A Thousand Wind

I can't believe it's been a year already since dad passed. Five years since my lola left. Twenty two years since my dad passed. I named this blog A Thousand Wind because I remember very vaguely, one fine spring day in Japan, maybe 15 or so years ago, my father sung this song in the car and she asked my sisters what the song meant to them, then he went on explaining, he said that when they (parents) die, they'd be watching us all from the heavens. Fast forward when we moved permanently here in the Philippines, he brought the CD here from Japan, well maybe mom did but yeah he would constantly play the CD in the car and one time when this song played, he asked us again if we remember what the song meant. I will never forget what he thought the song meant. But yeah he explained it again. Oh memories. 

I wasn't supposed to join the group because of work and will just go the next day with my sister but for some reason, I felt the urge to just ask my bosses that I will not be around the next day and very thankfully, they understood. And so I was able to go with them. It's just a very solemn day and we all prayed for a while and yeah I was very emotional there for a while. 

We went straight to Banawe to get together and yeah it was awesome.  Also, this institution be not wasting space because you know, I find it odd that the protocol says one seat apart or whatever. I mean, why can't it be like, one household per table or whatnot, I mean, we can all stop pretending, just cut the BS you know. We are not in Hong Kong where a stranger can just randomly invade your space in a restaurant. Just stick to that one meter apart in public transport which by the way, isn't always the case. I rode a jeepney that has the plastic cover space separator thingy that can only probably fit a Victoria Secret model it looks like. So we were all squished there like we normally would pre-COVID-19. AND! NO ONE EXCEPT ME WEARS THE FACE SHIELD INSIDE THE JEEPNEY NOWADAYS. JOKE IS ON YOU IATF. ANYWAY. 

Our titas and titos from Cavite joined us as well and I very rarely get to see them so I guess that's also one of the reasons I decided to just get the day off. FAMILY FIRST.

We ate a place called Fantastic Baka and it was actually good. Well we went there partly because when we asked around the week before, they were the only one who would let in a 2 year old so yeah. Thank you! 

First platter. I would never be a vegetarian I guess. If ever I will be, because we don't predict future here (anymore), I guess it will just be a phase of my mid-life crisis or who knows.  

I didn't really like most of their side dishes but the kimchi was phenom! That's all. The jjapchae was also very good! Okay the macaroni was low key good too! Anyway, the others not so much. Also, I think their pork was generally better than their beef. That's all guys! 

Visiting My People

Because of the restriction, ALL SAINTS DAY and ALL SOULS DAY's celebration in the cemetery here in the metro was prohibited. I mean, not totally but the way we used to celebrate it wasn't allowed so we didn't go. We went last week and it was nice to visit them during this ongoing chaos. Thank you ancestors for keeping me alive during my corona virus infection. 

fam bam

After our visit, we went to Quezon ave to eat at this classic Chinese restaurant that's been around forever and since it was my first time eating here, I was kind of excited to try. Also, I watched some celebrity vlogs recently and they seemed to enjoy the food so there's that.  

The one went to is the one at Banawe. I believe there are other branches but yeah that's where we went to. It was pretty packed but in fairness to them, we were seated right away. The problem was when we were ordering or lack thereof. It was hella hard to order. The people taking orders wouldn't entertain us for goodness sake. They would say, wait lang, wait lang. And I know it's kinda busy but there's no system to their chaos. Bless them. Anyway, I wanted a large bowl of beef mami but it's not available for some reason so I got the original one. It's a mix of chicken and beef I think. They should have just made beef mami from it. I'm just saying. 

I ordered siopao BOLA BOLA and this large bowl of noodles and it was served kinda cold. Okay no cold but more like room temperature. I mean, seriously? Like, I can't believe we waited that long just to be served room temperature soup. In case you are wondering, YES! Everything was served at room temp. The siumai and the buns too! 

sisters' order

I didn't enjoy that lunch. ANYWAY, for take aways, mom ordered siumai and buns which I enjoyed because we made sure to steam it since the restaurant failed to do that for us. That's all!

