Idol Contestant Luke Menard Diagnosed With Cancer

I was reading some health news on Google when I suddenly stumbled upon this article about Luke Menard. Of course, we all remember him from his short skit on American Idol Season 7 and making it to the top 24 Idol hopefuls. It goes...

Idol Contestant Luke Menard Diagnosed With Cancer
Hollywood (ChattahBox) - Former American Idol contestant Luke Menard has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer.

Luke Menard managed to gain many fans making it to the top 16 in American Idol season 7, which was eventually won by David Cook.

Menard saw his doctor after complaining of a persistent cough that would not go away. Tests done by his doctor revealed the mass behind his heart.

Menard’s acapella group, Chapter 6, put out a statement that he has a very curable cancer and is in good spirits.

The group made it clear to his fans that “the prognosis is good.”

Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's Disease, is a form of malignancy occurring from a patient's lymph nodes spreading in an orderly manner. It is often characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells on lymph node biopsy and histo-path examination. Common signs and symptoms include lymph node enlargement on the neck and shoulders, non-specific back pain, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), weight loss, and fever. Treatment includes radiation therapy and/or combination chemotherapy.

I certainly hope that he'll be able to conquer and overcome this obstacle just like the AI7 auditions. :)

Coffee, anyone?

New Nursing Curriculum

I have been hearing a lot of fuzz about this new nursing curriculum imposed upon by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) effective this coming academic year. Luckily, I stumbled upon this fruitful and enlightening article from Inquirer.net that states and I quote:

Schools buck new nursing curriculum

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:54:00 05/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The largest consortium of private schools on Thursday demanded that the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) immediately stop implementation of the new nursing curriculum, saying its imposition was done without consultation and the curriculum posed too much of a burden on students.

The Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea) described CHEd’s Memorandum Order No. 5 released last week which directed nursing schools nationwide to add new subjects and increase hospital hours for students starting this school year, as a “disastrous” policy that would do more harm than good.

The order had added 28 units and three summer classes to the nursing curriculum’s 169 units. Practicum hours would also increase to 2,703 hours from the current requirement of 2,142 hours, Cocopea said.

CHEd said the new policies were aimed at further honing students’ technical knowledge and skills, making them more competent and competitive to employers.

Unfair to students

But Cocopea said the imposition of additional subjects was unfair to schools and students.

It also accused CHEd of failing to consult schools and colleges about the new policies. “Due process was clearly not observed,” the organization said.

Fr. Rod Salazar, Jr. SVD, Cocopea chair and president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), urged the suspension of the order until after all stakeholders had discussed ways of improving nursing education.

“We are appealing to CHEd to suspend the implementation until we have considered in depth and at length how we can truly improve the quantity and quality of the nurses we educate,” Salazar said.

The additional units would also increase the financial burden of students and parents and cause a logistical problem to hospitals and colleges, the group said. It pointed out that there might not be enough hospitals to satisfy students’ need for hands-on learning.

“We have barely two months to go before the academic year will start and we, as heads of our respective institutions and educational associations, feel that the implications of the proposed changes in curriculum are too heavy for our educational system to implement this soon,” Salazar said.

Cocopea officials said implementation of the curriculum may prompt many students to discontinue pursuing nursing careers.

Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, CEAP regional director and president of the Ateneo de Naga University, said, “It is a disastrous policy. It will make us choppy and will force students to drop out.”

Cocopea is composed of 2,500 schools, colleges and universities.

Honestly, this so-called "new" curriculum is, to some extent, unfair and painful to every one concerned. I'll try to dissect the matter at hand for a clearer and better picture. But, do take note that this is from my standpoint only and I am not an expert on the technical aspects of the nursing academe and profession. Here goes nothing... :)

1. To the parents - 5 years of nursing education=5 years of pain-staking tuition fee that increases every year. Trust me on this one. During my 1st year in college, my tuition fee was around Php22,000. 6 years later, it increased dramatically to about Php36,000. Astounding, right?


