OFFICIALLY EMPLOYED!

That feeling when a friend texted you for a job opportunity, that was priceless! As in, I feel so lucky knowing that a certain diagnostics laboratory is in need of a licensed medical technologist. On that week, I was so determined to look for a job that would meet my qualifications. I even went online, in hopes that I could find one to apply and send my resume.

This time, I really need a job.

I want to find a work as soon as possible to be of help to my family. I don't want to wake up each day without anything to do. This is not the time now to be lazy.

From the start, I don't mind how much will I get from the company. As long as I'm gaining experience and I'm working harmoniously with other people, that's fine for me.

And so, I prayed. I ask God to give me signs for a job until the next day, my friend Ate Rhena told me that the place she's working needs two more medical technologists.

To make this story short, I didn't waste time and said to her that I'm willing to take the job. The next day, I passed my resume to the HR and was able to talk with the chief medical technologist, Maam Ester.It was just a normal conversation without feeling nervous as I and the other one Ate Niña were interviewed.

Without further delay, we were hired in an instant! After that, we were asked to comply with the requirements so that I can start on October 1!

Wow! It was just a week ago I passed the exam and I just got my first job immediately! My endless thanks to the Lord for giving me this blessing. I never thought it would come to me right on an instant!

I also want to thank Ate Rhena for calling me. I really owe her a lot. Without her, I will never know that this lab is in need of me :-)

So here I come, I welcome myself and good luck to me at TOTAL HEALTH CHECK DIAGNOSTICS, my first job as RMT!

Proud to be Batang 90s

Ako, si Cherry, kasama si Kuya JR. Na-miss ko tuloy ang pinsan kong si Charmaine (naka blue)

Haaay. Anong saya ko sa tuwing maaalala ko ang kabataan ko. Yung dahil sa mura mo pang edad ay wala ka pang problema at puro laro lang ang nasa isip mo. Sa edad ko ngayong bente anyos, sariwa pa rin sa king isipan ang ibang alaala ng aking pagkabata. Yun yung panahong simpleng simple lang ang pamumuhay ng karamihang pamilyang Pilipino at ang mga simpleng kasiyahan ng bawat kabataang Pilipino ay ang makipaglaro sa kapwa bata.

Bakit ko ba naisipang isulat ito? Eh kasi ibang-iba na ang mga kabataan ngayon kesa noon. Napapansin ko na ang lawak ng imagination ng mga bata noon at napaka.creative.. Sa patuloy na pag-usbong ng teknolohiya at modernong pamumuhay ay unti-unting binago nito ang mga nakasanayan. Nakakalungkot isipin pero unti-unti na tayong lumalayo sa kahapon.

Hindi man ako talagang Batang 90s (ipinanganak ako noong 1994) pero maituturing paring isa ako dahil naabutan ko pa ang mga bagay na kinahiligan ng mga kabataan noon. Noong panahon na wala pa masyadong gadgets at internet, naisip kong those were the best days. Miss na miss ko na talaga sila. Kung pwede lang sanang bumalik sa pagkabata. Haha. Pero yung totoo, mas nakakatuwa ang childhood memories ko.

NOTE: Credits to all the owners of the respective pictures shown. Salamat sa pag-share.

Ito ang mga listahang hindi ko malilimutan nung bata pa ako:

1. Palaging nagsusulat si mama ng pagkataas-taas na liham kay Papa sa ibang bansa with pictures pa namin. Maghihintay pa ng ilang buwan saka namin matanggap sulat niya.
2. Magpapapicture kay manong kodaker pagkatapos magsimba.
3. Kailangan munang ipadevelop ang mga litrato bago makita. Walang uso ang selfie kasi. Magsasayang ka lang ng film. 
4. Usong-uso ang Bestida/damit at jumper noon :-D
5. TV SHOWS



isa kang ganap na batang 90s kung mahuhulaan mo lahat ng to...

• Maiinis ni Lavinia sa Princess Sarah
• Teletubbies 
• Judy Abot (na intrigang intriga ako kung sino si Daddy Long Legs)
• Cedie (kabisado ko yung kantang pinapatugtog niya sa flute)
• Lupin at voltes v
• Hapon: Crayon shin chan sa rpn 9
• Mga paborito kong palabas tuwing weekdays: Sineskwela, Mathtinik
  
• Powerpuff girls at dexter's lab sa cartoon network 
• Mas naiinis ako kay Jerry kaysa ni Tom sa Tom and Jerry
• Scooby doo
• 
• Sailor moon (nang dahil dito mahilig akong magdrawing)
• Sa Sabado: Magandang gabi bayan 
• Inaabangan ang Wansapanataym tuwing Linggo 
• Comedy: Pwedeng-pwede, Labs ko si babes, Kaya ni mister Kaya ni misis, Home along da riles at iba pa
  
