The place in Caingin

(most pictures were taken by Jed)

God was so gracious to my family because we were able to go to this summer place for free! a close church friend of ours who owns the place lent us his beautiful place in Caingin. For three fun days, we had the beach all to ourselves! Thank you, Lord!

Dried fish being sold by the national road at Pulupandan.

An assembly of jelly fish on the sand during the low tide.
Jed doing the cartwheel... the house behind him is the place where we stayed. Jed tried to save this little fellow... but he was too late.

Winning the Prize in Faith

(Journal 5/29/07)
1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. 25 All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” .

Philippians 3:13, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.”

2 Timothy 2:3, “Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. 5 Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. 6 Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things”.

Hebrews 11:40 says, “For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race”.

It’s been a long journey as I run the race towards the goal of claiming the prize. One thing I have learned from this section of my life's journey is, in a race, there are many who will ran with the same goal. Yet, it’s all up to me whether to pursue and finish it to reach a place of destination, a place I call, “spiritual land of inheritance.”

For three years, I have been running in a unique kind of race, like an athlete hurdling between being a wife, mother, student and worker. Most often than not, the road has been rocky. Each lap requires tedious work, focus and discipline. It takes a lot of hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. Along the way are sufferings and falls but His grace has been sufficient that I am able to endure.

It all started with a dream then it built up into a desire. That desire sprouted a vision. A place of destination requires godly vision which shows us the path to take. In a vision, we see God’s direction and based on that same vision, we hear God’s instructions.

Genesis 15:1, “Afterward the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

Genesis 46:2, “During the night God spoke to him in a vision.”

Numbers 24:4, “who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls down with eyes wide open.”

Numbers 12:6, “And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to me! Even with prophets, I the Lord communicate by visions and dreams.

I also realize that I cannot arrive at my destination without complete obedience and unconditional faith. And with faith comes His provision of spiritual power, physical strength and material sustenance. Matthew 9:29 says, "According to your faith, be it unto you".

From the devotional, "Come away, by beloved", it says:

"My promises are of no avail to you except as you apply and appropriate them by faith. In your daily walk you shall be victorious only to the degree that you trust Me. I can help you only as you ask. I will meet you at every point where you put action alongside your prayers. Only as you walk will the waters of adversity be parted before you. Overburdened as the world is with trouble and sickness, I need those who proved My sufficiency in everyday, personal experience to lead the suffering to the fountain of life. I need those who have found Me as burden bearer to help bring deliverance to the oppressed. Never begrudge time given to chronic complainers, but recognize in each encounter the opportunity to speak a word that may lead to their liberation. No case is too hard for Me. Never be taken by surprise when I use you to change a pattern. Do not judge a man by what he appears to be, but see him as what he can be if he gives himself unreservedly to Me.

Luke 7:1- 10, “When Jesus had finished saying all this, he went back to Capernaum. 2 Now the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal his slave. 4So they earnestly begged Jesus to come with them and help the man. "If anyone deserves your help, it is he," they said, 5"for he loves the Jews and even built a synagogue for us."
6So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, "Lord, don't trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. 7I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 8I know because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this or that,' they do it."
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!" 10And when the officer's friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed.

That's real faith in action.

Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. Oftentimes, we give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded at the end. Let us not give up in our efforts to seek God. Let us continue to ask Him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love, and understanding. He will give them to us graciously.

As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of corporate prayer and support, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. We must work extremely hard and be patient. It’s never easy but we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him.

I may have not arrived at my place of destination as of yet but in faith, I am already a winner, though I continue to run the race, for I believe in my heart, I have arrived at my “spiritual land of inheritance.”

So be it.

ACTUAL SENTENCES FOUND IN PATIENT'S MEDICAL CHARTS at PHILIPPINE GENERAL HOSPITAL (PGH)

1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

2. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.

3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.

4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.

7. The patient refused autopsy.

8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.

9. She is numb from her toes down.

10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.

11. The skin was moist and dry.

12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.

13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.

14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.

15. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.

16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

17. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.

18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.

19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

*******

Sa PGH, may tinatawag na Central Block. Nandoon ang Radiology Department kung saan ginagawa ang mga X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan at Radiotherapy. Dito ko naobserbahan ang evolution ng mga pinoy medical terms. May mga pasyente o bantay na aking nasasalubong, ang madalas magtanong ng direksyon. Mga Versions ng CT Scan:

1. "Dok saan po ba ang Siete Scan?"
2. "Doc saan po ba magpapa-CT Skull"
3. "Doc saan po ba CT Scalp"
4. "Doc saan po ang CT Scam?"

**********

Madalas akong mapagtanungan ng direction papunta sa Cobalt Room.
"Doc saan po ba ang Cobal"
Yes, laging walang T. Marami ang gumagamit sa term na Cobal. Saan napunta ang "T". Marami din kasing nagtatanong,
"Doc, saan po ba ang papuntang X-Tray?"
Conclusion: Ang "T" ng Cobalt, ay napunta sa X-Tray.

*********

7:00 am. Nagbigay ang kasamahan kong doktor ng Instruction sa bantay ng pasyente,
"Mister, punta po kayo sa Central Block at magpa-schedule kayo ng X-ray ng pasyente ninyo."
3:00 pm. Kadarating lang ng bantay. Nagalit na ang Doktor, "Mister, bakit namang napakatagal ninyong bumalik? Pina-schedule ko lang naman ang X-ray ah." Sumagot ang bantay, "Eh kasi po Doc, ang tagal kong naghintay sa gate, haggang sabihin ng guwardiya na sarado daw po ang Central Bank kasi Sabado ngayon." ( Nasa Roxas Blvd ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, at sarado nga naman yon kapag Sabado)!

***********

Nang mag-rotate ako as intern sa Pediatrics ng PGH, mahal na mahal talaga ng mga nanay ang kanilang mga anak na may sakit. Pilit nilang tinatandaan ang mga gamot at tawag sa sakit ng kanilang anak.
Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ang mga gamot na iniinom ng anak niyo?"
Mrs 1 : "Doc phenobarbiedoll po."
Doktor: "Ah baka po phenobarbital. " (Gamot sa convulsion ang phenobarbital)

**********

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang antibiotic na iniinom ng anak ninyo?"
Mrs 2: "Doc metromanilazole po."
Doktor: "Ah baka po metronidazole. " (Gamot sa amoeba ang metronidazole)

************

Ang tawag sa recovery room ng PGH ay PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)
Doktor: "Mrs., tapos na po ang operasyong ng anak ninyo, punta na Po kayo sa PACU.
Mrs 3: "Eh Doc, saan po sa Paco? Sa may simbahan po ba o sa may palengke?

***********

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang sinabi ng dating doktor kung ano daw ang sakit ng inyong anak?"
Mrs 4: "Eh Doc sabi po niya Tragedy of Fallot.
Doktor: "Ah baka po Tetralogy of Fallot (Isang Congenital Heart Disease ang Tetralogy of Fallot)

************

Biglang nagtatarang ang isang nanay at sumigaw.
Mrs: "Scissors! Scissors! Nag-sciscissors ang anak ko, Doc!"
Doktor: "Nurse, diazepam please, nag-seizure ang pasyente!"

************ *

Doktor: "Mrs. ano daw po ba ang sakit ng anak ninyo?"
Mrs. 6 : May ketong daw po.
In-examine ng doktor ang balat ng pasyente. Wala siyang makitang senyales ng ketong. Tumawag pa siya ng isang Dermatologist para mag-examine nang husto. Wala talaga.
Doktor: "Mrs. sigurado po ba kayong ketong ang Sakit ng bata?"
Mrs : "Eh iyon po ang sabi ng doktor niya dati. Mataas daw po ang ketong sa ihi dahil may diabetes."
Doktor: "Ah ketone po yon! (Ang positive ketone sa Ihi ay senyales ng kumplikasyon ng diabetes.)

