LORMA ON HIGH GROUNDS: REACHING BEYOND THE NICHE IN SHAPING THE IDEALS OF THE YOUTH

Rizal clearly stated in one of his most popular quotations that, “the youth are the hopes of the fatherland” it is an unquestionable fact that the youth of our nation inherits the future responsibilities of our present leaders and it is a reality that the youth must be guided by an educational institution. However, the youth of today is a product of various trainings as dictated and chosen by their culture, their institution, and perhaps by virtue of their own principles and the like.

The youth, before he enters into the complexities of this society must be molded and his principles and learning are therefore being reshaped as he continues to challenge and be challenged in the game called life.

The beginnings of the youth are clearly portrayed in Lorma Colleges’ Mission and Vision. Lorma Colleges began a history of small yet noble deed of what we call service and this principle has continued as the institution has aged to thirty-one years. But the thirty-one years of this dedicated institution does not only manifest an end or what we call termination. It is an end of a chapter by which Lorma has gone through but it is a manifestation of a rebirth or a beginning of another challenge. That challenge does not only involve the students who serve as main characters and subjects of Lorma’s history but also, it involves the people within and beyond the institution’s spheres.

As history answers, Lorma prioritized Quality Education, and Christian emphasis in shaping the ideals of the Youth. As society and with respect to our nation’s embrace in global excellence, the institution that begun in a quiet peaceful barrio undergoes the so-called metamorphosis, which is natural in most Colleges.

This metamorphosis proves that Lorma Colleges can stretch its aims to help people from beyond its area and reshape the Youth’s idea to inculcate into them virtues vital to nation building and national progress.

In addition, Lorma’s efforts cater tom produce effective leaders who will contribute to the betterment of our country.

Lorma Colleges is taking another step in molding the human person as a better citizen; as a sign of this effort, the institution has widen its areas in educational interest, It has embraced Computer Technology in order to answer the demands of global competence. Yes, this institution has progressed through the years through due to its attempt to bend its role in shaping the ideals of the Youth.

"Shaping ideals is not an easy task, it involves principles, and it involves dedication."

Lorma Colleges has proven its worth in the aspect of contributing effective leaders. Lorma Colleges continues to challenge and be challenged because the Filipino nation demands for quality leaders and to be able to meet this, an institution dedicated to service should guide the Youth.

Let us remember that the school is the training ground and the key in opening gates for a successful future for future citizens and effective leaders in the realization of a progressive nation.

* printed with permission from Karen Michelle Calacal, RN
EIC, the Lorma Highlights (sy 2003-2004)

NOW SHOWING: Gloria Labandera episode X

The Philippines is paving another trail when its Democracy was put into test during the Makati incident last August. Many points have been raised. The Armed Forces of the Philippines was even shook by the Ideologies of the Magdalo group- soldiers being accused by the Arroyo government for an alleged mutiny. Although the incident ended up with the negotiations through the help of Cimatu, the proclamation of the President marked that the battle is just the beginning of another episode of Gloria Labandera X.

The National security adviser, as well the NBI chief would point to one question; that is “who’s the mastermind?” Now, the index finger would point to Senator Gregorio Honasan. Hence, certifies this movie as box office action film showing with its characters- no other than the major politicians of today’s Philippine government. The plot includes the ailing economy accompanied by massive rallies, the Mindanao Peace Situation, the upcoming 2004 elections, and the like. As part of the acting element, Politicians would ride unto this environment by series of press conferences airing now their analyses on the situations of the country and suggesting some of the solutions to alleviate the problems. It sucks but this system has been with us for a very long time.

Christian Monsod during an interview on “Why coups keep repeating itself in the country” mentioned that “Filipinos could tolerate poverty but they could not tolerate injustice.” manifests that the problems of the yester years, although investigations and recommendations were made, were not solved and resolutions failed strongly. The show goes on with even more conflicts, some so-called advocates like Speaker Jose De Venecia would catch attention giving life to another sequel of Cha-cha because it could facilitate in solving the worsening scenario of Philippine politics.

Yes, Filipinos are indeed immuned with the Political situations of the country: “Putakan dito, putikan doon.” With the effort of Senator Panfilo Lacson’s expose on Mike Arroyo as Jose Pidal involving the first gentleman’s alleged kick-back on the so-called most expensive road project in the country. Issues rested for the last few months before the president’s State of the Nation Address were revived to add sweet, sour, and salty spices on the status of graft and corruption involving government projects.

More and more conflicts came out when Laarni Enriquez shed her tears on television expressing her grief when she was pointed as the mastermind of the Makati incident. What’s ambigious about it was that there was no search warrant in the townhouse where the evidences were found. Analysts, as extras suggest that GMA’s declaration of “State of Rebellion” might add points on the government’s side to win the case but the special appearance of not so important personalities counter the declaration as unconstitutional. This is just one of the few alibi that was mentioned on TV which might endanger the life of the claimed un-accessible Honasan. The declaration was thought to be a mark of a martial law declaration. Whew! Funny thing, former president ERAP on one of the scenes had a joy-ride during the Oakwood take-over which made a bad screen editing of the bloodless action movie.

And who are the GUARDIANS? These are just few of the stuntmen and extras involved in the “kaek-ekan scene” of the chief of staff’s press releases.

The spheres of both Senate and Congress proclaimed their own investigation on the Oakwood Incident beside the other committee appointed by GMA.

Few weeks later, the “state of rebellion” lifted and the business people rejoiced and expressed their greatfulness. Gordon rejoiced for a moment for it would give new hope for Wow Philippines. This action signaled a positive outcome for the sector while U.P. is no longer one of the top-performing Universities in Asia.

What is so noticeable on the movie, is the “papansin” and ride-on artistic expressions of the show-biz circle making the Oakwook incident as themes in comedy series, concerts (remember the rock for peace?), interviews to trying hard starlets, and part of the daily conversations of variety shows as well as show-biz talks. Ewww, exists only in the Philippines.

The climax of the movie leaves the Filipino audience hanging for a while when the Marcoses gave an extra scene on the Swiss phenomenon. The bad movie in the making clouded the audience when the succeeding scenes got distorted and an episode of Ninoy’s Death re-open the appeal of his convicted assassins’ to reduce their sentence. Cory Aquino recalled her courage under fire.