• Chabilita, Rosalinda, Marimar
6. LARONG 90's
   


• Maglaro ng bahay bahayan gamit ang sako bilang bubong (kasama na ang pagluluto ng dahon sa lata)
• Gumagawa kami ng saranggola tuwing bakasyon (plastic, sinulid at isang stick ng walis tingting)
• Mag-drama o role play (magaling ako dito, ako yung palaging inaapi.)
• Nung mas masaya ka dahil umuulan ng malakas at maliligo kayo ng mga kasama mo. 
• Land, Earth and Heaven sa hagdanan (grade one favorite ko)
• Hand clapping games like 'Bumbero, bumbero may sunog' at Bahay Kubo
• Bata-bata o piko, Habulan at taguan
• Nabaliw sa video karera machine (hulugan ng piso) dahil sa Super mario, street fighter at mortal kombat.
  
  
  
• Akala mo cellphone, yun pala watergame :-)
• Brickgame na di umano may 100+ games (pare-pareho lang naman)
• Bubutasin kaagad ang lata at lagyan ng mataas na sinulid..eh di telepono na!
• Snake lang ang nilalaro sa 3210 na cellphone (unang cp ni papa)
  
  
  
  
  
7. Mga tinda sa labas ng eskwelahan (seasonal o uso-uso po ang mga ito..hehe):



• Paperdolls (Mapa-anime figures o yung disney characters, babae o lalaki..meron ako nun)
• Holen :-D
• Takyan (sa bisaya)
• Chinese garter (marunong naman gusto ko yung 10-20)
• Tagisan sa Beyblade (modified version ng trumpo) o nung Tamiya/Crush gear
• Yoyo
• Jack stone
• Plastic Balloon.. haha malapit akong magka-beke kakaihip dito!
• Kisses (mabango na akala ko nanganganak talaga at nilalagyan pa ng pulbo para dumami)
  
• 
  
8. FOODS since the 90's 
   



ito yung inday inday na sinasabi ko:-)

• Pisong junk foods na may laruan sa loob (MOYMOY)
• BOBOT... dalawa per piso
• Bubble gum na may tattoo pang kasama
• Bumili ka ng ice candy ni mam para magka.POINTS ka..hmmm
• May kakaning tinatawag na 'inday-inday' na may pulang asukal pa
• 
  
9. OLD SCHOOL STUFFS

• Usong-uso ang butterfly hair clips noon. Kaya panay ayos si ate sa buhok ko bago pumasok
• Sequence ng flag ceremony: Bayang magiliw (haha..alam ko po ang title), Panatang makabayan, Ako ay pilipino (w/ actions pa), then exercise na (sha la la, barbie girl, asereje, cheeky song)..nakakanostalgic pag naririnig ko sila :'(
• Hindi ka makakauwi hanggat hindi mo nilalampaso at nililinis ang classroom pati CR.
• Dahil walang internet noon, kailangan mong magpaturo o di kaya'y humanap ng mga larawan sa mga lumang libro o bumili ng 'chart' sa tindahan para sa assignment mo 
• Pampalipas oras namin sa classroom: 

• SOS
• FLAMES 
• paunahan sa BINGO o PANTS, 
• Paper fortune teller (feeling manghuhula lang)
• Mga kinikilalang personalidad sa libro (probably wala na ang iba sa mga textbooks ngayon):
  



ka-Ernie Baron.. Kung walang knowledge, walang power!

• Luisito Espinosa (Boxing), 
• Lydia de Vega (Track and Field), 
• Paeng Nepomuceno (Bowling)
• Eric Buhain (Swimming)
• Cecile Licad (Pianist)
• Lea Salonga (Singer)
• Ernie Baron (Reporter)
10. Nahuhumaling sa mga story books (alamat, pabula, komiks)
11. Pag nagkapera sina mama, hayan libre na sa Jollibee na may laruan pa
12. Kabisadong commercial jingle ng coke (yung 'ito ang beat sabay-sabay') at ng maggi sinigang (may isang anghel sa aking labi...)
13. Uso ang renta ng VHS noon kaya wala masyadong pirated

    

    vhs collection ng nga disney movies.. credits to the owner :-) 

14. I-rewind mo ang tape kung gusto mong i-play ulit 
15. FYI: Lata pa ang sisidlan ng ice cream sa selecta. Mapapakinabangan na pag wala ng laman.
16. Kapag may sakit: Aspilet kaagad. Ayoko sa tempra...mapait kasi
17. Pag pinapatulog kami sa hapon.. Nakikinig ng drama si papa sa DYHP (Handumanan sa usa ka awit)

But wait there's MORE. alam nyo ba na may FB Page kung saan doon niyo makikita ang lahat ng mga nakahiligan ng mga batang 90s?? paki.LIKE po ang KAMI ANG BATANG 90s sa facebook.. at parang nagta-time traveling na rin kayo sa mga throwback posts nila.

