Pulse Circle

Twin blasts rock Kidapawan City

Here are some shots taken by kuya Cruise [A blogger friend] during his visit here in Kidapawan , three/four weeks ago.. Click the picture for the bigger version and for the caption... God bless...

If no more peace

As I walked along J.P. Laurel and Quezon Boulevard,

What then?

Here's Sun Star Provincial News last August 11, 2006 written by Al Jacinto..

"We still don't know who were behind these attacks or the motives behind the two bombings," he said. He said the explosives were assembled from mortar bombs rigged to cell phones to trigger detonation. "The first explosion was outside the hotel at around 2 p.m. and was followed by another blast 10 or 15 minutes later just as the soldier was trying to disarm the second bomb," Bautista said. No group claimed responsibility for the twin attacks, but the Abu Sayyaf group tied to Jemaah Islamiya and communist insurgents are known to actively operate in the province and were involved in previous bombings in Kidapawan. Aside from the two groups, extortion syndicates and criminal groups were also active in the province. "Governor Emmanuel Piñol has appealed to everyone to stay vigilant and report to the authorities any suspicious persons or abandoned baggage in their areas," Bautista said. He said the police and military have tightened security around the province. "We ordered a tight security and more patrol around the province just to be safe," he said. (Sunnex)

9:59 AM

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Posted Monday, August 21, 2006

THE LONG QUEUE SAYS IT ALL

The second floor of the B Building of our school fronting the the club/organizational floor mounted in the pathway where students waited their turn for the I.D. picture taking. It is a certified box-office activities. I was there this morning but unfortunately, I did not get a slot. Grrrrr.. ! In the world of mighty e everything is wired, digitalized and on-line, seems that anything in this world is going to be an instant coffee at the click of the mouse. That's why in just 2 minutes or less, our new school I.D. is ready to wear. What-a high tech! The new school I.D. has a background picture of the new building, a comic sans script sling, computerize signature, etc. Truth of the matter is, much of a difference, really, compared to the previous one. I couldn't help but wonder, did it all matter in the end? My perception of the students apathy did not budge. Did they care at all or did they realize it would be a waste of time? Like what happened to me a while ago. *Kakainis! Perchance the most stalwalt claim students unfortunately overlook and underrate is the right to choose or demand choice. Every year, we pay for the school I.D and some don't even bothered to wear it. Sayang naman! I'm guilty with what I am saying. Yeah right! I'm one among students who dont love to wear I.D. Wanna know why? I'd think it's a bit waste of time wearing that stuff beacuse I.D. is not a must in our school. A student could enter the school without complete uniform. What's the use of the guard? Decoration… It's my fervent hope that there should be a strict observance for students coming in and out of the school. Sana naging president na lang ako ng CSC! *lol NLE June 2006 Leakage Issue If you are not aware, there was a cheating scandal on the nursing board exam in the Philippines. Because of this, several years of work to bring NCLEX to the Philippines has evaporated. Since the Filipino government is unwilling to address this issue, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (the body that administers NCLEX) has elected not to have a testing site in the Philippines. At the July executive board meeting of the NCSBN, a proposal to have the Philippines as testing site was to be discussed. Because of this cheating scandal, that proposal was never discussed. Hence one can assume that the Phlippines will not be an NCLEX testing site. For those who took the tainted exams and passed, there will forever be a cloud over their results. Did they pass fairly or not?

Here's PNAA's position on this matter:

POSITION STATEMENT ON: THE INTEGRITY OF THE PHILIPPINE RN LICENSING EXAMINATION Mission The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) is an internationally recognized professional nursing organization, established in 1979, consisting of thirty five (35) constituent chapters across the United States, including Hawaii, with membership representing thousands of Philippine nurses practicing in the country. The mission of PNAA is to unify Filipino nurses in the USA; uphold the positive image, welfare and prerogatives of its members; promote professional competence and quality healthcare; collaborate with other nursing and healthcare organizations to address issues of mutual concern and act on initiatives to enhance the future of the nursing profession and healthcare. Position Statement In accordance with its mission, and on behalf of nurses world-wide, the PNAA asserts the following, in response to the threatened erosion of the integrity of the RN Licensure Examination in the Philippines conducted in June 2006: PNAA deplores and condemns any dishonest, abhorrent or criminal act, including the alleged leakage of the Philippine nurse licensing examination, that threatens to erode and undermine the trust and respect accorded to Filipino professional nurses by their colleagues and the public that they serve in the global health care arena. PNAA cannot allow the dishonesty and unethical practices of a few people to erode the integrity of the licensing system and tarnish the credibility of the honest majority. PNAA believes that the questionable integrity of the licensing examination, which validates the nurses’ competence and knowledge-base, poses a threat to the health and welfare of those who will be entrusted to the care of Philippine nurse licensees. This licensing issue casts uncertainty on our quest for approval of the Philippines as an NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN) test site, since it drives right into the heart of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) concern regarding adequacy of mechanisms to safeguard testing security and integrity of intellectual property rights. PNAA applauds the courage and supports the dedicated efforts of our Philippine-based nursing colleagues for insisting on the exposure and subsequent investigation into alleged irregularities relative to the recent nurse licensing examination. PNAA extends its gratitude to the Philippine government, legislators and concerned public officials for responding to the call of our nursing colleagues in the Philippines to seek the truth, to bring the offenders to justice and to institute appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of any further breach of the licensing system.

The Philippine government has the ultimate responsibility and duty of care to ensure that the integrity of the licensing examinations is not undermined and to be accountable for enforcing strict rules and regulations, including meting out punishment to violators. Finally, the PNAA recommends the following strategies to address the issues cited in the foregoing statements.

The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) shall continue to investigate the alleged nursing board examination leakage, establish culpability, penalize the offenders and institute appropriate corrective measures to ensure the integrity of the licensing examination. The collaborative alliance between the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Manila based Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) and PNAA, shall constitute the core infrastructure for establishing an oversight program, including a Task Force of stakeholders from appropriate government agencies and nursing organizations, that will monitor the mechanisms employed to address the licensing controversy, safeguard testing security, protect intellectual property rights and ensure the overall integrity of local and international nurse licensing examinations administered in the Philippines. The PNAA believes, that the manner with which this breach of the Philippine nurse licensing system is addressed and resolved, could provide a "model" for change in our country’s growing democratic society, by setting the example to consistently uphold optimum standards for ethical and professional integrity that will rekindle and strengthen the trust accorded to Filipino nurses by our colleagues and the discerning public whom we serve in the global health care arena. Rest assured that the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) persists, as always, in its unwavering commitment to support and collaborate with the Philippine government, global alliances and nursing colleagues, to address and rectify this unfortunate situation, to ensure the security of the RN licensing system and, most importantly, to preserve the dignity, integrity and credibility of the nursing profession, Filipino nurses and all Filipinos throughout the world. PNAA proudly proclaims . . . Mabuhay ang Filipino !!!

Submitted: August 4, 2006 For and on behalf of the PNAA Membership and Executive Board (2006- 2008) by: Rosario May P. Mayor, MA, RN President Leo-Felix M. Jurado, MA, RN, CAN, APN, BC President Elect Victoria B. Navarro, MSN, RN Board Member, President-PNA, Maryland Leticia Hermosa, PhD, RN, JD Parliamentarian Linda A. Simunek, PhD, RN, JD Legal Adviser Filipinas J. Lowery, MA, RN, CNOR Advisory Council, Past President, Founder Remedios Solarte, MSN, RN, NP Executive Director, Past President, Founder

4:12 PM

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Posted Saturday, August 19, 2006

The long queue says it all

POSITION STATEMENT ON:
THE INTEGRITY OF THE PHILIPPINE RN LICENSING EXAMINATION

Mission

The Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) is an internationally recognized professional nursing organization, established in 1979, consisting of thirty five (35) constituent chapters across the United States, including Hawaii, with membership representing thousands of Philippine nurses practicing in the country. The mission of PNAA is to unify Filipino nurses in the USA; uphold the positive image, welfare and prerogatives of its members; promote professional competence and quality healthcare; collaborate with other nursing and healthcare organizations to address issues of mutual concern and act on initiatives to enhance the future of the nursing profession and healthcare.

