Lamentations of a Medtech

Bilang isang medtek, di niyo alam kung paano namin naranasan ang:

...pagkahiya sa tuwing pinaggagalitan dahil hindi nakakuha ng dugo
...antok, sa tuwing nasa night shift kami nagwawarding
...pag-aalala dahil hindi pumasok ang controls sa machine
...baho sa bawat tae na pino-process namin
...panghe ng mga ihi na nasa tube
...nanlalabong paningin sa kakagamit sa microscope for diff count and platelet count
...panic sa tuwing may blood typing, crossmatching at transfusion
...pagkahawa sa tuwing may culture, gram stain at AFB na pinoprocess
...ma.IR (incident report) dahil hindi kaagad na release ang STAT request
...lungkot sa tuwing may hemolyzed o clotted na sample


Araw-araw kinakaharap namin ang mga panganib na ito na pwedeng ikamatay namin.
Pero hindi alam ng lahat, na kami ang gumagawa ng lahat ng to para matulungan ang mga doktor na mapagaling kayo. Lahat na lang kinakaharap pero ang liit pa rin ng sweldo. Only in the Philippines kung saan hindi pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang mga tao sa loob ng laboratoryo. We are the 'unsung heroes' ng hospital pero bakit walang nakakakilala sa min? hindi kami nakikita?

May dagdag pasanin pang CPD points. Pag-aabroad na lang ang tanging paraan maiahon lang ang pamilya pero may ASCP at IELTS pang dapat ipasa. Malaking pera pang kailangan. Hahay..Laban at kapit lang mga medtechs! May makakarinig rin sa tin. Makakaahon rin tayo. 

Appreciate the work you have

First of all, it would be a hypocrite for me to say 'I'm contented' when I want something more but lately I'm sick and tired of listening complaints from people about their work. True, private hospitals pay you less compared to government hospitals which I think a double of our salary, but what about that? Some wondered what if they work in a government hospital or 'why the facilities in the other hospital are far beyond compared to ours? Too many comparisons and what-ifs. If I could just tell them to keep it to themselves or ask 'why you're still here when you don't like it' then these would sort things out.

People keep complaining about work but do nothing about it. Tsk2. I understand everybody wants something for the better but you could be at least thankful of what you have for a while. To have landed a good job and earn a good salary, you may settle for it for some time while you work for your next big step. In short LESS TALK, MORE WORK.  

That's the problem to some of us. We tend to ignore what is laid in us until we realize its worth when it's gone. Think about the people still looking for a job, I'm sure they'll take your place no matter how little the salary (for a start),

Wherever the place you're working now serve it as a stepping stone and a training ground. Learn from your experiences. God has a reason why you're there and had some plans for you in the future. Work for it and He will help you. Put passion in your work and never tag everything with a price. 

A CRY OF EVERY PHLEBOTOMISTS

If you think that being a phlebotomist or a warding medtech is easy, think twice.

"Here comes the NURSE...", as people sometimes call us when getting a blood sample, but at the back of our minds, how we would love to tell them that we are medtechs. But that's how they see us and to make things easy, we remain silent.

At just a simple look, a patient might ask: "Are you an intern?" but then we just ignore the insult and laughed at the thought to stay confident and prove to them they're wrong.  As the Coldplay song goes, 'Nobody said it was easy'. Sometimes, they have no idea how nervous for us just palpating the small veins of a cancer patient, obese patients and even babies when pressured to do it JUST ONCE (either thru syringe, vacutainer or butterfly method).

Well, the issue in here is...they just don't have the idea how it feels like to be degraded by someone emotionally, professionally and even physically just because you failed to extract. Here's also the thing, the SOs or the significant others cursing us for being so incompetent and pointing their fingers like we owe them a big deal. Even calling the attention of other people just to humiliate or compare us to other phlebotomists as well. REALLY! These situations do happen just to compensate that one mistake we did! They were not in the position when some of us phlebotomists want to disappear in an instant just because of shame, and the dignity that was taken out from us.

