Pinoy Nurses: Carers of the World August 3, 2009
Posted by curioustan in Life, My family.Tags: blog awards, nurses, peba, pinoy, reymos
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WHAT MAKES US FILIPINOS (aka PINOY) DIFFERENT from the rest of the lovely people around the world? Well, the quick answer is that - every Pinoy has a relative who is working as a NURSE, either in the Philippines or abroad. Whether a sister or a brother, maybe a cousin, nephew and niece, or an aunt and uncle, even a neighbour - we have it all. It runs in our big and extended families!
DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PINOY NURSES WORKING ABROAD? Thanks to google search engine and I was able to find it for you. According to a news article published in PhilStar.Com that between 12,000 and 15,000 nurses and other medical professionals leave the Philippines annually for better-paying jobs abroad. Majority of them end up in the US, UK, and the Middle East. Despite the drop in Sterling pound and US dollars, it is still lucrative to work abroad. It is estimated that nurses can work 12 hours a day, three days a week, earning between $45,000 and $50,000 annually - 10 to 15 times they will receive back in the Philippines.
The FilipinoNursesNews.com ALSO REPORTED THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PINOY NURSES to work abroad are getting slimmer every year. The decline is due to the changes in “policy in destination countries, the oversupply and quality problems on our nurses.” For example, UK is one now limiting Filipino nurses by passing strict immigration policy, allowing local new graduates as priority pool than recruiting from overseas. This is a reality check for our aspiring graduates to get a job abroad after passing the licensure examination. Consequently, it will affect the nursing and health/medical education in the Philippines, and future graduates do not get an assurance to work overseas.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THOSE NURSES WHO ARE NOW WORKING AND LIVING HAPPILY ABROAD are fortunate enough to harvest their hardwork and generosity. One of them is my younger sister who did her best to get a job in Dubai. Im very proud of her after so many years of encouragement, even hiring her as my office secretary for the time being that she was looking for a proper position in a hospital/clinic back in Manila. It took 10 years for her dream to become a reality. I remembered that she took this job in Makati paying here soooo low, just to complete her Dialysis training program in Ortigas for a year as part of the employer requirements abroad. At the end, she managed to get a long-term contract in Dubai since 2006.
FEW MONTHS AGO, SHE ASKED ME IF I COULD WRITE A POEM to be entered in a local competition. Guided by the theme, “what nursing means to me”, I was able to write this poetic piece, thinking about my sister’s dedication to be one of our “carers of the world”. Having said that, I will take this opportunity to share and dedicate this poem to all the Filipino nurses around the globe, my simple way of saluting them for being the “ambassadors” of the Philippines.
FINALLY, to my shy but generous and trusted sister BHEA, thank you and advance happy birthday!
What nursing means to me…
N- othing really inspired me to pursue this career
but I played with dolls and needles as a little girl
not to become a scary-bitchy witch, to bring magic spells
just having a fun and pretending to keep them well.
U- ntil I realised what a great life it might be
not only wearing a white cap, but all the way
confident enough to bring an addictive smile
all wary- weary hearts, making all them worthwhile.
R- em’bring my beautiful cousin’s dream of a lifetime
with Uncle Sam’s promise , that everything will turn fine
not a surprise, “land of the free” gives her freedom to stay
she’s working so hard as a devoted nurse to be!
S- o now Im following her footsteps to help my kin
i’m away from home, helping others Im not too keen
and as the years go by, Im confident and strong
embracing the essence of nursing as I go along.
E- motionally draining, coupled with fear and panic
but it’s hardwork, patience and being sympathetic
able to care, regardless of colors and beliefs
vocation that keeps me inspired in what I believe!
NOTE: This post is part of my entry and support to the 2009 PINOY EXPATS/OFW BLOG AWARDS. If you are a Filipino or by any affinity to a Pinoy, living or working abroad, then you are qualify to join and share your blogs to the Filipino communities around the world. Indeed, you are the “hope of the Philippine nation and special gift to the world”!
