Category: Featured

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He is the best of Philippine Airlines.

Since Philippine Airlines has launched its new philosophy of being the “Heart of the Filipino”, I never had the chance to completely comprehend it. For me, a “Filipino heart” is formed by distinct strands of compassion, hospitality and love. Honestly, I never felt the perfect experience not until my last three flights last week. A flight attendant perfectly embodies the real meaning of “Heart of the Filipino”.

His name is Vincent as stated on his nameplate. I had the chance to witness his unbelievable power three times in a row. In one of my trip, I was very angry because the flight was delayed for almost one and a half hour. I want to shout out loud that could reach the control tower of NAIA from Cotabato but when I entered the plane, it was different.

Vincent stands at the door–confident.  He gave his unique Filipino smile to each guest. That same powerful smile appeased the agitated passengers. I returned the warm gesture, he smiled back and he assisted me to my section. The moment after I fastened my seat-belt, he smiled again.

He won. I was pacified. Everyone from rows 1-15 experienced serenity inside the plane. At that moment, I understood that the heart of the Filipino is reflected in every genuine smile. He nailed it. Vincent perfected the art of smiling. His smile could stop time, could make you feel that you are a Million Miler,  could make you experience that you are the Queen of the Universe.

I want to say to the captain, “Hey Captain, let’s depart tomorrow.”

He also possesses the essential element of sensitivity. He could easily ascertain if someone is suffering from discomfort. He assesses the situation and he renders the appropriate intervention. Afterwards, he returns to evaluate. He will never leave you even you are sitting along the Economy Class. His attention never changes from the head up to the tail of the plane. He is compassionate, his technique undoubtedly comes from a deeper origin—his heart.

When snacks are being distributed and you happened to be sleeping, don’t worry because he will respect you. He will not disturb you, instead he will look at you as if you are Snow White.  He won’t ask you coffee, tea or water. He will not force you to wake up and receive the Banana Bread Slice. He will open the tray and will place your food for you to enjoy once you are awake. Then he will return with a smile and asks you for your choice of drinks. He will never leave you hungry, thirsty or sleepy.

His comforting words will kiss and caress you.

Just like with other flights, the time for deplaning will come—sad. The relationship ends after a passenger leaves the plane. But Vincent is not one of those who easily terminate the relationship. He ends the experience with a smile composed of 99% happiness and wishes of safety and inspiration. He hides the remaining 1% for you to feel that you need to return to discover and to experience over and over and over again. He knows how to connect.

With all of these, I can say that Vincent has the heart of a Filipino, a perfect personification of Philippine Airlines Philosophy and Values of highest costumer service. He made me so proud because he had shown the best of the Philippines and the distinct brand of service marked by heartfelt warmth and hospitality. He is one of a kind, a total mixture of passion, dedication and service. Philippine Airlines must be proud of him.

#Mutya

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The “Reid effect” at its best.

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

I became a fan since 2010 when he first appeared in PBB Teen Clash.  I am not fond of chasing celebrities except when it is James Reid.

He is one-of-a-kind, an irreplaceable atom,  who has a unique identical quantum mechanical state. He has this form of energy that can brew inspiration into meaningful actions. The bottom line is, he can place you into motion.

I call this as the “James Reid effect.

For almost 6 years, I communicated with him through my quantum universe (an alternate universe that only I can comprehend and experience).

This universe is safer compared to the universe we were born to live; there, I can manipulate things and thoughts freely without entailing cost and judgement of anyone. There, I got to see persons such as James who helped shape my judgement and my demeanor when the time calls for it.

Giving you concrete examples:

When deadlines are approaching and when anxiety is escalating, I would result to searching for his picture from any source available and pin it on my desk, at the end of the day, I am always amazed on how these little, funny things and activities gave me the energy to “do good for myself and for others.”

In times of heated arguments and troubles, my relaxants are his songs.

When I am about to sleep, my last activity is always to watch his videos.

During difficult times, his sweet, distant smile is one of my motivations.

Yesterday, I got the chance to meet him and the encounter crystalized my positive evaluations of him.

No  existing word in our lifetime (even in the combined dictionary of Webster and Merriam) can describe that moment. Some symptoms include blurring of vision and chest tightness, others are already uncanny, you have to experience it yourself.

My favorite concept in chemistry is the “Pauli exclusion Principle” by Austrian physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1925, he states that no two particle cannot occupy the same space. I see this applicable because no matter what, James will always occupy that quantum space in me, whatever the circumstances and the conditions will be.