Yes, we encounter these scenarios everyday not mentioning the health hazards we face! They don't have an idea how frustrated we are trying to get blood as we swim the needle through and through. Even a simple 'Tsk, Tsk' is an alarm that we need to pull it out because it's hopeless and the patient complained already. Worse, we get discouraged that at the end of the struggle, the blood is still hemolyzed, clotted and needs re-extraction.

Yes, our job is to inflict pain to patients by using needles. Yes, we do accept our mistakes (even the hematoma on your skin, we're really sorry) because humans as we are, we fail. We're just asking you to give some understanding and a little of your respect to be considerate enough. We're also health professionals who took our time and dedication of studying and even passing the licensure exam. If we fail, I think there's a formal or a right way that you could vent your frustration, not to shout or curse us in public. Take note, this job is just a portion of being a medical technologist. Don't judge us as a whole.

But in the lighter note, we commend those people who regard us phlebotomists as vital in the laboratory. We really do appreciate those people who reply in our sincere 'Thank you' after every extraction.

This is a shoutout for those people who don't know us yet.  You just don't know...AS PHLEBOTOMISTS, WE CARE. To all the phlebotomists and warding medtechs out there, don't just say 'I'm just a phlebotomist.', Be proud of it because the patient's laboratory results depend on you. Blood collection is where it all started. We are the key players of the patient's diagnosis.

LONG LIVE TO THE SO-CALLED BLOOD SUCKERS IN THE LABORATORY!

Working in a hospital-based laboratory

Our first week in CDUH.

After seven months of working in THCDC, I took my biggest decision of whether or not to transfer to another workplace for the better. Honestly, there's nothing I could say about THCDC (because my workmates there were OK) but I do think a hospital experience would be a great advantage as a medical technologist.

I do admit I was already in my comfort zone when a friend of mine urged me to apply in the hospital she's working. At first I had second thoughts but with the help of my family, I took the courage to pass a resignation letter to the clinic and start to submit my application to the hospital. I didn't settle for less.

Working in a hospital-based laboratory is a whole lot different from the freestanding laboratory. In my first few weeks I made some mistakes but eventually it taught me to be careful and at the same time precise in what I'm doing.

Here are some of my RANDOM list of comparisons:
1. FREESTANDING: Some lab tests (even electrolytes and prothrombin time) are considered send-outs.
HOSPITAL:  Because of the wide variety of equipments/machines used, one can simply run the test required. The 'send-outs' are only those considered special tests

2. FREESTANDING: Seldom do we receive STAT requests.
HOSPITAL: Should take note STAT requests time to time or else you'll get Incident Reports from doctors.

3. FREESTANDING: Arterial puncture is prohibited.
HOSPITAL: I perform arterial punctures in situations where patients have difficult veins (esp edematous). Arterial puncture is considered as the last resort when 2 to 3 attempts of venipuncture failed.

4. FREESTANDING: Sunday is day-off.
HOSPITAL: Shifting of schedules w/ a tedious night shift. There's 16 hrs duty depending on the staffs available.

5. FREESTANDING: Less exposure to microbiology and blood banking department.
HOSPITAL: In Micro department, you'll be hands-on in different clinical work-ups to be done in each specimen. A lot of gram stain, AFB, KOH, water bacteriology and culture/sensi to do.
In Blood banking, you''ll get exposed to cross matching, preparation of blood units and platelet apheresis. In case of Rh negative patients, we do Weak D testing for confirmation.

6. FREESTANDING: Most of the walk-in patients (for annual physical exam, employment, etc) are giving normal lab results
HOSPITAL: You'll encounter critical patients giving you abnormal results. So correlation of other tests and even documenting patient's history and their previous results are very important before releasing.

7. FREESTANDING: There are only Pap smears.

HOSPITAL: Biopsies, FNAB, cell block and cytology are being performed by pathologists.

8. FREESTANDING: Only routine lab tests are performed.
HOSPITAL: As warding medtechs, we are the ones to perform special procedure tests like Osmotic fragility test, urine myoglobin, fibrin split product, etc with the approval of the Pathologist.

