education | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘education

Nov

THE NIGHT WHEN EVERYONE’S YOUNG

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and MALAYSIA
Tags: children, dances, doc gelo, docgelo, education, expat blog, expat blogger, expatriate blog, family, family blog, filipino family, kids, music, penang malaysia, performances, school, songs

About a couple of weeks ago, Gabby came home with an award…

What can we say but we’re so proud of him as always! Apparently, the certificate came in early prior to their Awards and Graduation Night. The recognition of the achievers and contest winners in their school were cited during the same night when little kids also graduated from their levels. Parents, teachers and children in Gabby’s school here in Butterworth, Penang gathered once more just like last year at the pool side at the 5th level of the apartment building where Gabby’s school principal resides.

And similar to most gatherings, it started with a simple and casual dining! Yum yum yum!

In between awarding ceremony and raffle draws, there was the cute graduation of the little kiddos!

Twas an evening of performances too! All songs and dances were performed by Gabby’s schoolmates themselves. Gabby was involved in two dances, one of them was an interpretative dance and the other one’s pop but both were religiously inspired.

Photo-ops with the Filipina who works in Gabby’s school…Salamat, Ate Josephine!

And Asian smiles from the Malaysian school owners and colleagues from Pakistan whose children are Gabby’s schoolmates…

Congratulations, anak! You did a great job! We’re always proud of you! We love you!

________________________

Sep

WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE : EVERYDAY LIFE

By docgelo 10 Comments

Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and WORK
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, everyday life, postaday, students, teaching

Here’s what I do everyday. I have been conducting Medical lectures for 8 years now. Six years in the Philippines and 2 years now in Malaysia.

This is my entry in this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge : Everyday Life

Aug

15 YEAR FLASHBACK AT DIN TAI FUNG

By docgelo 20 Comments

Catching up with someone whom you have not seen for several years is like watching again your favorite movie or TV show that you grew up with; it certainly brings back memories of the old days.

I’m glad I gave a nod to my college classmate’s invitation to meet her and her family in Singapore. And because my 4D3N trip was packed, I had to arrange the schedule and ask Rochel (or Rocel to us back in college; I didn’t know her name suffered from a glitch in birth certificate documentation) if it’s fine to have an early dinner with them on my last day in the Lion City before I head back to Changi Airport to catch my 10:40PM flight back to Penang. She candidly agreed, so I met her and her husband at the facade of Raffles City Mall that sunny Sunday afternoon on mid-July. Meeting her after 1997 seemed like going through a time machine in a heart beat.

It actually felt like we’re back to one of our classrooms inside the Science Building or in the canteen of Far Eastern University in Manila (that we fondly called, Tayuman because we’re only provided then with cocktail tables less the seats, so we’re used to eat standing, hence we coined, Tayu-man!). Rochel and I were classmates from 1993 to 1997 when we’re taking up Bachelor of Science in Biology; we belonged to 2 different sets of friends (or in the Philippines, we call it barkada) -she’s with all-female-barkada who were all very studious in every sense of the word (I actually described her group to her husband as nerds to seriously mean their unparalleled devotion to studies, they’re mentally competitive!). We lost contact after graduation. It was only few months back that I found her on facebook.

It’s unbelievable how we squeezed 15 years in a casual and friendly dinner at Din Tai Fung. One thing’s sure -it’s always nice and easy to talk about those college days; everything sounded like they all happened just yesterday. Those were the years with less worries and almost no priority, at least for me.

Fifteen years went by and I heard nothing about Rochel. While waiting for our food, I did not expect that she would ask me about how studying Medicine was like. At that moment, I wasn’t sure whether she went to Med school or not; worse, I was clueless that Rochel became quite depressed soon after her father told her that her dream of becoming a doctor had to be shelve due to their financial difficulty back then.

I told Rochel, she never missed a thing.

She and her husband have been very blessed and they’re financially stable now in a country more progressive than one could imagine.

I think that’s all that matters.

We both believe that Lord has His ways of leading us to our own paths as we live our own lives.

And Rochel’s gratitude to God for everything that happened in her life is inspiring!

Not that I regret becoming a General Physician and a Lecturer of 8 years but going through Medical school robbed me of my social life -anyone who went through the same path could attest. Attending special occasions like birthdays, holiday celebrations and reunions like Christmas and New Year’s day were not always possible during those gruelling years in Medicine; it was books before anything else. A lot of things were sacrificed, tons of efforts were exerted. In my case, there were times that I felt I had studied enough but everything seemed like the lyrics of a James Ingram’s classic song, “I did my best but I guess my best wasn’t good enough!”. Days got even tougher when we’re having those unforgettable 24-36 hour duties in various private and public hospitals for 2 consecutive years (4th year in clerkship, and another year in completing Post-Graduate Medical Internship). It was all about efforts and sleepless nights in exchange of 2 letters added to your surname after graduation, plus a license after passing the board exams and registration. Nonetheless, if there’s one thing I am most thankful of my years in Medicine was the day I met my lovely wife (yeeehaaa!).

Some of Rochel’s bestfriends even went to Residency or Post-Graduate trainings and became specialists. She continued sharing a piece of her life by relaying that during those times that most of our college batchmates and I were in Med School, she worked and earned money to send herself to study another field that offers a more lucrative career. She studied computers and all about Information Technology. She landed a job in the Lion City; made a beautiful family and the rest, as they say is history.

Cliche as it may sound but there are reasons for everything.

We have different fates.

We live different lives.

And everything is attributed to a cause greater than ourselves.

This is Rocel and her husband, Alvin. Rochel has been based in Singapore for 6 years now and the couple have been doing great on their jobs. They have one beautiful daughter, Audrey who was left at home with the nanny during our dinner. Despite my time was limited, our meeting was warmer than what we chow down! They gave me a paper bag with 4 bottles of Belacahan and Chinchalok Chilli sauces and even sent me recipes of how to use the sauces. According to Rochel, she noted that my wife Tina, loves to cook. The gesture was really thoughtful! Thanks for the dinner treat, guys! It was delicious! Hope to meet you again when my family and I get to visit Singapore again.

On a lighter note, here’s a run-down of what we savored on that early dinner at Din Tai Fung.

Rocel ordered Stir-fried Spinach with Garlic

*”A deceptively simple dish made with only premium young, tender shoots. Every batch of specially selected vegetables is almost identical in length and quality, and is cut with precision before being tossed in the wok with just a teaspoon of sunflower oil.”

She also had Fried Rice with Shrimps & Eggs 虾仁蛋饭

“*An extremely popular dish, the ingredients are pared down to simple rice, shrimps, eggs, and spring onions, creating a taste of familiar comfort. Each plate is of a certain weight and minimal seasoning is used so that the natural fragrance of the eggs and spring onions shines through.”

Rocel’s husband, Alvin simply had Beef Noodles

And as I sincerely trusted their taste, so I submitted myself to their choices for me to sample…

Truffle Xiao Long Bao 松露小笼包

*”A paragon of fine taste, an award-winning steamed dumplings laden with the finest truffles. Served only to foreign dignitaries and very special guests in Taiwan, bask in the fine aroma of truffles.”

See how the Art of Making Din Tai Fung’s Legendary Xiao Long Bao HERE!

Fried Rice with Fried Pork Chop

“*Munch away on this scrumptious dish of deeply marinated pork chop, which is deep-fried to perfection. The meat is juicy and tender, making for a wholesome gastronomic experience at Din Tai Fung.”

It’s fifteen years after graduation and I never expected a simple reunion would be in Singapore. Looking back, it’s a wonderful feeling that we passed those days of going through college and eating our food while standing in the canteen during recess and lunch breaks.

PS : I personally asked Rochel to review the draft of this blog post prior publishing in this site. I’m glad she gave me a green light and a happy note! Thank you so much, Rochel! May you and Alvin receive more blessings for you to continue to be a blessings to others!

———–

Locate Din Tai Fung in Singapore HERE! and in Malaysia HERE!

Jun

THE STATE OF BEING GRATEFUL

By docgelo 14 Comments

Categories: Attitude, MALAYSIA and WORK
Tags: aucms, doc gelo, docgelo, education, grateful, gratitude, lecturer, Life, medical lecturer, positive values, teaching, thank you, thankfulness

“The clinical definition of gratitude is the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself; it is a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation.” (sourced via NCBI)

I published this post NOT as a shameless self-promotion but to cultivate gratitude in more people.

Jun

POWER LUNCH WITH THE IRELAND-BOUND

By docgelo 26 Comments

16th June 2012, Saturday. My family and I took the bus-ferry-bus-rides from Butterworth to Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang (Penang Island) at around 10AM to just before lunch time to grace the exclusive invitation of our students who will be studying Medicine in either Galway or Cork in Ireland beginning this September as Malaysian scholars (read : everything’s FREE!). I believe this was their generous way of saying ‘THANK YOU’ to our humble efforts. Trust me, there was No-Grades or No-Marks-Attached to this occasion; it was purely a very warm and friendly get-together-party. FYI, I was a part of their Pre-Med studies and currently the soon-to-end, Bridging Course-Ireland program.

From the first set of photos on this post, one might think that we went to a park, a zoo or an aviary. Actually, the venue of our eat-all-you-want-lunch was at The Flamingo Hotel by the beach. I confess, I underestimated this hotel upon the sight of its modest lobby but when I saw the gorgeous beach, I immediately thought otherwise.

How lucky I am that my students invited even my family…

About the next photo : With me were the English lecturers from London who are now based in Penang, Esther and Phil, they’re great friends of Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan Kok Ewe (or simply, Dato’ Chan for us) who’s seated next to them. It has been a pleasure for me and one of my best learning and humbling experiences as Dato’ Chan shared the lectures of Bridging Course-Ireland to me 2 days a week from October 2011-June 2012. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan happens to be our school’s Pro Chancellor too and the Director of Island Hospital, Penang and not to forget that he’s the Chairman of Penang Hospice Society among the long list of his worthwhile contributions.

