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!

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