2. To the students - More duty hours and more work load. Come on! All work and no play makes a wise man super dull. Study hard. Party harder. Pray the hardest. Haha. :)


3. To the Nursing institution - Increased need for clinical instructors, classrooms, and specialty facilities to train their staff and students. With the current exodus of Pinoy nurses to greener pastures abroad, there will be a significant decrease in the number of highly qualified professors to educate the next generation of nurses. Not to mention the increased expenses to properly operate the institution itself. Gosh!


4. To the health care industry - Augmented duty hours does not necessarily mean better nurses in the future. I have often observed in the past that staff nurses educated from other nursing schools with a greater number duty hours are, at times, inconsiderate and often disregard the fundamental stuff, which are essential to the nursing profession. Do the math, okay?


5. To the government - Continuous escalation of nurses per year yet there are less hospitals for employment. This is the bloody part. There are thousands of nursing graduates every year and yet there are no vacancies for practice. Seriously, I have tried to apply to various institutions here in the metro. Unfortunately, there are no vacant positions available. Unemployment s*cks big time! Argh!

Well, with all of that crappy stuff said, I seriously think that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) should definitely reconsider its so-called "new and efficient" curriculum. I mean rebuffing the current nursing curriculum during this trying times does not exactly produce immediate and lasting results necessary to redeem our aching profession. Why can't they try to close down sub-standard nursing schools all over the country for a change?! That is easier than just imposing a new program and it will absolutely procure clearer and superior results at the soonest possible time.

Coffee, anyone? :D

Philippine Heart Center Staff Nurse Requirements

The Human Resource Division will entertain applicants every Wednesday to Friday, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Only applicants with COMPLETE requirements shall be entertained.

List of Requirements:

• Transcript of Records with Special Order Number (with Related Learning Experience Form)


• Certification of General Weighted Average (GWA) score from school


• Certificate of Board Rating and PRC License (2 copies)


• Certificate of Work Experience and Trainings


• Membership in any organization (preferably PNA)


• NBI Clearance


• Residence Certificate (Cedula)


• Birth Certificate of applicant and dependents


• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)


• 2x2 ID Picture (3 pieces)


• Must not be more than 35 years of age

Note: Bring original and photo copies.

Oh! By the way, I also saw this significant yet unverified note attached to their bulletin board stating:

ATTENTION: All Staff Nurse Applicants

Human Resource Division will not be accepting applicants temporarily effective December 3, 2007 Until Further Notice. - HRD

Coffee, anyone?

Pride and Prejudice

I'm currently feeling quite off and a bit whiny due to a number of stupid and absurd emotional baggage. Not to mention that my bank account's quickly depreciating because of my impulsive behavior during the weekend. Ughhh. Usually, I'd go to the nearest and/or farthest coffee shop around the metro, order anything that has tons of caffeine, chat with the accommodating baristas, drink super expensive coffee till I drop, and, on rare occasions, talk to strangers about my jaded-f*cking life. Weird, right? :(

Surprisingly, I got this sudden insatiable urge to rummage through my book collection and grab anything that I fancy. Then, I saw this dusty book ("Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen) I bought a couple of months ago at Fully Booked Gateway with my best friend, Carina. Upon noticing that I have read a couple of pages (thanks to a random bookmark), I sort of decided to reread the entire thing just to refresh my aging brain. Haha. :)

Anyways, we all know this wonderful masterpiece by heart. I mean, seriously, who doesn't? It is enticing, funny and definitely romantic. Plus, it touches a sensitive part of the society in a hilarious yet intellectual manner. Yes, I have watched 2 of its adaptations and I seriously love the 1980 BBC mini-series version. It covers the majority of the text in precise sequence, not to mention the relaxing and amusing details that recent adaptations tend to ignore. :D

I definitely can't wait to finish this classic right at my fingertips. Reading how uniquely Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride) fell in love with Elizabeth Bennet (Prejudice) makes the whole reading ordeal utterly romantic and stimulating.

Coffee, anyone? :)

Confusion

A month after an unlikely meeting, everything appears vague.

I thought you were different.

I thought you were special.

I thought you were serious.

I thought you were up to the challenge.

