BLUE CARD FROM PGH: Planning to get one?

I have been planning (for a long time) to get a  blue card from PGH (Philippine General Hospital) but because of my busy schedule (and my husband has his card health benefits too where in I am also a beneficiary of it), I got too lazy to fall in line to avail these government services like getting a free (or if not, a very minimal fee) when having medical services like check-up, confinement and others. Others may think that it is a CHEAP way (or it is not cool), but hey, did you know that this is where a portion of our taxes go?  Come to think of it, instead of paying thousands of bucks for a single medical exam, you can just pay a few hundreds for it.  You are entitled as long as you are a resident of Manila (I believe in other cities there are also health card benefits like the so-called, YELLOW CARD for Makati, etc.).

So, here am I, brave enough to conquer to long queues. Aja!

What are the requirements for you to be able to avail their so called BLUE CARD?

Based on my personal experience while applying for a BLUE CARD, you need to be a resident of Manila.  They are not looking for any identification card, marriage certificate, etc, but you need to input vital information on the registration sheet like your Birthday, address, spouse, telephone number, which I don't know if they are going to confirm in the near future.  But I was able to have a dental procedure even without showing my ID(s)...all I have to show is my blue card.  I am not so sure if it applies to all (confinement, etc) so better to call their hotline at 554-8400 or click HERE.

I arrived at PGH exactly 7:00 am. I was shocked for I saw around nearly a thousand people falling in 5 to 6 separate lines in 6 counters (I got this DEJAVU feeling when I was applying for an NBI clearance haha). I told myself, are you kidding me? As early as this? But don't be intimidated. Blessing comes to those who wait hehehe.  Sabi nga, kung may tiyaga, may nilaga :)

I have this mixed feelings (irritated, tired) but all of these are gone when I happen to saw some of those parents falling in line, while carrying their very sick child. It just sink-in how our country is in need of a serious medical attention. A lot of people out there needs these medical services for they don't have that enough money to augment their medical needs. I should be thankful for I am not doing it in emergency situations like what I saw. :(

So let's get started.

If you are still not a blue card holder, all you need to do is go to the OPD (Out-Patient Department) of PGH which is located at Padre Faura St. (between Pedro Gil and U.N. Avenue Station, in front of the Supreme court). This is the building where you are going to apply as an outpatient.

These are the following steps:

Counter 1: Pagtanggap ng pasyente (they will ask what is your purpose on check up whether it's dental, pediatrics, etc. The patient don't need to fall in line if the patient has a companion that can fall in line. Then you will be asked to register vital information on the registration form they will give you. You can fill it up while falling in line at counter 2)

Counter 2: Payment (They will ask and take a quick look at the registration form and pay Php 7.00)

Counter 3: Checking (there is a roving guard to check if you have completed all the information on the registration form. Mind you, he is strict for no BLANK SPACE(S)/UNANSWERED SPACE(S) allowed. Then someone on the counter will check if those written on the registration form is right based on how they understand and read it.

Counter 4: Processing (There is an employee encoding all the information written on the registration form into a database). That was a tough job! Kudos to this employee!

Counter 5: Old patient

Counter 6: Verification

NOTE: 

If applying for a new card, you don't have to fall in-line for counters 5 and 6.  These are intended for old patients who already carries BLUE CARD or have lost it.

Line 1 and Line 6 refers to Counter 1 and 6

When you're done with Counter 4, you will be given a BLUE CARD like this:

Also, you will be given a small paper where you will be directed and needs to fall in line (again) for assessment and check up by the doctor:

Don't worry, you will not be lost, for there is a bulletin board showing where the departments of OPD are:

Note: My apologies for the blurred pics, for I was in a hurry when taking up these pictures.

Luckily, there were only few patients on DENTISTRY/DENTAL department.  In fact, I am already assessed by 8:45 am. :) 

Hope this post helps for those who plans in getting a BLUE CARD.

-xoxo-

Note:  This is not a sponsored post. All of the images where taken inside the UP-PGH Outpatient Department and this blog post was done as a sort of help to my readers.

PAG-IBIG: Anong klase mayroon ka?

