Kids, back in 2020...

Kids, back in 2020...

Life was great. I was already an IM Resident at BMC. Your mom and I were set to be married the same year. Rio was graduating and set to start Senior High. Paolo was already set on his job as a Med Tech at SAMC. Papa and Mama were expanding NSI with business partners. 

I was already beginning my adulting phase in life - living on my own, cooking my own food, paying my own bills.. you know, the usual. Aside from all these stuff, I also was juggling recreation and my studies.

Life was great! 

Until March 2020, when the COVID-19 situation worsened to a pandemic and the Philippines was gravely affected, which then prompted the President to declare a nationwide lockdown. The country was not prepared, but in retrospect, who was prepared, anyway? There was panic-buying, unrest, and almost everyone couldn't stand the idea of staying at home.

By May 2020, the situation had ballooned. The government trying its best to control the situation (but failing all the same because of how most of our officials are being dicks and putting themselves above the law, and the priorities of our government that time was not exactly health of the people, but more of their personal grievances. B.S., i know.), and the people had been in lockdown for almost 60+ days already. Relief goods were given, but even that had issues on delays in delivery and whatnot.

Health Workers were considered as frontliners in this battle with an invisible foe. We were given special considerations, special lanes in supermarkets, etc. Hell, if you were to ask me, kids, COVID-19 made people realize the importance of health workers and all other essential workers. They loved to bash us doctors, back before COVID-19 struck, on many petty stuff they never understood.

What's my point here? Every person in the world has their own strengths and their own purpose. Let us remember to NEVER belittle anyone.

----------

I'm back after n years hahaha. I missed blogging and typing random thoughts of mine.

/no1!

What's up 2017?

I'm Back!


Sort of. Just missed blogging. So, time for the usual life update:

> Graduated from Med School. I am officially JUAN VICENTE F. ACLAN, MD. Just need to pass the Physician Licensure Examination next year :) Here's hoping for an Internal Medicine Residency and Cardio Fellowship in the near future!

> Going 4 years with my girlfriend Maisie this November! Thank you Lord!

> Family is doing fine. Thank you Lord for them :D

> Currently a Post Grad Intern at OMMC. Currently at Pedia Rotation.





Not much. Here's to acing that PLE 2018! Time to make bawi :))





/no1!

2016 Personal Update.

Well, it's been a while since I posted.

> Finally passed 3rd Year Medicine! Onward to Clerkship! Thank you, Lord!

> My GWA stands at 2.50. It should be enough for a scholarship, but since I lost it 2 years ago, I'm no longer qualified. Still, it feels good knowing that even though this 3rd year I was a bit lax, I still got it! It's time to improve once more come Comprehensive Examinations and during Clerkship! BTW, 2nd year grades were fantastic as well. Better than 3rd year grades :))

> Maisie and I are going 3 years in our relationship <3

> Ma and Pa are gonna have an MD soon, an RMT (Paolo) soon and a HS girl (Rio) soon!

> Many many other blessings..

I can't count it all, but I know I got lots of blessings, in different forms. All I know right now is that..

CLERKSHIP BEGINS.

Here we go, 2017.

#MDBy2017

/no1!

Lamenting the Social Mindset

May 2010.

I got off the jeepney and began walking towards our subdivision. A man who was hitching a ride on the jeepney (sabit) suddenly grabbed the handbag of the old lady sitting near the exit. She screamed for help, but no one budged. Without thinking, I gave chase to the snatcher, managing to catch up on him before he rode on his accomplice's motorcycle. I drop kicked the snatcher, who then slammed onto his accomplice and their getaway. I managed to get hold of the old lady's bag while screaming "Mga snatcher po mga ito!" to the bystanders, who then alerted the nearby Barangay Tanods, who then finally gave chase to the scrambling criminals. I never knew whether they were caught; all I believed was I did a good favor to someone in need.

