When me and Judith were in Med School, we were fortunate to have a group of friends who gave us support and lots of laughter specially during those difficult times.
The guys were collectively called BTJCLOCK - Bernie, Tek, Junji, Chong, Lito, Odj, Cesar and Kim. The girls - Judith, Jef, Sonia, Lanie, Jen, Chinky and Tina.
Junji and Chinky are in Canada with their two boys, EJ and Paolo. Jef, Jen and Tina are in the States. Bernie is based in Pangasinan with his wife Windy and their daughter Lyanna. Lito with wife Joy and kids Bebang ang Bentong are in Bataan. Kim is presently finishing his studies in South Africa and will be back in February.
The rest of us are here in Metro Manila, from time to time we meet during parties specially for our own respective kids. We make it a point to meet every Christmas - chatting, reminiscing and exchanging gifts.
The picture below was taken last December 23, when the barkada met in Italliani's restaurant in Bonifacio High Street in The Fort. From left: Tek, me, Judith, Jude, Lanie, Sonia, Laura, Chong and Odj. The kids in front: Joaquin, Andrea and Gabriela.
Here are two proofs, in the first video he is seen walking with a walker (which he usually doesn't like to use). He struts around the house using this walker until his patience wears off.
This other video shows Enzo walking with support without the walker inside our home.
When my Tito Toto died, 2 of my Nanay's brothers and a sister came home from the States, they are Tito Mading, Tito Francis and Tita Josie respectively. I have not seen them for at least 10 years.
Tito Mading and Tito Francis stayed in Makati for the duration of their visit while Tita Josie stayed in our home in Las Pinas. My other tita who lives in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Tita Inday, stayed with Tita Josie in our home so as to accompany Tita Josie while she is here in the country. They stayed for almost 3 weeks here in the country.
Both the pictures above were taken while we brought Tita Josie in Tagaytay Vista Hotel Viewdeck. Me, Judith, Nanay, Tatay, Tita Inday and Tita Josie afterwards went to lunch in one of the restaurants there.
The pictures below were taken at home, a few hours before they left for America. Seen here are Tita Josie, Tita Inday, Tito Francis and Enzo.
I spent my kindergarten days, elementary days, and high school days in Paco Catholic School (PCS). Last November 10, 2007, after graduating from PCS in 1988, the school alumni board selected me as one of their distinguished alumni for 2007.
The ceremony was held in the PCS Jaime Cardinal Sin Auditorium where the school director Monsignor Domingo Cirilos led the ceremonies.
I was so honored being with the other awardees, one is an Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism from Batch 1964, the next one was a prominent businessman who owns a Jollibee franchise from Batch 1963, the next one was a multi-awarded nurse now based in Hawaii from Batch 1975, and the other one is a distinguished prosecutor judge from Batch 1978. I was the youngest, an ophthalmologist from Batch 1988.
Judith accompanied me during the ceremony, and the event became more fun because some of my batchmates went there to personally greet me - Melody, Egay, Doming and Luzvi.
Judith and I celebrated our 4th year as a wedded couple last November 18. It was a Sunday, so all of us - the kids, the yayas and Nanay & Tatay - went to Alabang Town Center for a lunch date. We treated Nanay and Tatay to a lunch, while the kids went to a play center with the yayas. Zia and Enzo had a grand time playing while Jen and Cris tried to catch up with the 2 kids. All of us had a great time, especially the kids as shown here...
Nanay's eldest brother, Emilio Arboleda, Jr. or Tito Toto has died last November 18, 2007. I have regular contacts with him, since his wife Tita Nita is a patient of mine, having operated on her both eyes for glaucoma.
His dedication to his family is truly unremarkable, he always accompany Tita to her appointments in the clinic, and during family reunions, he always say the funniest jokes.
The family spent a 3 day vacation in Taal Vista Hotel last October 19-21, 2007. The kids enjoyed their stay. Zia had lots of running space to go around, Enzo enjoyed the cold weather. Judith enjoyed the break from work, I enjoyed their enjoyment.