Unfortunately, you're a generic; just like everyone else.

I'm assuming that we're officially done.

You'll remain to be a mere memory of the past the needs to be forgotten. STAT.

The end.

iPhone in Pinas

Seriously?! As in SERIOUSLY?!

According to Mac-A-Doodle, Singaporean Telecommunications (also known as SingTel), along with its partly-owned affiliates, has secured agreements with Apple to release the Apple iPhone in Singapore (on SingTel), Australia (on Opus), India (on Bharti Group) and the Philippines (on Globe). We all need to wait some time later this year for further juicy details.

Yipee! :D Good thing I'm using Globe. Haha. I just can't wait to get my hands on that nifty and fashionable device. Save money. Save money. SAVE MONEY!! Grrr.

Coffee, anyone? :)

Crazy Thoughts: Quotable Quotes Part 2

Yes, I know. This entry is long overdue. As I have said during my past entries, I've been preoccupied with a number of things, most of which are as trivial as house-hold chores and bumming around. Haha. Anyways, I have received a number of significant and contemplative text messages from some of my friends and/or colleagues and, as always, I personally think that sharing them to the world wide web would be seriously rewarding and fun. Haha. :)

• If you think that the person you love does not love you, you're right. Because if he/she does, there is no way he/she would let you think that way. - Jara Jodloman


• If God solves your problem, you have faith in His abilities. If God does not solve your problem, He has faith in your abilities. - Mia Mangibin


• Don't make the same mistake twice. - Lira Labuntog


• Pride is tasteless, colorless and sizeless. Yet, it is the hardest thing to swallow. - Christian Guevarra


• Don't be afraid to take chances even if it might get you hurt. Just be strong and take it because you might miss that single chance to change your life and make you really happy. - Ren


• Before you ask questions, think about whether you really like to know the answers. - RC


• There are times when prayers is the only gift we can give to the people we care for. So, I pray to God to take care of you every moment of your life. - Shai


• The best feeling in the world comes when you start feeling good again after you've been feeling so awful. - Dana Guevara


• It is no being who everyone else wants you to be. It is about being yourself and finding someone who loves every bit of it. - JoPau Jacinto


• The fact that you cannot kiss your elbow is enough to make you realize that some things seem to be so close, yet, they ara bound to be beyond your reach. - JC Janda

Coffee, anyone? :)

AI7 Top 3 Performances

Wow. The American Idol Season 7 Top 3 contestants were stunningly awesome. Each gave the performance of their life in order to stay for next week's season finale. Of course, I loved David Archuleta's recital, especially his 3rd song, "Longer". Syesha and David C. were also good. I seriosly can't wait for tomorrow's anouncement. *Fingers crossed*wink*wink* :)

Oh! By the way, here's the guide for the Top 3's songs. I took the liberty of writing them all down for everyone's sake. Haha. :)

1. Judge's Choice


2. Contestant's Choice


3. Producer's Choice

1. And So It Goes - Paula Abdul


2. With You


3. Longer

1. If I Ain't Got You - Randy Jackson


2. Fever


3. Hit Me Up

1. First Time I Ever Saw Your Face - Simon Cowell


2. Dare You To Move


3. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Coffee, anyone? :)

My Hypothalamus Out-Loud

*Name Here*,

Greetings in the name of Saint Thomas Aquinas!

Surprise! Haha. I just thought of droppin' you an e-mail para maiba naman ang feel sa mga bagay-bagay. Besides, I explain myself rather better in writing than in other methods of communication. Haha. Anyways, kamusta ka na? I haven't heard anything from you in days kaya nangangamusta and napadaan lang ako. Haha.

Anyways ulet, it has been a month since I've come to know you, *Name Here*. A month of mixed and complex emotions siya, actually. But, generally masaya. Up until now, ambivalent ako sa feelings ko about us: minsan, naiinis ako sa fact na we can't see each other more often due to our situation and, if ever we do squeeze some stolen time, it has a specific deadline that really frustrates me. At times naman, super masaya ako sa situation natin, especially when we're together. Kahit na short and fleeting encounter lang sa car mo or sa mall, okay na 'ko. A kiss and/or a hug from you dispels all of my frustrations back inside my hallow and small brain. Haha.