That’s me beside Esther and Phil with the one and only, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan

Must-Read-About-Dato’-Chan : As Esther, Phil and I conversed, we all agreed that Dato Chan is one of the most noble & humble men we’ve ever met. His feet remain planted on the ground despite his humongous achievements (read : he’s one of the few Malaysian MD-pillars of Medical Research). Whenever I go and see him at his office to get the materials (which include powerpoint slides that he makes and videos related to our lectures that he personally handpicks), he never fails to amuse and motivate me even without trying. He’s a man beyond his titles. I would not know about the Korean Singing Pop-Group, Girls’ Generation if not for him (Do you know Girls’ Generation? If not, google them on youtube like what I did when Dato Chan made me watch one of their MTVs. When I told him that I was surprise that a guy his age can appreciate contemporary music that even I was not aware of, I noted from his reply that his age does not impose any limitations)!

Imagine inspite of his status, he managed to make cups of coffee for me and Tina on this lunch.

Not everyone does that to his subordinates.

His humility is so inspirational!

His humor and zest for life, phenomenal!

Meet the Malaysian scholars who are all Ireland-bound this September! *applause*

It’s not because they treated us for this lunch but I have to state, these Malaysian scholars who will be studying Medicine in either NUIG in Galway or UCC in Cork, Ireland starting mid-September 2012 until two and a half years after (then, they’ll go back to Taiping, Malaysia for their Clinicals and housemanship), are the epitome of the cream of the crop. Teaching them the few basics of Medicine has been such a breeze because they’re so responsible and goal-oriented. They attend to our classes with so much enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Proof to that is their active participation in our lectures (I cannot remember a 2-hour-class with them that was so boring) and mind you, they laugh spontaneously when I crack jokes!

Formal to wacky…

Tina took my photos with them…

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan with our Ireland-bound-students

Once more, everyone with Tina this time…

It was so fun talking to Esther and Phil (Afiqah and Aizat helped me and Tina go through it without epistaxis or nosebleeding, hehehe!). We spoke about almost everything from their stay here in Penang for almost 3 years now, their favorite Malaysian dishes; Esther recommended a list of hawker food stalls from various parts of Penang with corresponding specialties! I remember the most interesting part was when Esther shared their experiences with the unforgettable tsunami that hit Penang (and Phuket, remember?) and the recent earthquake + tsunami alert which made us all panic. Tina and I were amazed to learn that Esther and Phil were very cool in dealing with the latter as they even had cups of tea in their balcony while my family and I evacuated and slept the night in a hotel far from our seafront-11th floor-appartment. And of course, we talked about THE PHILIPPINES. Phil and Esther want to visit our country during the Christmas holiday and boy, they were surprised to hear when I said that Filipinos celebrate Christmas season starting SEPTEMBER! Don’t we?

Enough with the photo-ops and those introductions; let’s get down to business. Here’s what we chow down….

I started with this noodle soup that looks like simple mami (mamee) dish for Filipinos, but the red & spicy sauce makes it Malaysian…

The hot & spicy broth did not irritate my taste buds; I actually liked it! Then, there was tempura station near the pool side so I sampled some ebi and veggie tempura and a few fried spring rolls. Sarap! Sedap!

That may have been another shameless display of dietary consumption from this site, but heck, I savored this plate to bits, even made me to want more! That’s how delicious those dishes in this plate were. The omelette, chicken, fish and that lamb were all tender and flavorful! The Briyani rice was tasteful too. I’m lost for superlatives to describe each.

If you’re a Filipino reading this post and viewing those photos, yes, you are absolutely correct in thinking that most Nyonya or Peranakan (Straits/Chinese-Malaysian) delicacies here in Penang look like our very own sweets from the Philippines. The rice cakes we have back home appear like those glutinous treats here; the difference lies on the tastes – ours mostly satisfy sweet tooth, but some Malaysian delicacies have a hint of saltiness infused with sweetness.

At this point, I remember I was already struggling to wish I had more room in my gastric pit but truth didn’t allow me to get some fruits from the spread. Anyway, after this Nyonya delicacies, I had coffee made by Dato Chan himself; now that’s one for the books!

It was a sumptuous lunch! The spread was mostly Malay dishes but they’re not that spicy and I truly liked it and might consider to go back for another Sunday buffet lunch with my family some other time. It’s so relaxing to enjoy a buffet with that priceless view with your love ones.

And to the 14 students (2 were not able to join us for this lunch) of Bridging Course-Ireland 2011-2012, I know I already told you this a countless times in between our classes, but would like to state it here again. Always remember that you are so BLESSED to have such opportunity to study MEDICINE for FREE in EUROPE no less. You’ll gain more than Medical knowledge but an experience to cherish for as long as you live! If you keep in mind that you are blessed and you know how to count your blessings, you will not only become what you dream of but will be an inspiration to others too.

Thank you for bearing with me every Tuesdays and Fridays from October 2011 to end of June 2012 Teaching for your batch taught me so many things beyond books and classrooms; indeed, learning has been mutual. I’ll surely miss doing lectures for you!

To Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan, my work in AUCMS has been worthwhile because of you, Sir! Words are not enough to express my gratitude to you!

Thank you, Bridging Course-Ireland 2011-2012 students! We had a wonderful time!

Jun

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

By docgelo 6 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: amateur photography, art, art pieces, children, congkak, culture, d' ark, d' ark school, d'ark private school, doc gelo, docgelo, dslr, education, expat, expat life, family, family blog, family life in penang, fastfood, food blog, foodie, fort cornwallis, francis light, fun, george town, george town penang, georgetown penang, heritage, history, http://docgelo.com/, kids, masterpieces, mcdonald's, mcdonald's happy meal, mcdonald's meals, museum, museums in penang malaysia, must see in penang, must visit in penang, nikon, nikon D7000, ocw, ofw, old town, old town penang malaysia, old town restaurant malaysia, paintings, parenting, penang malaysia, penang museum, penang state museum, personal blog, photography, photos, private school in malaysia, private school in penang, sir francis light, sungka, tourist spots in penang

9th June 2012, Saturday. If you must know, Gabby already joined an educational trip back home when he’s still in his pre-school years, so this one’s his second but his very first in Penang. Despite the fact that I have already been to the itineraries before, Tina and I made sure that we attend to our son’s because it’s one way of spending quality time with him. It wasn’t only Gabby and his schoolmates, a few parents and teachers who enjoyed their field trip; Tina, my mom and I also had fun! Oh, yes, the entire family was there! It was an absolute breather from our routinary work-home-work-home-life during weekdays and there’s no brighter day than seeing our child happy. Moments like this are non-negotiable.

Everyday, there’s a ton of things to be grateful for. The weather’s fine and we received little acts of generosity from people who have a ready hand even without asking. We didn’t need to call a cab to transport us from our place to Gabby’s school as both his school’s Principal and his service van driver offered to pick us up. The day was too perfect to start by breakfast in one of our favorite food places, Old Town. After filling in our tummies, we took few steps towards Gabby’s school and hopped on the tourist bus.

There were two itineraries for this field trip : The Penang State Museum and Fort Cornwallis. I have been to these places before but not with Tina and Gabby. Going back to places rich in heritage, history and cultures with family and schoolmates is definitely a learning experience. And as for Gabby and the other kids, they were given a task to complete before lunch; answers to the questions on the ”quiz” provided can be all found inside the museum. Hats off to Principal Jasmine for doing such! Going through the display in the museum became twice the fun!

A lot of things in this two-level museum can easily fascinate anyone. Although it’s filled with things that Malays, Chinese and Indians of Malaysia’s history used in ages, present generation including our kids can relate to them. Case in point, those luggages and trishaws for traveling, and children realized without saying that their tablets, smart phones and other gadgets would have not been brought to market if these things of the past had not been used.

TYPE ko ito, what about you?

It also houses a modest but beautiful collection of art pieces…

In the Peranakan or Straits Chinese chamber, one of the highlights is an intricately designed Wedding Bed…

And an authentic photo of a Peranakan couple taken on the day they tied the knot…

The Penang State Museum also has interactive sections that Gabby and Tina tried…While watching them play congkak or what we call back home as sungka, it made me wonder how many children nowadays still know how to play or at least, care to learn these games amidst online games and applications available now?

Photo-ops is a must in a field trip…

The group proceeded to Fort Cornwallis, in Esplanade, Penang; it’s the largest standing fort in the entire Malaysia.

If you’re Filipino or someone who has gone to Manila, this would make you feel like it’s Fort Santiago, although I would proudly state that the forts in the Philippines are far better built and preserved.

History and Wikipedia stated that Sir Francis Light initially took possession of Penang Island from Kedah and built the original fort. At present, his monument stands proud near the gates of Fort Cornwallis. The fort is one of the favorite tourist spots in George Town, it’s also used as a venue for cultural shows, and a park where most prenuptial photos here have been taken…

On a much lighter note, Fort Cornwallis became my family’s venue for kulitan (*insert english translation here*…google it if you please)…

When the clock turned into lunch time, we all had to go back to the tourist bus and head back to the mainland to wolf down one of those kiddies’ favorites, McDonald’s…

Because of work (for Tina and me) and school (for Gabby) during weekdays, we only get to spend more quality hours together as a family every weekends, so activities like this that promote family bonding, learning and fun are always welcome! It’s always a priceless treat!

How was your weekend, everyone?

