Mistakes

To the book that gave me a 7 in speaking in my IELTS test:

 a book review on The Life You Longed For by  Maribeth Fischer

Grace Connolly's son, three year-old Jack is fighting a rare and deadly disease that very few medical studies have touched. It is in Grace's persistence that a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease was made on Jack: a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the  part of the cell that generates energy. At his age, Jack has been on oxygen support 24/7, has undergone complex procedures, in numerous medications, and Grace has never left her son's side. She pondered on medical journals to find cure, inquired every diagnosis, so as to make sure she has asked every possible question that might buy him more time.

In the story, Grace, the 'saint' was accused of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and filed to the government's Child Protection Services. The allegation is a psychopathic situation wherein  mothers made their children sick on purpose -- like inject urine in their IV lines, give them ipecac to induce vomiting, smothered them in pillows then rushed hysterically to the hospital, sobbing for help -- all to ploy attention. 

Munchausen mothers doctor-shop, are friends with the hospital staff, and are knowledgeable in the medical field: Grace fits this profile. Never though, in her life can she imagine hurting her child. Whoever made that accusation must have misunderstood, and that misunderstanding might mean her son, or all three of her children, will be taken away from her. At Jack's condition, he has very little time left and being away from his mother is just unthinkable.

If there is one thing that Grace is guilty of, it is not hurting her child, but cheating on her husband. She is having an affair with her high school boyfriend whom she found after 20 years. She is at her happiest when she's with Noah, and she is willing to end it with him just for her to keep her children.

It's amazing how this story is intelligently written. Five years of research and hard work has really done good in this book: every character was made credible. I was in awe with all the details. People in the medical profession must get hold of this book as this is like seeing through the eyes of our patients and feeling their pain and triumphs. 

My only comment is that the story included topics like the Salem witch trials and the September 11 attack which I believe is not necessary. The plot alone is interesting enough, I felt sleepy upon reaching the said chapters.

For me, Grace must have sinned, but the affair did not make her less the awesome mother she is.

A great read especially now that we are nearing Mother's Day.

The day all the fuss ended: my IELTS feat

****Part of a very long series: TO CANADA, I WILL GO****

The agonizing wait is over. Four months of newspaper reading, mock examinations, fake applications to call center companies, and self-interviews in front of a mirror, did not, in any way, prepare me for the real IELTS moment.

My mantra: "I need a 6."

THE SPEAKING PART:

I was a little shocked when my one-on-one oral examination was scheduled four days before my written tests. I have been told by IDP that since April is considered a peak season for IELTS, the speaking exams are distributed in the earlier days of the week.

So on a Tuesday afternoon, after searching for Salustiana D. Ty Tower, Makati in Google, I wore my bravest face to battle. I left our house in that summer midday; and if anybody saw me, I bet I looked like a lost kid in heels strolling the grills of an oven.

I have with me a vague direction to the testing venue from my mom which I saved in my mobile phone. I swear I tried following the said guide but after wasting a few sweats in the streets of Makati, I found myself hailing a cab. My lucky stars must have lost power that time, as Mr. Cab Driver was on the same clueless level as mine. Good thing there were traffic policemen everywhere and I arrived on the infinite building at a reasonable price. Salustiana D. Ty Tower by the way is impossible to find: it has no label whatsoever. If there is one, it sure is not noticeable.

Despite all the drama, I arrived one hour and 25 minutes earlier than my schedule of 1325H. I freshened up, waited, went down to the lobby, waited some more, then chatted with some of my fellow applicants. Those scheduled that day was sure a vast group: there were adolescents with parents in tow, young adults, and married couples. There was certainly no dress code: one applicant was in his cargo shorts and flipflops --- a stark contrast to my corporate dress and heels. That time, I remember what one IELTS reviewer told me: "Your outfit may help you pass your speaking exam, but your alone will not make you pass. In fact, you can pass the IELTS bare-naked, but I don't recommend it."

IELTS ready!

At 1300H, I entered the IDP reception area, registered, and deposited my belongings to a locker they have provided. (In the email I received, they discourage bringing bags during your speaking exam unless you have a companion with you, but if you are to take the exam on the same location, things can be deposited.) I then had my photo and fingerprint taken for identification purposes. It only took about three minutes of staring into space when I heard my name being called by a short brown-haired woman in her 50s: my examiner.

I shook her extended hand, identified myself for the nth time and was ushered to a room resembling that of an executive's. I was smiling like crazy (indication that I was nervous) the whole time and my nervousness subsided when I saw the room. I thought that with this venue, it will be just like a job interview, and I have always been good at that!