Nagmahal ka na ba?  Abnormal ang isang tao kung 'di siya nagmahal.  Ang magulang sa kanyang anak, o ang anak para sa kanyang mga magulang.  Isang simpleng ilustrasyon ay ang pag-ibig ng Diyos. Matibay na ebidensiya na tayong lahat ay bunga ng pag-ibig.  Bakit?  Marami ang nakakarinig ng bersong "sapagkat gayun na lamang ang pagsinta ng Diyos sa sanlibutan na ibinigay Nya ang Kanyang bugtong na Anak...", pero hindi lahat nauunawaaan ito. Madali ba ang magbigay ng anak? Hindi. Kahit na siya ang tinatawag na "Black sheep" sa pamilya, di niya maibibigay yun basta basta dahil sariling laman at dugo nya iyon.  Ang Diyos ibinigay ang kaisa-isang mabuting Anak para sa mga makasalanan.   

Ang pagmamahal na ito ay tinatawag na UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Ano ba ang unconditional love?

Ito ay ang pag-ibig na hindi nasasakop ng anumang kondisyon upang ito ay magpatuloy at iyong gawin. 

Ang tao ay sadyang madaling umibig. At ang pag-ibig ay nag-uumpisa sa tinatawag na "atraksiyon".  Atraksiyon maaaring sa pisikal na anyo o maging kung ano man ang nakikita niya sa isang tao.  Kapag nagkainterest na siya, at nagkaroon ng interaksyon, doon lalalim ang nararamdaman at maaaring maging isang pagmamahal.

Maaari mo bang sabihing nagmamahal ka kung nakita mo agad ang isang tao sa unang pagkakataon pa lamang?  Sa isang babae, maaari mo ba agad sabihin na "inlove" ka na kase may bahay at kotse siya?  Sa lalake, maaari mo bang sabihin na "love at first sight" ka agad kase maputi at sexy siya?  Ang tawag dun ay atraksiyon.  Hindi love. 

Maraming mga bagay ang maaaring makaapekto sa pagmamahal ng isang tao.  Ang estado sa buhay, kasarian, kaanyuan at iba pa.  Pero tandaan natin, ang tao ay maraming kapintasan.  Kung titingnan mo lahat ng kapintasang ito, malamang tayong lahat ay hindi na umibig. Totoo, pwede kang umibig na kasama ang mga bagay na ito, pero hindi ito ang pag-ibig na magtatagal.

Ang pag-ibig ay isang pribilehiyo ng taong nakakatanggap.  Ito ay hindi hinihingi.  Ito ay kusang ibinibigay sa tamang panahon. Ang I LOVE YOU ay hindi dapat sinasabi dahil "trip mo lang" or "gusto mo lang". Dahil sa bawat 8 letrang ibinigkas mo sa tao ay maaaring maging katumbas ng isang milyong luha.

Hindi ba't ang hirap kapag umiibig ka dahil gwapo o maganda lamang siya? Hindi ba't ang hirap kung umiibig ka dahil mayaman lang siya? Hindi ba't ang hirap kapag umiibig ka dahil matalino at sikat lang siya? Lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay temporal, nagwawakas.  Paano kung ang mga bagay na ito ay nawala?

Hindi maaaring maging dakila ang pag-ibig kung may hinihintay kang kapalit.  Kung may pamantayan ka ng pagiging gwapo, mayaman, matalino at kung ano ano pa.  Ang expectation ay pumapasok dito.  At sa bawat expectations, magiging demanding ka. Ito ngayon ay may kaakibat na sakit, lalo kung hindi ito nami-meet.

Hindi ba't mas masarap umibig ng walang tinitingnang kakulangan sa isa't isa?  Yung magmahal ng tao na ikaw lang ang maipagmamalaki niya? Hindi ba't mas masarap na kahit tuyo at asin lamang ang ulam niyo ay sabay ninyo aabutin ang inyong mga pangarap habang kayo ay magkasama?  Hindi ba't mas masarap na kapag umibig ka walang sumbatan, walang bilangan, walang kwentahan?  Hindi ba't mas masarap umibig ng hindi mo pinipilit ang tao na mahalin ka rin ng naaayon sa kung ano na ang naibigay mo? Hindi ba't mas masarap umibig na walang kang hinihintay na anumang kapalit, na minahal mo siya nang hindi ka pinilit, at kung dumating yung oras na ibinalik niya iyon, hindi ba't mas masarap sa pakiramdam?

Hindi ba't mas masarap umibig kahit hindi perpekto ang isang tao pero para sa iyo wala kang makitang kapintasan?