Bad ending, the last scene was with Ramos raising his thumbs signaling for another sequel wherein he will be playing as one of the few good men.

Saan nga ba nagagamit ang nstp fee?

Salamat naman at nagkataong di ko naabutan ang NSTP. Although, I have a military training prior to ROTC. I find it disappointing that ROTC was abolished due to several issues that prompted lawmakers to have NSTP instead. First of all, let's
look at historical backgrounds and the Role of ROTC ... ROTC po ang ginamit sa WWII,even sa ilang mga mahahalagang yugto ng ating pulitika. The issues that led to it's abolishment roots from series of violence, graft and corruption. LH has uncovered ROTC related issue way-back sometime 1999 (I'm not sure of the exact issue). Wherein a certain computer science student was humiliated in an ROTC pile this student, who then became an SML chairman had the guts to question some irregularities then- ex. "kung san bibili ng snacks ang mga kadete, etc.") The gravity of the issue may have led to a suspension... Of course, the authorities then did act. Siyempre may mga imbestigasyon yan. Yet, LH did not have a follow-up with the issue. Iilan nalang ang nakakaalam ng scenario. As to the whole details, try looking for that LH issue. Hekhek. Yes, may ROTC fee po because "you have to pay honorariums sa mga trainers." (I'm not sure if these people are from the PNP, not even sure of their accreditation. Fact is, military training is designed to make soldiers.Discipline is the very key goal. How long can you withstand humiliation and physical battery? (Ooops, I'm not confirming that there's hazing in LORMA... there's no recorded issue on that since "wala ngang frat/gang allowed sa campus".) The product of this so-called military training is camaraderie and of course ang walang katapusang disiplina. Siyempre para sa Nationalism narin po. ROTC is not purely marching, napaka-halaga ng function lalo na sa mga school events, projects, they are even partners sa medical outreach... after care ng school programs, etc.. It's just so sad that when ROTC is gone, unti-unti naring namatay ang "student leadership". May correlation ba ito? Enough reason to review NSTP, epektibo nga ba o hindi. O sadyang pareho lang sa ROTC, nagkaiba lang sa pangalan? So much to say about ROTC, pareho lang ang sakit ng ulo na dulot nito sa estudyante. Una, kung hindi mo kumpleto ang program... hindi ka talaga ga-graduate. Katulad ng Bible subject sa LORMA, isa itong pamatay na bahagi ng curriculum. Masisira ang momentum mo sa excitement para sa graduation kung ito nalang ang naiwan mo. Pangalawa, kasali ang mga babae sa NSTP. Sa ROTC, hindi obligado ang babae. Pero pag nag-ROTC ka na girlash, I think pwede ka ng di enrolled sa PE class. (Not sure of the info., maybe you can ask Ma'am Rivera about it.) Pangatlo, at least may option na ang NSTP as compared sa ROTC. Pinaka-pangit lang talaga na ginagawa nila is the community service. Arrrgh, "wala na bang ibang pwedeng mapagawa sa NSTP students kundi magpalinis ng vicinity ng Carlatan and other nearby streets?". (Ooops sa pioneer po yan. Ginagawa paba today?) Pang apat, at least total relief ang NSTP sa mga ka-federasyon... they don''t have to be the SLAVES of ROTC officers or act as medics kuno (masahista at tagabuhat ng kung anu ano)... errrrrrrrh. Lastly, ang fee pala bago ko makalimutan... di tugma sa sinabi ng finance? (Ano ba sinabi ng finance? Wala ako kopya eh.) Naku ading, common sense nalang po... sa suweldo po ng mga nagtuturo napupunta ang NSTP fee. Look, sinu-sino ba ang mga nagtuturo sa program? Lahat sila propesyunal diba? So there's a just compensation for that. Tsaka, basahin mo ang meaning ng NSTP. I hope you get what I mean. Ask mo kaya mga nagtuturo ng NSTP if they know how the fee is mobilized. Sana i-import nalang ang NSTP program sa South Korea. Para hindi na mag-isip ng kung anong scape goat ang mga Korean students na mag-aasawa ng Pinoy para takasan ang kanilang obligadong MILITARY TRAINING.

Just pay

Health providers are said to be professionals not just because they have completed their College but in the sense that they have acquired the necessary credentials needed in their work. It is a fact that there are other criteria in identifying what a professional is but my point this time focuses on their professional fee.
Professional fee or simply any fee in exchange for health services is essentially must be in the form of money. Yes, it is universally accepted even for non-health professionals to receive their pay in the form of money. We cannot deny the fact that this is the modern world wherein most of our needs are purchased with the use money in exchange. Economy depends on money. We buy products abroad and do business using money in exchange for a kind whether it is raw materials or finished products. It is also undeniable that health nowadays is expensive and not majority of the Filipinos can afford it. That is why there are alternatives done by the government and private organizations in order for the majority to afford health services.
There are health workers who accept any kind in exchange for the services they rendered. Is it always right to do this? In the spirit of charity, it is humane, it is the work of a saint, it is moral but in the spirit of common sense, it is "not always considerable". A week before class starts, my nephew was brought to Ilocos Training and Regional Health Center. Well, it is a government hospital and they charged P 20.00. Just or not? I would say that it is just because they only did a minor examination with the use of a stethoscope and prescribed a medicine. But if we try to look at the charge of private hospitals who performs the same, it has a big difference in the amount they collect. It is a matter of the same procedures but different fee. Is it just because it is a government hospital? I wonder if there is a difference in the capacity of doctors working in private from those working in public hospitals but there are visiting doctors from private hospitals? But there are doctors who are considering the economic status of patients that is why there are some points that they give discounts.
Another point is, we cannot remove money even for such services, health professionals did not took their course spending nothing that is why they deserve to have a professional fee in the form of money. We can see then a point of investment there through education. Another is, hospital is a business, being a health provider is a business, there should be a rotation of the materials that were invested. What to I mean with that investment? Money is used in buying medicines and other medical paraphernalia, how about transportation? How about those spent on them? Are they not supposed to be returned? I mean with interest? Because this interest is supposed to be used in buying more of medical materials and facilitate in the improvement of such medical services.
If people will always pay in kind, there will be a delay in acquiring the best medical services and acquiring the medicines as well. So, it is not always true if we pay in kind for health services rendered to us. There are circumstances that paying in kind is just if we consider the condition of the people whereas they cannot have money to pay their bills in hospitals due to economic reasons. In IRH for example, there are instances that patients pay in kind because they cannot pay hospital bills. They pay in the form of vegetables for food or render services like cleaning in the yard of the hospital and other areas.
Professional fee is essentially must be in the form of money but that fee must conjoin with the services rendered. It is also good to pay in kind depending on what the situation of the patient is as considered by the health provider.
However, there are several factors to be considered in a just professional fee. What if the health worker is travelling? What if the health worker is working at night? Is their security in his workplace? Are there enough protective measures used for the benefit of the health care provider (the medical technologists for example)? Let us be reminded that the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers (Republic Act No. 7305) is existent and it should be strictly followed. What if there are cases like patients cannot afford the hospital bills? Well, there should be enough considerations. The doctor for example should look into the condition of the patient; he should consider the instance that he can afford less of what should be. Anyway, it is not immoral if the health worker will give consideration in his professional fee. Yes, the health worker should consider some degrees in the case of patients. Let us not forget that medical professionals had their oath and they must not focus on how to become wealthy, service always comes first.

