Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween Wedding?


Invited to a wedding that would held at Tagaytay. It was supposed to start at 1PM; thus, left the house around 11:30AM. Odd that it would be on a halloween. I was thinking maybe the groom would be in a Count Dracula costume and the bride would be the Lady in White. Far from it. They looked normal. Hehehe!

We left the wedding reception around 6:30PM.

Decided to pass by the house of my aunt to drop the birthday gift of my inaanak. I forgot that we would be passing two cemeteries on the way their. Thus, encountered heavy traffic on their way to my aunt's house.

Was worried that I woke up the household. My intention was just to drop the gift. What happened is we stayed for some time to catch up on things. LOL

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Life As We Know It



Started early by going to Makati Medical Center to take a urinalysis test. Will give the result to my ob-gyne.

Unlike before where I eat my lunch while watching a movie, ate first my salad starter and chicken ala king at French Baker before proceeding to the cinema.

My movie has been delayed a week lately. This time, watched Life As We Know It, which opened last week. A comedy, romance about two adults, Holly (Katherine Heigl) and Eric (Josh Duhamel), who have a child "thrown" into their care when her parents, the two's best friends, died. The two started on the wrong foot when their mutual friends tried to match them, as their first date went kaput. The movie is funny, and the leads are beautiful. Don't expect much, just enjoy it...

After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Pizza Hut Bistro.



BG-E6 for Canon 5D Mark II and BG-E7 for Canon 7D (29 Oct 2010).

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

It's Benign! (Praise God)

Went to my surgeon, Dr. Caedo, at Makati Medical Center. He checked my wound and he gave me the good news.

The amorphous calcification found in my mammogram is benign.

Gross and Microscopic Description: Specimen consists of a cream-lan, irregular soft tissue measuring 2.5x2.5x0.7 cm. Block all.

Histopathological Diagnosis:
Breast, Left, Excision Biopsy:
* Fibrocystic change with columnar cell change and sclerosing adenosis
* Microcalcifications identified

Monday, October 25, 2010

Barangay Election


Today's a holiday for it is the Barangay and SK Election. That's why, after breakfast, went to the voting precinct. This time, it only took me 10 minutes maximum to vote! Counting will be done manually. In the previous election, we tried the automated counting machine. It took me almost 3 to 4 hours to vote!!!


Went back home and rested. Wanted to pay my PLDT WeRoam bill. Been at the PLDT Business Office since Friday but their QuickPay Machines are offline. Will try again.

Went first to The Landmark to have my anti-cancer juice from Fruit Magic to give me some energy. Alas! One of the two QuickPay machines are online. Am able to pay my PLDT WeRoam bill. Strolled through Greenbelt and Glorietta Malls. Had my lunch at French Baker of salad starter and chicken ala king before proceeding home.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Red Chili


First stop is at Pixel Point to have my MassKara photos printed. Then, went to The Landmark to have my anti-cancer juice fix from Fruit Magic before proceeding to Glorietta 4 Cinemas to watch Red, an action, comedy film starring Bruce Willis (as Frank Moses), Helen Mirren (as Victoria Winslow), John Malkovich (as Marvin Boggs), Mary-Louise Parker, and Morgan Freeman (as Joe Matheson). The movie was shown since last week, missed it because I was in Bacolod for the MassKara festival.

Definitely fun and lots of action. Retired Extremely Dangerous special agents find themselves under attack by the agency they worked for. Loved the characters "Victoria" and "Marvin", where the latter reminds me of Murdoch of the A-Team.

Picked my photos then had my lunch at French Baker with their salad starter. Went to PLDT's Business Center hoping to pay my PLDT WeRoam bill. Their QuickPay machines are still down. Tsk! Tsk! Went to LBC to have my photo entries delivered to the MassKara Foundation.

Attended the anticipated Mass.


