Faith,will and nerves

After bringing my son Patrick to Manila for a date with the knife, another test of faith, will and nerves engulfed us. Patrick was scheduled to undergo bypass surgery for clogged arteries at the Chinese General Hospital Friday, but the non-stop moonsoon rains submerged most of Manila streets including those leading to the hospital. Even some hospitals were not spared and had flood waters reaching the second floor. We were scheduled to bring Patrick to the Chinese Gen that Wednesday but water in España St. near UST, was knee deep while some areas, up to the waist. But God always work in mysterious ways. Barangay Lapaz in Makati City where we are located offered an ambulance to bring Patrick to the hospital. In no time they dispatched the ambulance together with some paramedics and told us that they will send a tow truck or firetruck (syaro di pa kaagi?) just in case we cannot pass. The rain stopped in the morning allowing us to move Patrick and just a few minutes upon reaching our destination, the rain lashed again. Patrick finally got the chance to checked in and preparatory tests were made. For a while I thought the worst was over, but we were told to look for blood, an SOP for an operation. Again, the flooded streets made life for us miserable. As we scouted all the Red Cross branches. The high dengue cases in the City also contributed to the scarcity of platelets. In the end however, we were able to secure the needed quantity. As if really testing our limits, electricity in our Makati condo, conked out, making it impossible for emails and fax messages to come in while our cell phones were running out of power making communications, hard. I was almost breaking down but if I did, it would affect everybody’s morale as they see me as the “pillar”. Patrick finally was operated as scheduled and as of press time is remarkably recovering. A million thanks to Dr. cardiologist Tim Dy, surgeon Nelson Dy and anesthesiologist Dr. Tess Menor who after Patrick’s operation said, “I’m just resting for a while before we perform a kidney transplant”. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Barangay Lapaz in Makati City under Barangay captain Elmer Espiritu and his personnel Rico and Toto our driver cum all around errand boy, Tito Pomar and girl Friday Gemma Facon who braved the rain to get the blood. But most of all, God Almighty for orchestrating all these miracles. “Salamat gid” to my siblings who bombarded me with daily calls for updates, and to those whose names escape us at the moment, a million thanks.

What’s new

The Philippines will go home with a big fat zero after competing in the 2012 London Olympics. However, I’m still proud that two of my “kababayans” got to strut their wares in this prestigious event. The most applauded athletes in a running competition are the first and last finishers. Rene Herrera from Guimaras, IloIlo finished dead last in the 5,000-meter run and got the biggest ovation. On the other hand, Marestella Torres of Negros Occidental failed to advance in the second round of long jump. Congratulations guys, just being in the Olympics are enough to make you winners!

SHOCKER

While on our way to Manila for Patrick’s surgery, we had some problems with our baggage when we checked in with Cebu Pacific. I immediately asked for Ramie Ygana who’s in-charge for ramp operations. I was however informed that Ramie is on leave as he was joining the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Triathlon that fateful Sunday. I couldn’t believe that afternoon news that Ramie died after he fell from his bike at the SRP. It was learned that Ramie struggled before he fell. I’m bound to believe that Ramie could have trained more before embarking on the triathlon, a case too much too soon. Anyway my condolences to Mitty and the rest of the family. Ramie is a great loss to the running community.

Notes: We would like to thanks the efficient nurses at the MS 5 wing for assisting us during our stay in the hospital namely:

Fatima Valentin, Luisa Matucad, Arnold Acabaho, Grace Urbiztondo, Stephanie Suetos, Rizafell Bartolome, Ace Amor, Karl Villegas, Emily Sevilla, Jhink Castro, Ahyi Capati, Jennifer Manez, Ronalyn Baroga, Rowena Uy and Joy Romance. 

“The Elvis Serenades the Grandparents Show “will be held on September 9 instead of September 8 at the SM City Consolacion Event Center. The Senior Citizens walk will be staged on September 8 at 6am as scheduled.