Saturday, February 19, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
An Open Letter To The Love of My Life
To Whom It May Concern:
Greetings in the Name of Saint Thomas Aquinas!
I, Juan Paulo G. Gultiano, RN, 25 years of age, am writing this untimely yet formal letter to declare my eternal and undying love and affection to you, the love of my life, and assure that no matter what happens, we will be together. I promise.
It has come to my attention that the time for us to meet and perfectly know each other is making the both of us seriously impatient and, I reckon, this could possibly lead to a number of inappropriate behavior and promiscuous activities which can be detrimental to our future relationship.
For me, the past few years has been a wild and bumpy circus act. I don't know about your side but I have been constantly searching for you in every probable spot that I could possibly imagine: bars, book shops, coffee parlors, shopping centers, and even clubs and strip clubs. Yes, I even got THAT desperate in order to have a glimpse at your lovely and fine face. But, alas, I have been unlucky at my relentless pursuits and random endeavors and it usually leaves me crying, bruised, and even wounded.
I can still fondly remember my last attempt at a so-called "
"Why are you even saying these things?" one might ask. My career has been great, although the paycheck isn't that good. My immediate family has been supportive of my plans and aspirations. My close friends are still there whenever I need them. What's the point? Why now?
Frankly speaking, I am at a certain point in my life that I am desperate for necessary attention, yearning to be loved by someone I can fully trust and express my deep and undying love to the person I am meant to be with. Winter has been a harsh reminder of how cold and lonely my life has been for the last 25 years. Imagine spending most of my time alone with nothing but a pillow and blanket? Cool, right?
I need you. I need to feel you are there. That you seriously exist in this crazy and unfair world that we live in. I need to know that you are yearning for my presence too. That, at some point, you feel lonely and depressed that you haven't met me, your better half. And that you are also waiting for the time of my arrival, the moment wherein the world will stop and the only thing that you'll hear is your heart telling you that I, the love of your life, have finally arrived.
Yes, I am overly romantic, I know. Cheesy, actually, if I say so myself. Not to mention that its Valentines Day today, not that it matters. But the point is: I am here patiently waiting for you. Our time will come and when it does it will be phenomenal. I'm sure of it.
Please be careful and take care of yourself. Always wear a seatbelt and lock the doors. Eat and drink as much as you can and live your single life to the fullest because once we're together, I will never let you go.
I love you, whoever you are.
Sincerely,
Juan Paulo G. Gultiano, RN
*****
Happy Single's Awareness Day to all singles out there! Hahaha.
Coffee, anyone?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
On Egypt and Freedom
After almost a month of nonstop protests, Hosny Mubarak finally relinquished his title as the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt yesterday, the 11th of February, 2011. Here are some images from the famed Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo courtesy of my photography buddy, Amir Hakim. Thank you! I owe you BIG TIME!
Every Egyptian brought a friend, a family member, or a co-worker to the square in order to celebrate the end of the 30-year regime. They were singing the national anthem ("Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" or "My Country, my country, my country") full of pride and joy that freedom has finally arrived at the land of the pharaohs.
Every vehicle that I saw honked to their hearts content rejoicing for this wonderful day. Its as if the country has been freed from serious oppression and tyranny. Children of all ages also took part in this pivotal moment in Egyptian history, waving flags and accompanying their parents to the square.
To all of my Egyptian friends, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Hard work is necessary in order to bring true and effective change. Thank you for showing the world that nothing is indeed impossible.
Happy birthday to my dear friend, Mohammed Shazly. Your day will forever be remembered. LOL. :-D
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Marry Me - Train
Feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do
Love has surely shifted my way
Marry Me
Today and every day
Marry Me
If I ever get the nerve to say
Hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love
And you're beautiful
Now that the wait is over
And love and has finally shown her my way
Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Marry me
Mm-hmm
*****
Errrr. Weird. I suddenly felt the need to get married. LOL.
Maybe its the age or the cold weather or even the fact that February 14th is just around the corner. Nonetheless, the yearning to be with someone special for the rest of my life is freaking me out. But, frankly, I like the thought of it. :-D
The million Euro question is: Who would it be?!
Coffee, anyone?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Of #Tahrir and #Egypt
Those were the first two words that came out of my mouth last Tuesday, the 2nd of February, when a co-worker told me that the internet connection was back. As we usually say it here "El Hamdullah."Thank God!
After almost 2 weeks of social unrest and political instability, things are finally starting to move here in Egypt after the Jan. 25 Tahrir Square protests to oust the 30-year regime of Egyptian President Hosny Mubarak. As seen on BBC and CNN, thousands of Egyptians went to the streets of downtown Cairo calling for drastic reforms in government policy, even his immediate resignation from office. Instead, Mr. Mubarak showed a calm and decisive demeanor not only to his supporters and detractors but also to the rest of the world and vowed to remain in control of the country until the September, 2011 elections only.