Position Statement

In accordance with its mission, and on behalf of nurses world-wide, the PNAA asserts the following, in response to the threatened erosion of the integrity of the RN Licensure Examination in the Philippines conducted in June 2006:

PNAA deplores and condemns any dishonest, abhorrent or criminal act, including the alleged leakage of the Philippine nurse licensing examination, that threatens to erode and undermine the trust and respect accorded to Filipino professional nurses by their colleagues and the public that they serve in the global health care arena. PNAA cannot allow the dishonesty and unethical practices of a few people to erode the integrity of the licensing system and tarnish the credibility of the honest majority.
PNAA believes that the questionable integrity of the licensing examination, which validates the nurses’ competence and knowledge-base, poses a threat to the health and welfare of those who will be entrusted to the care of Philippine nurse licensees. This licensing issue casts uncertainty on our quest for approval of the Philippines as an NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN) test site, since it drives right into the heart of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) concern regarding adequacy of mechanisms to safeguard testing security and integrity of intellectual property rights.
PNAA applauds the courage and supports the dedicated efforts of our Philippine-based nursing colleagues for insisting on the exposure and subsequent investigation into alleged irregularities relative to the recent nurse licensing examination.
PNAA extends its gratitude to the Philippine government, legislators and concerned public officials for responding to the call of our nursing colleagues in the Philippines to seek the truth, to bring the offenders to justice and to institute appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of any further breach of the licensing system.
The Philippine government has the ultimate responsibility and duty of care to ensure that the integrity of the licensing examinations is not undermined and to be accountable for enforcing strict rules and regulations, including meting out punishment to violators.
Finally, the PNAA recommends the following strategies to address the issues cited in the foregoing statements.
The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) shall continue to investigate the alleged nursing board examination leakage, establish culpability, penalize the offenders and institute appropriate corrective measures to ensure the integrity of the licensing examination.

The collaborative alliance between the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Manila based Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) and PNAA, shall constitute the core infrastructure for establishing an oversight program, including a Task Force of stakeholders from appropriate government agencies and nursing organizations, that will monitor the mechanisms employed to address the licensing controversy, safeguard testing security, protect intellectual property rights and ensure the overall integrity of local and international nurse licensing examinations administered in the Philippines.
The PNAA believes, that the manner with which this breach of the Philippine nurse licensing system is addressed and resolved, could provide a "model" for change in our country’s growing democratic society, by setting the example to consistently uphold optimum standards for ethical and professional integrity that will rekindle and strengthen the trust accorded to Filipino nurses by our colleagues and the discerning public whom we serve in the global health care arena.

Rest assured that the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) persists, as always, in its unwavering commitment to support and collaborate with the Philippine government, global alliances and nursing colleagues, to address and rectify this unfortunate situation, to ensure the security of the RN licensing system and, most importantly, to preserve the dignity, integrity and credibility of the nursing profession, Filipino nurses and all Filipinos throughout the world.

PNAA proudly proclaims . . . Mabuhay ang Filipino !!!

Submitted: August 4, 2006
For and on behalf of the PNAA Membership and Executive Board (2006- 2008) by:
Rosario May P. Mayor, MA, RN President
Leo-Felix M. Jurado, MA, RN, CAN, APN, BC President Elect
Victoria B. Navarro, MSN, RN Board Member, President-PNA, Maryland
Leticia Hermosa, PhD, RN, JD Parliamentarian
Linda A. Simunek, PhD, RN, JD Legal Adviser
Filipinas J. Lowery, MA, RN, CNOR Advisory Council, Past President, Founder
Remedios Solarte, MSN, RN, NP Executive Director, Past President, Founder

10:37 AM

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Posted Thursday, August 17, 2006

Like a Butterfly coming out from its cocoon

THE IMPORTANCE OF DESENSITIZATION

Desensitization de·sensi·ti·zation (-t-zshn) n. is the process of exposing the mind to sexually related terms thus its sensitivity to these terms. Desensitization rids the students of any malicious notions leading to unwarranted display of crude responses. It does not imply discarding one's values; rather, it rectifies certain deviations in their outlook
towards Sexuality issues.