Dorothy Johnson's Behavioral System Model

The framework of this theory states that its focus is on the seven categories of behavior. Individual's goal is to achieve behavioral balance and steady state by adjustment and adaptation to certain forces.
This theory lacks to focus on the role of the nurse if the client or individual is well as stated in the theory of Virginia Henderson: "assisting the individual sick or well in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery… that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge. And to do this in such a way as to help gain independence as rapidly as possible."
Dorothy Johnson's theory of nursing focuses on how the client adapts to illness and how actual or potential stress can affect the ability to adapt. The goal of nursing is to reduce stress so that the client can move easily through recovery (Johnson, 1968).
With this theory, I came to recall the theories concerning diseases; I came to reinvestigate the Homeostatic theories by Bernanard, Cannon, Selye and Mason.
I agree on Johnson's theory as supported by the theorists that I have mentioned.
Using the term, adaptive effort, which is appropriate to the illness/incorrect with its magnitude. This allow me to understand that the body itself has its adaptive effort or the coping mechanism with the changes especially in the internal or physiologic aspect. Moreover, with the definition that health is the result or the balance within the internal environment of the body and disease as the opposite of the definition further strengthens the view that when the body is in the state of stress, disease would occur.
Relating Walter Cannon's theory on feedback mechanism which is the ability to resist changes in order to restore homeostasis, further convinced that with stress affecting the body's ability to adopt, the positive feedback would lead to no help while the opposite or the negative feedback mechanism will be the one that will contribute help. With the goal of nursing in reducing stress, this would lead to dynamic equilibrium which is the flexible ongoing process to maintain certain factors within a given range. This is now the so-called fight or flight mechanism.
Since stress could be characterized into local or general, the nursing goal of reducing stress must be specific and therefore, excessive demands in a person's life must be the focus: explain the negative effects of stressful activities in a person's life and explain how the stress mechanism lower body's resistance to disease and cause organ damage.
John Mason's Stress Response: stress is a specific psychological response and stress response is dependent on psychological factors allows a deeper understanding on the contribution of psychological aspect to the stress state and therefore, the nurse should know how to manage with this in order to attack the problem according to the psychological aspect and not merely on the focus of giving medications.
Johnson's theory focuses on basic needs in terms of the following categories of behavior: Security-seeking behavior, nurturance-seeking behavior, Master of oneself and one's environment according to internalized standards of excellence, Taking in nourishment in socially and culturally acceptable ways, ridding the body of waste in socially and culturally acceptable ways, sexual and role identity behavior.
With the goal of caring for and helping the client attain total self-care, the above mentioned behavior must be studied by the nurse in order to know how to deal with the clients displaying those behavior so that the goal will be attained at a level that will allow the restoration of the patients' health.
Going back to the goal: to reduce stress so that the client can move more easily through recovery process, stresses that man as a behavioral system composing of the following subsystems: ingestive, eliminative, affiliative, aggressive, dependence, achievement, and sexual should strive to achieve homeostasis and stability both in the internal and external so that he could function effectively by adjusting and adapting to environmental forces through learned patterns of response.
I agree that the patient strives to become a person whose behavior is commensurate with social demands and therefore, the nurse should not neglect to understand the social needs of the patients but in the state of illness were there's a presence of stress, it should be noted that these social activities are reduced in order to regain the energy lost as a result of the imbalance.
Man therefore as the highest form of animal as categorized by Taxonomists has the ability to cope with the changing environment and therefore with his dynamic mechanism, he must be able to modify his behavior for his own health and in order to conserve his biologic imperatives. The law of conservation states that the four aspects: social integrity, personal, structural and energy should be conserved especially in illness so that there will be more hope of regaining them.
Doing the above, would contribute a lot to the patient allowing him to benefit to the fullest extent during illness. Going back to Hippocrates' belief that in the process of recovery, he noted the presence of the health care provider, may I stress that the health care professional's knowledge and skills is evident as an important tool that the nurse should possess.
Last but not the least, since the Behavioral System Model focus on the behavioral aspect that is being affected and the one that responses in the state of illness/stress, the health care provider or the nurse should also display a behavior that will serve as a buffer in the recovery of the patient and not to display a contributory factor, the one that gives unnecessary trauma or a consequence of illness.

A Reaction on Martha Roger's Theory

"Unitary man" evolves along life process.
Client continuously changes and coexists with environment.

