Oath Of Hippocrates

A graphic depiction of the Oath of Hippocrates from the International Code of Medical Ethics as adopted in 1949 by the Third General Assembly of the World Medical Association in London.

The Oath of Hippocrates, a brief statement of principles, has come down through history as a living statement of ideals to be cherished by the physician. This Oath was conceived some time during the period of Grecian greatness, probably in the fifth century B.C. It protected rights of the patient and appealed to the inner and finer instincts of the physician without imposing sanctions or penalties on him or her. Other civilizations subsequently developed written principles, but the Oath of Hippocrates (Christianized in the tenth or eleventh century A.D. to eliminate reference to pagan gods) has remained in Western Civilization as an expression of ideal conduct for the physician. The oath depicted in this graphic is the classic translation of the Oath of Hippocrates which is slightly different from the modern version of the oath in use by many medical schools today.

The oath reads:

I SWEAR by Apollo the physician, and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I WILL KEEP THIS OATH and this stipulation - to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, WITHOUT FEE OR STIPULATION; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF MEDICINE, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider FOR THE BENEFIT OF MY PATIENTS, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. WITH PURITY AND WITH HOLINESS WILL PASS MY LIFE AND PRACTICE MY ART. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; AND, FURTHER from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I WILL NOT DIVULGE, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!

The Modern Version of The Oath of Hippocrates


Now being admitted to the profession of medicine,

I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity.

I will give respect and gratitude to my deserving teachers.

I will practice medicine with conscience and dignity.

The health and life of my patients will be my first consideration.

I will hold in confidence all that my patient confide in me.

I will maintain the honor and the Nobel traditions of the medical profession.

My colleagues will be my brothers.

I will not permit consideration of race, religion, nationality, party politics or social standing

to intervene between my duty and my patient.

I will maintain the utmost respect of human life from the time of its conception,

even under threat,

I will not use my knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.


THESE promises I made freely and upon my honor

the active members have a fund raising project on-going.we are selling mcu-fdtmf college of medicine jackets.... it's the official jacket of the college as approved by the administration. alumni and students may avail of it at =P= 1,200.00. orders may be made thru any active members

I Shall Not Pass This Way Again

I shall not pass this way again-

Although it bordered be with flowers,

Although I rest in fragrant bowers,

And hear the singing

Of song-birds winging

To highest heaven their gladsome flight;

Though moons are full and stars are bright,

And winds and waves are softly sighing,

While leafy trees make low replying;

Though voices clear in joyous strain

Repeat a jubilant refrain;

Though rising suns their radiance throw

On summer’s green and winter’s snow,

In such rare splendor that my heart

Would ache from scenes like these to part;

Though beauties heighten,

And life-lights brighten,

And joys proceed from every pain,

-I shall not pass this way again.

Then let me pluck the flowers that blow,

And let me listen as I go

To music rare

That fills the air;

And let hereafter

Songs and laughter

Fill every pause along the way;

And to my spirit let me say:

“O soul, be happy; soon ’tis trod,

The path made thus for thee by God.

Be happy thou, and bless His name

By whom such marvelous beauty came.

”And let no chance by me be lost

To kindness show at any cost.

I shall not pass this way again;

Then let me now relieve some pain,

Remove some barrier from the road,

Or brighten some one’s heavy load;

A helping hand to this one lend,

Then turn some other to befriend.

O God, forgive

That now I live

As if I might, sometime, return

To bless the weary ones that yearn

For help and comfort every day,

-For there be such along the way.

O God, forgive that I have seen

The beauty only, have not been

Awake to sorrow such as this;

That I have drunk the cup of bliss

Remembering not that those there be

Who drink the dregs of misery.

I love the beauty of the scene,

Would roam again o’er fields so green;

But since I may not, let me spend

My strength for others to the end,

-For those who tread on rock and stone,

And bear their burdens all alone,

Who loiter not in leafy bowers,

Nor hear the birds nor pluck the flowers.

A larger kindness give to me,

A deeper love and sympathy;

Then, O, one day

May someone say

-Remembering a lessened pain-

“Would she could pass this way again.”

~ Eva Rose York

HALLOWEEN

Halloween (or Hallowe’en) is a mostly national holiday celebrated on the evening of October 31; today it is often celebrated in the morning and afternoon as well. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, visiting haunted attractions, carving jack-o'-lanterns, reading scary stories, and watching horror movies. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is celebrated in several countries of the Western world, most commonly in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and at times in parts of New Zealand. In Sweden, the All Saints' official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November.
Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (Irish pronunciation: [s'aun']; from the Old Irish samain). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year." Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient Celtic pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, now known as Halloween, the boundary between the living and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, into which bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.


Halloween was perceived as the night during which the division between the world of the living and the otherworld was blurred so that spirits of the dead and inhabitants from the underworld were able to walk free on the earth. It was believed necessary to dress as a spirit or otherworldly creature when venturing outdoors to blend in, and this is where dressing in such a manner for Halloween comes from. This gradually evolved into trick-or-treating, because children would knock on their neighbours' doors in order to gather fruit, nuts, and sweets for the Halloween festival. Salt was once sprinkled in the hair of the children to protect against evil spirits

The term Halloween is shortened from All Hallows' Even (both "even" and "eve" are abbreviations of "evening," but "Halloween" gets its "n" from "even") as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day," which is now also known as All Saints' Day. It was a day of religious festivities in various northern European Pagan traditions, until Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV moved the old Christian feast of All Saints' Day from May 13 (which had itself been the date of a pagan holiday, the Feast of the Lemures) to November 1. In the ninth century, the Church measured the day as starting at sunset, in accordance with the Florentine calendar. Although All Saints' Day is now considered to occur one day after Halloween, the two holidays were, at that time, celebrated on the same day. Liturgically, the Church traditionally celebrated that day as the Vigil of All Saints, and, until 1970, a day of fasting as well. Like other vigils, it was celebrated on the previous day if it fell on a Sunday, although secular celebrations of the holiday remained on the 31st. The Vigil was suppressed in 1955, but was later restored in the post-Vatican II calendar.