Experience the “James Effect” today.

-Mutya

 

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Sen.Villar files bill prohibiting public funds use for feeding program less than 120 days

Senate Bill 1114 or otherwise known as an act providing for a comprehensive malnutrition program and appropriating funds thereof was filed by Senator Cynthia Villar.

The bill seeks for the creation of a more comprehensive program that will address the malnutrition status of the country.

The unique bill also will transfer the function of the National Nutrition Council under the Office of the President. The same bill encourages partnerships with the NGO’s, training and capacity building in the barangay and also the acknowledgement of the role and contribution of women in policy making.

Moreover, the proposed measure also empowers the National Nutrition Council to design policies to address the malnutrition problems in the country.

At the core of the bill also is the creation of nutritional interventions for children and teenage and lactating mothers during disasters.

-Mutya

Photocredit: www.ilovepagadian.com

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PNA too irrelevant, mediocre- nurses say

Philippine Nurses Association is currently under fire from nurses who are expecting for more meaningful content postings in the organization’s social media accounts.

A concerned group named “Nurses for change” asked the highest governing body of professional nurses to post relevant issues such as nurses’ rights instead of advertising for seminars or training.

pna

In addition, netizens joined the sentiment of the group, some blatantly described PNA as a mediocre organization.

With what is happening concerning the nursing profession in the Philippines, it is clear as day that nurses are starting to get dissatisfied from the governing body.

Enshrined in the purpose of the PNA is “To promote professional growth towards the attainment of highest standards of nursing.”

However, this does not sit well with the nurses who are expecting more from the organization. Some of the nurses even said that PNA is too distant and too insignificant to their professional growth given the fact that nurses (both the old and the new) pay for their registration fee, once every year.

-Mutya

photocredit: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/

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Force Volunteerism among nurses needs to stop.

Once upon a time, I was a volunteer nurse.

No benefits, no stipend, no whatever. No, seriously. As far I know, this is the only profession that ‘requires’ you to work without pay for so long just for the ”experience”.

So I got sick and tired.

Fast forward to now, there are still licensed nurses out there rendering their services for free. It needs to stop. The truth is, most of the time, in the Philippine setting, you can’t climb too far up the ladder without strings to pull. And even if you get promoted to N1 or N2 level, the salary still ain’t up to par. No one can blame the nurses who leave their loved ones to take their chances abroad, or find non-health services related jobs. You know, jobs with REAL pay to make ends meet.


I hope this government will live up to its promise for change to come because I really want the system to change from being pro-capitalist to pro-everyone. Which is unrealistic. Alright then, more pro-working class than ever, especially to practicing nurses out there.

From the Facebook post of Ms. Karen Joy Torralba, RN

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I’m a nurse but I opted not to continue working in the hospital now.

After I filed an online petition to President Duterte, I received a letter from Marites, who asked me if her story can be featured in my blog. I  was hesitant. How can I give justice to a non-fiction story, more especially if it is about her– being a nurse and a mother.

But, as an advocate for nurses. I devoted myself to continuously talk about the inequalities of the nursing profession in my own country. I told her, yes. I sent her, some guide questions which she can answer so that I can make a story out of it.

 

I’m a nurse but I opted not to continue working in the hospital now. Despite my passion to serve and care for the welfare of my patients, I chose to go out, put off the lamp of Florence Nightingale and venture to another path, where I can get enough, for my only baby girl.

Hindi ko mapapakain ang mga anak ko sa sahod bilang nurse.

(I can’t afford to feed my family with my salary as a nurse.)

With the meager 3,000 per two weeks (15 days) (sometimes even smaller depending  on the duty hours (kasi nga Reliever pa kami bago maging Regular Staff).

I served the public hospital for 3 years, again 3 long years without any reservations. I gave my life and time (pati overtime) na unpaid with the hope that one day, I will be promoted in a regular post.

However, one day, I felt like, they are not serious in promoting me. A new nursing graduate was assigned the vacant posts, very easily. Then I learned that, she was the daughter of the assistant chief nurse of the hospital. It crushed my heart. It was injustice.

I pay the BIR, SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth and other applicable state taxes, hoping that the government will be nicer to us me—as a nurse. But, I was very stupid to believe that the government is passionate and caring.