Apr

DREAMERS OF DREAMS

By docgelo 24 Comments

It goes without saying that every educator should provide proper motivation, frequently try his very best to spark inspiration and constantly encourage and fuel his students’ aspirations. As someone who delivers the lectures inside the classroom for almost eight years now, I consider it as a priceless blessing whenever tables are turned. Moments are incredibly remarkable when students become the teacher’s motivation, inspiration and encouragement.

Early last month, after I conducted a lecture with our students in the Bridging Course-Ireland (they’re all SCHOLARS of Malaysian government who will continue studying Medicine in either Cork or Galway in Ireland starting this SEPTEMBER 2012. They’ll be the second batch whom I handled in classes to be in Europe soon. The other batch have been enjoying Ireland and Spring break in Paris already!), I asked them if they want to be photographed and if it’s OK for them if their photos shall be posted on this blog. Surprisingly, I heard a loud cheer, I saw smiling eyes and a look of excitement on their faces. I asked the same query to my 3 students of Basic Molecular and Cellular Biology-class who are equally intelligent and diligent on their studies, Diploma of Medical Sciences (yes, they’re only 3 but they’re a class), they also positively replied. If you must know, at present, I also teach Basic Pathology (6 students in a class) and Physiology (27 students) to different intakes/batches of students of DMS (who are not in photos; we’ll probably have unofficial class picture taking at the middle or end of their semester if and when they want to).

Enjoy the photos and let their smiles and happy faces remind all of us to always dream and dream big!

“No dreamer is ever is too small, no dream is ever too big.” -anonymous

___________________

*For readers out there who want to study or knows someone who wants to pursue Medicine (AUCMS runs 5 Medicine Curricula with twinning programs abroad!), Allied Health Courses like Pharmacy, Medical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Environmental Health, Foundation in PreMedical Studies, Healthcare Management, kindly check out the website of AUCMS (Allianze University-College of Medical Sciences) HERE! and read my former blog post HERE! Thank you! Maraming Salamat po or as they say here in Malaysia, Terima Kasih!

Dec

CHRISTMAS BREAK 2011 DAY 8 : BISPERAS NG PASKO SA ULINGAN

By docgelo 42 Comments

Our Christmas Break 2011 Blog Series includes :

En Route To Pinas
Day 2 : Ulingan, Tondo

————————–

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I was once lost but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.“

“T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear; the hour I first believed”

Even Santa Claus found time to visit the children of Ulingan.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.”

“The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.”

Thank you generous donors, co-volunteers and supporters of Project Pearls!

Bigay ng BreadTalk

“Yeah, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.”

“When we’ve been here ten thousand years. Bright shining as the sun. We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise. Than when we’ve first begun.”

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.”

Pagpalain Nawa Tayo Ng Maykapal.

*Thank you so much PROJECT PEARLS (through the amazing photojournalist-blogger, Mr. Sidney Snoeck of the award winning blog, MY SARISARI STORE , the generous soul behind PROJECT PEARLS, Ms. Melissa Villa, and the rest of my co-volunteers) for sharing with me one of my most unforgettable experience in ULINGAN. Your unselfish efforts to help the children and their families living in Ulingan is awe-inspiring.

*For those of you who would like to contribute, donate, share, volunteer and help, kindly contact and coordinate with PROJECT PEARLS. Thank you and God bless!

*Amazing Grace, the song used in this post was written by John Newton.

Dec

CHRISTMAS BREAK 2011 DAY 2 : ULINGAN, TONDO

By docgelo 51 Comments

Categories: Attitude and HEADLINES
Tags: charity, children, corned beef, corned beef meal, doctor, education, family, generosity, helping others, jollibee, kids, luneta park, manila, med mission, medical mission, medicine, metro manila, Philippines, poor, poorest of the poor, poverty, poverty in philippines, project pearls, rizal, rizal park, slums, third world country, tondo, ulingan, underprivilege

18 December, 2011. Sunday. 2nd day of our days off from work in Penang. *Arrival and Day 1 to follow.

Prelude : People who have been chronically exposed to coal dust of about 15 to 2o years are at risk to develop COALWORKERS’ PNEUMOCONIOSIS also known as “black lung disease” which is a progressive and incurable disease. Imagine the plight of those babies, children and their families living in Ulingan.

—————————-

I tried to win the battle against the alarm of my mobile by curling up in bed a bit longer but my sleepy brain was telling me that I needed to wake up at 4:15AM with the thought that I shouldn’t be late to my appointment on a very early Sunday morning. Resistance as they say, is futile. So after my quick but necessary morning rituals, I kissed my wife and our 7-year old son goodbye while they’re still dreaming and immediately hopped on a tricycle from my relatives’ place in Pasig City and rode a jeepney to LRT 2 Santolan Station. From there, I took the train for less than half an hour to Avenida, Recto Manila. One more jeepney ride and I found myself at the corner of Kalaw Avenue.

Because I left the house with an empty stomach, I felt the urgency to fill it in. I surrendered to one of my favorite Jollibee breakfast meals -fried rice, egg, corned beef and coffee. Solb!

En route to our meeting place, I walked through Rizal Park (formerly known as Luneta Park back in my childhood). It’s good to be back here after some time.

Glad to see you again, fellow MD –JPR.

To say that Rizal’s iconic is an understatement. The sight of his monument was so apt to further fire my willingness that day to participate in a medical mission of PROJECT PEARLS in Ulingan, Tondo, Manila. I had a chance to become a manggagamot again just like JPR in joining this worthwhile activity. Thanks to SIDNEY SNOECK (a Belgian photojournalist whose heart is in the Philippines and thanks to his facebook account and his famous and award-winning blog, MY SARISARI STORE) that I got to know MELISSA VILLA (the soul behind the charitable organization) and PROJECT PEARLS.

I had arranged the schedule with him few days before my family and I left for Pinas. Sidney and I met up in front of Manila Hotel at around 7AM and together we went to Ulingan in Tondo, Manila.

In my 35 years of existence, I have heard so much poverty in my country commonly personified by people of Smokey Mountain who thrive in rubbish. But it was only last Sunday when I saw and experienced the gospel truth behind issues I’ve read and heard. The sight was terribly haunting.

Sidney : “Doc, I’m sorry I failed to ask you to wear proper footwear. Your shoes will get muddy and dirty.”

Me : “Don’t worry, it’s already muddy even before we got here.”

I should’ve been prepared to wear rubber boots (the ones worn by fishermen, wet market vendors, and the like) however, I had no hesitation to soak my shoes just to reach (out to) Ulingan.

Unbelievably, a community exists in this part of Manila.

“ULINGAN is a small slum community in Tondo, Manila that sits on a dumpsite and surrounded by charcoal factories that emit toxic smoke; there is no electricity, no access to toilets or sanitation. Children and families have no choice but to live with soot, garbage, mosquitoes, flies all day and all night. The common meal is “pagpag” (leftover food from fast-food restaurants scavenged from garbage sites). “Pagpag” means to shake away the dirt and maggots in the food.” -sourced from the website of PROJECT PEARLS.

These are their homes– the abodes where they face life’s challenges, the houses where they build their dreams…

Sidney noticed the potted greens -proof that people of Ulingan still find time to make their surrounding a little pleasant despite and inspite of their condition.

This is their usual food, “pagpag” which is sold at PhP 15 per pack…

This is their common past time…

And this is how they make a living…

Sidney told me that children who work for their families in Ulingan remove the nails from the pieces of wood they collect from else where, then other workers would burn them under an "earth" where smoke is emitted day and night. It takes 2 days before charcoal is ready.

Before a sack of charcoal can be sold to about PhP 320 each….

the end consumer might be clueless that young and small hands were behind those uling...

Imagine breathing the smoke and living with the tons of rubbish day and night. Think of babies born by mothers within Ulingan with only midwife to assist and manage them. Life is unbearable but people here are probably the most resilient to tolerate such difficulties.

The main purpose of my trip to Ulingan began immediately after I was brought to the Project Pearls Learning Center.

Despite my heart was breaking at the sight of everything and everyone in Ulingan, inspite of the fact that my respiratory tract wasn’t getting along well with the polluted atmosphere in that community (I have not puffed a cigarette stick in my entire life but believe me, the feeling was probably worse than chronic smoking. I only spent half day in Ulingan but it also took me another six hours to breathe with less discomfort), I was silently jumping for joy upon seeing these…

Thank you to those who donated medicines for us to prescribe and dispense that day. May God bless us all!

*photo courtesy of ace photojournalist, Sidney Snoeck. Thank you, Sid! Mabuhay ka!

Assessing his frontal mass, apparently an infected wound with a complaint of pain and swelling in his mouth. Because we didn't have sterile instruments, I gave a referral note for surgical consult and management at a nearest hospital.

Do you remember the song, Paraiso sung and recorded by the group, Smokey Mountain and if I’m not mistaken, composed by Ryan Cayabyab? The lyrics came to my mind when I was in Ulingan…

“Return to a land called paraiso,
A place where a dying river ends.
No birds there fly over paraiso,
No space allows them to endure.
The smoke that screens the air,
The grass that’s never there.And if i could see a single bird, what a joy.
I try to write some words and create
A simple song to be heard
By the rest of the world.“

Their eagerness and enthusiasm to read and learn despite and inspite of everything are inspiring! Hope is alive in their hearts!

His eyes tell so much tales…

but his hands and feet certainly melted my heart…

As a father to our 7-year-old son, I feel so much for these kids. They’ve been exposed to unimaginable severities in life and were robbed of their childhood. Look at their eyes and peek into their souls…

It was a day that I will not forget for as long as I live. Sidney was repeatedly thanking me before we left Ulingan but I told him the pleasure’s mine. Had it not for him and the organization he’s in, I will not be reminded to make the most of what we have, and MUST THINK BEFORE WE COMPLAIN because we are more blessed than people of Ulingan who certainly know how to SMILE AMIDST ADVERSITIES.