9. FREESTANDING: Not so much trainings for medtechs.
HOSPITAL: Trainings/seminars by medical lab companies are conducted to ensure continuing education to the lab personnel.

During an annual mobile physical exam in THCDC
courtesy from miss ingrid's photoS.

To sum it up, there are more advantages in working to a hospital-based laboratory. No doubt it is a requirement for us if we want to work abroad. TBH, It is in this hospital I developed my skill in phlebotomy especially in getting blood from newborn babies and geriatric patients. Though stressful at times but I think that's a part of being a hospital lab personnel anyway. I met several people and I got to work with them every other shift. Just mind your own business by the way :-)

Well, it is true that the pay of hospital-based laboratories isn't that much compared to the free-standing laboratories but the experiences of working in a hospital esp to the departments in the laboratory are worth it.

Nevertheless, I'm so thankful for THCDC for giving me the experience to work in such a short time. It helped me to prepare in working for a hospital setting. Who would have thought I landed at Cebu Doctors' University Hospital?

Creativity where are you?

How time flies so fast! I remember putting all my ideas to come up with a shirt design. I joined the shirt contest of the Math Club that time. We were many.  I was trying to put all the scopes of mathematics until I came up with this! It never occurred to my mind that I was going to win until few days past I was shocked as I saw my design on the bulletin board! What?! They chose my design! I was third year in HS and feelin' proud math club members were wearing the shirt in every activity.

Now, my creative skills have changed a lot. I have never used it since I went to college. I wonder where it is. Gone are those days when I'm passionate in drawing and making designs. All the time, I consumed myself memorizing medical terms and stuff, At times, I wished I chose Fine arts to develop the skill but then I found myself now in the laboratory doing urinalysis and differential counts. Ironic, isn't it?

Even though I haven't used the skill for some time, I know it's still there. All of I have to do is to revive it and just enjoy it like I was in high school. BUT...... when?

Woman of color

Everyday when I'm heading to work, around 7:00 in the morning, I seem not to bother with the morning sunshine anymore. I just love it now as I'm thinking this time is summer and needing Vitamin D for my skin. I seem to don't care with people anymore opening their umbrellas as they're trying to protect their delicate and fair skin. I think I've grown up enough and come to realize that you must be proud of what color you have.

When I was about twelve or so, I started being so conscious with my skin. I have a brown skin brought from my parents. THE FILIPINO SKIN. At that young age, I started to use facial cleansers, whitening creams, and even skin astringents hoping it would make my skin fairer. None of it worked until I decided to stop before these chemicals would ruin it to worse.

And now I find myself walking under the heat of the sun. Every morning, I thank God for providing us sunshine. I thank him for being Filipino unlike some races, they have to go sun bathing to have their skin tan. As for my skin, I realized this is just fine! I have nothing to ask for. Now, I love my color and I just put moisturizer to make my skin healthy.

Highland Velvet by Jude Deveraux

PLOT: Bronwyn MacArran was a proud Scot. Stephen Montgomery was one of the hated English.

He came to Scotland as a conqueror, saw her beauty and was vanquished. But still she would abhor him. 

She owned a temper hot enough to forge the armors of battle or inflame a valiant soldier's passion. Yet still she would resist him. 

She became his reason to live, his reason to love. And still she would deny him. 

But while clan fought clan, while brother took up sword against brother, and the highlands ran with blood -- their destiny was made... and this mighty warrior pledged himself to his woman's pride, her honor and her name -- and made of their love a torch to burn through the ages! 

Will I recommend it?

I think not.  I was not comfortable reading the first chapters. It took me almost 3 years to pick the book again and read it all over. The most reason why I'm not recommending it are the sensual scenes Bronwyn and Stephen does every single chapter. Definitely, one of the books that I have keep to myself. I don't want others to think that I'm enjoying reading those parts. Haha.

