UPCM-PGH Interview

Just had my interview in UP Manila yesterday. It was a 2:1 interview with the consultants of PGH. It was more of a healthy, soft and sound conversation rather than the usual mind-wrenching Q&A. Never imagined that it will take more than an hour; as in they tried to get each and every detail of my life. It was a structured interview with guide questions which they followed. The usual tell me something about yourself, your family, extra-curricular, school and community activities, stress tolerance, accomplishments in life, greatest frustrations/disappointments, etc. As the interview goes, I found that they were trying to get the real me by inquiring with my interpersonal relationships and social awareness at the same time. Well, am hoping to get a slot on March 15. Competition's getting tougher (I realized) when they asked me if I am a son of a UP faculty, alumni or doctor. Anyway, I presented myself well (I believe) to meet whatever expectations they're after to [though I just can't help having apprehensions].

My interview was scheduled at 1 p.m. It was a good thing that I came earlier at 11:30 a.m. because I had enough time to feel the institution and somehow roam around. They asked me also to write an essay; a preforma one. We were about 20 in the hallway waiting for our interview but I wasn’t able to know anyone though [I was actually internalizing some weird stuffs, hehe]. The thing is we all came from different schools and the search for the right students for the UPCM has just started. We have gone that far and as we aspire to be part of Class 2016, we couldn’t hide our apprehensions regarding the limited 60:60 slots for the Learning Unit III. We will be joined by 40 INTARMED students from the top listers in UPCAT 2010 to complete the 160 class for academic year 2011-2012.

While waiting for my interview [as in  2 more hours of waiting, laughs], I met Donna, a nursing student and my co-interviewee. Well, she’s beautiful and friendly [chill… c;]. We shared school-related info and some worries [just to relieve ourselves from anxiety]. We’ll we hope to see each other in UP this year, may it be God’s plan please. We wished good lucks before we partways for the interview.

On sunday, I'll be taking PLM's Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). It will be like NMAT [I think, well, got no idea actually]; part of the criteria of the admissions. They administer another exam in an aim to further screen the applicants. It will be part of my Plan B [but of course, my alma mater is what I preferred the most].

FEU-NRMF Interview

On February 5, I attended a pre-interview orientation at Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Memorial Foundation (FEU-NRMF). It was my first time to attend a medical school orientation and I found it really great and exciting. The school introduced us to their curriculum, teaching methods, achievements and department heads. They also briefed us regarding the interview proper the next day. After that, the doctors toured us in their hospital. I was really more than happy and excited to see a typical hospital setting in the city. They presented their new facilities and laboratories as well. But I was expecting of rare diseases or cases and not the usual lifestyle disease of the rich people but more than anything else, it was the first time I felt as if I am already a medical student attending to the needs of those people (excited c; ).

The next day is a half-day interview for more than 700 applicants. It was not a 1:1 interview. There were two resident doctors and four interviewees at the same time. We were graded according to four categories: Personality, Communication Skills, Motivation and Insights. It was like a fine exchange of insights/thoughts and not the usual mind-contorting Q and A but it seemed like we really need to sell ourselves to them in order for them to select us. The only thing they asked us was: Say something about yourself. My co-interviewees were all girls; 1 from Siliman University , another one from UP Diliman and Manila Central University . The first girl even cried as she was sharing her experience as a nurse in a private hospital. The two were still students. As for my turn, I established eye contact first and greet them. I told them that I am John Mark Katindig Torres, graduate of BS Bio Major in Microbiology from UPLB. I came from Bulacan and I am a scholar of Assumption Development Foundation. What motivates me to pursue medicine is to follow my late grandfather. Even though he’s been dead for years, people still commend him for everything he has done. The only thing I can leave here on Earth is a legacy of compassion and service. I have personally observed the clinical situation in our place. We have no permanent government doctor to promote and support public health programs. It’s either they wait for the next schedule or they have to cross to the nearby town to seek medications.

I recounted, To be a doctor has always been my dream and everyday it grows stronger as I meet people of different outlooks in life. As I grew up, I realized that it’s not just simply fulfilling my dream, it’s actually more of developing myself as a model of service and inspiration to others. I was saying these final words (as far as I could remember) when the interviewer interrupted me and said the Philippines would be grateful to see us 6 years from now. I am pretty sure we all have convinced them to have us in their list. Well, again, hope everything goes according to plan. I surrender them to God. I believe the results will be released on February 18 [really fast, eh].