The carved pumpkin lit by a candle inside is one of Halloween's most prominent symbols in America and is commonly called a jack-o'-lantern. Originating in Europe, these lanterns were first carved from a turnip or rutabaga. Believing that the head was the most powerful part of the body, containing the spirit and the knowledge, the Celts used the "head" of the vegetable to frighten off any superstitions. The name jack-o'-lantern can be traced back to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a greedy, gambling, hard-drinking old farmer. He tricked the devil into climbing a tree and trapped him by carving a cross into the tree trunk. In revenge, the devil placed a curse on Jack, condemning him to forever wander the earth at night with the only light he had: a candle inside of a hollowed turnip. The carving of pumpkins is associated with Halloween in North America, where pumpkins were not only readily available but much larger, making them easier to carve than turnips. Many families that celebrate Halloween carve a pumpkin into a frightening or comical face and place it on their doorstep after dark. In America, the tradition of carving pumpkins is known to have preceded the Great Famine period of Irish immigration. The carved pumpkin was originally associated with harvest time in general in America and did not become specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century

HAPPY HOLLOWEEN Brods and Sis, take care trick or treating.

My Extraordinary B-day ordeal with Andoy

On the night of Sept. 25, b-day wishes started to register in my cellphone and it is also the start of rainfall brought by " Ondoy". I came from the Closing ceremonies of Medicine week at Manila Ocean Park and on our way home, two patients called and are both in labor. My friends in the van that time started to throw jokes on me! Wow Jho blessings! you have patients on your b-day and these rains really means blessings pouring out!

I don't know if i'm just tired from a week long activities of the Medicine week, without mentioning the nightly dance practices for he MVMS anniversary, because I don't feel excited with my b-day at all. So straight from Ocean park, I went to the hospital to deliver the first patient and since the other one is still in early labor, I decided to go home first to get some nap. I had a very shallow sleep and I can feel that the rains does'nt stop and is getting really strong. In the morning (Sept. 26, my b-day) I decided to go back to the hospital to monitor my patient but halfway along our street, people stopped us since the flood waters is already waist deep and our vehicle is impossible to get through. So I called up the Resident on duty that time to call other doctor that could attend to my patient since its impossible for me to come.

Another thing that really brought so much worry for that time is that my son Leigh is not home yet from an overnight stay with a classmate in Montalban. I've been trying to call him but its hard to get through, he texted me and said that someone already took care of them, I replied "where?" and he said, in a church in San Mateo. So I adviced him to stay where he is if its safe there, but after that message, i was'nt able to get any info fr. him anymore.

The rain has'nt stopped and based from what I heard from our car radio(since the electricity is off already) the flood water is getting high and almost all parts of Marikina has turned into a body of water. I started to feel the panic, distress and is desperate over things that I can't do anything.

The hospital again called and said the patient is already in pain, 6-7 cms., still no doctor is available because this time all phone lines are busted and all networks are off. I decided to wade the floodwater and will walk my way to the hospital (abt. 5 kms. fr. my place), my husband and my son Lj said that they will assist me, clad in shorts, rubber shoes and shirt, I placed my scrub suit, cellphone and other stuff in a backpack and secured in a plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet. Levi tied a rope around my waist connected to both of them, then we started to wade the flood waters, its really hard to walk in waters ( now breast deep) because you have to counteract the force of water not to mention the current. We did'nt bother with the debris, dead animals, crude oil, snake,centipede and all the other garbage floating in waters, all I wanted that time is to get to the hospital and attend to my patient.

When we reached the gate of the subdivision, I noticed that the water is already neck deep, since I know the place, I stayed in the walkway since its at least 3 inches shallower. However, when we reached the Robinson's Supermarket I started to walk on tiptoe and I can already taste the water, what I did was to hold on the stalled cars and tried to swim to reach the building where at least we have something to hold on to. There's a Call center beside the mall, we went inside and climb the stairs where there are also stranded people.

I decided not to proceed anymore because it came to my mind that I would be bringing not only my life to risk but also my husband and son as well. As I stayed for a while in that stairs, I took my phone and called the hospital, telling them that I really tried to come but the situation doesn't permit me. One message from my daughter Jay came in, that says to call the house as soon as we reach the hospital, be safe and that she loves us. I felt the guilt of putting my family's life at risk, so I decided to go back home. Levi and I saw so many people submerged in waters, already feeling so cold, hungry and tired, since they've been there since morning. We persuaded them to come with us in our place because it would be safer there, about 25 men came with us, together we stormed the waters, hand in hand, with a stronger current this time and level higher, but at least I know that it will be shallower as we reach home.

It's around 6 pm, and already dark when we reached home and this time, the water is inside the house. I told the people to wash off and I look for shirts and shorts for them to change into dry clothing. My son LJ cooked all the available noodles, egg and rice and feed them. After that, they sat in the stairs and tried to rest. At 9 pm, the rain stopped and I prayed to God not to let the rain pour again. I also prayed non stopped to take care of my son Leigh whom I don't have any communications anymore and to take care of my patient in the hosp. My patient is already fully dilated at around 5 pm and up to this moment has'nt deliverd yet, where in normal circumstances should have been delivered hours ago.

I felt so helpless and desperate , I just prayed and left everything to God. One thirty in the morning, I noticed the water inside the house have subsided, and I presumed that water in the street must have gone lower, so I decided to wade the flood waters again. People inside the house volunteered to guide me and help and they did, together with my son Lj.

I'm determined to get through this time and was successful after an hour of walking and running whenever possible. Luckily, this time I was able to contact Dr. Caballa to assist me and to give the Anesthesia. I didn't bring anything with me, except my cellphone that is wrapped in a plastic to prevent it from getting wet. As I reached the hospital, I'm soaking wet, up to the neck, and not just wet because my green shirt turned into brown and I really stink. I washed off quickly with soap and water and put on the oversized scrub suit from the hospital and mind you, without any underwear on! Chucks!

