10 great things about being admitted in the hospital

I wasn’t the one admitted, it was my father – who is currently suffering from liver disease. Being the nurse in the family, I am the one that is left in the hospital room with him when the visiting time is over. He had infection and the doctor decided to admit him immediately. My sister and I joked about it, telling pops that we were on vacation. Yes, I am worried – very much so. We try to keep things light in the family. Pops is a worry-wart and we (my sister and I) form a perfect diversion.  Him being sick is perhaps this is one of the reasons why I prefer to work at home, to take care of him. According to statistics, the average age of men dying is 65, my pops haven’t received his senior citizen’s ID yet, so we are optimistic that he’s going to live for many years.

When he was diagnosed with the liver disease, the doctor opted for home treatment. He was relieved of the symptoms and worked hard on his habits and diet. I know it was hard for him, I even remember him asking me if he was dying. I told him not to get excited because he was going to get well, even if I spend every centavo I earn to buy him those liver vitamins. Yes, there is no cure with liver diseases because the organ regenerates by itself. Usually, what they have are just vitamins to boost the regeneration of the liver, and it doesn’t come cheap. He gave up drinking and unhealthy eating. So far, so good until the hematuria (Google it!).  This thing brought us to the hospital and now, here I am, away from my beloved desktop and shelves. All I have right now is my netbook, BB and a whole lot of caffeine.

Look into the bright side and try to block your senses with the bills, because that is one thing that makes hospital admissions hell – knowing every day the bill increases. Every time the laboratories are requested, they are going to find something wrong and they are going to prick you until they found out what the heck is wrong with you or until your vein collapses. So, here are some nice things about being admitted:

1. No work and more TV! (as for me, more time to read books on my mobipocket reader). Got several stuffs here recently uploaded and couldn’t wait to read it while sitting and waiting for our discharge notice.
2. Air-conditioned room, it’s really cold that I have to wear my (brother’s) jacket. Considering it is hot outside, this is a blessing.
3. Free food. But I don’t eat my pop’s food since it is full diabetic diet and low in cholesterol – it’s like chewing something inside your mouth and not really sure if you are eating of just exercising your jaws until you swallow. Visitors who come brings food from different fast food chain. Ummmm… wait…. Okay. This may not be great after all. I’d probably be obese by the time we get out of here.
4. Non-stop water. The water is free flowing and you don’t have to schedule when you should take a bath.
5. Free electricity. I can go online 24/7 without worrying about electricity bills and even charge all by phones at the same time.
6. Family reunion. You text every member of the family and poof! Instant family reunion.
7. Cuties. There are a lot of cute nurses and doctors roaming around the hospital when you go site-seeing. Of course, I don’t get out of the room too much, I hate to imagine bacteria clinging unto my shirt. Not good for pops.
8. Review my old stuffs.  It is hard when one of the folks belong to the medical field. He or she is going to have a field day asking questions about this and that. When I was on duty, it was always mentioned in the endorsement that there is a nurse/doctor from this or that room. If I have any choice back then, I wouldn’t want to be assigned in there. But since I am the folks right now, I wanted to know what and why they are injecting stuffs to my pops. I need some explanation, and of course a review of my old notes. I’m cannot suck all information from the books and retain it in my brain, so I check them out again to make sure that they are doing the right thing and not experimenting. I have been staying long inside the hospital, and I know a lot of clinical errors to list them here.
9. Get to spend your insurance. My father doesn’t have one but mom made him beneficiary or dependent on hers (I don’t really understand the technical terms) but at least, you get to use what you have pai for.
10. You get well. That’s probably the best thing for almost all cases. You get the best possible care and everything will be checked. 

Nevertheless,  there is no place like home...

The OC's Lists of Almost Anything: 10 movies I'd love to watch over and over again

I am not a movie person, although there are movies I'd love to watch over and over again such as these films. 

1. Lake House

I love this movie because of the plot, it is something different from the usual romantic flicks I watched. It is out of the ordinary and a nice ending. 

2. Harry Potter 1 & 7 Part 2

We all have seen Radcliffe and the rest of the gang grew up on the big screen. The first movie, although deviated from the book is nice, I love the old Dumbledore. 

The effects of the last movie were as magical as I could have ever dreamed. I like this maybe because I knew this was the last movie I could ever watch the HP gang: Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

3. Transformers (Dark Side of the Moon)

I'm glad Fox was out of the picture. I just didn't like her. Couldn't imagine until now how Even Steven grow up to be a hunk.

