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DUTERTE’S PRESIDENCY

By Michelle Gutierrez March 7, 2017

Photo courtesy Google

       “If I become president, it will be bloody.”

That’s what Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said in his campaign to threaten the voters that if he will be elected as our next president, it will not be that easy.

As we all know, Mayor Duterte is our newly-elected president. It’s his 12th day now in the office and we are bombarded with the news about the people who have been killed because of drug use.  According to an article in Al Jazeera, dozens of people have been killed during the first four days of President Duterte.

One of his campaign, is the reimposition of the death penalty, which was still implemented by the Marcos presidency. But in 1987, where President Cory Aquino replaced Ferdinand Marcos, she abolished the death penalty and replaced it with Reclusion Perpetua or life imprisonment. That time, the Philippines is the only Asian country to abolish the death penalty in all crimes, according to PCIJ.

But the reason that will stop him to implement this law is that, the essence of life will gone because the chances of someone to change his life will lost. People aren’t perfect so we can make mistake and learn from it. Also, the criminals who is poor will only be the one that will get the penalty because the rich people will use their money to save their lives.

But President Duterte needs to legalize it because crime is so rampant in our country. There are criminals, especially the rapists, who don’t deserve a life imprisonment but a death penalty instead. Also, the separation of state and government is important. We don’t need to talk about morality anymore because the reason why we separate the state and government is because there are doctrines that are immoral but it needs to be legal. Just like the death penalty.

Most importantly, it may seem too old to hear but it is true that we have nothing to fear about the death penalty especially if we aren’t doing such evil things. Actually, we really need to set this as our motivation to stop doing immoral acts because this law is not made just for us to lessen the population or just to kill innocent people, but it is for us to live a peaceful and a better life.

As future media practitioners, we are committed to give our continuing support to our president and to report the truth and give factual information with all our heart, especially if it is about the crimes that is committed by powerful people.

It may be bloody, but we’re sure that it will all be worthy.

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ON DEATH PENALTY

By Gerald Mae Guerrero March 7, 2017

Death penalty has been a hot topic after the netizens showed their support on bringing back the capital punishment after the heinous crime made by Scully an Australian who made a video called "Daisy's Destruction" along with his Filipina girlfriend/accomplice Margallo who brutally tortured an 18-month old baby; the said child pornography is tagged as the cruelest pornographic video uploaded in the dark web.

While the Philippine Senate's debate on death penalty is ongoing; to share with you my opinion about death penalty as an answer to such worsening crime.

I wonder if death penalty is a desperate move of a failing justice system or an excellent move for a better justice system. As crimes in our country is prevailing, our justice system failed in imposing the rule of law and our incumbent head of state is currently challenged for renewing our justice system by re-imposing death penalty for a change but people are taking against his will.

Our country the Philippines comprises people of religious individuals; counters death penalty as it is against the will of God arguing thou shall not kill, even the justice system itself cannot impose a law on death.

Human rights advocates will strongly disagree claiming death penalty is an act of inhumanity; as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, for one, states that" no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" thus embodying the death penalty law in the justice system means that we are guilty of equal cruelty towards people who commit murder.

Equally important, death penalty does not teaches the condemned a lesson. As the nature of prisons is to rehabilitate an individual to make them repent their sins and to start anew, death penalty is contradicting therefore making prisons as nonsensical as a correctional facility. What are prisons for?

However, crimes are at its height before President Duterte assumes presidency with his promise to eliminate criminality in six months; capital punishment as a preventive approach for a criminal justice system with supra moral code criminals will fear.

As rape-murder case increased it also provides closure for the families of the victims thus putting the murderer to death gives a feeling of relief for the surviving victims after being deprived of their loved ones.

More importantly, as capital punishment may or may not make a comeback in our justice system it fits the basic definition of a real justice system which is to execute the punishment that fits the crime itself. A justice system's purpose is to be equal after all. Without capital punishment the purpose of justice to make a response to the crime of a murder supplies no justice for the victim; for a precious life taken, a heinous one remains.

Capital punishment may solve the biggest problems our country challenge to eliminate: death penalty may end criminality; a leap for a better justice.

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EVERYTHING ABOUT MALABON

By Gerald Mae Guerrero March 7, 2017

Imagine yourself in a busy town. A few blocks ahead are the legendary ancestral houses, restaurants, malls, zoo and resorts. Even Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero has mentioned this place, the place of Kapitan Tiago's sugar business in Noli Me Tangere none other than my hometown, Malabon City.

Malabon city is part of the CAMANAVA area comprises of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. CAMANAVA is a sub-region of National Capital Region. Formerly known as Tambobong, because this place used to have "tabong" a kind of grass and "labong" young bamboo shoots.

Malabon is famous for its cuisine; restaurants are just a few steps away. Food trip in Malabon is a must with these restos Cucina Luna; the famous crispy pata of judy ann's in Jamico's Restaurant, La Mesa de Mikay, fine dining at Mary jay, Cups and Cones, Master Garden, Lady Juenets Steakhouse, Eskinita, Pinkhaus, Dampa sa Paseo, Amares (Churros and Wings), Sushimoto at Tinajeros, Balsa sa Niugan (the famous floating restaurant) and the newly opened Benny's Lounge and a lot more. It's a walking distance if you live in Brgy. Tonsuya, Tanong, Longos, Concepcion and Niugan, for me I just love walking.

Malabonian foods that you must try includes Dolor's kakanin (the famous mouth-watering sapin-sapin, maja, biko, pichi-pichi etc. in one bilao), and the famous Nanay's Pancit Malabon (pancit palabok topped with shrimp, egg, squid the dish where a battle of taste buds held in your tongue). Honorable mention goes to Judy Ann Crispy Pata of Jamicos (said this earlier because this is worth a try), I would have recommend a lot of delicacies but I rarely eat outside these food that I mentioned are really special to me. Don't you dare try to go in Malabon without tasting these dishes! Heaven! If you are planning a food trip alone 500-1000 pesos is your golden ticket and it feels like you've been to a lot of places here.

Malabon top places  to visit are Malabon zoo (been there  and it's awesome), Dinisio, Paez, and Teodoro Luna ancestral houses, Villa Vicencio, Shrine of Don Salvador Araneta, San Bartolome Parish and Tropicana studio.

The Tropicana Studio, according to Malabon Tourist blog; this studio is founded by Mang Ador the master photographer of Malabon in 1945. He is also the photographer of LVN pictures in line with the famous productions before among are Sampaguita pictures...

There's more! Malabon is also the hometown of famous celebrities, personalities and politicians Angelika dela Cruz (actress), Mika dela Cruz (actress), Erik Santos (singer), Rochelle Pangilinan (sexbomb dancer, actress), Gregorio Sanciangco (One of the Propaganda writers and lawyer, wrote El Progreso de Filipinas (1881) inspired Jose Rizal's Sobre la Indolencia de los Filipinos), Loren Legarda (senator), Ildefonso Santos (poet), and Nonoy Marcelo a cartoonist.

To go in Malabon, cities of Caloocan and Navotas are just one jeepney away (Malabon-Monumento/ Navotas-Recto/Monumento) with a minimum fare of 8 pesos. Valenzuela is just two jeepneys away. If you are from Malanday ride a jeep to monumento and you will see a lot of jeepneys of Malabon-Bayan. The nearest lrt station is monumento, ride a Malabon-Bayan jeepney, and there you go!

See you at Malabon and Enjoy the Filipino culture! Don't you wait no more Malabon is just a few roads away!