But, despite this contradicting feelings, I'm happy that I've known you. I'm learning a lot about myself from this thing we have, whatever this is, and it is very fruitful and enlightening. Wherever this might lead us sa future, I honestly don't know. But I seriously hope that it'll be for the best of both worlds, yours and mine.

I like you, *Name Here*. And, katulad ng nasabi ko sa'yo before, if given the chance to know you better, I'd most probably love you (although nasabi ko na ata yun sa'yo sa YM or something). I just hope that I would be given that kind of opportunity sometime in the future. *fingers crossed* Also, I know that I may have said some things na painful, narrow-minded-ish and stupid last week, and for that I am deeply sorry. I'm not taking them back, though. I just want to be honest with you.

I just hope that you feel the same way...

Sige. I took much of your time na and this drama queen thing of mine seriously sucks! Haha. Grabe!

In Saint Thomas,

Juan Paulo G. Gultiano, RN

Note: I sent this email about a month ago to someone very dear and special and, as I was rummaging and reading through my sent folder, I noticed that this message seriously came from a good side of my brain and definitely spoke what my head was shouting all along. Nice one, if I say so myself, thank you. Nevertheless, what's done is done. I can't mend things that are not supposed to be mend, right?

Coffee, anyone?

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Happy Mother's day, Mom! :)

I was supposed to write something significant or pleasing about my mom. But, unfortunately, my ironic and sarcastic mother has no intention and capability to read this entry online (she hates reading my entries due to an unknown reason). So, I've decided to just post this traditional picture with my younger sister and my beloved mother just to have a motherly mist around my blog. Haha. :)

Coffee, Mom (She likes her coffee EXTRA HOT)? Haha. :D

IVT Completion at the NKTI: Day 3

Here is the final installment of my 3-day IVT Completion at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. I know, I know. This entry has been long overdue since I have been very busy with a number of petty things, which I will, eventually, narrate at some point during this lifetime. Nevertheless, here's the conclusion of my completion. :)

Day 3: Panic

Panic- Panic disorder produces a sudden onset of feelings of intense apprehension and dread.

After finishing all the required number of cases necessary for my IVT card, I journeyed back to the NKTI to have my form checked. Ma'am Jarry scrutinized all the entries I made on my form just to ascertain its validity. After which, she instructed me to retype/rewrite everything and have the new form signed appropriately. So, my body automatically increased its Epinephrine levels as I dashed my way home. It felt as if I was to have a panic disorder or something of that sort, since I wanted to finish everything ASAP. Grrr. Type. Type. Type. It took me about an hour and a half to finish my form. Print. Print. Print. I then, again, surged my way back to the NKTI to have my form signed to avoid the lunch break. Unfortunately, I saw Ma'am Jarry on her way to lunch and she instructed me to have lunch and wait for my turn. Grrrr.

After lunch, I got my form signed appropriately and I immediately decided to submit everything at the ANSAP office located at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Took the MRT at the GMA Kamuning Station. Got-off the Shaw MRT Station and took a Quiapo-bound PUJ. Upon arriving at their uber small office, I was insturcted to submit the following items:

• Accomplished IVT Completion Form (2 copies)


• 1 piece of a 2x2 Picture


• Certificate of attendance to an ANSAP accredited IVT training seminar


• Application fee of Php. 350.00

After that, I got my official receipt and was advised to claim my IVT card and IVT Completion form by next month at their new office located at the Lung Center of the Philippines along East Avenue. Yipee! At least it'll be in close proximity of the Philippine Heart Center. I certainly hope that it'll be a bigger and better office. Haha. :)

Overall, my Php. 700 IVT completion at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute was very fruitful and definitely rewarding. Considering the fact that I was able to finish the required number of cases within the first 2 days at the emergency room and got the chance to experience a fast-paced and nerve-wrecking ER scenario was seriously prosperous. I'll definitely miss hearing and following Dr. Montoya's orders. Whatever they may be. Haha. :D

Coffee, anyone?