My COVID-19 update.

Thank God I’m alive. I can’t say I’m negative now because I do not know my status. It’s been 19 days since my alleged exposure and 16 days since I self-isolated. I already got a call from the local health department yesterday and they basically said that the data was only transmitted to them yesterday. Imagine the number of people I would have exposed from the virus if I went out which I basically could do because damn no one was watching me. Also, there was no guideline given by any department whatsoever. Imagine if I were not in the medical field. Or not just on the medical field because people in the medical field be violating quarantine protocols as well. Shady. Well just imagine if I didn’t know and follow the protocol and stuff. Imagine if I didn’t care about my neighbors, community, and country. But your girl knows better and believe it or not, I actually kinda care. So there’s that. Thank me later. 

 How could you possibly control the number of cases if you guys fail to trace and contain where it’s coming from. My opinion is that there are sources you can and cannot control. MINE YOU CAN CONTROL. So just make the most out of it you know. So yeah I basically explained to her that I already completed my quarantine in which she replied “SO RECOVERED NA PO KAYO?” I mean, I don’t know, wala akong machine dito. YOU TELL ME. Ano bang protocol niyo? So she was like, according po sa protocol recovered na kayo and hindi na po kailangan i-test ulit and mga kasama niyo. OKAY. She then thanked me for my cooperation and stuff. She also said that someone would follow up with my case. I actually don’t know if the call was meant as a reply to the e-mails I sent them or maybe just the data being transmitted. If they were that late, baka 2021 pa may mag reply sa e-mail ko. Char. I’m not hating. I know they’re doing whatever they could. But really? I mean? That 14 day isolation should have been the most crucial part of the contact tracing. Pang 18th day na kahapon, basically wala na kayong magagawa at that point. Yun lang naman. Not that we broke the quarantine protocol or anything. I’m just saying na what if sa iba yun? I’m so confused as to how the data transmission works to be honest. Sinong may kasalanan? Aren’t positive results given priority? The Malabon City contact tracers were pretty okay with all of these. I guess CALOOCAN should just do better. And for the people’s sake, whoever’s in charge, please only hire QUALIFIED CONTACT TRACERS.  I mean, even I could do better than this one. Tropa ba tayo? Char. 

Anyway, being the pakielamera that I am, I took the liberty of checking DOH’s website which I know is not the most accurate by any means but the day when my results came out, there were only 31 new cases in my city. Only 12 cases before that and just 26 the day after. I mean, how hard could it be to call 31 people? As I am now made aware that there are several people employed to do the job. May team leader pa nga. I bet they’re on a call center whatever. The more that there should be an effective system, right? Anyway, I may be wrong.   

So on a lighter note, I want to share with you what I did from when I found out I was positive until now. I’m not saying these would miraculously heal you or if it even works or anything but it’s just me. 

• Ginger Tea with Lemon and Honey. Oh my goodness. The most disgusting thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. I do not wish for this to happen to anyone. Unless you like ginger tea of course. 

• Coffee with Virgin Coconut Oil. Second most disgusting thing ever. Basically because I’m not used to it but it’s kinda okay towards the end. I have it with coffee because goodness gracious bless me I can’t take it on its own. I should have taken a VCO pill instead but since we don’t have that here, we make use of what we have given we’re isolated.

• Vitamin C twice a day that I only religiously took since I knew I was COVID-19 positive. I take Vitamin C in the morning even before but sometimes I forget or I’m just lazy to take one so there’s that. We also didn’t have the one with zinc so I just drink the regular one. 

• Fruits! I had oranges, bananas, grapes, pineapples, lanzones, and mangoes. Only fruits that I like basically. 

• My mom who bravely took care of me despite the fact that she might be also infected or might get infected. I am so blessed to have her as a mother. It would have been a hard journey without her. She means the world to me. 