************ **

Doktor: (Sa buntis na mrs. na nagle-labor) "Mrs.pumutok na po ba ang panubigan mo?"
Mrs:"Eh Doc, wala naman po akong narinig na pagsabog." (Hanep!)

Thank you!

To our mentors, professors, and classmates who have been an inspiration.... to our loved ones with all their support, love, and prayers..... to our friendship that will last a lifetime! Godspeed!

Handy Andy/Hannah Bridal Shower

Bim and I were married in October 5, 1991. But a couple of days back, a group of church friends gave us a bridal shower with a different twist called: Handy Andy/Handy Hannah. Believe it or not, in some places friends and families have opted to forgo the stag/bachelorette parties simply because they are opting for more practical things. Hardware stores are gold mines of widgets and gadgets that everyone always needs and never gets as wedding gift. This is the simplest of showers since the type of things one buy are scissors , batteries, lamps, flashlights, brooms, hammers, nails, laundry clips. You get the idea? For me, it was the most practical of all bridal showers I have ever imagined. Each of our guest brought a gift with the hardware logo on it and tied with a pretty ribbon. Each one gave helpful suggestions written on a 3 x 5 card.

One of my favorite of all best gifts we received that day was a book titled: 1001 Helpful Household Helps. I got tons of super great ideas on housekeeping and tips from that handy book. And one of them is the many uses of Bicarbonate of Soda.

Here are its many, many uses:

* Clean a microwave oven: Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse.
* Remove tarnish from silver: Mix a thick paste of Bicarbonate of Soda with water; apply the silver with a damp sponge, rub, rinse, and buff dry.
* Clean a stainless steel sink: Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub the sink, and rinse clean.
* Boost the strength of liquid laundry detergent: Add one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda with the usual amount of detergent in your regular wash cycle.
* Clean a fibreglass bathtub or shower. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
* Clean bathroom tile: Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
* Maintain your septic tank: Flush one cup Bicarbonate of Soda down the toilet once a week. Bicarbonate of Soda helps maintain proper pH and alkalinity, controlling sulphide odours.
* Deodorize cloth diapers. Mix one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda in two quarts of water, and soak diapers in the solution.
* Clean a refrigerator: Sprinkle on Bicarbonate of Soda a damp sponge, scrub, and rinse clean.
* Deodorize a dishwasher: Sprinkle one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda on the bottom of the dishwasher between loads.
* Boost the strength of dishwashing liquid. Add two full tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to the usual amount of detergent you use.
* Remove burnt-on food from cookware. Dampen area, sprinkle with Bicarbonate of Soda let soak overnight, then scrub with a sponge, rinse, and dry.
* Clean and deodorize a cutting board. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, rub the cutting board, and rinse clean.
* Deodorize food containers. Mix one-quarter cup Bicarbonate of Soda with one quart water, swish food containers in solution, soak overnight, and then rinse clean.
* Clean coffee and teapots. Wash in a solution of one-quarter cup Bicarbonate of Soda and one-quart warm water, then rinse clean.
* Deodorize kitchen garbage. Sprinkle a handful of Bicarbonate of Soda in the garbage pail each time you add garbage.
* Deodorize carpet. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda lightly over the dry carpet, let sit for fifteen minutes, then vacuum up.
* Deodorize a cat litter box. Cover the bottom of the litter box with one-quarter inch Bicarbonate of Soda then add the litter.
* Soothe poison ivy rash or insect bites. Make a paste of Bicarbonate of Soda and water, and apply to the affected area.
* Soothe sunburn, windburn, and prickly heat. Dissolve one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda in a tepid bath. Soak in the bath for fifteen minutes.
* Take a refreshing bath. Dissolve one-half cup in Bicarbonate of Soda a tub of warm water for soft, smooth-feeling skin and a relaxing bath.
* Brush your teeth. Plain baking soda is a gentle abrasive that cleans like the strongest toothpaste. Apply Bicarbonate of Soda to a damp toothbrush, brush as usual, and rinse.
* Wash your mouth. Add one teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda to one-half glass warm water, and swish through teeth for a refreshing mouthwash.
* Neutralize vomit odour. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda generously to cover the stained area, let sit for an hour, then vacuum up.
* Soothe tired feet. Add three tablespoons Bicarbonate of Soda to a basin of warm water and soak feet in the solution.
* Use as a deodorant. Dust Bicarbonate of Soda under arms.Clean dirt, grime, and scuffmarks from doors, stoves, laminated tabletops, linoleum floors, and tile.Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.
* Remove coffee or tea stains from china. Dip a damp cloth in Bicarbonate of Soda gently rub the china, and rinse clean.
* Minimize the smell of dirty laundry. Sprinkle some Bicarbonate of Soda into your hamper or laundry bag.
* Deodorize a closet. Place an open box of Bicarbonate of Soda on a shelf.
* Deodorize garment storage bags. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda into the bottom of the bag.
* Deodorize shoes or training shoes. In the evening, sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda inside shoes to eliminate odours. Shake out in the morning.
* Remove crayon marks from walls or wallpaper. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, scrub gently to avoid mussing the paint or wallpaper, then wipeclean.
* Clean dirt and grime from hands. Sprinkle on Bicarbonate of Soda to wet hands with liquid soap, rub vigorously, rinse, and dry.
* Remove conditioner and styling gel build-up from hair. Wash hair once a week with a tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda mixed with your regular shampoo; rinse thoroughly, then condition and style as usual.
* Refresh stuffed animals. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on the stuffed animal, let sit for fifteen minutes, then brush off.
*Clean high chairs, car seats, strollers, and plastic mattress protectors. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, wipe clean, and dry.
* Clean baby bottles, nipples, and bottle brushes. Soak in a solution of warmwater and Bicarbonate of Soda , then sterilize before use.
* Whiten socks and dirty clothes. Add one-half cup Bicarbonate of Soda to regular liquid laundry detergent.
* Clean chrome bumpers and hubcaps. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, rub surface, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
* Remove dead insects from a car or truck windshield. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on a damp sponge, clean glass, and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
* Deodorize carpeting in a car. Sprinkle Bicarbonate of Soda on the carpet,let sit for fifteen minutes, then vacuum up.
* De-grease and clean barbecue grills. Make a paste by mixing equal parts Bicarbonate of Soda and water, apply with a wire brush, wipe clean, and dry with a cloth.