Thank you to all my fellow volunteers…

Thank you, Project Pearls, Ms. Melissa Villa and Mr. Sidney Snoeck for giving me a chance to experience this worthwhile endeavor.

Find me in a sea of unsung heroes. It's an honor to be with them! *photo courtesy of the awe-inspiring photojournalist and award-winning blogger, Sidney Snoeck.

Another wonderful shot by Sidney–this time with Lola Felissa, a 99 year old woman from Ulingan. It’s just amazing she’s still up and about, can still walk and stand straight as if she’s not in her late geriatric years!

One more year and Lola Felissa from Ulingan will be a centenarian! I have not even lived half of the years she enjoyed in life! Mabuhay ka, Lola Felissa! *photo by Sidney Snoeck.

Thank you for these priceless smiles that bid us goodbye…

You can make these children’s lives a little better through your donations and/or by supporting the activities of PROJECT PEARLS; contact the organization via their website at ProjectPearls.Org

——————

*This is the first of the series of our Christmas vacation in the Philippines; DAY 1 to follow soon. May our CHRISTmas and holiday celerbations be happy and meaningful. Let us always count our blessings! God bless us!

Sep

ABOUT LAST WEEKEND

By docgelo 28 Comments

Categories: Attitude, HEADLINES, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: books, butterworth, children, doc gelo, docgelo, edcuation beyond books, education, family, ferry, floating library, george town penang, georgetown, kids, library, Life, living a life, logos hope, penang, teaching

This was how God greeted us last Saturday noon when we viewed Him from our porch…

It was a sunshiny day too perfect to go to the Island. It was a long weekend, by the way, because last Friday, 16th September, 2011 was Malaysia’s 54th Merdeka or Independence Day! However, Tina and I were actually lazy to go out last Saturday and had psyched ourselves to spend it at home, rest, eat and do Grey’s Anatomy marathon (We loved Season 7 Episode 18 – the Musical episode of that Medical drama).

The plan to be a bum at home didn’t push through. I was too weak to resist Gabby’s wish to accompany him to the Island. OK, fine, I also shared the same thoughts with my kid. So while Tina had her much deserved-rest at home, Gabby and I hopped on the bus, went to the jetty in Penang Sentral and headed to the Island…

Enroute to Georgetown aboard the ferry…

Round trip Ferry rides from Butterworth to Georgetown jetty cost RM 1.20 per adult (PhP 16.8) and RM 0.60 sen (cents or PhP 8.40) per kid. And you only pay once at Butterworth (so if you’re coming from the Penang airport or anywhere in Georgetown, crossing to Butterworth is always free).

Another very short bus ride took us here at Sweetenham Pier..

Gabby and I had the chance to board a 12,000 ton vessel and the boy was as excited as his dad.

No we didn’t go on a cruise! How we wish, but you certainly know we won’t board a cruise ship without our muse (Tina of course!).

We went to Logos Hope, the world famous floating library that took its maiden voyage to Malaysia this year; docked in Penang since last week of August and will leave for other parts of Malaysia prior to Singapore on 25th September.

“A community of 400 UNPAID VOLUNTEERS from over 45 nationalities lives and works together on board Logos Hope. With over 5,000 book titles bringing knowledge, help and hope to the world…” Absolutely it’s a unique and inspiring experience!

Has Logos Hope visited your country already? Check it out…

Apparently, it already docked in the Philippine shores too but it took us to become expats in Penang before we get to experience it.

The little kid was so happy on board the floating library…

There’s a book for everyone, even if you’re looking for the most delicious ones…

Since this largest floating book fair travels through so many countries, book titles are priced in units and there are a charts provided that convert the unit prices into local currency…

Titles are so varied and mostly affordable.

Logos Hope has different sections, prior to the main book fair, there’s a “Welcome LifeBoat Theater”. There’s that “Journey of Life” that will surely melt your heart by merely looking at the illustrations on the wall; they tell story even without trying…

Those walls will make you reflect in a blink…It cuts through me.

Then there’s everyone’s favorite part of Logos Hope, the International Cafe where you can have ice cream or coffee or both, depends on how you were inspired by those books, haha!

Volunteers of different colors and hair-dos try to make kids’ visit to Logos Hope more fun and memorable; they even hand away colorful sculpted balloons…

Imagine the passion and dedication these unpaid volunteers have as they serve Logos Hope; truly inspiring…

I know I still have a lot of grains to swallow, but as a young father and a medical educator, I say it’s so easy for any fool to teach anyone to earn a livinlifeg but it takes a ton of passion and skills and dedication to teach anyone how to live a life.

I’m glad I accompanied my son to Logos Hope last Saturday. We both learned beyond books.

Feb

GABBY WON AGAIN, 3 YEARS IN A ROW!

By docgelo 16 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and HEADLINES
Tags: achievement, award, children, contest, declamation, declamation contest, doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, love, preschool, success, twinkle toes academy, winning

When he was 4 years old at Nursery, he won 3rd place in their Declamation Contest in school with his poem, “For My Country.”

The feat was carried on to his Kindergarten when he was awarded 4th Place in the same annual contest with his piece, “Planting Rice.”

That was Gabby last year with his classmate, Chloie; then, a year after…

Yesterday, I had a few calls and sent SMS to my wife, Tina at lunch time but she missed them all. I forgot that she attended to our son, Gabby’s declamation contest held at one of the function rooms in Ateneo De Manila University. No, Gabby’s not enrolled in ADMU, but it has been always a venue for their preschool’s extracurricular activities including graduation rites (usually at Henry Lee Irwin Theater).

It was only few hours after that my wife answered my call then I heard the great news that Gabby won 2nd place in their declamation contest, beating few sections of Preparatory students. Congratulations, son! Ang husay mo, manang-mana!

We love you, Gabby! We’re so proud of you, son!

See you here in Penang in 3 weeks time!

PS : You may not have won first place in those contests, son, but always keep in mind that your mom and I have you as our champion forever! WE LOVE YOU SO!

Jan

SCHOOL IS COOL

By docgelo 34 Comments

Categories: MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, ocw, ofw, penang, penang island, pinoy abroad, preschool, primary school in penang, private school, private school in penang, school, sri pelita, tajung bungah

I was smiling from ear to ear when I saw these last Saturday…

Too cute for words?

As a father to a preschooler, I cannot help but imagine how those innocent little hands molded these amazing creation. Impressive, isn’t it?

I and my 2 senior colleagues found these stuffs in one corner of the school we visited last weekend.

We were hunting for possible school for our kids here in Penang; for Gabby’s first year in Primary (or Elementary), and Primary and Secondary levels for the children of my colleagues. (FYI, our son is finishing his last year in Preschool and is about to enter Grade 1).

From our respective places in Butterworth, we took an early bus trip and met up at the ferry waiting area at 8AM. Oh yes, if you’ve been following this blog for sometime now, you know that we’re now used in crossing the sea via ferry for 12 minutes if we want to ~~have a life~~ go to the island where everything is.

Let’s put it this way –Malls, tons of restaurants, hawkers and eateries, Tina’s future work site and school for kids and other establishments are all located in the Island. So I’m afraid we have to live in the Island after my contract with our condo in Butterworth expires on August. Everything is still on a planning stage and we’re still keeping our options open, hopes sky high!

Who would not want his kid to study in this conducive for learning environment?

Because the school is located inside a seminary-retreat house and situated on hilly parts of Tanjung Bungah, it reminds me of Ateneo campus in Quezon City and Calleruega in Tagaytay…

So we inquired about details of intake (enrollment), uniforms, provision of service bus, medium of instruction (English for it’s a private school for foreigners), extracurricular activities (oh there’s a lot –from swimming, table tennis, musical plays, football, camping, family day, learning to play musical instruments) and of course, school fees…

Expectedly, we were given figures way beyond mediocrity and possibly at par with standards of teaching, location, and whatnot.

I recall, I had a deep long sigh and thought, “Kakayanin ba namin ni Tina?”

And just before I utter a word, the male senior colleague who have already raised professionals told me, “Ayos lang iyan; ikaw nga nag-uumpisa ka pa lang (magpaaral)…” I sensed the reality of my parenthood in his statement.

Enough with the money matters. If it God’s will for Gabby to study there, then it shall be done. If it’s not, then we know, there’s a better plan.

I know Gabby will like these desktops…

Kids enrolled here get to learn their swimming lessons from the nearby Penang Chinese Swimming Club and other sports like football from their enormous playing field…

Apparently, kids here are taught more than what’s written on books…

Check out the school’s web page, they just staged Wizard of Oz production involving all their students. –>Sri Pelita. Faith.Hope.Charity

“Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.”
– Sir Claus Moser

It would take a lot of money to send our son to this private school, which is already considered reasonably priced compared to others we scouted. But we only have 2 options –(1) Send Gabby to this school and work, work, work or (2) Leave Gabby to my relatives in Pinas for him to continue his studies there as (Tina and) I work here in Penang.

The second option is rather painful.

As much as possible, Tina and I want to be with Gabby during his formative years. It’s so hard for any parent to miss the growing years of his kid.

If you are in our shoes, how would you come up with a critical decision?

C’mmon, educate me, please.

——————————————————o

Sep

TEACHING BEYOND BOOKS

By docgelo 23 Comments

Few days ago, I candidly post 2 shouts out in facebook (yes, it’s part of my limited virtual social life other than blogging & tweeting) and was impressed with the long thread it generated; my 2 posts had 70 and 50 and still counting-comments from them.

I asked my former Medical-Surgical Nursing students about their MOST REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE/S with my class. They may believe this or not, but I certainly miss doing lectures for them regardless whether their sections were the most stubborn or the most intelligent ones. With all my pride, I am grateful that they are now all RN and/or US-RNs, working not only locally but in different parts of the globe.