If I were to choose whose side I'm going to take, I would definitely take Stephen's. Lucky for Bronwyn she got him as her husband. Bronwyn's too stubborn to handle. I understand she would do everything for her clan to the extent of even getting herself into harm. I wished she was not that blind to see that Stephen's trying his best to get her trust. Stephen had sacrificed and changed enough not to be noticed. I hope she gets to understand that of course, they are reared from different worlds, she's a Scot and Stephen is a proud English. She should not generalize the English people and start to work with her husband. Both have to adapt.

About the ending, there's nothing special about it. Some scenes are irrelevant. I hate to think that Stephen is such a pity. I don't know why I'm feeling disappointed when I knew Stephen changed his family name into McArran. It doesn't sound good to me.

Probably, this is one of the stories I'll just forget.  I know Jude Deveraux had tried. Aside from the love of historical romance novels, my interest of the beauty of Scotland even grows. I just love the highlands suddenly.

ACHIEVED! I'm now a Drug Analyst.

It was truly an honor that I was sent by Total Health Check Diagnostics to attend the 'Seminar/Workshop on the Manual of Operations for Screening Drug Testling Laboratory'. The training was held last February 2-4, 2016 at the Rajah Park Hotel Cebu. It was truly an awesome experience and that includes meeting fellow professionals having the same goal, to become a responsible drug analyst.

The lectures were interesting. Aside from the good food the hotel was serving, the lecturers made sure the confusions of every participants answered. The essentials of supervising a screening drug testing lab, its violations for those offenders and the roles of each staff were really elaborated.

The validity tests made me so interested. Everyone in the SDTL (Screening Drug Testing Laboratory) should be alert because walk-ins might adulterate, substitute or dilute their urine sample just to cheat the drug test. Confirmatories are really important if there are POSITIVES detected from the screening kits. In the Philippines, THC and MET are commonly tested. There are Custody and Control Forms to be filled up by the Client, ASC, and the Drug analyst primarily.  The Pathologist /Head of the laboratory will sign those CCFs with POSITIVE findings.

I enjoyed the demo of the actual drug test where each one of us was given a role being the client/patient, authorized specimen collector, drug analyst, head of the laboratory, encoder and lab aides. Mistakes were pointed out and corrected. We forgot to ask for a valid ID from the start. :-)

Although, the lecturer just gave us a run-through about IDTOMIS (the system of DOH), he said it is a user-friendly software with built-in instructions for beginners.

HOW TO BECOME A DRUG ANALYST?

A month before the workshop, the company paid the registration fee to the organizer. I filled up the registration form then waited for the day of training.

On the third day of the seminar, we were given a post-test. There are two parts: On the first part, it is a multiple choice type. The items were taken from the lectures given so you should listen and read the manual provided to you. The second part is filling up the CCF. Be careful in answering the CCF. Remember what the lecturer taught you on filling up. Read the instructions carefully and no erasures.

RESULTS..

I got the result one month after the workshop. I got it by email. I was informed that I passed the test! Wow..another accomplishment for me!

Thank you National Reference Laboratory - East Avenue Medical Center for giving us comprehensive lectures most especially to Mam Shiela, Sir Lennon, Mam Laura, Mam Marites and Mam Nenita! I would also like to thank Sir Cagalawan of the Philippine Drug Forensic Agency for being the sponsor of this workshop. 

Let's make a DRUG-FREE PHILIPPINES by 2016!!! Let's start the change!

Impression of 'Carrot Man'

After seeing a couple of videos, I should say this man is one of the genuine people I've 

known. He is so pure, innocent and proud most especially when he talks about his heritage. 

Jeyrick Sigmaton Carrot Man Vector
Portrait by Anthony Layderos

Jeyrick Sigmaton, popularly known as the 'Carrot Man' is today's online sensation. Even before media revealed his identity, he captivated the netizen's attention of his photo only taken by a tourist who happened to visit the Mountain Province. In the picture, he was seen as the handsome/good-looking farmer carrying a big basket of carrots. There's also a picture taken in a different angle where he is being compared to the Taiwanese star Vic Zhou and our very own Hero Angeles.

