Allan Out of Post

Hello, friends. I would like to share this beautiful poem by William Ernest Henley. We are the master of our destiny. We are responsible for our own happiness. This famous inspirational poem charges us to accept responsibility for our lives no matter our circumstances. Invictus in Latin means unconquered. William Ernest Henley (1849-1903), an English Poet, had one of his legs amputated at the age of 17. The poem which he wrote while healing from the amputation is a testimony to his refusal to let his handicap disrupt his life. Indeed, he led a meaningful life as a poet and editor until he passed away at age 53. Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace ...

My 1st day of moonlighting in Boracay has been very memorable. Aside from the beautiful paradise, I was welcomed by beautiful stories of patients I met. Sunset is one of the best parts of the day. It's the best time to ready once self for the next days to come. :) For confidentiality, no pertinent data will be mentioned but I will share my thoughts about the case. His history goes this way... He is 74 years old who had sudden onset of decreased in sensorium and numbness of right extremities. Before their referral to us, the patient stayed for 5 days at home on that condition. Luckily, there was this concerned resident who visited them for some personal transactions and saw the old man in bed. With some medical know-how she suggested to bring the man to the hospital. Diagnostic tests were done and found to have subdural and epidural hematoma. The patient's family were appraised for a surgical intervention but they refused and the patient was discharged against medica...

A lady cries while the blind man sings a beautiful rendition of a classic Filipino song. In the Philippines, it is not surprising to see people in the streets begging for alms. A sad reality for every Filipinos since not everyone has given the opportunity of a fortunate life. One sunny afternoon in the streets of Taft, Manila, my attention was caught by this emotional scenario. There was this blind man with his guitar, sang classic Filipino songs. He played the instrument very well and his voice gave me goosebumps as he heartily sang the songs. I couldn't imagine why in this present times, classic OPM (Original Pilipino Music) is being left behind. The influences of other races have emerged and dominated the airwaves. On the other hand, just few steps from the singing blind man was this lady who bursted in tears while listening to the music. No one attempted to approach her and she never minded everyone coming around. She was crying hard but the man remained on his powerfu...

It was a fair Tuesday morning and the "travelling mood" was on. I was with my batchmates in PGH and we were excited to visit our community exposure sites in Cavite, Philippines. It was a 2-4hour ride from Metro Manila depending on the traffic situation. After a long and fun travel, we arrived in a simple and culturally preserved province where the people are happy and accommodating. One of the Municipal Halls in Cavite. The architectural design depicts the spanish era's influences to the Philippines. A magnificent church altar. People remained their faith and live in a christian way of living. (St. Gregory Church) Part of the chruch that houses the Priests and other church staff. Tapsilog. An all time Filipino food. There are a lot of affodable restaurants around the province. Walk through the streets and discover every delicious food!  Our first complete group picture. Batch 1 of PGH Department of Family and Community Medicine Pre-Residents...

I am from Iloilo, Philippines but I have to take chances for some better career opportunities in Metro Manila. Reality hurts and the fact is undeniable. Yes, I got the best opportunity for work in the Metro (because I was fortunate to be sent to school with higher degrees) but I got the worst things to see as I walked through it's streets. It wasn't new to you and me but let me share 3 different stories of lives that I got to observe in my 1st week of stay. Poverty is rampant in the Philippines and now is becoming to be one of the major concerns of the country. Solutions through laws passed by the government has been enough but corruption exhibited by the politicians and the people's uncooperative behavior are the hindrances that the country must overcome. Everytime I step out from my temporary residence, this is the picture of poverty that welcomes the very first minute of my day. They are siblings and I don't know where their parents are. With the piece of ...

My day began with a BIG smile and a positive vibe! The hotel serves breakfast for free! Good enough for a very affordable rate. I even didn't bother to have two spoons that time. Kutsara't kutsara. Saranggani Highlands was in my itinerary and I rented a cab for my transportation. Meet Manong Taxi Driver :) The travel lasted for about 30 - 40 minutes and it was a fun ride with Manong. He gave me some inputs about the Province and I learned a lot. From the highway, we passed by a hilly and rough road  leading to the Highlands. For a hundred pesos worth of any products they're selling, you can already enjoy the amenities. The view was breathtaking! It's a place where the meeting of the land, sea and sky is at its best. I spent an hour for my Highland tour and thereafter, we went down the city. We passed by the Fish Port, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao's old house, their Convenient store managed by Jinky Pacquiao's twin and of course...