Needy Millions

I think we really need to think about the direction the Philippines is headed. We can ride the current political wave in our country. We should take advantage of the opportunity that is now before us. We do not know if we will be fortunate to have this chance again in this lifetime. I thought of three essential and related changes that will help us in such pursuit. First, I recommend the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. Second, we need to adopt a jury system for the administration of justice. Third, that we shift to a parliamentary form of government. These timely measures would have an overall synergistic effect into providing a much more transparent and efficient means of truly serving the Filipino nation and people, service which is more than ever badly needed. Billions of pesos needed by the needy millions!

Critical Analysis for August 26, 2013

Good day, dear readers. Thank you granting me your indulgence. I have come before you today to give a critical analysis of the great day to come. I am referring to August 26, 2013. On that day, millions of Filipinos will be going to landmarks all over the Philippine Islands to peacefully gather. They are determined to voice their sentiments and resentments about the PDAF, more commonly known as pork barrel. It accounts for a substantial portion of the national budget. During 2012, it was P24.2 B of the total P1.8 T budget. It is commonly believed to be a source of corruption among politicians, from the national to the local levels. I feel with them, and so I speak before you today to share my thoughts and reflection relevant to the matter at hand. Filipinos have always been praised with having the virtue of patience. But I challenge us to have other more timely virtues such as truth and courage. We must assure the truth is spoken and known of, or we run the risk of dictators and grand schemers run each and every aspect of our lives. I mean all aspects, such as life, death, belief, biases, culture, entertainment, sports, and psyche. The whole gamut of our ideas and opinions. We must rethink the evidences presented before us to ascertain the truth. If they are not enough, then we must aspire and actively look for supporting evidences which would tell us a more solid and congruent story. Then we tell the world how we feel because it matters. Everything and everyone counts. Everyone is worthy to pursue life with liberty to pursue happiness. This is our time. Now. Personally, I have no problem with it other than putting much trust on a few people who have time and time again have proven themselves not deserving of such trust. To put it plainly, they are not accountable. There is no full transparency as to the way public funds are spent by our public officials. These supposedly public servants serve no other but their own interests and their private groups. Their illegal and unethical activities do not stand well with me, especially most of our people are honest, well-meaning, and simple wage earners who do the brunt of the actual work that have been keeping our country afloat economically in spite of the gross negligence of the way public funds have been spent through the years. Edit: I think the top estimate at the Luneta Park was 400 K people who attended. Still, I could say it was highly successful. :)

Cagayan Trip

I went to Papa's hometown at Cullit, Lallo, Cagayan. I stayed there for about 2 weeks (June 22-July 5, 2013). It was certainly a very fruitful trip. My father usually goes there to attend to his trees and some legal matters. He has jackfruits, bananas, and soursops, to name a few. As for the legal stuff, this time, we attended a case hearing at the Regional Trial Court of Aparri, Cagayan. It involves the recovery of possession of a property illegally occupied by some person. Let us leave it at that as the case is still ongoing. He brought mahogany seedlings he bought from Manila Seedling which were placed in 2 large bayongs, large bags made from buri palm leaves. He has a complete set of tools for basic tree planting and landscaping. Towards the end of our stay there, we have successfully transplanted the seedlings in the ancestral land, where my grandparents, Felix and Angela, built there own house and where my father, Reynaldo, and his 2 older sisters, Maria and Jasmina, grew up. I really enjoyed my stay there this time around, without the internet connection to trouble me. What I mean is I play competitive strategy turn-based games on my iPad. Of course, I had to forfeit all of my matches due to the trip. I think it it very much worth it because I instantly had much more time to reflect on things which really matter in life. For one, I listened I think to the Falun Dafa lecture recordings by master Li Hongzi I downloaded, about 3 times during the trip. I did this during breaks or while I was lying on the bed. I mean it is a complete suggestion on how one could live his life virtuously, with emphasis on Truth, Benevolence, and Forbearance. The main thesis is on giving up one's various attachments, especially those to material things. Of course still played games from time to time. Now on to the more physical stuff. I discovered I like doing sweaty things like picking up sticks and stones, picking calamansi fruits from a tree.

Conversations with Self

1.11.11

Today, I launch this sub-blog, Conversations with Self. This is an exercise of consciousness. Everyday, I'll be reading and reflecting own my daily biorhythm reading of the day. I'll also evaluate recent happenings on my life; none of this will be written here. I'll write on things which amused me today. Let this life be a collection of treats and amusements. Increasing awareness.