The goal of nursing according to this theorist is to maintain and promote health, prevent illness, and care for and rehabilitate ill and disabled client through "humanistic science of nursing".
As a basis of nursing research, I definitely agree on the view that nursing as a science as it is previously being introduced in our class. Nursing incorporates the disciplines of sciences and physiology, as well as nursing knowledge because these are essentials in the application of the nursing profession effectively.
In the promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspect therefore, science in nursing is used in order to facilitate the needs of the client.
According to nursing books that I have consulted, "The science of nursing aims to provide a body of abstract knowledge growing out of scientific research and logical analysis and capable of being translated into nursing practice. Nursing's body of scientific knowledge is a new product specific to nursing… nursing is a humanistic science." As I have mentioned earlier, it is a science because these body of logically arranged disciplines are the bases for the nursing practice.
Man as an adaptive organism is viewed in sociology as a social animal and therefore has the highest form and capability of adapting himself in different conditions of the environment. Even there are sociological discrepancies such as culture shocks and future shock (conceptualized by Alvin Toffler), man is still competent enough to undergo adaptation and has a strong coping mechanism in a fast changing environment.
Further, Martha Rogers considers man as an energy field coexisting within the universe. In the Classical-Philosophical Theory of Learning, it viewed man as a dualistic individual. I agree on this context because as dualistic individual containing the corporeal and spiritual components, it involves energy. In the biblical approach, the book of Genesis even mentioned that the life of Adam came absolutely from God when, "He gave him the breath of life in his nostrils." Therefore, life itself in man is an energy considered divine.
Man is in continuous interaction with the environment. In addition, man is a unified whole, possessing personal integrity and manifesting characteristics that are more than the sum of all the parts. With this, I agree as supported by the view that man in a holistic approach is composed of several aspects, systems and the ability to cope with environmental change.
Unitary man is a "four dimensional energy field identified by pattern and manifesting characteristics that are specific to the whole and which cannot be predicted from the knowledge of parts" (Marriner-Tomey, 1989). This further allow me to relate the structural theory of Learning in which it views man's ability to learn through the ability to understand the relationship of the structure of the subject. With this, further enhanced my understanding that Roger's theory - energy fields, openness, pattern and organization, four-dimensionality- used to derive principles about how human beings develop is actually an interrelationship with the learning process through the theories that I have mentioned.
As a conclusion, this theory as a basis of nursing research is flexible and infinite and therefore, the discipline on nursing research should also be focused and stressed in the nursing profession because this will help solve problems and questions concerning human development. This theory also convinces me to consider Psychology as indeed a strong allied force in the nursing profession.

First written Observation

The staff nurse where I am currently having my clinical duty at Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center works well with the system existing at the surgical ward; despite existing problems involving the health care team which is undeniably stressful yet challenging. For a few days I have observed that it is not easy if I would imagine that there is no system because being a nurse is not focusing on how to be called as such but being entailed in a responsibility that deals with life situation and how to attack problems.

Of the seven theories of management, the nurse concerned utilizes one of the contemporary theories of management which is the contingency theory. Contingency theory asserts that when managers make a decision, they must take into account all aspects of current situation and act on those aspects that are keys to the situation at hand. This is the approach called, “it depends”.

The contingency theory is very much evident to the hospital setting that I am having my clinical duty because of the fact that acting out on problems “depend on the situation.” In a hospital wherein scarcity of resources is a health economic problem, there is a felt need to innovate ideas to deliver effectively patient responsibility.

This theory works well to us student nurses because it is evident that despite the existence of job rotation wherein one can shift from a previously assigned task to another, an autocratic style (contingency theory) exists. This is evidenced during assigning of patients and carrying out physician’s orders. This is also evidenced in endorsing laboratory requisitions and other diagnostic requisitions. Although already used to or a standard operating procedure, in obtaining consent for surgery, autocratic style still exists at a lighter phase because it is still being followed-up by the nurse concerned even when students are supervised already by clinical instructors.

In one of my readings about contingency theory, it says that “If one is leading a hospital, a more participative and facilitative leadership style is probably best.” I find this is true because the staff nurse does not sit when there are students around, she sees to it that she still does her functions and participates well in charting. Further, she asks questions and directs students if she or he made the appropriate decision in carrying out orders and nursing interventions. It is quite intimidating at some pointy, but the way the staff asks question becomes a negative motivation to students. Hence, they are forced to use critical thinking in their decision-making.

In addition, the staff encourages participative and facilitative leadership style because she calls for students to observe and listen when a certain procedure is being demonstrated. She also encourages the students to join trainings like Intravenous infusion.

GUIDELINES IN SELECTING A HUSBAND OR A WIFE

The woman was formed from the body of a man to be his helper and therefore she is called upon to yield her will to perform the role as responder. Marriage is a lifelong intimacy of a right man to a right woman in spirit, soul and body. Falling in love is not sufficient indication that the right partner is found for God's point of view. That is why confirmation must come from the Lord. There must be a wide knowledge or background from the Bible regarding marriage which is a deep friendship between a man and woman.
There are three parts of being: dating, engagement and marriage. Dating is a time to cultivate spiritual intimacy not for physical contact level. Engagement is a time for cultivating soul intimacy learning how each one conform with the others mind, emotions and will. Marriage is a time to develop body intimacy.

Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one.

GUIDELINES

1. Do not marry a nonbeliever

II Corinthians 6:14-16

Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said,
"I will make my home with my people and live among them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

This explains that two different species, in animals cannot unite to form an offspring. There is no such thing as dating Evangelism so it does not mean that a Christian is meant for another Christian. There should be compatibility in beliefs or religion. Moreover, dating is exclusively for adults and it should not be made as a game.

2. Do not marry a spiritually immature person

Ephesians 5:21
Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ.

This means that a wife should submit herself to her husband in everything because the husband is the head in Divine viewpoint. The wellbeing of the family depends on the husband. A woman therefore should marry a man or choose a man in accordance to her spiritual heritage. Meaning, they should belong in the same religion or church. Spiritual intimacy is the cornerstone of marriage and the Things of God is the basic feature of marriage. The spiritual capacity of the husband should therefore be followed by the wife. So, if the husband has a strong spiritual capacity, you will be blessed as a wife and so with the whole family. In short, the Unity in Jesus Christ is the basic ingredient in marriage.

3. Do not marry in your teens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.

Ecclesiastes 3:5
The time for making love and the time for not making love, the time for kissing and the time for not kissing


Teenagers are prone to be deluded to engage in premarital sex especially with the influence of pornography in television and in other forms of mass-media. 50% end up in divorce as a result from a study for those who got married in their teens. However, those who got married in their teens regret a lot from their decisions because they missed a great portion in their youthful life.

4. Do not marry without parents approval.

Colossian 3:20
Children, it is your Christian duty, to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.

With the notion that parents know their children better, it is appropriate that the parents will have the final say regarding the approval whether their child will get marry or not yet. The parents duty in the said situation is to give their children appropriate guidelines because the parents have the so-called experience regarding marriage and married life.

