Major, major

Leave it to us Filipinos to handle a rollercoaster ride of emotions- after the tragic hostage taking drama came the elation at having Miss Universe delegate Venus Raj make it to the top five. Her win as fourth runner-up got mixed reactions from Pinoys all over the world via Twitter, Facebook, and other networking sites. Some say she could have grabbed the title had she done better in the question and answer portion, while others are content with the runner-up position for the Philippines after a decade of candidates who never even got to top fifteen.

For anyone keeping score, the Philippines has two title holders- Miss Universe 1969 and 1973, plus runner-ups including Miriam Quiambao and currently- Venus.

Venus had a lot going for her: a 22 inch waistline, gorgeous morena skintone, face and proportions that embody the dusky Filipina beauty,unwavering poise, support from Filipinos all over the world (in fact, the host remarked at MGM grand that "the whole country is here", with Pinoys making thunderous applause for Venus everytime she walked the stage), she was a pre-pageant favorite and ranked among the highest in internet polls. She also had the "Cinderella factor"- a girl from an impoverished family who worked hard and graduated with honors (according to her bio), which was sure to endear her to people.

To be fair, the question that was given to her during the top five was so unlike the ones asked to other contestants. Miss Mexico was asked about her views on regulating internet usage for young people, Miss Jamaica gave her views on death penalty, Miss Australia on government legislation on tolerating religious practices, Miss Ukraine was asked what she thought about full-body scans in airport security. Our Venus was asked what she thought was the biggest mistake she made in her life and what she did to make it right. Clearly this wasn't along the lines of "what is the essence of a woman" or even some sort of commentary on social issues, hers was a personal question.

I think Venus answered honestly, and I give her points for that. The problem was that her answer was neither moving nor interesting- I mean could you blame her when she said in her 22 years of existence she had never encountered a major problem? (Although she did a minor blooper in repeating the word "major", which either she did for emphasis or perhaps when one translates "major, major" in Tagalog it means "bonggang-bongga"- " Wala pa po akong nagawang bonggang-bonggang pagkakamali"...) Well, she could have made up some story that she was a raging alcoholic who joined AA and later overcame odds and became a beauty queen, but like she said- she had honestly never encountered a major problem or made a major mistake. The controversy during her near dethronement by Binibining Pilipinas Charities could have been one element which she could have played, but I'm not so sure if that is something she wants to bring up.

We could have asked perhaps Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago to be translator and make the judges' ears bleed with her stilted language, but I think the way Venus expressed herself was not the biggest problem. The question of confidence may be entertained though, because even in Quiambao's time she also clammed up during the final question and answer. Venus herself admitted during Dyan Castellejo's interview that she was indeed nervous during the final Q & A, and it affected her response. The Binibining Pilipinas Universe who I thought completely held her own during Q & A was the witty and confident Charlene Gonzales when she answered back with a question "High tide or low tide?" after being asked how many islands made up the Philippines.

With all the raves during the preliminaries, Venus could have made it to the top. But of course the Q & A could make or break a beauty queen- Miriam's "I felt like I stood up for all women who fell on and off the stage" when she was asked how she felt about tripping onstage, made her an instant hit with the crowd. Her answer catapulted her from a virtual unknown amongst the sea of candidates to one of the top three. Sadly her weak answer on the final question made her rival win, which some pageant fanatics cruelly nicknamed the "ugliest Miss Universe ever".

How could the Miss Photogenic special award not go to Venus? Her internet votes were higher than Thailand. In fact for the past decades, that award always goes to whomever the Philippines sends. I think we are the only country who votes fanatically and support our candidate.

Part of being a beauty queen is bowing gracefully even when you don't get the crown. Despite being a runner-up we do love Venus unconditionally... To be top five out of 83 candidates is something! Come home Venus, we love you "major majorly"- or in tagalog mahal ka namin ng bonggang bongga!

Steals

I was thinking of making some sort of shopping guide, but not the one listing the usual places like Robinson's place (yawn) or Gaisano Malls, but the actual places where Taclobanons get the best bargains. Why waste good money by spending them on overpriced generic items in department stores when you can go shops where you can get them for half the price? Bargain shopping takes a lot of patience, haggling skills, and a sharp eye for quality- but when you do find one-of-a-kind items at practically giveaway prices, its worth all the effort!

FURNITURE

Sala sets and dining sets with a price tag of 30,000-40,000 in malls can be purchased or custom made for you at furniture shops along Real St. in Sagkahan (very near the Astrodome). Good quality dining sets start at around 20,000- and you can even ask for discounts. Most of these shops make everything from Bamboo to driftwood to hardwood, so you can find suitable designs for your interiors. Hardwood can be expensive so if you really want steals (and you own a truck) there are shops along the highway in Samar that sells them at even lower prices, that is if you can stand the extra cost and effort of travel.

