EMchanted Hub

I heard it even in the silence. I felt it until my way home. I saw it with the colorful bright lights on. We were in love. It was true love. 

That feeling made my ball memorable last February 19.  Everyone was at their best mask that night hiding the blues and giving off pleasure. From their sneaking eyes, I saw how grand and fascinating the event was. It gave me joy and made me feel the real love, not that romantic type of love but rather a more genuine one of which I knew will cause me much pain after 25 days. 

My senior high school life has given me a new taste of delight and with Zeus on it, it is incomparable. It hurts me so much thinking that someday they will only be traces of my history and that I will never get the chance to get back and experience them again. The screams and shouts, laughter and tears, the jams and chitchats, the room of memories, the teachers, and those beautiful faces of reality and hope – I will miss all of them. Now that we’re near to the end, it seems like a year is not enough for me. 

I was smiling and laughing that night but deep within, I was already feeling the sadness of losing them. I guess it’s always like that when you really are in love. I love my senior high life; I love Zeus, which is why my heart was pricked.

The night was even more momentous when I read the class prophecy I made for us, well not just made but deeply envisioned for us.  I owe my co-students a big part of the wonders and success of my life so I didn’t let the chance of speaking for their dreams to slip away. That prediction of mine to our future is my way of showing them my support and I belief that they can reach their goals and be that someone they dream of. 

Through their claps, yells, laughs, and even silence, together with the shimmering lights, I experienced the real cheer of life and love even when the show was over and I’m already on my way home. That was really “amore” back there. We were definitely in love. 

My dreams never left my mind each passing day of my ever challenging life and I know, same thing goes on with everyone of you (na bisan unsa pa man imong ginasagubang makahunahuna ka sa imong mga gusto someday). We live for our dreams of which that fuel us to get up every day despite the hardships. And for me, being here today is already a great blessing knowing that finally hapit najud ko maabot sa Yehey part of my life.

Well earlier, memories has taken back and for this moment, let our dreams take us forward. Let’s set our time travel machine to 2028 and see how things go after the ten long years.

I was awaken by the loudest and annoying scream of my nephew playing his mobile game of which he kept saying was the coolest of all times. He always said it was cool and hopes to make one soon in the future just like his idol Kim Raya did, the maker of his game. I stretched up and turned on my spotify playing the song of Merrymie Gellipa on the playlist of Top Hits Philippines 2028. Yes! It’s 2028, and today is February 19, ten years after the ever historical Graduation Ball.

Many things have changed into our lives since that moment and I witnessed those changes as I go to school and work every day passing the busy roads of Nabunturan City. After some moments of preparing myself, I went to the kitchen and read the stacks of magazine at the table while eating breakfast. The first magazine was the “Philipine Primer” of which featured my favorite cakes, dishes, and yummy everything from “Kusina ni Ameathon” owned by the chefs Jhea Gallentes, Janzeane Marie Nanali, Jeddediah Alcantara, Judy Gacus, and Lorrien Beldera. The mag also presented the recipes of the famous one, Chef Kaye Lorelie Batar. The next pages made me crave for the yummy treats so I transferred to the next magazine which covered Ruben Tablina, one of Asia’s top models, who is at the same time an author having the best seller book which I saw at the National Bookstore lately. The content surprised me when I saw a lovely kiddo, the daughter of Shannen Kate Logronio and Al Dexter Quiban, as she nailed the world in her performance at the “Little Big Shots PH”.

I was about half of my plate when my phone rang. It was a call from Kizel Marie Lumantas, a classmate and now a teacher of our dearest NNCHS. She invited me as a guest speaker for the ribbon cutting and inauguration of the school’s new building which was designed by Architect Jill Eden Faye Humol and worked by Engineer Cris King Senagan. Teacher Kizel also noted me that we will be meeting at the school’s gymnasium of which she is proud to say “nahuman na jud after all these years” and that’s thanks to Engineer Justine Bryle Macaso.  After she hung up, she said that we will be meeting everyone so I should be there and so I did said yes.