From where I'm typing this blog post, the 6th of October City in Giza, I can perfectly say that I feel safe. Yes, I did hear a couple of gun shots here and there during the first few days of the protests but they were, in my opinion, expected from any form of public demonstrations in order to "control" the crowd. Besides, I haven't heard of any rumors of a Filipino ganged by Egyptian protesters anywhere in Egypt.
We are entitled to our own opinion, of course. Freedom of speech as we all call it, but I certainly think that with this liberty to say whatever, whenever and wherever we want comes with great maturity. In other words, think before we speak. People are easily swayed with words that are largely untrue, especially on national or international television. And with the help of the internet, these things tend to be replayed over and over again. Seriously!
Anyways, I do hope that things would get better in the coming days. I'm getting quite bored and my bed's tired of my ass. Plus, my photography skills are getting really rusty. Hahaha. :-D
*****
Please, do everyone a favor and keep your mouth shut. Its irritating. If you want attention, go buy yourself some in the slums.
*****
Coffee, anyone?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
My Current Addiction
Monday, January 10, 2011
On Photography
As you all know, aside from my inclination for writing, movies, and literature, I am also fond of taking pictures. So, this year, I have decided to save as much as I can for this nifty Nikon D3100 in order capture as much memories as I can. Of course, given the amount of money that I am currently receiving, it will take some time before I can finally obtain the aforementioned gadget. *fingers-crossed*
Naturally, in order to prepare myself for such an undertaking, I am currently taking some fundamental photography lessons somewhere in Cairo. We went for a short trip a few days ago and here's 2 of my "best" shots. *wink*wink*
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
@25
From the bottom of my hollow and muscular myocardium, I would like to thank the people who greeted me on my special day. I feel elated, as we speak, and so blessed that the Lord Almighty has given me another year to be thankful for.
Again, thank you.
Oh! By the way, I read 105 posts on my Facebook Wall, replied to 4 birthday Tweets, got 3 big hugs, received 2 phone calls from 2 different countries, and had 1 long yet wonderful ride home. Not to mention the email from Karen Raisa Ramos straight from Chicago, Illinois! FTW. :-D
Bring it on 2011! I am sooo ready!
Coffee, anyone?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Philippine Heart Center IVT Training Schedule 2011
Control No.: 001807
Registration No.: 003
Frequency per year: 5
Number of slots per course: 65
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: Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00)
Credit Units: ANSAP / PRC: 18 Units (didactic) 12 Units (practicum)
Instructions: Click Here!
Announcements: Applicants should report to the DNER within the day from on-line enlistment for verification of PRC Card prior to payment and pre-registration.
On-Line Pre Registration Date/Time: Date for submission of requirements is between 10:30 - 11:00 AM (First log-in, First in).
Source: www.phc.gov.ph
Coffee, anyone?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2010 in review
*****
The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here's a high level summary of its overall blog health:
The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.
Crunchy numbers
A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 5,800 times in 2010. That's about 14 full 747s.
In 2010, there were 56 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 233 posts. There were 230 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 304mb. That's about 4 pictures per week.
The busiest day of the year was August 25th with 83 views. The most popular post that day was Heart Center Experience: IVT Training.
Where did they come from?
The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, google.com.ph, en.wordpress.com, healthfitnesstherapy.com, and statistics.bestproceed.com.
Some visitors came searching, mostly for philippine heart center logo, philippine heart center, iv insertion sites, ivt lectures, and afp nurse corps.
Attractions in 2010
These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.
Heart Center Experience: IVT Training March 2008
26 comments
AFP Nurse Corps. Requirements February 2008
400 comments
Philippine Heart Center IVT Schedule 2010 January 2010
1 comment
Philippine Heart Center Staff Nurse Requirements May 2008
16 comments
24 Nursing Lessons I Learned @DAFH July 2010
6 comments
*****
I will blog more this year. I'm sure of it. *fingers-crossed*
Coffee, anyone?
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Boom. Boom. Boom.
[caption id="attachment_1392" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="What a way to end 2010 and start 2011, eh?"]
Happy New Year!
Bonne Annee a tous!
Yes, I know. I know. I haven't written anything for a VERY long time. I get that. I AM SO SORRY. I have been, as always, busy with my work and personal life that I almost forgot about my blog. Everything just flew past me so fast and I got caught in a whirlwind of experiences that I seriously never thought possible. Until now, I definitely cannot believe that everything actually happened.