• A dog companion. I would have gone insane without this little one. With someone always running around and would lay down beside me, everything seemed better. 

I actually didn’t have symptoms beside the cough that I had for a day or two. I didn’t develop fever and my oxygen saturation was normal all throughout. I think the lowest my oxygen saturation went to was 95% but yeah it would go up to 97% if I keep it for another minute. Beyond normal. So if that’s where we’re basing our TRIAGE from, we’re doomed. My goodness. I’m actually not the one to ask how to avoid the virus obviously. But yeah I’m actually struggling as to what to do differently. I know I’m safe for the next two months but after that, I’m scared to be honest. Like, if the precautions I took weren’t enough, I wonder what can I do to make it better. Oh well. I’m thinking of donating plasma for the treatment of those who were hit by the virus badly but I don’t know if my antibodies are enough to do the job. I’ve read that the more severe your symptoms are, the more antibodies you produce. It makes sense but yeah if there’s a facility near me, I’ll probably give it a try. 

We had a celebratory pizza on Monday to mark the end of our quarantine. I’m still in isolation and would probably be until Thursday just to be sure. That’s all! Since I’m already tagged as “recovered” no more COVID updates coming from me. 

I Tested Positive for COVID-19

Let me tell you a story. I went to the swabbing center on October 19th and was told that the result will be out in 3-5 days.To be fair, it was my boss who said that but I assume it was from someone inside as well. Anyway, it was actually a very decent place. It was a sports complex turned to a testing facility and yeah simply put, you wouldn’t be afraid to get tested there. It was actually a pleasant experience. 

Anyway, there have been a delay with the results because as of the moment, Red Cross pulled out from the whole equation because PhilHealth was then funding Red Cross and gracious goodness we all know what happened to PhilHealth. Or do we? It was then said that the results will be out in 5-7 days. On the 7th day mark, I got a call from a contact tracer and asked if I am (co-worker’s name) I said no. He apologized and dropped the call. One of my bosses told us that results are already available and to expect a call soon and so I waited. After about 5 co-workers posted their results, I tried to contact the contact tracer and was answered by the head nurse of the health center where my workplace is at. She said, we already referred your case to your local health center but since you asked, unfortunately, you tested positive. And I was so shocked. I remember telling everyone that I know I’m negative because I didn’t have a face-to-face encounter with that COVID-19 positive doctor. I told the nurse that and she was like very sympathetic about it. Whether it be fake or real sympathy, still! Thank you nurse. 

I tried to call and texted the dentist that I went to on Sunday, the day before I got tested. The dentist is the only person I had a direct-direct contact to given she had to do something inside my mouth. The only mistake I see that I’ve done is that I didn’t tell her right away that I got tested. But my stand is that I solemnly swear I didn’t know that time. I wasn’t even tested then. I didn’t even know about that there was all this commotion happening. 

Why was I tested? Sunday afternoon, we were told that a doctor tested positive and listed the clinic (as a whole) as close contact. So we all went for a swab on Monday and got the result 1 week after. Now, I don’t blame anyone for catching the virus. I took a bath before and after going to work. At work, I wore my PPE, I always had double mask on. I wore my face shield when I’m in front of a patient, I washed my hands after I remove my gloves or just before I wore another one, I was generous in spraying myself with alcohol when I have time, I disinfected my working area maybe every other hour, I washed my hands before and after lunch break, same thing when I go to the wash room, I didn’t use public transportation, I wore mask whilst I was out of the house, and you know, the list goes on. I don’t know where I lapsed to be honest. Maybe I should have been more careful. Or maybe that’s just how this virus works. NOW. Did I get the virus from the doctor? Maybe. Did I get it from the dentist that I went to on Sunday? Maybe. Did I get it from somewhere else? Maybe. Who knows? What can I tell you? The world isn’t perfect. 