---

Sounds too far-fetched to be true? I was just getting in to my third year back during my BS Bio days. It all happened the way I narrated it. To be honest, with the reaction of the people I recount this tale to, sometimes I am left wondering what truly is up with our society today.

Every reaction I get usually is something about "Di mo naisip safety mo?" or "Tanga tanga mo dapat pinabayaan mo na lang" or even "Pag ganyan tahimik na lang tayo, wala na tayo magagawa minsan".

"WALA NA TAYO MAGAGAWA". --> I do not believe in this statement. There is ALWAYS something we can do. Maybe not in the concrete sense, though, but THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WE CAN DO. Its very frustrating when you reach this point...

We should be afraid that people are asking us to STAY SILENT IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. Our culture of today tells us to keep our heads low so that we can live in peace. Indeed, it seems that Death comes to those who speak out loud. BUT WE ARE A DEMOCRACY. THERE IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH! Mali yung tumahimik na lang, eh.

But then, how many people, who have spoken the truth and spoken out against injustice, have fallen? From UP Activists to Keyboard Warriors, we are a dwindling minority in today's silent society. Furthermore, many blame the outspoken because they "tend to speak or act without thinking, without proof, tactlessly.." Though, my only gripe is that when one speaks out, he has so many supporters. Yet when he needs them the most, they vanish. Wala eh. 

Alas, just like everything else, there is a limit to freedom of speech. It should not be abused or used to wrong the innocents. Freedom of Speech is a gift to be used in dire times. It should be invoked when injustice is rampant, and when something NEEDS TO BE DONE.

Thus we go back to the price of speaking out: It's worth more than money; people tend to pay with their lives. But it should not be a deterrent to change. It should be a catalyst, a wake up call. I wish to remind my fellow young adults of today that we still have hope for this nation, for this world, because we are hope itself. 

Remember, my fellow youth: It's not wrong to speak out against injustice. It's not wrong to go against the flow. It's not wrong to traverse the road less taken. It's also not wrong to think before speaking/acting. And it certainly is not wrong to introduce CHANGE.

I believed I did a good favor back in 2010 to that old lady. It's 2015; no matter what people say, I will always believe that I did good. To pay with my life, with my blood, in exchange for what is right, for change, is the greatest gift I can offer to this world.

/no1!

Piling Glory upon Glory?

It's a dream come true for someone to get everything he wished for: Fame, Power, Money. But these things come with a price. In retrospect, it has been a "glorious year" for one. He has the positions, the leadership and the name. But is it worth it with what has transpired throughout his term?

He is known to be a responsible one. That's a trademark, they said. But in the span of one year, things seem to have changed. No longer is he that way. Gone is the man they can count on; in his place stands a shattered shadow of a former self. 

He has done everything he can, but nothing is going right. What legacy is there left for him to leave? He seems to have led his people back to hell instead of getting out of it. 

With what energy he has left, let's see if he can rise from the abyss.

/no1!

:D

I haven't blogged in a while, but I'll just pass by and say what up?

A huge smile for all :) 

Irregular Problems.

Criticisms are part of life. It helps you grow. I accept them because it helps me improve. However, may mga criticisms na sometimes parang below the belt na.. Nakakasakit.

Sana po wag niyong iisipin na porket irregular ako, pachill chill na lang ako, na pabaya lang ako.. Nagaaral din po ako tulad niyo. Acads-wise, busy din po ako. For example, I do cases for Doc M, self-study, group study with my fellow irregs, etc. 

Sana di niyo rin iisipin na wala akong initiative, na dahil irreg ako at maraming time, puro tambay lang. Aside from acads I also shouldered extra-curricular work since marami nga akong time. Step up lang lagi, kesa makulelat ang isang bagay.

In relation with that, sana di rin niyo iispin na I only loiter around PLM, going out of classes just because I feel like it. In truth, 100% of the time ako'y may nirurun na errands kaya ganun, or di kaya'y may mga inaasikaso akong emergency stuff. Like I said, I also shouldered some extra-curricular work..