She identified herself but I was so focused on the recorder strategically placed right in front of my face that I did not get her name. So we started with the necessities: she asked for my name and identification card. Then came the question on the topic 'hometown', "Peng, on which part of the Philippines do you reside? Do you still see yourself living there in the future?" 

I wanted to tell her that yes, I believe I will still live in Cavite because our house was built through the efforts of my parents and it has sentimental value, but I could not find the word 'sentimental' in my vocabulary and the recorder was distracting, so I settled on the word 'important'. Drat.

I know I had to redeem myself so when she fired questions on photography and travelling, I did my best to keep my sanity and thesaurus intact. It took us not long to reach the second part of my exam: the individual long turn. Here, the applicant will be given a task card with a series of questions: the applicant has one minute to think about what he is going to say and then two minutes to discuss and answer all the questions in the task card uninterrupted. My task card was:

Say something about a book you have read and would like to read again.

         When did you first read it?

         What was the book about?

         What have you learned from it? 

        Why would you want to read it again?

I discussed about a heartwarming tale of a mother fighting for her son's life who has a mysterious and deadly disease. It was one of my favorite books of all time: Maribeth Fischer's The Life You Longed For. I almost did not call up the title, I would have settled for another favorite: Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series, but I don't want the examiner to think I'm shallow.
It was rather a long time since I last read the said book so I had a hard time recalling the plot, and I guess I was not able to give justice to the story. I performed fairly well as I was able to converse and answer all my task questions. Ms. Examiner then asked me if I know anyone who has read the book and if I have suggested it to anybody; I answered "No". I then felt a bit disappointed on myself as it seem like a waste of a very good book, and so the birth of this review right here.

The rest of the test was unremarkable. I then found myself not believing it has ended already: no handshakes, just me saying thank-you and claiming my deposited belongings. Ms. Examiner was genuinely nice, she smiles occasionally and nods her head as if agreeing to my spiels.

THE WRITTEN PARTS:

My journey to Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati was a far cry to the difficult trip of my speaking exam venue: it was absolutely easy I could go there everyday. I reached the hotel lobby one hour ahead of schedule. There was about 500 examinees that day, I panicked a little as the line was so long; people have bottled water in their hands and I have none! I almost purchased one in the hotel patisserie but it costs Php 130: so much for a 500 ml water. I'm sure I can manage.

I entered the testing area with my passport and freshly sharpened pencils and immediately noticed the ice-cold service water in gorgeous glass containers at the end of the ballroom. Awesome!

The exam started at exactly 9 AM. The written exam is composed of 3 parts. The first hour goes to listening: 50 minutes listening to various conversations and answering the questions from what you've heard and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Next is reading for also an hour, with no extra time to transfer you answers. I was a little apprehensive in this part because I wrote my answers all in CAPITAL LETTERS because it feels safe to do so: I have a rather bad handwriting. It was not clearly stated that this is allowed in the IELTS guidelines though, I remember reminding myself to google that information once I got home. 

I just have to say that my seat was comfortable, the invigilators were helpful, and the audio system was great. The writing test came and as I know that is the most challenging sub-test, I have prepared carefully for it. My task 1 was to write an informal letter to a friend who is coming from overseas, I believe I nailed that. The tougher task 2 went something like this:

          The knowledge taught in school are worthless and the more important things are learned outside. Agree or disagree?

I disagreed with the above statement since I am in the opinion that schools provided us with all the learning and skills we need to know before we face the real world. Trigonometry, Swimming classes, and Algebra might be absurd subjects but we will appreciate the time we have spent sitting those classes when the need arises. I, for one, am thankful to the theories, no matter how small, as it has saved my face a million times. Thanks dear Alma Mater.

The exams ended at exactly 12 NN, I left the hotel like any normal person, when in fact I just faced one of the biggest battles of my life so far. It was so hot outside, but I felt refreshed and very light.

I googled my capitalization issue, and it is legal to write in capitals. Thank God.

THE JUDGEMENT:

LISTENING.............................. 9.0
READING................................. 6.5
WRITING.................................. 6.5
SPEAKING................................ 7.0

OVER-ALL BAND SCORE       7.5

Okay.

It's not exactly the scores I expected, I initially was disappointed but hey, this is acceptable. Four months ago, I prayed, wished, and hoped: Lord, please give me a band score of 6, even though I know I deserve better, but at least a 6. Now that my wish was granted, it astonished me. My God, why haven't I asked for more?

I almost wanted  to file for a recheck but dismissed the thought altogether. But just for the record: I cannot believe my scores!

My new mantra: "There are more important things in life than pride." Right now, I am just grateful.

