Yapak ni Pio 2016

Last July 14, I was scrolling down along my Facebook feed, came up to see Valenzuela City’s Facebook post on the last call for professional photographers for the Yapak ni Dr. Pio 2016: Valenzuela City Landmarks Photo Walk. Without hesitations, I e-mailed the organizers, though I am an amateur photographer and consider, a newbie in this field, to secure a slot as per their instruction. Apparently, the only reason why I joined this project was to see the different landmarks around Valenzuela, the city where I grew up and to foster new friends as well. 

Yapak ni Dr. Pio 2016 was one of the events stringed as part of the week-long celebration of Valenzuela City’s local patriot, Dr. Pio Valenzuela on its 147^th birth anniversary. The photo walk primarily involves on the places that are significant on the life of the local hero.

I left 5:00 AM going to the city hall where the meeting place is, will took about 15 minutes upon commuting. Upon reaching the triumvirate monument, located in front of the city hall, an L300 van awaits. We are thirteen participants in all from different barangays of Valenzuela. Mostly are professional photographers while some are taking photography as a habit and a leisure.

We were facilitated by Jonathan Balsamo, museum curator at the Museo Valenzuela and Valenzuela City Museum.  According to Balsamo, Yapak ni Dr. Pio is a pioneering project. The city government of Valenzuela conducted this project to showcase the different landmarks of Valenzuela City and aiming to increase percentage of tourism, at the same time, to give consciousness to the residents of what the vibrant city has to offer. If the event will become successful, the city government would invest monetary contributions to get this launched significantly and be able to conduct every year, as Balsamo said. Indeed, the city was filled with historic landmarks that contributed to what is the city today.

First itinerary was Coloong Fishpond, located at Barangay Malanday, The photo walk started early because we were about to take pictures during the sunrise. Upon reaching Coloong Fishpond, everyone was instructed to be back at 6:30 am. There was a time allotted for every itinerary. I was kind of intimidated because everyone seem to be very precise in getting their own angles; from how their shots to be taken down to their owned instruments, from wide-angled lenses to tripods to different variety of cameras. Amateurishly, I was able to get my shots well and as a newbie, I guess my photos were perfect as of my perspective. Afterwhich, we went to Gary’s in Barangay Pasolo to have breakfast. As per Balsamo’s instruction, breakfast, lunch and dinner was shouldered by the city government of Valenzuela. (Yes to free meals!)

These were the list of the itineraries we went,

1. Coloong Fishpond in Barangay Malanday - Together with Barangay Malanday and the side barangays of district one, comprises with large fish ponds and fisheries and wide vast of farm as their primer source of income in most residents. Its geographical statistics, the first district of Valenzuela was a full body of water and got dumped by land throughout the years making it possible to reside. 

2. San Roque Chapel in Barangay Pasolo - The chapel was once been a fortress of British militaries during the Spanish Colonial era. The chapel attract residents and parishioners for its belief that through dancing inside the church makes one be blessed with a partner. 

3. San Diego Church and Bell Tower - The belfry was over four hundred years already, along its original gateway and arch. The main structure of the church was invaded and destroyed during the Japanese rule. It was renovated and rebuilt leaving the arch and the belfry as main focal point. 

4. Polo Park in Barangay Polo - The Mini-Rizal Park of Valenzuela was the oldest park of the city. 

5. Pio Valenzuela Elementary School - The elementary school which named after our city's local patriot. 

6. Pio Valenzuela's House in Baragay Polo - The house happens to own by the wife of Dr. Pio Valenzuela. Researchers mistakenly stated that Dr. Valenzuela was born in Brgy. Polo where the house was built; when its actually in Barangay Mabolo. 

7. Arkong Bato - The arch served as a boundary between Rizal and Bulacan during the American era. Before NLEX and McArhur Highway existed, it served as the main road to Northern Luzon. Currently, it is the boundary of Santulan, Malabon and Valenzuela City. 