Ang uri ng pag-ibig na ito ay ang pinakakahigit at dakila sa lahat.  Handang maghintay, magtiyaga, magtiis, magpahalaga, kahit nangangahulugan itong pang habang buhay. Ito ang pag-ibig na kailangan ng lahat, yung walang kondisyon na hinihingi upang ang pagmamahal ay maibahagi.

-xoxo-

Let’s Move & Let’s Love

Confessions of a daughter.

I am a certified daddy's girl.

Year 2008, I got married. Been busy for so many stuffs, so I seldom visit my dad in our house at Tondo for I have my own family now.

Lately we have moved to a farther place and my baby is frequently  sick (asthma attack) so we weren't able to travel there.  I  even missed my tatay's birthday last March. :(

That is why when I saw this contest, I knew the best thing I can do for now is to make an act of love for my tatay.

I decided to write a letter for him:

Yes, we have so many things in common. Especially, we both have the same interest. Now you know why I'm a Daddy's girl. :)

Tatay, you're my idol. You used to work as an NBI agent to augment our studies.  Now, we have our own job and family. The things I have studied for 17 long years are nothing compared to your 1 week teachings. You taught me how to stand up despite of my infirmities, flaws & frailties. Those things make you PERFECT in me. Now that you're old, I want you to relax. Though IMPERFECTIONS are always there, I am pretty much confident that I could pass the things you taught me for my son. You are right Tatay. You trained me how to be smart, strong and full of confidence & I will surely not depart from it. You are the best Tatay!

I promised myself that the next time I am going to visit you, I am going to cook some of the foods that you like most:

Chicken Empanada

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Fettucine

Embutido

Banana Cinnamon Bread

Tatay, I have a lot of things in mind that I wanna say to you.  But there is one thing for sure:  I love you and no matter what happened before, you are still the best tatay I have.  I love you!

But for now, I want to dedicate my own rendition of your favorite song(Yesterday-Beatles):

Just like what I have committed now, UNITED COLORS OF BENNETON has been offering a new line of scent for the modern men and women out there, helping each individual to commit, move and love.  

LET'S LOVE is the fragrance for modern and romantic women.
Designed for young women who still believe in romance, the fragrance is a floral accord inspired by the irresistible Passion Flower. The optimistic fruity accents of pineapple and bamboo blow away in the air like a sweet whisper of love; while jasmine and passion flower petals resonate as the promise of a fiery kiss. Its unique heart reveals a delicate yet magnetic temperament.
(100ml, edt 40ml, deo 150ml)

LET'S MOVE is the fragrance for athletic and self-confident men. Designed for a dynamic man always on the move and who likes sport, the fragrance opens with an energetic citrus cocktail spiced up by black pepper.

A cocktail of aromatic notes on heart, refresh and invigorate the fragrance strengthened by the masculine character of cedarwood.
His trail, warmed by an amber and balsamic accord leaves an unforgettable signature, both delicate and sensual.
(100ml, edt 40ml, deo 150ml)

Love is unconditional.  We need to move and to love. It is the greatest thing we can offer to those who are important to us. 

To my dear Tatay, I am moving towards you to show how much I really love you.

This is my act of love from now on.  Committed in doing it, not tomorrow, but starting today.

-xoxo-

   

                

PLDT myDSL and Nuffnang bring you “Resident Evil: Retribution”

Few months ago, there was this video from Derek entitled "Anna Banana" that hits 1.5 million to date.  The first time I saw it, I just said to myself "wow that was tough!"  And I was really expecting that Anna would finally give her sweet "yes" to him.

Now, this is Anna's reply to Derek:

That was tougher!

Heartbreaks was a tough experience.  It was a painful one that would make you upset, and even cry.  But the good news about it?  Derek's family were really that supportive to him during these times:

Derek, don't be upset. Rejection is just a part of life. And when you have overcome it, I am sure you will be tougher in the future in dealing with life.  Cheer up! You are young, good-looking and talented!  I know that there were a lot of girls out there that would appreciate you. In fact, I will be very happy to help you out there by announcing these on my blog:

Hi Girls! Be Derek's Next Anna by going to www.dereksnewanna.com. All you have to do is submit a video entry on why you should be Derek’s new Anna! If you win, you'll be part of the next PLDT myDSL commercial and also take home a Samsung Ultrabook!

