My mother pushed me several times to go on residency training. I wanted to do so. But time and chance didn't have it for me. So I continued as a general practioner but I have had so many trainings given by different private organizations and government agencies. 

I was able to take my basic training in Occupational Medicine back in 2013. I've always wanted to pursue a diplomate training. But it wasn't offered in Davao City... until now.

You never know what you will have until you try it. Before attending this training, I had second thoughts. I've been telling my husband that I didn't wanna go but he kept pushing me. He saw my excitement when I first told him about it and perhaps he knew that I really wanted this. But on the day before the training, I was really nervous, not knowing what to expect the next day. 

But he insisted that I should grab the opportunity and so on I went. It was really fun and educational. I got to see my schoolmates in medschool and I go to test what I learned.

Here we are, finally done with module 1. They said it's just the beginning. Wait till we get to the next module it's gonna be a different story. So onwards I go!

My Cacti

On my birthday, I don't really like to celebrate big time. I look at my day as a day when I can finally just lay down in bed without hubby getting mad. Which I did by the way.. hehehe. But before I could do so, my co-workers surprised me early in the morning by singing a birthday song PLUS these gorgeous cacti. OR I think they are.

Some cacti I planted on a soil but these were quite different so I decided to take a few hours out of the bed to plant them.

Here I have some pebbles which we bought and hand-picked based on size and color. On the side is my mother's old ashtray. Well first I had to clean the rocks which were freshly picked from the shore, and then I had to clean the plants too.

I first filled the ashtray with pebbles, then I placed the cacti on different areas. And Viola!

Here's another shot of the plants. 

Buntis Congress with UNFPA

Last month, Buntis Congress was held in Barangay Demoloc together with 3 other barangays namely Kilalag, Pinalpalan and Datu Danwata. This was the first time that UNFPA or the United Nations Population Fund gave assitance to Malita. This was also in partnership with IP-MNCHN and DOH. This program aimed to celebrate pregnancy and the importance of ensuring the safety of mother and child by visiting their health providers, which in the local community, is their midwives.

A preview of exercises that pregnant women can do.

This is Dra. Sabay of UNFPA who brought with her some kits which included towels, baby clothes, toiletries among other stuff. Here she's showing a poster specifically made and translated to the local dialect for Malita. Will do another post on these posters.

Staff from IP-MNCHN, NCIP and UNFPA showing the audience what's inside the kit.

Miss Elenette Calinawan, a PHN from RHU-Malita and Miss Leah Labis, a midwife showing pregnant women how to do breastfeeding. Some women has the impression that it is easy to do. But in reality, it's harder than you think. For someone who has breastfed and pumped milk for 3 children, it is a skill. It doesn't come naturally. And with the growing pressure of using formula milk, more stress has to be made to ensure breastfeeding.

A few BHWs from 4 barangays doing dramatizations of different situations of pregnant women.

Here with Dra. Lala Wachurna who is a Doctor-to-the-Barrio, a very very hardworking woman (trust me when I say hardworking).

Just to show you the pregnant mothers who joined us that day.

Posters

Here are the posters made by IPHC. This concentrated on MNCHN or the Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition Program. This was translated to Tagacaolo tongue.

Celebrations

If there's one thing we take pride of in every family, it's when we find success not only for ourselves but also for others. This was a celebration of 3 persons who passed different licensure exams: achitecture, CPA and medical technology.

This was in Jaca Resort at Matinga Pangi. We had the whole place for ourselves.

Well kids love water and as you can see they were having a great time. Spending a lot of time in their lolo's pool helped them learn to swim. 

Hubby's Very Own Spanish Sardines

One day, my husband had this idea of making his very own spanish sardines. But since sardines were harder to find, he opted to use small bangus or milkfish. This was the first batch we made with different amounts of salt.

This was cooked inside a pressure cooker directly. 

And this is the final product. 

Wait for the release soon.

Hubby's Birthday

Let's just say he was surprised. We didn't tell him we had something prepared for him. The kids were waiting at home to surprise him. it was a good day for him.

We prepared a small feast, made him blow his candle too:)

We invited a few friends of his.

Overall, it was a good night.

First Communion

A few months ago R had her first communion. I tell you, I'm a cry mama. Whenever my kids reach a milestone, a drop a tear. It's just so good to see the kids reach their potential as they grow. I didn't went through this. I studied in a Chinese school so I didn't get to do this. And to see my kids pass it, the feeling is just overwhelming. Here's a few shots of that.

Provincial ELA

Once every three years the local government undergoes an executive legislative agenda where the two sides of government service meet and dicuss the different programs that the executive side wants to implement. This is a great venue to discuss matters that would lead to smooth implementation of the different programs. This is also a great opportunity for the executive side to lay down its plans for the legislative side to understand. It was also a great avenue for the legislative body to get to know the different department heads.

The first day was the presentation of the different program by the department heads. Not only were the  Sangguniang Panlalawigan members there, the Mayors and Vice Mayors of the different municipalities were also invited.

Here I was presenting the health data for 2015. You wouldn't notice but I was so nervous standing in front of the SP members for the first time.

The second day was also filled with so much learning. Regional Directors from different National Agencies were there to give their insights.

And before the workshop ends, it would not be complete without a group photo. Here are the different employees of the Provincial Government.

And here we are again with the SP members. Some of the department heads were not present during this photo was taken because of an engagement on another area.

The Voice

I love music. No, no. No more explaining to do. Take it as it is.

I looooooove music. 

I don't have a great voice but I know a good one when I hear it. So with that said, here's a tv show that features great voices... yup, it's "The Voice".

(Photo taken from the internet)

And what's more is this time, they have Alicia Keys (OMG!!!) The woman has a wonderful wonderful voice.

The contestants... ooohhh, how am I gonna say it, it's a surprise one after the next. and it's a good good surprise. (Can you hear the excitement in my words????) Yap I'm watching it right now. Now go, see it for yourself.