Pasensya na po, pero oo, time management lang talaga, though minsan may nacocompromise pa din. I always strive na maagapan at magawan ng paraan yung nacompromise. 

Di po porket irreg ako, substandard lang ang output ko at di nag-sstep up at di tumutulong. Pasensya na kasi may nacompromise, after all, I'm not Superman, can't do everything at once but I always strive and aim to fix it..

Pero sige, kahit nakaksakit na at parang below the belt, tanggap lang ng tanggap..

Life.

Just my 2 cents. 

Not Superman

As much as I can, I try to balance my Academics with my extra-curriculars. Though irregular, I do Cases for Doc M and advance in Clinical Subjects. On top of that I'm the leader of two research groups (Biochem, FCM), and I'm part of the trans groups for the previous two mentioned subjects, being the leader for FCM trans too. Besides all these, I have extra-curricular work as well. 

I find it cool that I manage to keep myself busy, sane and productive all at the same time while learning, doing service to others and enjoying life. However, things do go wrong, as they sometimes will. You see, too much can kill, as they say.

I know that I can't do everything and fix every mistake that happens. I will be bound to commit errors that would affect many things. However, I would still take full responsibility for whatever happens. Gaun talaga eh. Ganun yung tama, you can't escape your problems, so be part of the solution instead.

I'm not Superman. I can't speed through the day finishing everything in time for dinner. After all, I'm only human. I guess that's why I prefer to be the Dark Knight instead, capable of superhuman feats yet susceptible to succumb to his human side. I see myself in him more than in the Man of Steel.

Maybe I just need to take things slow, and focus on each task one at a time. Maybe I should also not be too shy to ask for help. Batman, though thinking of himself as a solo hero, has family and friends around him... and so do I. :)

Upon realizing all these, I pondered and said to myself, "What a beautiful life I live in". Many problems, many trials, probably may succeed in breaking me sometimes, yet each time, never failing to make me stronger than ever.   

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

To fix a clog

The MMDA has recently opened a new Interim Terminal at the old Uniwide Coastal Mall. It aims to decongest the traffic jam of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard. Good plans, actually. However, there were overlooked problems.

 

Rain + the new scheme = EPIC TRAFFIC at Coastal Road.

For one, many commuters were caught unaware with the new scheme. I, for example, had to figure out (and I still am doing so at the moment) a new way to get home and get to PLM/Manila on time. It seems that even the registered UV Express vans were affected and are being supposedly "captured" by enforcers. My usual 50php, 1 ride commute to Manila may now be increased, with several rides before getting to my destination. Not very efficient IMO.

 

Understandable that the aim is to ease traffic flow; however, commuters coming from Cavite, Laguna and other south side provinces are now probably wondering how to get to Manila, since, Cavitenos for example, provincial buses are now limited to the Interim Terminal. 

 

Another problem is how the jeepneys made Coastal Road-Roxas Blvd. look like a free-for-all passenger terminal. It caused heavy traffic at the end of the Coastal-Northbound Road. The buses were also clogging up at the D. Macapagal Blvd-MIA Rd. It caused much frustration to those coming from the south side, with many commuters getting delayed with appointments and such. 

 

Also, the issue of the transport fares is dragged here because, in truth, commuters have to readjust not only their commuting budget but also their physical selves to adapt to this new scheme. 

 

To be fair, I can see the honest intentions of the MMDA Chair Tolentino. However, it seems, as my sis Myka said, that the plan was kind of rushed head-on without appropriate planning to address possible problems and to minimize these. We are all hoping, however, that the scheme would soon be reorganized and that soon enough, the flow of traffic and commuting problems such as transport fees would be smoother and easier.

 

Still, though I really, really am pissed off, kudos to MMDA for trying. More planning and brainstorming, though! 

 

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

Endure, because that's the point.

"Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. They'll hate you for it, but that's the point of Batman, he can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make, the right choice."

When we do something right, it is either people praise you, or they won't say anything. It is only when something is wrong that they suddenly all become noisy. I admit, that's true and I'm guilty of that. It's because we are all humans and we always take note the mistakes of others in comparison to our own.

My brod once said "People will always have something to say.". It's true. No matter what you say or do, be it none of their business, people will always have something to say. My blog is an example, I guess, politics-wise. 

I don't know. I feel down. I know I haven't done anything wrong but as I posted a while back, some people are always bound to be dragged into issues unknowingly and unwillingly. Kumbaga, may mga nadadamay. That's life. You can't always expect good things; you can't always escape pain. That's not the only thing, though. Many issues in the world, you see. 

But will that stop us, stop me, from doing what has to be done? Alam ko yung tamang gawain eh. Dapat bang ako'y bumigay na lang? Hayaan na't sige, gawin na rin ang ginagawa ng karamihan. If you can't beat them, join them? NOPE.

I'd rather be an outcast. Just because something went wrong, is that enough to resort to underhand tactics and kapit sa patalim style? I don't think so. It doesn't mean na, "wala eh, may mali na, hayaan na naten. Mali na ako, sige, tanggapin ko na lang wala na akong gagawin na solution.". Hell, WE are supposed to find SOLUTIONS to the problem. If we can't find a solution, we are merely being part of the problem.

And that's the thing: So many problems lately. I know the solution but I'm holding back because I don't want to hurt anyone. Well, unfortunately, I realized that doing that would hurt more, actually. It's time to move out of the comfort zone. Time for me to endure what others would say when I present the solutions. 

Endure, because that's the point: IF YOU CAN bring change and do what's right, then no matter what they say, it's always up to you to make the right choice, because only YOU CAN.

And oh, yes, I'm Batman.

Just my 2 cents!
/no1! 

Adjustment

Adaptation is the key to survival. As a biologist, I should know this by heart, because the fittest and the strongest ones would withstand the forces of Nature trying to wipe them out from the face of the Earth.

Adjustment is like adaptation. You either fit in or you conk out. Adjustment can be akin to trying to move on after a devastating crisis. It may be positive or negative.

Sometimes, people adjust negatively. They tend to shut themselves in. They tend to let their hearts harden and eventually turn them in to a bitter shadow of their former selves. And then, with that, their world slowly shatters...

Why do we adjust negatively? Because we have fear. Fear is something we should be thankful of. Without fear, we can never become stronger. Fear is good but we should not let it consume us; instead we should face it and overcome it. We should become fear itself...

...or maybe, we should adjust positively. There are endless possibilities in every single thing in this world. They usually are triggered at the right moment when we least expect it. Things do happen for a reason. Maybe, if we all took one step at a time and see things in a different light... things will become better. Also, as the cliche saying goes, Time heals everything.

Adjusting is hard. We all hate change, because change is the only permanent thing in this world. Change can be an unforseen delay in Medical School, an opportunity lost because of things one fought for, a lost love, a lost friendship or even things as simple as being left behind and feeling alone. 

But change is good. Change is, more often than not, for the better. In a fast paced world today, a second differs significantly greater from the last or the next. One minute you feel great, the next, you suddenly feel alone.

But that's the point - you adapt. you adjust. The rate of change today grows exponentially. And it is yourself that you pull down, when you decide never to adapt or to just adjust negatively. Never let yourself be caught in the web. You are stronger than that. 

Adjust well, and you will see how bright things actually are. Adjust well, and you will see things differently, for there is always a silver tint on the clouds of doubt.

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

Time...

One week more... 

...and it's the shifting exams again. First shifting exam. 

Two weeks more... 

...and it's the acquiantance party for 2013. Wow.

2-3 months more... 

...and it'll be the second semester for 2013-2014.

5 months more...

...and it's another year.

10 months more...

...and it's summer again.

A year later...