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BALSA SA NIUGAN: The Floating Restaurant

By Gerald Mae A. Guerrero March 7, 2017

Are you a fan of night outs and drinks? Relaxing sceneries? Authentic filipino food? Foreign cuisine? Sweets and Coffee? You should never miss "Balsa sa Niugan" in Malabon City.

Believe it or not, Malabon has the bad reputation of "floods" and is one of the most depressed land area in CAMANAVA, but there's more to Malabon than Flood.

With the unique ambiance of the bamboo rafts along the waters of Malabon, it is where the "Balsa sa Niugan" got its name. Traditionally a fishpond converted into a floating restaurant, Balsa sa Niugan is now 17 years in serving great tasting food.

Inside Balsa sa Niugan

Made of bamboo indigenous style architecture, you can enjoy the floating scenery of the fishing pond and aquariums while eating with your family, friends, and loved ones. Nipa huts under every table sets and the relaxing open type where you can feel the fresh air and chill out with. The best time for me is to go there on evenings where you can enjoy the night with yellow lights and warm setting. The crews are kind and the service is good.

If you are going on evenings, where jeans or pants. To those who will wear shorts never forget to apply an insect repellant lotion since the restaurant is floating in the water there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can enjoy the night without the bites.

Menu

A variety of dishes can be enjoyed and the prices are budget-friendly too. Food ranges from the estimated 80 pesos and above. Prices may vary accordingly. They have broad selections of food including pizzas, burger, dimsum, chopsuey, fish sinigang, kare-kare, grilled tuna, sashimi, sushi California maki, fried chicken, tilapia, pancit, calamares, salads and a lot more. Among all of the foods never miss the famous grilled pork sisig. Their Pork sisig is the best! The right combination of crunchiness, saltiness, saucyness, sourness, and hotness breaking in your mouth will surely dive your taste buds in another standard of best sisig. In fact, Balsa sa Niugan's sisig was featured in Umagang kay Ganda, GMA good news, newspapers and different blogs. To be honest, I tried their sisig and I can say so far, that sisig is the holder of the best sisig I have tasted. I also tried their sashimi and grilled tuna, I love it!

Cocktails and Drinks

“May pulutan na tayo!” Are you an alcohol lover? Balsa has their own mini bar inside. The menu ranges from different drinks from beer to finest whiskeys and cocktails. When I was there I tried Jack Daniels and Johnny walker's whiskey. They have such blowjob drinks and rainbow drink like of those you can see in comedy bars.

For the coffee and sweet lovers, they have "Kapihan sa Balsa sa Niugan". Brewed coffee, iced coffee, cakes, chocolates, cupcakes etc., and honestly I have not yet try it but I will surely steal my time to, because I am also a coffeeholic.

Celebrities and Personalities

The famous "Balsa sa Niugan" is also famous to our local celebrities including Dina Bonevie, Danica Sotto, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mica dela Cruz, Nash Aguas, Ryan Bang and the hashtags, Charlene Gonzales, Iya Villania, The Ang Pinaka host Rovilson Fernandez, Bea Binene, Dominic Ochoa, Nyoy Volante, Bayani Agbayani, Angelica Jones, Phil Younghusband, Diana Menezes, Julia Clarete, Artur Solinap, Regine Tolentino, and GMA News reporter Mav Gonzales and Wish ko lang host & news anchor Vicky Morales are among the personalities who have been in Balsa. Claim your birthright and try Malabon's pride "Balsa sa Niugan".

How to go in Balsa?

From Monumento station ride a jeep to Malabon. Get off at Tonsuya beside Ablaza pawnshop. Ride the tricycle and tell the driver to drop you in Balsa sa Niugan. With a fare of less than 50 pesos, try it out with your company and treasure the experience!

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“AM I READY? BABY OR BYE-BY?”

By Michelle Gutierrez March 7, 2017

That was a question by a teenager mom and his boyfriend when they found out that she was pregnant. There was a news last July 2015 aired at GMA News TV, Balitanghali, about a baby who have left by his parents, eaten by thousands of ant, at banana plantation somewhere in Negros Occidental. The parents of the victim said that their reason for leaving the infant is because they are not yet ready to have a baby and they are also afraid to tell it to their parents. The last report about them is, the authority will investigate the crime and they will face a charge of infanticide or infant homicide.

Having a child is a gift from God. It is a blessing that we must be grateful for. It is also the present that we can give to our families because babies will give color in our darkest days, will give smile in our lips, and will bring happiness in our life. And being the mother, you have the responsibility to take care and love them with all your heart, unconditionally.

Motherhood must adapt at the right time. The time wherein, our duty to our parents is already done, for example the education that they can only inherent to us and we can hold forever. Motherhood should be in a preferred time. Time in which, you and your spouse are ready to support and take care of your children. But, one of the struggles that they may encounter is the judgmental people in our society, because you are too young to be a mother, and you may not be able to continue your studies because you need to rest and if the baby comes out, you will face a serious expenses because you need to buy his necessities. But one thing is for sure, even if the struggle is real, as the child grows, you can have your companion. He can tell you his concerns, his secrets, and you can too because the age gap is intimate. You can help him with his problems and you can relate to his gimmicks.

Another thing, you may become emotionally not ready for your child. You may get the highest level of stress not thinking that it can affect the baby negatively. But, you can’t do anything and you really need to accept the child. You need to look more on the positive sides like, you can be with him for a long period of time. You will see how he grows and you can teach him lessons in life that you’ve been through so that he can live life much better. You can also see him having a ​​family and giving you the best grandchildren you’ll ever had.

More importantly, early pregnancy may stop you from doing things that you should enjoy in your age. Like travelling around the world, working in a big companies, and meeting with different people. You may not have the opportunity to experience these things but, however, you will know how to be a responsible person at a very young age. You can learn how to stand on your own feet, how to make a decision for your family, and how to sacrifice things just for the happiness of your child.

As they say, think before you act. This is only the manifestation that we should be responsible in our actions. And if you already did something, always think that everything happens for reason and maybe, this thing happened because it will help you to understand the real meaning of life.

So, are you ready? Mother or future?

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A MOTHER’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

By Michelle Gutierrez March 7, 2017

“Of all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all.”

This has been proved by a 57-year-old mother, Remedios Gutierrez.

She is from Guagua, Pampanga. She studied there until she finished her high school. When she started her college education, she decided to stay here in Manila to take the course she desired.

Just like the thinking of those who grew up in the province, she also knew that if she finish her studies in one of the universities here, she will be able to have a better opportunity in life.

It was in 1983 when she finished her course of Bachelor of Science in Businesses Administration, major in Banking and Finance at the Jose Rizal College (JRC) also known now as Jose Rizal University (JRU).

MEETING HER HUSBAND

When she was studying, she lives in Pasig because her aunt also lives there. But when she starts working, she need to move to Caloocan because she works as a cashier in Caltex nearby. Luckily, her sister lives in Caloocan too and she needs a person who will also take good care of her son. So her sister agreed to live with her and then she also met ther her husband Jessie Gutierrez.

“Magkapit-bahay lang kami. Isang araw may sinabi sa akin non yung katulong ng ate ko na may nagkakacrush daw sa akin at sila yung may-ari ng kabilang bahay. Nung nakita ko siya, okay naman tsaka may trabaho na siya non kaya hindi naging mahirap sa akin na sagutin siya.”

