The Freudian Slip Of A Bacolodnon

        It is definitely the Philippines' Sugar Capital. Well, not only because of its vast fields of sugarcane and the gateway to a province dotted with sugar mills. Bacolodnons are really just naturally hospitable and sweet. Bacolod City will always be my most favorite place on earth. Not only is it my hometown but it has this small-town feel even if its a highly urbanized city. Bacolodnons are popular not only for their hospitality but also for other things: food, night life, Masskara festival (the biggest Mardi Gras festival in Southeast Asia) and Negrense Art. Bacolod City is very accessible with daily flights from Manila, Cebu and recently Davao. One can also cross via ferry from Iloilo City or take the more scenic land route from Cebu via Dumaguete or via San Carlos City.      If you haven't been to Bacolod City yet, then this video teaser might just convince you to visit the Sweetest Spot on Earth. Like it? Share it. Get the Share on...

     It has been 7 years since I decided to become a doctor to the barrio. Since then, the journey has been a roller coaster ride for both me and my family. I have met so many people, learned so many lessons most especially from those I least expected. It was a tough experience for me but given the choice, I would still choose to take the same path. I was reminded by my own journey as a DTTB when I got invited to talk to medical students from the University of the Philippines (College of Medicine) during their Vocations Fair. I think I was the only non-UP alumnus sitting in the panel. When I was in medical school I never had the opportunity to sit down and listen to people from Public Health sharing their insights and stories about their experience.      I hope that the medical students will realize that choosing to go Public Health is the norm and not the alternative. Like it? Share it. Get the Share on Facebook widget and many other gre...

     When our cruise ship docked in Istanbul for a night, it was a rare opportunity for me to be in this very historic place. Turkey, which is basically between Europe and Asia, has been on the crosswords of world history from ancient times until modern times. Istanbul is basically enjoying the best of both worlds. Even from afar, this mixing of two worlds is very apparent in their architecture.      Istanbul is used to be called Byzantium. It is located along the historical Silk Road. It used to be the front lines in the expansion of Christianity in Eurasia. Currently, it is now an Islamic city. The Bosphorus divides the city into the "European side" and the "Asian side". This strait also connects the Black Sea to the Sea or Marmara.     After getting off the ship, the first thing I did was to visit the popular Grand Bazaar. It is the world's oldest and largest covered market in the world. It is located within the walled section of Is...

     The game is simple. Guess where in the world this picture is taken from.  Hint: It's in Europe. It's in the Mediterranean. The shirt might just give you a clue about the region. (wink...wink)

      I never thought that in my whole lifetime I could get to visit a place such as Venice, a place I used to just read in books or see on television. The first time I stepped foot on Venice, I could not help but feel giddy about the whole experience. Venice, the city of gondolas, gondoliers, bridges and yes, romance. Some would say, Paris is the City of Love, but when I was in Venice, I could not help but fall in love with the city, its meandering streets, food and people.   If you happen to be in Europe or in Italy specifically, find time to visit Venice. Venice has an international airport where you can fly in and out to any destination you want. Transportation is also not difficult.      Venice used to be a Republic in itself and during its glory days was actually a seat of influence in the Mediterranean region. Going around the City built over canals, one cannot help but notice the historic and beautiful architecture, many dating back...

While in Helsinki, we decided to get a quick tour of the famous Suomenlinna island. It is an island fortress of the coast of Finland. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One takes a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna from Helsinki. The place is very historical and they still managed to preserve some of the very old structures on the island. It was also a very windy day when we went there. Upon stepping on the island, it felt like we were traveling through time. Like it? Share it. Get the Share on Facebook widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox ! Not seeing a widget? ( More info )Like it.