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Saturday, October 31, 2015

HSG -- Hysterosalpingogram

Hysterosalpingogram

It seems like a tongue twister HSG or hysterosalpingogram is an x-ray procedure to test the fallopian tubes if it’s blocked or patent which is the cause of a woman’s infertility. More info here from Google. 

Since me and hubby are TTC (trying to conceive) for over a year now (we’re 1 year married), I consulted Dra. Arlene Ricarte-Bravo, OB from Makati Medical Center. She’s an Infertility specialist with good reviews from women who became prego under her care. I told her my dilemma and advised me to undergo  HSG to check my tubes. She said to schedule it on the 5th-10th day after my period. And so we scheduled it last 09 October 2015.

It’s somewhat annoying or I don’t know how to call it that when I called her assistant Ms. Janet and asked about the cost, she said she doesn’t know. So I called MMC radiology departmet to ask for the cost and they told me 5-8k pesos depending on the materials to be used. So I called again Ms. Janet to ask how much would be the PF, and still her answer was ‘I don’t know. I will compute it depending on the cost of the procedure’. I told her to give me just the range so I can prepare, still she didn’t give me figures. How could it ever be? This won't be the first time right?

I proceeded with the procedure anyway. Somewhat half hearted because the assistant won't cooperate. The process itself did not last for 5mins. The experience, well, it was painful when the dye were flushed, but tolerable. I read from other blogs that it is more painful if the fallopian tube was blocked. Thank you Lord that mine was patent. I can still conceive, in Your time.

So after the procedure, there comes Ms. Janet the assistant. Assessed the bill and told us the PF was whooping 10k. Since she never told us how much would it be even the range, hubby negotiated with her (I was so drowsed due to the medicine injected to me - diphen). She said 'ganun talaga, minsan nga 12k...' Hubby told her 'alam nyo naman po pala, nagtatanong kami magkano kahit range di kayo nagsasabi. kulang tuloy dala namin.' The discussion ended me at the ATM withdrawing since we don't have enough cash. She never let us have a discount. The most amazing thing of it all is that she didn't give us a receipt! Hubby demanded at first but Ms. Janet said that we will pay for the tax! Where on earth she got that?! I just asked hubby not to argue anymore as I want to go home. I can see that he was so furious. He said never mind how much the PF was, she just and must clear it first, and the fact the we consistently asked her about it.

My friend Lanie had the same procedure early this year. She paid 5500 pesos for everything. She has a different OB though. Mine was 3x higher. Sigh to that. Consolation is that everything is okay. And oh, the nurses at MMC were all great and reliable. You can never go wrong in MMC when it comes to service. :)

A piece of advise to all hopeful ladies, if you will undergo HSG, look for a cheaper Lab and ask the assistant or the OB to be transparent about the fees. No doubt Dra. Bravo is an expert in her field. I don't have any complains about her. Regarding her fees, its always her assistant to be asked about --- who never tells everything nor even a range about the cost.

HSG procedure + medicines/equipment: 6600+ Php
Professional Fee: 10k Php

Below is the picture of my HSG and bill from MMC.








now playing: Lion heart - Girls Generation Tell me why wae mami mami jakku heundeullini
nan yeogi yeogi ne yeope itjanhni jeonsin charyeo Lion heart nan aega ta nae mami mami deoneun sikji anhge
nan yeogijeogi ttwinoneun neoui mam gildeurillae Lion heart.. 



Saturday, September 26, 2015

Binondo Experience

"When I eat with my friends, it is a moment of real pleasure, when I really enjoy my life." - Monica Bellucci





My friends and I have been craving for Chinese food for the past month. So we decided to try and look for the super old Chinese restaurants in Manila. 






Since we are all unaware of the vicinity, we decided to try Lucky China Town. But to our dismay, the area wherein the supposed stalls of authentic Chinese noodles, dumplings and the like are nowhere to be found. With our determination, we walked.. and asked for directions... and walked again along the streets of Soler, and Ongpin until we found Ling Nam.