Who knows you might be Derek's new girl!  If you are a girl, 12-16 years of age, you have the looks and the guts, what are you waiting for? Join now and shoot your video! You may also get this chance to appear in the next TV Commercial of PLDT MyDSL! Isn't it great?

Btw, thanks to Nuffnang and PLDT MyDSL for this awesome contest for a chance to be a part of this movie screening RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION!

Crossing my fingers to be included as one of the 30 Nuffnangers to get a chance to watch this movie screening + lazy boy seats + unlimited popcorn and sodas on September 12, 2012.

Calling my fairy God mother! Yuhoo!

'Til then.

-xoxo-

Let’s join Chef Lau’s Dinner Party!

I started enjoying and tasting different kinds of food year 2007 when I first met my hubby.  He was such a foodie! Now, I am!

Confessions of a Foodie:

I am a certified foodie. I do love eating, appreciating foods, it's unique taste, how dishes compliment each other, and also how was it done. A stress reliever I believe. I love reviewing foods out there even without getting paid (SEE SAMPLE HERE).  In fact, I have documented my love for food (some pics):

Lumpiang Sariwa

Mango Ice Cream

I even exerted effort to study baking and cooking at home last year and to my surprise almost of all of it turned out well. Not bad for a beginner.(few pics of my cooked recipes):

Jing Du Spareribs

Black Forest Cupcake

Crispy Kangkong

Tuna Malunggay Burger Patties

Bailey's Cheesecake

Confessions of having a sensitive teeth:

Come 2011, I just noticed that my teeth and gums have been super sensitive to cold drinks, hot soups and foods. And I am having trouble enjoying the moment I used to enjoy. Instead, dental pain is around.  Too bad :/  I can't do what I used to do.  It was on a daily basis which is really a discomfort. Ice cream is a fave of mine, but now, I can hardly finish a bar of it because of "teeth sensitivity" or "pangingilo" (a.k.a. Dentine Hypersensitivity). It was a brief but sharp discomfort on teeth when eating hot, cold, acidic, sweet foods because of exposed dentin (a.k.a. roots) which  leads to the nerves of our teeth. It really frustrates me. Jeez.

Credits: http://www.toothiq.com/dental-information/page.aspx?id=0d2fcc77-a839-45fd-84ea-d407412b4448

I am so happy that Nuffnang created a contest for Chef Lau’s Dinner Party! I am excited to join for I am a certified foodie! I deserve to be invited to the party because I love everything about food. That explains everything. ^_^

Now getting back to the topic, my family has been an avid COLGATE user.

Avid user of COLGATE products (from my baby's toothpaste, ours, toothbrushes)

We believe that COLGATE gives maximum protection for our teeth.

But because of my problem lately, I have been having a trouble and I even consulted a dentist about it. Well, they advised me to use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

See? My own teeth showing exposed dentin.

Good thing about it?  Our fave brand has created one specifically designed for sensitive teeth!

It was the latest breakthrough from Colgate® -- Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief® Toothpaste! It was for sensitive teeth! It provides Instant Relief and Lasting Protection against tooth sensitivity. It has Pro-Argin™ Formula, clinically proven to provide relief from tooth sensitivity by effectively plugging the channels to block the tooth sensitivity. Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief® is 2x more effective in providing sensitivity relief. Because it tackles the root cause of sensitivity without fear. Now, I am pain-free! Weeeee! Great isn't it?

Thanks Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™! 

Even Chef Lau testifies how Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™  helps him as a chef! See video below:

TIP: Massage a small quantity on sensitive tooth for a minute.  Brush regularly for lasting relief and protection.

Now what's the good news?  Two of my faves (CHEF LAU and Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief™) joined together for a dinner party! It calls for a celebration. Imagine, one of the country’s most well-loved chefs, Chef Rolando “Lau” Laudico, will be hosting an exclusive dinner party at Bistro Filipino for fifteen lucky bloggers and other special guests. The dinner party will feature some of his popular, signature dishes which he can now fully enjoy without worrying about tooth sensitivity or “pangingilo.” 

I was hoping to be invited for this special event.  And now, I can confidently say, I can enjoy the food at the same time "hindi na ako mangingilo!"

Thanks to Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief®. 

Welcome to my family! 

Wanna have a free sample?  Click HERE.
'Til then.

-xoxo-