Crazy Thoughts: I Cost Php1,105.00 (WTF)

I read this absurd yet amusing bulletin at Friendster and, due to my insatiable curiosity, I followed the directions as stated. Being an Obsessive-Compulsive myself, I ticked all the relevant items religiously, and came up with the sum of Php1,105.00 (that's Philippine Peso, by the way).

WHAT THE F*CK?! What's that supposed to mean?! :)

Anyways, I thought of posting this pleasurable entry here just for the sake of it. Do enjoy reading this crazy post! Haha.

Directions: You look over the following list and see how many of these things you have done. BUT you have to ADD up the money/amount along the way. Then post the amount that you have as the title of the bulletin.

1. Had sex: Php30.00
2. Smoked: Php100.00
3. Drank alcohol: Php100.00
4. Went skinny dipping: Php20.00
5. Kissed someone of the opposite sex: Php90.00
6. Kissed someone of the same sex: Php10.00
7. Cheated on a test: Php10.00
8. Fell asleep in class: Php10.00
9. Been expelled: Php10.00
10. Been in a fist fight: Php40.00
11. Given oral: Php60.00
12. Got oral: Php60.00
13. Prank called the police: Php10.00
14. Stole something: Php10.00
15. Done drugs: Php20.00
16. Dyed your hair: Php50.00
17. Done something sexually with someone older (like a few years): Php20.00.
18. Courted someone OVER 18 (if your under 18): Php50.00
19. Ate a whole bag of Oreos: Php60.00
20. Cried yourself to sleep: Php10.00
21. Said you love someone but didnt mean it: Php95.00
22. Been in love: Php90.00
23. Got caught doing something that you shouldnt have been doing: Php80.00
24. Went streaking: Php5.00
25. Got arrested: Php10.00
26. Cuddled: Php95.00
27. Peed in the pool: Php5.00
28. Played spin the bottle: Php30.00
29. Done something you regret: Php70.00

Now add up and post as "I COST Php......"

Coffee, anyone? :D

Rockin' David Archuleta

Stunningly brilliant. :D

The American Idol Season 7 Top 4 contestants sang songs from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night and, seriously, Simon Cowell was definitely precise on his comment on David Archuleta: "You didn't beat the competition. You crushed the competition." Meanwhile, Paula Abdul stated after his second performance: "That was one of my favorite performances from you. I felt your heart. It was fantastic and very beautiful." David A. sang "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King and "Love me Tender" by Elvis Presley.

Next week, the Top 3 finalists will be performing 3 songs each (a contestant's choice, a judge's choice, and a producer's choice). I just can't wait! Haha. :)

Too bad Jason Castro won't be there next week. Obviously, Simon was right all along ("I'd pack your suitcase"). Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

Coffee, Jason? :)

Crazy Thoughts: Of Debts and Liabilities

Due to a number of recent, unavoidable and essential commitments, I owe my beloved and trusty blog the following things/posts:

1. IVT completion at the NKTI: Day 3


2. Basic Life Support Training at the Philippine Heart Center


3. Eric and Raisa's Homecoming Special


4. Quotable Quotes Part 2 & 3


5. Movie Review for Iron Man


6. Movie Review for Forbidden kingdom


7. Movie Review for No Country for Old Men


8. Movie Review for There Will Be Blood


9. David Archuleta's Final Four Performance


10. Blind Items/Gossip list about some significant UST-CON people


11. An in-depth explanation of my current emotional state

OMG! :( I'm not quite sure how in the world am I to finish all of these?! Not to mention the fact that everyday is a new day worthy of an amazing entry! Grrrrr.