I did the Emergency CS in no time and THANK GOD! Mommy Ester gave birth to a healthy and very pretty baby girl! I named her ONDAY! One worry down! I still have to check on my son Leigh. I called the house if there is any news regarding him, and THANK GOD AGAIN! my daughter Julliene informed me that he was home at 3 the morning after wading the flood waters also. What a relief!! GOD never left me. This is one kind of a birthday that I can never forget!

But my story never ends here! events came one after the other up to this moment that I'm writing this blog. And Ondoy is the culprit. Until next time.

Jo Olviz Carungay

Lux In Medici

BROTHERS & SISTERS,

Please welcome the newest batch Lux In Medici with the following members:

MOD 444. Jackson Daquioag ( Jack)
MOD 445. Marvin Raymundo ( Micko)
MOD 446. Hanzel Santos ( Hanzel)
MOD 447. Resty Homer Torida (Rh)

Medical Board

To our Brod and Sisters

MOD 397 Catherine SAMSON

MOD 415 Bannuar Baclig

MOD 419 Marieche Binalingbing

MOD 426 Ria Blanca Acosta

For passing the recently concluded Medical Boards.

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

WE ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR TRIUMPH

Frat House

North American fraternity and sorority housing refers largely to the houses or housing areas that fraternity and sorority members live and work together in. In addition to serving as housing, fraternity and sorority housing may also serve to host social gatherings, meetings, and functions that benefit the community.

The first fraternity house seems to have been from the Alpha Epsilon chapter of Chi Psi at the University of Michigan around 1845. As fraternity membership was punishable by expulsion at many colleges at this time, the house was located deep in the woods.

Fraternity chapter housing initially existed in two forms: lodges that served as meeting rooms and houses that had boarding rooms. The lodges came first and were largely replaced by houses with living accommodations. Lodges were often no more than rented rooms above stores or taverns. The idea of substantial fraternity housing caught on quickly but was accomplished with much greater ease in the north as southern college students had far less available money for construction. The first fraternity house in the south was likely one rented by members of Beta Theta Pi at Hampden-Sydney College from at least 1856. Kappa Sigma was then the first fraternity to own a house in the south when, in 1882, its chapter at the University of the South acquired one.

Chapter houses for women's fraternities began when Alpha Phi erected one at Syracuse University in 1886.

Many colleges eventually came to support fraternity and sorority housing as they allowed increased enrollment without construction of costly dormitories. The nature of this benefit varied between campuses as some houses were paid for entirely by alumni, some were rented, and some were built on land leased from the college. It was further recognized that, while fraternities having chapter houses did not raise academic performance, it did have a tendency to keep it from falling as the chapters could not afford (financially) to have members leaving school and no longer paying for their rooms.

The Inter-Sorority Congress of 1913 saw the establishment of uniform rules and regulations regarding life in chapter houses.

The number of houses owned by fraternities and sororities grew from 772 in 1915 to 928 in 1920.

Medici Omnes Duciens does not own any. What serves as frat house through the years were what a brods or sis rents. Usually a group or a batch of brods or sis will rent a house, then divide the rooms into their rooms. Eahc one sharing all the expense equally. This serves as the "tambayan" out of the campus. Sometimes a place to bunk in for the night (when to drunk to go home) or take a shower (when someone threw up on you). Most of all a place to get together and play jokes on eahc other. A place to hold impromtu meetings (with beer on hand), or plans avtivities. A place to study or cram up together, especially during major exams and medical boards.

It is a dream of the alumni that hopefully one day we can build our own. Filled with all the amneties that we as a student, asn an alumni, and as an organization will need.

HELP: Johnel

This letter was sent to me and to Von by Johnel. That I now posted here. We have a brother in need of our help. It is up to each one of us to help as much as we can. There is an existing setup how we can help by sending funds to Johnel it is till up and running. Von still got the accounts that we have used before. Another round is needed to save our brothers life.


Dear Brods and Sis,

Update kita sa sakit ko. I was apparently improving from my LBM which is part of my graft versus host disease (GVHD). This GVHD can either be acute or chronic. Earlier my stool showed improved consistency and volume. Kaso nga lang few days before my discharge nag abdominal pains ako and my stool consistency became watery again. My attending doctors tried immunosuppressants and steroids but to no avail.

Now they are planning to give thymoglobulin. A very expensive treatment. Each vial costs 20K. I need 6 vials each dose based on my weight that is to be given for 4 doses translating to P480,000.00.

Again I am asking for help from our brothers and sister. Even just a little help para naman ma-stretch yung budget namin. Naka-confine ako for almost 7 weeks and you can imagine how much na ang nagagastos namin.

Thanks so much Johnel and Family

WEBSITE

Brods and Sis,

Kung naalala ninyo kaya nag karoon ng BLOG sa Blogger e dahil nawala ang www.mediciomnesduciens.com. Nag try akong bilhin from the registry yung name natin pero masyadong malaki ang asking price just for our name na we paid to be registered. Ginawa ko ang BLOG para maging portal ng lahat ng sites ng MEDICUS na nasa web. Kung mababasa ninyo ang nasa side bar instructions ng BLOG. Iyon ang portal sa lahat ng sites para nga hindi malito and memebrs at magtanong kung ano ang main. Para lang siyang site na nag oopen sa ibat ibang pages (you can just go to the BLOG and then go the site that you want). Likewise para mailagay din ang mga history at kung anu ano pa na tungkol sa MEDICUS.

For the last 2 yrs I was asking for input pero halos wala akong natangap, mabibilang mo sa daliri ang nag respond. Yung lang update nang birthdays sa roster, it took us 2 yrs and still hindi pa rin sumagot ang iba(were are still missing 4 members; ace lino coloma, johana bayucan, rainiel genelsea, and lito jay macaraig) and that was just asking for the birthdays, address, telephone. Hindi biro ang mag collate ng data dahil para makuha lang ang iba send ka sa email, send ka sa friendster, send ka sa facebook at kung anu-ano pa. If babalik tayo sa site na babayaran natin. Hindi lang isa ang bayad noon, mag babayad ka sa registry ng domain, babayad ka sa website design, at mag babayd ka sa mag ho-host ng site. Kung magbabayad ka ng mura hindi rin tayo ma tutuwa sa resulta.