They became friends and eventually became lovers. However, they had a problem because they don’t belong at the same religion. Jessie is a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo and Remedios is a devoted Catholic.

However, when two people are truly in love, there will never be any obstacle that would stop their love. So Remedios decided to convert her religion to Iglesia ni Cristo even though she knew that would hurt her mother’s pride.

“Noong una nagalit siya talaga. Ayaw na niya ko pasambahin. Pero dahil ka-close ko si tatay, pinagtanggol niya ko at sinabi niya na bakit daw ako pinipigilan sa kung saan ako masaya. Ayun tinaggap din nila ako.”

So in 1984, they decided to marry each other and to build their own family.

LIVING WITH HER HUSBAND

In their first year, they were both happy. But, not as happy as before. They live together with her mother- in-law and Jessie’s sister. Her sufferings is no joke living with people like them.

“Buntis ako nun sa panganay ko, si Liberty. Eh may tindahan sila nun, pinagbintangan ba naman akong magnanakaw dahil lagi daw nauubos yung tinapay na paninda nila. Ako, kahit wala akong makain, di ko magagawang magnakaw. Kaya pinatunayan ko na hindi ako yun at nalaman din nila dahil isang gabi, nahuli nila na daga pala ang umuubos ng mga paninda. Ayun nag sorry siya pero ang sama pa din ng loob ko nun!”

Many years have passed and at the same time, her husband’s behavior have changed too. Even though they moved away with her in laws, he even became stricter.

“Hindi niya nga ko pinagtrabaho eh! Ayaw niya kasi na may ibang taong mag-alaga sa mga bata kundi ako lang. Yung biyenan ko naman, di mahilig sa bata. Kaya no choice ako”

And it was probably the moment that she had been afraid for. When it came to the point that her husband treated her not as her wife but instead, his slave. They often quarreled because of the simple things. Jessie became even more irritated with her gestures and there are times that Jessie hurts her not just verbally but also, physically.

“Masakit, pero habang tumatagal, masasanay ka na lang din. Syempre gusto ko makipaghiwalay non kaya lang hindi ko kaya dahil ayoko na lumaki yung mga bata na walang kinikilalang ama. At isa pa, tumatanda na rin ako nun at wala akong trabaho. So paano ko bubuhayin mga bata? Ayoko umasa sa magulang ko dahil may sakit na rin sila non. Kaya naging praktikal na lang ako.”

The way Remedios speaks, you can actually see in her eyes the anger and hatred that still remains in her heart. The memories of the past that continues to hound her whole being.

“Alam mo kung ano naging pagkakamali ko? Nagmadali ako sa mga desisyon ko. Wala pa halos isang taon ko siya kilala eh pinakasalan ko na agad. Ganun talaga eh. Sabagay, kahit gaano pa kayo katagal, makikilala mo lang talaga siya pag mag-asawa na kayo.”

BEING A MOTHER

This is probably the decision that she will never regret. And it is her being a mother of four children. She is an all-around kind of mother and she always do all the house chores. She never gets tired of doing it because she always thinks that she will do anything just for the sake of her children.

“Totoo yun na kahit isususbo ko na lang ay ibibigay ko pa sa anak ko. Dibale ng ako ang magutom. Wag lang sila.”

When I asked her if she have given the chance to go back in the past to change her future this became her answer:

“Siguro pipili ako ng ibang asawa. Pero gusto pa din sana ay INC tapos yung mga anak ko, sila pa rin.”

Her children are really hardworking and it seems that it is only the rightest decision that she made in her life so far. Currently, her three children has finished their college degree. Two of them has their own family and the other one has his own work. Meanwhile, her youngest child is currently pursuing her final year in college.

There are times that when our mother hurts us, we get angry with them. There are times when we have answered them rudely, humiliated them and sometimes ignored them. But what we do not know is that they are the reason why we have the kind of life we had today. They are willing to give everything even their own happiness to give us the life that she always dreamed of. We are always her priority that sometimes she also forgot to prioritize herself.

We may think that her sufferings is a typical one but if we come to think of it, you can consider her as a definitely strong woman with an impossible dream that she made possible. I can prove this because I'm one of her child. As I grew older, my eyes didn’t only saw the difficulties she had faced but my whole being also felt all the sufferings she encountered.  The misery she endured just for us to live a good life.

It is indeed that a mother’s love is the greatest love of all.

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THE CHANCE SHE NEVER TOOK

By Michelle Gutierrez March 7, 2017

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” -Lewis Carroll.

Do we really need to grab every chances that we have?

But an 88-year-old woman named Luz Garcia, doesn’t believe by it rather, she has another point of view specifically when it comes to relationship.

Beautiful, demure, and a well-dressed kind of woman. That’s how people describes her.

She almost have everything that everyone desires. A college degree, a better job, and her own property.

But the thing is, her life isn’t as perfect as we think because she never had that one thing, a husband.

She has a good physical appearance

Nowadays, it is the reality that a person’s physical appearance do matter. Of course, will you buy a black apple not knowing that it is the sweetest apple you will ever taste? Physical appeal may caught our attention but the behavior of that person is what makes the relationship lasts.

Luz wanted to remove that kind of thinking on people’s mind. If we want to talk about being beautiful, well, Luz has it all. Until now, she still has the beauty that never fades away.

“Sa ngayon kahit na may edad na ako, iba pa rin ang pang-tulog at pang-bahay ko. Gusto ko lagi akong maganda. Kelan pa ba ko mag-aayos? Kung kelan patay na ako? Kung kailan hindi ko na makikita ang mukha ko sa salamin.”

She loves her parents that much

They say, that the love of our parents, is the most precious thing that we can receive throughout our life. However, it is also true that the love of a good child is the best gift that we can offer to our parents. We do it by following what they want because we believed that they will never say things that can be harmful to us. That’s the kind of love that Luz has.

“Sobrang mahal ko mga magulang ko. Ayaw ko silang biguin. Si nanay nga, kasabay ko pa pumapasok nung unang taon ko sa high school eh.”

Because of the beauty she has, we can’t deny the fact that many men are courting her. She was in her final year in high school when she first met the man who made his heart beats faster. However, in their time, they do not have any means of communication because they don’t have gadgets like nowadays. By their time, the suitor needs to visit the home of the woman he desires to serenade her and to formally ask the permission of women’s parents.

That's probably one of her happiest day but also, the saddest one.

“Mas mahal ko yung magulang ko kaysa sa kaniya, kaya sila ang pinili ko. Sila yung sinunod ko.”

She just want to be successful

There were a few more people that came into her life but she didn’t took the chance because  as she promised, she will need to finish her studies and find a better job for her to return all the sacrifices and the things that her parents did.

She was a very hardworking student. She may not won any academic awards, but she already gave the most precious award that her parents had been waiting for, it is when she finally got her college degree.  

“Pagkatapos ko makagraduate, nagtrabaho na agad ako. Naging government employee ako. Tapos ako nag-alaga sa kanila nun. At hanggang sa sila ay mamatay.”

After her obligation to her parents, it seems that the thought of marrying someone has faded away in Luz’s mind. She was so busy with her job because she wanted to have her own properties.

“Marami pang nanligaw sa akin noon, pero di ko na pinansin dahil na rin gusto ko magkaroon muna ako ng ari-arian kasi yung gusto ko mapang-asawa ay hindi yung basta-basta lang.”

Then it became her choice

One of the most memorable Luz’s suitor was the priest whom she loved very much. And because of the extreme feeling that they have towards each other, the priest did almost decided to stop his priesthood in order for him to marry her.