Save: 10,000

CHANDELIERS

When I was looking for a chandelier I came upon this private residence near Coca Cola which sells them for about 4,000- but when I looked at them closely they looked like the ones in Imelda's residence in Olot, Tolosa. If you're not into what suspiciously were Marcos loot sold at bargain prices, you may opt for garage sales from old homes. This is a little bit tricky because these sales are not published on paper, so you really have to ask around or look around the next time you take the jeep around Tacloban.

Save: 5,000 from brand new chandeliers at stores or interior design shops.

HOME SUPPLIES

Taiwanese stores have become such a hit in Tacloban that you see them everywhere! Fun fact: these people who understands neither English nor Waray-waray manage the stores may give generous discounts if you beg their staff who communicates to them with non-verbal signs- if they nod then you get a discount! From cooking utensils to home decor, china to place mats, mugs to wine glasses, they are available at bargain prices. At the downtown area (Zamora St.), these stores line the street.

Save: 50-75% from what you can buy in regular department stores. For example, a 200 peso large mug in Gaisano can be purchased at 70 pesos in a Taiwanese store and it has a free teaspoon that came with the box. Just keep an eye on quality and you'll be surprised at how many good buys there are.

SCHOOL/OFFICE SUPPLIES

When I make notes I want to write on a nice notebook with clean, white pages, with a sign pen or gel pen. I use highlighters of different colors when I study my books. You'd think I'd spend a fortune on these but no! I'll give you a comparison at what you can buy at regular bookstores or school supply stores versus Taiwanese department stores:

National bookstore vs. Taiwanese store

Good quality notebooos: Php 85 vs. One-of-a-kind harbound notebook: Php 50

Pilot sign pen: Php 45 vs. Good quality sign pen: Php 10

Tricolor pen: Php 75 vs. Tricolor pen (for duty): Php 10

Double-sided tape: Php 30 vs. Double-sided tape: Php 5

Highlighter 1 color: Php 40 vs. Highlighter 2 colors: Php 15

See what I mean? And there are more items which you just have to see for yourself.

Save: A lot of money, especially if you can't live with a planner, or is obsessive compulsive like me hahaha!

CHINA PHONES

The danger in buying china phones is that even the most expert technicians may not be able to fix it once it gets broken. Some of these phones also may not function like it is supposed to, which means you need technical know-how or perhaps bring someone who does when you go shopping for a phone.

When I was at Robinsons Ermita, I checked how much a Blackberry 8900 Curve was and it was something like 24,000 or so. My phone that time was an original Nokia express music phone which was a bit pricey when I bought it- but like all our experiences (my friends included) with Nokia phones, it was prone to viruses and it kept malfunctioning. I thought, if an original phone is as incompetent as this I saw no point in buying another expensive unit.

I searched a lot of phone stores in Tacloban when I returned, picked the same model china phone and tried eight phones before finally selecting one that worked. The most important feature for me was the wifi access, so I really made sure my phone had it. A month later, thank goodness its still working in great condition and there was even a feature that is not in authentic Blackberry phones- my china phone is also a TV!

Save: 20,000 lang naman. This is the first time I bought a china phone and I hope it lasts long.

ELECTRONICS

From TVs to karaoke machines, they are all available again at bargain prices and work as good as expensive ones. Believe it or not, in a single year four of those Taiwanese department stores opened in Tacloban- and by the looks of it they are here to stay.

Save: 4,000-5,000

CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES

Bensan and Dynasty square are few of the trendy boutiques in Tacloban, but fashionistas can be found expertly sorting through mountains of clothes at Ukay-ukay. Imagine this- my friend bought an authentic Vivienne Westwood t-shirt in good condition at Php50. I bought my favorite pants for Php40 and it certainly went a long way.

Save: A couple of hundred bucks for clotheshorses.

NATIVE ITEMS

If you are a fan of wicker duyans or abaca products or local banig or shell decor, the best place to get them would be at the shopping center and a stone's throw away- the port area grand hotel ground floor. Great place for finding great souvenirs.

Save: Php 100-200 or more if you compare the prices at the airport gift shop.

DELICACIES

Look for Cherry Refreshment also along Zamora, and stalls outside also sell the freshest Binagol, Moron, and Pastillas.

Save: A few hundred bucks compared to hotel or airport prices.

Of course not everything you own or use should be bargain items, I mean you don't want to scrimp on running shoes or timepieces. It takes great sensibility and style to mix and match- I guess that's part of the challenge. Have fun shopping in Tacloban!!!

What They Didn't Tell You in Nursing School...

I was once asked to speak at an orientation for freshmen Nursing students, and the anxiety in the room (not coming from me for a change) was palpable- these kids were really eager to hear the trade secrets of surviving Nursing school. These tips are learned from my actual experiences, but I sure hoped someone told them to me beforehand so I could have prepared better. So here they are- hope these are useful to future or current Nursing students:

Fact #1: Though you will be swamped right away with 31 academic units on the first semester, but that will be your best chance in getting the highest grades you can get- because in your junior and senior year they will only decrease.