[caption id="attachment_1394" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="We are NURSES, right?"]
2010 was phenomenal for me. I was able to finish my contract with DAFH and, luckily, I'm staying here until further notice. I got to rekindle my loving relationships back in Manila for 13 days and spent 13 hours at the Kuwait Airport Hotel on my way back to Cairo for FREE. I met a new batch of nurses for DAFH and I am still trying to bond and mingle with their unique personalities. And, last but not the least, I'm happy with my current status. *wink*wink*wink*
[caption id="attachment_1395" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="Am I PERFECTLY LONELY?!"]
2010 brought tears in my eyes, at some point. I had to say "See you later!" to some of my "siblings" by profession because they opted not to renew their contracts. I Fought with my mother with regard to my financial status. Also, I realized that some things are better left unsaid and that we all need to move on with our jaded lives no matter what. Finally, I even thought I was a goner.
Things happen for a reason. Good or bad, they will surely happen. Its either we cry about it or deal with it one day at a time. It will all pass in God's time. Stay strong and move on! GO.
Any thoughts for 2011? None so far. Probably, my number 1 resolution for 2011 would be summarized in this image:
[caption id="attachment_1393" align="aligncenter" width="458" caption="2011: KEEP SMILING!!"]
Apologies for the heavy eye bags and unfashionable hairstyle. For some strange reason, they look good together all the time. Hahaha.
By the way, I will be participating in Wordpress' Post A Week 2011. I will try to post more than once a week since my hectic schedule will restrain my naughty fingers most of the time. *fingers-crossed*
Au revoir, 2010! You have been a dear friend to all us. Thank you for everything!
Bonjour, 2011! I'm counting on you for more f*cking good times and loads of fun! :-D
Coffee, anyone?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
On Limits
I could really use one right now. Seriously. :-(
I just had the worst night to date. I can still feel the frustration coursing through my veins. Grrrr.
Before I left for Cairo, a couple of co-workers asked for a few things to be brought back to Egypt during my return flight. I was expecting that it would be a couple of small things ranging from Pinoy medications to lingerie, which can be easily stashed into my 20-kg baggage limit. I was so wrong.
To my amazement, my colleagues, have decided to ask a local courier to deliver their "few things" that would seriously pass as "too much" for a small favor delivered at my door step. Flabbergasted, my concerned mother immediately gave me a very, very long lecture about being "too good" to others at my own expense. Not to mention my father's affront disapproval of the matter at hand.
Obviously, when I checked-in at the Manila International Airport, my luggage was seriously over the top. Consequently, I had to remove some of my personal belongings in order to prevent any delays, which included the sought after Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog and Nestea Iced Tea. Pfffft.
By the time I had instant to sit down at the waiting area before boarding the plane, sweat was readily soaking my new favorite shirt and my temper was readily controlling the speech center of my brain. Talk about anger management, eh?
I was mad as hell. Not at my co-workers but to my f*cking self. Mad because I was too good to other people that I actually forgot my own needs. Furious due to the fact that my beloved father was utterly irritated at my novice-like stance on something so trivial. Frustrated that I was not able to say a proper and timely farewell to my loved ones because I was too busy packing and repacking my luggage.
I am not against these things, really. In fact, I have actually done the same thing a few months back but it was no more than 2 grams. Its just that everything has a certain limit and, most of the time, we Filipinos fail to realize this simple reality because of "pakikisama" and being to courteous, especially to our friends.
What now? I actually don't know. I am just writing this blog post as a future reminder to myself in order to prevent any recurrence of the said matter.
To my co-workers: Do not take this personally. This is just me and my big fat brain reminiscing on a current issue. I certainly hope that you are mature enough to understand the predicament that I have been through. Thank you.
Coffee, anyone?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Will Eat. Will Pray. Will Love? Hmmm.
At long last, I have finally found the right time to actually blog. Thank God!
As you all know, I am currently in my homeland, the Philippines, for my short but sweet 2-week vacation leave. Yes, that's about 14 days of "R and R" with my family, friends, former co-workers and naughty neighbors. I opted to take such a swift vacation in order to preserve my dying savings account. *sigh*
Well, after watching the movie "Eat. Pray. Love." starring Julia Roberts about a month ago, I suddenly realized that my vacation should focus and revolve on those 3 words: "Eat" the cuisines that I like, "Pray" as much as I can, and "Love" like there's no tomorrow. I know, I know. The last one's quite impossible but let me explain, please?
[caption id="attachment_1372" align="aligncenter" width="472" caption="Native Desserts? Yummy!"]