Yung BLOG natin sa blogger, nandoon lahat ng kailangan natin. It was made at that time as a temporary site dahil nga in a few weeks mawawala na ang mediciomnesduciens.com sa web. Naka attach doon ang album natin sa FLICKR, which I am paying for the group every year para maka ulpoad tayo ng lahat ng pictures natin. Yet, since it was made 2 yrs ago, only a few members loaded pictures on it.

Yung mga existing sites ng MEDICUS, was made separately by different members from different batches on different years. Pinag sama-sama ko ito sa BLOG. I think kaya dumai ito dahil sa "lack of communication between members" hindi ma-dessiminate sa members kung ano na ang nagawa. Sa palagay ko sa bawat batch nandoon yung feeling na parang kulang may nakikita silang need na hindi na sa-satisfy. Walang paraaan para makita ang iba dahil hindi nga nasabi na meron tayong ganito. Ito nga ang nag prompt sa akin to make the BLOG, para pagsama-samahin ang different sites into one page. Dahil nga sa yahoogroup pa lang we have 3 groups na MEDICUS, sa friendster 2, sa hotmail 1, sa MSN 1, bukod pa sa geocities.
I did the 1st sa yahoogroup noong 2000 hoping na makita ito ng mga brods and sis at magkaroon ulit ng communication kung mag hahanap sila sa internet. Ginawa ko yung 1st, dahil noong dumating ako dito sa America alam kong maraming brods and sis dito pero di ko alam kung saan hahanapin. Walang way to communicate sa mga brods at sis na nasa ibat ibang lugar. This was followed by geocities that I tried to build pero di ko nagawang ma up. Then si Robin na mas may alam sa geocities ang gumawa noon, noong students pa sila. (Geocities will now disappear this coming October, as yahoo will shut geocities forever).

Sa ngayon we are not paying for anything. Kung may kulang sa BLOG para gawing portal then say so and if possible gagawin at idadagdag. Limitado lang ang pwedeng gawin sa BLOG. We are limited to the allowed templates, we cannnot re-design the templates. So far incorporated sa blog ang chat box sa bottom part ng page, links of all the sites sa side bar, flickr for the depository ng pictures (unlimited), slide for the guest book, photobucket for the slide presentation and uploadable post, videos from youtube, message box and shout box on the side and other RSS links that we have interest on. Meron din doon na address na I tried to make as current as possible. Ito ay naka incorporate sa Gmail ng group (kailangan ng password at sign in name to see). Forumer was added per request kay Gerald. Dahil we may have discussions na ayaw nating makita ng iba. Sa ngayon I am trying to incorporate sites ng mga brods and sis (like their personal blogs or business at clinics sites) para nga maging isang one stop shop for MEDICUS members. So far nandoon ang link sa personal BLOG ni Mila, Christine at yung sa add ng clinic ni Archie (para sa mga .... walang buhok).

As for security ng site, noong unang ginawa ang yahoogroup open siya sa public at anyone can become a member. Robin changed that and made it moderated para nga hindi mapasok ng iba (kasi nga may nag aalok na ng aircon sa atin doon at one time, ngayon nag request na naman na pumasok at mag aalok ulit yata ng aircon pero na block na ng moderator). Ngayon each application ay kailangan ang approval from the moderator this is after asking their name, batch, at proof na brod or sis natin sila.

If we are going to design our site with our name and inputs, who is going to maintain it or update it? Do you think we can incorporate all of these sa possibleng website na yun?. Kung makikita ninyo ang ibang sites na magaganda, ito ay dahil may specific IT tech na nag me-maintain noon. Noong ginawa ni Robin yung geocities site natin nagka problema kung sino ang mag tutuloy after Robin left. At nag mag graduate na nga si Robin wala nang sumunod, wala nang nag update. Nung ginawa naman ang www.mediciomnesduciens.com through Jeff para lang siyang naging message board masyadong static at hindi naging adoptable (everytime na may request for any change kailangan na makausap ang designer for the change at madalas hindi rin mapalabas ang gusto natin due to a very limited space). Dahil sa maliit ang alloted space yung mga picture na naunang na upload, nabura lahat at hindi na na retrieve. After a year nawala na sa internet yung site, dahil na rin sa walang budget. Kung mag ba-bayad tayo ulit ng site, can we maintain paying for it? Dahil ang style diyan, mababa sa 1st year (as low as 5$ sa GOdaddy.com) then going higher every year. Meron namang nag aabang kung mag e-expire na ang registry at kukunin nila (snipping) at kailangan mong bilhin afterwards sa kanila at a much higher price (usually bidding).

It will be good using our own name, and having our own site and maintaing our site the way we wanted it to be. I dream of that one day, and I have a lot of ideas for the site, but can we sustain it? Remember it will cost us a lot of money every year adding to our budget needs.

agp

Brothers in Chicago

It is difficult to start a new life in a country that you never grew up with. You have your ideals of a better life to be, but starting a new life in a foreign country is not easy. Epecially if you have your family back to where you came from. You always feel that you where alone. It is not easy if you are by yourself braving the snow that you've only seen in your freezer before. Shoveling ice that freezes your bone just to get to work.

When I came in the US I knew that I have some of my brods and sis living here in the US. At that time there is no way of knowing where they where. No MEDICUS BLOG, No yahoogroup, no way of telling where they where. This was year 2000, but luck would have it that in one of my mall visits I saw a familiar face sitting right in front of me. It is Sam Sales, a brod, from then on I was connected to my family.

