to pass it this term? (sigh)

PROBLEMS

• While I'm struggling to make our research done this month (because no one opted to help me) I think I can't have it too because we have to wait for a month for the needed chemical to arrive. 

• I keep on telling myself to think positive but the negatives keep coming to me. I did well in Pre-lims and Mid-terms in my Seminar 1 when suddenly I was shocked on how I failed some quizzes and exams during the semis. 

• I was not able to answer the first quiz in Blood banking. (but I studied hard, it's just that time was not just enough)

What an inconsistent student I am! I can't keep my grades high. I'm so stressed now and I don't know if I will be an intern for the next semester or not. Why things turned so complicated right now? 

Just like from the excerpt of the song 'I will sing' by Don Moen....

"Though I haven't lost my faith I must confess right now that it's hard for me to pray"

I still believe that good things will come at the end but on the other side, how will accept it (with open arms) if in case I'll fail? huhu.. I hope God will shower me the gift of wisdom to grasp things easily with full understanding.

Finals will be over in a week or two. Can I make it? Only me and my fate can answer it. I will cling to the LORD no matter what! If I will fail, then maybe there's a reason why.....

I deserve to be loved

Everybody deserves to be loved, that's for sure. In the eyes of God, there are no exceptions. Whether you're rich or poor, black or white, moslem or christian, everyone deserves to be given importance of equal quantity. Yes, we're not equal but God has been with us through thick or thin no matter how we think life is unfair. At times we don't feel his presence but that's because we refuse to listen.

In this Sunday evening, I glorify God's name. May He continue to bless each of us to stay closer together and live with his teachings. May all the people know someone loves them, truthfully, wholeheartedly, unconditionally. I hope they come to appreciate every week that passed. This I ask through our Lord Jesus. Amen

Nana (Live Action Movie)

As previously mentioned, I got to watch the film from the song Endless Story. The movie is touching, talking about how friendship stemmed from two young women of different perspectives. 

Synopsis:

their first meeting in the train

As the title implies, the story evolves about two young women of the same name, Nana who happened to meet in a train by coincidence. The first Nana is a carefree woman whose only purpose is to see her boyfriend in Tokyo while the other Nana is an ambitious vocalist (she's a member of the band BLACK STONES or BLAST) who wants to get her band famous. This Nana has a bitter past she wanted to keep for herself (this includes about her boyfriend who left them for another band, Trapnest). Though their first encounter was short, their paths crossed again when suddenly the carefree Nana was forced by her boyfriend to find a new place to stay (he said she can't live in his apartment forever..ouch!) then fortunately found a cheaper place to rent at Rm 707 (in which in Japanese, Nana means seven also). The carefree Nana was about to take the apartment when suddenly the vocalist Nana came in. There was a short misunderstanding, but then both decided to live together.

Nana's BLAST bandmates

the rival band, Trapnest with Nana's boyfriend as the guitarist

And a series of events happened and the two Nanas came to face their ups and downs while living together. As the two got closer, they realized they both need each other. The carefree Nana was called 'Hachi' (being childish at times) by the other Nana. The vocalist Nana starts to open up her past which make Hachi understand her. 

the scene when Hachi decided to wait for his loser boyfriend from work
then finds out her bf cheated on her 

Why I like it?

Despite the viewer's critics as being dull, poor in acting and it's fast-pacing approach compared to the anime, the Live action gave justice to the original. I nearly cried at the ending:)) It copied almost everything most especially, the casting. Although I have to complain about the ending in Nana part 1 but the viewers need not to fret because there's a sequel. I thought that the vocalist Nana will remain cold and bitter but as the movie goes on, I'm happy to know that her character turned into a caring, sister figure of Hachi. Little by little with the help of her bandmates, they were able to establish their band and was able to create a larger fanbase in Japan. That was such a kind of achievement brought from moving on and the ambition she carried for herself. This teaches us that everyone needs someone to turn to, time heals and just keep on pushing the dream. 