Here are some of their comments…these definitely reveal the other side of me.

I teased some of them who are now living/working in the US that they have to treat me when I get a chance to travel to their places…

I am extremely proud of my students not because they made it to my class and they’ve successfully passed local and/or foreign registration exams and are already within the same playing field, but more so of their gratitude! No one can buy gratefulness of others. It’s a pure bliss!

Hopefully, I’ll get same opportunity in being a part of molding smart minds of our present Medical students here in Penang who by the way are mostly government scholars.

The challenge continues…

_____________________________

PS : docgelo started teaching Medical-Surgical topics in the academe back in 2004; handled thousands of Nursing students in 3rd and 4th year for 10 semesters including summer classes until 2008; then he moved to a review center for NCLEX-RN (US registration exam for foreign-grad RNs) from 2008 to 2010 before he became one of the medical university-college lecturers in Penang, Malaysia.

Sep

NURTURING MINDS

By docgelo 28 Comments

Categories: TRAVEL and WORK
Tags: alternative jobs for doctors, doc gelo, docgelo, doctor, education, filipino doctor, lecturer, life abroad, medical doctor, medicine, physician, pinoy md, professor, teacher, teaching, work abroad

If you must know, I never planned to become a medical lecturer ergo, I consider myself as an accidental educator. Back in 2004, I only wanted to have a decent job to raise my newborn son and support my lovely wife. But I eventually found myself enjoying the work that has become one of my passions since then.

I may have conducted lecture series to a thousands of students in the academe and post-graduate review centers back home but my work and their volume are not as significant as the results of their efforts. I always take pride whenever former students march down the hall during graduation rites more so when they pass their licensure exams for local and foreign employments and become successful in their own fields. Most of them if not all, have been grateful to my humble contribution to their studies; I always take it as my inspiration to do more.

I have been itching to give full life to my medical and narcotic licenses in the Philippines (read: practice my profession) but what should a father prioritize? Is it his professional growth and advancement or the future of his family? Just so you know, local medical practice isn’t as lucrative unless you are at your senior years and/or have gained profound experiences or if you’ve been blessed with hand-me-down-patients from relatives who are in the same playing fields.

Honestly, I despise people, sometimes even relatives who regret the fact that I’m working in classrooms rather than in hospitals or clinics. How can you be so sorry for someone who’s absolutely happy and fulfilled with what he’s doing? FYI, for as long as I keep my licenses with me in good professional standing, Medicine will forever flow in my bloodstream.

with one of the groups of Pre-Med students in Penang during our SGD (small group discussion) about Chromosomal Aberrations.

..Meet some of the future doctors from our university-college in Penang…

As long as opportunity presents itself, I’ll welcome everything as wonderful blessings.

———————————————

Aug

3 YEARS IN A ROW

By docgelo 18 Comments

Looking at photographs of annual events makes me more reflective on how time flies so fast. On my son’s photos taken from their preschool’s celebration of Linggo Ng Wika every August, it’s so apparent how he has grown from a cute and chubby boy to a charming little man now.

On August 2008, Gabby who was then a Nursery pupil, was a little Katipunero in their parade.

A year later in his Kindergarten, he appeared like a very young statesman, so dapper in his Barong Tagalog; charming, isn’t he?

And just last week, Tina emailed me the photo that showed how she became resourceful and creatively made used of our old table runners from Baguio City and bought some rooster feathers just to transform Gabby to look like someone from the Northern Philippines.

Our son was assigned by his preschool teacher to be the “apo” or looked like a “mumbaki” to me, as the entire Preparatory level was dressed to represent the northern tribes… Gabby led his group in dancing the lullaby chant of the natives, Salidumay.

For 3 years since he started schooling, this was my very first time to be absent in his activities.

There goes the little sacrifice of an OFW dad.

——————————<@

Aug

KNOCK, KNOCK!

By docgelo 17 Comments

Categories: Attitude, TRAVEL and WORK
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, doctor, education, Filipino, filipino abroad, lecturer, malaysia, medical educator, medical lecturer, medicine, ocw, penang, pinas, Pinoy, pinoy abroad, professor

Doors of opportunities open at a given time, it’s up to us whether we enter or leave.

I wasn’t ambivalent when the chance to work abroad came along about a couple of months back. I am dead sure to do the job that has been my passion despite the sacrifice of leaving my wife and son back home. I strongly believe that if you’ve set your mind and heart on something, the yield is nothing but positive.

On my 15th day of stay in Penang, Malaysia, my cup still overflows with gratitude to everyone who have contributed in bringing me to where I am now. I am only at the foot of the so-called mountain-to-climb but I feel so fortunate for each day has been a blessing.

Everything would not be possible if the entire universe did not conspire. To my family, closest friends and their relatives, to the people who brought me to this work in this medical university, I am and will forever be thankful.

I am sharing with you the simple words I’ve emailed to my employers this morning with the hope to infect you with gratitude.

Greetings!

I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude for giving me a chance to work with other Filipino Medical educators, and be a part of whom you called the school’s Meducationists. Rest assured, Sir, that I will contribute to the growth of the medical school and its people with the best of my abilities.

Thank you too, for facilitating our accomodation and making us feel so welcome in Penang.

I take pride in being a part of our institution.

Sincerely,
docgelo

Aug

THE WEEK THAT WAS

By docgelo 19 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and HEADLINES
Tags: chicken tandoori, doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, food, food blog, food blogger, foodie, george town, george town penang, georgetown, gurney drive, penang, penang island, pinas, Pinoy, pinoy abroad, pinoy blog, pinoy blogger, schooling, tandoori

I came to Penang from Manila via Kuala Lumpur exactly a week ago with 18 other Pinoy doctors to work as a lecturer in a huge medical college here. Most of them are my batchmates from med school; including one of our former professors and the others are medical consultants from all over the Philippines whom I met only on the flight. Eight more physicians will be coming in next week to join our teaching force with the hope that we can blend well with our foreign counterparts from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Australia, Myanmar and Malaysia.

Thank God my first week in Penang as an OFW has not been dreadful. I didn’t set any great expectations but to earn and save for Tina and Gabby thus I am not disappointed yet. It has been so far so good.

Here are some decisions I’ve made and some things I encountered and experienced in my first week here that I’d like to share.

1. Initially, I planned to bring Tina and Gabby here after a month or two because they ‘re eligible to have “calling visas” as my dependents. I was told that Tina can also work here if she finds an opportunity. However, after a few days of touring the city and going to 3 International Primary Schools in Penang mainland and Penang Island, I found out with the rest of my colleagues who are married with kids, who also plan to do the same, that the cost of private education here soars to the heavens.

Schooling in Penang is like in the western countries, it’s trisemester; they open September, January and April and ends in July. Facilities, staff and environment-wise, almost everything is at its finest except the fees. Since Gabby’s age falls on their Year 1 level, I will be required to pay a term fee of RM 3500 (PhP 49,000) and another term advance fee if he enters IS here. Plus, there are admission and registration fees amounting to RM1500 that should be settled upon enrolment. All in all, the cost per term enrollment is RM 8500 (PhP 119,000 or USD 2587), then add another 2 term fees to complete a school year making a grand total of PhP 217, 000 for Year 1 alone and fees escalate per level of course! Is that logical for grade 1? Granting that my minimal salary can afford it, isn’t it still too much for a primary education?

It’s not that I and my wife would like to deprive our preschool son of the best education but we’re just being practical. After all, it is because of my son’s future that I am here abroad. By thinking so, we decided that Gabby will just continue his schooling as a prep student back home with my wife’s guidance. I will just find means to bring them here for a week-long vacation whenever our schedules permit ; perhaps either before Gabby’s birthday on the first week of October or at the end of the same month during their semestral break. This will give them a chance to experience life in Penang and probably if God wills it, I may enroll Gabby here on September next year, still depending on how we test the waters. Another option is for me to go home on Christmas for the holidays.

2. Penang is a beautiful city. The mainland boasts of colleges, industrial areas, freeways and countryside, while Penang Island cradles George Town, Malaysia’s own UNESCO World Heritage City.

A glimpse of George Town in Penang Island; it's Malaysia's own UNESCO World Heritage City. See you every weekend, George Town and Gurney Drive!

After George Town, we went to Gurney Drive where upscale hotels and hawkers meet before their glorious bay area.

One would take an hour or so to fly to Singapore or Thailand or other Asian countries from Penang. Travel is more accessible now rather than a luxury because of availability of cheap airfares from low-cost carriers.

Would you believe that an overnight stay on a cruise ship that departs from Penang Island costs only RM100 (PhP 1400) ? I can’t wait to experience it hopefully soon.

3. I embrace being in a multicultural community. I’ve travelled a few times but it wasn’t this long that I’ve been breathing same air with other nationalities, colors, cultures and religions.

There are Chinese and other Asians, Indians, Pakistanis, a few Caucassians and others that peacefully thrive in Malaysian soil.

4. Food in Penang came from diverse communities too. Mild to moderate spicy foods predominate the choices that are very apparent in halal dishes. I don’t have a choice but to enjoy every bite. What’s best with it, food is so affordable here that one can buy a Nasi Lemak for only RM 1 (PhP 14). How I wish the same scenario is true in the Philippines.

Chicken Tandoori with Cheese Naan from Kapitan's Nasi Kandar International located at Gurney Drive, Penang Island. SARAP! So affordable at RM8.50 (PhP 119).

5. Buhay-OFW is totally new to me. Every minute has been nothing but a mixture of homesickness and wonderful experiences. I just pause and think the reason for my being here; then when the faces of my child and his mom flash on my mind, everything seems surreal.

To quote my fellow doctor here, “for OFWs, sacrifice is synonymous to remittance.”