If you want to cast your vote, click the PEBA image at the left or at the top of this post, and if you find this blog interesting, then dont hesitate to vote #25 on the list of nominees! Thank you…Mabuhay!
An undelivered e-letter for my loving Grandma May 16, 2008
Posted by curioustan in My family.4 comments
WHEN I WAS YOUNG, I thought you were my real mother. I thought you were my biological mother so I used to call you "Nanay". I did not know that you are my real father’s mother. Living on the same house with your youngest daughter, you treated me as your youngest son. You always there to treat my rashes (guyos/galis) on my legs! You were also delighted to blow the smoke from your tobacco to remove the angry little red ant stuck inside my aching ear during those sleepy humid nights! Well, I was happy then pulling patiently your white hair, in return.
AT THE EARLY AGE, you taught me the meaning of simple life in the countryside. During summer and low tide, we always visit the seacoast together to collect seashells for our dinner. Sometimes I joined you and the rest of our relatives to catch fish using a big fish net as everyone is intensely pullling the net from both ends. We were buddies to catch shrimps and crabs in the river as well!
THROUGH MY YOUNGER YEARS, you taught me the essence of “hardwork” and “patience” through your art of making mats. You loved to make beautiful, soft and colourful mats from pandan leaves. Night and day, you were busy weaving mats from long and dried strip of pandan leaves, just hearing the tick-tack sound as your finger nails touch the pandan strip - it was a melody for me!
YOU DID NOT FORGET TO TEACH ME the essence of togetherness and family ties during adversity. Every time that there is a strong typhoon, we always gather our belongings and stay with relatives in a big house! It was scary walking outside the house while the trees were swaying badly and hearing those thunderstorms and watching the endless flashes of lightning. On the other hand, it was an excitement for me being with my relatives- having a good time to play while waiting for the storm to subside until the next day. I also joined you to visit your ailing mother, far far away from home and had the chance to meet the rest of your relatives. It was then that I realised that we have a big family!
Well, there were times that you and Grandpa had confrontations especially after a “tuba” (coconut wine) drink session in the town which somehow gave me goosebumps during those times. My younger uncle and auntie were “referees” to sorted out the arguments. As the “tuba” spirit left, then every thing turned fine and life moved on…
AS I GREW OLDER, you are always in my side - being closer to your sons and daughters. How I could not forget those years that you were the one who washed my clothes - from jeans to underwears! Someone who always there to remind me to travel safely! Someone who will always provide a good meal before and after school. Someone who always happy to hear about my achievements in school and also someone who will always ask why I have to go back to school again (after finishing my engineering degree)!
TIME MOVES FAST, and Im away from home searching for better and enjoyable life abroad. I know you were happy for me when I left in 1991, 2002 and 2005 to study abroad! During those years you always there for my family and my young siblings. You were also excited to find out that I was going home for vacations - able to cook for my favourite meal - ginataang mongo (beans with coco milk)! You were happy again to wash my favourite jeans and white Calvin Klein underwears!
LIFE IS ALWAYS UNPREDICTABLE and the only thing I know that more than a year now that I havent able to speak to you, and suddenly last month you were gone for good! Honestly, I must admit, I think I am your “favourite grandson” and Im honoured to accept that! I was guilty not to see you before you go. I was upset that I have not able to speak to you and tell you my life in Britain - struggling to finish my PhD research! I am sad to think that you will not be there when Im go back home to show my thesis - bearing a dedication for you!
AT THE AGE OF 89, you gave your 100 percent undying love and care to your family! I am very happy that you were part of my life! Thank you for everything…
Your memories will remain in our hearts and surely you will be missed by your favourite “apo” as he continues his journey of living…
Lent Celebration… a personal encounter March 25, 2008
Posted by curioustan in Religion.add a comment
The Lent season reminds me of my relationship with our Redeemer. It reminds me that Im a sinner and a special person died in the cross for my salvation from sin. The Lent also reminds me that despite the sufferings, there is always hope and joy. This is the time of the year that I have to rekindle and renew my trust and faith to Him - my faithful loving friend, Jesus.