UERMMMC Interview

Yes! Finally, I am already in the interview phase and am more than excited. Last January 22, I’ve received a text message from UE regarding my application status and yesterday, I had my interview in UERM (University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center). A resident doctor/ professor inquired about my personal information, family and social relationships, experiences in school and all other stuffs in an aim to know me better. I am not that sure of the number of applicants and also the number of students they will admit for the next school year but regardless of the number of my contenders against the precious slot, I gave my best shot in answering all of her questions. It was a structured interview. My interviewer was Dr. Zotomayor from the Dept. of Pharmacology. She’s holding with her a two-page questionnaire from which she followed a series of questions. The usual tell me something about yourself, family, friends, groups etc. were the basic questions. In preparation for my interviews, I prepared anticipated questions and dealt with answers that will appear between being idealistic and realistic. I was wondering that for such encounter, I must play and present myself in between being an ideal and sensible. For an instance, she asked me about my stand on this situation:

Suppose I am on a paralyzed state or my patient is, what should I do?

I thought of it for a while and told her that, even if the tests have ascertained that the case of my patient is helpless, I should still strive to do my best to extend my patient’s life. In the advent of technological advancements, we can utilize resources to prolong his life. It’s not because Euthanasia isn’t legal here, it’s actually a question of the doctor’s principle. My patient’s life may be lost during the process (that would be in case of malfunctions) but not because I will intend to. Besides, it’s a doctor’s principle to save lives.

After saying this, she commended me regarding my stand and I feel like, surprised myself that I was able to express my point. I know that an interviewee’s goal is to impress the interviewer but as I ponder on my answers on situational questions (abortion and euthanasia), I realized that I should always hold on to my stand and develop my own principle in life not because I want them to feel like astonished but because I know for myself that I am living my principle. When I mentioned about our foundation, she was surprised to know that the scholars are not just receiving financial help but more of personality development; that ours is not the usual scholarship alone. During the interview proper, I see to it that she will find me not only as an aspiring doctor but as a socially-conscious member of the community. Well, I am hoping that it will reflect in the results.

Winter Breeze...

Summer is fast approaching [should be] yet the climate suggests the other way around. Dry season in the Philippines has intensified these past few weeks as the winter monsoon causes gust and atmospheric turbulence with irregular rainfalls [showers from a crying sky, laughs]. Well, actually, it has started last December and will last until April [as far as I believe] with the peak of cold dry winds during February [hence, why we feel it immensely this extent].

At night, I can really experience the chilling effects of a draft as winter breeze rushes into my room. It brings about a sound sleep causing sometimes a simple catnap to be a slumber. I am actually preparing for an entrance exam in a medical school in Manila but I can’t help but fall asleep early at night when cold air from afar [in the field] The verve I have developed to cause my concentration to review is always disrupted by the tempting and nippy wind [wheee...]

I have to rush things now. I have lots of subjects to deal with, formulas to practice, concepts to revisit, terms to redefine, and the like. My aim is of course not just to pass the coming exam but rather most importantly to exceed the standards set by the school and have myself qualified for admission. Well, high hopes should always prevail.  c;  You, winter breeze, is something I have to conquer! Haha... You are now regarded as my finest obstacle along with sleepy and lazy night-time hours. Zzzz...