We have 2 brods that came in the US and ended up in Illinois. One is Gilbert that I have no inkling was planning to go to the US and Laverne that for want of giving a better life to his children decided to come and brave the cold and freezing place.

I did not know then, that I was a friendster buddy of Gilbert's son. His son told me that they where in Illinois, not knowing that we have brods there in the same batch (Vincula Concordia). Laverne passby Los Angeles on his way to Chicago and was informed that Manny lives in Chicago and a contact number was given. It turns out to be a small world as Laverne's friends was also a friend of Manny's wife. Then I told Laverne that Gilbert was also in Illinois and another contact number was sent.

Here are the pictures taken when the 3 Viculits met in Chicago. With your brods you'll never feel alone.

Brothers in Arms

4th of July

In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer. Whether John Hancock, as the elected President of the Second Continental Congress, or anyone else signed the document that day is unknown, because that document has been lost — presumably destroyed in the printing process. Hancock's name and that of a witness do appear on the typeset broadside that was published within a few days. On August 2 in the following month, an engrossed document in script form was signed by Hancock and other delegates.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States, but is often also viewed as simply a summer festival, apart from its patriotic overtones.

In the Philippines the 4th of July is celebrated as the Filipino-American Friendship Day. It was designated by President Diosdado Macapagal to commemorate the liberation of the country by joint Filipino and American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II.
The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1942, when it was occupied by Japanese forces, and again for a brief period after the war. The country gained complete independence on July 4, 1946.

Initially, the nation's Independence Day holiday (Araw ng Kalayaan) was held on July 4. Former President Diosdado Macapagal moved it to June 12, the date on which the Philippines declared independence from Spain in 1898. Filipino-American Friendship Day was created in its place, and coincides with the United States' July 4 Independence Day.

Another reading: The Independence Day That Wasn't.

HAPPY EATING TO EVERYONE WHO WILL CELEBRATE THIS JULY 4th

Father's Day

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL FATHERS and fathers to be (imagined or not, whether you know it or not)

i have been looking in the Internet for what i think is a perfect father image that i could post on our blog. but all i can see where pictures that represent other races or nations and to me, does not represent what i thought of what a father is or should look like. i then went back to our own MEDICUS pictures. it is there that i find what i thought to be, the image of a Filipino father. you can see 2 pictures of what a father is, both of them MEDICUS, enjoying a simple day with his child. you can see in their faces and their children's faces that every minute is very precious and cannot be bought by gold.

Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities.

In the Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day, commonly called Feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, though in most countries Father's Day is a secular celebration.
In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia or on June, 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington.

Another driving force behind the establishment of the integration of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Creston, Washington. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children, by himself, on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. She promoted and lobbied fro the establishment of a fathers but she was laugh out initially "One group of men conventioneers laughed and said they didn't want a Father's Day," according to an article in The Spokesman-Review. "A national fishing day would be better, they told her." She persuaded the Spokane Ministerial Association and local YMCA to pass a resolution in support of Father's Day, and the first local Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910,in Spokane, Washington. Mrs. Dodd wanted Father's Day to be celebrated on the first Sunday in June, her father's birthday. However, the Spokane council could not get the resolution through the first reading until the third Sunday in June.

States and organizations began lobbying Congress to declare an annual Father's Day. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea, but it was not until 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge made it a national event to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. The rest of the world follows, so they think.

In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting male-oriented gifts such as electronics, tools and greeting cards. Schools and other children's programs commonly have activities to make Father's Day gifts. And it is really hard to get a reservation to a restaurant on this day.

agpineda 107
(the history taken from wikipedia and inspiration line, i know it is not a proper research source but i like it. this is a rehash of last year but since then i have not seen any change to make me change it.)

Lumibao Hair Center

LUMIBAO HAIR CENTER ads at 88db service portal

Dr Archie Lumibao opens a Hair Restoration Clinic in Quezon City, last month. The opening was marred by a storm and only several sis from Dum Spiro Spero was able to attend. He was bored with all the shopping and drinking that we used to do and decides to go back to our native country. Apparently to help the people in need of his specialty. You can contact the number on the picture for a free consult. He used to work at the Hair Institute in Beverly Hills, California for several years where he learned this specialization. Several Hollywood celebrities were clients of Dr Lumibao.

This is a good news to our brods who have vrying thinning hair problems (eg. airstrip, moon walk, monk, diver, etc) perhaps you can talk to archie and maybe there is a solution to your problem.

Below is our picture before angels and demons was released as a novel. Archie showing his true colors. (for info: this part is supposed to be a joke)

Thank You

Hey Bro,

Thank GOD things are looking up.

I would like to thank all the brods and sis as well as our friends outside our brotherhood who lend a helping hand,its so nice to see that the spirit of our beloved fraternity is still alive.

Let us all keep the fire burning.

Sa lahat ng tumulong,dahil nandyan kayo para sa batchmate namin, asahan nyo nandito lang kaming mga Animo and Persona ready to return the favor.

To johnel, do get well.

God still has greater things in store for you.

Dino Flores Animo 279

Thank You

16 May 2009

6PM

Dear Bros & Sis,

At last, after more than a month confinement my doctors finally ordered I be discharged home today. Yesterday my blood count showed improvement that I won't be needing transfusion of any blood products as of this time. Hopefully it will stay that way. In the next 3-4 months my doctors will monitor my CBC and other lab results closely and they forbid me from getting back to work soon. I have to stay home for many months.

I am happy with the outcome of my bone marrow transplant. God is very good.
Me and my family are very thankful to all of you my bros and sis.

Your generosity will forever be remembered.

Johnel & Family

Peewee's Cebu Visit

This pictures were sent by Peewee after her month long vacation in the Philippines. She went to Cebu and dropped by our Founding Chairman's Medical Office and then went to lunch afterwards. Peewee (Muriel), Angel and Marisse went to lunch and it is probably good as everyone's smiling.

Medical Mission Schedules

sent by: Harold Nanquil

The following are Medical Mission schedules sent by Von. Those who can attend join the missions. I wish I could.