As a belated treat to my friends, treat them for dinner at Chili's in Greenbelt 5. We had Classic Nachos, Boneless Buffalo Chicken Salad, Alfredo with Shrimp pasta, and Molten Chocolate Cake.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Going Home


My surgeon, Dr. Caedo, dropped by to check on me. He also gave the discharge order. Will have to see him next Wednesday.

I was wondering about the transparent thing on my breast. He told me that it is waterproof. Good... I can take a bath! c",)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wire-Guided Breast Biopsy

D-day...

Woke up at 4AM to prepare before the procedure.

At 5AM, Nurse Rizza came to put an IV (suero).

At 8AM, Nurse Maan wheeled me to the Breast Clinic where I would be having the procedure for the wire-guided mammography.

By 10AM, I am already at the operating room under Dr. Caedo (surgeon) and Dr. Cloma (anesthesiologist).

Was at the recovery room by 1PM.

Back to my room around 1:30PM. My lunch after the procedure is Burger King's Whopper Jr. meal.

My cardiologist, Dr. Jison, was the first to check on me.

Nurse Paul is my afternoon nurse.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Pre-Procedure

Took a half-day leave from the office as I would be confined today before the wire-guided breast biopsy procedure.

Was at the Makati Medical Center around 5PM. Was assigned in Room 653.

Several doctors already came from the medical staff of my surgeon, my anesthesiologist, medical staff of my cardio. My friendly nurse, Paul, tested a medicine if it would react.

My anesthesiologist advised that nothing by mouth by 12 midnight.

The standard question if I had an operation before and when. I always tell them, laparoscopy for my gallstones on the day Leo Echagaray was executed (surfing the internet, it was February 5, 1999).

Monday, October 18, 2010

MassKara: Day 4


Our last day in Bacolod as we would be flying back to Manila. The group would be taking different flights.

Our shuttle to the airport picked us up around 8AM. A lot of time for our 10:45AM Cebu Pacific flight.

Was able to reach Manila around 11:30AM.

Dropped the Tilak Hettige home before proceeding to Glorietta to buy a replacement for my lost eyepiece cup of my Canon 5D Mark II. At the same time, have lunch.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

MassKara: Day 3

It would be shopping day for us in the morning. Went to BongBong's Pasalubong Center where we bought several, mostly food/ pastries. This is really a (photo and) food trip.

Went back to our hotel to drop our stuff and by 11AM, we are on our way to Pala-Pala Fish Market for lunch. Ate at Aleah's Tulahan where we had the items we bought at the market cooked. Was introduced to the local soda Sparkle (pronounced by the locals as spar-kol).



Finally, what we came for... the grand parade. We went to the area near Gaisano where the parade would start and the participants would be preparing for the parade. There are several photo ops here.

The parade started at 4PM. Obviously, our group separated. I guess photographers become autistic in these events.

After the parade, took a jeepney back to the hotel with the help of people who guided us how to reach Saltimboca Tourist Inn.

Our dinner this time is at Chicken Deli and we had dessert at Calea.



We knew of the super typhoon Juan and kept tabs of it, hoping that it will not cause for our flights to be canceled tomorrow.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

MassKara: Day 2

Woke up early as we are planning to visit places in Bacolod (or near it) in the morning, at the same time, have a food trip. Our afternoon will be spent on MassKara activities.

First stop is the Tourism office to pick-up our IDs. They told us last night to be back by 9PM to get the IDs. The one who has a key to their office has not yet reported for work. Thus, decided to get back to the Tourism office after our mini-tour.


Went to The Ruins in Talisay. The mansion was built in the 1900s by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. The mansion was burnt to prevent the Japanese forces from using it as their headquarters.


Next stop is Balay Negrense. It is a lifestyle museum situated at Silay. The house was originally owned by the family of the wealthy man Victor F. Gaston.


For lunch, we went to Bgy. Balaring in Silay where several restaurants by the sea can be found. They serve fresh seafood at reasonable price. We chose Ken's House. It also happened that the Mayor of Silay decided to have his lunch there.

After lunch, went back to our hotel, dropping the rest of the group and proceeded to the Tourism office. Finally, we were able to get our IDs!!!