The curriculum may have changed already and I am not sure if the same policies apply, but back in our time there was a grade cut-off every semester or every year in other schools. In our college, we needed to maintain 2.2 (83%) General Weighted Average to be eligible to proceed to junior year. This meant acing the very basic subjects like Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Physics, Communication Skills, Math, Statistics, Anatomy,etc. The passing grade for quizzes and exams is only 50% (ie.in a 100 item exam, if you get 50 items correct you'll get a 75% rating) so this makes it easier, come third year the passing rate is set at 75%- which now means in a 100 item exam you also need 75 correct answers to pass. This is done to help prepare the students for the board exam. Moreover, the topics in the later years which covers actual nursing theories and practice are a lot more difficult, so if you are aiming for honors, better get those 1.0's (95%) from PE, Basic Computer, and other "giveaway" subjects.

Fact #2: Starting your 2nd year, skills matter.

During the first year, you need little more than a sharp mind to get the best grades since it is almost purely theoretical. Related Learning Experiences- starting with the very basic vital signs, to enviromental sanitation, to physical examination, to giving bedside care and administering medications including giving injections- skills comprise half of the grade. If you are jumpy or tend to forget things when nervous- this could significantly affect your grade even when you get high scores in pretests, post-tests, worksheets, and major exams. Work on your confidence to boost your skills, and the way to do that is to practice constantly.

Fact #3: Junior year will be the most stressful because of your transition to the clinical area, and at the same time tackle the major Nursing subjects like OB Pedia/ Operating room nursing/ and Psychiatric nursing.

The clinical exposure during 2nd year is very minimal, but after the Capping and Badge-pinning ceremonies, students are officially immersed in the hospital setting. Three days a week (plus one day for nursing audit) will be devoted to honing your clinical skills, and of course this will bleed into the lecture hours at school. During audit day, most students do not sleep because they need to finish all the requirements otherwise they will not be allowed to go on duty the following day. Most finish their requirements by 5am, just in time to take a bath and go attend to their patients like a zombie.

The studying gets even more ridiculous, because if in the second year you needed to finish reading four chapters of two different books before going to class, in junior year you finish the three inch Operating Room Nursing references in four days. The only time devoted to this topic is two weeks, including learning instrumentation, and before you know it- you begin a new area for discussion. Another fun fact: you will work will all sorts of temperamental Clinical Preceptors who will rate you according to both knowledge and skill, and get this- attitude!

You need to develop a study habit by this time because unlike the first two years when one can just relax, you will not survive if you have no discipline. Come up with a way to "detox" after having a stressful or toxic exam or duty- like listening to music or taking a walk, because if you won't find a way to cope you'll burn out (and perhaps lose the will to live, I'm kidding).

Fact #4: Sactions are a bitch.

Always have been, always will be. Make-up duties (they usually give three days once you have an unexcused absence) eat up the days between semesters when you should be resting, so try as much as possible to follow rules and regulations and don't piss anyone off.

Fact #5: You need to have a very good foundation of all Nursing areas in promotive, preventive, and curative nursing, including community and psychiatric nursing because in your senior year, you will integrate and synthesize everything for your Compre.

It is a known fact, the subjects which have the greatest mortality are Foundations of Nursing, Promotive and Preventive (NCM 101), and Curative 1 & 2- in fact our batch shrunk from 500+ in the 1st year to 200+ in the 4th year. The most toxic time would be the final semester because you will have in-house review during the weekends and intensive lectures and seminars during the weekdays. In short, for the month of January and February, we only had a grand total of 2 days that were free.

We had 13 areas in Nursing which had 75 item post-tests, 200 item pre-tests from the in-house review, and two major exams. Do the math: that's 3,175 questions answered in the four month semester. It's a miracle our heads didn't explode.

Tip: Photocopy or buy NCLEX reviewers which will prepare you for the exams, especially if reading the actual books on the concepts cannot be accommodated on a single night. Which is why again, you need to have good foundation since your 2nd year. One of the things I did was create a summary (or bullets) of a certain area, for example psychiatric nursing, I made a reviewer using two books as reference in the third year, and kept it so I could use it as a reviewer for the Comprehensive exam in the 4th year.

FINAL WORD:

Relax. It isn't really as bad as it sounds- believe it or not we also had our inuman sessions or gimmick like regular students do. The trick is finding a balance between studying and fun. Join clubs in school or do engage in something athletic. Gather your strength from your friends and groupmates- you guys are in it together to finish your bachelor's degree. Value the time you are in the hospital or community because experience offers better lessons than those learned in the classroom. Most of all,learn to love your work. Being a nurse gives your great opportunities to touch people's lives by taking care of them. When your heart is really set on finishing Nursing, with a little hard work and prayers, support and inspiration from your loved ones, everything else will fall into place and you'll surely be a success.