1. May 4 and 5, medical and surgical missioncauayan isabela, c/o Pinky Abogado-Puruganan (see email for tel #), PNOC sponsor aalamin pa ang transportation, board and lodging, OC frank - (see email for tel #) and OC leslie garcia (see email for tel#) coordinating

2. May 17, to confirm kung combine medical and surgical mission manila jockey club, c/o Jef Lee mod 179 (see email for tel #).

3. May 23, surgical mission Camarin Quezon City, c/o Larry Lianko mod 299 (see email for Tel#)

MAY 18 TO MAY 29, COMPREHENSIVE EXAM NG MGA ACTIVE

sa mga bakante sa mga araw na ito at interesadong mag-attend, pls contact yung mga names sa taas at ako rin Von Megino (see email for tel#)

A Sincere Gratitude

Dear Bros & Sis,

Today I will be admitted to the hospital in preparation for my bone marrow transplantation on April 24, 2009.

Transplant is just a begining until my marrow starts producing cells. A very long process which would take several months.

Whatever the outcome will be, I know you all are by my side to get through this.

I want to live longer with God's help.

I am deeply touched by your generosity.

My sincerest gratitude.

May God bless you all.

Johnel & Family
Animo ab Initio 275

At Fort Bonifacio Circa 90's

I could not remember the year but it was back in the early 90's when this picture was taken. I was 80 pounds lighter then. The air was cool and there were festivities everywhere, and so are we. It was the induction of incoming officers of MEDICUS (i think, if my Alzheimer's brain is not misleading me). As usual due to budgetary constraints it becomes a problem where to hold the induction. Good for MEDICUS our brod Dino offers his place, it was in Fort Bonifacio.

Air soft was just gaining grounds in the Philippines then, and Dino had a Beretta 93R pistol that was always with him (shooting his batchmates when ever someone gets off from the car in rapid fire). Curious in what we can find at Dino's house at Fort Bonifacio we decide to ransack the place, like kids on an Easter egg hunt. These kids ended with these arms in our arms and decided to pose for the camera.

This was the good times that I was with ANIMO AB INITIO (273.Arsenio D. ALCANTARA 274.Arman D. ARQUILLANO 275.Johnel M. CANDAVA 276.Dennil P. DELA PAZ 277.Victorino T. DE LOS REYES 278.Orrick Vicente D. FELIX 279.Dino Anthony P. FLORES 280.Alberto D.J. GABRIEL 281.Aldrin B. INDANAN 282.Jesson Q. MEGINO 283.Omar S. NASRALLA 284.Robert Neil V. RANGEL 285.Allan P. TUPONG), with laughter and friendship given to someone who just crashed in to a party. Accepting an older brother and sister (archipips, holding an M16, looking mean) that they never met.

I remember Johnel then, he was young like his batch mates and me. He was quiet and ready with a smirk or a smile on his face. He seldom make noise but ready to give a hand when needed. Now, he needs our help. Being brods and sis that we are, it is our duty to do so. Johnel did not asked us for help, but we know he needs it. I think we do not have to think if it should be given. Cesar wrote in his email that "It is an obligation on my part to help a brod or a sis who is in need of my help". Like Cesar I also believe that it is my obligation as a brod to do so. I hope that all of us feels the same, and will do our best to help a brod in need. Johnel might not have a blood relation to me or to us, but he is part of my family and our family.

April 14 is fast approaching and Johnel's situation cannot wait. Easter is fast approaching and this is our cross to bear. Our prayers (to what ever or to who ever you pray) during this season can help Johnel, but more so if we can help financially.

To those who could and would, In behalf of Johnel, from the bottom of my fatty liver.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

(GOD, Jehovah, Allah, Yahweh, Buddha, Osiris, RA, The Force, etc will remember what you did)

agp107

UPDATE: Medicus Cap

We have an ongoing fund raising for the active members for current projects at MCU. This is a MEDICUS cap that we are selling here in the USA, several members have sent their checks but we are still waiting for the others to send theirs. The First recipients in CA got their cap yesterday 12/14/08. For those out of state I will mail them to you (just got the caps last Friday 12/12/08) just give me time. 1st batch mailed(1/2/09), 2nd batch mailed (1/15/09 pero di pa nagkikita si Max at ang cap niya hangang ngayon nakabaon pa yata sa yelo 2/6/09), 3rd batch mailed (2/3/09). Thanx to Cesar Dayahan, Robbin Bacolor, Lyn Navarro-Farmer, Odette Quinto-Uy, Thani & Mel Magtoto, Edwin Chua, Peewee Muriel, Sam & Mae Sales, Elvis Verzo, James Centeno, Allen Lumanog, & Monette Soriano got your checks. Complete accounting will be sent through our group email.

agp

MCU - FDTMF Genesis

Located near the imposing Monumento Circle in Caloocan City is the sprawling compound of Manila Central University. Tall Acasia trees dot the ten hectare lot providing a refreshing spot amidst the busy industrial surroundings. A look at MCU-FDTMFs history shows the indomitable spirit of its founders, the late Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco and his wife, Mrs. Purificacion Gallego-Tanchoco.

In 1946, the Board of Directors of the Manila Central Colleges (MCC) considered offering the first years of the Medical and Nursing Curricula due to public demand. The plan came at an opportune time because at about this time, the Afable College of Medicine and Surgery was at the verge of closure. The owners, heirs of Dr. Valentine Afable were no longer interested in the continuance of its operation. Upon the appeal of the students of said school for the continuance of its operation, the MCC Board of Directors then arranged for the lease of its facilities as well as that of the Manila General Hospital. Thus, in 1947, the plan for a College of Medicine of the MCC was realized. Since its inception in 1947, the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing used the facilities of the Afable Hospital in Quezon Boulevard. However, in 1949, a ten hectare lot was purchased from the Novitiate of San Jose in Caloocan to house the institution. Subsequently, the needed facilities for the College of Medicine were acquired and completed a year later. With the inspiration of her husband, Atty. Filemon D. Tanchoco, Mrs. Purificacion G. Tanchoco initiated the construction of the MCU Dispensary to give the medical students the needed practice and training in the management of patients. In 1951, she again spearheaded the construction of a two story semi-concrete 120 bed capacity hospital purely for teaching purposes. At that time Dr. Alfredo Guerrero blazed the trail as its first dean.

