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Introduction

Issuing from the Philippines, Perla de la Oriente, by Charlie A., this site tries to concretize the abstract, to make sense of it all. It becomes a living organism—reacting, growing, regenerating and reforming—to be of good use to the guest that happens to come here. Any relevant material may find their way here—anything goes.

Just Do It!

2004-01

Grace and peace!

Have you ever wondered why things are as they are? With the vastness of the universe, what are we doing on this small planet at this particular time in history? I don't subscribe to the idea that all this is made by chance alone. There's got to be a great master who put all things in their proper places. One of our goals in this part of heaven is to know our purpose in life. Unfortunately, many don't even come close, or may not bother at all!

As a clan, maybe we can adopt a motto, perhaps the phase "just do it!" by Nike®. If you have a good plan, "just do it"! If you have something brewing in your mind for some time now, "just do it"! And as we just do our jobs, we should not lose sight of the hierarchy of things—God is there guiding our every move!

Do I make sense; am I just talking to myself loudly in cyberspace? Abangan and susunod na kabanata!

Just Be Happy

2004-12

Ad majorem Dei gloriam!

Mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis. We live in a dynamic world, ever-different from the past. People have to cope with all this change. Life is too short to fight with other people; we can use the time to come together and build bridges. All should listen inwards and discover that we are all the same. Yes, the ideology or religion (or the lack of it) may be different, but we should just respect each other's opinion on things. Of course each individual should have rock-solid principles and not just follow the current. I'm saying we have to work together and pick-up the positives in any idea. So the bottom line is respect.

Find your own niche in this world. Then be the best that you can be! It's good to remember that a sense of humor is essential in all situations.

Whatever happens, just be happy—c'est la vie! Àbientôt!

Prologue And Acknowledgement

2005-02-27

Hello, World! The concept of blogging is new and when the opportunity came, I quickly took it. It's a good idea to have a forum for our ideas and views on different topics; the days of the opinion column or the editorial are about to end. Enter the different blog sites!

One of the basic human rights is the freedom of expression; and this and related sites are prime examples of this concept. Of course this freedom is not the same as licence; we should not forget that freedom is coupled with responsibility. We may not publish things of shady nature, or even outright malicious or evil. We only have to use information for the good of all?and society's upliftment. The Serenity Prayer is thus appropriate:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

I warmly acknowledge www.google.com and www.blogger.com for this offering of a free blogging service, which I intend to use also as a regular website, if that is possible. Different people have different views or opinions on things; let's repect each other! Everybody is welcome to read these blogs; those who wish to contribute, just inform me.

Primum Non Nocere

2005-02-28

First, do no harm. As doctors, this is our first duty to patients given to our care. We should do everything necessary to sustain life, and refrain from doing actions curtailing it. Such is a straightforward way of putting it. Medicine as a discipline is thus a very noble profession, and such duty is the reason why physician candidates spend about 9 years in school, and more if subspecialties are sought. We have to support and maintain life from the moment of conception to natural death. But is this always the case?

One very direct way of harming is abortion. They say it's the mother's choice, but can anyone really have the choice of killing the innocent? This is where the crux lies. What about the unborn fetuses or embryos, who'll protect them? Surely they have the very basic human right to life. They have the right to be born, and then to live a very fruitful life on Earth, like any other adult. People may be surprised that the abortion prohibition is in the Hippocratic oath! People, wake-up! Mark my word: abortion is murder. So much to talk about this in later blogs, but it may be appropriate to leave this bible passage...

"Can a woman forget her nursing-child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands;... (Isaiah 49.15f NRSV)"

On another topic... Especially in the Philippines (and other third-world countries), the choice of medicines to prescribe should be done diligently. Because people are generally indigent, choose the best and the cheapest. Some doctors have the notion that the cheap medicines (e.g., antibiotics) are ineffective. A little effort is necessary to research this silver bullet--optimized drug effectivity and price. In line with this, drug companies have the duty to provide very affordable medicines for the general public. The government also should help here.

One thing the government did was to continually import cheap medicines from India (up to several-fold cheaper). [Personally I don't know if their quality is assured; this should be ascertained by the appropriate agencies.] Caution should also be exercised because the price should not compromise the drug's effectiveness. This is confounded by the proliferation of fake medicines especially in the countryside. These unscrupulous people who sell these fake drugs are really worse than the purveyors of prohibited drugs.

Physicians or not, all of us have to choose life!

Slippery Slope

2005-03

Hope be with you!

Recent events have placed our future as a people in the crossroads of the two ultimate opposing entities—good and evil. Individually and collectively we have to choose the good over the bad, even if it's just an intention or resolution, because most of the time we cannot do anything concrete to fight evil. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with the problem, and thus tempted to just become complacent. Some resort to a lot of complaining on just about anything, from the increasing taxes, fees and gas, and perhaps the corruption of government officials, and so on. Those kinds of things are necessary in a democracy, but common sense tells us that such modalities are ineffective. If we are in a very dark place, instead of cursing the dark it's better to light a little candle.