During our NCM 101 or CHD session, if we talk about Sex or Reproductive System, it brought our class into tearful laughter especially when vulgar terms coming out. Those are those times when your interest is present. I'm not the only one laughing. What am I anyway, Mentally retarded? *lol. Perhaps, most of my classmates laughing as they shared illimitable reactions about the topic. So I thought it's practically normal. But as my nursing studies progresses, I found out the imnportance of desensitization and its imporatnce of my nursing profession.

Take for instance, if I will have to interview a patient for a Comprehensive Assesment about his Reproductive health, I have to go to the level of understanding of that person instead of using medical terms learned from school. It is important especially in dealing with a patient.. We cannot be effective health educators if we use medical dialect in rendering health teachings. It is necessary that we are comfortable with the words we use. Therefore, the laymen's terms bring up better communication between clients and health care providers.

Now I know, that these terms are part and will be part of our future practice as health care providers...

FORUM:

A couple is pregnant with their second child. During a routine ultra sound at 7 months or 28 weeks, gestation, the physician discovers that the fetus is anencephalic. The life expectancy of an anencephalic baby’s only a few days to weeks after birth. The couple struggles with the choice to terminate the pregnancy at this time or to carry the child to learn?…

3:10 PM

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Posted Friday, August 11, 2006

A strange blessing

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten but they may start a winning game

In a cyber cafe across the stretch of mega market, I sat on a rolling chair as I'm typing my fluid thoughts in this blog. I just finished encoding the reaction paper as well as other miscellany for my related learning experience at Kidapawan Medical Specialist Incorporated. I decided to blog to somehow make the remaining time worthwhile. It's been a long time since I took control of the blogger spirit in me.

I was bloghopping when I chanced by Jag Alskars' latest entry- CdK Intramurals- enormous. It talks about our school's intramurals last week. Like what ate Hannah said, Intramurals created a significant mark among sports enthusiasts. Hitting the physical facet of individuals growth, intramurals paved the entry of extra curricular. However still an extension of learning in a more diversed view. Sportmanship on the other hand is one bond that has to be keep stift in whichever aspects of sports and games. And in a way or the other, intramurals takes part in it's existence. Each day of the intrams has never been idle, each day initiated delight with thrill and excitement among both the players and audiences. Cheers and yells were truly expected during and after every contest.

Three days before the opening of the intamurals, as I'm faking attention to the lecture of my pharmacology class, I saw cha and clifford entered the room and talked to ma'am Lav and I received a shock when they called my name. I asked why. Pinatawag daw ni Ma'am Vaqs. I dunno why. I left and walked together with cha and ford until we reached the faculty room. I was shocked for the second time when ma'am Vaqs told me that I'll replace Rex. Rex, as far as I know, is the Paramedical department male representative for the search for Mr. and Ms. Intrams 2006. Bali-balita na ang pagback-out nya cause by various factors beyond mans control. Pressure was all over me. At first, I refused. Who am I anyway, Zanjoe Marudo? The second time, they offered bribes (something offered that causes people to do something against their will). But I don't believe in bribes. And besides, I have OR/DR duty at Amas two nights before the contest and three semifinals exams the day after. I'm not Zanjoe Marudo for that matter.. I'm just an ordinary college student who has a typical average looks. Para silang kumuha ng bato at pinukpok sa kanilang ulo, I thought. The third time, they make a deal sweet enough, so GO FOR IT. A reminiscent of Kris Aquino's Deal or No Deal. DEAL. It's not that I've forced against my wills; I choose. I change my mind because rewards are worth it. I left with no choice. Although my conscience dictates that I have to opt the right thing, the right thing isn't all that easy.

I would like also to stress that I resent the impression that I just accept the offer to withdraw my I.R. during my DR/NICU duty at CPH. Whichever way their opinions sway to, the fact what they say is alaready in their conscience.

I admit I was trying to muster up enough guts to do it. They underestimated me. I didn't have enough time to practice and to prepare. But I believe that God was with my side when the competition started. I got intimidated by the quality of other contestants, their attires, charm and appeal. I must say that they are good, but at that moment, I'm simply better.