8. Polo Cemetery - It is the oldest cemetery in the city. It lie the bodies of Dr. Pio Valenzuela and his wife. Also lie the bodies of former mayors of former Polo, now Valenzuela, such as Geronimo Angeles who serve the longest as Mayor. 

9. Dr. Buenaventura Tancingco's House in Barangay Pasolo - The house where most of the films of the late Fernando Poe Jr. and other stars were filmed.

10. Polo Train Station in Barangay Dalandanan - One of the dead train station of PNR. It was where Antonio Luna wrote Artikulo Uno and served as his office for quite some time. 

11. Museo Valenzuela - It is one of the city's main historical and cultural landmarks. It houses Valenzuela's precious memorabilia and artifacts. 

12. National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima - The center of Philippine Fatima Apostolate.

13. Japanese Cemetery - Along Don Pedro Street, lie the bodies of Japanese soldiers during the Japanese rule.

14. Valenzuela City Museum, Valenzuela City Hall,  Valenzuela People's Park - are among of the city's biggest projects during the the term of former mayor, Sherwin Gatchalian and incumbent mayor, Rexlon Gatchalian. 

17. D'Cove Fishing Pond in Barangay Tagalag - a 2-hectare fishpond which offers brightly colored pavillions which built stilts over water. They offer fishing services also! 50/kilo of tilapia and bangus.

The Photo Walk was ended by having dinner at the Valenzuela City Social Hall after we took pictures of the sunset at the view of Meycauayan River. This Photo Walk was fun and gained me experience engaging to something like this. I gained friends who's fond of taking professional photos. I consciously do not have any notions as regards photography however, its worth to try and experiement. Thanks to this! Oh! Actually, we are planning of putting up a club for photographers around Valenzuela City. This project was fun! I hope that the city government will continue to conduct projects such as this. And the best part is, our selected photos will be on exhibit this August.

Why I still blog?

In a span of seven days, my blogspot account is finally good to go with a fresh and sleek look. Its been a long time since I have made an article. God knows how much I love to write and compose an article. I almost stopped blogging since my college freshmen days. Currently, I have been working with my layout and itching with a new minimal design so that the contents may stand out. I have decided to change my layout for the simple reason that I was feeling uninspired to blog and I wanted to motivate myself again in blogging. I have changed my font for almost 10 times. I have changed everything; from background color up to its contents. I think that it'll help me in making good stories to share and have a quality content. I hope that every one around blogger community will like it. One step at a time, little by little, I'll be able to establish my blog again.

In a society wherein wide array of social media platforms, why you should still blog when you can Instagram and Snapchat instead? Social media sites come and go, such as Friendster and Multiply. Change is inevitable. In the contrary, you handle your own blog. Second, it may serve as your personal journal in a space where unfamiliar people or strangers may read your posts without being judged. Third, it practices my writing and my vocabulary skills. This is the main reason why I went back to blogging again. I want my literary and writing skills back. Lastly, I may express myself. I am pretty sure that there are a lot of people who loves to write as much as I do. Its writing in a digital platform. As you go on writing, it gives myself personal growth. It develops my creativity and satisfaction. It gives me self-satisfaction to see my articles posted. It will keep me from getting busy in finding blog-worthy things and keeping myself from not getting bored. 

Now, Just G will rekindle my relationship in writing subpar blogs and taking photographs amateurishly. Just G will serve as my new canvass and my new home as well. This is where I'll practice again with new adventures, confessions through words and photographs of my eccentric and eclectic interests rivetingly. 

I am going to blog my heart out and my heart's content. Happy blogging. Cheers! 

Singapore Pharmacy Congress

Last September 2015, I went to Singapore together with my co-author and my good friend, Shiru for the 25th Singapore Pharmacy Congress. My research was accepted for Mural and Oral Presentation. It was a milestone for me and my co-authors to represent our research and at the same time my university, Our Lady of Fatima University in an international, prestige and prominent institution for Pharmacy research. Before my research got accepted, two of my professors, Dr. Angelita Rodriguez and Ms. Maritess Abad, already went there for mural presentation. But before I get to share my experiences, lets go down memory lane on my journey.