Will I recommend it?

Of course yes, if you want to witness their kind of friendship, then this is for you but there are some scenes that might not suitable for younger ones and needs parental discretion. 

Hope you'll like it,

Cindy♥♥♥

Bring it on Jpop!

Wahh! Get these two songs off me! I can't help it! Well, whenever I go online, I always go to the search bar on youtube to play these songs and I don't think it's weird for a Filipina to like Japanese songs like this. (I'm always fond of listening to this kinds of genre, sorry). Though this is not k-pop this time but I found out Jpop is best on melo songs (not actually dynamic).

The first one entitled Endless Story is like a bit of revival of Faith Hill's If I'm not in love but what differs from Yuna Ito's version is the musicality (how the song was arranged) topped with Yuna's angelic voice. Honestly, I love this version more than the original because there's a transition from soft to the part where notes go to a higher range. Actually the song was featured on a 2005 Film entitled Nana (which I will be having a review later).

The second song is edgy from the first one. May I introduce to you Story sung by a renowned Japanese RnB singer Ai. This speaks about friendship, that someone is not alone and he has shared his sorrows and tears to a friend all this time that's why someone should not have to worry. Ai's spirit in singing emanates in this song and this song makes her famous throughout Japan and to the world.

I've got lots of foreign music on my playlist and I'm looking for more. For now, I'm enjoying these two songs of different moods and genre. I love to learn Japanese even more ♥♥♥

Jpop fan wanna-be,

Cindy

Educational Psychology by healthcare practitioners

For almost four years, I realized that being a health professional, be in the clinical or in a academe setting must be able to impart his knowledge by educating the patient as long as he can. It’s not just we’re attending to their medications and treatment but I realized that we are more than what we are expected. It’s true that we are called to save people’s lives but our duty is also to promote healthcare awareness to humanity and spread it throughout the world using our skills which I think  the valuable tool of our profession.

We meet a certain goal, purpose, and objective by following a system or process that serves our basis to an effective patient education. We may encounter several barriers and obstacles in both teaching and learning but these things can be eradicated or alleviated if we learn the alternatives. We may not convince people at that certain point but it is an achievement for us health practitioners that somehow we tried our best to correct what has been their beliefs about that certain situation.

In teaching health education, psychology plays a major role in assessing students as well as their way in perceiving what they need to learn. Psychology is the foundation that has to be focused, now that we’re dealing with all kinds of people and not just students in the school. I realized that after all these years, this field of science built up my way of learning knowing that in behaviorism, I was able to achieve something because of positive reinforcements such as incentives and rewards and the negative reinforcement and punishment in which most of us are afraid of. Repetition has made me do things I'm now used to. Therefore, by the formation of behaviorism, people develop observable behaviors mostly by improving their personality.

As observable behaviors developed, mental processes tend to sharpen as well. The main assumption of cognitive psychology is that there are cognitive processes that take place and influence the way things are learned. Explanations of how cognitive processes work are known as information processing theories or models. The three-component model of information processing is being taught in Educational Psychology. It looks something like this. Important classroom principles from cognitive psychology include meaningful learning, organization, and elaboration. One has to deal with these psychological aspects because this plays an instrument for us to understand the basic abode of man.

The role learning theories in education

The highschool students nowadays should be sensitive enough to the needs of other people so what I want to impart to them is the critical thinking skill and being a responsible student by participating and getting involved with organizations dedicated in providing welfare to those who are in utmost need.

For me to mold their critical thinking skills, I have to give them them a case situation in which they have to talk with themselves and deal with it. The theory of behaviorism will come out if I continue to give them this and impost a higher grade as incentive to do a narrative reporting based from what they have learned and let them formulate ways on how they are going to solve the problem. Each student must able to present in front and after that another set of reporting comes for the next week. That should be a routine but of course, I will still be facilitating the class and clarifying things that need to be cleared for the student’s benefit. The observable behavior there is their improved ability to deal with complicated things not just by themselves but also considering the opinions and stand from other people as well.