Jun

JUNE ONE

By docgelo 16 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, fatherhood, parenthood, parenting, prep school, preparatory school, preschool, school, schooling

I grew up on the quote from my parents and maternal grandparents that

‘”Education is the only thing that no one can take it away from you.”

It has been ringing in my head for more than 3 decades and now that I’m a parent myself, I and my wife take full responsibility in bringing our kid to school, despite the enormous challenges of doing so. And we return the favor to our parents even if it isn’t obliged as we inculcate the same quote to our son as early as now.

As educators, my wife and I easily irk when our college students disregard their schooling but that’s another story.

Today, we enrolled Gabby on his last year in preschool–Preparatory. Oh yes, it’s that season again of covering books with plastics, buying school essentials like bags and other school supplies. These are the days that remind me how glad I was during shopping of new school stuffs when I was in my younger years. I guess, it’s innate with kids or with anyone to get ecstatic whenever we acquire new things, even the simplest ones.

These are his books and notebooks with 2 more books left undelivered. His teachers this morning told us that although it’s not a requirement, this is the stage when Gabby needs a stroller-bag that God forbid, may stress him and his fetcher (mostly me, Tina or his Lolo Ben depending on our schedules). Why do young kids need to carry heavy loads to and from the school while the college ones do not even keep a pen in their pockets?

We’re just happy that Gabby is excited again to go back to school unlike other kids I know that force and coercion are needed for them to attend classes.

Tina and I only bought him 3 sets of uniforms and a new PE shirt just to cut a little on expenses; anyway, his old pairs are still wearable. We still need to shop for his school supplies just before he reports on June 17.

Time flies so fast. It seems like it was only yesterday when he attended his first day in Nursery…

Gabby and Tina on his first day in preschool as he attended his Nursery class June 17, 2008

Good luck and God bless you, anak on your schooling! Just enjoy everything and flash those smiles always! Anong gusto mong baon, Gabby?

May

BATANG BIBO

By docgelo 33 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: academic awards, awards, childhood dream, children, declamation, declamation contest, doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, family life, kid's talent, kindergarten, parenthood, poem, politics, preschool, rhetoric, school, summer break, talent, talented kid

We let Gabby enjoy his vacation from preschool by watching cartoon marathons and by playing his Happy Meal toys, PSP and Plants vs Zombies. While he’s into his fun moments, I unearthed a photo file and found something to ponder.

Tina and I are proud parents of a kid who dreams of becoming an Iron-Chef someday but shows raw talent in public speaking.

At age 4, he surprisingly delivered the 2-stanza poem, For My Country :

Gabby has been consistent winner in Declamation Contests in his school for 2 consecutive years. He won 3rd place out of 50+ Nursery students last year and ranked 4th out of 50+ Kindergarten pupils this year.

Last February, he recited a 5-stanza poem, Planting Rice :

Tina and I are amazed how Gabby conquers stage fright. It seems he doesn’t fear a huge group of audience at a young age. He’s also very much talkative interactive with his classmates when in school.

If you must know, other than being healthcare professionals, we’re also humble college educators but admittedly, both of us, who have so much more to learn, didn’t acquire teaching skills and the art of public speaking overnight. As for Gabby, he shows the talent as early as now.

He’s also into academic awards :

Like most parents, we don’t want to dictate the future of our child. He’ll be what he wanted to be. He can be a rockstar, a restaurateur, an athlete, an artista or somebody with a decent job for as long as it’s far from politics; it’s OK with us.

I don’t know but probably because of the recent National Election, I’m having paranoid thoughts that his young talent in rhetoric would lead into public seat someday. *afraid*

——————————————-<@

According to Buddha, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become”.

Have you ever thought about becoming what you are now?

-I never did.

Feb

TEAM GABBY WINS! (PART 1)

By docgelo 25 Comments

The past few days have been overwhelming! My family and I cannot thank the Lord enough for so much blessings!

No, we didn’t win in lotto or something; how we wish! But it’s beyond what money can buy.

Last Thursday, I failed to attend to my son’s Math Quiz Bee in his preschool because I was on an appointment that turned out to be life-changing for me, career-wise; I’ll share it here soon. For now, here’s the photo that Tina took during Gabby’s addition-subtraction contest.

Then Saturday came and off we went here…

We arrived in Ateneo past 11 AM and there we dressed up Gabby to look like a cute farmer…

With camisa de chino in celadon green that I bought for only PhP 50 in Divisoria (where else?), his props of faux grains for another P50, his old yellow shirt that his mom wrapped around his head with a straw hat purchased at PhP 35 all bought in Tabora Street completed his look.

“PLANTING RICE”, his 5-stanza-poem was randomly given to him by their teacher several weeks ago.

Before they start the program, I took a photo of Gabby with MY CRUSH FOR HIM among his classmates. Her name is Chloe. Isn’t she lovely? Bagay po ba sila ? …No strings attached yet! It’s just me.

I told Tina while we’re waiting for Gabby’s turn to conquer the stage that I never experienced such palpitations and extreme nervousness since my Medical Board Exams. I was too anxious that I wanted our son to do it well and be done with ease.

And after 50 Kindergarten students from 2 sections have recited their pieces, Gabby bagged 4th place which gave him the trophy and made him a winner in 2 consecutive years.

When he was in Nursery last year, he was named 3rd placer on the same contest. You may view it HERE.

“This Declamation Contest is not intended to exhibit the proficiency of the child, but to give him/her experience in speaking before an audience. Nervousness is thus eradicated, confidence gained and stage presence developed.” -TTA.

We’re having PPS (Proud Parent Syndrome) again. He just recently ranked Top 2 in his class for their 3rd quarterly grading, then he won a trophy for his declamation and a medal for his Math Quiz Bee. The boy deserves a prize he wanted. But it will be granted to him in due time as we’ve agreed.

Here are Gabby’s mentors in school (left) and his greatest teacher at home (right)…

(applause, applause!)

TINA and I always feel like a WINNER for having a son like him.

We’re just so proud of loving him.

We always thank God for giving Gabby to us.

God is great! His love is overflowing.

————————————

PS : We had an early dinner somewhere… That’s on my next post. Till then.

Have a great week everyone! God bless.

Feb

IN A WORLD OF RESTLESS AND YOUNG

By docgelo 28 Comments

In a month or so, Gabby will be done with his classes. And 6 years after we became first-time parents, Tina and I still cannot believe that our little boy has done Nursery and about to finish Kindergarten soon. I guess all parents out there would agree that it’s a BIG accomplishment already; although we know there’s a looooooooooong way to go for the 3 of us. At least we’ve started the first few steps happily together.

Preschoolers nowadays study lessons that my generation had learned later in grade school. We take it as an advantage for them of course. But let me ask you, when did you learn your proper and improper fractions and how to add and subtract them ? What about mixed fractions -the ones with whole number and a fraction ? Synonyms and antonyms ? Concepts of Greater than and Less than ? Differences of Solid, Liquid and Gas ? Were they taught to you as early as Kindergarten ? *grin*

$fractions$ $proper and improper fractions$

It’s not only the preschool syllabus that evolved and became, IMO, far advanced (–again, I’m not complaining) but also the extra-curricular activities.

Last week, we heard our son singing screaming :

“Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, for my love….will see you..through…”

My wife and I looked at each other with astonishment! Where in the world did Gabby learn a very old OPM song? I, myself haven’t heard of it in years!

Tina and I are children of the 80s. And at 33, I can still recall our preschool activities and whatnot but I do not remember singing these songs in school when I was Gabby’s age :

My Love Will See You Through by Marco Sison

Thank You For The Music by Abba

Somewhere Out There by James Ingram + Linda Ronstadt (I remember this from a late 80s movie)

Yesterdays Dream by Donna Cruz

Actually, it was nice and fun to hear and see a 5-year-old kid singing somewhat-matured songs! He even picks up his Jumbo pencil and assumes it as his microphone while singing at the top of his voice.

Tina and I are just proud parents and are so glad to be in a world of restless and young!

I wonder what’s on for their next week’s classes… hmmm… *excited*

Meanwhile, here’s what Gabby was singing when I’m writing this…

We are the world of the restless and young
And we need a hand to guide us
Helping each other, build each other
As long as we’re together you and me

For together we stand, divided we fall
Together we climb to the top of the world
We can be what we want for the world to see
That we are the children of yesterday’s dream

————————————————–

Can you recall your preschool days ?

What are your fondest memories of those years ?

What songs were you singing then ?

Feb

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

By docgelo 21 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, family life, kids, kindergarten, parenthood, parenting, Pinoy, pinoy family, pinoy kids, preschool, preschoolers, school, schooling

His mom went to her morning shift in the Operating Room today with her Nursing students and will be out by 2PM. I was left to accompany our son, Gabby to his preschool to attend to a brief parent-teacher-meeting and claim his report card. And to my surprise, their teacher’s aide greeted us at the school’s gate, “Congratulations po, Top 2 si Gabby!”

Wow! Even it was so anticlimactic, certainly I cannot complain. It was ecstatic to hear those words so early in the morning!

Gabby and I sat in his room with other parents and kids. We shortly waited for our turn and when it came, the teacher prepared and handed me this…

Sweet! It was only last November when Gabby made it to SIXTH PLACE ON SECOND QUARTER out of 30 Kindergarten students in his class and now he sky rocketed to SECOND HONORS! I cannot help but to have PPS (read: Proud Parent Syndrome) again.

I heard from his teacher while talking to other parents that the basic problem of the previous members of the honors list (excluding Gabby) was failure to follow exam directions. It really pays to follow rules. When it’s asked to encircle, you never underline.

Inspite of difficult and advanced preschool curriculum, Tina and I are proud that Gabby is picking up something from his 4-hour-a-day-schooling. I will make a post of what kids of his generation study in school soon.