Despite the discrepancies such as getting delayed for 5 hours, I was able to reached Changi Airport Terminal 3 by 5:30 am. It was already 7:30 am when I left my aunt's house from Simei to Havelock Road where the main convention is. I was accompanied by my aunt then for it was my first time traveling alone. I informed Shiru that I'll be able to meet her in Grand Copthorne Hotel already due to time constraints. She's needed to help me setting up our poster. Together with my aunt, we reached Grand Copthorne Hotel. I was in awe. The venue was beautiful and classy, people are hospitable and I got surrounded by Pharmacists around the globe. The vibe was inviting; making me more excited. 

The 25th Singapore Pharmacy Congress was co-organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore and National University of Singapore for their 110th Anniversary. The main congress themed: Pioneering Care for Tomorrow. The congress opened to much funfare with drum performance. Afterwhich, the chairman of the congress together with the Ministry of Health of Singapore opened the congress with a countdown and pressing the giant buzzer. After which, a breakfast buffet was served. Food was delicious and really got myself full. I needed to have food for I'll be presenting in the afternoon. Each delegate were given souvenirs and freebies from various pharmaceutical companies. The congress took two floors of the convention hall. Third floor was for oral and mural presentation, while the fourth floor was for the main hall, the buffet area and a place where sponsors may set up their stall. 

I went to the third floor to check all the posters and got the chance to read their abstract and know their topics as well. I also got the chance to present my poster to local and foreign Pharmacists. Several seminars were conducted simultaneously during the day.

The moment is on! Its time for my oral presentation. Each delegate nominated for oral presentation has a specific time frame on what time to present. When my time came, together with the judges and a small audience, I was able to present my research. My knees were shaking and I never mind my vocabulary whether good or bad. I really got nervous. Nevertheless, I explained and executed my research well. Afterwhich, I went to see my aunt in a coffee shop near the reception area. I never finished the first day of the congress, the host told everyone to be back at 8pm at the Hotel Fort Canning for a Dinner Gala. 

We have 5 hours before the dinner gala. So, we went to Esplanade to see the famous Merlion and the Marina Bay Sands. My aunt left me and Shiru to my cousin, Ate Ann. My aunt needed to pick her daughter from school, thats why. Together with Ate Florence, Ate Ann, Shiru and me, we went to Marina Bay Sands, Helix bridge and Orchard Road. It was already 7:30 pm when we reached Hotel Fort Canning. Other delegates were busy filling up the registration. A photo booth was set up to those who wants to get picture and served as souvenir as well. Shiru and I fell in line towards the photo booth  to have our own souvenirs. 

The dinner gala started by introducing Pharmaceutical Sciences of Singapore and National University Singapore. They collaborated the event for their 110th Anniversary. To keep other delegates entertained, the organizers conducted Pharmacy Idol and a grand Auction. Food was scrumptious by the way. 

It was a tiring day because of walking, however, it was fun and was a day to remember. 

On second day, I went back to the hotel and ended the congress; halfday. After which, I went to Bugis to buy pasalubong then went to Chinatown. 

Next day, my uncle accompanied me to Changi Airport until I got checked-in. Got landed in Manila by 11pm and my cousin fetched me by the airport and went Starbucks Morato. 

It was an unforgettable experience. I am more hopeful that I could get the chance to showcase more my research around the globe.

Me before you

Me before you works splendidly building and unfolding in a touching and emotional manner. The emotion is mostly presented in a patient and elegant way. However, the movie's issues arise when Will went to Switzerland to get euthanized. I stand by assessing a question; how will you face living a life that is far from what you have expected and wanted? Despite of its bitter-sweet moments, me before you is still touching and charming

Grow in numbers

Before getting my diploma, I had already taken the risk of finding the best university that suits my course. The profession I really dream of is in the realms of Interior Designing. I have set my mind to take the designing course. Before, I am really fond of watching programs that is correlated to house makeovers. Eventually, my world began to crash when my mother forced me to take Pharmacy. According to her, I am the only one who is taking up the Pharmacy course from our clan overcrowded of Nurses. Still, I had no choice but to love and embrace the course she wanted for me and set aside the course I dreamed for a long time.

