It has been my greatest wish to travel to Balut Island. When my parents went there and I wasn't able to go with them, I have always wondered when I'd be able to visit the place. More so that when I started working and heard wonderful descriptions about the area, the more I wanted to visit the place.

So when hubby said he'd be going to the island, I just had to jump at the opportunity and risk high waves and vomits. Pictures here are in chronological order from the day we departed from Balangonan towards Balut Island to the day we arrived again at Balangonan.

The night before we departed for Balut Island. I stared at the moon while laying on my swing.

We woke up early to avoid big waves. Sarangani Island's sea ambulance came in early as well to fetch us.

People seldom see the other side of the book. Here carrying pipes for the hospital.

Well this was taken without my knowledge. They were helping me up the sea ambulance. Photo taken by Prince Paraiso.

Aboard the boat.

With Dr. Glinard Quezada, Dr. Alain Kintanar and Sir Prince Paraiso.

A view of Balut Island from afar.

Arrival. While they were trying to take out the supplies and equipments aboard the boat.

Before heading to the hotel.

A view of the dock.

I was there as a tourist and a support staff (wink). The Department of Health was turning over the hospital to the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur and Hubby was there to receive and meet with the staff of the hospital.

Thank you Mayor Cawa and her staff for the very warm accomodation and to Dr. Fernandez of the Sarangani Hospital for the warm welcome. Thank you also to Dr. Araneta and his staff, Engr. Divine and the other engineers with her, and to Engr. Henry and his companion. And most especially, to Dr. Glinard Quezada and all the people who came with us. I hope to go back again soon and probably be able to roam around next time.

Dr. Araneta, Mayor Cawa and Dr. Fernandez

Touring the hospital

Blessing of the new hospital

The next day we had to wake up early again to avoid big waves.

Beautiful sunrise

The captain's view

Dr. Glinard Quezada

We just had to take a photo with the sea ambulance before heading home. On my left is Sir Jeff.

Heading to our ride

Till the next time.

On Writing

There are still those who ask me why I do what I do. If you're reading this, please let this be the last time you ask me about what I do. Imagine the feeling of playing basketball because that's what you like to do, or say reading a book of your favorite author, or eating your most favorite food. It's the same feeling I have when I do what I do... I love to write.

If you've been following my blog then you would probably know that my grandmother was my biggest influence. At an early age she has taught me the need to have a good penmanship. Whoever I wanted to be when I grow up, good penmanship is always important (aside from having good qualities). People will respect you more if you have good penmanship, that's what she kept telling me.

Over the years I had developed different styles of penmanship. Sometimes I find myself just making repetitive strokes of certain letters. I collected different types of pens too. A pen for a christmas present always made me giddy like a kid. And after a long day at work, I try to look for my own time to just write.

Sometimes I sketch. When I want to remember something I make sketches too.

I'm trying out different styles of writing. I'm still looking for my own style. I may adapt different styles but there will always be my own style of writing.

In the end, we do things that we love. I do not mind what other people do on their spare time, I do not stop to look at somebody's page or blog when I don't like them, I do not badmouth others to make myself feel good, nor do I care what people say about me. As what I have constantly said, we do what we can. At the end of the day, what matters is the lives we have changed. And if I have done just that, then let me basked in the quiet of the night and go on with my writing.

Grass

I seem to be obsessed with grass lately. It started while I was sitting at the birthing home thinking of what else to write on the doctor's orders. I stared at the fence. I started noticing how many plants of grass there was at the fence. But the more I stared at it, it seemed to be beautiful in its own right. And so here it is. This is what my obsession with the grass resulted to.

Stories from the Field

We have come a long way since the World Health Organization chose Malita to be their pilot area, and we have gained so many small wins and the people have gained so many knowledge.  Now that the project has expanded to 9 other municipalities, this was the time to share those small gains to be able to inspire other municipalities, and learn from each other.

There is no easy way in motivating others. There is no easy way in making a change. But that doesn't mean that we just have to give up altogether. It is in small steps that we start to change things. It is in small things that we can make a change. Put together, we make make a world of difference.

This was the mantra of RD Dumama and has been adopted as the mantra of the whole Region XI.

Mam Saripa, shared her experience as a BHW of  Brgy. Fishing Village in Malita

Ma'am Lucille Nievera has been promoted and will be assigned in Papua New Guinea. We will surely miss you ma'am Lucille

Me with the hubby

MDH BTL

The Jerome Foundation has been a long time partner in the Family Planning Services. They usually come to our municipality every quarter. January 29, 2016 is a mark to remember as it got the largest number of patients thus far. With 104 BTL patients, although 3 were not cleared for surgery. They also had 2 cleft lip repair and 15 minor operations.

Thank you Jerome Foundation and the staff of MDH.

Prepping for the big day

Doing minor operations. Photo care of Dawa.

2nd to the last patient for the day

Dr. Glinard Quezad and Sir Prince Paraiso

Last patient for the day

After the hustle and bustle.