For a week, the netizens went curious about this mysterious guy. The photogenic man with the long hair, pointed nose and deep dimples. Even the uploader herself didn't know his name until he was tagged by the name 'Carrot Man'. The picture went viral until the crew of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho took the initiative to look for him and reach him to Mt. Province.

This effortless discovery made him overwhelmed. At first he admitted that he had no idea he's now that popular in the social media. I can see in his eyes he is still in shock and he gets to adapt with the sudden fame. In the segment, he showed his tribe Kenachakran, an Igorot group where they danced Kanyaw. 

In his guesting to Willie Revillame's show Wowowin, I could see his amusement seeing that huge crowd as he waves every now and then to the cheering audience. He's so adorable he couldn't find the right words to say. What made me admire to this man is his will to help his family. Imagine, at the age of 12, he has to stop schooling just to have money.  He just finished elementary level. Unfortunately he is underpaid for the hardwork. When asked about what's his dream, he simply told Willie to finish his studies, support his family and have a simple living. Such a humble person as tears of joy came out from his eyes. 

Willie assured to help him fund his education. That's a relief! On the other hand, aside his fame here in the Philippines, it went across Korea! There was one video that Jeyrick's photo was actually featured in a Korean show! Wow...

Honestly, it changed my perception about the Igorots. They are maybe in the highlands doing their ritual dance and farming but they represent the true Filipino race. Being hardworking, family-oriented and proud of their race are what makes an Igorot truly a Filipino. Not only that, because of Jeyrick, it showed that Igorots are undeniably good looking. 

My only advice is: it's just ok to change for the better but never forget where you came from. It would be better if Carrot man will pursue his studies. We'll never know if years later, Carrot man will finish a bachelor's degree! Aw. That could be a biggest accomplishment on his part!

But whatever! Now, he's got the spotlight, I hope that he will use this wisely even build his self-confidence for more. I heard that he will be having his first ever commercial of Goldilock's. The endorser of their carrot cake perhaps?

Well, go further Carrot man! Always be proud being a full-blooded Igorot. Who wouldn't want a handsome yet hardworking man like Jeyrick? Hmm.. I think that made him more admirable to the eyes of the public. I realize that beauty is really something in the heart and not just in its physical aspect. It's not also by the status of the person. Yeah! I'm going to support you all the way, Carrot man! Truly thumbs up!

MY PERSPECTIVE OF LOVE

Love is a word that has many definitions. As the nun Catherine Wyborne said, love is more easily experienced than defined. It is an abstract word that should be felt and be kept in our hearts. Moreover, it is a two-way process in which one can not just simply give to himself but to give others. To love is to give without condition, to share without expecting in return and most importantly, to see the beauty despite of one’s imperfections. It is also with love that we can feel insecure, betrayed and hurt. Without love, life will lose its meaning and will never be as lovely as what we are seeing now in this world.

From the time God created the world, he made everything with love. This is when it all started. Despite of us being a sinner, he forgave us our sins and even sent his only son on earth for our salvation. Love can be selfless that at times you need to give your all. Looking from the time you were born, what a joy your parents felt when they saw you for the first time. We haven’t realized how much they sacrificed and devote all their time for us to care and tend to our needs. Because of love, we tend to reciprocate it with love by the time our parents are at their prime and will need of our utmost care and attention.

There are many ways to express love. It’s not always romantic. To love is to do goodness and respect to others. Love doesn’t limit only to people but it could be love of things, animals, nature, and even our country. Seeing love based on our perspective, it is more on physical aspect. This is when we feel butterflies in our stomach when we see the man we love, Scenarios like the guy gives a flower to the girl and that sort stand as an example. In here, there are some things that we need to consider and even give up on some things. Love means to strive hard for your love ones. Setting a goal to provide your family their need and see them happy. It teaches us to grow.