It’s been 13 days since the alleged exposure and I’m on my 10th day of isolation. I’m generally feeling okay. Anyway, I can survive this. I know my body and I feel like I can survive this. I do cough here and there and I have a runny nose but I don’t have a fever and my oxygen saturation is top notch. I don’t have difficulty in breathing and I can smell and taste my food. If there’s anything that I am worried about, it’s my mom. ‘Coz she’s understandably worried about me and I guess with her being 52, it’s already hard for her to go up to the 4th floor (where I’m currently isolated) to bring me my food. I feel bad for her to be honest. I guess moms will be moms though but yeah. Stay safe people. 

Out of Town

It’s been forever since I went out of the region. Man it felt so good. We went to Cavite because it was my cousin’s 2nd Birthday. It was lovely. 

When we arrived we saw a butterfly and we unanimously thought it was my late grandmother welcoming us to the place. 

The birthday boy and his cakes. Can I just mention that this is sort of a joint birthday because it's his older brother's birthday in a week as well so yeah that's why we got them two cakes. 

cupcakes!

The mixed veggies though! Also my fave! Can I just say that I love how they have decoration toothpicks! Love it. 

I think the Cordon Bleu was my fave! 

Me listening to the latest tita chismis while eating what must be a chicken bone or something. I fit right in. I can't remember anything from that conversation but the chicken was good.  That's all! 

Our Little Luna

 I can’t express how happy I feel. June 15th, my baby Cola gave birth to two little puppies but one of them didn’t make it, sad to say. I was actually on my way to work when my mom noticed that my dog’s probably gonna give birth because there’s something poking out of the vag area. I can’t really do much besides massage the belly for quite some time because as I said, WORK. Around noon I received the bad news that the puppy didn’t make it and Cola actually didn’t care much. I kept asking my sister to check for another puppy but she was like, no more. Okay. 

I came home from work and I saw Cola at the doorway and I was just comforting her for maybe 30 minutes or so and I was also low-key massaging her tummy palpating if there’s still something inside. I was so sure that I felt a head or something. Anyway, I then decided to take her on a walk and that’s when I saw the placenta coming out of her vag! And I was like, this is impossible because my mom sent me a picture of the stillborn and it came out with the placenta. 

I called my sister and for more than an hour, we massaged Cola’s tummy and tried to force her into labor if you may. Her water broke and still no sign of the puppy or anything. I don’t actually know if us being there made it easier for her or not but we delivered a puppy!! It was so small! I actually thought the puppy was dead because it took her a while to push this one out and it’s been like 12 hours since the first one came out, you know. But Mika said she saw the puppy gasp for air and that’s something she didn’t see of the first one. I was like, yeah you also said there’s no more puppy inside so I don’t know if I believe you at this point, lady. 

We decided to name her Luna. Such a precious puppy! She’s almost three months now and it makes one wonder why am I only blogging about it now, yeah? Anyway, there’s that! I’m so hooked! I think I got an imprint on me whatsoever. Twilight reference. 

She’s so adorable! Doesn’t really know any special tricks (yet) or will probably just grow up without even learning one just like all of our dogs but I will try! I will. That’s all guys! 

On the Frontline

Been on the frontline for almost 2 weeks now. It’s been really tough for us since as you know, the weather in the Philippines is not that great and even though we have the air conditioned inside the laboratory, I find myself sweating a lot more inside the suit. The weather is a factor because for some reason, we can’t get the laboratory temperature below 26-28C and it’s actually supposed to be at 20C. So it’s either the weather or the aircon. I’m so sorry for those who healthcare workers who have it worst. Public hospitals for example. I feel you. 

First day of duty.

Second Day

Third Day

Fourth Day

Fifth Day

On the fourth day, two of the former medical technologists paid us a visit and brought food! I only one of them because you know, I being her replacement and I only heard stories of the other one and yeah it was really nice seeing them both to be honest.

That's all I have to say now. So far I am safe and I hope I will be safe throughout this pandemic. Mostly for my family. HAPPY TO SERVE. Keep safe everyone. Stay at home maybe.