Eat. I haven't been doing anything but eat. The edibles kept on coming and coming and it turns out that I haven't been eating right for the past 2 years or so. A former co-worker of mine was flabbergasted to see how much weight I seriously lost. "Paulo! Grabe, pumayat ka! Anong ginagawa mo dun sa Egypt?" she exclaimed outside a famous coffee shop. I shrugged her comment stating the obvious fact that I have been doing straight night shifts, plus the indecent gossip roaming the hospital premises. Haha. :-D
This part also entails learning how to cook a few simple recipes that would boost my life's Curriculum Vitae. With the help of my trusty yet perky mother, I am currently learning how to prepare scrumptious meals and award-winning viands that would aid me and my not-that-good eating habits. Bon Appetite!
[caption id="attachment_1373" align="aligncenter" width="472" caption="Monasterio de Santa Clara, Quezon City"]
Pray. I am a devout Catholic since birth and I am very fond of attending mass at any given day, preferably Sundays so I thought of doing a sort of pilgrimage or something in order to recharge my spiritual energy. I've been to the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church inside the UST grounds and the famous Monastery of Saint Clare along the C-5 Katipunan Avenue. I also plan to visit the Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage-Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Antipolo, City by the end of the week. Woohoo! Road trip, anyone?
[caption id="attachment_1374" align="aligncenter" width="475" caption="My Naughty Cousins!"]
Love. This is the tricky part. Where should I begin. Hmmm. Well, this does not necessarily mean that I am to "fall in love" with anyone in particular while I am in Manila. Although I wish that would happen some time soon (*fingers-crossed*). Nevertheless, I plan to strengthen my ties with the people who love me for who I am without any restrictions or hidden agendas. They are the chosen few who will listen to what I say regardless of their personal biases and social status because of the things that we have done for each other in the past. Yes, I was not able to greet them during their birthdays or give them cool things from Egypt but it does not matter. It's the time and effort that I have shown while I am amidst them that truly counts.
To my one and only best friend, Ma. Carina Camacho: Thank you for the instantaneous yet fruitful lunch at Taco Bell. It was a blast. To Earl Paulo Diaz: Thank for the wonderful dinner at Teriyaki Boy. I needed that.
So, what now? Aside from the fact that I'm currently broke and I still have tons of friends to meet, I plan on staying at home to chill and unwind my young but wounded body. Haha. *grin*
*****
See you in a few days, Cairo. I know you missed me!
Coffee, anyone?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
BlackBerry Boy
Friday, October 22, 2010
Phoenix
[caption id="attachment_1351" align="aligncenter" width="524" caption="Weathering out the storm."][/caption]
For some strange reason, I haven't been myself lately. Ate Barbara, a co-worker, asked
Why do seem so strict/stiff all of a sudden? Ano bang meron, Pau?
I acknowledged the concern and was, to some extent, surprised that a few notable individuals realize my unforeseen step for silence. Usually, my loud and sunny personality speaks in my behalf and, unfortunately, people assume that I'm this person who's too booming with no control whatsoever. Talk about being too predictable, eh?
I'll have to admit, I can sometimes be very foreseeable and seldom lose composure when faced with immense situations. I remember when a patient of mine gave a cake for my birthday that I literally gasped and walked out of his room! I hate surprises and that seriously got in my nerves. Not that I didn't accept it because I did. Thank you, Mr. Fathi!
Yes, I talk too loud most of the time and I am very, very opinionated about every single matter in question. I listen to what the populace has to say, state my thoughts in a very firm manner and argue about them. I stand for what I believe in and take constructive criticisms, personal or professional, in a sound manner. What's wrong with that?
About 2 years ago, I had a small fight with my co-workers at home. They stated that I wasn't doing enough to maintain our standard of living. Not to mention that I was too preoccupied with a certain individual that made the whole matter utterly intolerable. Unforgivable, if I say so myself. I reflected on their comments and was in a nomadic state for a couple of weeks. One of them even stated that I was a sort of scary because I wasn't even talking to anyone. That's when I knew that I have this eerie side in me breaking free out of nowhere. Rocky Horror, perhaps? Haha.
We all know that each of us is different. We all have different styles, different tastes, likes and dislikes. From the food we eat to the people we talk to, everything is completely different. Even our traits and personalities stand out from every single individual in the crowd. That's what makes each of us special. It wouldn't be fun at all if we were all the same, right?
Most of the time, in order to "BLEND IN", we tend to pretend to be someone else; alienating the unique child within us in order find social acceptance and establish a status that will set us apart from everyone else. This seems to be easiest way out for the majority but, is it a worthy option?