Perhaps the point here is that change for the better starts with ourselves. Of course this statement has been said before, but this time we have to act. We are all in the same boat, but it seems that others have different agenda.

Why do we have terrorists in our midst? Perhaps this question can be answered by also asking, Why do we have battered wives and children around? Why are there criminals? Ultimately the answer takes us back to the on-going battle between good and evil. All these undesirable things are the manifestations of evil. A lot of people nowadays don't believe that the Devil or Satan exists; sorry to disappoint them but this evil entity exists. So, the only way to overcome this is to look heavenward; some call this the vertical dimension. Combining the vertical dimension and the horizontal gives us hope. Hope it is that can save us from this slippery slope.

The Schiavo Dilemma

2005-03-25

We all have to congratulate Mel Gibson for his large contribution to our present age in making the movie--Passion of the Christ. Other people say it's very brutal and violent, but that's the way it really happened. Two thousand years ago, Jesus of Nazareth has undergone the ignominious crucifixion because he loved us so much; it is therefore necessary for all people to study the scriptures and many other historical and spiritual references because this is the only way people will understand suffering in general. Suffering is redemptive (we also have a share in suffering). Now we go the the Terri Schiavo issue now raging in the U.S. I'm tired already of people hammering the Law to all of us; the Law they say should kill Terri. If you look at her video clips, you'll surely pity her and think that it's better that she be dead. I may agree with them if it's a respirator; surely you may unplug the respirator if it unduly prolongs the life of anybody. But this is food and water! These things are ordinary methods to sustain life. Can you imagine the appearance of Terri in a few days? I have to go now but I'll write on this in the future.

Happy Easter!

John Paul the Great

2005-04-04

Just very recently, we witnessed the passing of a giant in the 20^th century--Pope John Paul II. He was the visible head (the invisible head is Christ) of the Catholic Church, and the spiritual leader of the world, regardless of ideology or ethnicity. As patriarch of the Latin (Western) Rite, he's the head of all Roman Catholics; and as bishop of Rome, the head of the Catholic (Universal) Church. The head does not lord it over the rest of the bishops and patriarchs; instead the head is the first among equals. This is like Peter: all the 12 Apostles are equal, although Peter is the first among them (this is the primacy of Peter; and the late pope was Peter's 263^rd successor). For the sake of the non-Catholics, the Catholic Church includes the Eastern Rite churches (several including the Maronite, Chaldean, Armenian, Coptic, etc.) and the Western church. Sometimes, terms are confusing especially with all these journalists covering the death of a pope.

Karol Wojtyla, John Paul's baptismal name, was born in Wadowice, Poland in 1920 (I hope the spelling is correct) to a school teacher mother and a soldier father. Because Poland was always under a foreign power, people always longed to be free and independent. These powers were often times ruthless and oppressive, notably fascist Germany and later the Soviet-backed communists. The only one unifying factor is the Church; nationalism was rooted in Christianity. Because or this, their resistance was mainly non-violent. It is in this environment that the future pope lived. He never waivered in faith concerning his country and religion. His calling to the priesthood at this time (as World War II was beginning) was comparable to biblical times--when a crisis is looming, God would raise prophets and saints so as to become his instruments in bringing about needed change. God chose people to do his will, short of actual miracles (as we know the word). Several times Lolek (his nickname) was in mortal danger during the war and later, and for some reason he survived. A lot of his colleagues and friends died at this time. Really, God is raising him for something greater.

From a priest (ordained in 1946), he was later appointed bishop of Krakow, and later becoming Cardinal. He was elected pope in 1978, succeeding the 33-day reign of John Paul I; the first non-Italian in 455 years (first Polish). He didn't change a bit on becoming pope. His championing of human rights ripened into his philosophy of `personalism'--all people had human dignity and are entitled to protection from the moment of concepcion to natural death. All stages of human life are to be protected (see his encyclical Evangelium Vitae). He introduced the phrase culture of life, as opposed the the prevalent culture of death that is mainly brought about by secularism and selfishness. Abortion, euthanasia, contraception, embryonic stem-cell research, artificial fertility technology (in-vitro fertilization, cloning, etc.), and others are unacceptable and grievously wrong or even sinful. Some liberal folks who oppose his pronouncements in this area should first determine why these things are banned. The unborn fetus cannot complain that his basic human right to even exist is trampled upon; the very old, sick and disabled (remember the Schiavo episode; God bless her soul) have no power to prevent some euthanasia advocates (in the guise of providing mercy, or freeing from suffering) from killing them. Since the fertilized ovum or zygote is already human (carrying the 46 chromosomes already), any manipulation of this product of conception is unacceptable, something comparable in the adult or child undergoing bodily mutilation (recall the Nazi human experiments here). What's worse is that some embryos are destroyed or killed as a bi-product of such procedures. Those opposed to the culture of life should think deeper and perhaps read the underlying philosophy or theology of the pope. It's beyond the question or being liberal or conservative.