Since the street dance competition would start at 4PM and it will be held at the plaza, asked the group if they want to go. Some agreed while the others wanted to rest. I want to go.

We were advised that the plaza is just two blocks from where we are staying; thus, walking distance. I should have known, it was six to eight blocks away!!! Anyway, managed to get a good position in the plaza to do serious photography. Hehehe!

While doing my thing, noticed a man in gray shirt (a.k.a. GrayMan) who does not want anyone blocking his view so he can shoot. No problem with this if he does it courteously. Even asks members of the contingent/ contestants to get out of his line of view.

When I somehow moved behind this man, the more I witness his arrogance. Beside him is a man with red shirt (a.k.a. RedMan) with ABS-CBN sewn on his shirt. And guess what, he (GrayMan) stood up... blocking my view. So, in order to be able to get photos, I manage to put my lens in a space available beside GrayMan. The RedMan signed to me warding me off. WHAT THE HECK?!

Did not take this sitting down. Talked to the girl who I believe is a companion of RedMan for he keeps talking to them. Asked her, "Pwede bang malaman sino yan (tinuturo si GrayMan). Gusto ko lang malaman kung nasa Maynila sya, mas mataas ang posisyon nya sa akin o mas mataas ako." (Translation: May I know who that man is? [pointing to Grayman]. I would just like to know if he is in Manila, he has a higher position [or in good standing] than me or I have a higher position than him.) Saw the girl surprised. And whenever RedMan is looking in my area, I was glaring at him. Right move. For I know my message came across when the space infront of me has become free.

What really irritated me is him acting out he is somebody. More so with his assistant. We are all equal. Whether you are rich or poor, you have to be polite/ courteous. My action of "confronting" and being arrogant is to give them a dose of their own medicine. It worked. Hope they realize not to do again what they did for if they meet someone more than their match, they might have to pick themselves up and dust themselves off.

After we had our fill (even if the competition has not finished), we set back to the Uma Cafe where the rest of the group reserved a table so we can watch the Electric Masskara. Boy, was I hungry! The funny thing is, I thought that they have already eaten dinner as I saw empty plates infront of them, so bought me food in a nearby kiosk. They were actually waiting for us and have not eaten dinner!!! Hehehe!

We were in time when we came back to our meeting place as the Electric MassKara has just started. Unfortunately, it rained. Thus, we have to go back to our hotel. Did some bonding time while the rest of the group had their dinner. c",)

Friday, October 15, 2010

MassKara: Day 1 (and Day 5 of SMVL)

Went to Makati Medical Centerto meet with my surgeon for the arrangements as I already got clearance from my cardio. Then, proceeded to Maxicare and the hospital's Admissions.

Passed by The Landmark before proceeding home to have my daily anti-cancer juice of Fruit Magic.

Left the house around 3:15PM to pick-up the Tilak Hettige on our way to the airport. We would be going to Bacolod for the MassKara. Our flight is 1845H of Cebu Pacific.



As soon as we arrived, we went to the Tourism office hoping to get our IDs for the parade. Was not able to get the IDs. So, we proceeded to Saltimboca Tourist Inn where we would be staying during the festival.


Freshened up a bit and looked for a place where we can have our dinner. As soon as we stepped at Lacson Street, a float containing participants in brightly colored costumes and masks crossed our path.

We had our dinner at L'See.



Saltimboca Tourist Inn
15th Lacson Street Bacolod City
Negros Occidental
saltimpension@yahoo.com.ph

RS Transport
RS_RentACar@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day 4 of SMVL

Boring? Nah.

Rested, watched DVD, played games, packed my things for the MassKara.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 3 of SMVL

Planned today to be at Makati Medical Center the whole day to go to my doctors with the results.


Got the clearance from my cardio for the procedure next Wednesday, and need to have another urinalysis after two weeks.


Went to Maxicare to get referral for my surgeon and ask the requirements needed for the confinement. Then, went to PhilHealth to get my MDR.