When I finished my morning routine, I said goodbye to my dogs and reminded my Mother that the puppies will be having their check up with Doctor Philip Ronnin Sibayan at 10 AM. I drove my nephew to school who is still playing his game so I told his teachers, Ms. Aliah Nowein Buchan for English, Mr. Jun Anthony Navales for Math, Mr. Robert  Casil for Science, Ms. Jennyvev Tancio for Filipino, and Mr. Roi Vincent Tayco for MAPEH, to get his phone and make him sing and dance as awesome as they do in front of the class when caught playing his game. On my way to work, something went wrong to my beebee car so I checked it and saw that the wheels are not good. Luckily, there is a shop nearby (so wala kaayo ko nagstruggle) owned by Benjamin Hermosura, well it is not just a small simple shop but a huge and progressive one. A staff told me that successful co-technicians settling from different parts of the world worked together with Mr. Hermosura such as Mr. Johnfe Alasa-as from Manila, Mr. Johnjale Cabatlao from Dubai, and Mr. Christian Joe Lupiba from Singapore, Mr. Jake Mark Abapo from Japan, and Mr. Dexter Dumile from London.

The aura was somehow busy when I reached work. I was walking down the hallway when I heard someone calling “Hey Doc!” I turned back and said “AGURAAA!” teasing. It was Marjay Loren Agura R.N carrying a patient’s chart with somewhat an urgent matter. When she left, I continued walking to my office and passed by the nurse station. I saw Nurse Helen May Lebron catering the patient admissions and Megan Reyes, the head nurse, accommodating endorsements at the table. I bumped into the ever blooming head pharmacist of the hospital Erica Ann Abao and the funny one, Pharmacist Jayra Juab “It’s going to be busy a day dude!” And yes, duties filled my whole day. Well, I’m used to it. It’s always like that when you’re the Resident Doctor on duty and it would be even more stressful if Doc Clyde Jayson Cosadio would go on a vacation with her adventurous wife (adventurous because she’s a geologist), Twilight Mahilum.

Before I drove home, I went shopping some groceries at Romero’s, a supermarket by the highway near Km 90 owned by a close friend, Crischel Ann Romero. I didn’t saw her there because she was in Manila for a business trip together with Venus Narvacan. Venus is a model and also an owner of about 18 beauty salons and boutiques in ComVal. They both shared their overwhelming experience on their flight as they heard a familiar voice on the PA, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome on board to the Philippine Airlines flight PR – 143 to Manila. This is Capt. Kent Raya and with me is my co-pilot Kurt Justine Revelo…” They were both startled and wondered if the pilot was our classmate, then someone tapped Venus. "Ma'am we're about to take off. Please fasten your seatbelt," said the familiar voice which was Angelica Tan's, a flight attendant.

As I finished buying the essentials, I remembered that my mother gave a list of things to buy at the hardware so I went to the store where I usually go for such things; I saw a familiar face of which I remembered a former classmate in elementary, Mr. Joemarie Amor, who is now a professional in electrical installation and maintenance. When we finished the little talks, I suddenly remembered my nephew who is probably straining his eyes in an internet café. I went to Raylar Bulaco’s Raysheen Internet Café at Purok 4 but he was not there, to Clarice Jane Camarin’s KentaJean Net Café at Purok 13 but still no sign of my nephew, and finally to Dodong.com, one of the 50 internet cafes Kiziah Abenoja owns in the whole Davao Region, where I heard the shout of my nephew and where I dragged him out. I suspected that things might go wrong with my nephew’s eyes if he would continue to abuse them so before we went home, I brought him to Doc Stephen Abenales’ clinic for some check up and to find an eyewear fit for him.

We were driving along the downtown road and everything was quite different, from what it was 10 years ago, with all those gigantic billboards. Huge pictures of Joshua Pinojermoso endorsing “Master, sekreto ng mga gwapo” caught my attention. On the other side was Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Jien Ryle Patunob modeling the Zeus Corporation, the top construction and civil engineering company in the Philippines which owned by Eng. Patunob herself, Eng. Emmanuel Carancho, Eng. AC Lumasag, Eng. Jovanie Cabanig, Eng. Yolando Serjas, Eng. Abbyl Balangan, and Eng. John Paul Pamaylaon and Eng. Justhine John Monton.

It was indeed a stressful day so after dinner I hurriedly went to my room to rest and somehow prepare my speech for tomorrow’s event. To let my nerve chill, I read my favorite stress reliever book written by Psychologist Jessabyl Balangan. She just never fails to give the best advice to everyone. After that, I prayed, thanked for the great blessings and asked for forgiveness, called it a day.