Obviously the Pope is multifaceted, and writing about him seems to be an unending activity, so perhaps I should stop here. But one aspect that is very much appreciated by all is his persistence in building bridges with one another. In behalf of the church, he has asked the forgiveness for all wrongs committed in the past: against the Jews, Muslims, and several other groups, like women, the Orthodox churches, and others. I just hope that these concerned groups accept the apology and thus start the world anew. In the end, the greatest contribution of John Paul to the entire world is Love. It's unfortunate that he never received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Farewell John Paul II!

Right To Choose

2005-04-13

While we are in the interregnum (time before a new pope is proclaimed) period, several media outfits make a lot of speculations about the identity of the next pope. They even interview people about their thoughts about the next pope. Obviously the majority like the Apostolic successor to continue the policies of John Paul II, perhaps having a John Paul III. I was shocked to hear one person commenting that the next pope should allow abortions and a lot of other related things. That kind of thing cannot happen! All right-minded people are really pro-choice, meaning we all have to make the right choices in life. We choose life, not death; we choose peace, not war. We choose love, not hate, etc.

In Deuteronomy 30, God actually gave his people the right to choose, but wishing that the right choice is made: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him (vv 19-20)..." As you may see, this battle between the culture of life and the culture of death is not new. This exhortation is repeated by Joshua, the successor of Moses: "...if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, ...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24.15)." And then perhaps lest we become proud and think it is only through human effort that we make the right choices, the reality is that God chose us first. In John 15, Jesus of Nazareth is speaking to us: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (v 16)."

This concept of free choice extends to all aspects of modern life. The different activities of the Church (include here all the pro-life movements) really exhort all people to make the right choices. We have a stand against abortion, and if people insist on doing that abominable act, they are practically free to do that. Now because it is legal in a lot of countries (notably the developed ones), we really cannot do anything about it. It doesn't mean that complacency should be the rule; no, the fight continues. In the Philippines (with Malta as the only countries without any legal divorce in place), divorce is being introduced in Congress. They may succeed in the future, but in the end people make their own decisions. The faithful people will choose to remain married (happily), even if a lot choose divorce. The only saving grace in democracies is that the faithful people are free to express their beliefs in public. But please read what the Church teaches, or perhaps open the scriptures and understand that is written there.

Choose rightly!

The Last Things

2005-04-13

Every Lent, we are reminded of our particular deaths, and consequently what is really important in life. It is often said that only in death do we appreciate the people around us, and then remember the good things about the deceased. The Filipino culture (or any culture which treasures family, including the extended type) prepares the folks on the last things. We are happy when a new life is conceived, happy when a child is born, happy in the thick and thin of life, and also happy when we see grandpa or grandma die a peaceful death. We all see these things, sometimes happening in the hospital and sometimes at home, and the place of death, for example becomes some kind of a "shrine" for the deceased. Memorabilia are common and death is generally not seen as bad. The last pope demonstrated to the whole world the process of dying, the gradual weakening of the body when all kinds of maladies come. It is very prudent therefore to think of our own deaths. The reality of terrorism and violence in the streets desecrates this respect we have for each person, and the lives of all the victims seem cheap in the perpetrators' eyes. But I still believe in justice; these evil people (terrorists and their cohorts in different sizes and shapes) will have their time in judgement. (This is one proof of the reality of the afterlife; if they get away with murder here on earth, they won't escape the "real" justice later.) I may digress here but I support any legislation that gives more teeth to the law-enforces everywhere.

We should remember that death has been overcome by our Lord on the cross and it is in this reality that we place our hope now and in the future. I now lift from St. Paul (1 Corinthians 15): "...the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is in the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (vv 52-57)."

While we become sad when someone we love dies, we rejoice that a new door has been opened for them especially if the Lord's hope remains in them (this is the reason why we pray for all people even the dead). This very mysterious phase of life, the twilight zone will only become clear when we actually make the crossing from this to the next life.

I now lift from Revelation 21 to fittingly end this: "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away (vv 3-4)."

Radiology

2005-04-15

Oftentimes, the man on the street does not know what radiology is; perhaps it's the study of radios. People may know what cardiology is, or ophthalmology or maybe microbiology. As a radiologist, I have the duty to explain what this word means.