This year, I have written two important journals on events that I did on the celebration of the season. Prior to the Holy Week, I visited Knock Shrine in Co. Mayo, Republic of Ireland; and on Easter Monday, I climbed the 3rd highest peak of Mournes Mountain. 
If you are interested to find more about it, please click the links: Knock Shrine and Mournes Moutain. Briefly, Knock Shrine is a well-known pilgrimage place where the apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John appeared to the residents in 1879, while Mournes Mountain is the highest land in Northern Ireland.
Photos taken in Knock Shrine and Mournes.
Snowy Ending of 2007 and Freezing start of 2008 January 9, 2008
Posted by curioustan in Travel.1 comment so far
I ENDED THE YEAR 2007 with 3 weeks holiday in Canada and the US. I spent Xmas with my cousin’s family and friends in North Carolina. It was my first ever white Xmas and did enjoy meeting my relatives after more than 15 years of no communication. My cousin made my vacation a memorable one. Details of my trips were posted in my eTRaveldiary.
I started 2008 with a short visit to Montreal and Ottawa. Unfortunately, there was no fireworks in every Canadian house, except in Niagara Falls area where Festival of Lights was held during the New Year’s eve. Well, we had a table of Pinoy foods and we enjoyed singing using the Magic microphone!
It was a refreshing vacation to face the new year and of course recharging myself to continue my university research project. I do hope that I could finish it on time and finally have my PhD degree by early of 2009.
Photos taken during my travel were posted in my Flickr account: Xmas 2007 Celebration and New Year 2008.
How about you, did you enjoy your Xmas and New Year’s celebrations? Anyway, wishing you all the best of 2008!
Does life begins at 40s? December 13, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Life.add a comment
I dont know how many readers will react on my title and or does the statement applies to you? If yes, bear with me and if you have time, please share your thoughts about it.
To be exact, two years ago I reached 40. Honestly, at first I was scared for being branded as “matanda” (old) and thinking that I cant do things anymore that the younger ones do. More than that, Im also doubting of my life that lies ahead of me! The good thing is, reaching the age of 40, it provided me the courage to face the future with head’s up and with a heart of hope. Being 40 is full of life and excitement!
Dec 14 was the day when my parents celebrated life for the third time of their marriage. They were happy to see me with open arms and through the years they were there to witness how I embraced life to the fullest. Until now, even they are far away, Im sure they are smiling - realising how I survived and became an ‘optimistic’ Archer!
Through the years, I always embrace life with optimisation. Yes, I have dreams to conquer but most of them are still hanging around on my head. No, I dont have regrets of the bad things that surround me, but instead I face them with the guidance and the mantle of love of our Almighty God.
As I always share to friends and even strangers that “things happened because of a reason”. Sometimes we think that life is unfair - why there are kind people that suffer and the bad guys dont. Well, for the kind people - they have to be strong and have the perseverance to change things for the better and look for the brighter side of the situation; while for the bad guys - they will wait and one day they will face the consequences and of course providing them the opportunity to change.
I dont want to write a long journal on my birthday, instead you as my reader has the chance to share your thoughts of being happy and fulfilled of what you have gone through in the world of living. Regardless of your age, I believe that you have something good to share to others, and most especially to me in my special day!
Living is believing that every thing is possible!
Bag for Life… every little helps from TESCO October 15, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Current Affairs.add a comment
I love shopping and everyone does!
Every week I buy my groceries,including magazines and office supplies from TESCO. Since this is a regular routine I applied for its Club card membership which every shopper gets vouchers for every pound (£) being spent. The vouchers do not have a cash redemption value, but these are exchanged for goods and services (excluding on-line) as equivalent to the face value printed on it.