The day of the ribbon cutting came and I was very excited because I would finally see my second home for 11 years and the faces that once made my life the best. The alumni from different batches arrived little by little at the event. The celebrities, Daphne Chan Poliquit and Kint Dave Panon were the most awaited, specially their fans. I was surprised when Ma’am Princes Cherrymae Llacuna, the head teacher of science department, introduced me to their new principal, Ms. Bea Phoemella Taray, Ed.D. I also met my former classmates who are finally geodetic engineers just like what they’ve hoped for, Eng. Anro Fabe Dagohoy and Eng. Rosie Mae Atibor. On the way to the comfort room, I met my neighbors Therese Joy Inso who now works at the Provincial Capitol as a computer programmer and Victor Manalili Jr. who is currently a registered nurse and is planning to enter military. Upon hearing Victor being an R.N., Therese remembered Chiara Sofia Nicolas who can’t come to the event because of her busy schedule being a nurse abroad. Among the VIPs who arrived was the General Gezzan Dave Urbano, the PNP Chief Secretary, who is accompanied by Colonel Verenice Dianne Fuentes, the DOST’s Secretary Vincent Marmito,  and Vinje Joshua Sumile, the Chairman and CEO of Philippine Red Cross.

The program was about to end when my phone rang. It was a call from my mother telling me that I have to go home because of an emergency. I felt very nervous and hurriedly bid farewells to everyone saying that we'll see each other again next week for the real reunion. When I got home, something seems strange. I went inside and was super shocked when I saw that funny smile of my ex-boyfriend meeting me by the door. So this was the emergency my mother was telling about, my husband, Justine Rome Ardepuela coming home after years of long distance relationship (that's because he chose his career abroad over me so LDR) hahahaha. 

The short time we spent together during the event was amazing and astonishing, getting to see some old friends and heard good news about the others. I reminisced and just realized that my Alma Mater was indeed like a huge factory of leaders and great individuals. Moreover, I am proud to be one of them.

Well, there will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits. I say to you, my co-students, that everything may seem unreachable but if we will keep on fighting for it with a brave heart, every single word will come true.

Good luck to each and everyone and may the prophecy come to reality.

"Let this lovely night inspire you, the love you feel guide you, the smile in your face move you, and the love of God show you the way."

God bless us all! 😇

My days there were as if songs. Every day the music turns on and I was there to sing along. Knowing the fact that I love what I’m doing makes it much easier to master every piece but whenever things go wrong, when notes go out of tune and lyrics go out of rhyme, I always strive to keep up. I had the best album for the whole immersion period. Each song is different from the other and I badly don’t want to end making more and more. 

On the second day of February, the last song was played. All I hoped back then was to keep turning it on and never let it stop because I know a sad beautiful goodbye lies in the last note. Our seniors at the hospital spoke about having a program for our last day but we chose to help them in their duties like a normal day. But somehow for me it was more special, it was much better that way because I had the chance to make the most out of my experience with the job environment I hope to have in the future. 

Yes, I did everything I can to make my immersion period super worth it. I didn’t want regret to haunt me when I can no longer do something. So I went to the laboratory and tried venipucture for the seventh time and hoped that that “tusok” would finally be perfect. Well, fortunately I did it, thanks to Clyde’s awesome vein. I also didn’t let even one urinalysis to pass without me doing the chemical tests and centrifuge thing. I also catered the basics for examining poops. I did what I can with my utmost desire because I don’t know when would be next time to do such things or should I say I don’t know if I could ever do it again. I would just cross my fingers for what may happen in the future.

In the afternoon we took the assessment test which comprises the questionnaires from the five departments we’ve been during the whole period of immersion. I could probably say that it was one of the best tests that I took ever, not because I got a great score but because it was so cool engaging with things I never thought I would and so smart to outrun my meticulous way of answering tests that I got a zero score in one part.  The accounting department’s questionnaire was super tricky like “wala jud ko kasagang”. It made me realize that being lazy is prone to mistakes and I should really follow instructions properly, like I MUST take things seriously.