As for cognitivism theory is concerned, my follow-up questions will stimulate the ability of these students to use their reasoning by asking mostly the WHY and HOW questions. Because of this, encouraging them also to participate in organizations and joining movements for a cause will lead to social involvement particularly responding to other’s needs and engage in leadership status because of his or her prowess to initiate certain steps towards the betterment of a certain cause he or she is in favor of.

Barriers and Obstacles in teaching Public Health

The barriers and obstacles to teaching and learning can never be out in the scenario, it is for us healthcare professionals to deal with the shortcomings and use these hindrances as our tool for an effective transmission of healthcare awareness. The factors that might hinder my ability to teach might be the lack of resources, absence of documentation system, and the relationship between me and the residents. The lack of resources is one thing to consider because you are not only providing educational materials but you have to allocate the budget. Next thing is the lack of documentation system, knowing that we're not familiar with the place, the relationship between me and the residents in that barangay might be at stake because they are may be following some rituals that we're not used to.

In considering the obstacles that affect the ability of the learner, the primary concern that I might encounter are the time, sickness, low-literacy and the overwhelming extent of health information. Time should be looked upon because not the whole day the residents would be devoted to listen what you teach. Maybe there are more important things that they need to attend to most especially with the sick people who are having lower attention span. Low-literacy can affect in a sense that your reading materials might be useless because some people can not be able to read as well as the taboos or the traditional thinking of the populace.

how about feeding programs that would lift residents
to listen? 

These barriers and obstacles might be appalling but if we can handle it based from our preparations, then we can control and overcome it. As to barriers to teaching, the ability to establish a relationship between them and to reach out to them is a good thing to start what you want them to know based from your acquired knowledge and skills. I must be time-efficient so that I can deliver all the information they need to know in a certain time. Our ability to make things right should be the bread and butter of all these problems because the low-literacy of the residents or what is customary for them are nothing if we can teach them effectively and efficiently.

Propagating public health to the community

We as healthcare professionals should devote ourselves not just for the people who can afford quality healthcare education but also to those people who are in utmost need. When we think about them, we assume that they are living in remote areas where they basically need assistance, awareness and at the same time, educate them in a level of their understanding. In my own perspective, it’s not always teaching that should be emphasized but it is the providing of an environment that is conducive to their learning. So it’s essential to know what it’s gonna be if we put ourselves into their shoes because by doing this way, we will be able to know how we are going to handle the situation, devise a teaching strategy and implement it in a right away.

Normally, it’s not always that when you teach or provide information, the people will always get the gist of it. It’s not always they will follow what you've just said and leave what have been used to, so as a health educator, the ability to use our knowledge and skills should be used up by simply educating them in a step-by-step process until such time they will be able to correlate all the information by themselves. For example, I’m going to start about the epidemiology of a certain disease (eg. dengue, typhoid), followed by the causes and its treatment after discussing all of these things the prevention and control will follow. Basically, when we talk about it that should be thoroughly explained like how important it is to have a clean environment and a must to drink clean and potable water. Being practical-wise, it is necessary for me provide them materials for their understanding and being an example that reflects also to your personality as well. My convincing power should be enhanced in order for the residents to believe because what I’m doing is for the benefit of them to prevent increasing these cases as soon as possible.

The Nursing Process and the Education Process

In the context of characterizing the difference between the nursing and the education process. We can easily observe as well as sense what is being meant about these two aspects in the teaching and learning setting. Mentioning the four essential backbones of these processes, entails keen sense of heeding what the learner in the education process should need to acquire and in the counterpart, the patient needs to understand in the nursing process. As this topic was elaborated further by our professor, myriads of real-life situations have come out from my mind and there, I was able to picture out how the so-called APIE that stands for: 

Assessment, 

Planning, 

Implementation and 

Evaluation takes into the course of application.