It was a super old restaurant and we thought, it's the same like the ones we saw in Pop Talk. Though we originally looked for Ramon Lee's, the oldest Chinese resto in Binondo, Ling Nam can take the place.



Inside, it was a very small room which can accommodate atleast 20-25 diners at a time. I dunno if there is still a second floor if the ground floor is jampacked.

Anyway, we ordered Chicken Dumpling Noddles, Beef Dumpling Noodles, Bola-bola and Asado Siopao. 




The verdict? Ask Sir JB for he finished his bowl in less than 10 mins. We we're just nearly halfway our soup and there he was, finished his lot!




It was a good dining experience. We were all satisfied with the food. Yummy!




now playing: Mr. Right - Kim Chui ♩♪♫ Kahit na malabo, di alam saan tutungo Pero di’ ipagkakait ang hinihiling ng puso ko Matagal narin naghihintay, tumibok ang puso koO sana nga, si Mr. Right ka na.  ♩♪♫

Friday, September 11, 2015

Invest on experiences

This is just a repost of something I came across online. I thought it's a good read and you might be interested too.

As the famous saying these days, you can shout out YOLO or You Only Live Once. So do what makes you happy. Leave all your inhibitions behind. As long you're not making someone else's life miserable, JUST DO IT! :)

Here's the link for the original post. Happy reading! 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” — Mark Twain

It’s everywhere in the media.

The Lamborghinis on Wall Street, the Louis Vuitton bags that celebrities wear, the mansions that “successful” people live in. The list goes on.

We’ve fooled ourselves into believing that the sole recognition — no, definition — of success & happiness comes from the type of cars we own or the number of zeros in our bank account. We’ve put the notion of material success on a pedestal and convinced those around us to adopt the same beliefs.

In a society that idolizes the pursuit of happiness, carrying out a life where one’s destination is to find joy through material goods is not only ineffective, but it’s a never-ending journey.

The key to happiness is not spending our time & money acquiring goods.
The key to happiness is spending our time & money experiencing life.

MasterCard had it right.

It’s the priceless experiences in life that makes us happy at the end of day. 

Experience Defines Us

Back in December, I went on a ten-day silent meditation trip in Hawaii.

It was the most intense, yet enlightening experiences that I’ve been through, and I’ve never felt a stronger reciprocation between my mind & body. More importantly, it led to a life-changing decision to leave the company I helped found in the past year, in order to fulfill my dreams of moving to New York City.

Every experience brings with it a mistake or triumph, and often a realization about who we are as individuals. Experience helps us clarify how we think, who we want to surround ourselves with, and ultimately an understanding of what makes us happy in life.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count.
It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln1
We live in a society where tangible things appear more valuable because we can feel, hold, and touch the materials we purchase. Above all, it’s because tangible thin3gs are tied with currency that places a price of its value in the marketplace.

There’s no way to physically feel the experience of diving off a cliff on a Sunday afternoon with our closest friends. Nor can we “sell” the experience of our first fight with our partners. It’s the same reason why we can’t put a price value on a human being.

“If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we’d all be millionaires.”—Abigail Van Buren
We are the accumulation of everything we’ve ever seen, heard, smelled, tasted and felt. It’s experience that teaches us not to take that 9-5 cubicle job again, and it’s experience that will lead to that next big breakthrough idea for our businesses.

In other words, experiences come with life lessons.
Materials come with nothing but a bill.

Experience Stays With Us.

When we think back to our fondest memories, what are they?

For me, it’s not the gifts I received for Christmas or my birthday. It’s the context surrounding the gifts — the people at my birthday party, the smell of the hot chocolate on Christmas morning. It’s the first time I learned how to ride a bike with my brother, and the time I went on my first (awful) date. This is what puts a smile to my face to this day.

Here’s the main caveat to investing in materials — they have expiry dates. 