Aside from the vouchers, every shopper has given coupons to gain extra points as addiitonal bonus points from the purchases. One of the coupons is the free ‘green’ plastic bag - the Bag for Life! Using it will also accumulate extra ‘green clubcard points.
TESCO’s green bag is a simple initiative from a retail industry that every shopper will benefit from using it. It reduces the massive disposal of plastic bags from the store. The bag is thick and strong enough to hold goods more than twice the weight of the regular/old plastic bag can contain, which means a ratio between 1:2 and 1:2.5. It can be purchase at 10p and can be exchanged if it is already worn-out for free.
It is really a substantial saving on the part of TESCO and it becomes more manageable for shoppers to re-use the green bag compare to the thin plastic bags that most of the time it cant be re-use anymore.
Aside from this green bag initiative, TESCO is also encouraging shoppers to return the used old thin plastic bags by dropping them to the designated plastic bins that are found outside the entrance of the stores.
Green thinking for a healthy and enjoyable shopping! Every little helps from TESCO makes a big difference to shoppers and to the community as a whole!
Watch this video, it is cool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvFKnXNiwgk
My little contribution in celebrating the Blog Action Day today, October 15, 2007. Make a big difference in blogging!
Vote for Pinoy in 2008 Beijing Torch Bearer’s Contest October 9, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Sports.add a comment
If you have time to vote for the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch bearer’s competition, please do it now before it ends this month (October 31). As part of the forthcoming Olympics, the Chinese organizer needs more than 21,000 bearers from the local communities and abroad, but only 8 slots are allotted for foreign nationals living in China.
There are four Filipinos vying for this prestigious position. Please vote wisely! Read their profiles carefully and decide for yourself our Sports Ambassador in the forthcoming Olympic event in Beijing. Good luck.
While clicking the links, just ignore or cancel the Chinese Installer option. It does not really matter, the computer will recognise it.
These are the links:
JAIME FLORCRUZ
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=204
MICHELLE FLORCRUZ
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=205
MARCO ANTONIO TORRES
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=117
VLAD REYES
http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=132
I also found out that the last Filipino torch bearer that participated in the Olympic games was in 1964 during the Tokyo Olympics.
Save Sibuyan Island from Mining Activity: An Open Letter October 5, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Current Affairs.add a comment
Dear Friendster Buddies,
I know some of you have visited my hometown, Sibuyan Island and able to climb Mt Guiting-guiting. And I know some of my Friendster readers have very good political and media connections in the country. Having said that, I ask your assistance to expose this small mining activity that currently on-going in the island.
It is not only a personal favor but for the rest of our kababayans living in the island - the place where Mt Guiting Guiting is located and popularly known for being the densiest forest in the world. If this mining activity could not be stopped, then this natural beauty is in peril!
Im asking your help if you could find someone or any alliance in the government or in media (film, newspapers, radio) to expose this mining activity and stop the permits issued by the Arroyo government.
This is the link of the anti-mining group for updates of what happening now… it is getting nowhere and tension is there! I did a short speech during the rally last Feb 2007 in my hometown. I love my birthplace where we still find the densiest mangrove area, smallest fruit bats, beautiful corals and beaches, wild flowers, and where we could still drink the water from the rivers and falls!
SAM stands for Sibuyan Akon Manggad… which means Sibuyan is my Wealth/Treasure! http://www.clearblogs.com/sam
If this activity will continue, I dont know if I could still invite you to visit my hometown - explore its untouched beauty and have a climb to its magnificent scissor-bladed peak, Mt Guiting-guiting!
Some of the stunning images of the island could be found at Gio Sabio’s pbase site: http://www.pbase.com/van9338/mt_g2
For my friends and readers who have Flickr accounts, please share your images to the group photo pool at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sibuyan_island_philippines/
And for the rest with pbase accounts and other photo galleries (multiply, freewebs, travel blogs, etc), please send it privately. I will be featuring them in my personal website.