My Tito Ben died after more than 2 months of lingering illness last October 18, 2007. He was buried last October 25, 2007 in Makati Municipal Cemetery.
As an alaga, he was the one who taught me basic rules of basketball, he introduced me to the NBA when I was in my elementary days, he gave me stories about the pillars of boxing during the 60's and 70's. Siya rin lagi ang nag-aalaga hindi lang sa akin kundi sa iba ko pang kapatid at ibang pinsan.
My parents are back in the Philippines! They arrived last week, I fetched them at the airport. They look trim and healthy.
Their trip from Canada was uneventful, and they arrived just rightly, when the weather here improved, no more rains.
From the airport, we proceeded to Makati, and they have a wonderful reception from Lola, Tita Madre, Jing, Noli and the kids. Lola cried, saying those were tears of joy. After lunch, I accompanied them to Ospital ng Makati, where Tito Ben was confined. This was also one of the reason why they have traveled much earlier compared to their original plan of going here before Christmas time. Tito Ben was still very weak, but was quite glad when he saw Tatay and Nanay.
On their first weekend, the whole family went to dinner in one of the "market restaurants" in Pasay - me and Judith were there, Noli and Jing's kids were there, Bado, Lare and Alicia also were there. The food was great, and we all had a great time. We wished that Jay and Biboy were also there. I'll post pictures soon.
Then Tatay and Nanay finally settled in Las Pinas. They were glad that they're finally home. Tatay congratulated Judith for taking good care of the house, and of course, they were very eager to see Zia and Enzo for the first time.
The succeeding days were not as good, Nanay has started to have some asthma problems again (which she did not have when she was in Canada), and Tatay had some flu and diarrhea. Jet lag is still a problem, compounding the issue.
All in all, I am happy that I am again in the company of my parents. They are planning to be here until the first quarter of 2008.
I am a fanatic of my fraternity - the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity of the UP College of Medicine. In fact my whole batch - Batch 98 - is very emphatic about the frat. (And I'm the Batch Leader)
During the recent PGH Centennial Celebrations, Dr. Armand Crisostomo, the over-all chair (who is also a Brod), decided to have a basketball game between our frat and the other frat, the Phi Kappa Mu.
It's not an ordinary game, the last time the 2 frats played against each other was more than 10 years ago. And for this game, not only the undergraduates can play, even the alumni. So the game was set on a Thursday afternoon.
All the brods wore red, the others wore yellow (chicken?). Our team was made up of the strong team mostly from the late 80's and the early 90's squad. The Others were mostly undergraduates.
Of course my role in the game is to heckle along with my brods in the sideline (and to be the waterboys for the team).
Jumpball - the Phi got the ball but was called on a backing violation. My cohort hecklers -Jotek, Archie and Nick rained down heckles to this poor Phi "May linya dyan, ta_ga!" "Bobo mo di marunong tumingin" "Patingin ka sa OPhtha" - This was just the first 2 seconds of the game. When the Mu team got the ball, the first shot went in - CHAOS ensued (in our court) - 20 seconds just elapsed.
Some of my undergrad brods were initially timid, and were quite surprised that our group, the Consultants, are the leaders in heckling. They were just not accustomed in a game like this.
At the baseline of the court of the Phis were Raffy Consunji, Ebang Evangelista, Dave Leal and 30 more brods, all heckling the lights out of the shooting free throw shooter from the Phi. Sometimes "Mu,mu,mu,mu..." endless until the shooter shoots the ball, othertimes just shouting "WALA!", sometimes Raffy would shout from the baseline, "Brods quiet! Sayang lang, di naman yan papasok!", and sometimes the old dirty fingers wagging before the shooter goes up for his shot.
Of course expect another round of heckling for every blocked shot, steal and acrobatic shot from Tony Perez (who would fix his sidehair after a shot in front of the Mu bench while running back for defense). Marlon Oclarence (Ocla) played the pointguard position. Because the young Phis don't know him, he would always be left open at the top of the keyhole area, for his first 2 open shots, no success. But when he was left open for the 3rd time, he connected a 3! While running backwards for defense, he pointed at the face of his defender while shouting "Bantayan mo ako!", for all to hear.
