On Palpation

There is more to learn in basic Physical Examination. We were taught that in palpating, the abdomen in particular, we should ask the patient first the location of the pain. Palpate first the area far from the painful one. Then slowly inch towards the painful region. This is to avoid abdominal rigidity. It would be harder to elicit clinical findings in a board-like abdomen.

To prevent "guarding", do not start where the pain is.

Rule No.1

I had the time to talk with kuya Royce via chat. He's residing in Norway now, and he's one of my closest friends since birth. He took care of me while I was still a baby and we became really good friends as we both get older and farther apart. Luckily, I had the luxury of time to catch up with him. We had our lengthy chat, talking about how we were and how we are, how I'm doing, but most the "catching-up" focused on my so-called "love life." I consider Kuya Royce as my 3rd father and we are really close. That's why I'm not surprised when he's very curious and overprotective when I said that I've been dating "this guy" for the longest time now.

"It's real when you know you need to set yourself for a major heartbreak."

Love, and all forms of it

I already started my Medicine Junior internship a month ago and all the transitions and in-betweens, consumed my very being. I just want to share this simple experience today. One of my colleagues had a high grade fever (Tmax= 39C) a few hours prior to our 7am call time at the Pediatrics OPD. She texted us that she couldn't make it for ER duty today. She asked one of us to switch schedules. And only our team was available for the duty swap.

I was willing to volunteer to take Adie's duty but Barbs said she would take charge since I was sick as well. She told me to take a rest instead. Simple gestures and genuine concern. At least I know that, me and my friends, got each others' back.

Let me tell you something,

I'll finally admit it. I don't enjoy the things that I used to anymore. I don't know what happened to me...the old me. The new kind of "me" is kinda dull and tired...and dull, and tired. I used to be very passionate on the things I love/d. I don't want to be a doctor who lost herself in the process. I don't want to be totally consumed by anxieties. I need to find me. 

I used to love photography. Covering events...capturing moments. But now, I only have the moments, with no motivation to capture it.

I used to be very good with my pen. I love writing! writing used to be my emotional tongue. Now, I only write for school requirements.

I love sketching/drawing/painting. I used to be Art's favorite daughter, before Science adopted me. I can't even finish a single sketch nowadays. And in most days, I don't do art anymore.

I love music. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Of all the craft I think I've lost...this upsets me the most. Can't finish a single tune nor hit a single note anymore.


I need to save me.
I know that it'll take time to heal myself back. But I promise myself, I will :)

I only have a few months to go before 3rd year med ends. Hopefully, I get to advance in Junior Internship. I've been really busy trying to keep control in my acads while saving most of the relationships I have now.

11 things I tell myself everyday

1.  It's okay to be at fault. 
2. Be a little kinder everyday.
3. patience. patience. patience.
4. Say sorry, as often as you can.
5. fake a smile and hide your exhaustion
6. Make a mistake, get over it.
7. give yourself a break.
8. you deserve it.
9. wait for your turn.
10. forgive the little things.
11. find time for everyone.

Cebu Pre-Sinulog trip 2016

This was my first trip "out of town" with my best friend. This trip was one of my few first attempts to actually arrange a complete vacay. We surely did enjoy a few days out before Med school classes resume.

Thanks to Perfect Destination Travel Services Co. for the "perfect" arrangements.

We stayed at Crown Regency Hotel & Towers (4-star hotel) for 3 days and 2 nights.
The airport-hotel transfers were smooth, as well as our tour arrangements. Our contact in Perfect Destination agency was very reliable and accommodating.

We spent 8,200 pesos each for the All-in Cebu experience. Expect that Cebu tour rates would increase especially anytime near Cebu Sinulog Festival.

• roundtrip airfare (via Air Asia Zest & PAL)
• hotel accommodation (Crown Regency w/ daily breakfast)
• roundtrip transfers
• Cebu City tour

Zubuchon!!! totally, a must try here in Cebu!

Fuente Osmeῆa Circle Night life! Good thing, this place was a few steps away from Crown Regency. Pre-Sinulog concert+Food fest. They also have the best "hilaw na mangga"

played TRUTH or TRUTH all night

Yap-San Diego Ancestral House (one of the oldest house and definitely tarnished with antiquity)

Our first stop in our Cebu City tour

Heritage of Cebu Monument

Pari-An Fire station

San Juan Bautista Chapel

Obligatory Magellan's Cross shot (still under renovation)

Basilica Minore del Sto. Niῆo

Viva Pit Seῆor!

I got a bank space baby, and I'll write your name lol

Philippine Taoist temple

wishing well

travel sneakers: adidas superstar whiteout

pre-departure snack

To be honest, our Cebu trip was more of food trippin' than actually enjoying what Cebu could offer. We also tried a full-body massage at Nuat Thai.

P.S. It's my 3rd visit in Cebu, and the experience gets better every time! See you soon, Cebu!
still wasn't able to bring home a quality ukulele :(

ISEP 2013 Fukuoka, Japan

Here’s an almost 3-year late blog post regarding my first major Japan experience. Most of the texts in this blog were excerpts from my personal travel journal.

February 1, 2013

Fukuoka is an amazing city.

My first meal in Japan was all worth it. Legit Japanese tonkastu.

April 2, 2013

Getting used o the mode of transportation here in Japan.

Today’s a major walking day.

Fun bus and mall trippin’

April 3, 2013

Sakura kiss

Successful poster presentation

We meet other Filipino professionals and my thesis group was selected to participate in an international interview.

Internet is LIFE.

April 4, 2013

Issa made me proud! We had a successful oral presentation. Funny but, iba talaga pag-galing Science!

First major shopping day!

We tried the giant Ferris wheel at Cha-cha town today

April 5, 2013

Fantastic Kokura castle

I experienced the Japanese Mezza Norte

We rode a random bus ride from Yahata.

I went to hike in the mountains

Onsen, cherry blossoms, sakura tunnel, great Yahata night adventure.

April 6, 2013

Shinkansen bullet train

Hana-hostel—so Japanese style! And it comes with cute Russians too

Getting used to the long distance relationship w/ with family and friends

I can’t wait to bond with my friends in the Philippines.

Strawberry party! Giant strawberries!

We went to Canal city...it’s a Venice-like mall

Shopping like crazy. Bought matching jeggings with my friends

April 7, 2013

Best pork BBQ in my life. Finally tried Japanese street food.

It’s 8°C, but we still ate ice cream

I found an adult club named “exciting lips”—made my day

Also, there’s a bar named “Jesus” in Japan

Stayed until Canal city mall closing.

Went to a grocery store. Stayed there for quite a long time.

Subway pub for lunch time.

Purikura awesomeness

April 8, 2013

Touchdown Philippines! I’d surely miss Japan! Maybe after a couple of years, I’ll be coming back!

Sidetrip with Issa after arrival 

on our way to Kokura castle

Kokura castle

nasamid! hahaha

Issa & Inna autumn-inspired photoshoot

sariling sikap

lost

mini crab origami

Onsen!

sakura tunnel

fusion!

waiting for our bus

Manga + Curry cafe

thesis poster

7 degrees C

ISEP 2-13 venue

totem

thesis group

new found friend

Internet is LIFE.

oral presentation

Ferris wheel at Cha-cha town

Cha-cha town

best ever pork barbeque in my life

a must try!

found this SpiderMan with a broken arm inside a grocery store

Hana Hostel

Strawberry party!

giant strawberries

subway pub for lunch

Of course, shopping time!

spotted: Leon Keer (3D street artist)

street food and Sake

Venice-like Mall

wafer-coated peanut butter & chocolate ice cream

Purikura