4. Time Traveler's Wife

I watched the movie prior to reading the book, so I appreciated it quite well. I like the time-travelling thingie and the genetic disorder explanation - although I don't think it exists - it's more interesting than a time machine

5. He's Just Not That Into You

It's a wake up call for everyone who is blinded by love. 

6. X-Men

Hugh Jackman is hot! Of course, its all about the special effects and all those mutant superpowers I secretly wish to have. 

7. Angels & Demons

The places I wanted to see! Robert Langdon is so smart I wanted to have his brain for a minute or two. I love the chase and suspense. Although I hate what they did to the screenplay, I guess the effects were worth it. 

8. Shark's Tale

It's a funny and heartwarming animation. I adore a vegetarian shark.

9. Iron Man

Tony Sparks is my man! He's sarcastic, funny, intelligent and rich. 

10. Pirates of the Caribbean

Depp entertains me as Sparrow. The movie is not just fun to watch, but it is action pack that will leave you off your seat. 

The OC’s list of almost anything: 10 of my favorite series

Harry Potter Series (JK Rowling)

I started when I was in high school, after I watched the first Harry Potter movie. After seeing such a different and magical world, I decided I should get my hands on these series. Completed my books, loved each one of them, but I never liked the movies. It never gave justice to the books.

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1997)

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)

3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)

4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)

6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)

7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)

The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

I didn’t read the book first because of the cover, a friend of mine recommended this when I didn’t have anything to read and I was totally hooked. It is an urban fantasy – one of the firsts I have ever read. I fell in love with Peeta. I was just glad that the three books were already published before I started reading.

1. The Hunger Games (2008)

2. Catching Fire (2009)

3. Mockingjay (2010)

It's a boxed set, and still inside the box. I just couldn't open it.

Millennium Trilogy (Stieg Larsson)

I haven’t finished the trilogy. YET. But I have loved the first book and looking forward to read the rest. I’m crossing my fingers they’re worth it.

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2008)

2. The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

3. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest (2009)

Bridgerton Series (Julia Quinn)

Julia Quinn is one of my favorites Historical Romance author. I love the Bridgerton series because it has plots I have never encountered in other historical romances before. I love the way she writes and depicts her characters. You see someone different from everyone every time you open a book. Eight Bridgerton Siblings, the first letters of their names starts with the first eight letters of the alphabet.

1. The Duke and I (2000) – MY FAVORITE!

2. The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000)

3. An Offer from a Gentleman (2001)

4. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (2002)

5. To Sir Philip,with Love (2003)

6. When He Was Wicked (2004)

7. It's in His Kiss (2005)

8. On the Way to the Wedding (2006)

Percy Jackson Series (Rick Riordan)

I like the plot: Greek Mythology in the 21^st century. I love this series because it was fun to read and go with Percy in their adventures. It refreshed my Greek Mythology lessons when I was in high school. It didn’t stop on the first book, the rest were also great reads!

1. The Lightning Thief (2005)

2. The Sea of Monsters (2006)

3. The Titan's Curse (2007)

4. The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008)

5. The Last Olympian (2009)

Some of these were gifts during my birthday.

Malory Series (Johanna Lindsey)

This is one of the most long-standing series I have ever read, started when my mother decided I can read this stuffs, I was in high school. Johanna Lindsey writes the best Historical Romance, poignant tales that can make or break your heart.

1. Love Only Once (1985)

2. Tender Rebel (1988)

3. Gentle Rogue (1990)

4. The Magic of You (1993)

5. Say You Love Me (1996)

6. The Present (1998)

7. A Loving Scoundrel (2004)

8. Captive of My Desires (2006)

9. No Choice But Seduction (2008)

10. That Perfect Someone (2010)

Courtship Wars Series (Nicole Jordan)

If you want to read hot, sensual mixed with great fiction – try reading Nicole Jordan.

1. To Pleasure a Lady (2008)

2. To Bed a Beauty (2008)

3. To Seduce a Bride (2008)

4. To Romance a Charming Rogue (2009)

5. To Tame a Dangerous Lord (2009)

6. To Desire a Wicked Duke (2010)

Hush Hush Series – Becca Fitzpatrick

I’m really not into Paranormal Romances – but when I bought this Series during a sale, and started reading it, I just couldn’t stop. Only problem is, I was left with a cliffhanger and the last book won’t be released until 2012.