To their credit, the young Phis were really good. After the 1st quarter, we led by only 2 points, and at the end of half time it was tied. The young players from Phi were quick and athletic with good shooting. There was one poor Phi however with the name Pakks. He is a good player but quite hot on the collar, so he was one of the favorite of our group to heckle. There was even an altercation between him and the star player Tony Perez, so all the brods were shouting "Sandara, sandara, sandara! Then from behind one voice will shout "PAKKS!", of course that will be Jotek. Specially when he fouled out! Poor fellow.
After the 3rd quarter, they were leading by 2 points, of course c/o Maxie Escano's 3 point shot at the end of the quarter. Some of our players were getting tired, until Rodney Dofitas gave a pep talk during a time out, they were all rejuvenated, specially after seeing Rodney getting chunks of ice and icewater from the cooler and splashing it to his head and torso. The Mu players played it very smart. They drove the lane and fished for some fouls. Penalty became the enemy of the Phis, and every foul that they gave was a free throw. The lead balooned to 8 at one point and 2 of the Phis fouled out. Then came Iggy. Gar Eufemio's lips can be read as "Sumusuko na yata sila, pinasok na si Iggy"
In the waning seconds of the game, Jotek went inside the court during a time out and led the whole Mu supporters in shouting 'Walang iiyak, walang iiyak", of course with his trademark yosi on his hand.
When the final buzzer sounded off, the score was 57-50. Best Frat March singing in a long time, inside the court with the Phis in attendance.
I wasn't able to attend the post game inuman in Orchid until 10 PM, when me, rainier, Archie and Jotek arrived, most of the players were still there. Raffy was drunk but still kept on shouting "Pakks u" "Fuc_ing Phi sh_t" and the like. Bunny Valdez, Tony, Ocla, Gar, and the younger brods were still there along with Kups. It was a great day to finish the day.
The Philippine General Hospital celebrated its Centennial Celebrations last Aug 13-17, 2007. Of course, it was a very busy week for us because the whole week was packed with activities. For me, it was very tiring since I'm the protocol officer of the hospital.
Monday was the opening day, and the guest of honor is Vice President Noli de Castro. the day itself is quite stressful, everybody was excited. I had some problems with the staff of VP de Castro, but the day ended with very well. During the afternoon, the Chief of the Civil Service Commission was our guest - Karina Constantino David.
Tuesday is giving recognition to PGH's donors, and the guest of honor is no less than the Speaker of the House Joe de Venecia. Again the event is very stressful, 2 congresswomen attended, most spouses of the senators arrived, and most of our guests came to participate. Again, the day ended well.
Wednesday has no big time activity, just some shows for the employees. However, I came home late since I waited for Judith who had a patient in nearby Manila Doctors Hospital.
Thursday is another big day, the PGH officials went to Malacanang to meet President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She was so happy with PGH that she gave additional P250M to the hospital. From the palace, I went directly to the Basketball game between Mu vs Phi. That would entail another post from this blog.
Friday is the actual founding day of PGH. In the morning we had the Senate President Manuel Villar as our special guest. During the night, Gary V had a concert benefit for PGH at the Manila Hotel.
It was really a tiring week, but all worth it. During the whole week, there was severe raining in Metro Manila, floods all around. I was thankful that the following Monday was a holiday, so there was a long week end and I was able to spend family time with the kids.
The thing is, additional activities are still lined up in the last week of August, there's the visit of US Amb Kenney and the Oration in PGH of DOH Sec Duque.
My Tito Ben is one of the younger brothers of Tatay. He is very sick right now in Ospital ng Makati, with lung and heart problems.
He used to look after not only me when I was small, but most of the apos since he did not have a family of his own. He is my companion when I was watching basketball in TV, and taught me the good boxers from the 50's to the 70's.
Hopefully he recovers from his condition right now.
It's my 3rd time to visit this city-state, and it still never ceases to make me envious. The first time was 3 years ago, second time was last year, and this year.