The bottom line is...

I'M STILL GOING TO CANADA!

More on preparing for IELTS

****Part of a very long series: TO CANADA, I WILL GO****

In the official website of the International Language Testing System, it is said that one does not need a review center to get an acceptable score in the examination. I agree, and I say owners of these centers get rich by making use of other people's low self-confidence. Honestly, I become more apprehensive when I started attending lessons in my review center than when I was studying on my own. Reviewers in general, has this power of making reviewees feel that what they are about to face is war; bombarding them with things they are totally unprepared for.

Keeping this in mind, I attend review classes feeling that there is nothing more that my center can teach me. But again, I was wrong: as I learn more of the structure and rules of the IELTS examination, a doubtful feeling builds in me, specially in the writing subtest, which all my life I was confident for; because 1) My penmanship is not the most perfect view there is so I write using my laptop all the time, 2) my best articles are those written for very very long periods of time because I stop to think several times and 3) I can fill an entire rim of paper with words on a topic of my interest, but if given the absurd motifs of fossil fuels, biotechnology, flowers, arts, astrology, and God-knows-what-else, which IELTS is known for, I am clearly plunging towards death. My dear habits are big dont's in the test. Certainly, there is no time for breaks during the Writing subtest because only one hour is provided to write two articles in no less than 400 words. Unbelievable. Impossible.

I became even more anxious and confused when I saw this:

The nerve of that lecturer to give me a failing grade in Writing! I have to literally stop myself from fainting that particular moment. She has no idea who she's giving that mark. It is confusing, stressful, and hilarious all at the same time. I can't believe what I've put myself into, haha.

I blame it for my structure ignorance, the dreaded word count, and my good-natured indentation. Oh well, as they say, there is always a first time for everyone.

After this mock examination though, I did fairly well on the next writing exercises. I learned my lesson but my ego was bruised.

As for the speaking part, I know for sure that I would not have any problems with my grammar nor vocabulary, but I'm afraid my indifference will put me into trouble. For people who know we well, I am reserved and will only talk to those I am comfortable with and with topics I am interested in. Ironically, I never had problems with interviews. In fact, I tend to be talkative and oftentimes lure the interviewers into actually remembering my answer amidst the others.

Oh yes, I consider myself lucky of this gift, but sometimes my indifference goes on a whole new level that is scary and almost not IELTS-y. Here is an example from yesterday's speaking practice:

Lecturer: What is your favorite coffee shop?

While 90% of my classmates answered Starbucks and the remaining 10% was a combination of Figaro, Seattle's Best and Gloria Jean's, I answered: I really don't like coffee. (I bet the examiner will remember that answer! Or maybe not?)

Here's another one...

Lecturer: Give me the title of a movie you are anticipating and why.

My classmates gave her sci-fi movies and sequels and told her that they like the actors, etc.

My answer: Mam, I am not waiting for any movie.

I might not convince you at this, but I am genuinely enjoying my IELTS experience so far. I want to take the test already to put an end in all of these but I also want to stay this way: as a student relearning my favorite subject. Yes, it is silly.

Preparing for IELTS

****Part of a very long series: TO CANADA, I WILL GO****

IELTS is International English Learning Testing System. It is widely recognized as a means to calibrate a candidates' ability to use the English language in a country where English is the primary mode of communication. It is further divided into four sub tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This examination, along with an Over-all Band Score of 6 or above, is the prerequisite I need to accomplish for my Canadian Visa to be finally processed.

English has always been my favorite subject for as long as I could remember, I had never prepared for any of my English examinations but repeatedly get the top score. For someone who has been a two-term Editor in Chief of a college paper, who has won national awards on news and featuring writing, who has bagged countless debates, is a certified blogger, and had constantly aced interviews; I would not have any problems taking this test. My friends being ever supportive, agreed that I will treat this as a piece of cake. They said I wont be needing any help, certainly not the help of a review center. However, my mom, who is paying for the examination, doubted me. 

She said, "Are you sure you won't enroll in a review center?". 

Oh dear mother, it's your pocket talking again. 

I told her, "Madam, this is the only thing that I am good at. If you are asking me to take a nursing exam, I need a center, but seriously, English?"

I then started my own version of further improving my already good English. My regimen consisted of newspaper reads as often as I can, quizzes on grammar from college-admission review materials, novels from my bookshelf, the Cambride 8 book, and some IELTS review paraphernalia that a friend lent me though most are outdated already. I am totally enjoying this routine; it's like getting paid for eating ice cream or something to that effect. It did not took long for me to finish all my materials though, I then went online to get more.