5. Do not marry a person who is in serious conflicts with parents

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EARTH IN THE YEAR 2020?

They say that the only constant in the society is change. Change affects a lot in the process of man's advancements; change is the ultimate tool in man's quest for answers to serious questions such as questions regarding his origin and his being. Change is the ultimate tool in man's untiring effort to search for answers in the real world, questions as demanded by man's rationality in nature. Change hence as a natural process manipulates society, lifestyle, environment and other areas where man is undergoing his quest for answers.
As we study history, the years that gone by has its own identity, there was a year for the industrial revolution after the so-called reformation as lead by Martin Luther and his predecessors, the year marked the beginning of a technology that lead us to what we call now as the age of computers since electricity was invented and perfected by man. Future shock may be only minimal for people living in the first world countries such as the United States but for third world countries who are ten years behind? It may be a worse scenario compared to a social condition as to culture shock. Yes, the millennium fever pave the way to an alarming preparation for the future and the future is the only indicator that man has yet risen and at the denouement of the so-called saga: "Machine World and Man". May Future shock be a challenge as I introduce and explain my research in what will happen on earth by the year 2020?
Science and Technology can not merge but they work as one because man has formulated different areas of discipline through it by devising intelligent ways to create an even more interesting body of discipline. Yes, we can say that Science can not merge because of several points but it can not be denied that they are correlated with each other because of their overlapping disciplines that in turn share the same points and foundations. \
The year 2000 was predicted as the end of computers rule over technology because of the problem on Millennium bug but it has been remarkably been solved and now Computer Technology has not been terminated and extinguished in its role in man and his society.
Let's look at the future…
The mover of technology is man. Man utilizes technology in order to satisfy his needs for survival even at the beginning of his existence. In the year 2020, man will face different challenges in a virtual reality, a reality created by man because by that time, nature is already at the verge of extinction. Forests may be closed for man. Fossil oil may already be scarce in the Middle- east and probably some areas who has the supply may try to horde it for their own country's benefits. Due to the demands in the advancements of technology, man may not notice that he has to conserve harder because the sources for technology has already started to diminish. Due to man's space technology, they try to send space explorations and apply Chemical Science to give life to Mars trying to match the natural processes happening on Earth such as precipitation for the supply of potable water, snow maybe, manipulation of its atmospheric condition for plants to live performing processes like photosynthesis or unusual plantlike organisms that will perform the processes of chemosynthesis… so on so forth.
Eversince NASA began, it had already launched a space lab conducting that research on water purification and the new science called hydrotechnology. After years of experimentation, scientists have come up to a plan to produce similar phenomenon on Earth to Mars in order for Ecology to exist in the planet red. But before hand, earth is not destroyed but it became a robotic society whereas the main source of power in the solar energy. However, due to the advancements of robotics which replaced several factory workers, man has gone to other careers in order to supply his basic needs and his wants in order to make his living comfortable. The following are the newly-found jobs which are incorporated in the 2020 Technology: 1. Tissue Engineers- During the success of the Human Genome Project supported by major countries of the world, Man-made skin is already in the market and tissue culture has progressed creating organs. Now, organ donation is rare because Researchers have successfully grown new organs like intestines, liver, etc. inside man's abdominal cavities. The only limitation is man's inability to grow a brain because a law has been implemented that the brain should not be manipulated by any man because of the proliferation of dangerous mutants which in turn became threats in the society. 2. Gene Programmers. Digital Genome Maps allow laboratory technicians to create customized prescriptions, altering individual genes by rewriting lines of computer code. After scanning your DNA for serious defects, doctors will use gene therapy and smart molecules to prevent a variety of diseases, including certain cancers and immunize you with AIDS and dangerous virus which are airborne. 3. PHARMERS. Restaurants and other fast food chains will raise their own crops and produce their products out of it. They may raise livestock such as chicken that have been genetically engineered to produce therapeutic proteins. Works in progress include a vaccine-carrying tomato and drug-laden milk from cows, sheep and goats for human consumption.4. Data Miners instead of computer scientists and researchers take over the internet technology providing hologram technology to access the internet even under water. The cable channel can already be accessed even during electrical interruptions and wireless technology is now applied in every household. The cellular phones is reduced in a microchip which can be implanted in the eardrum. Dialing and communicated can be made easy as the brain makes signals through the chip.5. Virtual Reality Actors. Oscars had become more sophisticated and it has promoted a new category on best virtual movie. Acting made easy for actors who don't do drama and other genres because their artistic expression can be manipulated in the Filming computer.6. Knowledge Engineers replace the teachers in the classroom. The right for freedom for education is being practiced by almost all the countries' scholars and ordinary students. Even postgraduate courses can avail of the same benefit using the Knowledge Engineer Technology whereas the virtual school will come to you as sent by your personal computer, laptop, notebook computer of the latest technology implanted in your brain which is also a small modem for picking up signal in international conferences and seminars in Prime Universities of your own choice. Many jobs had been created in 2020 because man tries to advance his lifestyle in order to fit for the new world in Mars or in order for them to have better job opportunities in a civilization that is located in the moon.
However, man lost the following jobs, stockbrokers, CEO, Insurance and Real Estate Agents because majority of the population is self employed and they don't need boss. They are bosses of their own selves, the only important pecuniary in the 2020 society is information quality.

Activating the Self-employed, making efforts work for health promotion through medical/health insurance

Work and leisure should be a source of health for people. The way society organizes work should help create a healthy society.
(Ottawa Center for Health Promotion, 1986)

According to a book published by the WHO entitled “Creating supportive environments for health” – In the context of health promotion, health the ability of an individual to achieve his or her potential and to respond positively to the challenges of the environment. It is a source for everyday life and not the object of living; it is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities.

Modern concept of health (state of physical, mental and social well being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity) by the WHO correlates with health promotion in order to achieve human’s optimum level of functioning whether categorized as individuals, families or communities.

The growing concern of health issues roots from an array of changes in Human Ecology. Politics, Behaviour, Heredity/Genetics, Health Care Delivery Systems, Environmental Elements, and Socio-Economic Influences- all inter-related factors in creating major/minor impacts in the achievement of human’s optimum level of functioning.

For the self-employed, health insurance may not be a priority rather it is considered a cost, not an investment. Further, many self-employed cannot afford health insurance but are too rich to qualify for Medicaid.