But unfortunately, at that time, Luz’s house, which she worked hard for, almost burned by the fire. Exactly after the day that the priest told her about his plan.

“Nagkasunog noon dito. Nasunog dito yung itaas kaya nga wala na akong second floor. Buti na lang nga at naisalba pa itong ibaba.”

That’s when she realized that what she is doing is against God’s will. She regret her decisionsand she decided to be one of the church officers. Then later on, she realized that God has a better plan for her life.

“Dun ko narealize na ayaw ko na pala talaga mag-asawa. Gusto ko yung boyfriend boyfriend lang. Pag nga may nag-aya ng kasal sa akin, hinihiwalayan ko na agad eh.”

She also said that she doesn’t want to have any obligation to other people because she now needs to take care of herself. It is enough that she finished her obligation as a daughter to her parents.

Her life living alone

Right now, she lives by herself. Some of her siblings are in abroad together with their own families and some of them are already deceased. Although she is having a hard time walking and hearing, she’s still managed to live by her own. She can still take a bath, wear beautiful clothes, and do make-up by herself.

“Masaya ako. Hindi ko pinagsisisihan itong pinili ko. Ang mahalaga mahal ako ng nanay at tatay ko, mahal ako ng diyos at higit sa lahat, maganda ako.”

“Ito na talaga yung pinili ko. Ewan ko nga ba, pero masaya ako pag mag-isa lang ako.”

It only proves that life is full of choices. But everything that we choose has a huge influence on our lives. Just like the story of Luz, who in many times, had a choice to be married. But, then she realized that by loving his parents that much, she forgot to love herself too. That’s why in her adulthood, she decided to give her remaining time, loving herself.

Because some chances are not worth taking for.

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GLIMPSE OF THE CENTURY

By Caryl Jan Palad March 6, 2017

(Originally posted on Fragmented Ink)

I can’t say for sure whether the world be a better or worse place after 100 years, because I think one part will taste the sweetness of progress, while another part will taste the bitterness of regress. Living with technology, many new machines have been invented which these things will help people more efficiently.

Today, if you can finish task with the aid of new technology what more in the future. You can finish every work by “one touch”. You just hold a small gadget, and it will order everything. Like for an instance, the TV will choose the best program and tell you what the important news is for you today; or Imagine there will be no traffic jams here in the Philippines because all kinds of vehicles will fly in the sky. *Oh wow what a beautiful scenario no traffic jams in the Philippines for goodness sake*; you don’t have to control every single thing because everything is automatic.

On the other side of the universe, we get so many new things in our life brought by technology and there could be negative consequences. People would feel strange around people, because we will hardly talk to one another. We have known all of the answers by modern machines. We use internet to connect everything. However, we need to consider that eye contact, face expression, and physical touch are very important to human beings.

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WHY’S IN THE PHILIPPINES

By Gerald Mae Guerrero March 1, 2017

FOR THIS MONTH’S “BAKIT LIST”

THE TRANSPORT STRIKE

Jeepney drivers conducted a nationwide transport strike last Monday. Following the first transport strike happened this February to increase the minimum fare; the second transport strike aims to call the attention of the Philippine government regarding the jeepney modernization program.

Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

WHY?

The Jeepney modernization program will phase out 15 year old jeepneys; drivers believe that this program will deprive them of their livelihood. On the other hand, the Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to lessen the traffic and road accidents; phasing out the jeepneys is a different thing.

According to Aileen Lizada, board member of the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), last time old buses has been banned in the public. We can still see buses nowadays because the program aims to modernize the vehicles not to phase out, if buses joined the modernization program the jeepneys as a massive part of the Philippine transportation must also comply.

Meanwhile, universities, private and public schools announced a class suspension; public commuters finds it hard to get a vehicle.

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“MASAYA NA MAHIRAP” — HEIDI ROSAL ON BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE.

By Caryl Jan Palad March 3, 2017

Photo of JP Rocha

Heide Rosal is a badminton college athlete and a third year, Tourism Management student in UE Caloocan.

“At first wala laro laro lang.” Rosal says when asked who influenced her to play badminton. She adds “but then noong nalaman ng ate ko na sikat yung sports na yun that time nag-pursigi kami at nag-train then sumali kami ng mga competitions.”

Lyra Jane Rosal, her elder sister and a fourth year business management student encouraged her to undergo badminton training. The two sisters are currently part of UE’s Badminton Varsity and they are also team mates in the women’s doubles division.

“Syempre unang-una financial especially di naman kami mayaman. And dalawa pa kami nag-aaral so mahirap talaga.” Coming from a not-so-rich family, financial problem is the major threat in pursuing their goals.

The Lady warrior explained “But then ayun dumating sa point na may mga nag sponsor samin. May nakukuha kaming rewards sa bawat competitions na sasalihan namin, and ayun ngayon nakakapag-aral kami sa isang sikat na university at the same time as a badminton athlete.”

Heidi Rosal on game mode. Photo Courtesy: Tiebreaker Times

A student-athlete’s life has never been too different with the regular students’ life. As what UE Athlete Heide Rosal said:

“Masaya na Mahirap. Masaya kasi marami kaming benefits na nakukuha as varsity player; Mahirap kasi siyempre po as a student athlete kailangan mo ng time management eh.”

The experience may differ, but the context of hardship and happiness is the same.

Photo of Caryl Jan Palad

She adds:  “Akala nila kapag athlete ka lang, parang may negative mindset na ‘Ay, hindi pumapasok yan kasi athlete yan.’ Pero ang hindi po nila alam, kami yung marunong magma-manage ng time, kung paano kami magte-training, paano po kami papasok, paano po kami gagawa ng projects, paano po kami magde-defense.”

To end the casual interview with the tourism student, she shared her motto as a student athlete:

“To be great at something, you need someone that will motivate you in order to maximize your abilities and to play at the level that you are capable of playing.”

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One step at a Time

By Caryl Jan Palad March 3, 2017

“Always give yourself time to grow because rushing into things only spoils the excitement of life.” -Marcel ‘CM’ Lero

Photo Credit to: Brave Little Rhaina Facebook Page

A couple shared the story of their brave daughter, Rhaina, and her struggles to survive against an illness through an album in Facebook. The post had received an out pour of support and prayers, all in hopes for the child’s recovery.

Rhaina‘s parents, particularly her mother, confessed of having worries on becoming a parent. Rhaina Keila Boado Padilla, a 2 year-old, was diagnosed with a Retinoblastoma, prompting the removal of her left eye. Aware of the urgency of the situation, the couple decided to pursue on removing Rhaina’s left eye, hoping to avoid having the disease spread further.

But things took a turn for the worse when the tumor started to grow rapidly, even causing the little girl difficulty on balancing her head. The 2 year old angel had lost her battle on Saturday, 2nd of July. RIP Rhaina Keila Boado Padilla December 25, 2013-July 2, 2016.

https://youtu.be/958EZG0Tnlg

While I was scrolling on my Facebook timeline, I stumbled on this video. A Thailand advertisement which advocates giving love back to your loved one while your heart’s still beating. A young child named Sompop, believed her mother never had time for him. Never listened to him. He’d always compared his childhood among other children. Despite of having a poor family background, Sompop asked her mother to buy him a computer but her mother refused that led him to leave her mom and walked astray.

But things don’t turn just not right until one day, Sompop received a call. He was informed that her mother had already passed away with a coronary heart disease and later on he realized that he was the one being selfish.