I have already set my mind that I will study on my own until one faithful day. I saw this at the commercial site Ensogo.ph:

Oh my, IELTS crash review for less than a thousand pesos for the value of Php 3000! This is undoubtedly a good deal. I already swore that I will not get help, but how can I ignore this? My pride almost took over me but I then acknowledge it as a help from heaven (and no one must decline help from the Almighty) and made my purchase.

After which, I brought my printed voucher to the branch nearest to my house, 9.0 Niner Imus. I was enrolled right away and oriented on the examination structure. My voucher allows me to attend only 25 hours of lecture and a one-on-one coaching on speaking and writing and each lesson is three hours long; making that only eight: I think that will do. I learned that 9.0 Niner has several branches and one is free to attend on any branch provided that you bring your tracking card. Their offices are located strategically and I am pleased that I have easy access to some whether I am resting at home or when I decide to drop-by before or after work.

I am enjoying my review so far! My coworkers think that I am a very diligent student as I read and practice when I have time to spare at work. Truth is, English has always been my first love, I should have ended up as a journalist if I insisted. But that's history already.

To Canada, I will go

                **** First part of a very long series****

Two weeks or so ago, I attended a seminar on Effective Planning and Time Management. In this seminar, I have learned that "there is a bigger possibility that what you have planned will eventually materialize if more people knows about it". I first find that statement weird, because we Filipinos tend to keep our plans a secret until it is near its completion; and then the whole world will be surprised that we've been cooking something all along!

In the said seminar though, I learned that plans, as young as they are, when broadcasted will push the planner to work on it the soonest possible time; and that leads me to writing this would-be long series. Imagine if you, dear reader saw me in one of the hospital corridors and ask me about my plan of going to Canada, and then another reader asked me again as I am alighting the elevator, and then a friend text me about it: I would be pressured --- and at the same time motivated to actually make my move to break away. For the purpose of this series, lets call this new process social brainwashing.

GOING OVERSEAS

I am on my second year as a hospital staff nurse, and go ahead call me selfish, but I am tired of receiving meager salary  that can only finance a single person. I dream of giving more money to my mom and helping pay more bills aside from the Php1000 monthly I pay for broadband. I love what I do, but I would love it even more if I earn better.

As early as last year, I have been wandering to a handful of agencies and/or consultancies for their promise of helping me land on a higher-paying country. Agencies are recruitment centers that help employees get jobs on a certain country; some include board and lodging, depending on the contract. Consultancies, on the other hand, assist people to become 'immigrants' of a country: on a clearer note, you get there without a job, you have to find it yourself.  You will be holding though an immigrant visa: you get the same benefits a citizen of that country receive. I have been to a lot I said, but following are the notable offices I have been to so far:

1. Canadian Immigration Consultancy

                I went in one of their seminars November of last year. Sadly, I did not meet their qualifications for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program even if I ace my International English Learning Testing System (IELTS) examination. Canada has a scoring system, I failed because I am single and I do not have an arranged employer there.

2. Global Pinoy Consultancy

                This is a consultancy bound for Norway. No IELTS needed and the consultancy fee is affordable. I just did not like the idea of studying the Norwegian language and the place's weather condition.

3. PinoyCare Visa Center

              This center had the most appealing offer so far. They lend showmoney at 0% interest and provides free arrival service of food, board and lodging (care of former PinoyCare clients) until I get a job. I heard that Canada recently adjusted their scoring system, I hope I pass this time.

WHY CANADA?

I have relatives in the United States, but getting a US visa is difficult if not all impossible. I also do not want to settle on working in the Middle East, it still has its scary aura to me and my mom would never allow me to set foot there. Further, the idea of student visa for countries like Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the like has no charm to me as I do not want to study anymore!

That leaves me the beautiful promise of living and working in Canada. I am fine with getting odd jobs at first as long as I make more than I earn here; and then I take it from there. I am scared to live alone but I would not let my fear stop me: this is for my future and I want this so bad. Good luck to me.

To trench coats and snow fights!

The Church in Philippine Election

I pray before I sleep, thank God for graces before each meal, serve as a chorister during certain Sundays, and attend masses as often as I can. I am not sure I should be the one to tag myself as devoted; but I have great faith and I respect my religion. I am proud that the Catholic Church does not command its people to engage in decisions that are personal in nature: I am free to wear, to eat, and to vote.

That is, until this election period, I believe...