Classically, self-employment falls on the household sector that historically dominated the peasant society (categories of work activities were: household, private, and public sectors). In early industrial society, the private sector grew in most countries. The public sectors cover the areas: education and health care, including care of children and elderly. Social security system was introduced in order to render services to different groups: age, gender, employment status, wealth, etc because the public and private sectors work in groups rather than the individual. The integration of medical/health insurance in most security systems have a variety of advantage and disadvantages depending on the policies/provisions of the insurance system which vastly influenced by factors directly or indirectly linked to the health care delivery system.

In modern societies, the social security system may be government or privately-controlled. The fast-changing society had drastic shifts to highly industrialized level and globalized communities. Hence, ill-effects to the environment particularly the disregard to the long-term effects of environmental damage posts health risks- that seek great demands for solutions that work in a long-term basis. Studies supporting correlations between health and economic development encourages both the public and private sector to tap the participation of more companies to mobilize resources- gain support for medical/health insurances forcing them to increase contributions in exchange for some privileges that often creates discrepancies in quality that may aggravate Health Crises. Worse, the self-employed shoulders this increase himself in order to augment the still-growing health costs or worse, he does not avail any health insurance at all. Some companies offer medical/health benefits as a strategy to retain employees- only to disappoint the latter due to lack of funds when the time comes that he needs the services. The unending debate on “putting a price on a human being” place policy-makers in conflicting resolutions as to what models of health insurance scheme to adopt and what plans really work. The solution is going back to the basics, look into the participation of the self-employed as part of the team and empower them to take control of their own health in the context of health promotion. The role of the government should not be delimited to the health insurance scheme but to strengthen its teeth on factors that contribute to high cost of health care products and services.

The government is still the prime authority that should spearhead health promotion through integration in the health insurance schemes. Appropriate infrastructure and instruments are needed in order to achieve a comprehensive long-term health promotion. Work place committees for the self-employed should also be created along with appropriate representative so that the health situation will be analyzed via team- set targets, initiate health programs and evaluate results. Forum and seminars facilitates opportunity for participation of the self-employed with the public and private sector. The creation of a database that contains related literature should be available publicly for research, planning, development of concepts and models of health promotion.

Health requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves participation of all sectors.

In response to an alleged offense…

Good day! I have not heard from you for the past years yet I want to express my full gratitude for all the things you have done in the past. I may not be able to provide ample compensation nor return any thanks for the support you rendered during the high tides and storms but I never intend to hurt you in any manner. It was a “swallow-hard” decision and I believe it is caused by communication gaps. You are always a friend to me and I cannot discard whatever things that transpired in that friendship.

I apologize for the many ways I may have hurt or offended you- those that I may or may not be aware of. As far as I’m concerned I opted not to explain further for my sincerity might be in question if it is not done personally. If the opportunity comes along way, may you have an open heart to talk things over… People always have things to say (most of those do not have any concern at all) but I know that YOU understand better- you are the BEST!

Again, thanks a lot and Good luck!

Disability insurance- If only working conditions in the industry is healthier…

Industrial accidents occur in developed and developing countries, may involve large number of people, happens in large plants that produce/use hazardous materials or when valleys are flooded if a dam bursts. Developing countries have only a small part of the world’s industrial and energy-producing plants but the frequency of serious accidents is unacceptably high.

In 1940’s, health-related work of trade unions mainly concerned with ensuring workers had access to medical treatment, negotiations focused on assuring workers with risky jobs received extra pay.

During 1960’s, campaigns raised regarding work health and safety- led workers in Europe became “judges of their own health”; considering subjective opinions- validated as component for scientific investigation. As result, working conditions in industry improved, thrust towards innovation stimulating the development of new technologies created agencies that cater to worker’s control over workplace. New rights such as the Right to Information were recognized and the power of workers strengthened.

In 1970’s however, politics contributed to some difficulties- unity between trade unions weakened, attitudes of workers changed. Developments in health and safety have been less favorable in the 1980’s; accidents begun to rise again.

Accident Prevention through discipline and vigilance must be a constant pre-occupation, especially of newly-industrialized countries.

Weakness of regulatory system/laxity in enforcement, and obsolete equipment are likely the principal causes of accidents. The adoption/hasty adaptation of new and locally un-tried technologies to local conditions make accidents more likely if workers and their supervisors lack experience in risk prevention. Often, local medical and hospital facilities may lack the means and experience to handle a sudden influx of victims with unfamiliar symptoms. Worse, absence/ unspecific insurance coverage adds burden.

The major difficulty is to set up the infrastructure that makes planning, operation, surveillance and quality control routine, and avoid technological “shortcuts” that may appear practical- paid for later on in the environmental and health damage and in high costs for clean-up/restoration. Training of responsible personnel at all levels to be aware of the environmental hazards at work may cause is expensive but essential component of any large-scale expansion of industrial and energy-producing activities.

Thoughtfully selecting industry, use of pollution control equipment, rational disposal of waste, strict compliance with good operational practice and continued adherence to measures to protect workers should ensure that environmental and health problems are reduced to a minimum.

Government should support policies concerning health of workers’ rights, equity between women and mean and commitment to fight against unemployment. Regulations and laws should protect against occupational hazards. Right to information about occupational hazards is important- provision of occupational health and safety services, regulation of working hours, legislation against discrimination and abuse of labor force (children and pregnant women), and ability to organize/ negotiate working conditions.

Continued Economic developments marked the sprung of modern thinkers/advocates of healthy workplace: trade unions, women’s associations, occupational health and safety authorities, health promoters and environmentalists, responded to the ongoing battle to improve social security benefits in cases of accidents and occupational diseases.

Health Care Deliver Systems particularly occupational health have been redesigned expanding roles on health: promotion, prevention, cure, and rehabilitation; tapping important key-enabling factors: education, training, access to information and technologies, democratization. Among the specific tasks of health sectors: expert knowledge on health and ill-health situation- research (study of hazardous working materials, organization of hygiene infrastructure), reorganization (outpatient/neurology department), training (patients with diseases that require rehabilitation and management like diabetes), diet and exercise, nursing care, development of communication and social relationships, referral systems, education (risk factors to health in workplace, accident and disease prevention).

