Journey of a father

It's been more than a week now since I had that experience as a father. My son Dré had his seizure on July 5 last week.

It happen on sunday afternoon after I pick him up from his granma's house. Lola Mama (that's what we call her lola) told me that Dré had a fever but when I touched him I know it was just only a common fever. Then, when we arrived at our house, I told my wife to look into Dré's condition. But my wife is too busy on her errands in washing our clothes. I decided to lay beside my son at our bed as our daughter Yzzy played her favorite game on the laptap.I noticed that my son just can't stop moving, crouching his stomach and complaining how it hurts. Then Dré complained his legs, well, everytime Dré goes to sleep, he always want us to massage his legs until he mfell asleep. My mom massage Dré's legs but he just can't get his sleep. Then I decided that I will massage it for him until he saw her Ate Yzzy leave her chair and Dré just got of the bed and played his Ate's game. But I noticed that he can't play normal as he complained again his stomach ache. Then I asked my son if he wants to lay beside me and let me massage his stomach. Dré agrred and he let me carry hm over to our bed. As I start to touch his stomach, he then shouted... "Pa!!!" then I saw my son eyes shoot up and his hands and arms twitching like crazy and his legs jerking and kicking inot the air. That moment i really felt something that I never felt before in my entier life. I was really scared and my hair all over my body raising up and my whole body felt numb. I shouted for help as to alert everyone in our house. I held my son unto my arms as i saw his face turning black... then my mother came to see what just happening and when he saw her grandson he took it from me and then I ran down across the street to call a taxi. That moment, I can't think of anything clear but as much as possible, I knew I had to do something, something to make me hang on my slef to calm me inside out. Then when there's no taxi to be found, i ran to my uncle's house to ask for their help since they have car... but that time, my uncle can't drive it and my bayaw or brother-in-law had just leave. Then I return to the highway again to see if I can still catch a cab then luckily I saw one and at that time I saw my mother rinnung down to me, holding my son at her arms as my wife run with them too. As I open the door of the cab, I told the driver that it is an emergency and they need to go to a hospital as fast as they can...

That moment, I noticed that I'm crying... like a child as I stand in the middle of the street as the rain pours. When I returned to our house, I called my compadre Niel to help me or someting to calm me... Niel run as fast as he can to see what's happening, and then when he arrived, I told him what just happen.

After I changed my clothes, I saw Enan (one of my compadre too and Dré's Godfather like my best bud Niel) just arrived to see us. Then, we decided to follow my son at the hospital at the MCM or Medical City Manila. That time, my bayaw Arnold came and offered to drive us to the hospital using my uncle's car. As we hop in to the car my tita (auntie) Lita joins us.

As we arrived at the hospital, we go directly to the Emergency Room. I saw my mom and my wife standing beside my son as Dré lying asleep. I ask my mom some several questions and there I learned that when I gave Dré to my mom as I called a cab my mom noticed that moment that my son was not breathing, then in that moment also, my mom gave a mouth to mouth resuscitation to him. After the third time, Dré shows some consciousness, he opened his eyes and just stared at my mom. My mom keep calling my son's name to test him if he's still aware or something or to show some signs that his ok. My mom also added that when they arrived at the hospital and injected some medicine on him, my mom asked Dré if he wants something... my son replied... "hotdog..." then he smile and fell asleep. When I heard that, it made me smile too 'coz I know my son is now ok.

As I talked to the doctors, they just took some blood and waitng for his urine to test it. Then we took our son to his room with all of us praying for his health. As we arrived to his payward room, we some children there and when we asked them what's the cause of it, they answered almost the same, it's due to having a high fever.

After a day, the doctor informed us that he's out of the danger for now but we still need to observe him for another 48 hours just to make sure. Thank God, it's not a dengue or anything... but when I asked the doctor what happen to him, she replied that having a seizure at that age maymcome from suh a high fever or from normal to going high or from high going low normal temperature, it always depends on the kids adoptation or body from the fever. Even if it just from normal temperature and just starting to heat up, the child may have his seizure even if it is just 37-38 degrees of his temperature or sometimes from having a 40degrees and suddenly dropping to 36 degrees or in betwwen, the seizure may also occure. But what i'm really concern is that my son is a G6PD baby. At first, I thought that his seizure is from his G6PD and that time I also thought that her Lola Mama or someone gave my son that he ate that makes him jerking like that. But once I recieved the report from the doctor, I was wrong about itm and the cause is his having a fever.