A process cannot be made if the first thing that should be taken into consideration was already neglected. So, doing the assessment needs to be done in order for professionals to point out the needs of a certain individual. Like in the educational or institution setting to set an example, whereby highschool students are assigned to learn about the topic ‘RH Bill’. The mentioned topic sounds controversial, so what the educators have to ponder is the interest of the learner. Take note that they are still highschool students so their level of maturity to understand and to formulate their insights are counted suitable for their learning capacity. Another is to measure how well the students know about it. In the healthcare setting, the assessment is done through checking patient's history and other relevant data.

Second is the planning. In planning, preparations are now being made and this is where the development of what has been into mind subsides. As what was being mentioned from the first educational process’ example, the teaching strategy is now developed like the professor plans for the medium to be used by choosing the open forum plan. Same with the nursing process where after obtaining all the necessary information from the patient, all personnel assigned to monitor his or her condition can be able to devise preventive measures by formulating a diet plan and prescribing medication.just to alleviate his or her increasing blood glucose levels.

As for implementing what has been planned, the teacher who planned to talk about the chosen topic (RH Bill) is now ready to execute and apply it effectively. Once an educator is confident to what she teaches, chances are the students want to listen. One of the successful ones is those who enable to establish a good communication response and when the chosen form of teaching was very well executed. In the healthcare perspective, implementation of medication, dietary control and time-to-time checking of the patient’s condition is the clearer picture of implementation.

Evaluating a student in the education process is feasible. A teacher can already evaluate the learners through their facial expressions be it whether he or she understands it well or not. It could be also when students ask a lot of questions and clarifications. A perfect or a failed score can also serve as indicators that the teaching strategy you’ve chosen is effective. Evaluation in nursing process on the other hand, involves the good and effective response of patients to treatment as well as the measure of improvement of the well-being of an individual.

FOREIGN STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Foreign students. Almost everyday do we get across with this bunch of cool people in the campus. Oftentimes, I feel I’m in a country not my own seeing them in groups most especially when they converse in their mother tongue. Talking about unity in diversity, we can find it here in Southwestern University.  It’s pretty amazing you see foreign nationals in the university like Indians, Kenyans, Nigerians, Iranians, Nepalese, Thais, Koreans, Japanese, and others to name a few getting along each other like going to school together, studying in the library, eating in the canteen, or having a great time into the different corners of the university. Only in Southwestern University you can see a number of them, but we may not know, setting aside our amusement and all, these foreign students have also one goal to seek and one dream to attain..and that is to finish their degree and to serve the masses through the help of the high-quality education our dear institution is instilling.

Thriving in a Diverse World

So basically, what comes into our mind is that why these foreigners come to study in the Philippines? Why education in our country to be exact?  How is coping up with our culture and how different is it with theirs? And a whole lot more... We simply look in to how they deal with their day-to-day life without getting deeper into their thoughts about our country, our people and our education.  Luckily, I met some of them and when they come to tell me each of their stories, I realized this article won’t suffice their gratitude and amusement. I had learned much from the interview rather.

So much as we are interested in their culture is also the eagerness of these folks to share and exchange their way of life here in the Philippines. How they are getting along with things not customary for them. As the new student, Esther 20 years of age, who is planning to get nursing for the next school year, she can already see her future in Southwestern University.

ESTHER. I just like the school and I know they are offering nursing. I want to know more about nursing and since I have a cousin here who’s already studying engineering, i decided to come in here to study. This school is really ok and in terms of education they said it’s very good. I don’t find it hard adapting to Filipino culture since Filipinos are really friendly. They make life easier.

In the pursuit of success

As she is getting nearer towards the realization of her dreams, Rijal 19, a Nepalese, wants to pursue her current course to become a doctor.