Coffee, Paulo? :(

Philippine Heart Center IVT Schedule 2008

INTRAVENOUS THERAPHY TRAINING PROGRAM
Control No.: 001807
Registration No.: 003
Credit Units: ANSAP / PRC: 18 Units (didactic) 12 Units (practicum)

Schedule - Application Date
June 4 to 6, 2008 - May 29, 2008
August 5 to 7, 2008 - July 30, 2008
October 8 to 10, 2008 - September 29, 2008

Time : 7:00 - 4:00 pm (3 days)

Venue: Dr. Avenilo P. Aventura Hall

REQUIREMENTS: Photocopy and original copy of current PRC License Certificate
Registration Fee : One Thousand Six Hundred Pesos (P1,600.00)

Note: Do read my other/previous posts as precautionary measures. :D

Heart Center Experience

Heart Center Experience: IVT Training



Source: www.phc.gov.ph

Coffee, anyone?

IVT Completion at the NKTI: Day 2

Here's the 2nd part of my 3-day National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) based IVT Completion. As y'all read on my earlier entry, I'll be, yet again, squeezing my neurons harder in order to extract my good (and not so good) experiences. Haha. Fun. Fun. Fun. :)

Day 2: Obsessive-Compulsive

Obsessive-Compulsive- Obsessions are preoccupations with persistent intrusive thoughts and ideas while Compulsions are repeated performance of rituals or purposeless behaviors designed to prevent some event, divert unacceptable thoughts, and decrease anxiety.

I read and memorized this exact definition back in college and, as if an acquired skill or something, I seriously became an OC-ish individual, especially during my good and bad nursing moments. Haha. :)

Anyways, I arrived at the NKTI around 7 AM, as usual, and got assigned again (Yipee!) at the Emergency Room (ER). Surprisingly, the 2 perky ladies who were with me during day 1 were still there in need of a single Blood Transfusion (BT) case each. At first, I was glad to have them with me since they will be able to teach me a couple of methods in preparation for my first IV insertion. But, after my first 2 insertions, I utterly wished that they would be eaten whole by a 10-eyed female-eating monster entering the ER. Grrrr.

No. I have nothing against these ladies, honestly. They appear nice, approachable and clearly friendly. Not to mention that they're beautiful, educated and elegant. Any straight guy would fall in love with them instantly. However, they repeatedly interrupted all of my attempts to successfully insert an IV cannula to all of my patients. They are like these 2 floating entities behind my back literally SCREAMING endless concepts and comments about my IV insertion. They were treating me as if I'm a student nurse or someone waaay below them when in fact, we're all on the same level. Argh! Let's take the following examples into consideration.

Exhibit A: Lady 1 kept on bugging me that I ALWAYS overshoot my IV cannula in front of my patients.

Exhibit B: Lady 2 GRABBED my IV cannula after I tried to reposition it and inserted it herself, leaving me clueless.

Exhibit C: Both ladies kept on whispering comments audible to ALL of my patients during the whole time.

Now, y'all do the math, okay? :D

I know that we, the people in the medical-nursing profession, have the responsibility to perform all of our functions (independent, dependent, and co-dependent) in the most accurate and appropriate manner possible. However, taking into consideration the fact that this is my first time to perform the aforementioned procedure and being out of the hospital setting for 2 years and counting, I can't help but be on the OC-ish persona from this point on. This is my profession and I have to be responsible and accountable for all of my actions. I saw how most, if not all, of my patients cringed or whined every time I mis-inserted the IV cannula or had to repeat the procedure on another site. In Pinoy terms, NAKAKA-AWA (pitiful). Maybe that's the reason why, during my IVT training at the PHC, we had to do an actual insertion in order to empathize with our patients the HARD way. Ouch!

On a lighter note, Dr. Montoya was at his friendliest manner to all of us (esp. to me), since a lot of patients were entering the ER. He kept on ordering stuff here and there and I, of course, gladly obliged to do everything he asked me, including IV insertions, taking initial ER vital signs, and collecting blood specimens. Haha. :)

At the end of the day, I was able to finish all of the necessary cases needed for my IVT completion. Moreover, my sleeping and rusty nursing knowledge had a loud wake-up call during the whole day. I seriously need to brush up on procedures and laboratory values. *wink*wink*

Yes. There will be a third and final installment on this topic. Haha. :)

Coffee, Dr. Montoya? :D

Ploning

"Hindi ba mas masarap isipin na kaya ikaw ang mas nasasaktan ay dahil ikaw ang mas nagmamahal?" - Ploning, Ploning