You will start to feel the difference upon arriving at the Chang Mai airport. It's a thing of beauty. If the Hong Kong airport looks better but 'cold', the Singapore airport looks 'homey'. As if you don't want to leave the airport, internet wifi is free, decors and plant arrangements inside are gorgeous, and there's a station for their train to connect you to the heart of the city. Very good city planning.
The place is known for their cleanliness, and the reports are very true. Nuff said.
The food is very eclectic. They have Chinese, Malay, Indian, European and American food. The chinese food in HK is better, but you have better variety in Sing.
I was there during the so called-Great Singapore Sale. Electronics have good prices. I always visit the IT malls - Funan and Sim Lim Square - always very tempting to buy, as if the place is Divisoria of electronics. Aside from electronics, much can be bought in Sing, malls, malls and more malls are plenty especially at the Marina and Orchard areas. The prices are almost identical in Manila, though.
Places to see - Esplanade, their cultural center that looks like an armadillo from afar, Clark Quay, its like Malate or Libis but along a riverbank, the Night Safari, imagine a better Manila Zoo that's open at night, Sentosa, an island where beach and aquarium can be seen (like in Subic).
What I dont like in Sing? The name of the streets are very confusing! There's an Orchard Road, orchard avenue, orchard boulevard, orchard street, orchard way, orchard lane - and they are all located near to each other. So if you tell your taxi driver you are going to orchard, you're in trouble.
It's a good place to visit, but I still prefer Manila. Hopefully, manila would be like Sing in my lifetime.
The picture is taken inside the large Suntec Convention Center, with me are my partners Drs Rainier Covar and Happy de Guzman.
It has been a month since my last post, I'll make up for lost time
I've been to Singapore to attend the 2nd World Glaucoma Congress last July 17-22. The Congress was a big success. The attendance was large, and the convention itself encouraged lots of learning and innovations in the field of glaucoma. I was with my partner and Enzo's ninong, Dr. Rainier Covar during my trip. I'll post pictures in the future posts.
PGH celebrated its Centennial Celebrations last Aug 13-17. It's a week long celebration, and everyday was a highlight day. Like my Singapore visit, I'll post some details of this event in future posts.
My Tito Ben got sick badly. In fact he is still in Ospital ng Makati ICU. He is one of my uncles who raised me when I was still small. This will be also a topic of future posts.
Metro Manila was barraged by storms these past few weeks - heavy rains and floods were evident almost everywhere. This also contributed to my slow postings.
Zia and Enzo got new helpers at home, making our tasks here relatively easier.
I have been using an iBook G4 since June 2005, and the old reliable has never failed me from any kind of work.
Last weekend when I was in Singapore, I chanced upon the Garskin stall located in Raffles City Shopping Center. I was able to meet the owner Mr Tom Gwee, I asked him if they do personalized designs aside from their stock designs, he said yes with same rates (Sing$ 69.95).
So after 2 years, my iBook has a new look:
Me and Tom in front of their stall. His daughter Jocelyn made the design. They have a website - www.garskin.com
As early as now, my two kids are showing two different characteristics.
Last Sunday, we were invited to attend a children's party, a birthday of one of my inaanaks - Matthew Sera-Jose, son of Judith's close friends in their residency days in PGH. The party was held in a Shakey's branch in Pasig, so my whole family , together with the 2 yayas were there.
The place was packed with people - friends, children running around, clowns playing and waiters doing their usual stuff. Noise galore but fun galore as well.
Zia, as we have expected, remained silent most part of the party. She was not interested with the games, not looking with the clowns, and was with Jen, her yaya, most part of the party. Even when some of our friends are talking with her or getting her attention, she would not return the attention. Of course, during the Happy Birthday song, Zia again cried. Even when eating, she swallowed only 5 spoonfuls (of spaghetti, often her favorite food) then would not eat there again.
Enzo, on the other hand, was very excited all through out. He was always smiling to people, was very bubbly and did not cry even once. He was obviously having a good time, savoring the company of different people, different from his usual routine at home.