RIJAL. My aim is to be a doctor. In my place, some doctors who are now successfully working in hospitals are a graduate from Southwestern University. Through them I chose this school. The Philippines is so nice. Yes, we sometimes find it hard coping since we are from different places and culture, there’s the climate to include. At first, everything was difficult but when we got used to it, it gets easier as we continue. Now, I find Filipinos so great, kind, and ready to help and share. As for the teachers, when we ask something, they are very approachable. The libraries and laboratories are functional as well. I like the curriculum and the course. All are pretty good and in free time, we stay around like this (referring to the interfaith chapel).

But she pleaded for one thing:

The books... if we could keep them for a few days or weeks, then that would be nicer.

Embarking to a world of no barriers  

Gaurav, 18, along with friends Dave and Chandhari are both Indians expressing how education here in the Philippines is high-standard yet very affordable. 

GAURAV Before Southwestern University, education for me is too much costly. We chose Southwestern University because they have a good name here. This school is very nice. I just came to know the school from one of my friends. Well, I don’t find it hard adapting because I’m up to it. The Filipino culture is not difficult since I belong to an English medium but yeah there are some people who find it difficult still. I have many Filipino friends and I can say they are well-mannered, behaved and very nice people. We are in this school for almost two months and things run smoothly for us.

But his appreciation towards the faculty struck me the most:

The faculties are superb. The students are very much impressed to them. They are very helpful and their way of teaching is very nice. We are all known by our faculties, they know our names.

Nuttawut, a medicine student from Thailand chose Southwestern University because of its popularity in catering competitive medical education.

NUTTAWUT. My senior is a graduate from here. After he graduated in Southwestern, I saw him very successful in life. I took medicine in Thailand before and in my old school I have some problems. The reason why I chose to study here is that aside it’s located in Cebu which is safer, this school is popular for those who want to proceed medicine. As for the Filipinos, they are fun, they help me in studying, and they really accommodate me when I’m doing something. The culture is the same, we have foods like Lechon in our place also.

Just like Rijal, Nuttawut is concerned about:

...there are too many students in the class. There should have more teachers to accommodate students and the classrooms have to be expanded.

Providing linkages around the globe

Erika, a student from Japan grabbed the chance to study English in the country by availing the intensive English Learning Program offered by Southwestern University.

ERIKA Our school sent us here to study English. The Philippines is known to be very good in teaching English because even my friends’ English skills improved after studying here for a year. It’s a nice thing they sent us in Southwestern because the school’s environment is very good and not that crowded.  People are nice, happy and they are always ready to help us. I can see our teachers are doing their best to make us understand everything. It’s been a week since we arrived and I love my stay in here. We have many Filipino friends already and it’s amazing they know some Japanese songs. As for the school’s activities, I love it and I learned a lot. I and my friends are thankful we got the chance to study in Southwestern University.

SWU: the ground for world-class education

Those were just bits of our lengthy conversations. If I were to account each of the foreign students’ perspective, all of them will shout the same: That they were not wrong in choosing the school for their dreams. Leaving their fate into the hands of our dear faculties is something the school has to be proud of. Should we be more open to them because we are one regardless of the color of our skin or the religion we’re in. At the middle of each talk, I saw no differences in regards to culture sensitivities and language barriers. More likely, they come to embrace and love country already. 

My 10 Most Inspiring Songs

Hey guys, because I'm a music lover I wanna share to you my favorite songs that keep me inspire. For me, the singers don't matter as long as the song's meaningful message is there. This is of no particular order and of my personal preference. Enjoy!

 #1 - NEVER SAY NEVER by Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith

Since this was one of the soundtrack of the 2010 Film, The Karate Kid, this song teaches us not to give up and that is never say never to the things you CAN DO. You may see yourself smaller among the rest but you have the power to do things beyond unimaginable. Believe into the impossible as sooner or later you can get it by hardwork and perserverance.

