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When i was still working my wife and i did a lot of travelling due to the requirements of my job (she was in her late 30's early 40's)
On exiting the Philippines she was constantly hassled at immigration for one reason or another that the officer would never clarify to me when i questioned them about the supposed "problem"
After thinking why this was happening it came to me that it always happened when the officer was female and never any problem with a male, this led me to believe jealousy was the cause, not because my wife was with such a good looking guy as me but because she was escaping the place that they were trapped in.
Since then even though it meant standing in the longest queue at immigration we always picked a counter with a male officer.
Problem solved.

 

Advice was given by another (more qualified on psychological aspects) member to stick to whatever routines are possible. I assume this is because change can cause anxieties and so the less changes you have, the better. Also, keeping healthy by exercise and good diet. Doing hobbies can help distract from worrying thoughts.

Also, in regards to the variant, it is probably as likely to be subject to the same personal health protocols as the lesser variant - that is, to wear a mask always when with unknowns, to wash hands before eating, touching face or eyes. I also can see a point in using a face shield over a mask as it protects against saliva hitting your own mask - that saliva may contain virus particles which could then be drawn through the mask during breathing. This is being very cautious and is worthwhile if the worry of infection is high in a person's mind. Most islands in the country are relatively safe - better than being in many other countries - and combined with good sense, it is very unlikely you would catch the virus here.

P.S. I used the word "probably" as I cannot be certain, of course, other than my knowledge of viruses and their spread. I don't know how this new variant might change again - no one does. Keep the 'castle walls' intact and we should all be okay.

Anyone with debilitating depression should always seek professional help.

Happier New Year.

 

Talked to them the other day, As of now you have to go to Cebu only for Biometrics but they are in the process of trying to convince Cebu to use the Biometrics on file for your ACR card. She told me that they would contact me when this is accomplished hopefully this year.

 

I always love to hear about new places and Esturya, though I do pass by many times, was not aware, there wa a resto. So visited the place last evening. Upon entering it already gives you the right atmosphere. The furniture is well chosen. Chairs are really comfortable to sit, no rocking tables that you have to ask for a piece of carton to make it steady, an aircon on the right temperature and not like in some places antartic cold. The lights also well chosen. So all the ingredients for a nice diner. The menu has enough choices of various pasta meals. The drinking list is more than outstanding. But what I still do not understand, if you invest so much in a place like this, why on earth is it so difficult that when two people go out for diner and make their orders, one almost has finished his meal while the other still waiting in spite of both staff in kitchen and resto know there's a couple dining. Last but not least, why did I have to wait more than 10 minutes before I got my change. When it finally comes I got a dozen or more 5 and 10 peso coins and a bunch of 20 peso banknotes as wrinkled as can be.
Even when my food was tasteful, not sure will give it another try.

 

Dear Sir, If you have any way to make it to Angeles City you can check in to Medical City Clark, They take FMP and do not require you to pay anything up front!!! We have some of the best Dr’s around, Most come from Manila! All you will need to bring is your FMP letter listing your Disabilities and your Mil ID of VA card. They will file everything for you!!!

If your wife comes with you she can stay with you in the hospital as a watcher! As for food the VFW here and the Foreign Leagon have people to help out! I am 100% to but I can do my best to help. You can get a room with a ref so your wife can keep food and snacks and the nurses station has a microwave that she can use.

If you decide to come here please let me know and I will pick you up from the Airport here at Clark or you can arrange through the medical city to be picked up! Their phone # is 045-300-8888. Also here is my number 906-345-2161 Cell #. If you can send me any of your info ahead of time I can go get you pre-checked in and have the Dr’s waiting for you! My email is jdtubbs@hotmail.com.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS IS AN OPTION FOR YOU! I HAVE PLENTY OF EXTRA SPACE IN MY HOME IF YOU NEED TO STAY AND RECOVER FOR A BIT, SORRY I DON’T HAVE AIRCON! BUT WE MAY BE ABLE TO FIND SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE YOU MORE COMFORTABLE!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!!
John Tubbs
Ret AFSOC

 

I live in Colorado for 30 years; when I moved to Dumaguete--I knew what I was getting into. For me, when you start comparing places--you will never be satisfied. The last time I check, there is no perfect place.

 

A few more observations about my friend's experience at Silliman. (And, btw, I read about Silliman before I came to Dumaguete, how it was about the 3rd best hospital in The Philippines and how Dumagute is planned to be a Centre for Care (I think it stated for 'end of life' and I feel they will be good at that )).

Just after admission TWO nurses arrived, one with a set of bathroom scales. They measured the patient's weight. They asked her about her height as they had no measuring device - I had a tape measure in my bag and measured her. They recorded both figures. Why it took two I have no idea. About 20 minutes later another two nurses arrived and asked "What is your weight and height?" They did not even have any bathroom scales. My first time to see a hospital 'function' here and I realised it was cr*p.

I think about 20 people entered the room to check something within the first few hours and no one seemed to know about any previous visits or recordings - I mentioned the value of a chart at the bottom of the bed but it fell on deaf ears.

The hospital lacked equipment but, even if that is understandable in a developing country, they could easily improve communication.

No medical staff used gloves at any time. We had taken in our own alcohol spray and hand-sanitiser (same thing basically) and used a careful hand hygiene routine for the watchers - better than the (lack of) routine used by medical staff! My friend was offered a sponge-bath at 5 am and the nurse-aid saw gloves my friend had brought in and used them. That was the one and only attempt to avoid cross-infection during a 3-day stay.

It has been stated often that time spent in hospitals here is excessive - I think it can also be dangerous. Better to get out asap and use a very good hygiene routine at home.