Anyway, thanks to my friends Niel, Enan, Sherwin, Jesse & other for helping me understand more and putting me at ease to the situation. And also to my parents and siblings and other relatives and also to my mother-in-law for helping us at the hospital. And also to my loving wife and daughter whom i heard praying for my his little brother's health. Now, my son is back to his self.... what else... just being a kid of course.

By this experience, I realized that being a father for me had just begun and this is only just a taste of it. Well, as what my kumareng Liza say... "tatay ka na nga talaga james...".

 G-6-PD Deficiency (CRC monoscience series)

Rosary

Last month, a friend gave me a rosary for my birthday. Well, actually, Niel is on a trip and his destination... Antipolo. Many pinoys believe that the Lady of Fatima also known as the Lady of Peace and Voyage can protect his believers in any harm or danger in any travel he/she takes. Originally, I asked Niel to buy me and my friends Enan, Egay, Tonio and himself a rosary to protect us on our journey or adventure in our mountaineering. But when we met Niel, he gave us the rosary as a gift from him. Not expected but it turn out quite a good one.

We filipinos realy believes in this stuff, like an agimat or a charm we took our faith in this. Well, in my opinion, whatever that you believe in it doesnt matter who you are or what it is as long as you have faith in God and in your self.

Anyways, this is my second rosary. My first is from my mother when she attend a mass in Antipolo. She gave that small rosary to protect me in my daily ride to my work since my vehicle is only a small motorcycle. I put my small rosary at my motorcycle and whenever I start my engine I always hold it and make a little prayer for my safety and for my back ride if any. My new rosary that Niel gave is a long one and I use it as a necklace.

Me and the guys are planning to attend a rosary prayer to use our gift and not just to hang it on our neck as an accesories.

First Ever Pandacan Day

On May 30, 2009, our town Pandacan will turn 297 years old. May 30 has also been declared as Pandacan Foundation Day. Community leaders have organized events across our town to celebrate this important and special day -- the first ever Pandacan Day.

If you have a blog/site or even social pages like myspace, friendster, or facebook, please write a post about Pandacan Day to help us spread the word to all Pandacan residents here and abroad.

Here's the direct link: http://pandacan1011.com/archives/1515http://pandacan1011.com/archives/1515

Thanks in advance and Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Mt. Mag-asawang Bato

Third part of my Holy week vacation in Batangas and hope not the last... :P

Anyway guys, as I continue, Masasa beach is more than a beach, you can sail, snorkel, swim and whatever that can you think of. But for me and the Sanyapak team we learned that there's a mountain to climb there. Mag-asawang Bato is the name of the small mountain. Why is it named like that? Well, as we have known from the locals of Tingloy, the peak of the said mountain has two giant boulder at it's very peak or formerly it is one giant boulder that splits into two.

Well, at 4:00 pm, we decided to climb the moutain. We asked some locals about the way there but in our surprise, the first 100 steps or so are in paved way. Not so hard after all eh. As we walk on, there's a wall that blocks our way or we think at first that we took the private way. We asked a woman about the trail we supposed to go and she replied that we just hve to walk beyond the cow's resting tree. In other words, we have to go the ridge of the mountain.

As we hike, we noticed that there are some places in the mountain that used as their place for making coals and some are used to shepherd their cows. There are some places also than can be use as a camp site to any mountaineer that want to stay there.

As we follow the trail to the peak, we saw a fork trail beyond us and we decided to split our team and search for the right trail. Me and Tonio followed the traditional trail or as we speak the farmer's trail 'coz we know that the mountain is also used for the cow's resting ground. After a while, Egay shouted at us that Enan just found the right track and after that we just follow the bushy trail. After 5 minutes of hike we found a clearing and we saw the very peak of the mountain, the two stones of Mag-asawang Bato.

Enan is waiting for us at the foot of the stones as we hike after him. As we are getting nearer to the stones, the way is a little tricky to walk. Why? Well, the ridges are to small to walk, the bushes are to thick, the dry branches are sticking out every where that pokes us as we go through it. Well, not much comlains on that as we arrived at the stones of the mountain. We then took our pictures there. As we finished our picture there we saw a small path way to the other side but we didnt bother to explore it since we dont want to descend at night since we only carried our water. Hence, we descend the mountain with cheers. Mountain number two for the group...

Here's our pictures from the Mag-asawang Bato ...

Above: The Mount Mag-asawang Bato

Above: Enan point's at the peak.

Above: We followed Enan at the peak.

Above: The two giant boulders or a split stone?