+ - + -

Your mental perception is sharp today, and you find it easy to think and memorize. You are filled with unexpected, progressive ideas, but today is not the best day to implement them. Instead, do research, plan, and think carefully through your next steps. Knowledge and information that you receive today will remain with you for a long time, and you will be able to draw upon this in the future.

Physical state: Positive

Emotional state: Negative

Intellectual state: Positive

Intuitive state: Negative

Emotional minimum

The emotional minimum is characterized by a decrease in desires and a tendency toward depression, apathy, and irritability (usually women are more strongly affected). This is a difficult period for creative people, due to feelings of apathy. For the same reason, this period is not conducive to love.

Nursery

I am currently sub-rotating at Nursery Charity, better known as NCHA. I am grateful to my batch mate Jeff for making a good endorsement. It was generally overwhelming because of the many new things, especially the fast-paced action whenever there was an imminent waiting pregnancy at hand. Even though it was such, I can confidently say that I was able to get used to it quickly.

My patient on deck at Pediatrics Ward died. Rest in peace, please. But wait. I wonder I those who die really end. As in do nothing. Are we really our bodies or is there something more? I believe there is. So instead of saying, "Rest in peace.", I think it's much more appropriate to say, "Have fun!"

I will stay today until I have had made my patient Baby Boy S. (12/16/2010) his running Pediatrics DS. It's better to be sure, isn't it? I owe myself, my family, and all of creation to offer my very best, as possible, without detriment to my personal well-being. Nothing is hard if you like it and I do like it. My motivation to make a running DS of Baby Boy S.: "Bye, bye, back to home as soon as possible. I believe it is best for the baby and mother and the rest of the family's well-being." Also, expenses would be minimized; resources optimized. =p

Act normal...I believe I don't have to act anymore. The play is over; life's resumed. What if the game that really matters is the lives were are all living right now? Then this only means that we do have to strive hard to do our very best, each and every time. What I do each and every time is the best, regardless of the standards of others or of the society.

I love myself, I really do. And with this follows, flows naturally, the love I have for all creation. I need not study know more about Love. I am Love. I am. Stop thinking, keep on doing. With the heart I have...The heart I have is enough guide to pull me through.

Self-Respect

It's high time that I paid myself the long overdue self-respect that it deserves. I backed-off from the role of 'the typical Joel', the Joel according to my group mates for the incoming UERMMMC House Staff 2010 on December 17, 2010. An individual is dynamic, ever-changing. It was unfair that I was already judged, being given the role as mentioned. I was torn being continuing with the role and backing out; I backed out.

I am currently reading Nelsons - Body Fluids and Electrolytes. It has been worthwhile. I discovered that it is not really that complicated. I don't have to fully understand everything I read during the first time I read it. I just have to keep on reading so as to reinforce my initial interest. I am looking forward to continue learning about very important and basic things in Medicine. Thinking and over-analyzing may have gotten the better of me. Goals should only serve as guides, and not cause undue obsession and/or compulsion.

This is my last duty day in Pediatrics Service Wards. The sub-rotation is generally feel good. All of the patients improved. We admit patients, treat, and monitor them. We help them cure themselves and send them home as happy kids. I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to aid them in their journey towards consciousness. Till we meet (if ever we meet) again. They seem like angels that busy themselves in their little affairs/games. I hope that they remain childlike, that they keep on dreaming and fulfill their owns dreams, however big these may seem compared to their currently small bodies.

I love and let go. I love and let go. I love and let go. Is it bad to be selfish? Language is a faculty of man and yet do him disservice at times. Some words are best to have never been created. I let go. I let go. I let go. I love you. I love you. I love you. We feel it both. We feel it both. We feel it both. I'm with you. I'm with you. I'm with you. We are one. We are one. We are one. I close my eyes. I close my eyes. I close my eyes. And I see. And I see. And I see. All that is. All that is. All that is.

Blogger's Rebirth

Yes. I'm back! I plan to quit making posts on Facebook just because it takes so much of my time and energy. I fully understand what I am giving up in the hope achieving something greater, larger than myself. Having a regularly updated blog appears to be more therapeutic than making those varied Facebook status messages.

So where is Joel right now?
> I'm still here, living in the only true time, the now. I am currently a clinical clerk at UERMMMC, rotating at Pediatrics. I am planning to take up Internal Medicine/Family Medicine/Community Medicine as my specialization. I still very much would like to pursue teaching and research studies.

Love life?
> I'm still very much in love with the world. I will act on the love that I have. I will have a girlfriend, or at least date in the next 3 months. I still have a crush on ER but I am no longer crazy about her, as in 'in love with love'. I came upon the realization that love manifests more if the one who's loving loves the Self first.