While working in the hospital, I have no choice but to leave my own child under the care of a babysitter. I have no choice. Then, one day, I realized that;

Naku! mas malaki pa sweldo ni yaya kesa sa akin! parang nag-nurse ako para may pasweldo at pang SSS and Philhealth ang yaya.

Nurses na yata ang susunod na martyr sa Pilipinas! Seeing that I could not even feed my self three times a day, and my baby with the right amount of milk, I decided to say,

“Enough is enough! It must stop!”

In the Philippines, nurses are disregarded. Nurses are not the priority despite the hardships and sacrifices that we give. We care but no one is caring for us.  Before I resigned, I went to the office of our Chief Nurse, I looked at her in the eye, and I delivered the arrow that pierced her heart.

Where is the government?

Where is your conscience?

For nurses to triumph, one should not be afraid to speak. Nurses should throw the appropriate arrows, right to the heart, especially if you are facing the beasts that kill the essence of the nursing profession, even though he/she is also a nurse.

(Story of Maritess, a nurse and a loving mother)

Share your own story to ikuwentokaymutya@gmail.com. 

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The lady that you should meet now. 

Leadership Journey 7 - Martin San Diego-119I am very afraid to post this entry. This is my most courageous composition, as of now.

Arriving home, I opened my messenger and I saw our conversation last year. It was June, same day, when I message her in facebook. Well, the message was dramatic and heavy. Given that I don’t have a degree in Communications, for heaven’s grace, I was able to deliver the message to her. I was doubtful, anxious, but the message was sent 01:00 AM and was seen 02:00 AM.

I immediately turned off my facebook. Slowly, my actions begun to sink in.

“I messaged one of the most powerful women in the world, in—FACEBOOK.”

I prayed ardently, that Mother Mercy will forgive me, which she will guide and protect me from possible havoc as a result of my actions. I hid under my polka dots blanket. I wished that the blanket would give me goodluck. When I opened my messenger, she replied.

“Send your resume to me, let’s see how and what.”

Oh my God! “Ginawa kong HR si ma’am!” I was ashamed. It was unprofessional. I went out from the apartment, looked at the sky and wished for an UFO to suction me.

Then the rest is history.

But before that incident….

It was in the middle of Typhoon Yolanda, I sent a message to her Facebook, it was my first time to contact her. We were planning to conduct a medical mission in a severely affected area in Iloilo. I knew, she was busy during that time, but help arrived.

After the medical mission, in the back of mind, “Oh my God! Nakakahiya!”

I will not do this again.

I’m not writing to impress her, or to ask an extension of my deliverables. This is my simple way of expressing my deepest gratitude.

We call her ma’am RPF.

Reflective, one time, she asked me under the shade of coconut trees. “Why?” “Why?” Why?” “Why are you here?”, my synapses collapsed. It was a deep reflective session which she helped me identify my calling.  She has the power to look at the clouds and give you an insight and interpretation of your existence. I looked at the clouds a million times, but I don’t see anything. She is rich in wisdom.

Passionate, She can bring and channel your passions into something measurable and meaningful. She has an eye for hidden potentials and talents. She guides you to a series of maze, and at the end of the day, you will experience extreme happiness because you have survived it. It’s not always easy, but with her, you will be amazed on how you reached that kind of decision. She challenges your mind to think big. She stretches it until it snaps.

“Ma’am, pause muna tayo, masakit na ang ulo namin.”

Then she would laugh and say, “Sige, hinay-hinay lang tayo.”

Fun, she believes that building a healthier Philippines should not be boring. She incorporates color to the office, her pasalubongs, her superb attire (na gusto ko nang manahin).

It has been 2 years since I left Iloilo for Manila. Once in a while, I miss my mother. I only get the chance to talk to her through phone. But when I see ma’am RPF in the office, I can feel that my mom is around. Her presence is reassuring. Every time, I see her colourful flower arrangements, I see flashes of images of our garden cultivated by mama.

I believe that, to survive work, to have a meaningful job, it is essential sometimes, to perceive your superiors as someone as close and as dear to your heart. Sometimes they will correct you, get angry at you, but at the end of the day, they will be waiting for you at the end of the road, ready to share the happiness and celebrations, after a day full of meaningful, satisfying and fun work.

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Finding your own Adonis

Earlier, because of the extreme heat, I was able to consume a lot of fluids. I could feel that my tummy was about to explode. I was afraid. I knew that I was in a state of fluid overload.  I waited for a couple of minutes, just to give time for my body to excrete the large amount of fluid. After I successfully eliminated the fluids, a good friend sent a text message, saying that I need to call him (ASAP).