After the party, we proceeded to Bonifacio Highstreet, a new open-type mall in The Fort. There, Zia was more active. She was running around in the park, playing and obviously enjoying her stay there. While Enzo was quiet and eventually slept all through out our stay there.
Will these be their traits when they grow up? Will Zia be more of the outdoorsy type and not the party goer person? And Enzo be the opposite of her Ate Zia?
Or I'm just paranoid and worry much?
Anyway, last Sunday was fun, and that's the bottomline. Hopefully, we'll have more time like that together as a family.
When I was young, when I learn that a person is older than 30, I see them as old people. Folly of youth?
I don't feel old, sometimes. When I'm with my babies, I feel young, but when I'm carrying them too long and my back starts to ache, then that's the time I feel my age.
Zia is now 2 years old and Enzo is 5 months. When I reach 60, they will be 26 and 24 respectively. I was thinking a while back, will I be too old when their life starts? Can I still guide them well? Or will I be too weak then to lend a hand when they are in trouble?
I was calculating the age of Biboy and Tatay, and their age difference is quite the same as mine and Enzo. Looking back, Tatay did a great job raising Biboy, and they were able to do father and son stuff, so maybe me and Enzo will be alright.
What were the major changes since my last birthday? 1. Enzo came to my life! I became a father the second time around last January. 2. I'm taking a Masters degree in Health Informatics. 3. Biboy went home last March. 4. I started a blog. (2 blogs actually) 5. Eye Republic added a clinic in SLMC. 6. Another doctor joined OCP. 7. I was reinstated as Assistant to the Director in PGH. 8. I became a consultant of PGH.
At present: - I'm still 5'7" - at 160 lbs - waist is still 34" - work 6 days a week - sleep roughly 6 hours at night
I turn 3 dozens of years yesterday, hope to review this blog entry one year from now.
I hope Google calendar reminds me next year, my memory is sometimes not as sharp anymore. :)
Yesterday, June 3 was a festive day in the Tahanan ng mga Perez. We were visited by Candee (Judith's cousin) and her family - Ogie (Zia's godfather), Gian and Sean. They came together with Joy (Judith's sister) and her family - Mek and Kyla.
Candee is a godmother of Enzo but was not able to attend his baptism last month because she was in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat with her family. So as to bring her gifts, they visited us in our house in Las Pinas, and brought delicious food.
Of course, because of the 3 kids, the house was riotous! Children running, playing, jumping around, shouting, playing and laughing. It was fun. It made our home very lively, unlike our usual Sundays which are very silent and tranquil.
They were very charmed by Enzo who they described as very malikot for his age. Zia was also playing with the kids but not as actively as we would want her maybe because of her bowel problems.
When they left last night, the house was once again very peaceful, and we missed them immediately. I was not able to take pictures so I can't post any for the blog.
June na ulit, tag-ulan na naman at pasukan na naman.
Mag-eenroll na naman ako para sa aking Masteral course sa Health Informatics sa UP Manila. Pangalawang taon ko na sa kurso pero hindi ako masaya sa mga natatapos ko sa klase, hindi ko talaga mabigyan ng kaukulang oras para masulit ko yung mga klase namin, nauuwi tuloy na naghahabol ako palagi lalo na kapag may mga kailangang ipasa. Hay naku.
Pipilitin ko na sa darating na semestre ay mas maging maganda pa ang magiging takbo ng aking pag-aaral. Medyo mahirap, pero kaya naman.
Mas malamig na ang panahon dahil nag-uulan na, di na katulad ng nakaraang mga araw na saksakan ng init. Sa bahay naman namin, medyo tahimik naman at wala masyadong bago. May umalis lang na isang yaya (kay Enzo) pero may nahanap naman kaming kapalit (kaya lang mukhang di rin tatagal). Nakakaya naman ni Judith sa ngayon dahil mababait naman sina Enzo at Zia. Nakakapag-clinic pa rin naman siya. Ang Mommy naman ay naiiwan sa bahay kasama ang mga yaya kapag wala kaming dalawa ni Judith.