With everything needed for my biospy already prepared, went to home (passing by the mall).

Tomorrow? I think I would just stay home and pack my bags.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Day 2 of SMVL

Woke really early as I have to go the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to renew my driver's license. Need to start early so that I'll be on time for my lunch date with my staff. Got an "express".


Lunch is at Cabalen in Glorietta.

Before proceeding home, tried the apple + carrot juice of Big Chill. I think I preferred Fruit Magic.

Tomorrow? I'll be at the Makati Medical Center whole day.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day 1 of SMVL

Our office requires to take five (5) days scheduled mandatory leave (for security purposes?). Decided to take it this week. Already planned my days until we fly to Bacolod for the Masskara 2010 Festival.

Went first to the Makati Medical Center to pick-up the result of my chest x-ray and proceeded to the clinic of my cardio. Uh-oh! He has an operation and he can't go to his clinic. Thus, I have to go back Wednesday. There goes my schedule for the week! So, went to Maxicare to get referrals before proceeding to Glorietta.


I would be treating my friends for lunch at a Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante for my birthday. Tomorrow, it would be my staff.

I wonder if my activities for Day 2 will be as scheduled...

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Pamper Result

Hair pampering day.

Did not take my anti-cancer juice, but ate at Phobac instead. It's vegetables this time.

Then, proceeded to Makati Medical Center to pick-up my CBC and urinalysis result before proceeding home.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

My Day

My birthday started with no breakfast. Have to. Have to take CBC, urinalysis and chest x-ray at the Makati Medical Center in preparation for my biopsy scheduled on October 20. No problem with the CBC and chest x-ray; but the urinalysis, it took sometime to get that specimen. Even have to drink four bottles of mineral water! In between the tests, picked-up the result of the 12-lead ECG and treadmill stress test.


After, went to Ayala Center. Dropped off the raffle tickets then proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel, thanking Him for the blessings He gave to me and my family, as He continually guides and protects us.


To while away the time before the book launch, watched a movie. Decided to watch Bangkok Haunted 3. There are four ghost stories, with the fourth story tying up the three stories as the character in the fourth story is in all three stories (indirectly). The character of the fourth ghost story is one of the personnel of emergency/rescue. Was not really scared; but I like the fourth story as it presented the power of friendship.


Passed by Fruit Magic to take my anti-cancer juice before proceeding to Waltermart for the book launch of "New Eyes: An Inner Vision to Photography" by the Tilak Hettige. I would say the book launch and exhibit was a success. It was even graced by the presence of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab).

Left early as I have to go to the Emerald Restaurant to buy the food for my small party with my family.

Sunday, October 03, 2010

Framed Shots: All Rice


It's our camera club's monthly meeting and the photo theme is "All Rice". Before going to our meeting place, dropped by Amber's to buy pancit malabon. The monthly birthday celebrants usually bring the merienda during the meeting.

All my entries are images I took when I went to Sagada. Unfortunately, not one got the nod of the judge/s.

I was dropped off at Glorietta where I decided to buy my daily juice of anti-cancer at Fruit Magic at The Landmark, bought a Turmeric spice (supposedly an anti-cancer spice) which I can bring at the office for my rice during lunch. Hope by the time the biopsy takes place, there's no more calcification in my breast or it would be pronounced as benign. c",)

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Etc.

Received an advance surprise for my birthday. That was sweet! Thank you, thank you! (",)

Then, went to Makati Medical Center hoping to meet the cardio. Alas, he does not have a clinic on Saturdays. Thus, decided to go instead to Maxicare (at the same hospital) to get a referral for Monday and explain about the confinement being requested by my surgeon for the biopsy. Will get a reply from them if it will be covered by the HMO.

Decided to go to Makati Cinema Square for the "CDs" before proceeding to The Landmark. Paid my bills, drank the anti-cancer juice (apple + carrot + cinnamon), bought a small foldable stool. Then, attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at Super Bowl.