Because, he is a friend, I immediately called him.

“Mikee, hindi ko na kaya ang stress sa work, punong-puno na ako.”

In my mind, (Am I a member of the Department of Labor and Employment?”) I further explored. I gave no judgement.

“The stress is killing me. I couldn’t sleep. Pati sex life wala!”

“In that last part, I can help you if you want”, I said.

Then he laughed.

He said that calling me, made his day lighter. (Flattered much), I offered a coffee, but he said, he has to go for Sunday worship. I did not insisted.

Back then, I remembered someone. His name is Adonis. He is a hemodialysis nurse. He is a specialized nurse who can pull fluids and wastes from one’s blood.

He knows how filtration works. He knows his limits and goals. When he feels that you are overloaded, he will increase his permeability and blood flow. His hands will manipulate the pressures. You can see the patient’s vital signs improving. You can breathe easily if Adonis is with you in the bedside.

He knows all about the anions and cations. He knows how to infuse positivism and extract negativity from the body. He takes the necessary steps to prevent electrolyte imbalances.

Work and life becomes easier with him. After the day, he smiles and says,

“You are good now, patient is stable. But ensure that you control fluid intake and note the output.”

Yes, our life is full of everyday stress and pressures. We can feel that our efforts are not enough to meet our goals. We fail to satisfy our superiors and in return we feel that we are less—inferior.

Sometimes, you can sense that the sky is falling; you can’t breathe, sleep and have sex.

You need to have an Adonis to absorb and cleanse your system. You need to find that hemodialysis person, who can lighten your load. You need to search for that someone who can help you set the goals and has the balls to say:  “that’s enough,  it damages your system.”

Without this person, you will soon find yourself drowning in an ocean full of expectations and dissatisfaction. We can take so much work to challenge our capabilities but our body and spirit have limits, thus we need support. We need someone who can antagonize the toxins, who can increase our creatinine clearance so that we can freely excrete the excess in our body.

Without your own Adonis, failure is imminent, it can lead to death.

Go find your Adonis.  He is just around!

 

Love,

Mutya

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Finding meaning in a doctor’s order.

Her name is Chariza, we commonly call her Doc. Cha. But don’t be fooled by her seemingly kind and uncomplicated name. However,  this is just a veil; a silhouette of her real power.

She can conjure typhoon, she can resurrect the dead, and she can bring out all your fears, in fact, she can destroy or build you.

Yesterday, when I stayed under the rain—wet and tired, I remembered one of my favorite doctors back when I was working in one of the best hospital in the country. Back then, I was assigned to the adult medical intensive care unit. I always want to be in that area of specialization because of the challenge. I want to experience the independence to manipulate equipment, to give high alert medications, to perform CPR, to change diapers every two hours and carry-out unusual orders.  I was very enthralled; finally, I will experience what is written in the books.

I will tell you a specific story, my typical, normal day with doc Cha.

It was my first day without a preceptor. Everyone was very busy that time. Each has to care for two critically-ill patients.  I saw nimbus clouds as she approached me. She immediately opened the chart and wrote a kilometric order. But before that, she asked me.

“Bago ka dito?”

“Yes doc.”, I answered with my gastric contents starting to reflux back to my esophagus. Reality check, it was not heartburn, I am not pregnant, either.  It was anxiety.

Upon sensing my anxiety, she added another kilometer of orders, which you need to carry out within an hour. Because of its impact, I can still fully remember it.

“Turn to sides every 2 hours, apply air mattress, apply anti-embolic stockings, request for Sodium, Potassium, Ionized calcium, magnesium, Renal Panel 2 (erasure), Renal panel 4, Start erceflora, MV shift to SIMV, Sputum GS/CS, Chest XRAY in AM.”

These orders are just part 1 out of 10 for the whole 12 hour shift.

Indeed, Doc Cha is extraordinary. She is a teacher in disguise that every nurse should experience. Despite her everyday terrorism, back in my mind, was a thankful soul. Not everyone has the chance to be stretched into their limits. She sees the resting and hidden potential in every nurse. She believes that in chaos and disorder, knowledge can be derived.

Only with doc Cha, I was able to perform sponge bath continuously until patient is afebrile. I knew it was her own method to teach me that to achieve a certain goal; you need to do it, continuously.