Studies?
> I plan on taking up my Internship at either Fort Bonifacio or Villamor Airbase. The foundation/fundamentals of medical knowledge is so important that it cannot be overlooked. I let go of the past and face what is now in front of me. I still have plans of topping the medical board examinations in August 2012. If you ask me, 'Why?', then I'll reply, 'Why not?'

Beliefs
> Beliefs are powerful. For a period of time, I tried to live without any beliefs. I then realized that it was wrong, better yet counterproductive in that I was letting go of using such a powerful faculty/ability. These are what I chose to believe in: Love, Truth

Nearing the end

Today is currently the second to the last day of my 2-month, roller-coaster Internal Medicine rotation. I am more or less the same person, well, at least still single...=p But seriously, I still like her; although I can say that I am much more relaxed. Love comes if it comes, but if it doesn't, life still goes on. I have given up all expectations with respect to other people. All I am sure about is myself. Am I afraid of being hurt? Hell, yeah! But I can't keep on being afraid. The heart of communication is being there where the other person is, wherever you actually you may be. I can very well say goodbye to my attitude of pleasing other people at my expense. Desires, wants, and needs just seem never to end. The fate of those who readily bow to the whims of others is despair. I am a young, healthy male, fully capable of having healthy, bright, vibrant, and playful children. I can't just throw away happiness for those who don't even care about me. Currently, my battle cry is "I have every fuckin' right to manifest." And if goodness is to manifest, what is there to be afraid of?

My immediate plans are as follows:
1. Enjoy myself by abandoning my conveniences in the dream of achieving something, that which approximates the true, the beautiful, and the wonderful.
2. Love all animals; even those people who behave like animals. (No offense to real-world animals.

My short-term plans are as follows:
1. Eat as a pure raw vegan.
2. Start daily 15-minute meditation TODAY while arousing and qHS.
3. Sleep for at least 3-5 hours a day; sleep by 9 PM. Set alarm clock at 1 AM.
4. Go to the neighborhood gym whenever I am not in a "Duty Status".
5. Clean room for at least 30 minutes.
6. Delete all needless files.
7. Have a medical topic to read about and ACTUALLY read about it.
8. Hold on to my principles each and every time.

My long-term plans are as follows:
1. Meet the love of my life again.
2. Realize my dreams of becoming the transplantation surgeon.
3. Research and publish in an international peer-reviewed journal.

Tao o Diyos

Noong kauna-unahan, tayo ang pumili na maging tao o Diyos, gayon din ngayon at magpakailanpaman.

UP PMHS: 55 after '55

Last night, 9/25/2010 (Saturday), I attended the Alumni Homecoming of my college organization, the UP Pre-Medical Honor Society (PMHS) at The Lounge (Little Asia & AMICI Building), Tomas Morato, QC at 7 PM. I came in at around 8:30 PM, just in time before the start of the program. It was a fun-filled night with various speeches from top-notch alumni physicians, video presentations, and dancing (as in a bar). I saw Dr. Fortun (forensics) and Ablan (urology). The history of the organization was reviewed from 1955 to 2004. Most of the speakers reiterated the reality of little or no freedom at all which prevailed during the martial law years (1972-1983). The many activities of the organization was shown such as free clinics, constitution study, carol fest, talent's night, SCC day, christmas party, sports fest, etc.

I got to chat with my batch mates and former orgmates...Ate Bev, Ate Daryl, Ate Dhoreen, Kuya Sonny, Jameez, Ruari, Cha, and Zshari. I found out that most of my biology block mates in UP Diliman were considering taking General Surgery, just like me. I am currently interested in taking General Surgery and then Transplantation as specialization. So why Surgery and Transplantation. It is primarily due to the medical dramas, Iryu 1 and 2 (Team Medical Dragon) and what happened to my mother (she had Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Failure, and then died of stroke). I am still saddened by her apparently untimely and premature death. I want to be able to spare the families of my future patients the agony of losing someone so dear, kind, gentle, and helpful...A truly beautiful, graceful, graceful, and generous woman. Until her very last breath, she was still very much concerned with the sake of others.

Medicine remains to be a competitive field. As most of the consultants would say, "You must specialize!" I want to read or hit the books so speak for the sake, health, and well-being of my patients, as well as the for the accompanying market share and value. Everyone deserved to be given the best, utmost care and respect, whatever their current status in life may be. So far, I have upheld this, the virtue of benevolence, in my clinical clerkship.

Looking back, I rediscovered why I continued to take biology and then medicine. There is a lot of opportunity to help a lot of people who really need help. People are not completely blameless, but then they are also not completely helpless. If we help them help themselves, then they are able to become eventually self-sufficient.