Radiology is a branch of the art and science of Medicine pertaining with the use of ionizing (e.g., x and gamma rays) and non-ionizing (e.g., ultrasound) radiation, in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Radio- obviously comes from radiation, that invisible energy out there. Previously this specialty was known as Röntgenology, in honor of Wilhelm Röntgen, the German physicist who discovered x rays back in 1895, for which he received a Nobel price. (Another name for x ray is Röntgen ray.)

One hundred ten years has elapsed since that time and now radiology is the fastest growing branch of medicine in the world. Among all specialties, it is also the most technology- and instrument-driven, reaping contributions from computer technology, electronics and communications and applied physics and chemistry. Because of this technological flowering, several braches or medicine want to get some of this treasure. One notable example of which that use ultrasound technology is OB-GYN. This practice is frowned upon by many of my colleagues in the field, but the fact is that all doctors are free to impinge on the other braches; we can't impose on others. For me, the only thing I request or wish on the non-radiologists doing radiology-related work is that the patient's welfare is paramount in their minds. The patient comes first. These doctors should be trained properly so that the radiologic reports are correct.

One thing I remember while still in training is that the cardiologists and urologists (e.g.) doing their fluoroscopic examinations didn't seem to know that x rays are used in the procedures. They continuously step on the pedal, instead of doing it sparingly or intermittently. You may 'fry' both the patient and the doctors, giving unreasonably large radiation doses. They don't seem to know the basics of radiation safety! I presume all radiology training institutions teach their residents the importance of radiation and instrument safety, not to mention the correct procedures in doing examinations, and the academic exposure to produce the best radiologists possible. I think radiology residency in the Philippines now requires 4 years to complete (from a previous 3). In like manner, all non-radiologists who use radiology in their practice should also be trained. This is not condescending on the others; safety should come first.

Nowadays radiology comprises a lot of different technologies or subspecialties: radiography (x rays as ordinary people are familiar), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine (using radiopharmaceuticals), interventional (short of surgery), and a combination of all these. In the therapeutic side, we have radiation oncology (to give radiotherapy), including brachytherapy and giving isotopes; perhaps people are familiar with the gamma knife.

Doctors undecided in the specialty they wish to take should look in the direction of radiology... the final frontier.

The Philippines, My Home

2005-04-18

This blog originates from the Philippines, an archipelago in the western Pacific ocean, comprising about 7,107 islands, 84 million inhabitants that use several languages, including English and Filipino (Tagalog largely), and a melting pot of several cultures. We have it all here. From the ordinary to the extraordinary; the holy and profane, the beautiful and the not so beautiful. After all God made it a nice place to live in, and a nice place to visit.

Because the Philippines is surrounded by the Pacific, it is heaven for water and sea lovers--several beaches to surf in or just appreciate. The well-known beaches of Boracay and Palawan are hotspots; but a lot more people seek the not so popular ones (e.g. Bohol). The ones at Bicol and Ilocos regions are good surf machines. I heard it from a cable news item that we have here the most ecologically diverse of all marine ecosystems. Scientists and environmentalists are welcome here to also give their support in protecting all these treasures, which are sadly being destroyed from pollution and some illegal fishing (including dynamite and cyanide fishing).

Other sites are the caves, mountains, volcanoes (especially Taal and Mayon, not forgetting Pinatubo with its mineral-rich lake), waterfalls, and various historical spots.

The best resources are the human resources. The people are creative, hard-working, patient, friendly and kind. But don't push your luck, people have a sense of justice and fair-play. Abuse, plunder and disrespect are not tolerated. Previous wars have proved this. Although our military equipment is lacking, we have the best warriors and soldiers in the world. The U.N., the only legitimate international force at this time actually seeks Filipino peace-keepers all over the world. One unfortunate thing happened (April 14) in Haiti where one of our own (SSgt. Batomalaque ["large rock" if translated to English], the eleventh killed while serving as international peace-keeper) was gunned down while battling street gangsters. That incident didn't deter our nationals from the fight for what is right. While the citizens are nationalistic, we are not extremists or ultra-nationalists. While our love for the country remains, the bigger picture is maintained in the background; we all live in the same planet. Point at any place on the globe, and Filipinos are there; we are all over!

In the political realm, we may as well be placed in the Guinness Book. In all elections, no one candidate ever loses; can you imagine that? But how can that be, you may ask. Simply put, when the election is over, a few are proclaimed winners, while the rest are all cheated. No one ever loses!

As is the case in other countries, we tend to put our country in a bad light for some selfish motives. Some Filipinos say we are a dangerous place to be in. But the crime rate in New York or Washington is much higher than here. Some surveys fuel these speculators by publishing that we are a very corrupt country (way up in the list). I don't condone corruption, but I don't believe such pronouncements. They are counter productive. While not condoning the negative, we should show the positives.