Your photographs will make a big difference to save this island! If you have suggestions to expose this environmental destruction, please email me privately.
Maraming Salamat po!
Rey Ramos
A simple favor… vote for my photos September 12, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Hobby.add a comment
I AM A PHOTO HOBBYIST and I love taking photographs during my travels or just even a short walk at the park or shopping. In other words, photography is one of my passions in life. Without my camera, I am hopeless and my day is not complete. It is indeed, my compact digital camera is my secret companion which provides me the inspiration to value life, family and friends, work, the environment…everything! Through the lens of my camera, I can see different emotions, textures, colours, dreams, hopes and the inspirations to live!
For the past years, I always dream to take part in any local or international photo competition. And this time, I was able to participate in an international contest organised by the New York Institute of Photography. My two photos were accepted a week ago and the mechanism is quite simple. You need votes from anyone who has the chance to view my photos and aiming to be in top 100 at the end of the voting which is due on Saturday, 15 Sept 2007.
This is really a personal favor! Really, I am inviting everyone who have access to my blog to visit my personal website and view these images. If you think these images capture your heart or maybe you think they deserve a place in the 100 spots for the final selection, then dont hesitate to cast your vote.
Your vote matters until Saturday, and I am be glad to receive your comments. Just click the underlined titles and you will get their links.
The first photo is a B&W image of Giants Causeway. This is a UNESCO heritage site in Northern Ireland. I love B&W and through this historical site, I could show 
the magic match of these colours. The second photo is the boy in the band who attended the 12 July event, Orange Parade being celebrated every year in Belfast.
Note: These photos have different categories in the competition.
I remember, every year our Miss Universe-Philippine candidate always wins the Miss Photogenic title and this is because of the on-line voting. Im not saying here that I will get the grand prize, but Im hoping that I will have the opportunity to be in the final round of the competition.
WELL, I DO HOPE that I will be getting more votes before the weekends.
This journal also posted in Filipinowriter.com
Celebrating Life – the life of Princess Diana July 1, 2007
Posted by curioustan in Life.add a comment
Few minutes ago I just finished watching on TV the longest ever concert (6 hours non-stop) I have ever seen in my entire life. I love to watch concerts and live entertainments but this concert for Diana is different in the sense that it is a celebration of her 46 birthday after she passed away ten years ago.
This is a gift from her loving sons, Princes William and Harry. It is a celebration for this special person who happened to touched different people specially the poor and the children.
The program started at 430pm and ended at 1030pm at the newest stadium, Wembley (England). During the program, there were video clips of people that Princess Diana supported on a very special way which were really touchy and inspiring that this beautiful lady captured the hearts of the people. Honestly, I am very sentimental person and watching these testimonies, I always have teary eyes.
Some of the highlights of the event which I really liked are as follows:
watching William and Harry opened the program introduced Duran Duran; the reggae number of Lily Allen which was really lively; the boys band, Take That that still the favourites of the British people; the rendition of P Diddy with the song, Missing You; the undying song of Rod Stewart, Sailing; the Swan lake production from the National Ballet company; songs from the musical productions of Andrew Lloyd Weber - the Phantom of Opera, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, and the latest revival of Joseph and his Technicolor coat; the photographs of Diana and her children especially the candid shots during their family outings; and finally the tribute video for Diana showing she was very young and it was funny to watch them.
Finally watching again the two princes during the finale, I can say that Diana has the look of William and the stare of Harry.
Indeed, the Princess of Wales touched our lives in a simple way. She showed the world that everyone can make a difference regardless of what status we have in the society. Despite of her untimely tragic death, still she will be remembered for her generosity, humbleness, kindness, simplicity and most of all her love for the children. She will be missed and be loved forever!
This is the link for more details of the concert and performers.
http://www.concertfordiana.com/home/index.aspx