...It'll be another year in Medical School.

The numbers seem to be quite overwhelming, don't they? But time flows by without us noticing anything, especially during our busiest moments. We would always wish for more time, but it isn't possible.

Every fleeting moment is important, for it is part of our lives. Time is of the essence.

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

Red Tape

Red tape everywhere. In offices, in the government, even in the schools.

It is an obvious fact that this happens everywhere in our country. But the fact that it begins at the level of the school is too much. This is why people resort to fixers and other illegal ways of obtaining things because of precious time wasted thanks to Red Tape.

Red Tape is about excessive rigidity to "rules" to the point that it becomes redundant and begins to hinder proper decision making and actions. Understandable that people are just "following policies", but then how do you explain "following policies" when these people themselves are not even updated with the latest changes in their policies? Inayos na nga para di mahirapan mga students at mga tao pero sunod sunod pa din sila sa lumang policiya. Too stubborn to submit to change, I guess?

Change is inevitable. Accept it. We can't tell them to "do their jobs properly" because they know their jobs well enough, but that's the point, they know it well and we don't and they can fool us and/or play around with us just because they can.

But we can't allow this. We must rise up and be vigilant against this type of oppression. We are a democratic country, so they say, thus we should exercise our rights as citizens to suppress the oppression. 

It is never wrong to voice out one's thoughts, opinions or suggestions; let us just do it in a proper and civil way.

Just my 2 cents!

/no1!

A Dark Knight

From my childhood until today I have always admired the Dark Knight, the Batman. I am not an avid collector of figurines (I opened them up and played with them, thus decreasing their worth to less than a cent) but I did read the comics (though I stopped for sometime when I got introduced to the Marvel Universe) and watched all the movies (Batman and Robin to TDKR).

Who is the Batman? I have always pictured myself a hero: One with powers unmatchable and with an awesome costume. I admit too that I've become much engrossed in the Marvel Universe. But lately, probably due to nostalgia, I've been catching up with Batman (and DC comics in general). I admire the Dark Knight most because, though without powers, his mind works wonders. Consider him a modern day Sherlock Holmes with a fighting prowess of Sherlock himself + all the masters of martial arts. 

But that is beyond the point. Back in 2009 I read the Knightfall comics and the R.I.P Batman comics. It is unnerving to think of the sufferings the Batman endured and yet still manages to stand up and save the day. And recently (from May 2013 to today) I've started reading the Injustice: Gods among Us comic series based on the game with the same name. The Dark Knight has once again faced trials and tribulations, yet this doesn't break his spirit and morals, unlike that of Superman's (SPOILER ALERT).

Unbreakable. That is what the Dark Knight is. If I were to see myself as the Dark Knight, I should be unbreakable too, considering what I had to go through (refer to my most recent posts please). What I have lost will never be taken back, but I will bounce back. 

Damn it, it still hurts whenever I ponder how I was cheated (pun intended, EHEM) of my 2nd year just because of what I stood for. Then, when the truth was told to me, I felt peace. I confirmed from that truth what I always knew: that I never failed in my duties as a student and as a leader, that I did excel gloriously in all my subjects, that I was hit way low because of what I stood for. Too late to do anything.. My fault. Oh well. Like I said, I will just have to bounce back because what I lost can never be taken back. 

The news feed on FB haunts me as my friends rant about exams that I should also be ranting about. I consider this 1.5th year a blessing though. Probably need to rest myself for a greater fight ahead of me. And when I return, expect theatericalities. Just kidding.

I also hope to return as a leader. Technicalities may hinder that because I'm irregular, but let's hope not. This 1.5th year also defines me as a leader; I therefore must prove myself otherwise. This is more of a Captain America thing now, but I still believe in the dark knight; he can be a leader. I'm waiting for the day he will lead the Justice League and take over for Superman.