An edifice you can destroy in just a few minutes; building it takes years and years to do. It is true also for institutions, countries and personal reputations. As a final word, all peoples should practice respect for each other. "So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them (Mt 7.12)." That is the golden rule.

Important Things

2005-04-18

Before anything else, I offer my apologies for some errors in my blogs; I checked my previous blogs and found errors in grammar, both real and technical (some characters are not rendered by the browser, etc.). Most of the time I just type and type continuously without reviewing the previous texts. Please ignore these errors, and of course I'll do my best to create a 'perfect' log. Look at the forest, not the tree.

While we go about our daily routines at home and office, and places in between, we might lose sight of the important things in life. Don't forget to greet people, smile at them and do anything appropriate as the need arises. If you can lend to anyone who needs it, lend; if you need to forgive, forgive. And because you take care of these important things, it will follow that the job at hand, any work you do, will be done the best way possible. Remember that doing your job diligently is the same as praying. People should work not because they have to, but because they like to do it. I hope I'm making sense here.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall gently upon your field,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen.

(an Irish blessing prayer)

John Paul II to Benedict XVI

2005-05-01

What else can I say? You pointed out what needed to be pointed out. John Paul II was a holy man. He was a faithful apostle of Christ since he was young until his last breath. No wonder he had such a significant personal impact on so many people, especially the youth. He radiated love and hope; he radiated Christ. As the bishop of Ottawa said in his homily during a requiem mass: "We never deserved to have John Paul II as our Pope. He was too holy for us. But Jesus knew we needed him so He gave him to us. Now he has been called home." We are blessed that we have a new intercessor in heaven. We now have a new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. I am very happy and pleased that Cardinal Ratzinger has been chosen as our new Pope. I already have this filial love for him. He will surely continue the work of the late John Paul II. Let us not forget to always include him and his intentions in our daily prayers.
[blog/comment from Joy]

Universal Prayer

2005-05-08

I believe, O Lord, strengthen my faith; I hope, may I hope with greater certainty; I love, may I love with greater ardor; I am sorry, may I have greater sorrow. I adore you as the Author of my being; I desire you as my end; I praise you as my perpetual benefactor; I invoke you as my sovereign protector. Direct me by your wisdom, restrain me with your justice; comfort me with your clemency; protect me with your power. I consecrate to you my thoughts, that I may think of you; my words, that I may speak of you; my actions, that they may be according to your will; my sufferings, for your greater glory. I want what you want, because you want it, as you want it, as long as you want it.

I beg you to illuminate my intellect, to inflame my will, to purify my body and sanctify my soul. May I shed tears for my past sins, repulse future temptations, correct my bad inclinations, practice hole virtues. O my God, grant me love of you, hatred of myself, zeal for my neighbor, contempt of the world. May I always obey my superiors, help my inferiors, be faithful to my friends, pardon my enemies. May I overcome voluptuousness by austerity, avarice by liberality, anger by meekness, lukewarmness by fervor.

Make me prudent in my plans, constant in danger, patient in adversity, humble in prosperity. Grant, O Lord, that I may be attentive in prayer, temperate in food, diligent in my duties, constant in my resolutions. May I always be vigilant to dominate my nature, to cultivate grace, to observe the commandments, to obtain eternal salvation. O Lord, teach me the unimportance of this world, the greatness of divine things, the briefness of time, the duration of eternity. Grant that I may always be prepared for death, that I may fear your judgment, that I may escape hell, that I may merit heaven. Amen.

(composed by Pope Clement XI)

Ubiquitous Index Finger

2005-05-08

The presence of the thumb set the Primates (monkeys, apes and man) apart from the rest of the animal world. It made us do a lot of things, thus facilitating the development of the brain, making it relatively bigger. What about the other fingers? Perhaps the most used and abused is the index finger. I'll now go to the point: it has become the "pointing finger".

When something goes wrong, the pointing finger works: who's at fault? When 9/11 occurred, some pointed at God as doing nothing to prevent it (destroying the faith of many); when hundreds of thousands died due to the tsunami (12/26/04), people did the same thing--blame the Creator. When the price of gasoline or other commodities rise, people blame the president; when a bombing happens due to terrorism, people point to the uselessness of the police, not the terrorists or criminals responsible for the crime. When a lot of people don't eat regularly and suffer a lot of misfortunes, people blame the government for not providing for the needs of its citizens, not the irresponsible parents who bear lots of babies (note, I love babies, lots of them but that's not the point here) without any resources for their future. Some TV documentaries show people in the slums without any real house and yet having ten children. Instead of pointing to the government for any misfortune, we should do something about it (concretely, not by useless talk).