Dr. Ramon Macasaet, its second dean, reorganized the nine departments of the MCU College of the Medicine In line with modern trends, Dean Macasaet renamed the Department of Bacteriology and Preventive Medicine in 1951 to the Department of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.In 1954, Dean Macasaet separated the Department of Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat to the Department of Ophthalmology and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. This gave the MCU College of Medicine the distinction of being the first Medical College in the country to separate the two specialties in both teaching and hospital services.

At about this time, Mrs. Purificacion Tanchoco had the Laboratory building completed. It housed the Departments of Anatomy, Pathology, and Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Hygiene, Parasitology and Laboratory Diagnosis. The succeeding Dean, Dr. Alfredo Ortiz separated the areas of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.

In 1962, the MCU College of Medicine qualified to be a member of the Association of the Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC). As the College of Medicine grew stronger, other buildings were put up in the campus. A four story building was completed in 1959 and a three-story concrete hospital edifice accommodating 220 patients replaced the rest.

To assist its medical graduates, the MCU Hospital offered training programs in 1971 for its postgraduate trainees in all clinical departments including Anesthesia. In the same year the Board of Directors of MCU decided to convert the College of Medicine and the hospital into a non-stock and non-profit educational foundation. Thus on June 28, 1971 the two entities became the MCU Filemon D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation (MCU-FDTMF).

Two other deans followed: Dr. Floria Velasquez and Dr. Jaime Aquino . Each contributed their share to make MCUFDTMF what it is today. In 1974, through the initiation of Dean Buenaventura Angtuaco, the Out-PatientDepartment and the Emergency room were renovated to give students better clinical exposure. Provisions were made for a medical auditorium and an audiovisual room. During Dr. Angtuaco's time the College of Medicine voluntarily reduced its first year admissions by 50% to ensure better quality of graduates. Dr. Victor Valenzuela succeeded Dr. Angtuaco as Dean and continued the program for the improvement of the college. He also strengthened the Department of Family and Community Medicine and recruited qualified faculty members.

On August 4, 1984 Dr. Lutgarda Celestino-Quito, succeeded Dr. Valenzuela. She was the first MCU Alumna to be appointed as dean and under her leadership, the College entered a new era in its development and growth as an institution of learning. She coordinated actively with the alumni association in the United States and was instrumental in establishing a stronger bond between the alumni and their Alma Mater.

During the deanship of Dr. Jesus E. Fojas, MCU-FDTMF College of Medicine shifted to the Innovative Curriculum using the Problem Based Strategy. It was the first of the original medical schools to do so. Dr. Ma. Lita C. Britanico, the 10th dean, continued the basic policies set down by her predecessors. With the support extended to her by the faculty and administration, the College of Medicine has succeeded in pursuing its commitment to medical education. The 11th is Dr. Esperanza Figueroa-Rivera, former Medical Director and Chairman of the Dept. of Pediatrics. The present dean is Dr. Divina Y. Beato, former College Secretary, Faculty member of the Dept. of Pediatrics, MCU-FDTMF.

MCU-FDTMF, true to its mission statement, is committed to graduating doctors who are competent, caring and responsive to the needs of the Filipino communities they shall serve. Indeed the MCU-FDTMF has met the challenges of the past and has withstood the test of time. Now, MCU-FDTMF through hard work, continues to sustain its successes. It is proud of its recognition by the CHED and the Association of the Philippine Medical Colleges, and its recognition by various national agencies as a member of the Metro Manila Health Science Community. Having been in existence for more than half a century, MCU-FDTMF is proud of its highly qualified and dedicated faculty staff who are fully committed to education and service. It is also proud of its thousands of Medical Alumni who unselfishly serve, not only the Filipino community but also the community of nations.

(taken from the MCU-FDTMF website)

EDSA

An Accident

February 12, 2009, We received an email from Joanne Santiago:

brods and sis,

Our sis janis and brods gian and princy had a vehicular accident last weekend, lets pray for their early, recovery.... tnx... mod353

This is the story from Bing Bunuan sister in law of Dr Bermie Alejandro

Princy and family ... Gian, Janice and pamangkin plus my sis-in-law Bermie and BF Gilbert went to Manaoag last feb 7 daw and on their way home ... an accident happened. Bale convoy daw sila ... Princy and family in one car, while others mentioned on the other car, driver nila si Gian. Medyo nawala lang daw sandali si Gian sa paningin ni Princy dahil may sumingit na bus between them. Princy just thought na nakasunod pa rin si Gian, however taka na lang daw sya coz super bagal na daw sya to wait for them pero wala pa rin sila, only to find out, may accident na pala. Nag turn turtle sila, tumama daw yung gitna ng roof sa isang tree, nahati at dun nauntog si Bermie. My poor sis-in-law died on-the-spot.

Dra. Berminda Alejandro was a senior radiology resident at Tondo MediCal Center, about to graduate this september, and planning to get married by December. 10 years anniv nila ng BF nya last feb 13, 1 day before her burial. How ironic.

I was able to talk to Gian and Princy who attended the burial last saturday. Ok na si Princy but si Gian, I could still see in him na di pa talaga sya fully recovered psychologically. The grieving family told him to undergo therapy ... which just shows na naiintindihan sya. Besides, its really an accident. Sino nga naman kasi ang magkakagustong mangyari yun.

Janice is still in Delo. (s/p closed reduction of her femoral fracture, shoulder dislocation, tarsal bone fractures, and other injuries from Leisly) wasnt able to drop by na coz we went home the following day.

