Missing the Barrio

One of the interns rotating in our Department asked me if I was a former Doctor to the Barrio. I answered yes and asked how she knew. She said that she read some of my articles these past couple of years. I said thank you but that question led me back to my life there which ended exactly a year ago.

I miss that life because it's the exact opposite of some of the things I go through here in the city. I miss...

• a daily routine that is driven by your needs, not by your watch
• waking up at 8 if I want to!
• no traffic in the streets; I can literally do cartwheel in the middle of it
  
• sound of river, crickets and owl putting me to sleep, not physical exhaustion
• patient, polite and grateful patients in contrast to...
• almost always greeted when walking on the streets and having the time to make small chats because I want to not because I have to
• eating when I want to not when I only can
• fresh air, no pollutions
• crossing hanging bridge or wading in the cleanest river
• my Manongs ang Manangs (that's Kuya and Ate for you)
• fresh fish and udang (shrimp)
  

There are only a few of the things that I miss and the list can go on. Generally, I miss the people and the laid-back life. Read more!

Simply Amazing... Not

I spent the long weekend with Chuy in Jakarta. This being the 2nd time for this year, I did not call Smart customer service because they (always) tell me, whenever I call before an out of the country trip, that it is AUTOMATICALLY activated when you are on a postpaid (which I am).

Let me start this 'mad' story by telling you that I have been a subscriber of Smart since 2000. That makes it about 9 years now, 6 of those on pre-paid, 3 on post paid. I never shifted to another service provider, although I also used Globe pre-paid for sometime when Chuy was in Caribbean. I am THAT loyal to Smart (or that lazy to change numbers).

Last March, I decided to downgrade my post paid since I am already in Manila and Chuy was assigned in Asia. Meaning, I will use less of my text and calls compared to when I was in Ilocos Sur. But still, I retained my plan. But that, I think, was my gravest decision this year.

I got a new phone as part of my retention plan which got stolen a week after (bad omen). But that's ok, I still got to retain my old number. But no, Smart made me pay a freaking 350 pesos for the SIM card replacement. Yes, 350 pesos, eventhough my phone (with SIM of course) was stolen.

Going back to my story. I didn't call the customer service prior to going to Jakarta because I have always had roaming when I leave the country. But guess what? Yes, you guessed it right. Once I landed in JKT, I don't have a signal. Not a bar.

Thinking that it had something to do with my new SIM, I asked my cousin Weng, who's in the Philippines, to call Smart customer service to activate my roaming. Here is the 'new' rule that got me pissed off, big time, that I can't wait for the day that my plan with Smart will end.

• when you are on plan 1200 or lower, the subscriber needs to submit a letter of request and deposit 2500 pesos for roaming activation
  

I don't get it! Why is that it is free to have your roaming activated when you are on a prepaid but when you are on a post paid plan, they make it doubly hard for you? Not to mention that I have been a subscriber of this company for YEARS, always on time in paying bills and with my usage, I can apply for their platinum plans!

I was raging mad while I was conversing and instructing my cousin online. I felt violated and I feel like injustice was done to me. I really can't wait to end my contract with this company who falsely claims to be of service to the Filipino people.

The power to lead? Simply amazing? I so doubt it right now. Read more!

Hindi Kita Malilimutan

Photo from HERE. Read more!

Skin Deep

Dermatology has never been on top of my 'like' list. For one, I always thought is was just skin deep. Secondly, skin lesions/rashes gives me goosebumps, ergo, the creeps.

So when I rotated last June in the Dermatology section of our Institution, I only had one thing in mind, get over it as soon as I can.

The first day, mission accomplished. I saw several patients already and I know that the agony will be over, sooner than I thought. But as I was seeing more and more patients, I started becoming curious and started seeing the value of this specialty. A value that's different from what I originally thought.

After seeing patients with Psoriasis, Leprosy, generalized Tinea (buni) and acne (vulgaris), I realized that what makes this specialty valuable is actually deeper than our skin. It's not only about looking good but sometimes, it's really a matter of life and death.

There was this 63 year old male who surprised me once he entered the clinic. He had multiple skin nodules all over his body. By just looking at him, you know that he has Neurofibromatosis. By talking to him, you know how difficult this is for him. But I don't think I could ever comprehend how difficult his life is when he said, "Sana, di na lang ako binuhay ng Diyos." That put tears to my eyes, literally.

This led me to thinking that skin disease are not just skin deep. Well, anatomically, they may be. But patients we see in the skin clinic almost always have psychosocial issues. After all, who wants to be stared at? You can't hide your illness if it's in your face or hands or most of your skin.

This is the reason why my Dermatology rotation remains on top of my 'fave' list because it disprove my preconceived notions of this specialty and I got to practice my counseling skills.

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Photo from here. Read more!