Last February 22, a huge poster containing names of senatorial candidates further divided as Team Buhay (life) and Team Patay (death) was displayed in front of San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Apparently, our dear Church listed the names of senatorial candidates who, in their capacity as congressmen and senators, voted "no" to the Reproductive Health (RH) bill and placed them under Team Buhay, together with two party-list groups. Team Patay comprises 7 candidates and 4 party-list groups who favored the said bill. The poster gained even more popularity when the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ordered its removal due to the violation of exceeding the maximum size of election parapheralia (2 x 3 feet); the one in question is at least 6 x 10 ft. The Diocese of Bacolod debated that it is not an election material, it is just their way of informing and guiding the religious. In fact, other churches in Negros Occidental and in other parts of the country are planning to put up similar notices. The Church then gained support from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) when it said that "there is nothing wrong" with the display, and from the Supreme Court (SC) when it issued a restraining order to the COMELEC to stop it from putting the poster down.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE SACEDA

Up to this day, the sign is still in its place although it has slightly reduced in size. Never mind the issue of proportion, the real matter of contention here is the desire of the Church to influence the voting public. Having graduated from a catholic school, I have all my life been proud of my religion while maintaining respect for other beliefs; but this fact does not stop me from having an open mind. To me, putting up a poster that big is clearly endorsing, to outright say that is merely guiding the people is a shameless lie. Might as well tell us that Jesus Christ appeared in a dream and ordered the roster of those candidates in the church wall; that might work. 

In a world as modern as ours, the majority thinks with malice and common sense. A candidate's desire to give out help to calamity victims can be tagged vote-buying, a huge poster with check and cross marks over candidate's names is political campaigning.

I am saddened by this step taken by the Church, my democratic voice was insulted, but my faith is still intact. My only vote will not be affected by advertisements nor sect recommendations, it will be for those whom I believe will protect our rights as people and will bring about change for this country.

Cynthia Villar did not lose my vote

It has been over a week since GMA News TV's episode of Pagsubok ng mga Kandidato featured the seemingly thoughtless response of senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar to the question given by broadcaster Winnie Monsod regarding how the former could reconcile the disconnect between her desire to help the poor and her favoring the nursing school owners whom schools CHED wants to terminate. I say thoughtless because here are her exact words: "Hindi naman kailangan ang nurse ay matapos ng BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) kasi itong mga nurse ay gusto lang nila maging room nurse, o sa Amerika o in other contries, e ano lang sila, young parang mag-aalaga. Hindi naman sila kailangan ganoon kagaling." (Nurses do not need to finish the BSN program, because they just want to be room nurses; in the US or in other countries, caregivers. They do not need to be that efficient.)

Since the show's airing date last February 23, Villar's name has been lambasted in all forms of writing and in social media. She has been compared to US President Barack Obama and has been laughed on in memes featuring made-up statements by famous Mexican character Senyora Santibañez.

Villar issued an official statement explaining that there was not enough time for her to fully explain her answer during the said program. She said she has high regard for nurses and apologized to people who were offended to be called "room nurses". (see references)

As a nurse and a voter, I could only think of one reason why Mrs.Villar said those things on national television: this is because she is a businesswoman. Notwithstanding the time pressure, money and investments are all that matters to her and the education of our health professionals is not her priority. Let the nurses solve their own problems since they seem to be good at almost anything; but protect the school owners, we do not want their money to go to waste. She is a genuine example of a traditional politician, one who tilts toward the wealthy and ignores the interest of many. 

You cannot blame us Mrs. Villar if we are onion-skinned; it is because we work hard to preserve the integrity of our profession. We are puked, peed on everyday; but what we do does not make us rich like you. We save lives of people we barely know because we care; well this is something money makers and land grabbers like you will never understand. Fortunately for you, you did not lose my vote, because you were never included in my list anyway. I long ago swore not to vote for members of political dynasties, and I'm glad I made the right decision. You are a shame to the people of Las Piñas, you are a shame to this country.

I pray for your candidacy Mrs. Villar, let us see if your billions will help you get a seat in the Senate. Besides, bad publicity is still publicity. We are actually making you very famous Madam. I also pray that there would not come a time that you or one of your family members will need the help of a nurse, because unfortunately for you, you messed up with the wrong profession. If ever this happens, we will show you how four years of studying, a licensure examination, and several years of experience made us into the best health care professionals who selflessly care for undeserving patients of your kind. 

Pagsubok ng mga Kandidato episode:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbeJDDiACyM

Villar's apology and official statement:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/153929/unangbalita/cynthia-villar-binatikos-sa-kanyang-pahayag-sa-tv-na-nagmamaliit-daw-sa-mga-nurse

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/297536/news/nation/cynthia-villar-tries-to-heal-nurses-hurt-feelings-over-pagsubok-answer