Love is a very sweet thing to hear but it has its limitations. As the song entitled ‘I’ll do anything for love’, there are some times in our lives we never know when is enough and that some of us went martyr and suicidal. For me, this isn’t love anymore but an obsession and being selfish. As the bible says, ‘It does not envy.’ In situations like this then we have to let go and start anew. One of the best ways to let go is to forgive the person. By forgiving, you’re giving the person a chance and you’re showing that you still love. That’s how the power of love works

We should remember that each one of us is made to love. Let’s open our eyes and see that love is just about everywhere. How wonderful the world is if we put love in our hearts and take away our anger, fear and guilt. In this ever changing world, we never stop to love and that we are constantly seeking for it. You can’t dictate you heart who and what to love. What we have to do is to spread love to humanity regardless of age, race, belief or perspectives in life.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER BOARD EXAM.

NOTE:What you're going to see are just POINTERS WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER the board exam. So brace yourselves and get ready for the next big step...

Before exam:

1. PRAY.  ALWAYS. No need to explain this further. Pray to the Lord that he may give you the strength and courage to go on and survive with this battle. Ask for guidance to comprehend what you've learned. I had my St. Jude Novena posted on my wall and I always pray with it before studying.
2. Choose the best review center - know what they can cater and their reputation. Why going to review centers? It's because self-review is not enough.The best thing about going to review centers are the lecturers.  The lecturers will be a big help in your review as they will teach you the important lessons to be studied and those possible questions that would come out. Also, they will serve as your motivators as they will share their experiences when they took the board.
3. Attend review classes and its exams. Don't skip classes, you might be missing a very important topic.
4. Devote yourself to study everyday..
5. don't procrastinate..always tell yourself DO IT NOW before it's too late!
6. a day before exam.... 

• get your uniform ready and make sure you're still comfortable with it
• skim read what you haven't studied, just a quick glance of the LEAST important topic, Some may come out from it so better to have stock knowledge in case. 
• prepare what you must bring: the right pencil AND ITS EXTRA, eraser, ballpen, sharpener and most especially the NOTICE OF ADMISSION (NOA) please
• take note the subjects to be taken on each day and your room number

During exam:

1. arrive early (30 minutes before exam starts is enough).. dont make a scene. You can't beg the proctors to get in once the exam starts
2. Every now and then, listen to the instructions. Never haste to fill up. 
3. RELAX..RELAX..RELAX..CONCENTRATE..DON'T PANIC 
4. Take time to read each questions but be quick in answering.. write your answer first on the test paper provided before putting your final answer on the ANSWER SHEET
5. be alert in answering tricky questions such as except, not all...ANALYZE
6. Choose your instinct or educated guess to some difficult questions
7. Make sure with your shading (it should be FULL BLOCK) and less erasures please
8. Review your answers before passing the paper. Don't be overwhelmed if half of the class will pass their papers.
9. Be positive and keep going on answering.. thank God for giving EASY questions :-)
10. Don't discuss answers to classmates/roommate., This might interrupt your momentum for the next subject. 
11. Take toilet breaks allotted. Eat during lunch breaks. Review pag may time!

After exam:

1. PRAY: Thank God for a job well done and pray that you'll pass the board exam in accordance to his will.
2. At last! Have yourself a very good night sleep.
3. Be confident at the same time HUMBLE. If asked how's the exam going, just tell them: 'It's alright. Just wish me luck.'
4. Keep updated with the results. In our exam, it came 3-4 days later but others may take months or a year so keep posted. Always check the PRC website.

Well guys, it's normal for us to be nervous or tensed during board exam but please, don't let these emotions control you. Overcome it and aim to pass! Your license is waiting for you. Kaya, best of luck na lang sa mga magte-take ng board exam. I hope this helps. Alam kong kaya nyo yan! ;-) God bless!

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

My reaction to James Reid and Nadine Lustre's (JADINE) Relationship

I'm a JADINE fan since OTWOL (On The Wings Of Love). Honestly, I was never addicted to teleseryes before till this show came. I've been watching the show regularly and it made me 'Kilig' everytime they kiss. This two are compatible. Aside from being talented in singing, the hotness of James and the sweetness of Nadine made the show a CLICK to the public. It even makes a LOUD NOISE in the social media every night. I was really amazed at how these two lift each other and I witnessed how their acting skills gets better after each episode. I appreciate the two for being honest that they often tell the media they're just FRIENDS.