The moment you purchase a material, not only does its monetary value drop in the marketplace, our perception of its value quickly fades over time.
Experience can be relived. Experience has emotional longevity. It can be improved in our minds as we continue to grow and progress in life. It stays with us and they are lessons we can use everyday for as long as we live.

A Cornell survey found that 83% of participants reported mentally revisiting their experiential purchases more often than their material purchases.

This means that experiences bring us happiness not just when we’re having the experience, but also when we simply think about them.

Here are three tips to start living a life of experiences.

Living A Life Of Experiences

1. Change Your Budget Priorities.

If we want to start living a life of experiences, we need to prioritize our financial budgets to accommodate the adventures we’ll undertake.
It’s as simple as saving up for a flat-screen TV vs. a trip to South America.

Figure out what you actually need in your life, and what will truly serve you in the long-term. The truth is, we need very few materials to enjoy and live our lives.

Learn to be prudent when purchasing materials, because salvaging those few extra nickels could lead to the experience that could change your life.

2. Say “Yes” More.

Growing up, we were taught to make decisions with calculated risk assessments by carefully thinking things through. If we want to start fulfilling more experiences in life — we need to unlearn these principles.

The best adventures arise from moments when we least expect them.
Filling our mind with “what ifs” is only going to keep us on our couches watching other people live their lives. Before we know it, our “what if” will turn into “should have.”

Start saying “yes.” Learn to be present in the moment. When the next opportunity for experience appears, ask yourself this simple question.

Will I regret not taking this opportunity?
Tomorrow, next week, or even next year?
If the answer is yes — or even maybe —your immediate response should also be yes.

The future will always be uncertain. That’s never going to change.
But you can control how you shape it by thinking less and taking action.

3. Start With The Small (And Cheap) Adventures. 

Are you the type of person that watches the same movies over and over again, takes the same walking route to the office, and eats at the same restaurants?

You need to break out of your regular routine.

Opening our mind up to new experiences needs to start with the small decisions and interactions we have in our daily lives. Instead of going to that same Italian restaurant near your office because you know it’s a safe decision, go somewhere new.

The most fulfilling experiences don’t have to cost a lot of money.
Often times, it’s right next door. We just need to know where to knock.

Groupon.com (Events & Activites category)

We’ve heard the negative stigma that comes with using daily deal sites as a small business owner. But as a consumer who is seeking cheap, exciting, and novel experiences — this is where you want to live.

I’ve personally experimented everything from salsa dance lessons ($15 — 10 lessons), to three-course Medieval Times dinners ($39), to flight lessons ($88) through daily deal sites. It’s the cheapest way to experience the most incredible adventures with friends or even yourself.

Start taking the small risks in life. You’ll be surprised how far it takes you.

If there’s anything to take away from this article — take away this.

We are all going to die one day, whether you choose to accept it or not.
At the end of our lives, we’re going to ask the same questions.

Did I live?
Do I have regrets?
Did I experience everything I wanted to in life? 

Ask yourself if you want your existence to be defined by the type of car you owned or the adventures and freedom you led in life.

Invest in something that will bring you lessons rather than a bill.
Become minimal in assets and rich in experience.

Because experience will win — every single time. 

Monday, April 13, 2015

Korean Trip: Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden


related links:

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Korean Trip: Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland


related links:

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Korean Trip: Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge


related links:

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Korean Trip: Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ


related links:

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Korean Trip: Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower

related links:

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Hanguk Saranghamnida! 한국을 사랑 :)

Lanie, Joy and Me... Fun time at Nami Island


Since the transferring of my blogs from multiply has been pended, here's a super late post from my South Korean trip. Information and details was not accounted anymore. Its almost a year and I lost all the documents and write ups. My post from multiply was also unfinished. So please bear with me :)


It started with my fascination to Korean movies and dramas. I love everything about them especially Jeju Island. I share this fondness with my grade school best friends Joy and Lanie. So when we saw the Cebu Pacific promo for 1888Php one way trip to Incheon, we never thought twice. I asked my office friend Joseph, who was then in Ohio for vacation if he wants to join. And as a traveler that he is, of course he said yes. And Joy's friend Diane also joined after knowing about the trip.