#2 - FIREWORKS by Katy Perry

To be honest, I really love Katy Perry and some of her songs. Although some are catchy but there's the FEELS behind every track. It's amazing God gave beauty, brains and talent all-in-one in this woman. I also admire her for joining organizations like UNICEF and charity works. Well this song talks about showing your worth as a person for each of us, regardless of our condition and status in life has the right to be happy.

#3 - BORN THIS WAY by Lady Gaga

I don't care what they tell about Lady Gaga because this song ROCKS! It talks about self-appreciation and you have to love yourself for who you are. You have to accept what He has given you and no one can change or even judge you. Wear your true color instead of pretending to be someone. As long as you didn't hurt anybody, live your life to the fullest. Stand up and ignore the negative people coz you're not born just to fit in their standards.

#4 - TODAY MY LIFE BEGINS by Bruno Mars

This song struck me because I feel like I'm suffering more than being happy because of the hardships and trials I have in my life but then, it tells me that this storm will soon calm down and that happiness will come on my way. That day will come when I will learn from my mistakes and become a stronger person. Even though you're suffering a lot of pain but try to fight for them so that you'll overcome them. Forget the past and move on. Everyone deserves a second chance to start all over

#5 - THE CLIMB by Miley Cyrus

Everytime I listen to this song, I miss the old Miley. That beautiful young lady who starred in Hannah Montana. Whew! I wish she will turn to her old self again but then, that's what she is now and it is her choice and her happiness. Sometimes, we may feel discourage in pursuing our dreams because of the obstacles laid on the way and our faith may fade at some point but as the song says 'just keep pushing on!'. The life we live is not easy, we have our own hardships. Sweet success is earned for those who keep on moving forward. It shouldn't be rushed. Just wait for your perfect timing!

#6 - ONLY HOPE by Mandy Moore

This is the soundtrack from my favorite movie A Walk To Remember. This is the song Mandy sang and I fell in love with it. Her voice, the melody, the emotion...it was all poured in the song. In here, it tells us that God is our redemption. When you feel like you can't go on, God is the Only Hope who is ready to help you in times of trouble. Remember, we will all go back to him once we're done in this world so we shouldn't forget to pray.

#7 - IMAGINE ME WITHOUT YOU by Akama Miki

This little girl's rendition of the song touched me. It is so cute. In this world, God keeps on leading us to the right path. What would be life without someone who is willing to be there in times of your sadness and pain? God is always there beside us but sometimes it takes realization or a lesson to know that he's just there waiting for you to notice.. Without him, we wouldn't be able to experience life on Earth. Because he loves, he sent his son for our salvation

#8 - MAGHINTAY KA LAMANG by Ted Ito

This is a Tagalog song which tells us that each of us has our own breaks. If not now, then maybe tomorrow. We should not lose hope because failures serve as our stepping stone towards our dreams. Fight until you reach the top. Take note that life is like a wheel, there are ups and downs. Don't be impatient because God has better plans for you.

#9 - STAY THE SAME by Joey McIntyre

Sometimes, I ask God why I'm not beautiful, intelligent or rich. Sometimes, I compare myself to others why they're always happy while I've got more problems to deal with. I think life is unfair but when I heard this one, I realized what if I was their shoes? Will it be easy? So don't regret. Stay who you are because someone loves you just the way you are. <3 p="">

#10 - I CAN by Donna Cruz, Regine Velasquez and Mikee Cojuangco

You can make dreams happen by doing the things you want to do. We are given freedom so we should nourish it. There are more things to cherish while we're still in this world. We have family and friends to turn to and still keep on supporting us on our journey. Life is full of endless possibilities. While we're living, there's still hope. Be happy we the things you have.

So, these are my top 10 most inspiring songs...I hope you like it. When I'm feeling down, I play one of these songs to enlighten my mind. May the music industry continue making songs that are meaningful and inspiring. More power guys!

Cindy♥♥♥