An Encounter with Nanay Nita: For All Filipinos and for the Philippines

                    Yesterday, I went to UP Manila to submit my official NMAT result as part of their major requirements. The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) was actually packed with folks in queue seeking for free medciations I think. I thought of going inside to see the setting in this government hospital but time constraints and the number of people seemed to suggest not to. My next stop should be UERM (University of the East) (for the same reason) near SM Sta. Mesa but the bus that is suppose to bring me directly to the school will be coming from Ayala Boulevard and I was that time along Taft Ave. in Pedro Gil MRT station. I asked the traffic enforcer then which among the public utility vehicles will fetch me to UE and he said in reply, “Sakay ka ng Recto iho tapos sakay ka ulet ng pa-Cubao naman [Take a jeepney to Recto then ride another one to Cubao]” telling me in short, I have to cut trips. I was as much as possible saving money so I decided to push through the one-ride option near PNU (Philippine Normal University). I strode across streets under the scourging heat of the midday sun as I was hoping to reach UE before lunch break until I heard someone softly uttered, “Iho (Son)”. I stopped right then for I knew it must be me (no one’s walking that time except for an old woman I got ahead of and left behind). “Po?” “Bakit po ‘Nay?” I inquired. She asked me in reply, “Ser, baka naman pwedeng makahingi ng tatlong (3) piso para makabuo ako ng siyete (7) [Sir, can you give me 3 pesos to complete my 7 peso-fare]”. She’s too old so I chose to escort her. She was using her decrepit umbrella to support herself as she struggles to go to the next jeepney stop. My worries on the long walk waned as I accompany this weak woman who seemed too strong to endure the striking heat above us. We passed by a food stand so I bought her a biscuit and distilled water. Her name’s Nita. She came from Bicol, couldn’t remember exactly where. She’s actually staying with her two nieces in Blumentritt but they weren’t able to come with her since both have their own matters to deal with. I got so interested with her so I asked her where had she been before we met. Much to my surprise when she lead my eyes to a big exposed wound on her left leg. She’s diabetic and she just got from the PGH for her check-up. She recounted, “Mag-isa na lang talaga ako, matagal na wala akong asawa [I am actually living by myself, I’ve been a widow for long]”. She added, “Bumiyahe lang ako dito sa Maynila para ipasuri ung mga nararamdaman ko kahit wala akong trabaho [I travelled here in Manila to have my condition checked even though I don’t have any source of income]. “Wala na rin kasing mga doctor sa amin [We’re lacking doctors as well]. I was actually filled with awe on her courageous character to travel with her old age and feeble condition until I felt much more significance on the real state of medical profession and services in the rural regions. I pondered on her last statement not knowing I wasn’t attending to her question until she patted me and said, “Ikaw, saan ka nanggaling? Taga-saan ka? [And you, where are you from?]”. I told her I just got from UP PGH too and that I am an aspiring medical student of the said institution. I have had my interview scheduled and that I am so excited to pursue medicine. I didn’t know at first if that impressed her when she said, “E di maigi yan, Iho [Good for you, boy]” until she added, “Maganda yun! Pupunta ka dito sa siyudad o kaya sa Amerika para yumaman ka! [That would be great! You’ll go here in the city or in America and get rich!]”. I said immediately with no hesitations, “Hindi po! Dito lang po ako sa Pilipinas magsisilbi, mas maraming nangagailangan sa akin dito, may doctor naman sila doon [No, I’ll be serving the Philippines, they need me more here. Besides, the city or abroad has their own doctors]”. She stared at me for a while, until she uttered these inspiring words worth keeping, “Sana ganyan na lang (mag-isip) lahat ng doktor [I hope that all doctors will be like you]”. We’re actually a few steps to the traffic light so I said, “Pangako po [I promise]”. I accompanied her to a jeepney and told her to take good care of herself. She just made a simple glimpse and smiled in return.

                    It was a great encounter for me and I haven’t imagined such. My encounter was an actual call for the present and future doctors to serve our fellow Filipinos not because we vowed to but because we ourselves see and feel the need to (Well, I hope we do and we respond to it too). I am not that sure if she actually practiced stereotyping when I told her I wanna be a doctor as she replied I’ll be working overseas or in the city but if ever that’s the case, for sure, that oversimplified category originated because it’s the actual scenario in the Philippines (and that she herself has observed that doctors migrate to the high-paying areas). My experience further strengthened my will to stay and serve the locals. A simple conversation with Nanay Nita opened my eyes to the true situation of the underprovided. I am really inspired to change this stereotype among professionals of all areas. I saw in her eyes and smile great hopes for me and for everybody who will know our simple encounter. I’ve learned a lot from her; things only our hearts can understand.

                    I wrote this blog not only for the medical professionals but for all Filipinos striving to have better lives. We don’t need to search for greener pastures; we have our own so why not nourish it ourselves so it will eventually turn green itself. Our fellow Filipinos are in dire need of our help. It may not be fashionable to profess love for our country nowadays but the pinnacle of every profession is to work for the benefits of our fellow Filipinos.

For the Philippines,
John Mark Katindig Torres
 
 
I got the image from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgyRGZNPEJGTeq2wNvFf88ty2g-ux88bldFYA0mIlB8FykG7hks-QBpQgJa6hyphenhyphenoYS7MnQcJTIuvjxPtaxfcqFuOeEgj40Ofj_nW83NWNMlsvCiLJwEC7KWb3auktOZCv9pdO5Oy0W1l0/s400/the_doctor_is_out.gif and edited it.

Pearly Shells in the Philippines: Ruben Ranin's Birthday/ Luau Party

January 22 marks a very special day for Assumption Development Foundation (ADF). I guess for the very first time, a graduate celebrated his birthday with the foundation. Driven by wholehearted recognition of his being a member and realization of what the center had shared with him in his life, Kuya Ruben celebrated his day with us scholars. Everybody’s saying that he’s the most active alumni. I haven't seen him that much but I know he’s always been supporting the foundation. Motivated by this inspirational act, we graduates and current scholars found our ways to prepare for it. Behind the planning and conceptualization were Bobet, Ate Gercy, Ate Jess, Erwin and all others. All I knew is that they’ve been preparing for it for weeks only.