But of course, we can't deny the fact that there are students and by-passers had opinions that flew through ehems and huh that night. Well, we're all entitled to our own opinion.

Makilala Bombing

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.So make the best of this test, and don’t ask why.It’s not a question, but a lesson learned in time.

BBC News:

Six killed in Philippines bombing

At least six people have been killed and many others wounded after a bomb exploded during a town festival in the southern Philippines, police said.

The bomb went off at about 2000 (1200 GMT) in front of the town hall of Makilala on the island of Mindanao.

The bomb exploded during a celebration for the town's 52nd anniversary, said Mayor Honofre Respicio.

Earlier, a blast in the market in the city of Tacurong, also on Mindanao, wounded at least four people.

Emmanuel Pinol, governor of the province, said six people were killed and 26 wounded when the bomb exploded in a bar.

North Catabato provincial police chief Federico Dulay said the Makilala blast was caused by a homemade bomb, fashioned from a mortar round.

Earlier reports that put the death toll at 12 were due to a double countring of bodies, Makilala Mayor Onofre Respicio told the Associated Press news agency.

posted: October 11, 2006

11:09 AM

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Posted Thursday, August 10, 2006

Likom- ibon

Alas otso ng umaga, isang totoong senaryo ang nagpamulat sa akin sa isang katotohanan sa isang puno. Hindi ko lubos akalaing, ang dalawa sa pitong inakay ay mula sa isang hawla. Isang katotohanang di ko inaasahan. Ang pakay ko dun ay ang magbigay ng kahit kunting serbisyong paramedikal bilang puting ibon. Ang dalawa at
ang iba pang mga ibong may tali na nasa ibang
puno ay binabantayan ng mga agilang kulay bughaw. Andun sila para gamutin dahil nga sila'y may sakit. Nasa mundong malaya nga sila pero oras nila'y di nila pag-aari dahil nasa direktang kontrol sila ng mga gwardiya. Ako, tulad ng nakakaraming ibon, kahit anong oras ay pwedeng kumain, pumunta sa ibang lugar, maglaro, makasama ang ibang mga ibon... Kakaiba sila.

Parang ordinaryong mga ibon lamang sila- tumatawa, walang bahid ng kalungkutan, Pero ikanga, hindi lahat ng nakikia ng ating mga mata ay yun na nga. Minsan may maliliit na pwersa na maaaring makita ng sobra pa sa makikita ng mga ordinaryong mata. Hanggang sa mauntog tayo at malamang nakapiring pala tayo.

May mga kaso sila- pagnanakaw, panggagahasa, pagdukot, panghaharas, pagpatay, atbp. At makikita sa kanilang mga mata na nakikiamot sila ng konting pag-asa na makabangon sa mundong salat sa salitang kalayaan. Lalo na kung makikita nila ang ibang ordinaryong ibon sa punong yun. Nakakagulat isipin andun sila sa punong yun na dapat ay nasa hawla.

Ilang oras ang lumipas, naatasan akong tanggalin ang dextrose na nakakabit sa kanilang kamay. Nagalinlangan ako dahil natatakot ako... Hindi dahil sa takot na baka ako'y mahostage kundi takot ako sa katotohanang makita silang pinagkaitan sa laya. Sila'y may mga tali.

May isang inakay ang nagtanong sa isang ibong may tali, Sino ang di mo malilimutan dito sa'min pag lumabas ka na? Walang sagot akong narinig kundi ang isang ngiti. Ewan ko kung bakit.

Sa kabilang puno, may isang matandang lalaking ibon, Mga siyamnapung taong gulang na. Ilang araw na ring hindi siya binibisita ng kanyang mga inakay. Hindi pa nabibili ang mga gamot na dapat ibigay nang gumaling. Mahirap humusga. Nagtatrabaho sila, sabi niya. Nakakaawa. Pero minsa'y napapangiti ko sya.

Ang mga ibong may tali at ang tinanggalan ng tali ay ilan lamang sa mga katotohanang aking napagtanto sa duty ko sa CPH, ilang araw na rin ang lumipas..