Borrowing from Sr. Joan Chittister, O.S.B. in her book, The Rule of Benedict, Insights For The Ages: "It is not enough, [St.] Benedict implies, simply to distance ourselves from the bad. It is not enough, for instance, to refuse to slander others; we must rebuilt their reputations. It is not enough to disapprove of toxic waste; we must do something to save the globe. It is not enough to care for the poor; we must do something to stop the poverty. We must be people who bring creation to life." It is not enough to condemn the corruption in society (government, etc.); we must be honest in everything we do (if we get a traffic ticket, we receive it gladly and not try to bribe the poor cop, etc.). The people who have first hand information of any anomaly should do something for justice to thrive. "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry. The face of the LORD is against evildoers (Ps 34.13-16)..." As Sr. Joan Chittister concluded, "Once you have done these things, you will be in the presence of God."

Let's be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Therese

2005-05-23

Three Photos at Rommel's Wedding

2005-05-25

Some Photos Around Joy's Arrival

2005-05-31

You've Got A Friend

2005-06-06

The following song written by Carole King I remembered became a theme song of my high school senior class back in 1981. In this world of darkness which some people call the post-Christian era, the song offers a very positive thing. There is always a friend out there willing to help you in all your worries. In fact, God is there even if all our other friends fail us. So here goes...

When you're down and troubled
And you need some love and care
And nothin',
Nothin' is goin' right,

Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there,
To brighten up
Even your darkest night.

Refrain:
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come runnin' to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there.
(Yes I will)
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
Should grow dark and full of clouds
And that ol' north wind
Should begin to blow,
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud;
Soon you'll hear me knockin'
At your door. (Ref.)

Now ain't it good to know
That you've got a friend
When people can be so cold?
They'll hurt you,
Yes, and desert you
And take your soul
If you let them.
Oh, but don't you let them. (Ref.)

Yes, we are in a lot of darkness; but I really believe what the late John Paul II said that we are in the springtime of faith, a hope that should not die in time's passing. All men and women of good will should stand their ground, and not allow ourselves to be tossed around by the waves and lose our direction. Sooner or later, lines will be drawn; we'll choose the right path.

First Day of School

2005-06-06

Veritatis Splendor

2005-06-10

"What is truth? (John 18.38)"; as asked 2000 years ago by Pilate to Jesus, this question is the most thought-provoking. However the gospel passage did not record any philosophical answer from our Lord. It seems that it's a rhetorical question. Pilate didn't realize the person in front of him was Truth personalized, truth itself. Christ said in John 14.6 that he's "the way, and the truth, and the life"; no one goes to the Father, but by him. Furthermore, our Lord uttered, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you'll know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8.31-32)." This passage (truth will make you free) is always quoted by various people with different agenda, whether legitimate of otherwise, claiming its secondary meaning, which points to truth in general. But the context is that truth here points to Jesus Christ. So if you rephrase it, the verse may be rendered: "Jesus Christ will make you free." We cannot precisely say "God is true", or "God is truthful"; more appropriately, "God is truth."

The foregoing refers to the first connotation of truth; what we call absolute truth, referring to the truths on God, what we believe in; and truths on science or philosophy, what we determined in these disciplines. The second connotation of truth (what follows) refers to those "truths" that are obvious in day to day living. "I ate a pizza this morning" is such example of this truth, or "I slept at 12 last night", obvious truths (assuming I actually ate pizza and slept at that particular time). This second connotation becomes important in situations where the law is broken, or perhaps when a witness is called in any court of law or any investigative body.

In hotly contested court battles (or similar venues), both sides claim that they have the truth on their side. Here it becomes silly very fast; truth becomes abused. People swear by anything just to show they are on the right side. But what does scripture say here? In any kind of speech, the gospel in Matthew 5.37 mentioned that all we have to do is simply say Yes or No, and anything more than this comes from evil. Simply put, just tell the truth, directly, with a pure heart, without any motives underneath.

Jesus actually gave some pointers about people who are called to be witnesses. John 3.11 says: "Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen..." Say only what you are sure of, what you have seen or heard, not what you think or imagine happened. Words are so powerful that they can make or break a person's reputation. No wonder God made lying a very grievous sin that making false witness made it to the ten commandments.

The point of this short article? Tell the truth always, saying yes when we mean yes, and no when we mean no. One unfortunate corollary to this is that we are not sure whether people are lying or not. The threat of getting God's wrath if we lie is not effective.

Let's bring back the veritatis splendor (splendor of truth)!

Gabriel's 8^th Birthday

2005-06-14

Cardinal Sin

2005-06-23

Two days ago (6/21/05), the long-reigning archbishop of Manila (about a generation), and Primate of the Philippines, Jaime Cardinal Sin died of renal failure. He's a giant in recent Philippine history and well known in the church universal. For many people, a sign of contradiction.