Her favorite was to order chest x-ray  as in (now), but every chest x-ray, bedside CT scan, I got the chance also to examine what is inside my chest— my heart. There were times, when she asked me if what is more important, the heart or the brain?

I knew that for her, it is always the heart.

When I knock on her room, her typical response.

“Sandali lang Mikee, I’m praying.”

When everyone, is saying no pulse, she replies, “Meron pa!”

When everyone is hungry, she orders a pizza.

She is optimistic, she is active, and she doesn’t sleep.

Every time I feel very tired and with feelings of retreat or surrender, I always think of the days when I sat on the floor, during at the end of my shift, counting the gauze and bandages, perspiring, , hypoglycemic, knees trembling, waiting for Berns, Nash or Jervie, but, more importantly, smiling, savoring the victory from a well fought day. I would look at her, and say.

 

“Salamat sa Diyos!”

Her reply: “May bukas pa.”

Then laughter fills the cold and tensed unit.

 

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The Miriam inside of me.

When I was little, every time someone bullies or hurts me, without second thoughts, I would look at that person from head to toe, and admonish them in the presence of other students who are eating their packed lunches.

I became notorious for using fiery words during my elementary and high school, even until my college days though I became a bit demure and meek. My inspiration and model back then was Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Let me tell you a story.

I was in Grade 3 when I first ran as a Senator in our class elections. My adversaries back then were from Grades 5 to 6. I was the youngest and the smallest at that time—perhaps due to malnutrition. Thus, I was the last candidate to deliver my platform. I told the electorate:

“Behold, promises are made to be broken. I am asking the sky now to hit my opponents with lighting, if they are lying.”

Then a lightning struck, disturbing the solemnity of the miting de avance. On the next day, I found out that I won.  Again, my inspiration then was Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Even during the toughest times, my faith to the Lady Senator did not falter. When there’s no food to eat, I think of it as a sign of climate change affecting food security. When there’s no electricity in our house, I think of it as a manifestation of the government’s incompetence in addressing energy problems. We seriously didn’t have proper supply of electricity until I graduated from high school.  Despite all of these, I know that Sen. Miriam was with me—pushing me to study harder and not surrender.

Here’s another story.

I was ambitious, that’s why when I was in high school, I ran as President despite contradictions because I was only in my sophomore year. There were three of us competing for the highest position in the school. I was afraid then; I was still the smallest and the thinnest. But I saw Sen. Miriam in the horizon.

I knew I needed to win.

It was a bloody speech.

At the end of the canvassing of votes, I was proclaimed President. I know that it was Sen. Miriam who made me win. However, just to note, it was my friend Alfred Dicto who became the Fidel Ramos of my life, defeating me in my second attempt for re-election.

For sure, without Sen. Miriam in my head, I wouldn’t be able to surpass all the trials in my life. She was the only person—despite the absence of many—who remained at my side. I even memorized all her speeches and I impersonate her perfectly, gaining awards by doing so.

Why am I doing this?

I already learned my lessons. Before I pursued development work, I was a nurse, taking care of critically-ill patients. I have witnessed both life and death almost every day. I learned that while you still have the chance, go and say your piece—do it now, because time is a bitch. Today, you could be sleeping in bed; tomorrow, you could be inside a coffin.

My dad passed away last year due to lung cancer, just two hours before I reached home. It was the most painful experience I’ve ever had. In my hand during that time was a poem. I wrote it while I was en route to Iloilo. I never had the chance to hug him. I failed to deliver the best care for him.

This time, I don’t know how, but I want to care for Sen. Miriam. Not only because she is a previous Senator, but because she is someone who influenced me in so many ways. I want to give her the most meticulous care she deserves. I will provide her adequate oxygenation like how she provided life and excitement in the Senate. I will monitor her electrolytes, like how she monitored the financial spending of our country. Feed her if necessary, like how she fed students with wisdom. Give her bed bath, like how she made “sabon” corrupt public officials during hearings.

And once she is already comfortable, I want to read the Constitution to her, before she sleeps.

I may be sad right now, praying ardently that the Lady Senator will soon fully recover. That God will help her because she contributed a lot to this country.

Nevertheless, I know inside of me that the Miriam spirit will always be alive—burning like a torch, ready to share the fire with everyone else.

I hope that my little story will reach you, Madam. Like how you touched my life back when I was in Grade 3.

Thank you so much.

Love,

Mutya