One last point: The Dark Knight defends others, and stands for his ideals. No trial should break one's morals apart; it should instead make one stronger. Yes, I am irregular, which I now feel is for a purpose, and lately I am beginning to see it, and that is why I believe that I should be..

" A Silent Guardian... A Watchful Protector... A Dark Knight"
 

Just my 2 cents

/no1!

Pain

What is pain? Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional… But whatever pain doesn’t kill you, will only make you stronger.

Life is a bitch. It sometimes puts you on top of the world, and then suddenly pulls you way below Tartarus. And sometimes, most people never make it out alive, because they have given up. But more often than not, we survive, and the cycle continues.

In my whole stay during this first year of Medical School in PLM, I have been shattered to pieces twice. Not just shattered, in actuality; also crushed and turned to dust. But in these two moments, I have slowly rebuilt myself and tried to always learn something from the experience in order to grow.

It certainly is difficult to pick yourself up after a fall. The pain is there, the hurt is there, your pride splattered with mud, shame and whatnot. It is so difficult to focus on matters that matter most, and to go on with everyday life. You tend to shun the people you need the most. You tend to try to do a lot of things to keep your mind off the pain.

In the end, you realize that you are not alone. There are people around you who truly are your friends. These people do not care whether you would get mad at them for what they would say; but instead they are there for you. These people uplift your spirit in every single thing they do, and you cannot help but put on a smile.

Smile, they say, because they are always there for you no matter what. And then I realized that I am not alone. They are the reason why I keep reminding myself that:

Pain is inevitable, Suffering is optional; whatever pain doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

Lone Wolf 

Just my 2 cents

/no1!

2013

Goodbye 2012 and Welcome 2013!

It has been a great 2012. Yes, obviously there were ups and downs, as normally would happen in life. But hey, never forget to count your blessings ALWAYS. Life itself is already a huge blessing!

Some highlights of my year 2012:

• Graduation! Bio 2012, you homies would forever be part of my life.
• PLM-CM! That day when I learned I wasn't a first lister.. Yeah, it sucked real bad. I was down for quite some time. But it was a good lesson for me; sometimes you fall but you gotta stand up. You can't always go on being up there, you gotta experience some failures to learn to live life to the fullest.
• Like Dr. Wayne told Bruce: "Why do we fall? So we can learn to PICK OURSELVES UP" 

•  PLM-CM! Again, when I got accepted! Thank the Lord for his wonderful blessings. And because I was accepted to PLM, I met..
• PLM-CM 1D 2016. Yeap, my section. New classmates, but quickly we evolved into a family. Glad to have met these people as well. Forever grateful to them for truly we all got each others' backs. Without them, Medicine Life would have been kind of boring
• And of course, could I ever forget the alamat boys? Yeap, we're that awesome. And the DotA boys of course! 
• Obviously, special mention din dapat ang mga magagadang girls ng 1D. Oh yeah!

• NALCA Trading as I see it had a great year, thanks to the hard work and efforts of my parents. Inspiration, indeed, for me to persevere in Medicine (Cheesy I know but what the heck, that's the truth yo)
• My brods and sisses (MARSF/MUSSS). Never regretted my decision. Glad to be part of this awesome family as well. Another big reason why Med Life ain't boring or difficult or hell
• Special mention goes to my Batchmates! Love you Ladies. Yeah, I'm a sole thorn among a group of roses, but never felt pushed aside. Glad to be part of their 2012 as well :)

• Rest in Peace, Lola Lucy, you'll always be remembered :)
• Football! I finally got to play Football after quite a while. Glad to be part of PLM-CM's Men's Football team. We got a match this Jan. 12-13, so prepping up through workouts.. :))

I guess that's about it. Actually I probably have more to add, but obviously I'm kind of high at the moment, had lots to drink with my Dad. Oh yeah, that's one thing to add pala, its really cool to drink with your dad. True story!

Anyway, here's to an awesome 2013 for everyone! Stay safe and enjoy! Positive outlook for the future, yo!

/no1!