Namomoroblema lang kami ng konti kay Zia dahil hindi pa rin regular ang kanyang pagdumi. Minsan maayos pero minsan hirap na hirap siya kaya umiiyak habang dumudumi. Nakakaawa talaga pag nakikita naming nahihirapan siya, kadalasan tuloy pinipigil niya na dumumi siya. Sana nga malagpasan niya na to.
Pipilitin kong maging regular din na magsulat dito, baka nga mabawasan dahil medyo maraming parating na gawain. Tiis muna.
Buti na lang merong isang magandang paparating na mangyayari sa buwan na ito, ang aking kaarawan sa 23. Magiging 36 na ako!
I have created a photo gallery in the internet, just click on the link section of this blog - Photo Album - and you will see more than 600 pictures. Enjoy!
More pictures from May 13 party. Most people were able to come because the next day was a holiday (Elections). Just click at the pictures to enlarge the view.
Baby Enzo's angel overlooking the festivities.
Mama and Enzo with Tita Nilds, Mek, Joy and Kyla
Mama, Papa and Baby Enzo with Andrea, Kim, Rains, Jotek, Tolits, Joy and Bebang
The kids getting their lootbags (stickers and toys)
The neighbors: the Moraleses, the Gelbases and the Quietas
May 13 was a memorable day for the Tahanan ng mga Perez, aside from Enzo's baptism, it was also Zia's 2nd birthday! After the baptism, we all went home to eat. We had our house in Las Pinas decorated, put some tent, tables and chairs so that the place be more festive. With the help of the hired caterer (a friend of Mama Goody), every guest had a nice meal (roast pork, chicken, pasta, turon, pastries (brought by Tita Nilds) and cake (by Mama Goody). Of course, the lolo and lola from Canada and lolo from Quezon City pitched in to make the party more merrier. Ate Jen and Ate Laura made balloons, too.
Here's Zia with Mama and Papa (Dora is Zia's favorite cartoon character thus the cake)
Baby Zia with Mama Goody and Ate Jen.
The guests are about to sing the Happy Birthday song. Big mistake. We warned them don't sing, Zia hates that song...
So here's what happened after the song. Makulit kasi yung mga nagpapakanta eh. So hindi nahipan ang candles ni Zia, Mama na lang. Hay naku...
This is a rare shot of Zia with her ninang Joy (Zia doesn't go with her ninang Joy, always!)
Here is the new Catholic, Baby Enzo, with Papa, Mama, Baby Zia and Father Lito. As usual, si Baby Zia ay sobrang hirap kunan ng picture. Ang gusto ay maglalakad sa church. Si Baby Enzo naman by this time, hindi na umiiyak. Mabait naman si Father Lito, very accomodating.
Here are the ninongs of Baby Enzo. From left: Dr. Rainier Covar, partner ni Papa sa Eye Republic Clinic; Jonathan Perez, uncle din siya ni Enzo; Dr. Kim Silos, barkada ni Mama and Papa, Pulmonologist naman siya sa Medical City; Dr. Lito Pulido, barkada rin ng Mama and Papa, Anesthesiologist naman sa Bataan (siya, kasama ang kanyang asawa na si Dr. Joy Pulido (Pediatrician) at ang kanilang dalawang kids ang pinakamalayo ang pinanggalingan - Hermosa, Bataan) .
Here is the only ninang who arrived: Dr. Lanie Sanchez, another barkada of Mama and Papa, who is a Pediatrician, shown here with her son Joaquin.
Here are all the ninongs and ninang - Jojo, Rains, Lanie, Tolits and Kim. Those who did not make it were: Ninong Awet, partner of Papa in Eye Republic but was out of the country, Ninangs Karen and Melissa are both in the States, Ninang Candy is in Mindanao and Ninang Glenda had an emergency in the hospital.
At ito na ang pinakamatinong group picture namin sa Church. From left: Dr. Happy de Guzman, another partner of Papa sa Eye Republic, Jojo's family (Lare and Alicia), Joy and Kyla, Rains, Tolits' family (Joy and kids Bebang and Bentong), Biboy and Zsazsa, Tolits.