The vital information that can be obtained from the health sectors and its alliance (governments, workforce, consumer associations and researchers), should guide insurance companies in supporting health through improved social security benefits, setting standards for health insurances (disability insurance); must be re-/designed to assist clients who have accident at work/been disabled to achieve their optimum level of functioning through specific insurance coverage fit to his/her condition.

Strategies for mobilization are based on relation between work, supportive environment and people’s health. The key is empowerment.

Health improvement of workers benefits the whole of the society through improved quality of life and less expenditure or social welfare. This support can help business increase cost effectiveness.

Credit card processing - You might want to consider your priorities…

What are your reasons for getting a credit card- Is it for financing your business or for paying household expenses- food electricity, education, loans. etc.? Whatever the purpose, have you considered the possibility of debt overload in the long-run because you failed to assess your financial capabilities and losing the collateral has placed your financial standing into an even greater risk?

When you turned the pages of the credit card bank’s terms and conditions, you are in denial until you received another set of bills coupled with excessive and burdensome charges. You cannot pay, you became delinquent. As a result, the credit card spending that spiraled out of control leads to a sad reality- financial dead end!

Credit card processing is fast nowadays, with a variety of banks and financial institutions that give credit using the benefits of technology- applications can be processed over the phone, via internet, and through mobile services. The absence of a systematized Credit Information System (CIS) to facilitate effective screening and evaluation of creditors by lending firms has several impacts. Some CIS were available in established financial firms but it is inaccessible to others hence, depriving them over CIS advantage during credit card processing.


The rapidly-changing global financial environment caused financial institutions to make drastic efforts to counter the effects of currency turmoil. Major currencies of the world are experiencing such problems like in East Asia in 1997. In turn, moves on strengthening financial institutions specifically bank’s capitalization had been continuously encouraged, backed by other institutions, business/commercial sectors and some governments.

The UN’s Millennium Development goals is directed to slash poverty and kick-start progress specifically targeting the deadline through the Global Microcredit Summit on 2015 for a “range of measures including the halving of extreme poverty, halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and boosting universal primary education.” Financial institutions (lenders) can take part in these concerns.

Despite campaigners that includes Bangladeshi economist Nobel Peace Price winner Muhammad Yunus, Bill Gates, Queen Sofia (Spain), and philanthropist George Solos, micro-credit programs remains idealistic with a young support-system supported by developing countries.

The establishment of a systematized CIS is an important step specifically in the assessment of credit applicants. Credit cards has gain international distinctions over global commerce, thus encouraging its use in the micro-credit program implies opportunity to explore a diversity of markets and trades. It helps address problems of any country’s financial systems from vulnerability to further losses, exposure to bad debts, and more growth opportunity lost.

The strength of a banks as a credit-financing institution depends on its capitalization- on the other hand, banks can eye on options such as merging, tie-ups to other institutions permitted by existing laws as solutions to stabilize its finances. These may result to reversible/irreversible outcomes and more often leads to some financial back-slash due to unforeseen effects. As a result, the banks can always pass burdens to its client/creditors.

Meanwhile, advertisements/promotions on some benefits/privileges offered by credit cards along with perks may not suite client needs forcing them to avail of such services. These strategies lure clients to take no control of their credit-spending and further pushing them to disregard their liabilities as creditors. Their excessive dependence on collateral to secure their credit lines and the credit card provider’s lack of concern to address their creditors concern all contribute to credit card delinquency.

Collaterals are significant in a banks’ financial standing. However, it may not always be convertible to fund its operations/credit services. If banks fail to evaluate and understand the behaviour and historical profile of its borrowers and credit card holders, its financial standing may be put to risk for bankruptcy leaving its legitimate clients to financial crisis.

Owning a credit card entails responsibility. Relationship of client to lender should not be on a short-term/ during credit applications only. Partnerships should facilitate for an environment to design/redesign financial products/processes suited to respective clients- best achieved by personalizing transactions but not abandoning technology in the process because this implies morality in action (Working together as well as trading with each other in markets.)

Credit card firms access to accurate CIS: financial information- insurance, mutual funds, credit ratings and assets will enable them to make more informed credit decisions while strengthening credit discipline. As a result: reduced processing time and costs to lenders (Among are assured of the good credit standing of borrowers, reduced risks of default and shortens administrative cost.) that is expected to reduce financing cost of borrowers.

This move will spur lending to the retail market, improve growth, coordination of different financial sectors thus create niche to support microcredit programs. Imagine a credit card can have another purpose.

Hero directed by Yimou Zhang

Reading National Geographic Journey into China presents the then powerful Qin's hue of ancient sanity. Although Hitler and the likes of Alexander were hated, revered. I felt Qin's (Daoming Chen) strength in character when he came face to face with Nameless. I think the best moment of the movie was when Qin exposed the latter's flaws in defeating his enemies.
The movie exemplifies violent grace in all fighting scenes. I love the shots in Donnie Yen (Sky) and Jet Li's (Nameless) fight scenes. The visualization was a masterpiece and it's simply mind over matter thing plus the music; meditation in action. I like how the film touches man's primitive emotions- love, fear and conquest. Powerful and timeless.

24 Oras

Grabeh! News is supposed to be delivered critically but I think 24-Oras provides an atmosphere of what the "masa" wants in a socio-political program. News on television is no longer a thing for the elites but it gives rise to another wave of audience. Plus, the chika-minute? An ingenious tactic to keep audience from tuning in before the flooding of tears following the march of telenovelas. Too bad I always get the feeling that Pia Guanio anchoring the segment is inappropriately displayed (figurine before they close the program) but she amuses with a lot of style, not so glamorous (it might cloud the real show). Of course Mel Tiangco always show the typical old-school newscaster. Her segment with GMA Kapuso Foundation feeds the soul for reaching out to the needy. And the comics of Mike Enriquez' pahabol comments after the light news seen from around the world. I heard him over the radio and he's good in English. I wonder how the crossover took place but the Imbestigador ng Bayan outwits other main anchors in many ways. What bothers me is the fact that the presentation of news is far no different when Saksi takes over. Probably, consistency in technical writing plays its weak point. However, consistency allow retention of content and adds quality into the format. I hope that there will be more coverage on people empowerment to counter the effect of our Economic situation following the rise of petroleum price, peso recovery, etc. which is often the bulk of the headlines. You see, Telenovelas allow us to escape reality for long hours of entertainment but just a small piece of information on how to save and save some more is another plus in the Ratings!