1. Hush, Hush (2009)

2. Crescendo (2010)

3. Silence (2011) 

Westmoreland Series – Judith Mcnaught

I love Judith Mcnaught, most especially this series. She four different stories, each filled with raw passion and emotion.

1. A Kingdom of Dreams (1989)

2. Whitney, My Love (1984)

3. Until You (1986)

4. Miracles (1995) (in A Holiday of Love)

Calhaun Series – Nicholas Sparks

Too bad they killed Noah on the first movie, the Wedding is his best novel (in my opinion). If you want to read an emotional novel, the ones that can make you cry – try these titles.

1. The Notebook (1996)

2. The Wedding (2003)

10 nice restaurants where I soooo love to eat

I am an oral person and I love to eat. The whole family loves to eat, even when I go to places, I try to eat on restaurant or fast foods which I couldn’t find at home. However, of course, there is no place like Iloilo. Besides the churches, tourist or newbie here should try to eat at several restaurants found in the city. They’d be craving for more, I am sure. Try out the famous La Paz Batchoy first, a choice from the two famous here: Ted’s La Paz Batchoy and Deco’s (trust me, the instant La Paz Batchoy in cups could not compare). I once saw in Cebu their version of batchoy with cabbage – what the?!!! Even those instant cups don’t have cabbage, right? Anyway, after trying out the sinful batchoy, off you to several others.

Gerry’s Grill – I so love their sisig. It’s sinfully delicious, especially with the chicharon, I couldn’t have any egg to go with my sisig, thanks to the allergies. There is no Gerry’s Grill in Iloilo, but every time I go to Manila or Cebu, I make sure I get to have a stop here.

Afriques – Never leave Iloilo without dropping by this Italian Restaurant. Their pizzas are fantastic with their very own Afrique’s sauce. The ambiance is quite homey for the Jaro branch, the rest – well definitely commercial but still they tried their best to make it look like their original branch. I love their pizza especially the Afrique’s special. Their carbonara is to die for, as well as their penne.

Mooon Café. I love Mooon Café’s steak and sisig. This is my 2^nd favorite sisig. This Mexican-inspired restaurant is awesome. Their prices are reasonable enough because their servings are big. The service is superb.

Pork Belly

Ramboy’s – What I love about Ramboy’s is their Liempo. It is super crispy and delicious. It might cost over 200, but it is big enough for five people.

Liempo

Sisig

Pueblo de Alicia’s. This sanctuary is just a step outside of home. At night, it might look like a place to drink, but don’t be deceived. They serve the best Tuna belly and Managat Sinugba (grilled) I have ever tasted.

Grilled Managat

Tatoy’s. An ancient restaurant where several Philippine presidents have dined in when they went  to Iloilo. It is a little expensive (for my taste, I guess), but they do have very delicious native chicken inasal.

Buto’t Balat. The ambiance is garden-like, they have nice landscapes and dimmer lights for a restaurant. Their foods are very nice, ranging from their crispy pata down to their sizzling gambas. The prices are just great, it is cheap, especially when you are with a group, and you get to share the tabs.

Nato and Helen. I have been here twice, but their grilled squid always left me at awe, not to mention, in need of my antihistamine tablet. Well, the place might look like any local carinderia but again, it is pretty clean and the foods are nice. They serve a lot of fresh sea foods including talaba.

Cabugao (I forgot the rest of the name). If you are coming from the Iloilo airport, this place is nearer since it is in Pavia, but if you are coming from the city – you really need a time to travel. They serve sea foods at a very affordable price and they are even far from the sea (I think so). They have nice cottages where you and your friends can eat in private (and take pics without minding the rest of the world)  

Esca’s They have the same owner as Afriques, the only difference is the setting. If you don’t like the ‘homey ambiance’ of the latter, try the garden ambiance of Escas. Dine under the stars, I think the place is romantic, and of course, they do serve nice food as well.

And for dessert: I usually choose between coffee or cakes or both :D

Bo's Cafe @ SM City

Dulgie's @ Delgado

Nothing but Dessert 

Many thanks to Ron Ron & Des for allowing me to post some of their shoots here. 

The OC's Lists of Almost Anything: 10 nice things I couldn't live without

10 nice things i couldn’t live without

My Blackberry

Okay, it’s over a year old and without a WIFI but my aunt gave this to me and I adore it. I love that I can store MOBI ebooks on my phone and read it about anywhere.