"Truth I Pursue, Honor I Value, Life I Protect." This line summarizes what the organization is all about. Even if the application process was demanding in term of the time, effort, and emotions involved, I would still dare say that it was all worth it. It was the first time for me to join such a large organization of all adults, well at least presumably mature-minded people. I am happy to be involved in the development of the characters of bright students who are conversant in most topics, including myself. Just have fun in life, respect and communicate well with others, and give your very best in everything that you do.

I love PMHS. It is something na babalik at babalikan ko. Syempre basta't wala lang akong duty. Duty first! Magdadala na ako ng ready camera...Mas maganda talaga magblog with pictures. =p

Lil Red Notebook

Hello, cute and lil red notebook. I was interested in you because of your vivid, bright red color and your wonderful dimensions. I hope to make our challenging journey together fun and worthwhile. Things to do today: 1. Finish all 4-South paperworks with love 2. Love and smile at all sentient beings 3. Breathe love and work out 4. Lovingly decided that this will become my new diary 5. Lovingly decided to love "If it bothers you so much to pretend, then make a new truth." My personal checklist: 1. Charged cellphones 2. Alarm set at 7 PM 3. Charged laptop 4. Eat adequate amount of raw plants 5. Study any topic for 3 hours 6. Gym focus: abdominal muscles 7. Good grooming, hygiene 8. Breathe deeply, slowly 9. Be a smiley person "Love is mysterious. It has its own reasons hidden from man, hidden in man." Virtues 1. Truth 2. Benevolence 3. Forbearance "I wanted that person to be special. I wanted badly that person to be you." Change defined "Change is manifestation of the natural order of the universe."

My Goals in Life

1. Have no goals really! Well, I mean relax!

Back

It's nice to be back! =p

Psyched #1

I keep on declaring things which I do not push through with. I have often wondered what it is that is wrong with me. It was hard for me looking for what was wrong. Either:
A> Something is wrong with me. What is it?
B> Nothing is wrong with me.

A> Something is wrong with me.
Yes, definitely something is not right; something is wrong. But it is not limited to me. It includes me and all of creation. The outside, the environment, is just but an extension of oneself; it is an expression of the predominant thoughts, and thus attractions, one broadcasts by means of electromagnetic waves. It is when we are not truthful, it is when we keep and deny our true selves, that everything gets fucked real hard in a way which we do not enjoy; this may be likened to rape, forcing an intimate contact between parties which do not realize their true nature and thus are unable to mutually accept their deepest oneness.
What is it?
Borderline Personality Disorder: As Howard Zinn puts it, you can't be neutral on a moving train. Everything is moving forward. All of creation is moving forward; this is simply innate to it. I want to move forward with creation. I like to be able to contribute in a positive way in this plane. Somewhere along the way, I have been poisoned, and the first step out of this rut is the recognition of the situation and its gravity. It is of grave importance, it is a matter of life and death. Don't you remember that everything is connected; there is still no exception
Avoidant Personality Disorder: If the environment is just but myself which does not currently realize our oneness, then there is no reason that to fear. There is no reason to fear or to avoid encounter because of fear. Happiness does not co-existence with fear. Happiness is a relaxed state of being accepted for who one is, period.

B> Nothing is wrong with me.
It is now that I realized that there is nothing wrong. I think I have been thinking too much that something is not right. Right and wrong depends on a person's ideals and morality. There must be an innate order in all. That's why we are able to perceive beauty.

Whether it be an A or B, I feel that it does not really matter. What matters is that I accept myself for who I am and love all of those around me. Love, as I previously defined, is self-sacrifice without self-suffering. What is suffering? It is doing something which one does not want. No exceptions and as simple as that.

Cure

"Love is the only cure which needs no indications and has no contraindications. When we realize that we are love and thus the only cure..." -- Joel Duque

Excuses

"I'm sorry for being incorrigible; please forgive me. I will never run out of excuses for loving you." -- Joel Duque

Beauty

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. To me, you are beautiful and that is all that really matters." -- Joel Duque

Choice

"Choice has always been a sacred struggle between consciousness and desensitization." -- Joel Duque

Sexual alchemy

There seems to be no significant difference between single-blessedness and homosexuality. Their development are limited with the non-union to the opposite sex.

Sinapupunan

Oo, tama ka...Tumataba ako...Sa totoo lang, buntis nga ako...Dinadala ko sa aking sinapupunan ang ating anak...Itago natin siya sa pangalang cultivation energy...Located on my solar plexus...It's radiating from within...To the far reaches of the visible and unseen edges of the universe...I am so happy for being given the opportunity to take care of this energy...I know that this will guide me to victory, whatever the conditions may be!