So much with that. It was a shocking revelation during the JADINE IN LOVE CONCERT last Feb 20 in Smart Araneta Coliseum when James said 'I LOVE YOU' to Nadine in viewing public. It gave a hint to the huge crowd that it means 'something'. Then the news came afterwards that they are officially in a relationship!

Upon knowing the breaking news, I was happy. Happy, but not the same as what I've felt when watching OTWOL.  Honestly, I feel worried. I think there's something that James and Nadine should have considered. They should have considered the RIGHT TIME to announce. Just saying.

It would have been better if they keep their relationship a secret for a while, THEY ALREADY SPILLED THE BEANS! I mean, it should have been the longer they admit they're FRIENDS, the more fans will be curious. Sorry for being 'half-bitter' for this but I'm just afraid they could break-up in an instant. The two of them are HOT in the eyes of the public for now. Every now and then, issues could come out and that would include James being a party-goer and being liberated when it comes to other girls. (Sad reality but James is often bashed about this and I'm also having this feeling that James doesn't like long-term relationship).

As for Nadine, I don't know if  I will be glad or what because she just spoiled it. I'm worried that she could be hurt. If I were her, I would make James wait before I could say 'YES'. (That 'PAKIPOT' thing of us girls). I'm not against her but having a loveteam as HOT and a HANDSOME like James would make other fan girls rage. To set an example, my sister and cousin are starting to dislike her (because James is their crush). They felt like James was already taken from them to the extent they unliked the OTWOL FB page because of her.

On the hype of OTWOL, the spark of their love team will be there for some time. I'm now seeing a couple of projects of them together and that means a brighter future of their career. I'm so happy they have reached this far! They finally had their BREAK in the entertainment industry.

Can't wait to have a copy of Starstudio mag featuring
JaDine! 

For me, showbiz is just temporary. I know I should not act like this as if I know them in person but I'm just expressing how I'm feeling after this sudden revelation. I also know I don't hold their emotions. After all, that's their personal lives and not a movie to start with. I just hope that as time passes, they could sustain their relationship for a LIFETIME. Like other fans, I'm just hoping a 'happily ever after' for them.  I just don't like this loveteam to end just like the KimErald, which for me, was the greatest disappointment. Well, I will continue to be a JADINE fan no matter what. I will continue to support them in their projects and their upcoming shows.

BUT PLEASE, don't disappoint us your FANS. I don't want to hear a break-up news regarding JADINE. Please, just don't.

STUDY TIPS TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM

Before I discuss the WAYS, You need to have THREE THINGS,,

1. Motivation
2. Discipline
3. Faith

To pass the board exam needs to sacrifice in order to get closer to your dream. So are you ready for your next big step? Try to follow some of my study habits and let's see if this works for you.

   1. Create schedules

      - One of the hardest things to do and to follow when reviewing. When creating schedules, be realistic. I suggest you only study two or three subjects for one day (like one subject in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another in the evening). Concentrate and stick to it. Do not be pressured. It would be better if you put the hardest subject on the time you're most alert.

   2. Adjust your body clock

     - During the review, I can't stand studying till late night (unless you are the other way around). Tendency is there's no more room for some info after a long day listening to the lecturers. Take note, your body needs a rest to recover and to help remember information effectively.That's why I make sure to sleep at least five hours to keep my body energize then get back to work AGAIN. Let's say, I go to sleep usually by 9:00PM then I set my alarm at 2:00AM. That makes early mornings the best time to study.  NO NOISE + YOU ALONE  = MORE CONCENTRATION

    

   3. Read reviewers and scan notes

     - Don't just rely on one review note. If possible, collect as many notes as you can and select those with best outlines that highlight important facts. Moreover, choose the review notes coming from distinguished/known lecturers in your field (I know you know one). As for books, ask someone (perhaps your professor or a friend who passed the board) what are the essential books to read. Advice: NEVER read the whole book (esp. a 4000 page book). Remember, you have only limited time to study all the subjects for the boards. For medtechs, read the article REVIEW MATERIALS FOR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAM .

     - Another is to have a copy of board exam recall questions. Your lecturers might give you a pool of questions that came out or has a tendency to come out during board exam. Pay attention to them and study them closely from time to time.

   4.  Improvise study notes
     - Most effective in studying. You can make your own outline if you want. The more you write what you have read, the more you can easily recall. An outline need not to be lengthy. Do not copy all that were  stated from the book. It will lose its purpose. Just write the important terms and the KEYWORDS to describe the term, Use  MNEMONICS OR CODING device to make outlines more interesting to look at.

FLASH CARDS (this is the biggest factor why I passed the board exam) are very helpful. It is very handy and ready to use all the time. I use my flash cards when I have spare time like riding a bus or waiting for something. Use your time wisely dude!
 
   5. Assess your knowledge 

        - There are two ways to assess... you can do it by yourself or you can do it with other people.

        YOURSELF: After studying, discuss like a teacher. Explain as if somebody is listening. Talk about all what you've learned from the subject and internalize. After that, search for review books that contain questions with rationalization. Answer them honestly and count your score. Take a look on your mistakes and find out where you went wrong. Take every opportunity to take all the exams and attend reinforcements given by your review center. 

        WITH PEOPLE: As they say, 'two heads are better than one' . It will be best if both of you should study ahead. We call it BRAINSTORMING rather. Studying with other people is another way to obtain new information. With other people, you can find answers to some of your difficulties and you can also learn their techniques in studying. Find your study buddy (a person you can exchange questions to). Just arrange a schedule and agree for a topic, Make it a habit for some time.

     6. Make a study environment

      - Creating a suitable environment is a must. Place your study table not facing a bed or something that can make you fall asleep. Observe a good LIGHTING. When you study, sit up straight and set a proper posture. Do not study while lying on your bed. Stay away from things that could destruct you like phones, laptops, talkative people and so on.

      - But Weird as I, I post visual aids on the wall, on the door, and even in the CR. Just like making flash cards, tabulate important facts (eg. basic formulas, definitions) on each subjects. Take time to read it when going in or out of your room

     7. Reward yourself
      - There are so many ways to reward yourself. After long hours of studying, take a break for 10 minutes. You may want to listen for your favorite music to stay awake. Any music will do but as for my case, there is one lively music that not only keeps me alive during the night but keeps me inspire. Do you know what it is? It's Vice Ganda's song BOOM KARAKARAKA... Yes, I'm maybe weird but if you listen to the lyrics, it made me motivated. It tells us that you gonna have to do it your way and you should learn at your own pace.

 'DAPAT INSPIRADO, Hindi desperado.'

       - Another thing, treat yourself with food, games, internet or hanging out with friends for a day. I think there's no harm for spending a day without thinking of heaps of chapters to read. But be careful, keep in your mind that the best reward comes after board exam and that is TO PASS IT. So do this when you're almost finish with all of your subjects.

      8. Again and again and again

      - I learned from our psychology class that to repeat every piece of information is to store a memory that could be retrieved every time you recall it (and that sort). After finishing the whole subject, read it AGAIN. Try this process..

                Step 1: Read the topic word by word (understand and internalize what has been said)

                Step 2: Read again (this time highlight the important facts)

                Step 3: Read again but concentrate into the part you've highlighted. Make an outline.

Well, these are my study tips. I know there are lots of things to do to keep our goal alive and that is TO PASS THE BOARD EXAM. Remember, these are just suggestions, so it's still in your hands how to make it MORE effective. So before I end this blog, whatever endevour you take on your way, start it with a PRAYER. No weapon could ever beat the power of a prayer. So, have faith everyday and believe in yourself. If others can why can't you? Happy studying.

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