Sinamak Bisaya

Our sinamak family recipe has been invented and reinvented over the years. I have to let go of the herbs and bay leaves that I used to incorporate in my "sinamak". The search for the best combination is on-going until the best creation is birthed. This is an updated recipe. It just gets better and better every year!

Ingredients: (blend together at high speed)
Langkawas
Ginger
Hot chili peppers (Philippine Jalapeno)
Garlic
Red onions
Local coconut vinegar

For garnishing:
Peppercorns
Cayenne (long finger chilis, green and red) for garnishing

Procedure:

Peel langkawas and ginger. In a blender, mix in high speed langkawas, ginger, hot chilis (the amount depends on how hot you want it), garlic and red onions.

In a pot, warm up the vinegar. Pour in the blended mixture into sterilized bottles (usually long neck) using a funnel, then add in the warmed vinegar (use the not so aged vinegar so you can cure it with the mixture for several months---- i discovered that it tastes better this way) until half way of the prepared bottle. Drop in the cayenne (finger chilis and a spoonful of peppercorns). Add some more vinegar until almost filled to the rim.

Cover and let it age for at least 2.5 months.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Congratulations to all of us. We finally made it!!!!

Daisy and Caila learned to swim!

I was in Iloilo to review for the local boards when Bim taught the girls some basic swimming lessons. Daisy learned the freestyle stroke in one day!

Special Atchara

I learned this recipe from our kusinero from years ago in San Carlos. We always have this on our dinner table. And so when I got married, I asked him to come over to demonstrate to me how to make this very special pickled papaya. It's such a great "pampagana", I guarantee you will want to share this recipe with others too! Sure, pass this along!