Janis dear, get well soon, ok. Kaya mo yan... nakaya mo hirap sa medicus... yan pa kaya? Gian, I know what you feel but don't blame yourself ok. nangyari na din yan sa akin (total wreck din tho less traumatic) and up to now, may phobia pa rin ako... We really suggest you and Janis to undergo therapy para mas mabilis kayo maka recover.

Kaya, mga brods and sis... ingat lagi sa pagda drive...

NB: Just a little favor ... please help us pray for the soul Bermie.

Thank You.

Bing Bunuan

This is a tragic accident that no one wants to happen specially to our love ones. To the family of Dr. Bermie Alejandro, The MEDICUS family conveys our deepest sympathies to you, and rest assured that Bermie is in our prayers.

To our Brods, Princy and Gian and Sis Janice, Life goes on. Give your self time to grieve, time heals all wounds they say. Let your injuries heal, then move forward in life. Nothing that you do now will change anything that happen, perhaps Bermie would like you to continue with your life stronger as you overcome her loss.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery.

The holiday is named after two, among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine.

The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae). Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who suffered martyrdom about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been killed during the persecution of Emperor Aurelian. A third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.

The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine were excerpted by Bede and briefly expounded in Legenda Aurea. According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer

Legenda Aurea still providing no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail. In an embellishment to The Golden Legend, on the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote the first "valentine" himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed, or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."

The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages. Some claim the first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer this may be the result of misinterpretation. Chaucer wrote:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day

Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make

This poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. A treaty providing for a marriage was signed on May 2, 1381. (When they were married eight months later, he was 13 or 14, and she was 14

An alternative theory from Belarus states that the holiday originates from the story of Sain Valentine, who upon rejection by his mistress was so heartbroken that he took a knife to his chest and sent her his still-beating heart as a token of his undying love for her. Hence, heart-shaped cards are now sent as a tribute to his overwhelming passion and suffering.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The popularity of Valentine cards in 19th-century America was a harbinger of the future commercialization of holidays in the United States.

HAPPY VALENTINE

to mY Brods And Sis,

say I LOVE YOU to the ones you love

agp i love medicus

Laverne in Chicago

We met with Laverne a couple of days before and he said he will be staying in California until January. Then he suddenly showed up on internet (email) that he is already in Chicago making Halo Halo. I just wish he got more time here, to show Los Angeles to him. He arrived at a time that everyone is busy due to the season's activities. We even told him how cold it would be in Chicago at this time of the year (there was a time that the windchill is at -37F).

In Chicago it turns out to be a small world. Manny knew where Laverne is staying and know the people personally becasue it his wifes friend. So here is their picture when they met at that time. Both looked to be so cold.

agp

The Black Nazarene

The Black Nazarene is a life-sized, dark-colored, wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ held to be miraculous by many people, especially its Filipino devotees. Its original carver is an anonymous Aztec carpenter, and the image was transported by galleon from Mexico. Roman Catholic tradition holds that the Black Nazarene came from a boat that caught fire, turning it from its original white into black or charred complexion. The Black Nazarene is carried into the streets for procession in a "Caroza" or carriage. The feast of the Most Holy Black Nazarene is celebrated on January 9th while novena masses begin on the first day of the year.

The statue was brought to Manila by the first group of Augustinian Recollect friars on May 31, 1606. The image was originally housed in the first Recollect church in Bagumbayan (now part of the Rizal Park), which was inaugurated on Septemeber 10, 1606, and placed under the patronage of Saint Juan Bautista ( St. John the Baptist).

In 1608, the image of the "Nazareno" was transferred to the second, bigger Recollect church dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino (Saint Nicholas of Tolentine). The Recollect Fathers vigorously promoted devotion to the Suffering of Our Lord represented by the image that in fifteen short years, the Cofradia de Santo Cristo Jesús Nazareno was established on April 21, 1621. The confraternity obtained Papal approval on April 20, 1650, from Pope Innocent X.

Sometime in the year 1787, then Archbishop of Manila, Basilio Sancho de Santas Junta y Rufina, ordered the transfer of the image of the Nazareno to the church in Quiapo, again providently placed under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist.

The image survived the great fires that destroyed Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929, the great earthquakes of 1645 and 1863, and the destructive Bombing of Manila in 1945 during World War II.

Recently, however, in 1998, a replica of the original Black Nazarene was first paraded due to the repeated damages inflicted on the statue like the left cheek that was shot by a bystander. Today the head and the cross stays on the Altar Mayor of the Minor Basilica, and the original body image of the Black Nazarene is used in the processions. Other, even smaller replica can be found in other churches.

Today, despite the rough-and-tumble that usually accompanies the thrice-yearly procession of the image, the Filipino people's devotion to God in the special appellation of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno continues to flourish and shows no sign of waning; death, wounds, bodily pains and physical discomfort notwithstanding.

For more than 200 years, the statue has been placed on a golden red carriage every January 9th and pulled through the streets of Quiapo by male devotees clad in maroon. People who have touched the Nazarene are reported to have sometimes been healed of their diseases. Catholics come from all over Manila for the chance that they will be able to get close enough to touch the image and perhaps even receive a miracle. They also throw towels or handkerchiefs to the people guarding the statue and ask them to rub them on the statue in hopes of carrying some of that power away with them. This commemorates the Translacion or the transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo.

Happy New Year

Every December 31st all over the world people from all walks of life celebrate in their own way to usher in the New Year. It is a time to remember that we humans can renew our life and seek a new beginning. In places where there is no specific day for thanksgiving, It is a time to give thanks for all the blessings we have from the passing year. Some of us may not have a very good year but a year full of challenges and suffering but we can still think of something to give thanks for. It is a period to rekindle the simple warmth of family kinship and friendship. A time to bury the hatchet and old grudges and begin a new year with a lighter heart and new friendships (watch out of the friendships). Most of all, it is a period to appreciate the virtue of humility for being one that lived to see the dawn of the New Day in another New Year.

To Everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may we all have a prosperous year to come.

agpineda