The teacher commented that Gabby was the only one in the class who knew one particular VERB (remember your action words?) and its SYNONYM.

Teacher : “Daddy, si Gabby lang po ang may alam ng synonym ng HUNGRY! What’s your answer Gabby?”

My son : “STARVING!”

Daddy Gelo : (note to self : You’re son’s really a foodie at a young age!)

Jan

FIELD TRIP 2010 : PART 3

By docgelo 16 Comments

After a wonderful animal-encounter at Ocean Adventure in Subic, the 5 buses of preschoolers (Gabby & his batchmates) with their parents (including me and Tina of course) and teachers trooped to Clark, Pampanga and had a brief exposure to Filipino history & culture.

We already heard few years ago that NAYONG PILIPINO which was previously located in Pasay City near the airport, is now in Clark, Pampanga but we only got to see it last week. This TEMPORARY RELOCATION of the famous replica of most tourist spots of the country was done to give way for the building of the 2 Ninoy Aquino International and domestic terminals. And the latest we’ve known from our trip, plans have transpired to push through with the new construction of Nayong Pilipino near the SM Mall of Asia area. Have you heard of this news?

First stop : the replica of church in Bulacan imprinted on Philippine Ten Peso-Bill.

MALOLOS CHURCH served as venue for so many Philippine Constitutional Conventions.

Then there’s also those WALLS of INTRAMUROS and what appeared to look like a river however, there was no running water but a rock bed.

The Nayong Pilipino guide informed us that this Clark’s version is divided into 2 parts : Precolonial and Post Colonial eras.

At the Precolonial area, the simple Pinoy lifestyle before the Spanish regime is depicted. We were greeted by an Ifugao native dance…What a warm welcome for all of us!

The short performance of the natives was a fresh sight to the kids who were used to gyrating pop music.

The simple and creative way of living of Filipinos long before we were under foreign rules were shown in these huts built without a single nail or screw and amazingly can withstand any typhoon. I guess these native shelters truly represent what early Pinoys were – imaginative, resilient, simple. Do we still have these qualities at present ?

“Movable Ladder – Walang Akyat-Bahay! Ang galing ng ating mga katutubo!” (click the picture to enlarge)

Weaving of textiles with intricate and colorful patterns was also demonstrated.

Panggatong, anyone ?

This is a replica of an upscale Muslim house that’s suited for a Sultan or Datu, the village chief in Maranao, Mindanao. It’s called TOROGAN.

The Torogan House has colorful and intricate butterfly-like end beams that protrude in front of the house; apparently gorgeous Maranao artwork!

There are also monuments inside Nayong Pilipino to honor Philippine History and Literature…

On the left is Ang Alamat ni Malakas at Maganda… And on the right is Lapu-lapu, the chieftain of Mactan, pardon the pun, appeared to us as depressed in his stance… (click photo to enlarge) I believe Lapu-lapu deserves to be depicted victorious having been considered as the country’s first hero.

There are also monuments for Philippine Folklore’s goddesses – the likes of Mariang Sinukuan and Maria Makiling; but I didn’t take photos for I personally didn’t like how they were created. Imagine a statue of a women who look distraught complete with a dress-slit nearly up to their inguinal areas!

Moving on… The Post Colonial Era…

As far as I recall, there are replicas of houses of Filipino heroes – Apolinario Mabini’s, Jose Rizal’s and others’ that played significant role in Philippine History.

Note the features of houses during post colonialism greatly evolved and was then inspired by Spanish architecture.

As parents, Tina and I are always trying our best to be well-rounded with Gabby. We appreciate joining his field trip for we know that there’s more to life that kids should learn outside the corners of their classrooms and beyond reading their books.

We left Nayong Pilipino at around past 5 in the afternoon to head for our last pit stop : Puregold Duty Free for some shopping.

Another family fun-bonding time enjoyed.

PS : Because we as a family have experienced being in few amusement parks abroad, Tina and I wish that local authorities would exert more efforts in putting up and maintaining quality and cleanliness in our very own tourist spots.

Nov

THEIR SIXTH; OUR FIRST

By docgelo 25 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, education, family, family and living, family life, fatherhood, kindergarten, parenthood, preschool, preschool life

Usually, most special gifts don’t come in huge boxes and colorful bows but intangible things.

Last Friday, I came home dead tired from work; thankfully, what put the widest smile on my face and saved my day was this present :

Our 5-year-old son, Gabby ranked 6th in his 30 student-Kindergarten class. My wife and I are having PPS! (read : Proud Parent Syndrome!)

We’re so glad that he made it this second quarter to the list. I attribute Gabby’s achievement to Tina’s efforts of guiding him on his academics. His remarkable class rank reminds me that I should also give more quality time tutoring him on his school assignments. I also sit with him and help him do his homeworks but not as usual as his mom. We’re not pressuring him though, but we know he can exert more because his interest in learning is so apparent in attending school and even in participating in those so-called extra-curricular activities. He also behaves well in and out of his classroom.

If you must know, preschoolers now study the concepts of greater than and less than and addition and subtraction in Math; personal hygiene and body parts as well as parts and functions of a seed, a plant and its flower, so with number of legs of insects in Science. In Language, they’re done with the use of has and have, pronouns- he, she, it, verbs /action words; plural and singular nouns and more! In Reading, they’ve studied community helpers and their jobs; and Gabby now knows how to read short sentences.

During my preschool year (I was then accelerated from Nursery to Grade 1 after passing an exam), I know little of those topics but I ranked 5th of my Nursery class. Basic Computer subject during my time was taught in High School but with Gabby’s generation, they’ll soon be having Computer and Filipino subjects as early as next month!

Our son enjoys watching Asian Food Channel (other than his favorites -Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network) and he dreams of becoming a chef one day. And (defensively,) we didn’t spoon-fed him of what he should be like in the future because as young parents, we believe that we’re only here to guide him all through out his journey. Perhaps what influenced him to wish to work in a kitchen someday are the things we do best – eating and enjoying every gastronomic adventure! He isn’t a chef yet but our little foodie has already developed his own preference to some delights that never fail to please his palate :)

He may not have ranked first in their class but he is and he’ll be our Number One!

Congratulations, anak! Keep it up!

Always remember you’re our greatest gift from the Lord and we’ll be forever grateful to Him

Aug

OUR LITTLE ACHIEVER

By docgelo 5 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: children, doc gelo, doc gelo blog, docgelo, education, examinations, family, family life, filipino family, Life, parenthood, Philippines, Pinoy, pinoy family, preschool, preschool education, school

For the past few weeks since school started this year, our 4-year-old son Gabby has been consistently performing well in his kindergarten class. Proof to this are those stamp-pad-marks of “excellent”, “well-done”, “good work”; sometimes he brings home papers marked with ”fast worker”. I’m sorry but you cannot fully relate to my joy whenever he comes home after his 8AM-11AM class with these remarks unless you’re a parent too. “Tanggal ang pagod ko sa trabaho sa maghapon kung ganito ang salubong ng anak ko.” These mushy petty things for some, commonly serve as an inspiration to parents like me to do more and aspire more for the good of our kid/s.

We’re so blessed to have him as our son. He’s not only smart and fast-learner but he’s kind-hearted too. I know all kids are angels but my wife and I are just glad to have Gabby as our own.

At such an early age, he already showed talent in declamation when he won 3rd place over fifty-one Nursery students from their preschool last February with his 2-stanza-winning piece, ”For My Country.” Click this to review the post about it with title—–>ONE PROUD DADDY and I really am until now, and probably until I breathe my last. I guess it’s innate with us parents to always LOVE their child/ren UNCONDITIONALLY.

Tina and I understand that as young parents, we have lots of things to learn and we’re so ready to absorb what needs to be imbibed. Isn’t it that living is always a long learning process? As for now, what we pray for is to continue raising Gabby as God-fearing individual, healthy and happy kid.

We love Gabby so much not only because he’s an obedient and intelligent kid, but simply because we are a dear part of him.

Whether his name will be included in the quarterly list of topnotchers of their class or not, in my heart, he’ll forever be my number one!

Jun

IRREPLACEABLE

By docgelo 8 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and TRAVEL
Tags: amsterdam, caribbean cruise, ceu, college, costa atlantica, costa cruises, cruise, cruise ship, cyprus, education, egypt, europe, european cruise, european tour, family, finland, france, fridge magnets, gibraltar, greece, italy, leisure, martinique, norway, paris, pleasure, portugal, spain, st marten, tourism, TRAVEL, turkey

When I visited my parents’ home in Pasig City this afternoon, where my 3 brothers and our father are staying, less our mom who’s in UAE now for work, I waited for my brother to borrow his treasured memorabilia for me to feature them here, I’m glad he granted my simple request.

My youngest brother JC will be 24 years old this year, exactly a day before my 33rd birthday this September.

After enrolling 2 different courses at 2 universities back in 2003 within one week, he dropped all those to finally enroll Tourism at CEU (Centro Escolar University) in Manila. Biniro ko pa sya noon, sabi ko “Gusto mo bang maging turista JC?” Honestly, we didn’t expect he’ll be serious enough to finish that course and find a profession out of it at that time, but wow, he proved us all wrong!

He was only 21 years old when he had his OJT (on the job training) at Magsaysay Shipping in Manila as a requirement of his course. He’s done with his OJT few months before he walked down the aisle of Manila Hotel for their batch’s graduation. Few days after his graduation, he was absorbed and went on training under the same company and gained his seaman’s book. By the third week of July 2 years ago, he’s off to Europe to join COSTA ATLANTICA CRUISE as one of its crew.