BREAKING NEWS: Was bloghopping when I chanced by Bikoy's site and I found out that in A survey by Men's Health Magazine found that Filipinos masturbate the most among nationalities polled.

3:12 PM

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Posted Saturday, August 05, 2006

When does CO get you in trouble?

I'm going to tell you one really humiliating incident that happened to me during my clinical exposure at Kidapawan City Health Center last Tuesday. You can't imagine how self-degrading it is to tell a story so stupid.

I had spent my 8-hours duty in the Treatment Room where I assigned. It is near the Pharmacy. As I'm waiting for patients to be injected, for dressing, surturing, etc. Out of the blue, I farted unconsciously. My fart produced a bad smell,enough to cover your nosetrils. I just kept my cool. I'm alone that time so nobody could smell it. Unexpectedly, my clinical instructor came to check me and for additional reminders. He covered his nose and asks, Umutot ka Mr. Diongson? My face turned red in shame. I answered, No sir. Kanina pa po yan. Clearly the safest way I could get out of the possible pit. Heheh. Sir left, seemed convinced but deep down, I'm laughing of my stupidity. Heheh.. Yeah, stupid. :-)

9:26 AM

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Posted Friday, August 04, 2006

Journey towards high calling

See lives through a window and know that you must step outside to reach them over

This morning, we had our Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Day Ceremony bearing the theme, "Journey towards high Calling"...

It was a fine and cozy day, the Venue filled with smiling faces,...

THE MASS
7:30- 8:30

As we take the step to another phase in our nursing profession, we thank the Lord for the entire blessings He has bestowed upon us. The memories in our 1st and 2nd years in nursing that sang in our thoughts, all the difficulties and trials we encountered have molded us into what we are now. The sacrifices, hardwork and dedication we had all endured to finally reap the fruits of our labor- to become one of the candidates in Colegio de Kidapawan's 5th Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Day Celebration.

We thank God, who puts in our hearts a genuine hunger for a more intimate relationship with Him. We also would like to thank Lord, for being with us in our struggle, for all our experiences and for all the graces, good health and the abundant love He have showered on us.

And then we said, thank You Lord, for the kindness and the goodness of the people around us specially CdK family for multiplying the little things that we offer up to You. To the clinical instructors for guilding, training and giving their patience, inspiration and continued support on us always. To our dear parents, guardians, financers, for believing in us even during those dark moments when we did not believe in ourselves.

THE CEREMONY

It was started with a doxology, "The Prayer" by the candidates then an Islam Prayer and the National Anthem. It was followed by the "words of welcome" by Mrs. Janice Mearns- Martinez, school president and then the introduction of the guest speaker. The guest speaker was Mrs. Elizabeth Barriga, RN MAN, training nurse at Davao Medical Center. She inspired us in her speech.

The higlight of the program was the Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting of the midwifery and nursing students. After our name called, we walked to the center aisle then lighted the Florence Nightingale Lamp with a candle. Then Capping and Pinning of the Caduceus Pin followed afterwards.

The Lamp of Florence Nightingale, serves as nurses ever commitment and enthusiasm to be a dependable source of what is good and true. It guides us to work in health, hope and honesty.

The candles represent our desire to give lights and hope to those around us. These also symbolize the light in the darkness of light.

The cap [for girls only] represents nurses responsibility to promote health care for the sick and give comfort to those who are burdened. It also gives us the sense of pride and identification...

The Caduceus Pin symbolizes the art of healing. It also represents the honor and standards of the nursing profession which each nurse must at all times maintain and uphold.

It was ended with the BSN and GMC students batch song, Journey and The Beginning..

BOGCHI

After the recessional.. I, mama, kuya, lola [mommy Letty], and Lolit , we went to BOYAK's Lechon and Restaurant at Quezon Boulevard beside Pizza Hauz [hehe, nagpromote] for Lunch time. Yum..! At siguro libre na yun.. hehe. Mommy ordered 1 lechon manok and a lot more. hehe. I also saw that some of my batchmate were there. Ang saya!

to be continued.. I'm running short of time.. *sigh.. see yah!

4:57 PM

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