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The weather really sucked this past week. No stargazing for me. But at least we get some of the best sunrises and sunsets of the year.

 

I missed posting last year (1st 5 yr updates are on the forum) so this is a 7 yr update since I had a bad stroke.
So my status hasn’t changed much the last two years, the Covid quarantine not withstanding. My right side is partially paralyzed, my left side numb; the numbness switches over to the right side half way up my body. I have never asked my neurologist to explain this. My balance and control switch in my brain is damaged so I need someone holding onto my right side while I do a funky walk - the right leg sometimes gives out and I have fallen on concrete even with someone holding me. I go to the gym 5-6 times every week (except when hard lockdown and gym closed). I can only do very light weights (dumbbells and machines) but at this age and condition I am only interested in keeping as strong as I can and the blood flowing to all the muscle groups. I walk 2-3 km up and down the paved road by my house daily at 5pm. I am only so-so watching my diet and eating mostly chicken and pasta (salmon when I can get it), a steak once a week, and red wine at night. Sleep apnea is a problem and I am waiting for the VA to address that when they reopen. I have a 90% VA disability and a 25% California disability rating, mostly for other issues. I am able to rise above my limitations thanks to my extended family. My wife tells me I am a better person now than the cocky former marine I was 10 yrs ago.
So, still above ground, thankful for that. Stay safe, get medical checkups, I didn’t.

 

Oh, those are BUDDHIST swastikas, not Nazi. Those round stone things are monuments of Buddhist drums, common throughout East Asia; that face is of Bodhidharma, founder of "Zen" Buddhism some 1500 years ago; his image is often used as a folkish good-luck charm. See my own page: http://www.san-shin.org/China-Songshan-Bodhidharma.html The Mall-owner must be a Buddhist with Chinese roots.

Swastikas were invented 3000 years ago in Persia, for Zoroastrianism (represents the Sun, as the Good God). Became a symbol in Indian Hindu arts, then a key symbol of Buddhism as that became a missionary religion about 250 BCE. German Nazis mis-appropriated it while claiming that the "Aryan Race" was originally from Persia / North India/Pakistan -- but theirs is shown backwards, rotating counter-clockwise. The holy ones, as above, are rotating clockwise.

 

Only since quarantine have I spent much time on this forum, and I have been astonished how much moaning, whinging, bickering, point-scoring, boasting, and one-upmanship there is here. I am assuming (and hoping) that this is due to the strains of the current situation, but I do find it rather disappointing and depressing.

Anyway, to balance the scales somewhat, I thought I would start a thread where we can share positive thoughts about why life is great here.

If you have any negative comments, snarky comments, or want to prove to everyone how intellectual you are, be a good fellow and click on another thread please.

I have lived more than half my adult life in Asia (many different countries and cities in Philippines), and I think Dumaguete is my favourite. Here's some of the reasons I love it here:

• Almost every time I am out on my scooter I ride around with a big smile on my face because of the natural beauty, clean air, sunshine, trees and flowers, and general relaxed feel.
• Almost every time I go shopping for anything or pay for services, no matter what they may be, I think to myself "wow, it's cheap here".
• I never get the feeling I'm being outrageously ripped-off.
  
• The sun seems to be shining almost all the time!
• The ocean is on our doorstep.
  
• Outside downtown there is hardly any traffic or noise.
• Nobody seems to care how you dress or what labels you have.
• When I smile, make conversation with a local, make a joke or flirt a little, I ALWAYS get a positive response.
• It's the most easy going place I have lived in Asia.
• I can get almost any type of food or drink that I want here at very reasonable prices.
• Everyone understands at least some English.
• And perhaps most importantly of all, local people make me feel welcome and happy that I am here!

Who else wants to join the love train?

 

Just joking. That would be extremely boring.
Please enjoy some of my favorite cosmic images from last week.

 

We found a very good indian restaurant "Curry" in the Aldecoa Dr., this is the street to the Silliman Hospital. Simple interieur, friendly staff, menue card not too big - we had 2 great fresh Mango Lassi, wife was happy with a chicken Biryani, I got surprised by a good portion of chicken Korma, we also tried the crispy fresh Naan bread and a salad with yoghurt dressing. Everything together for a very fair price - totally recommendable new restaurant. It's getting better and better in Dumaguete.

 

I was living in Luzon until my Canadian friend's house was sold. Nice house on the beach, but far from nearest town (Candon City) and no available females so I went online, and asked for girls from Dumaguete area. Tons of replies, and I found one from a nice (religious) family. She was 20 years younger than me. Unfortunately (for her) she was missing an eye, and her family told her she would never get a man.
We have have been married now for almost 7 years and there has never been a problem. Love her and her family!

 

I'm an American, retired and living in Dumaguete. I'm a veteran of the US Navy, with a brief 6 years of service as an ETR, with honorable discharge as PO1/E6. After the Navy, I worked as industrial process control technician for 21 years. Being divorced with a pension and 401-K to small survive in USA, I retired here in the Philippines in 2016. Four years later, I'm now married to a beautiful Filipina and have a large Pilipino family that has happily adopted me as one of their own.