It was amazing, really awesome experience for him. I’m so proud of him. Although he started with uncertainties, he went far from what I’ve imagined. At an early age, he was already earning foreign currency with Euros as tips. Best of all, among our many relatives from a huge clan in Calumpang, Marikina, probably he’s the only first to see most of Europe. He’s the first in our family and the only one to date to secure a Schengen visa (needed to be in Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal , Spain, Sweden , The Netherlands).

JC only stayed and worked with the cruise ship for 5 months and came home to be with our ailing maternal grandmother December of 2007. It was a wise decision for him not to finish his 8-month-contract with Costa Atlantica and be with our Lola 3 months before she passed away.

Nevertheless his thankless job, as he put it, made him experienced some of the nicest places in Europe and the diverse cultures of their passengers who are some of the world’s rich and famous.

As I’ve featured few posts ago (browse page below) the fridge magnets that my wife and I collected from few of our travel abroad, here are my brother’s irreplaceable memorabilia…

JC joined Costa Atlantica July 2007 via Amsterdam…

Then the cruise ship went from one country to another… I failed to ask my brother the order of his docks to this places when I borrowed his fridge magnets for a little pictorial session =). so this is in random order…

Trolls from Norway…

He rode the cable cars of Santorini when he got this…

I’m sorry but thought Finland is only best with mobile phones, LOL until I saw his photos and this…

He mentioned he’s been to Tenerife, Vigo and Barcelona and got these…

Then he celebrated his 22nd birthday that year amidst the sphinx and pyramids of…

They also sailed to Turkey…

He also experienced the islands of Eastern Caribbean Seas- St. Lucia, Dominica and…

He got the next fridge magnet from a country whose white flag contains the island map on its entirety with 2 olive branches as a symbol of peace…

Gibraltar is an independent British overseas territory…

And his flight back to Manila on December 2007 was via the airport that I long to see before I die (lol)…

Isn’t that a worthwhile trip?

The moment we fetched him from the airport the day he arrived from that overseas job, he’d only wish for us to go with him to even one to few of those countries one day as tourists and not him as a cabin crew anymore. Wishes do come true, right? So we continue to dream… (long sigh! =)

He worked as a Starbucks Coffee barista here for a year after his Costa Atlantica stint and now he has been working with a 5-star-hotel-group of companies based in Makati City. He aims to gain new experience locally before he explore the world again.

It’s nice to collect photos, fridge magnets and whatnot, but more importantly we cherish the memories that come with it.

Jun

BACK 2 SCHOOL

By docgelo 4 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and HEADLINES
Tags: back to school, bookstore, education, educational supplies, Glorietta, national book store, preschool, school, school opening, school supplies

He’s the handsomest, most obedient and smart soon-to-be-Kinder pupil bar none! He even ranked 3rd out of 51 students of 2 sections last February during their school’s declamation contest. My wife Tina and I are so proud of him ofcourse.

And now…

He finished Nursery a couple of months ago and will attend Kinder this Monday, June 15th. That’s our four-year-old son Gabby, too excited to go back to school as we went shopping for his school supplies in Glorietta 5 in Makati, where else but from…

I myself grew up with NBS. Every beginning of a school year, this has been “the place to be” for most Pinoy students and their parents! And for our very own preschooler, his teacher gave us a list of things needed for his entire academic year last week when we enrolled him. We only got a chance to buy those school supplies this afternoon. Parents are instructed to label all school supplies of their child with the student’s name for these will be submitted to their school on their first day of attendance for safekeeping, in order for every student to just come to school with baon and nothing else. Imagine those kids carrying trolley bags which are actually bigger that them! How do you expect them to grow normally without stunting? We thought our son’s school rule was too nice for comfort and wish we had the same to follow two and half decades ago when we started schooling…

Do you miss schooling?

A decade after finishing my post-graduate studies and being licensed, I do.

Feb

ANOTHER YEAR

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: HEADLINES and whatever
Tags: call center, call center agents, college, courses, education, local news, local politics, news, opinions, politics, salary, social issues, teachers, tertiary level

I simply hate local politics and it has been a while since I last appreciate a news item on TV. But this morning is different. I woke up learning from a local news that cabinet members of the Philippine government axed the five-year-in-college proposal applicable to most courses even to non-registration or non-boards courses.

Adding up another year in college would only give parents an additional financial burden. Money isn’t only the issue but time. The proposal would delay the opportunity of a potential graduate to earn soon.

What the government officials should do is to set aside politics and do something to alleviate the intellectual poverty level of Filipinos. Focusing on programs to improve quality of basic education and learning system is more important than prolonging the collegiate calendar. Giving importance to teachers’ efforts by increasing their salaries would give them more reasons to think that their dedication to their profession is still worth it. I think it’s so unfair that call center agents here in Manila get higher monthly rates compared to a professional teacher. It’s high time to be logical.

Oct

THE BIG LEAP

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: Attitude and WORK
Tags: 0, academe, college, college instructor, education, efforts, nursing school, professor, WORK

“You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.” – Annie Dillard

This strengthens somehow, my will to take the big leap.

I am leaving the college that I served beyond my salary of four years.

It’s high time to move on. It’s no longer healthy for me to stay.

I believe I deserve something far better.

A workplace where politics and gossips do not exist or at least minimal,

to wherever my efforts will be recognized and reciprocated,

most importantly to a venue where people work for the good of others and the glory of God.

Shakespeare wrote “Parting is such a sweet sorrow.”

But for the moment, I say parting is such a sweet LIBERATION !”

Feb

SO YOU WANT TO BE A NURSE ?

By docgelo Leave a Comment

Categories: Attitude and whatever
Tags: college, college students, education, medical surgical nursing, nclex, nclex RN, nurse, nursing, nursing students, school, study, university, WORK

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL…

MANY WERE CALLED BUT FEW WERE CHOSEN…

These are also applicable in medical profession.

It’s a common knowledge that the Philippines has become a huge factory of NURSES for EXPORT. No less than the second highest official of the land encourages all Filipino High School graduates to take up and finish BS Nursing as their college course for them to get jobs abroad and for them to send their DOLLAR-REMITTANCES to our third-world economy A.S.A.P. !!! For as long as one knows his priorities, I honestly believe that there’s nothing wrong working abroad. My wife and I are also wanting to work overseas. However, all of it, the WHOLE PROCESS IS NOT EASY. It starts on basic education.

To say that Nursing is DIFFICULT is an UNDERSTATEMENT. It’s FAR from being SIMPLE.

To handle people’s lives is never easy. To study how to do it is painstakingly complex.

As an educator of so-called soon-to-be-nurses, I have observed that some of my students were just forced to take up Nursing by someone influential in their lives – either their parents or relative(s) who send them to school and support them. As everyone knows, if we’re not enjoying whatever we’re doing, the outcome will always be NEGATIVE. It’s so hard to do something if our INTEREST lies on something else. This should be a constant reminder to people who continuously convince their children to take up courses that they do not fancy. Because as I have stated, the outcome will always be FAILURE.

For my students who are either in their 4th or 3rd year, taking up Medical-Surgical Nursing, I oftenly remind them that they should NOT stop wanting to reach for their goal since it’s too late for them to quit – they have gone far of their studies and stopping will be a premature failure. I always remind them that they have to :

READ bookssssssss (read my lips : PLURAL ! )

enjoy studying,

exert efforts to exceed their abilities,

challenge themselves,

be positive,

always do some sacrifices for studies

for the rewards will be great in the end.

This is the most satisfying part of my humble job. Though it’s not that financially rewarding compared to others, INSPIRING young minds to do more gives me the drive to live and enjoy my work daily.

NOTHING IS ACHIEVED EASILY. Even Manny Pacquiao prepares for all his fights. So it should be an iNSTINCT for all students & board reviewees to study wholeheartedly, ofcourse.

Nursing does not fit all. It’s not for all who just want a better life abroad. For those who cannot endure the demands of this course, you wont enjoy it. For those who are NOT DEDICATED to salvage people’s lives and understanding patients’ needs – you may be successful in other fields but not in Nursing.

If I am not married to a nurse, perhaps just like my colleagues in the medical fields,

I have also joined the league.

———————————————–

Sep

MY STUDENT MADE IT TO TOP 6 IN NLE

By docgelo 4 Comments

Categories: Attitude, EVENTS and WORK
Tags: aynne, aynne taguba, college, education, NLE, NLE june 2006, nurse, nursing, nursing boards, professor, SACI, success, topnotcher

It’s AMAZING to receive phone calls and text messages of THANKS and APPRECIATION from students who just passed the NURSING LICENSURE EXAMINATION. IT’S VERY OVERWHELMING ! My humble efforts of sharing a bit of my knowledge to them and my working beyond my salary really paid off. An added bonus to this is the fact that one of my former student in NCM 202 (Medical-Surgical Nursing) and NCM 204 (Pysch/Ortho/Neuro/Onco/Infectious disease etc) made it to TOP 6 with percentile rank of 86.60.

Yes, top 6 out of 64,909 examinees !

She’s Aynne Taguba,RN…Congratz to you Aynne ! She was rewarded by the school admin. with P100,000 ! A fitting incentive to a deserving person. A lot from her class also passed the NLE. The main bulk of students who thanked me came from their section. I’m really proud of my students; not only for their success in the boards but especially for their

GRATITUDE & GRATEFULNESS.

I believe that this is a confirmation that DOING GOOD to others will always result to POSITIVE things… No one never goes wrong with ALTRUISM.

To my students, continue working with the BEST of your abilities and your EFFORTS, sacrifices and SLEEPLESS NIGHTS will be REWARDED with SUCCESS !

I AM SO PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR HISTORY.

CHEERS and GOD BLESS ! - Dr. Santos.

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Posts Tagged ‘education

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That’s me beside Esther and Phil with the one and only, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan

Formal to wacky…

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Chan with our Ireland-bound-students

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