No Ethics

It doesn't have any artistic value! Yet, it shows how these "life-savers" they call themselves turned into a 3-minute monster that could cost human dignity. Thank you, Dr. Ever Garcia, Jr. for the Health Ethics, it really saved me in nursing practice. (At least I could always have the buzzer in my mind- dignity of man.) Thanks!
"Nakakahiya mga doc, mga nars, mga estudyante".
Dr. Emmanuel Gines- Ten people in the OR? I guess wala ng sterile field. What were the standards?
PMA- Dr. Jose Sabili - man the thing speaks for itself, pakibilisan ang imbestigasyon.
PRC- Tanggalan na ng lisensya mga yan. Irepaso niyo mga palakad niyo para magkaron ng mas maraming disenteng doc at nars. What would you do with the Nursing Schools whose students were there? (Palalampasin niyo na naman ito?)
DOH- Undersec Alexander Padilla- Separate investigation? Di ba under niyo ang Vicente Sotto MMC? Basta pakibilisan niyo lang yan. (Huwag na makipag-bargain.)

Invisible War

I listened to this, first time at Smoothjazz 107.1 in Baguio City. Grabe ang emote ng song! What's addicting is the melody... the lyrics adds a justification to it. I never had a chance to search more on how it was composed since I never owned any Julia Fordham album but I got hooked by this because of the depth of its message. It talks about how human we are and the insensitivity of the heart to make that spiritual connection.

As it goes...

Invisible war, seems we're fighting an invisible war
Strained maneouvres, keeping silent score
In this invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
Both wishing it was like before
In this invisible war
- A concrete example is seen in a romantic relationship that has faded as it lose it's glare to beauty. It's like two people in a bargaining situation who is still in doubt if both will cross the bridge of letting go and make that acceptance work... but with all what if's... time is an essential element.

Talk about a fine line between love and hate
We've lost more than our direction of late
Talk about a fine line between lovers and friends
We've never been lovers and now we're not even friends

- Remember the song by the Company? "Muntik na kitang Minahal" It configures with this message and it is absolutely sentimental.

In this invisible war, seems we're waging an invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
In this invisible war

-The following lines adheres to letting the pain remain... again it is bargaining in the grieving process.

It wounded deeply the scar is here to stay
Opening up at all the little things I do and say
You always want things to be as before
So I make you angry and you bleed a little more

In this invisible war, seems that we're waging an invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
In this invisible war

-And the idea of hope is emphasized.

Want to go away I still love you
Got to go away I always love you
Got to be away Time heals all wounds

Pinoy Marimar

An attempt to Filipinize the phenomenal telenovela which changed the face of Philippine Boobtube archives was GMA's effective weapon against rival network ABS-CBN. Although the adaptation justified the remake of the original... it has series of flaws which I could not bear to accept: I hated the new Corazon though the character was good, hated how they turned it into a Visayan maid. The rest of the cast like Choi was not strong enough... and there was this Sangheniz whom Marvin Agustin portrayed... good but so plain acting. They could have looked for a real meztizo who can be really passionate. The new Marimar and Sergio was a new flavour. I like Pinoy Sergio (Dingdong Dantes) for a lot of reasons in terms of acting. Notable characters like Angelica (Katrina Halili) was real damn BAD but her battery on hubby Renato (Goma) overdo the torture stuffs. Marimar fighting with her gun was hip though the yatch scene was stupid. I really wished the god-fearing Marimar resurfaced. Last but not the least,Cruzita was a freak... oh my gosh where did this kid came from? I love Marimar, it brings memories, love the cake fight... damn too sexy! Too bad Marimar can't sing though Regine did the theme song with a nice "Awh!". Nice team-up Direk Mac and Bb. Joyce Bernal.

Invisible but do they really Care?

wind earth water fire on January 8, 2008, 5:01 pm asked "Visible ba talaga ang president at college director sa mga estudyante? alam ba nila nag tunay na kalagayan ng paaralan at ng mga mag-aaral?"
I just sighed and started answering...
Ang tanong ay kung kilala niyo ba ang College Director ng Lorma at kung sino ang Presidente ng Lorma Inc.? Tungkol naman sa kalagayan ng paaralan, kung nalalaman ng mga taong ito ang ni “ha at ni ho sa Amrol.”… ang sagot ay malamang oo at malamang hindi. Kaya nga ginagawa ang “student-administration dialogue”. Ang punto, Ilan lamang sa mga student leaders ang nakakaalam nito. Kung kailan at kung para saan nga ba ang naturang dialogo. Who attends the dialogue? I bet not even majority of LH peeps nor SML, SBOs and club leaders know how the dialogue works. In fact, madalas kumpleto ang representation ng admin sa dialogue na ito and the fact that they have such representations convey a classical impression that they are ready to LISTEN and ready to play the ball. Aminin niyo man o hindi, sila ang nagdidikta kung kelan ang tournament at kung sino ang liyamado sa laban. The other side of the story is, “Kaya ba ng mga student leaders ang makipag- deal or no deal?”. Do they have the guts? Not even the puppet SML can turn the tides. (Puppet nga eh!) Kaya kayo mga LH, maging vigilant kayo. LH nalang ang natitirang org sa LORMA na may nakaumang na responsibilidad para lumaban underground. Keep the himas-banat principle and you can LEARN how to set-up the negotiating table. Sana nga lang, maging mas humble ang ilan. Student journalism in LORMA is not like Kule or anything. Don’t pattern for a CEGP standard for the sake of being on such popularity level. Basic always works and frankly, marami narin pong nagsakripisyo for such cause. Previous editors and staff were even accused of taking part in “ABLORMAL” yet brave enough to function just to stay on red lines to keep an eye on enemy grounds and do necessary actions be it conventional or not. It’s not to have one’s name printed but one’s heart enlightened… LH does not need to go bigtime when the studentry remains IGNORANT. Diversity and experimentation are healthy innovations but if it’s for a few… it’s a FLAWED EULOGY. “Does the admin care? They do if you convince them you do. However, be more realistic with your advances. We do not live in a UTOPIAN society. “Do you really care as students?” Sometimes, numbers matter.