Above & Below: The team at the center of the the stone.

We reached the Masasa beach at 5:30pm. Wow... just one and a half hour of hike for it. Anyway, my family is waiting for us there and when we finished our packing we then go home to Pulang Bule. As we arrived at Tatay Dante's house and learned that we climb the Mag-asawang Bato, he asked us if we saw a giant clam that rest at the mountain. We stared at each other in surprise, we didnt know anything about that and if we do we would love to take some pictures there too. Then we remembered that we saw a small path way near the boulders but we didnt took time to explore it. Men oh men, we felt that we didnt complete the exploration there. As we sit and talked about it, we decide to return to this island (Tingloy) to see if it's true or not.

Well guys, hope you like my five days adventure in Batangas from Cuenca to Tingloy island with my friends Niel, Tonio, Enan and Egay (Sanyapak) and with my family (my wife Chin and my kids and also my wife's family, the Gamo clan).

Thanks guys....

By the way, you can view the pictures at the Sanyapak site and some details of the climb.

Tingloy Island

Second part of my Holy week vacation in Batangas.

After the fun climb at the Mt. Maculot, me and my friends (Sanyapak) travel to Tingloy island. This island is located just below Anilao of Batanagas. Travel time is just an hour from Cuenca to Talaga port area where we will ride a boat from there to Tingloy which will cost only PhP 55.00.

Above: As seen, I'm on the roof and I don't like it :(



Above: It's soooo hot in here... Buti pa si Karen cool :P

We have to wait for my wife and her family to arrive before we ride a boat because they came from Manila and it happens that we get there first as we where much nearer than them. As we waited for an hour, they finally came... Amen! Then we board the boat immediately but since the boat's sits have all been taken, me and the guys with Chin, Che and Karen had to sit at the roof of the boat. Boy oh boy, it's scorching hot in ther at high noon, whew. When I asked Enan to get my things at my backpack to cover my self from the sun, Enan answered that it is impossible to get it since my backpack is under all of other people's bags. Oh men, what a bad timing for me. And that's not it, my wife (Chin) asked me if she could borrow the bandana I'm wearing and asked my self if she's serious then when I looked at her well... I think shee needs it more than I do. That's the time when I feel more toasted under the sun but I'm glad that my kids (Yzzy & Dre) are on the lodge or sitting area of the boat. because if they there, I would like to take another boat than to let my kids roast.

Above: Che, Karen, Chin

Above: My beautiful wife. Pls. do take notice to her sombrero 'coz that's the one that looks like the one called Sumbrero Island.

As we move along, Chin and Che tried to persuade my irritaion by showing me the poinst of interest that we could see along the way. The only thing that catches my attention is the Sumbrero island, now I know why they name it like that. Just see the picture below and have you noticed that Chin's hat is like the island named Sumbrero?

Above: Sumbrero island at the right side, the small one.

As we approached the Tingloy island, I thought that all of us will get off board since we arrived at a small docking area or port but in my surpirse they told me that only passengers who live near the first port we dock are the only ones that's gonna got off. Wow, like a taxi cab that takes you in front of your gate eh. Anyway, we had to wait three more docks to get to our own and when we got there my wife's relatives are there waiting for us and gave as a warm welcome. Before I forgot to mention, when someone is getting off board the boat the Captain's crew and himself help their passengers unload their belongings such as heavy bags or boxes and not only that they will even carry you if you don't want to get wet if the docking area had been reach by the water, now that's what I call a complete service.

Above: The Galaxy, the boat that we ride across the sea.

Above: This is where we stayed at Tatay Dante and Nanay Nita's humble house.

When we reached the house that we'regonna stay in for four days, you wouldnt believe it again 'coz the house is just 60-70 feet away from the shore lines. Wow! My kids just can't helped their selves as soon as they set foot on the shores... well, they have to give respect first to Tatay Dante by gving his blessing by "Pagmamano". And then they're off like crazy and wild. Yzzy, Dre and Che's daughter, Gabby. Stomping their feet, exploring the shore for sea shells and taking a dip.

Above: Pareng Egay is teaching my kids how to swim.

Above: Me and the kids

Above: Yzzy & Gabby

Above: Yzzy, Chin & Gabby

As we (Sanyapak) unload/unpack our backpacks we followed the kids to the shore (we also asked for Tatay Dante's blessing too of course and to Nanay Nita before anything else). The water is cooler tha I expect and view is so great from there. You could see the Anilao from where we stand.