Fact: Not everyone will like you for who you are. No matter how hard you try to please the people around you, there will be a handful of Homo sapiens that will surely disapprove of the way you talk, move, eat, laugh and even think, especially if it is against the social norm. I remember a time when I gave a very surprising comment that made everyone cringe at a birthday gathering. Their reactions were seriously phenomenal! I was actually laughing my heart in silence!
On a more serious note, staying true to who you are is, obviously, essential. But the most important of it all is weathering out the storm and rising above the occasion, like a phoenix born from its own ashes. That's my plan, as we speak. I'm tired of all the crazy comments and lousy whispers across the hall or behind my back. As we always say in Unit 12:
Matatapos din ang araw na 'to.
Coffee, anyone?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Homecoming (or something like it)
Home is where the heart is.
A few weeks from now, I'll be on a plane to Manila, Philippines after 2 years of non-stop Egyptian escapade. Yes, I am excited of the fact that I would be able to see my quirky mother, beloved younger sister and favorite nephew after what seemed like an eternity. Not to mention my cherished best friend and college friends. It has been a long time and I definitely think that it'll be a memorable homecoming. I just can't wait!
Here's a list of individuals that I am dying to meet and greet:
1. Ma. Carina Camacho
2. Erneil Humawid
3. Donato Politico Jr. with Jennifer Calpatura
4. Rachelle Castro +/- Archimedes Parafina
5. Lauren Marie Amon
6. Muriel Gomez and RLE Groupmates
7. Mark Kevin Labo and John Boy Jerry Camu
8. Marjorie Lezarda + BERKS + Riolene Laforteza
9. Relatives! (especially my naughty cousins)
10. My beloved Dentist
I expect that Manila will be very different. The new guy in Malacanang is one thing and Venus Raj's MAJOR MAJOR breakthrough is another thing to be considered. Plus, Pempengco mania is still "IN" so it'll be quite intoxicating. *sigh*
Sadly, I do not intend to stay that long in Manila. My plan is to fix some papers, file a few things and straighten everything out. The End. I don't want to make a fuss about my "Balikbayan" status. There are more important things to be considered than just treats for everyone. I'm not rich, really. Although I own a Macbook. Haha. *wink*wink*
Oh! By the way, I won't be posting my flight schedule here on my blog, Twitter or even Facebook. It'll one big f*cking surprise! *grin*
Coffee, anyone?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Blank
I feel so empty.
I sense that "The Void" is consuming me once again.
Its getting bigger.
Stronger.
Ever persistent and inconsiderate.
Eating the only glint of hope I have earned for myself.
Doubt lingers. Fear arises.
Killing my wounded spirit.
Is it time to accept the inevitable?
Embrace the abysmal fact that would erase everything?
But, more importantly, will I ever mend this unprecedented absence?
Maybe. Maybe not.
*****
Coffee, anyone?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
*gasp*
I think I just had an orgasm. Seriously.
I'm currently speechless.
Coffee, anyone?
Glee and Pinoy "Sunshine"
I'm not a Charice fan. Never was, never will. But her cameo as the exchange student "Sunshine Corazon" at the season premiere of the Emmy-winning "Glee" is simply amazing. Even phenomenal, if I say so myself. I never thought that a Filipino would actually make it this far. Seriously!
Since its pilot episode last year, Glee has made its unique mark as an unstoppable force in the television industry not only in the US but also across the globe. From Brazil to Slovenia, even in Turkey and the Czech Republic, everyone's talking about Glee and its stunning appeal.
Paired with themes about acceptance, friendship, talent and true love (with a dash of comedy and drama, of course), Glee revolutionized the way we see our daily lives through music such as "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, Madonna's "Vogue" and even Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical." My iTunes is loaded with their music! Currently playing: Total Eclipse of The Heart.
[caption id="attachment_1319" align="aligncenter" width="511" caption="Image courtesy of iamjl.me"]
Charice's rendition of the Dreamgirls hit "Listen" was completely mind-blowing. She owned every note and showed that she is a force to be reckoned with in and out of the Glee perimeter. I literally had chills and was, surprisingly, teary-eyed seeing a little girl from my country out-shining the best of the best. Talk about star-quality at its finest! Bravo!
I did expect Sunshine, however, to join the epic Vocal Adrenaline one way or another. Clearly, New Directions isn't big enough for 2 remarkable performers and its seems that, from my standpoint, Dustin Golsby (played by Cheyenne Jackson) has big plans for this Pinay Superstar. Rachel Berry's in for some serious competition this season. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
Episode 2 will feature the ground-breaking hits of Pop Princess Britney Spears! Waaahhh! This'll be a sure EPIC! I can't wait! :-D
Coffee, GLEEKs?