The completion certificates were given, we shared yummy ice creams, took pictures, bid farewells, the day ended, and we were finally done with the good days. It is not the type of goodbye of which everyone was crying. We were keeping up our smiles but I know deep within, our hearts were somehow emotional and hurting for saying goodbye to those awesome times with awesome persons and with our ever wonderful dreams.
Being there was somehow a step close to our dreams as medical professionals. For 12 days, I know my heart beats with those types of rhythm, the songs fit my taste perfectly, and it is where I belong, there where we serve and save people. However, no one knows what the future holds. I may or may not achieve my dreams but as long as I live, I will stay positive. I will continue to work hard and dream for it because great things come to those who wait. For now, goodbye medical field, I’ll be back anytime soon. 

Everyone has their own destiny but not everyone makes the choice to follow it. Me? Well, I’m lucky because I guess I just did.

Back then, I was uncertain of what path I would take for college. Choosing what course to take is like choosing between where I should be and where I wanted to be; and recently, after all the days of deep thinking, doubting and hoping, I finally made my decision.

Pursuing the science of saving lives is the greatest desire of my heart but our financial status is telling me that it would be quite impossible to make it happen for real. Well, the big “but” is nothing can stop a raging heart. I surrounded myself with positivity and yes, I chose to be immersed in the field I wanted to.

The first day of our immersion made me felt so great to the point that I never thought I would have such feeling. It is not because it was a grand welcome but because it filled me with excitement knowing that I’ll be spending my 10 days learning and knowing more about something that I love.

Miguel O. Cabrera Memorial Hospital Corporation (MCMHC) gave us so much to look forward to. Our pretty immersion teacher, who is a Medical Technologist of the hospital, has prepared and settled everything for us. She toured us in the small hospital and introduced us to different departments filled with people of warm smiles. It was not just a mere orientation for the whole day because we were also given the chance to observe their duties in the hospital, ask questions, and perform a little bit (on the pharmacy). We were even able to witness a catheter procedure and indeed it was extraordinary experience for me. Everyone was kind and I knew in that moment that I’d love my stay in this place.

For the whole immersion period, we will be staying one day in the information corner and two days each for the other departments namely: Accounting Department, Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Nurse Station. Our teacher provided us with a well-organized schedule for our assigned department of which we will be doing with a partner. Each department is a whole lot different experience and it is such a nice thought to think of. We will be exposed to different works and we will be able to gain different learning and develop different skills. It might be quite tiring but I know it would all be worth it in the end.

I could feel that I made the right choice and the next days of my immersion will prove it. I would either be gaining motivations or disincentives from this experience and I’m excited to know about it. For now, I am happy for what I chose. It was a hard decision but luckily my heart is more stubborn than I thought. It led me to a decision I would forever be proud of, to a step where I follow my dreams. 

For I believe this is my destiny, therefore this is my choice. 

January 5, 2018 – I didn’t expect that day would leave me so much to remember. Lifelines, reality, and best experience? I had them all. I had them right there where I never thought I wanted them, just like an invisible air.

That was the first moment I ever encountered a send-off ceremony – one of the perks being the first batch. I attended the practice asking myself why this thing needs to be so grand, what it is for us, and how things will be done. Later I have realized walking there in the procession and sitting there in my chair, being part of the program was greatly significant for me and for everyone.

It was a milestone where we were opening a new chapter in our lives, filling the introduction with best punch lines and good scenes by making the event successful. Lighting the candle with my ever supportive aunt (because my mother is dealing with another equally important matter) gave those strange mixed emotions for the reality. The happiness that I’ve made it to that point of my life, the excitement for the next days to come, and euphemism of sadness that such moment calls for a goodbye to the “chuy” people – I felt all of them and they left my physical being nothing but goose bumps.

Like what they always do, those great persons sitting in the front fed our minds the best food through their messages. Life lessons, challenge, and motivation were brought together and listening was already an opportunity and a great experience but sharing and speaking was even more fascinating. Well, I never saw it coming. I speaking nearly unprepared in front of everybody would probably be the most horrifying story ever; luckily my friends were there to share the fear with me and cheer me up.

Indeed, the unbelievable things are usually those that comes unexpectedly. Looking back to everything that happened that day still makes me smile. I learned a lot and the speech sums up everything. Once and for all, I am thankful and forever will be.