Whenever I answer my classmates back in high school to what course I am about to take, they are always telling me that it is a tough one. And yes, they are right. Believe me, as a sophomore student, I have already experienced sleepless nights and restless days. Before getting huge amount of salary, you should overcome the difficulties of being a Pharmacy student. The subjects involved are too difficult. Even my current subjects, I find it too difficult which is why I really admire the people who pass the board exams. I can’t imagine that they have input all the topics into their brains. I can’t imagine myself memorizing compounds, generic names, pharmacology, pharmaceutics and chemistry. 

Being a sophomore; I believe that impressions don’t last. Being enrolled in almost a year and a half, I learned to appreciate and embrace the course I hated at first. I never expected that I would love my course so much. Being a Pharmacy student doesn’t end in a typical laboratory or classroom. Through the classmates I have met, the extracurricular activities and organizations I am involved and the professors who have nurtured me made a big part to love Pharmacy course.

Pharmacy is a righteous profession. Its main goal is to provide the consumers the right information about a certain drug such as dosage forms, drug actions, drug design and synthesis. In OLFU, the College of Pharmacy was established last 2000 and received its inaugural class of 50 students. But now, the university is dominated with students taking up the said course that is why the course is sometimes be called as the Second Nursing due to its rapid growth. I had former classmates who were already a licensed nurse and a licensed midwife, which were still eager to finish as drug practitioners in the future. According to them, it is an in-demand course. Because it is considered as one of the easiest work to be into while earning a lot, this made the profession to arise on the way to its peak. We’ll never know decades from now and I hope, we’ll still be growing in numbers.

Pride before Prejudice

To be a true-blue “Centralian”, one should know his roots. And after the MCU community celebrated its 106th founding anniversary last December, we will once again look back on how Escuela de Farmacia del Liceo de Manila, a private review class for pharmacy students, has grown into a venerable educational institution over the years. Thousands of professionals who have peopled this university for the past years are living proof of how efficient MCU is in living up to its mission of “developing people”. But believing the old maxim that “age doesn’t matter”, we new breed of Centralians are still troubled by questions which seek to find our own identity.  Has our beloved school really changed in aconsiderable magnitude since 1904? Are these changes sufficient enough to give us a clear understanding of what it is like to be a Centralian and how to take pride from such identity?

Nothing and no one in this world is perfect; MCU is not an exception to the rule. But this imperfection is an indispensable part of a process that leads to long-term growth and improvement. Our university has been trying its best to give students relevant facilities and opportunities to make their learning experiences even more worthwhile. As a matter of fact, the Learning Resource Center and the Students’ Day were both launched last semester to cater the Centralian students’ increasing needs for knowledge and leisure.  Nonetheless, the process of change for MCU has never been a cakewalk. A lot of students are still finding a lot of flaws both on the internal and external aspects of our school. We often nitpick on 

the school’s policies regarding our uniforms, our “lack” of involvement in sports activities outside the school, and a lot of things here and there that sometimes lead us into questioning our school’s 106 years of existence inconsiderably.  Do we really have anything to be proud of as a Centralian? On a true-blue Centralian’s point of view, this question would be a walk in the park. The key lies in our past.We all have our own fair share of a ‘dark past’ and again, MCU is not perfect to have none. During the Second World War, MCU temporarily closed its doors and, as a result, the Japanese forces occupied its buildings and systematically looted its facilities, laboratory, equipment, museum, among others, leaving only the shell of its two buildings. But history showed us how our school turned out to be a “phoenix” that rose from its ashes. Since then, MCU has produced well-rounded professionals and topnotchers in the fields of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, among others. But in reality, producing topnotchers on a yearly basis is not the true measure of ‘quality education’ that MCU holds on to. Our school always ensures that the quality of education it offers reaches every student, average or superior in I.Q., who wants to fulfill his or her dreams. It’s the true essence of education that will last a lifetime, not the accolades that involves only few portion of a school’s population. And no matter how imperfect things are, we are lucky enough that the administration has been very open to every student’s suggestions and criticisms, using 

The Pharos as the critical avenue of communication over the years. From comfort room renovation to a newly synchronized university clocks, we’ve seen enough to believe that MCU has been striving hard to meet or even 

exceed our expectations. We may not be involved in UAAP or NCAA but it’s the balance between studies and sports that we still promote. We should remember that there is always a perfect time for everything to come into place. MCU is not perfect but it always aims for perfection.