Critics said that we should not mix politics and religion, church and state. But the Cardinal proved them wrong. Each individual has only one life. You're the same person on Sunday or weekday, in government or out of it, in politics or out of it, etc. No matter where we are, or in what situation we are in, we are one personality. Double personalities are considered freaks, characters in novels and movies. If followed strictly, then politicians will not be corrupt; people do the best they can in their occupation; or people are charitable not only on Christmas, but 24/7.

In 1983, when Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated, Cardinal Sin became the voice of the voiceless. People were afraid to speak out, fearing for their lives. But not Sin; in every opportunity he attacked the political leaders at the time, namely President Marcos and close government officials. What I don't see today is the respect he maintained towards Marcos. He respected his opponents. People today who attack the government disrespect the person of the president. To Marcos' credit, the Cardinal was not hurt amid this crisis.

In 1986, Cardinal Sin was very instrumental in what we call the first People Power revolution, which remained generally peaceful, and ousted the Marcoses, fleeing to the U.S. The outcome would have become bloody if not for him. Ultimately it was God's will that democracy was restored. This People Power phenomenon became a template for other countries to follow, especially in eastern Europe as is seen particularly in Poland. This link is sadly missing in the accounts of modern historians.

In between such momentous events, which again become controversial in this secular world, the Cardinal is spearheading the pro-life philosophy of the Church. He (as any Catholic should be) is staunchly against abortion and contraception, and such other technologies that experiment on the very early stages of human life. Life as echoed by Pope John Paul II starts from conception, and ends in natural death.

All are enjoined to fervently pray for the repose of his soul.

Ave atque vale!

Rambunctious Bunch

2005-06-23

Fiesta

2005-06-27

On June 29, we'll celebrate the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, the former being our patron saint here in Apalit. It's been traditionally celebrated for three days, from June 28 to 30. Streets are lined by all sorts of make-shift stores of various items, and thick banners that seem to form a roof above. Just go to the fairground for rides and local entertainment, which are anticipated by the young people. Because it's mainly a religious festival, masses in church are attended SRO, and various forms of prayers are said that include processions around the town, always accompanied by loud brass bands and occasional shouts of Viva Apung Iro! The image of St. Peter with papal paraphernalia is paraded, carried by the Knights of St. Peter and many volunteers. Along the way, food is being given generously, and firecrackers explode from all directions. People cut leafy branches from trees and shrubs (mainly guava for its medicinal value), and wave them around, not only for Apung Iro but for health throughout the year.

Before this procession that occurs late in the afternoon, fluvial parades populate the nearby Pampanga river; people in all sorts of boats are in joyous mode, trying to splash water at each other (in the vernacular we call this libad). St. Peter's pagoda is being towed using a long rope, by volunteer swimmers, and assisted by people along the river bank. Why have a water parade? St. Peter as we all know was a fisherman from Galilee in Palestine, before being called by Jesus to become one of his disciples; Jesus told him to become a fisher of men. The tiara points to the fact that St. Peter was the very first pope in the church, vicar of Christ on earth. I think it was St. Ambrose who said that "where Peter is, there is the Church".

All people are welcome here in Apalit and celebrate St. Peter the Apostle with us. In fact a lot of tourists come here, both foreign and local. While this celebration is so simple and down to earth, it is profoundly theological. The beauty of the Church's universality makes others who can't go here, to celebrate it in their own parish church in any part of the world; the mass is the same, including the scripture passages (cf. Acts 12.1-11; 2 Tim 4.6-8, 17-18; Mt 16.13-19).

Viva Apung Iro!

Fifth Estate

2005-06-28

The government is run by the 3 estates, executive, legislative and judiciary; fourth estate is the media. The fifth estate is fast gaining ground, the blog! But like the media, it's a two-edged sword, used for good and evil, legal and illegal, but the bottom line is the people or the reader or the blogger. You have to maintain your credibility. In the media if you falter, revenue will suffer (loss of advertisements). I think there are some ways of knowing the traffic to a certain blog site; if you lose your credibility, less readers will see your site. This particular blog just highlights the importance of blogs and I'm encouraging the reader to make or start a new blog.

Happy blogging to all!

What do UPCM grads ought to be?

2005-06-29

This inquiry was written by Eloy Marcelo, M.D., a class '91 classmate of mine (see contact data at the end) from UP. It's mainly addressed to my fellow UP Medicine alumni...

It started when I proposed that University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM) graduates be made to sign a social contract requiring them to serve for a period of two years (editor suggest 5 years) in an underserved area in the country after graduation. After this period of service, they can opt to do anything they want--even go to the U.S. (Note that this two years will include an informal postgraduate curriculum that nurtures these graduates as they serve the remote barrios--perhaps MPH?, perhaps Masters in Community Health Management?; it will not be a stagnation period).