Above: From Pulang Bule which Yzzy & Gabby swims, you can see the Anilao at their back.

After the hosts prepared our meal and called us, we then oblige to them as we ate. After the meal, we (Sanyapak) need to fetch some water to fill two big water drums/containers and some pails. Water is the other problem that the loacals there needs besides from electricity. Lucky for us there's a near deep well that we can get some but when we look at it... the water is almost at the level of the pit. Then Nanay Nita told us that there is another deep well that we can some water, she showed as the way and well... let's just say that the water there is much more than the first one. The distance from the second well is about 24-26 feet upon my estimation but on the first well is just 10 feet away from the door. Anyway, there's no complaining about it since we looking for another thrill and experience in our life :P.

After all that, an old man passes by and asked us if we like some "Tuba" (coconut wine). Hmmm, what then heck, we ordered two gallons of it, hehe. The old man told us that he will just harvest and when his finished he will delivered it to us. Ayos ba, fresh from the tree it self. And when the dawn comes so does tha old man with his two gallons of tuba. First, we need to eat our dinner and go to the drinking session :D.

Above: Our little "Barik" (booze) session.

On our second day at the isla or island, Enan washed Egay, Niel and Tonio's clothes but we need to get him some water from the well. But in the heat of the day, the two wells are almost dry so nanay Nita asked a neighbor to let as fill our containers with their water from their own "Poso" (sorry guys, we forgot to bring our camera there) but this time, instead of filling the smaller pail we carried the two big water drums/containers that I mentioned earlier. Me, Tonio and Egay go to the poso and fill the containers at almost full of it. Men, this is heavier than we thought but as we agreed upon I will be on the middle so that I could carry to of it by each hand and Egay and Tonio will assist me by lifting each of the handles of each drums. At first the laod is heacy but when we found our pace then the carying is a little bit easy. The distance from the poso to the house we staying is about 85-95 feet or more. Since it's Good Friday, it is better to do this sacrifice. Suddenly, pn our midway of carrying the drums, a woman just said something like this "I know what's good or bad.....etc etc". And you know what, Egay and Tonio burts inot laugh and me but as much as possible I'm trying to control it since I am the one whose carrying the heavy load but I'm only a man, we drop the drums as slow or gentle as possible we can but you know what, I felt my back snap a bit. Like my old lumbar injury returned. The woman that I'm mentioned is what they called a "lokaret" or crazy woman from their town. Tatay Dante and his neighbors inform us that. Anyway, thank goodness that Niel came by to help us carry the drums back to the house and when we arrive there I started to stretch my self especially my back to avoid any further injuries.

Above: Chin bought some Dan Eric's ice cream to cool off the heat. Sarap to the last drop!

On the next day (April 11, Sat) we all then travel to the other side of the island. We had to walk at least 20 minutes or so then ride a tricycle for a fare of PhP 20.00 per person. As we enter the Poblacion we noticed from the start of our ride up to where we gonna get off is all paved and the people here are many compared to the one's living near the bay. As we got off the tricycle, there's another paved road ahead of us, that road is leading to the Masasa beach proper and in my curiosity about the place, I noticed the monuntain from my right, I asked some local there and he answered that the mountain I'm asking about is the Mt. Mag-asawang Bato (I will tell our exploration here on my next blog). Anyways, as soon as we are all complete to arrived at the jump off to the beach we then walk down the paved road. From the top of the road, you could see the fields which the farmers are planting their rice and vegetables. Some are green and some are had been dried by the heat of the sun. And when we arrived at the bottom of the hill we saw a clear blue water. Wow, it is more beautiful than the Pulang Bule. There are people everywhere from all walks of life and we thought that we're the only ones are there.

Above: At the left of the pic there's a small sari-sari store and on the right as you can see we just put up our tent and Dre is ready to swim.

Above: On the other side is the Mindoro and as you can see the beach in Masasa is so clear.

Above: Gabby, Che and Karen enjoyng the waves at the shore.

Above: For girls only...

Above: Mahal, mahangin ba sa beach? :P

Above: Mother & daughter

Above: Chin on phone, hello Papa Totoy

Above: One big family

As my friends and my family explore the place, Egay, Enan, Toni and me put up the tent to shade our selves from the heat and to put our things there and Niel as expected again grilled some pork for us.

Above: Karen, Chin and Che

Above: Chin & Jimi

The water is fine, the sky is clear, the sun is hot and my friends and family are all happy with it. Ahhhh, so nice to have a people like them on my side. All in picture perfect for me......