 

DENTAL and MEDICAL SERVICES:

I am providing this list (also tried to add it as a WORD attachment but the .doc extension was not allowed ... any suggestions?) simply to assist anyone looking for information in one of the most crucial areas of life here. It may be especially useful to those new to the Philippines or to the local area. If new information is provided then I will update this and post it again (probably every 6 months but sooner after the first ‘edition’ if major changes follow new information).

Some extra details are provided on the basis that new members may need to know.

The information has been mostly obtained from this forum (with some locations added by myself), using the most recent postings. I am listing health professionals to show those most liked and least liked (if applicable) by those forum members who posted comments. This does not mean anyone's service is negative but just that some did not feel happy using that professional.

Information on Military Hospitals for Veterans has not been added here but will be provided if members wish to give me information.

The names of specialist professionals listed here are mostly those located in Dumaguete City. It has been suggested that for major surgery, Manila and Cebu should be considered (some members actually return to their home countries for some of their healthcare).

Most recommendations are for doctors working at Silliman University Medical Center. (SUMC), located at V. Aldecoa Sr., Daro, Dumaguete City. Landlines 035 225 0841 and 035 420 2000 - http://www.sumcfi.org/doctor lists the doctors by specialism. Holy Child Hospital is sometimes mentioned by members and is located in the centre of the Downtown area of Dumaguete City (not to be confused with Holy Cross, which is a school).

For CEBU: highly recommended is: Chong Hua Hospital, Don Mariano Cui St., Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City, Phone No.: +63 (32) 255-8000, +63 (32) 254-1461. info@chonghua.com.ph; http://www.chonghua.com.ph

For MANILA: A Google search will reveal hundreds of hospitals and I am not aware of any particular hospitals highly recommended by members. So perhaps some members may add to this.

Members have noted that hospitals in the Philippines tend to keep patients for longer than is always necessary but if you are unsure about this then it is best NOT to discharge yourself prematurely. Also, a ‘watcher’ is expected - this is a person (often family member) who stays with you during your stay in the hospital. This person assists you in getting to the CR and also to go out to find items required for your treatment from one or more pharmacies (more than one may be necessary in order to locate everything required and without all of them you may not be treated, including being operated on). A deposit will be required when admitting yourself (more may be required during treatment) and it is important to settle the balance before leaving.

DENTAL:

Dr. Julie Flor Cordeta at Premier Dental, (Tan Alley Building, South Road, Tabuc Tubig, Dumaguete City; Tel: 0917.174.5005 and 0998.957.5397 and (landline) 035.421.05.79. premierdcs@gmail.com. www.premierdent.net) is very widely liked (therefore busy and difficult to obtain appointments with). Sedation is available and the external anaesthesiologist can be of the patient’s own choice if so wished. At the time of the writing the dentist does not do root fillings. For that particular requirement, the dentist recommended Dr. Chua at Holy Child.

Dr. Jane Palma, Portal West Bldg, top floor. Tel: 09175330066 (closed Sat/Sun). “My family has used her for 6 years. A friend had a root canal there. She takes emergencies”.

CARDIOLOGISTS:

Dr. Brian Joseph Calinawagon seems to be well liked. I think he is located at Silliman University Medical Center.

One member recommended Dr. Magbanua at Silliman University Medical Center. “A little older, takes his time with you and he goes by appointments first, walk-ins if he has an opening.”

Dr. Susan Denura has elicited varied opinions from “Without question she is a good doctor but seems to resent questions about her recommendations and so forth.” to another member who is happy with her service.

Two members were not happy using Dr Sayson. They felt she did not listen to them.

ORTHOPAEDICS:

Note: Silliman University Medical centre has a working MRI scanner and this can be very important to see the extent of any soft tissue damage.

Dr Oligario and Dr Lynn Oligario (the latter for physiotherapy) at Silliman University Medical Center are particularly liked. One member commented how surgery was stated as an option but that the doctor wanted to try other treatments first (this is a positive).

Dr Katada also practices at Silliman University Medical Center.

[Cebu City: Dr San Juan, Chung Hua Hospital (details above) was recommended]

COLONOSCOPY:

One member wrote “I had one done at Holy Child a couple of years ago. Can't remember the name of the doctor. The cost was around 8000 pesos. They gave me some IV drip so I slept through the whole thing. “ Then another stated “Holy Child...also several years ago. Doctor Carriaga.”

CHILD BIRTH:

Female gynaecologist Dr Uy at Silliman University Medical Center provided “A very positive experience [for a C-section]”. (Although this recommendation was made very recently, the use was many years ago and I am not aware if this doctor still practices).

“My daughter was born at Holy Child. No problems and Php24,000 all told. Her Ob/Gyn was Dr Tan. Very competent and no long-nose tax.”

“My Mrs gave birth at the DIAGCLINIC birthing clinic opposite Nevas pizza (in Hibbard Avenue), it was clean with aircon. 11k all in for 24hrs. Might be worth checking is it’s a straight forward birth like no suggestion of C- section. “

PEDIATRICIAN:

Dr. Ongkingko at Silliman University Medical Center, “7 years caring for my son, very knowledgeable and positive experience”. (Although this recommendation was made very recently, the use was (possibly) many years ago and I am not aware if this doctor still practices).

NEUROLOGIST:

Dr. Dipatado at Silliman University Medical Center “helped me survive a serious stroke for the last five years, still alive so positive”.

Urologist:

Dr. Ozzoa of Silliman University Medical Center was recommended