Why do I propose this?

First, the cost of medical education has gone up (when we paid P10,000 ($400) for our clerkship year the dollar was at P25:$1). Presently, the students pay P11,000 ($200), an increase not commensurate with the peso devaluation over the past 14 years. (editor's note: as you can see the dollar equivalents, the tuition actually halved.)

Second, utilities have gone up tremendously. Our annual P13 M ($230 K) budget is spent mostly on the P1 M ($20 K) monthly Meralco bill. P1 M is left for the annual water bill. Faculty/ departments shell out their own for the paper, whiteboard markers, etc. for the courses they offer. We survive mostly from alumni contributions (this includes the faculty--many of whom have no salary).

Third, the College has been unable to get more subsidy from the government for many reasons but one of them is because we have been unable to demonstrate service very clearly--because half of our graduates are in other countries. It seems showing the service we offer at PGH is not enough to convince them of our value (I myself do not see the value of service purely from just a PGH setting. As residents, we learn as we serve in PGH--the motive is still personal development, not pure unadulterated service).

I think it is the option of any graduate of UP to practice wherever he/she wants (including other countries), but it is also his/her responsibility to show some form of payback for the scholarship that has been awarded. I think two years of government service is enough.

I don't think the issue is that half of our graduates end up in the U.S., but that they tend to leave without a demonstration of service which is expected from a scholar. (The college is not fault free here--the college has failed to provide opportunities for service also).

Having said that, I think it is unfair to require this return of service from graduates who have not been properly informed of this requirement, that was why I was proposed something like a pre-nuptial agreement be cast prior to enrollment (for batch coming in at 2006), with the incoming medical student fully informed of the responsibilities expected after he/she graduates.

What do you think? The school that has made us who we are is in a fiscal crisis. She needs our collective minds, the most brilliant minds this country has to offer, to come together and find solutions.

I expect responses from the 1991 community. Please bear in mind that my ultimate objective is to obtain more funds for the college--not mostly from the benevolence of our alumni, but rather from the contributions of various funding agencies (including congress) because they believe in the values that the UPCM stand for--the highest level of health service to the Filipino people, especially the underserved.

Alvin B. Marcelo, M.D.
Medical Informatics Unit, University of the Philippines, Manila
547 Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila
1000 Philippines

www.linuxforhealth.org/amarcelo
Telefax: 632-522-9231

This letter has been disseminated to all class '91 members. Since other readers will see this blog, it points to just one problem in the Philippine medical educational system, mainly from lack of funding. Concerned Filipinos (fields of education and health and government) are enjoined to think about this problem and act appropriately. It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Give Hope, Give Life

2005-07

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 1.2).

Magne's World is based in Apalit, Pampanga in the island of Luzon, biggest in the Philippine archipelago, and started in 2004, courtesy of Geocities (service ended 2009) of Yahoo!. The website is uncategorized and not limited to any subject matter, though a great part revolves around the Catacutan and Anicete (et al.) clans here, and abroad. The following may help in navigating this page.

You might have noticed the word Hope; hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1817). Hope is what this troubled world needs; give hope, give life.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5.3-12).

Rule of Law

2005-07-06

The following is one reaction of an ordinary Filipino citizen on the present national situation.

The political noise is all over, in the guise of seeking the truth; which on the contrary actually banishes Truth away. Truth in it's purest form comes to us in the silence of our hearts. People seeking the truth should first remove their biases, humble themselves and look inwards. For Catholics, the best place (if possible) is in Christ's presence in the most blessed sacrament. Hate should be out of the question; respect for people and institutions should be maintained. Then analyze the so-called evidence to see what's true, beyond a reasonable doubt.

In the present political situation, the only plausible route is the impeachment court (Congress) and leave it to the system whether the president is acquitted or convicted. Whatever the decision is should be respected. No more complaining, no more noise. The unsatisfied should just wait for the next election in 2010 (if the constitution is not changed), or until the government becomes parliamentary, and run in their districts. Absolutely no coup d'etat or even rumors of it. If this Rule of Law is not followed, we'll become a banana republic, the primary reason why a lot of African nations are very underdeveloped and poor. Maybe that's what they are after.

One good thing that may come out of this mess is a systematic change in our form of government to a pure parliamentary form; we'll have a Prime Minister, and annihilate the position of President to oblivion. And that prime minister can be removed more easily; no need for people power or coup.

Perhaps one final thought is that of humility. The president has sought for the nation's forgiveness and we should give that to her. People asked: "but what about the penance?", the answer is "Pray three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glory bes, and say the act of contrition." In my mind, the president will become more effective in governing the nation because of the virtue of humility. The constant attacks on her character and person is enough penance if you ask me. And perhaps the silent majority forgives a humble leader, like when King David sinned and subsequently repented.