In reality, it’s not the school where you came from that will secure you a place in the job market. It’s on how you utilize that knowledge your Alma Mater has apportioned for you. Many years from now, we will realize that being a Centralian is not just carrying a school’s name. It’s all about being the best that we can become, rising above every adversity that comes our way, and acknowledging the fact that although we knew nothing, MCU was there to give us the “fruit of knowledge” with a shelf life of forever. That’s the true “Centralian” spirit that has inhabited this institution since 1904. Hence, we don’t have the right to despise MCU after its 106 years of fruitful existence. We have myriad reasons why we have to take pride on our name. All we need to do is to review our timeline and choose between 

pride and prejudice. It’s about time to choose pride

Real definition of LOVE

What is the one emotion that has everyone mystified? What is the one emotion that has started as many wars as it has ended? What emotion has had more plays, songs, and stories written about it than anything else?  LOVE. The main emotion that makes enemies into friends and friends into enemies. So many legends surround this emotion, from the goddess Athena and Helen of Troy to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and so many more.

Love comes in so many different levels, that it doesn't appear to be the same emotion at all, but it is. It can tear people apart and make us do irrational things to bringing together entire nations. What can this emotion not do? It's hard to tell, but there is a lot it can.

This emotion, bring tears to our eyes when something happens to our family members, friends, and pets. When we feel love ripped from us, as in death or being spurned by another, we do things we wouldn't normally do, such as go on violent rampages, or mourn to the extent that our loved ones have to watch us constantly to make sure we don't try anything like suicide. Some can move on, always remembering the lost loved one after a while, but others can not let go. These are the ones that need our love and support the most.

There are so many levels to love, that I can only express a few of them here. These are the ones we see most in life. Friendship starts this list off. Yes, it doesn't seem like it, but we do feel love towards our friends, this is what helps us get along so well, and why we miss them when we don't see our friends for a long time. It's also why we hold certain friends over others no matter what happens. Sometimes, the bond between friends deepens to the point where a stronger bond of love is made, making them family.

Another level of love, are for our siblings and other family members. Even though we do things to our family members, and sometimes we don't like some of our family, that bond is still there. It's this family bond level of love that brought about the phrase, blood is thicker than water. We will do things for our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children before we would even consider doing them for anyone else. Many wars have been started because of this family level, brother avenging brother or father, father protecting his wife and children, or even vice versa. This simple family bond can even extend to include our pets, amazingly enough, and that is a good thing.

A third level to love, is the bond that brings man and woman together. This level is among the strongest of them all. It is this level of love that has brought together kingdoms into nations in the past, and ended many great wars. It's is also for the love of a woman that has started a few of our well-known wars, like the Trojan Wars of ancient times. It's brought together families that have argued for years and years, such as in the Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet. Even though the two mentioned killed themselves in the end, it still brought their families together.

The last mentionable level of love is that bond between a mother and her children. There is no stronger, nor will there ever be. This bond starts from the very first tiny fluttering of movement and never ends, even after death of the child. A mother protects her children in the name of love, and directs them through life using it as the example to follow. Well, at least it should be. It's because of her children a mother will work at a job she hates, just to make sure they have everything they could ever want or need.

The phrase, love makes the world go round is very true. It's is our driving force, for what ever reason it may be. Poems, plays, and legends can only briefly touch the true meaning of love. We can only feel what that meaning is, and express it in ways only we can understand towards another. The true question we should be asking is not, what is life, but what is love.

What is love? I don't know, but I'll do what I can to express it to my family and friends, and to ever will own in the best possible way that I can.