Just like the photo article above, the parents of the baby are obviously young. They rushed being a parent instead of spending their time in school and improving their character. They didn’t control their selves resulting on a baby. In the end, the baby suffered the consequences brought by rushed decisions. Interacting with your peers and enjoying school is what you’re supposed to be doing when you are a still young instead of worrying yourself on becoming a parent.

On the other hand of the video, Sompop rushed her mother to buy him a computer not knowing what were the sacrifices of her mom. How was her mom doing. All he wants at the moment was a computer.

I think these reminds us the lesson, that you should not rush things up. Let time do its magic. We must not be in a hurry.

Learn and think how to live your life to the fullest. 

Sabi nga sa kasabihan “Ang lahat ng nagmamadali madalas ay nagkakamali.”

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“Nawala na ang lahat sa akin”

By Caryl Jan Palad March 3, 2017

From a devastating heartbreak. Sudden illness. Unexpected departure. Whether it’s a family challenge or a personal situation, tough times happen for everyone. “Have you ever felt shattered and lost and had trouble starting again?” “What should I do to get back on track?” These were exactly the thoughts of Mark, a 20-year old man, currently a personal driver of a business woman. A life so far from what life he had enjoyed before. Mark is the eldest son of Mario and Ruby, owner of their own family business the “Punerarya de Esquivel”, the leading Funerary Service in their home town. He has 2 sisters. Rochelle, 18 and the youngest, Robelyn, 17. Basically, they are their dad’s 2nd family. His dad lost his 1st wife while giving birth which led his dad to find another woman and eventually they became the fruits. “Dati po ay galing ako sa simple, at marangyang buhay. Lahat ng kailangan namin ay nabibili namin. Pero hindi naman kami maluho. Bumibili kami ng mga bagay na mas importante.”

“Umagang umaga pa lang nandyan na ung pagkain sa hapag kainan. Magkakasabay kami kumain at pagtapos nanjan na ung baon. At hindi kami hinahatid ng personal driver namin kundi ung mismong magulang namin ung naghahatid samin sa school.” He uttered with a beautiful smile painted on his face while reminiscing those moments.

To return back the favor to his parents, Mark proved worthy for his parent’s unconditional love and the rest were history.

Mark was elected at large by the youth resident as the SK Chairman in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

He was also a constitent academic awardee.

He was also entitled as the “Huwarang Sta. Monica Mr. Personality” way back 2010 Mark’s ultimate dream was to become a doctor someday. He took the entrance exam in the University of Sto. Tomas which happened to become his dream school also, but unfortunately he didn’t make the cut. But nonetheless, he would’nt want to cry over spilled milk and decided to pursue his 2nd choice which is to become a Pilot in the making. So he found all his way to Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) College of Aeronautics.

”Nung nakapasa ako, magaganda ung grades ko ng 1st year college. Hanggang sa nag 2nd year na ako nagkanda leche leche na ung grades ko.” Mark has 3 step brothers from his father. At first it wasn’t a big deal at all, Mark was on his 2nd year of his college journey when his dad started to feel weak that led his step brothers to take over their family business. At first, his step brothers have really good intentions especially on managing their finances, until they dominated and controlled the flow of their everyday life. Since he is originally from Bulacan, and Patts is in Parañaque he had to spend his College journey on an all-male boarding house. He got to experience to pay his own rent bills plus his everyday expenses. When his step brothers took over on managing their funds he uttered “Hanggang dumating na sa punto na ginigipit na ako sa baon, sa tuition, sa pagbayad ng dorm. Nahihiya na ako kasi ako lagi ung nahuhuling magbayad. Nagagalit na ung land lord namin. Halos matatapos na ung period, na-miss ko na ung mga exam saka palang ako makakabayad. Siyempre hindi naman lahat ng prof. nagbibigay ng special exam. “ Unfortunately, that made him decide to stop studying. Instead, he focused on helping their family business. “Ang plano ko talaga noon ay tumulong nalang ako sa hanap buhay namin para wla na silang masabi bilang pakikisama na lang. ang iniisip ko na lang na para din a madamay ung mga kapatid ko sa paggipit nila sa tuition at baon gaya ng na-experience ko.” “Hanggang sa di nagtagal nalulong sa droga ung kuya ko. Dun na pumasok ang madugong kalbaryo.” His step brothers sent him away and he became an outcast. He doesn’t understand why they suddenly threw him away. He can’t do anything but to leave. Thoughts came into his mind if his own step brothers thought of him as a competitor of their own inheritance. “Siguro kasi ako panganay. Iniisip siguro nila na kakumpitensya ko sila sa mana. Sakin naman wala naman yun. Makapgtapos lang ako ng pagaaral okay lang sakin, sakanila na yan. “ Eventually, his step brother’s anger shifted to his own mother and 2 sisters. They experienced physical pain and was told their lives were in danger. “Babarilin daw kami. Papatayin daw kami, siguro epekto ng droga kaya papatayin daw kami. Yung papa ko, naiwan sa punerarya.” Due to the continuous intake of drugs they’ve totally lost their minds. Mark got the chance to get his family out of their step brother’s hands but not his own father and flew their way to Bicol, where his mother originally came from. He was forced to take the role of a father. Found a job and became a delivery boy. “Ako naman naging delivery boy, nakarating ako sa ibat ibang probinsya ng Luzon. 24/7 walang tulog para lang magkapera, makabayad sa kuyente at maipadala ko sa bicol. “

After feeling exhausted on being a delivery boy, He tried to find his fate and traveled all his way to Quezon city where he luckily found his boss and became his personal driver.

“Hanggang sa nabalitaan ko na walang gamot, walang pagkain na binibigay sa tatay ko. Minsan pinapakain daw ng panis. May nagkwento daw na ang huling salita daw ng papa ko, na hindi na niya daw kami makikita.” Two days after upon hearing the news, his dad passed away. The cadaver was discovered lying on the floor.

 “Hanggang ngayon di namin alam kung ano kinamatay. Gusto namin ipa-autoposy. Ayaw naman ng kuya ko. Yung mga kapatid ko, mama ko di nila nakita ung lamay, hindi sila nakauwi. dahil sa pagbabanata na papatayin kami ng kuya ko. Ang lungkot dahil halos dalawang taon kami nawala samin. Tapos mababalitaan naming ganun.”

Interview with the Psychometrician

According to Mr. Arnold De Silva, a Psychometrician at University of the East-Caloocan, Drugs are chemicals and really has a negative side effect on the minds of the user.

Most abused drugs directly or indirectly target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. When drugs enter the brain, they can actually change how the brain performs its jobs. These changes are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction.

He also cited the reasons of the possibility of drug intake: 1. The person has a weak personality and has low tolerance with his problems. 2. The person was forced by peers.

“Nabenta na lahat ng kuya ko. Ung antique na bahay namin na minana namin sa ninuno namin. Wala na. ibinenta lahat iyon hanggang sa sumunod ung mga sasakyan. Hanggang sa ultimo bubong at puno. Binenta. Para lang sa drugs.” Broken family. Torn apart siblings. Lost Business. Lost Home. Dead Father. All has lost and never been found. Trying to “stay positive” and “keep the faith” can feel almost impossible. And no matter how strong we think we are, unforeseen change can leave us all feeling quite vulnerable and lost. “Bahala na si lord. Hirap diba? May plano siguro si God kung bakit nangyayari ang lahat ng ito.” He closed.