Wow. Talk about love and sacrifice. :( *Sigh*

After a long and tiring morning from the DFA main office in Pasay City to Kirsten's office in Quezon City yesterday, I decided to unwind and relax by watching the highly publicized movie "Ploning" starring Ms. Judy Ann Santos at SM Megamall. I was, evidently, very intrigue with the movie's mystifying and cryptic atmosphere, not to mention the striking and moving lines whenever I catch its trailer on television. I'm honestly skeptical about making this movie review since the Cinema Evaluation Board graded it a whopping "A" and my thoughts about the said film may not give it enough justice. But, I'll still proceed with this review. Haha. :)

Set in the island of Cuyo in Palawan, Ploning (Judy Ann Santos) is an enigmatic middle-aged lass who appears detached from the pains of her daily life. Left by her teenage love, Tomas, for Manila, Ploning hopes to rejoin him in Manila after the town fiesta to continue their interrupted affair. Luckily, Ploning has the clever Digo (Cedric Amit) to look after, which satisfied her longing for Tomas. Unfortunately, during the town fiesta, Digo feels betrayed and runs away using his older brother's raft.

Fast-forward 25 years into the future, Digo returns to Cuyo with his Taiwanese mentor, Tsuy, in search for Ploning. Guided by the perky tricycle-driver Badokdok (Ketsup Eusebio), Digo journeys back to his native isle to retrace his instinctive roots. Of course, memories came flooding back to his brain and, thanks to Seling (Tessie Tomas), he learns how Ploning moved the people of Cuyo in surreptitious and humbling ways. Also, he ascertains his brothers existence and unites with him alongside his 2 nephews. The end.

I seriously cried during certain (2, actually) parts of the film.

1. The scene where Intang was asking everyone to help her save the salt from the rain. An award-winning performance from Ms. Gina Pareño.


2. The scene where Susing was telling Digo about Ploning's white dress. Parents and forgiveness. *Sigh* How nostalgic.

The cast was simply astounding and uberly impressive.

• Judy Ann Santos' depiction as Ploning was utterly natural, effortless, and marvelous. Each scene with her was stunningly adorned with poignant screenplay and the island's magnificent scenery.


• Ms. Gina Pareño's performance as Tomas' mother, Intang, was phenomenal. She clearly illustrated a mother's love for her child regardless of anything. Very nice.


• Meryll Soriano as the silent Alma was incredible and enticing. It's as if she has so much to offer to everyone, if given enough chance.


• Mylene Dizon's recital as the broken city nurse Celeste was compelling and dazzling. At first, I was a bit furious of her angst on Judy Ann. But, towards the latter part, I understood her point and loved her character. WINNER!


• Eugene Domingo (Juaning) and Ces Quesada (Nieves) were also divine in their own right. Each accomplished their designated roles with perfection and finesse.


• Tony Mabessa gave a brilliant performance as Ploning's endearing father, Susing. His execution was very touching and reminded me, surprisingly, of my father. Haha. :)


• Cedric Amit's portrayal as the child Digo seriously caught my attention. His acting was so pure and each scene was authentic and vivid, specifically during the rain scene with the leaf umbrella.


• Of course, let us not forget the other cast of characters that artistically enhanced the entire film. Kudos to everyone!

The cinematography was, unmistakably, breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The island itself was innocent of the city's hustle and undeniably impeccable for the whole story. Each portion of the story was shot seamlessly against spectacular scenery that enhanced this stroke of genius. I cannot imagine any other setting for the complete motion picture. I want to go there to discover this hidden wonder! Argh! :) Oh! The musical score was also noteworthy. It was simple yet celestial. *clap*clap* It gave the entire narrative an innate and exceptional appeal.

In conclusion, this movie is a perfect masterpiece. In an era where superheroes take the majority of the limelight, Ploning is a film that touches one's heart amidst the harsh adversities of daily life and makes one realize that true love, regardless of its form, entails relentless sacrifice. Definitely a must see movie for everyone.

Coffee, Ploning? :D