Ok...ito na po yung mga Childhood memories ko. Ang rami ah!! Haay..puro na lang tayo alaala..sarap bumalik sa pagiging bata noh?? kung meron lang sanang time machine..gusto kong bumalik sa 90s. Well, wala na tayong magagawa sa makabagong mundo. Ang tangi na lang nating magagawa ay ipakilala sa nga kabataan ngayon ang saya na naidulot ng mga nilalaro natin noon. Ikaw, ano ang childhood memories mo?

I really like Regine Velasquez

Lately, I've been so addicted to Regine Velasquez' songs. This is now the 2nd week since I've seen her movie 'Kailangan ko'y ikaw' with Robin Padilla. Because of that, I felt somewhat kilig seeing both of them and realized that they have such chemistry. They look good together in the romcom movie. After that, I saw Regine's versatility of not just the Asia's songbird but a wonderful actress on the silver screen. She proved her worth even more.

Honestly, I was never a fan of Regine. Although I have some of her songs in my playlist but I can't remember a time I mentioned she's my favorite singer. Not until this time I was able to know her more although not personally. Upon seeing her videos, she's not just very talented and beautiful (most esp during her 30s) but a humble person as well. There was one concert in which I was awed and realized that no doubt she was Charice's and Sarah's idol. She's very professional and she puts her heart to every song she sings. I think all of her songs whether original or revival fits best for her.

I really love watching this. Regine's voice is so powerful even in live performances. Her duet with Martin's 'Forever' makes me fall in love. ♥ ♥ ♥

To add, Regine is one of the Filipino singers who have collaborated with international artists like Peabo Bryson, Paul Anka, David Pomeranz, Alicia Keys, Mandy Moore, Jacky Cheung, Stephen Bishop and many more (wikipedia). She's truly an international artist who have almost performed in all parts of the world!

Even though Regine's now busy being a mom to her son Nate, she's still doing some shows on GMA network.  Regine created a name on Philippine music industry as well as contributed to OPM. Her influence towards aspiring Filipino singers is unparalleled. 

Regine is one of a kind. These are the songs that I like:

                                                                Kailangan ko'y ikaw

                                      

On the wings of love

In love with you featuring Jack Cheung (Regine is so cute in here)

Be inspired to inspire

After passing the board exam, I was so overwhelmed to receive lots of messages from my relatives and friends. I never expected that some were so happy when they hear the news. I feel so glad knowing their prayers for me have been answered.

As I read all of them, I realized that I was not the only one being so happy with my success but others as well. I can't imagine how my relatives didn't doubt my abilities and keep on telling me that I can make it. Also, friends greeted me and even told me I serve as an inspiration for them. Wow! All of these comments make me touched. I don't know what to say and don't have an idea they look at me that way. I'm not a topnotcher by the way.

Well, the bottomline is apart of your sweet success are the people around you. Since day one you set foot on your arduous journey until the end, there were people who walked with you to reach your goal. Isn't much fulfilling on your part, people are so much happier just as you did?

A message from dear friend of mine, Jasper inspired me the most:

Lord, please make me an instrument to inspire more people. Lord make me humble at all times and please guide me all throughout. Thank you for giving me such wonderful friends. I know you'll be there for them just as you were there for me when I need you. This I ask in your name. Amen

REVIEW MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAM

All of us medtech graduates have ONE BIG GOAL in common and that is: TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM. But wait, if others can, why not consider TO TOP THE BOARD EXAM as well? hehe..

NOTE: These are just suggested readings only. I haven't read some of them. My only intention is to be of help and nothing else. It is your option what to use during your review.

Have these books in your reading list:

CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE REVIEW: A BOTTOM LINE APPROACH

by Betty Theriot 

COMMENTS: A must-have for future medtechs. Let's you learn the concepts in a fun and easier way. There are some nice mnemonics in here and it helped me a lot during the exam. A compact guide in all you need to know in various subjects. 

 HEMATOLOGY: PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

by BARBARA BROWN

COMMENTS: Some reviewers say that the hematology exam is more on the practical side. Based on my experience, you need to learn both the theory and its application.

CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY: PRINCIPLES, PROCEDURES, CORRELATIONS

by CHERYL A. LOTSPEICH-STEININGER

COMMENTS: Also a recommended book for Hematology. A closer view on its theoretical side.