Pen

What is the used of my blackberry if I still need a pen? I am a freak- I already told you that. I need my own pen when I am in the bank or filling up some forms. I hate to use the public pens which anyone’s hand just touched. Not to mention, writing has always been my passion. Sometimes, I could think a little slow, I write. If I think fast, of course, either I input it on my BB or better yet, type it on my desktop

Books

I always carry at least one paperback on my bag – not hardbound (NO WAY!). Just in case my cell phone loses all its battery and I am stranded in a middle of nowhere waiting for friends. Of course, the books on my shelf. I am not selfish, really, I just chose people who borrow my personal collection. They would always expect a discussion on how to take care of it. It looks new when you took it out of my shelf, it should look the same when you put it back – AND YOU SHOULD!

Celestamine Tablet

I have tons of allergies, must be long as Santa’s List. Since masarap ang bawal, I tend to tempt myself to eat some and then just drink an anti-histamine tablet after. Take note: I do not do this all the time, it’s just when the temptation is too great to resist. (e.g. shrimp, crabs – yum yum!)

Computer

I work online, so in order to buy myself a new books I must keep my computer alive – no matter what.

My License

It is a valid ID and well, it is a constant reminder, that I am STILL a nurse.

Headband

I don’t fix my hair that much. Yes, despite the fact that I diagnosed myself as OC, I am not vain. Vanity is not one of my favorite sins. I need my headband to keep my hair off my eyes. I usually placed it beside my bed or on top of my CPU.

Watch

Time is gold. It’s a birthday gift from my mother during my graduation from college. I still have it and its still working. Not only it tells time, it helps me tell which one is my left and my right. Hahahaha. Kidding!

Lip Balm

A little vanity wouldn’t hurt. Lol. It’s not really about vanity (seriously! I’m not rationalizing. Its more about the weird feeling of tasting blood because my lips are too dry)

Sanitizer

I have it hanging beside my bag. I couldn’t leave the house without it.

The OC's Lists of Almost Anything:

10 nice books i would recommend to my friends

Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games Trilogy

The cover may not look that enticing, but once you get to pass by it – you would be hooked as I am. It is almost morbid, and for those people who love adventure with a little love story on the side, this is for you. It’s like Harry Potter without the magic. Good thing I get to read this when the trilogy was complete. 

Master of the Game – Sidney Sheldon

This is the book I have read which got Sidney Sheldon in my favorite author’s list. I love the way he writes, especially his heroines. I always wonder why it is always women on his novels. But nevertheless, the twists and turns in this particular book would keep you up all night. 

Nights in Rodanthe – Nicholas Sparks

This is a short but heartwarming novel. The characters are old, but you can definitely relate to this one. If you want to clean your eyes and activate your tear ducts – here is the best author for you. I love Nicholas Sparks because his novels are such great stories with unexpected endings. 

Before I Fall – Lauren Oliver

This book is like “If Only” about three to four times. It lets the reader experience the different stage of grief which is DABDA (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance), it is a young adult novel and at my age, you wouldn’t catch me reading one. But the reviews are just great and I couldn’t help but get myself a copy. 

Harry Potter Series – JK Rowling

Who wouldn’t love this scarred young wizard? I really don’t like the movies, yet I end up going to the cinema all the time – all because of the books. It is simply magic! I love Harry, and Snape. The last book was (in my opinion) the best among the seven books. The same opinion goes to the movie as well.

Count of Monte Cristo – Alexander Dumas

This is the only classic on my list because I am seriously not fond of classics – not unless it’s historical romances. I like Alexander Dumas’ novel about love, revenge, betrayal and atonement. 

The Designated Ugly Fat Friend (The DUFF) – Kody Keplinger

Another Young Adult Genre on my list. Keplinger is a very interesting author because she touches the subject of sex in youths in a very nonchalant and honest way. It is an easy read but surely, you will enjoy every pages of it.

The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown

I need a computer with an internet access every time I read Dan Brown. Since I haven’t been anywhere near the United States or Europe, I need to see what this building or structure looks like, and it helps (especially imagining Tom Hanks running around there saving his ass). Robert Langdon is my kind of man because he is so smart that you could just wish you have his brain. 

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho is such an amazing author, but among all his books, the Alchemist is my favorite. It gives the readers the inspiration to go and follow their dreams.

The Greatest Salesman in the World – Og Mandino

A friend of mine asked me, who is Og Mandino? Aw Geeez! She doesn’t know who the guy is. Well before Coelho, Og Mandino is already here, motivating people. This is my favorite novel among all of his – it’s like reading one of Trump’s or Colayco’s book with a “godly” side to it.