A Luau Party was successfully celebrated that night. There were leis and garlands, surfing boards, torches, flowers, palms and cocos giving light and colourful ambiance in the grounds. Enticing hula girls and male counterparts, performers and live music made the whole grounds vibrant and dynamic. Pasta, barbecue, prawns and squids, salads, pastries and the like brought delightful feeling as if everyone’s on a beach feast. Truly, Aloha’s in the Philippines.

Kuya Ruben brought with him his family, boss and colleagues. On his message, he mentioned that it was his first time to celebrate his birthday with the foundation and that he’s very grateful of having his little bro’s and sis' on his day. He also shared with us how ADF played a very big part of what he has become today; a very inspiring story of a successful man who looks back from where he used to be before. He told us that every year, he’s posting a sort of wishlist for his birthday. But for this year, in an aim to support the continuing students/scholars of ADF, he decided to give a big amount of money from the generous hearts of his fellow workers.

Well, the first time I met him was during a college seminar in centrex. He introduced himself to us graduating batch and shared inspiring stories of his life, of what he went through to be where he’s now. He’s working as an Operations Manager of the North Star Meat Merchants, Inc.

More than that of a birthday celebration, we actually endorsed our foundation to other people, eventually presenting this small community to the outside world. We have shown how we in small beginnings, can create an ideal Philippines where there is love, compassion, service, life offering , and sharing. As madam said in his message for Kuya, after all, that is what’s meant by aloha...

Images used fr http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=486213989541&id=607849541&aid=266775#!/album.php?fbid=486213989541&id=607849541&aid=266775

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/album.php?fbid=192410090771232&id=100000067260272&aid=52137

John Mark Katindig Torres

Green Thumb

              Early today I have transferred my tomato seedlings from the nursing pots to the soil. It reminded me then the times when I was still in my grade school years cultivating the soil in our backyard and growing vegetables and fruits. I always join my dad whenever he’s to plant trees both in the farm and in our yard. Today, coconut trees serve as natural fence and lot boarders in our compound. I used to have a row for pechay, tomatoes, squash and eggplants of which seeds came from dried fruits and flowers of the said veggies. I also have had a mini-garden with golden bush shrubs, the mayana and oregano herbs, euphorbias and santans. At the middle was a starfruit (balimbing) tree to which I had 2 orchids and red-orange ornament from Bocaue. Honestly, I presume I really have the gardening skill as everybody in our place commends me to have the so-called green thumb. Well I think what inspired me to start planting was my Inang who was at that time enthusiastic to grow crops in her farm. While Tatang’s busy in his ricefield, Inang grew corns, peanuts, string beans, squash and pechays. There were also lady’s fingers (okra), bitter gourds (ampalaya), bottle gourds (upo), sponge gourd (patola) and winged beans (bataw). From the underground tubers and bulbs to low-lying shrubs, from crops with prop roots to green leafy v’s with stunning tendrils , the whole farm created an astounding collection of glittering foliage and nutritious produce. However, I think, as years went by and as she grows older and feeble, she was no longer capable of doing farm activities. The same thing goes for my case as I became engaged to school and other related activities.

           

            After almost a decade, I am once more into a backyard project [well at least for the moment while waiting for the next academic year, c;]. Last October, my Tatang and I transferred 3 banana suckers in our backyard and one has already bear fruits since late November [though ‘til now, the fruits are not ripe] and it will take atleast 2 months more [sighs]. Our papayas are great. We have harvested many fruits for long same for my calamansi. Right now, am still nursing some ampalaya, squash and bell pepper seedlings, hoping that next week they’ll be ready for transfer.

            The funny thing here is, ironically, while I love growing vegetables, I certainly do not like consuming them [well at least I choose some recognizing the need to have them in my diet]. I eat cabbage, pechay, squash, carrots, tomatoes and water spinach [oh so great, in sinigang or simple blanch], toasted garlic and onions, potatoes and taro. I don’t know why but I just don’t like string beans, ampalaya [well it’s bitter anyway], okra, eggplant, cucumbers and family, mustards and a lot more [laughs]. I was actually raised in a farm but I just don’t have the taste for much of the veggies. All I know is I enjoy growing them, in a detail I know, protecting them from occasional weeds and opportunistic insects  until the right time comes and have them harvested.