SUCCESS IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

by ANNA F. CIULLA

COMMENTS: Very nice presentation of information. Easy to retain. It's like Review Notes + Questions w/ Rationalized Answers all in one!

 MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE REVIEW

by ROBERT HARR

COMMENTS: A book to be used a month before exams. It helps you to assess how far you have studied. It contains lots of questions in all aspects with rationalization.

A CONCISE REVIEW OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 

by ROBERT HUBBARD

COMMENTS: Its Immunology, serology and blood banking section made sense to me most especially the donor selection, collection and processing. Check out the microbiology section, the specimen collections are elaborated. 

For other subjects like CLINICAL MICROSCOPY, just rely on Strasinger's Analysis of Urine and Body Fluids and Gregorio's in HISTOPATHOLOGY. 

Of course, who will disregard our College notes and manuals? These are the essentials! This may add a burden but a quick glance will help you some more. Browse them frequently.

Well, best of luck to those who will take the licensure exam. I wish you all the best. Keep the faith and believe in yourself. God will never forsake you. Kaya mo yan!

Disclaimer: The pictures belong to its respective owners.. This is for viewing/reference purposes only!

STUDY TIPS TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM .. click here  ...

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER BOARD EXAM.. click here

Registered Medical Technologist (RMT) at last

One thing I realized after the boards:
...it's not about the grades in your transcript..
...it's not about the school where you came from..
...it's not about the review center you chose
...but it's all about DISCIPLINE and YOU.

Until now, I can't find the right words to say how grateful and happy I am to pass the board exam. To tell you honestly I was in the verge of giving up when I realized I have more to cram before the exam begins. I thought I would feel much relief after taking the boards when my heart beats unusually, feeling like I can't breathe everytime I think about what the results would bring. The longer I waited, the more I suffered anxiety asking if my hardships were enough to pass. But those doubts faded away whenever I see my family and people around me feeling positive that I will make it.

Only God and my family witnessed how hard I tried to study every night. Fighting sleep as I leap through the pages of every subject and recall some important things. Only them I took refuge. There I regained my strength and courage to pursue the dream my parents want for me.

As the days passed, I always ask God, Mama Mary and to St. Jude for guidance and wisdom to grasp all those things until the big day came.. on the 12th day of September 2015 I woke up early brought by too much excitement to be honest. Not knowing what would happen next, I walked with hope and faith as I bid goodbye to my mother and my aunt who accompanied me to school.

As expected, the exam was difficult. There was one subject in which I'm not sure with all of my answers. In those times I don't know what to choose, I followed my instincts and asked God for some clues. After every exam, I tried to avoid discussing them to friends and kept on saying MOVE ON. That built my composure and confidence to answer the next subject.

Those three days of waiting for the result were the longest days. I can't sleep! This time not because of excitement but of anxiety. Too many 'what-ifs' popped up added with family and relatives expecting you to pass. Whew! I kept myself busy all the time by cleaning the house or watching movies and because of these, I forgot it for a while.

The tension didn't stop on the day of releasing, September 16 when I was about to give up waiting for the results. The night came and no results still. At 11;00 in the evening, my eyes were about to close for sleep when suddenly my brother knocked. A phone call for me! It was Mom's officemate. When I answered the phone, I felt like crying and at the same time speechless of what she'd announced.....'I PASSED!' 

What? I just couldn't believe what she said! I'm not dreaming, right? After that I shouted with joy and it was confirmed when my cousin saw on FB that I was tagged by a classmate. Wow.. This is a dream came true! This is real.

When I saw my mom and the rest (except for dad), I feel so proud of them, not for myself. They deserve this success. They are the ones who gave me motivation. How I'm excited to tell this to dad since he's now in the province.

Confirmed: I am now a certified Medtech...RMT at last! Yes! Thank you Lord!

As I opened my FB account, I was so thankful that most of my classmates did also pass but it was also sad to know that some of my classmates during the review failed. I wish I have the power to console them or tell them it's just alright but I don't know how. Maybe we'll just give them some time to recover.

Because my classmates have now RMTs posted (registered medical technologists) on their names let me try it here:

Cindy A. Escoba, RMT 

WOW!!! what was once a doodle on every back of my notebook..turned into reality. My short name was added now with three big letters! How cute! The four years of tears, sadness, joys and laughter were a part of the wonderful years of being a medical technology student. I guess, this ends another chapter of my life as I embark on the next...the adventures to REALITY.  wow! My endless thanks to all the people who supported me all the way and believed in my ability to survive. Many thanks to St. Louis Review Center for the different review experience. To God and to my family, you deserve all of this success. Thank you so much!

Welcome to the next chapter: Employment life!