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Salvation Behind Closed Doors

By Cris Evert Tolentino February 22, 2017

(Originally published on Streak Click)

“You just contain yourself in the lab but you can save lives. And, of course, you never stop learning. I believe in the saying that learning never stops.” 

– Jenica F. Yambot

The world is filled with various people and professions. Each performs a specific and important tasks that make the world go round. People are given twenty four hours a day but utilizing and maximizing it vary from one person to another; some work at the height of the sun while others endure in the cold breeze of night. Regardless of how people do, one thing is for sure, the rest of the world would have been completely different without a single person and profession.

Jenica shared some of her experiences and highlights in life from being a Medical Technology student to being a licensed Medical Technologist in the Philippines. Like how careful, fine, and meticulous the field of Medical Technology is, her story is not a less than a formula of patience, endurance, and passion.

She described her journey as challenging and exciting. Although her years as a student are packed with hardships, she found thrill in overcoming the challenges. And, after achieving another milestone in her life, she definitely felt fulfilled because everything she worked and studied paid off.

“It is very challenging. There are thrills. There had been ups and downs throughout these years I have spent in Medical Technology. But, secondly, it is also exciting because when there is thrill, there is also excitement. And after I passed the board exam, it was so fulfilling because I finally made it.”

Board exams are serious and careful implements for filtering and securing competent professionals for a nation. In the Philippines, the Professional Regulation Commission is responsible for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of regulatory policies on the regulation and licensing of various professions and occupations under its jurisdiction. It is the instrument of the Filipino people in securing for the nation a reliable, trustworthy, and progressive system of developing professionals whose personal integrity and spiritual values are solid and respected, whose competencies are globally competitive, and whose commitment to serve the Filipino nation and the whole community is strong and steadfast.

Jenica’s preparations for her licensure exam were seriously and whole-heartedly done. From reviewing the lessons and being apart from her family for a period of time to finally applying what she learned and answering the questions to prove her quality and reliable service for the nation, she endured all sleepless nights and other tiring experiences while she was in the process to make everything successful and possible.

She recognized her strong support system – her family and friends. She believed everything would have been not possible without their inspiration, support, and encouragements. She also considered patience and finding happiness with what you’re doing a must.

Photo by Cris Evert Tolentino

“They have been my inspiration, of course, because I cannot make it without them, without their support, without their encouragement in fulfilling this journey. And, in the Medical Technology exams they have been giving advices, they have given their support for me to pass the board exam. Patience is also a must. I travel day to day to school for four years from Bulacan to Pedro Gil and, of course, I will go home late and that was really hard because I can’t study anymore. I just study when I travel and regardless, I still graduated because there is encouragement. You’re happy with what you are doing, that is a must.”

Aside from these, Jenica emphasized that she pursued this field of study out of her passion and her desire to help other people by doing her duties and applying what she learned in Medical Technology. Brave enough, she thought that the more challenging the duty is, the more it is fulfilling when things are achieved.

She shared that she has two things in store in order to achieve what someone is passionate about: trust and faith in God and passion itself. Being happy with what you are doing, accepting your missions happily, doing what you love, and having faith and trust makes a great formula for achieving success.

Being a Medical Technology student, having the experience to work inside the system during her internship, successfully graduating with the degree, and preparing and passing the licensure exam, Jenica was able to familiarize the system and how the field of Medical Technology works. She was able to experience both the good and the bad. She encountered different people and had the sight of the different angles and situations of Medical Technology in the Philippines.

Photo by Eunice Del Rosario

“I can describe it as innovating and always improving now that new technologies have been established for accurate diagnosis because our really main goal is to diagnose, to know the underlying causes of the disease, and also to treat them. Now, there are standardizations, there are innovations in the technology that will make our work faster and more accurate to produce results.”

Apart from these, Jenica also experienced some hilarious statements of people about them like without Medical Technologists, who would switch on the machines and other technologies? And, others addressed them as a nurse.

Only few people know about the Medical Technologists, she said. She also admitted that, growing up, she had no idea and did not understand what really Medical Technology is even after graduating in High school.

Some people have misconceptions that Medical Technologists only collect stools from the patients and just check the samples. Jenica was sure that their job is more than just collecting stools and samples. She also added that there are people who view Medical Technologists don’t serve a significant purpose because they think that the doctors alone can perform all the tasks but she just remained positive and followed standardizations to produce reliable and accurate results.

In the Philippines, a non-stock and non-profit organization called The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET, Inc.) envisions being the constant prime mover in advancing the Medical Laboratory Science profession for the continuous growth and development of its members and thrive on a mission to be an association that will uphold professional core values; develop and sustain comprehensive programs to enhance competencies of the Medical Laboratory Science professionals; collaborate with the different stakeholders of health and make its services important to the beneficiaries of its services.

In 2014, Senator Guingona filed Senate Bill No. 2473 that aims to regulate and modernize the practice of Medical Technology in the Philippines. According to him, there is a need to update Republic Act 5527, otherwise known as the "Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969," as rapid changes and development in health and information technology, complexities in Filipino lifestyle and population growth, and increasing global competition have transpired in the last four decades.

Medical Technologists, according to the TheBalance.com, are one of the many exciting and rewarding medical laboratory careers. Medical Technologists perform a variety of tasks including everything from simple pre-marital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer according to the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), Medical Technologists operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments. These equipment, such as high-powered microscopes and cell counters, are often worth millions of dollars. Therefore, the medical technologist must be savvy with technology as well as in Science.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical Technologists analyze specimens of human blood and tissue under a microscope to look for bacteria, parasites, cancerous cells, or other microorganisms. They match blood for transfusions, check blood levels for chemicals, drugs, or other factors. Additionally, medical technologists evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs to ensure the accuracy of tests.

Although medical technologists do not often interact directly with patients, the work completed by medical technologists directly impacts patients’ lives.

Jenica was particular that their work as Medical Technologists is limited to diagnosis. They must not overlap the duties and responsibilities of the nurses and doctors. To prevent misunderstandings and overlapping of responsibilities in the workplace, she suggested doing only the scope of your job as a Medical Technologist.

In the event of perplexing situations like when patients tend to seek answers immediately regarding their cases, Jenica said to never interpret results for them because that is the duty of the doctors and it has legal consequences when done improperly by someone who is not in the position to interpret.

“Limit your talks with the patients about the results. For example, they will ask ‘do I have diabetes because my sugar levels are high?’ You can say the normal value, that this is the normal value. But, you can never interpret, that is the doctor’s duty.”

Still, in cases that the need to inform the patients about their situation regardless of how serious and alarming the illness and value are, Medical Technologists call it to the doctors based from her experiences. She added that, as Medical Technologists, they are only to inform the doctors but never to interpret results.

Furthermore, Jenica was fond of doing her work because she can help the people through it. According to her, health is one of the major issues in the world. And, Medical Technologists perform a pivotal in making effective medical processes.

Photo by Cris Evert Tolentino

“When someone is dying, how do you know? How will you know you will die the next day? How will you know you have diabetes? How will you know you have tumor? You don’t just look at your complexion to say that you have anemia. We must collect blood, we must collect specimen to confirm that you really have anemia.”

Moreover, Jenica said a doctor requests for laboratory results and they are the ones who perform the tests and produce the results with their corresponding signatures. There must be a Medical Technologist, always, to diagnose and to collect specimen. She added that Medical Technologists are also responsible immediate collection, quality control, and quality assurance upon doing the tests. She also explained that they must follow the protocol and instructions in order to avoid delay of results, false results, false elevated, and false decrease which are all inappropriate in the laboratory.