I booked our flight immediately for April 9-14, 2012. And that was only Nov 2011. Imagine the preparation. Our trip was on time for the spring season so we are hoping to see cherry blossoms. Those little pinked petaled flowers has their own charm that makes everyone enthralled and joyous.

The three of us (Joy, Lanie and me) met almost every weekend to plan our vacation. We kept searching on where to stay, where to go, best attractions and tourist destinations. Too bad, stalking our favorite K-Pop stars can't fit our busy schedule. Maybe next time. :D 

So here's our hectic but still bitin itinerary. We able to do everything in our plan and managed to maximize our stay in Seoul. 

Day 1: Nami Island, Namsan Tower 
Day 2: North/South Korea DMZ 
Day 3: Jinhae, Banpo Bridge 
Day 4: Korean Folk Village, Everland 
Day 5: Changdeokgung Palace, Secret Garden 

Thanks to all our 'angels' and for the guidance despite of North Korea's peril satellite launch, we were all safe. Looking forward to visiting South Korea again in the future. Especially Jeju Island, Jinan and Busan.

now playing: so little time - arkana ♩♪♫ So little time so much to do, I rather spend my days with you,So little time so much to do, I'd like to spend one day with you, And if that day is not enough,Maybe we can stay in touch, But i'm not making plans for tomorrow, For tomorrow never comes.♩♪

A D D I C T E D -----> Love is a drug


So! after a year of hiatus, I am back to writing! Oh my, I have a lot to tell about. But where to start? Which topic to share? Hmmm... 




For now, let me share this very nice song from Mark Feehily. This is his first ever single being a solo artist. 'Love is a drug' showcases Marks high pitched voice in an upbeat tempo. I super miss his boy next door look. Now that Shane, Kian & Mark has their own solo albums, I wonder when is Nicky's turn! :)

Enjoy the video! Hope you love it as much as I do. 



I'm lying in the gutter looking up at the stars
I can't keep running, it's catching up on me now
It makes me wonder if I'ma ever get out
Yeah I'm so thrown, that there's no saving me now
And I feel such a fool, depending on you
And I wanna scream 
Somebody let me out!

It's like I'm dying in a dream
And I'm tryina wake up
Falling on my knees and I cannot get up
Wish I would have known when enough was enough
Need something for the pain but the killer is us
And it keeps on pulling me when I wanna get up
It keeps on kicking me when it's holding me down
Yeah your love is a drug, yeah, yeah
Your love is a drug, yeah, yeah

I'm lying in your bed looking up at the stars
You got no mercy and you're holding my heart
I try to erase you but you make it so hard
Yeah I would try anything just to tear us apart
And I feel such a fool, depending on you
And I wanna scream 
Somebody let me out!

It's like I'm dying in a dream
And I'm tryina wake up
Falling on my knees and I cannot get up
Wish I would have known when enough was enough
Need something for the pain but the killer is us
And it keeps on pulling me when I wanna get up
It keeps on kicking me when it's holding me down
Yeah your love is a drug, yeah, yeah
Your love is a drug, yeah, yeah

Your love, you make the feeling
Your love, afraid I'm in this
Your love, your love, your love!

It's like I'm dying in a dream
And I'm tryina wake up
Falling on my knees and I cannot get up
Wish I would have known when enough was enough
Need something for the pain but the killer is us
And it keeps on pulling me when I wanna get up
It keeps on kicking me when it's holding me down
Yeah your love is a drug, yeah, yeah
Your love is a drug, yeah, yeah
Yeah your love is a drug, yeah, yeah
Your love is a drug, yeah, yeah