The pickling mixture:

1 cup very sour coconut vinegar (aged well)
½ cup Del Monte vinegar

1 tsp. salt

½ cup brown sugar
¼ to ½ cup white sugar (add the white sugar gradually according to your taste)
4 cups grated green papaya, dried by squeezing the juice/moisture out with a cheese cloth. Set aside.

2 carrots, grated or sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 small ginger, cut into strips

5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 small onion, thinly sliced

Boil pickling mixture in a pot, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Set aside and let it cool. Combine with the other ingredients. Pack in sterilized jars and pour hot pickling mixture over the vegetables. Let cool at room temperature. Cover jars tightly and refrigerate.

Sweet Onion and Tomato Salad

Try this very easy salad a few hours before it is served.

Ingredients:

4 large bulbs of sweet onion, sliced
varieties of salad greens
cubed cucumbers
a cupful of cherry tomatoes (sliced or whole)
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
grated parmesan cheese

optional: slices of apples and a bunch of seedless grapes

Prepare the green salad and arrange in a large salad bowl.

Slice the large onions and sliced tomatoes. Spread unto baking sheet with a generous amount of balsamic vinegar, salt and freshly cracked pepper. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Take out the baked onions and tomatoes and let it cool for a little while. Dump all of the baked onions with the remaining balsamic vinegar on top of the green salad. Add in a dash of salt and freshly cracked pepper. You may add in some sliced apples and grapes for color and extra sweetness to the salad.

Chill in the ref. Toss the salad just before serving and a generous amount of parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper. Enjoy!

How to chop or slice onions minus the tears:

There's so many ways:

1. Put the unpeeled onion in the freezer and leave it there for about ten minutes. Remove the onion from the freezer and peel it. The onion can now be sliced, chopped, or minced without tears.

2. Refrigerate them before slicing or chopping

3. Run the cold water at the faucet in the kitchen sink. Place a cutting board across the sink, in front of the running water. Slice the onions without tears.

4. Simply keep your onions in the fridge along with other veggies and you will never cry when chopping them - it's that simple!

5. If you use a sharp knife, there shouldn't be any tears. An onion makes you cry because acid is being released from the onion. Using a dull knife crushes the onion rather than cutting it, releasing far more of this acid into the air.

6. Try holding a wooden spoon or a piece of bread between your teeth while cutting. This significantly reduces the irritation to the eyes.

7. Keep your mouth open and breathe through it while cutting onions to reduce the amount of tears.

8. Do the peeling and dicing of the onion in your kitchen sink area. But first turn on the water faucet (the spray works better) and try to peel and dice your onion behind the running water. The sulfur gas from the onion will hit the running water and becomes sulfuric acid and washes away before it hits your eyes.

9. Bring a pot of water to boil until it starts steaming. Then remove from heat and put the pot on the kithen counter and start peeling and dicing your onions in the vicinity. The steam from the pot will trap the sulfur gas emitted from the onions before it hits your eyes.

10. Burn a candle on the counter near where you're cutting the onion. It'll burn off the fumes that cause eye irritation. A scented candle also smells better than raw, chopped onion!

11. You can also avoid tears simply by chewing a piece of gum while you are cutting the onion.

12. Try holding 5-7 wooden matches in your teeth (unlit of course); it will absorb the odor. The matches with red tips work best. Match stick tips have sulfur (S) in them and the sulfur gas (S) emited from onions hits these tips before getting to your eyes and becomes S2 that is neutral.

13. Put a fan behind you and towards the onions to blow the sulfur gases away from you.

14. If you have contacts, wear them.

15. Grandma always held a silver spoon in her mouth while peeling onions. I tried it and it worked!

16. Fill your sink with water and peel and cut the onion under water. Works every time.***
Normal or Prescription swim goggles - exceptionally effective***

Now, if you don't believe me, it won't hurt to try them all. Lol! Have a nice day!