Although one profession really varies from another, collaboration and teamwork are still effective ways of getting the job done. Jenica considered so much value in unity in the workplace. Through it, they can produce adequate results and even value life so much more.

“We should be collaborative with each other so that we can produce good prognosis of the patient because every life is important.”

Proud and happy with her profession, Jenica shared her take about those people who really appreciate the work of Medical Technologists. According to her, there are some people who label their profession as a “Hidden Profession that Saves Lives”. In general, they usually spend their time in their job inside the laboratory and not a lot of people get to see how they work and how their profession really runs. Jenica said that they go outside to bring the results of the patients to the doctors. With that, there are people who appreciate and view them as someone who might just spend hours inside the laboratory but can actually save lives.

“In 3 to 4 hours you can produce results that can save the patient’s life.  They will be treated. There will be prognosis after that, after the doctors have interpreted and have treated them.”

After passing the licensure examination, Jenica will soon get back on the actual work and practice of her profession and she assured that in her own little ways she would be able to continue to put justice on the profession – she will perform her work with compassion, with responsibility, and with complete reliability so people can rely on and believe the results – results that will not cause doubt. Humility is also a must for her. She believed that Medical Technologists are humble because of the nature of their job being just inside the laboratory. She also mentioned to always provide room for improvements and to never stop learning. Jenica believed that learning never stops.

Applying her experiences, Jenica said that it really takes compassion and patience to be in the practice of Medical Technology. There might be times that patients would not want to be engaged in the process of getting blood samples from them, especially children. She said to back yourself up with a lot of patience to fulfill the work. She also said to not be too complacent with the job and that an individual should aim higher and never surrender. And, in the workplace, it also important to recognize that someone will always be better than you in order to practice humility well, she added.

Jenica reminded the aspiring Medical Technologists to really have the guts to endure the study of the profession. Even in the small things like being afraid of blood and disgust over stool samples, Jenica recommended utmost professionalism and love for the work no matter how fouling the smell could be. She added being studious is a great contribution to success in the study.

“Every day your professor will present new lecture and new lessons to the class and after those three quizzes in a row. In our case, we have a subject that would last a day. So, you should have the patience to study the course because they have high regard to you as a student that you can really succeed. Never surrender. A lot of people already surrendered maybe because they were afraid, but, regardless, you must finish it.”

Photo by Eunice Del Rosario

And, if there’s one thing she would say to the authorities and to the government, Jenica cracked a joke that Medical Technologists should be given high salary. But, kidding aside, she wanted more promotion and recognition for Medical Technology so that others will also be interested to take the degree because she believed that Medical Technology is a wonderful study. She added that through it, an individual can help and collaborate with the doctors and with the allied health field. But, she was hopeful of high salary, she cracked again.

Photo by Cris Evert Tolentino

Jenica F. Yambot is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the Philippine Women’s University (PWU). She took the licensure examination for Medical Technologists on August 27 and 28, 2016. The results of the examination were released on September 1, 2016 and her hard work all paid off. Jenica is one of the many passers who proved that they are prepared and well-equipped to serve the nation through their professions with accuracy and reliability. She expects a lot more works, a lot of duties, and, most of all, a lot of responsibility once she embarks again into practice after so much preparation. Not all people see how they get things done, but, truly, they are warriors and saviors behind closed doors.

Daniel Kraft, a Stanford and Harvard trained physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and innovator; shows us where can technology take us in health and medicine. He is the Founding Executive Director and curator for Exponential Medicine – an annual program that brings together thought leaders from across technology and healthcare and explores convergent, rapidly developing technologies and their potential in biomedicine and healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research and healthcare innovation, Kraft has chaired the Medicine Track for Singularity University since SU’s inception.

“So, remember, healthcare shifting from one that’s been episodic and reactive to an era that’s more continuous and proactive. Technology is often here before we expect it and the best way for us to take the next step and create the future of health and medicine is to go and create it ourselves.”

– Daniel Kraft

Know more about Daniel Kraft and his discussion of the reimagination and reinvention of health and medicine through technology and the reality of “Sick” care and “Health” care. And, seek the answer to the questions of what are the next steps in health and medicine and where can technology take us?

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What Happens After Five Years?

By Cris Evert Tolentino February 20, 2017

We all have dreams and aspirations in life. We dream of establishing a good family, buying a housing, owning and driving a car, travelling inside and outside the country,  and working our way up to the highest paid position in the company. But, most of all, we dream of success in our lives, for our family, and for our friends. However, there are times that dreaming the wildest dreams may never be enough. There are obstacles and hindrances that we have to go through. And, there is fear that we have to overcome.

Photo retrieved from pexels.com

Fear can hinder us from achieving and doing what we want. It comes in different forms: our shortcomings, our incompetency, and even our personal demons. All these can slow us down but it must never stop us from living our lives. All of us are gifted with something special regardless of what we have and what we don’t have. Our gifts can be used to overcome fear and challenges in life. There is no time to waste in life. Buy that house, drive that car, and achieve that financially-satisfying job! Let every second of our lives a moment to live.

We do not have all the time in the world. Life is short and it is not forever. Before we know it, the sun is already setting down for us. Life has its deadlines and we have to beat its deadlines. It can be a day, a month, or even a year. Time is important in our lives. Yes, it can make us successful but remember that the clock ticks and makes us old. So, what happens after five years? A new house? Anew car? Or a new job and position in the company? Anything in and after five years. We just have to make sure that every day we live the life that we have been dreaming. Forget about fear for we are all good enough to achieve our dreams and so is our time. The next time the HR officer or someone else asks you the question, take it as if life itself is asking you the question: “What happens after five years?”

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Delicious Food Made Closer to Home

By Cris Evert Tolentino February 16, 2017

If you’re looking for some good Chinese food around Marilao, Bulacan that is budget friendly and doesn’t need a lot of twist and turns when it comes to travel, then, Haiyang Chinese Cuisine is definitely the next stop on your list!

Haiyang Chinese Cuisine opened in September 2016 with more ten tables to cater its hungry and paying customers. When you’re at Haiyang Chinese Cuisine, it’s as if you never left home for good-tasting food because of its home-like ambience with just the bright lights to make sure your food experience never gets dull.

They offer and serve authentic Chinese food done by their experienced chef. Most of the items on their menu are already good for sharing of about three to four people because food gets even more delicious when shared with your family, friends, and other loved ones! They also cook Pinoy favorites like Sisig, Fried Chicken, and Breaded Pork. And, they also have a range of vegetable viands like Chopsuey for veggie lovers!

Their Buttered Chicken is scrumptious and would be definitely enjoyed by chicken lovers, and as sinful as it may sound, by butter lovers! They also have a variety of soup available for warming the stomach of the customers. Their Nido Soup tastes good and could really be a good starter before you munch on your next courses.

Cooking delightful Chinese cuisine, one of the highlights of their menu are the noodles. For longer life, try their tasty Miki Bihon! You could also ask the waiter whether you like your Miki Bihon a little dry or with a little bit of moist coming from the juice of its stock so that you could make your order a little more personal.

For larger groups who wish to celebrate life’s precious moments and special occasions, Haiyang Chinese Cuisine also has a special menu which they require to be ordered two days before the event. Larger servings for a reasonable price, of course!

Haiyang Chinese Cuisine makes it easy for residents of Metrogate II Subdivision in Marilao, Bulacan to enjoy delicious Chinese food without having to travel for hours. Some customers visit the place on foot while others ride their motorcycles, bicycles, and cars.

If you want to experience and taste delicious food made closer to home, Haiyang Chinese Cuisine is located at Block 26, Lot 54, Ph. 1 – 29th Main Road, Heritage Homes, Marilao, Bulacan. The restaurant is easy to spot because it is near the jeepney terminal inside the subdivision. No worries because the security allows visitors inside the subdivision with the acceptance of its Terms and Conditions.

Happy eating!

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Keeping it Strong with your Friends

By Cris Evert Tolentino February 14, 2017

Aside from our biological family, we have another circle or group where we experience love, care, and happiness in a whole new definition. We call them our “friends”. They are brothers and sisters from another parents and though we are not related with them in blood, we still treat them as part of our families, and most importantly, of our lives. There are friendships that already stood against the test of time while others are just starting to grow like a plant or a flower. And, just like plants and flowers, it’s not always about good air and bright sunshine but there are also struggles of growth and endurance. Keeping friendships strong and long-lasting might be challenging because of our different attitudes and personalities, but surely these simple tips could help us and our friends establish a more meaningful bond.

Photo retrieved from pexels.com

PRACTICE FAMILY-LIKE LOVE

Yes, they are our family as well. Just like our biological families, let’s love our friends like real brothers and sisters. A love that is always ready to understand, to care, and to forgive. The type of love that does not ask something for return. Love that is pure. Love that will always find a way to provide time and effort. There are times that we got the whole world with us but some of our friends could only have us at their backs. Always love them.

Photo retrieved from pexels.com

KNOW WHEN TO CROSS AND WHEN TO DRAW THE LINE

We might be sharing our whole lives with our friends but always value the essence of respect and privacy of each other. Having deep friendships doesn’t mean giving up our privacy. It means that we have someone to share not just love but also pain. We could always listen to and support them but we should always respect their own decisions. Friendship is never a constriction but to enjoy freedom with someone beside you.

Photo retrieved from pexels.com

BE THERE WHEN THE SUN SHINES. NEVER LEAVE THEM WHEN THE RAIN POURS HARD.

Friends are a living witness to our triumphs and, of course, stupidity in life. They offer a lift when we enjoyed too much of our nights or accompany us home to make sure we get to our beds safely. Some of us surpassed the challenges of the academic life together with our best friends and marched with them on stage achieving another milestone. Through good times and bad times, we should be there for each other. It’s fun to enjoy life’s greatest moments but it’s more meaningful to overcome life’s darkest moments with the ones we love.

They say nothing lasts forever, that nothing is permanent in this world. In the years to come, some of us may lose friends and gain new ones. But, it’s not of big deal. The bigger picture is how we enjoy life with them in the long run. After all, all we aim at is to spend our lives with our friends and with the ones we love not at how and when it will end. Cheers for more years of friendship!

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The Hidden Paradise of Batangas

By Michelle Gutierrez February 7, 2017

Are you stress doing your usual work, studying for you finals, or anything else and you just wanted to take a short break for yourself? Do you miss having a time together with your family and friends just like the old times? If yes, then this may be the place you are looking for.

In an unplanned getaway, frequently, the first desired destination of people from Manila is Batangas. Besides having its numerous beaches and luxurious resorts, you don’t need to spend a lot of money because it is close to Manila. You don’t need to book a flight because you can go there by land.

Apart from good accommodations and for it being budget-friendly, apparently there's a place here that is still did not often visited by tourists. That is the Blue Coral Beach Resort which is located in Laiya, San Juan in Batangas which is almost across the end point of the province.

LAIYA SAN JUAN, BATANGAS

The journey going there will take almost 5 hours of your time especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. When our family went there, it only took us four hours, including the traffic and our stop over, because we used an application in smartphone that guided us with our trip.

Going there is just so easy. If you are using a private vehicle, you'll just need to take the SLEX until the very end where it connects to Star Tollway. Enter the Star Tollway and make an exit in Ibaan / San Jose. From there, you will see many signs from different resorts and that is the road to Laiya.

If you choose to commute, from Monumento, you can ride the LRT-1 and get off at EDSA station (Php 30.00). From there, you can choose to ride any bus (JAM transit. Titran Transit, or Alps Bus Lines) that has a San Juan sign. The bus fare will costs you Php 200.00. When you got there,  you can ride the jeepney going to Laiya (Php 40.00) but if you want to be alone maybe because you have so many things with you, a tricycle is also available and the fare cost will be Php 70.00. But, be sure to get there in the morning, as there a no more Jeepneys ang Tricycle going to Laiya San Juan after around 5pm.

In an overnight stay, you must allocate a minimum of Php 5,800.00 for a room accommodation. Although this is the cheapest, the area is clean it and your expenses will not be wasted. The room has two double-sized beds, plus 2 extra mattresses, fully air-conditioned, colored T.V., Wi-Fi, refrigerator, and 1 bathroom with shower. The maximum people that can to stay in the room is 6 adults. In our case, our family decided to stay in that room.

For the food, the resort is offering a breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet. If you wish to have the 3 buffet meals, it costs Php 1,450.00 per head for adult and Php 725.00 for the kids. And if you want to have a single buffet meal, it costs Php 475.00 for adults and Php 237.50 for the kids. They also offer a separate order especially for people who doesn’t eat that much.

If you are keen on adventures together with your family or friends, banana boat is something that would perfectly fit to you. For only 1,200 (maximum of 10 persons), you can have the most memorable adventure of your life. You also rent a jet ski for only 1,000 and it is good for 1 hour and you can exchange with your colleagues.

If you prefer to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean of Laiya, they also offer an island hopping that will make you love the location more. It costs Php 3,500 (maximum of 15 persons), you can see the beautiful resorts in Laiya, and the various rock formations there. Snorkeling is also included in the deal for you to have the opportunity to see and to feed the different kinds of fishes there.

BLUE CORAL: AS A HIDDEN PARADISE

The best thing about this place is the kind of water resources they have. A crystal clear water, wherein, you can clearly see the bottom of the ocean that will make you say that the beach is still healthy. It doesn’t have moss or any trash because it isn’t a crowded place. So if you want to have a silent and a relaxing vacation, this place is best suited for you.

Adjacent to the Blue Coral, is the expensive resorts accommodations there. But, if you go out and walk on the seashore at night, you can see that the aura of Blue Coral resort is way better than the others.

They also offer the best pool around the area. They have two kinds of pools: one for kids and the other is for adults. The adult pool is divided into three, first is the typical flat pool, the second has a deep part at the center, and the third one is the so-called infinity pool because you can clearly see the white-sand beaches of Laiya. Every day, the staff cleans the water in the pool to maintain its cleanliness.

Also, a covered court where you can play table tennis, billiards, darts, and badminton with your friends. They also offer a tree house, mini playground and a fish pond that kids will surely enjoy. Apart from these, they also have a videoke, poolside bar, and a souvenir shop that will give a happy moments to your aunties.

To prove that Blue Coral is such a wonderful place to stay, ABS-CBN shoot one episode of Home Sweetie Home there last summer 2016.

I am sure that the whole period of staying there is definitely unforgettable. You may forgot the burden in your life for just a short period of time, but the happiness and satisfaction that this place have given you will remain forever in your heart, and that feeling will made you feel wanting to go back there one more time.