David, our Doctor dog:-)

As last year's visit and Christmas Party was successful in Elsie Gaches with the special children....I wonder where David and I will be going next for this season's thanksgiving....hmmmm...

Any suggestions?:) David's ready:)

Manila Forum: Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton in UST 2009

another link:









Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! I was st-stutt-starstruck!!!

As the representative of the University of Santo Tomas to ask a question for Madam Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the ANC Manila Forum recently held in the Medicine Auditorium of our very own St. Martin de Porres building in UST last November 13, 2009, it was really a nerve-wracking experience! Actually, I was one of the two individuals in the audience who were able to ask our Madam Secretary a question, the other one was Chris Tiu....:-) The other questions were thrown by our host Maria Reza, Ricky Carandang and Pinky Webb. Some other questions entertained were from the on-line forum and from the Visayan and Mindanao student representatives via live telecast.

Some say it was not that all open to the public and did not tackle other pertinent issues specifically about the VFA. But for me,as a participant in the event, it humanized Madam Secretary Clinton when she answered some light questions regarding her crush and her basketball favorites. We should remember that the forum is made for a student audience. It should not tackle only about political issues which we know we should really be aware of, but we should also be in tune with the students lives as well in the audience, to keep them entertained, interested and inspired, that a powerful woman such as Madam Clinton was once like them, an ordinary student that could lead a powerful nation someday. But that's my own opinion. Over all, it was an honor and a privilege to be part of this historical event. :)

Hope to see you soon Madam Secretary, either back in our University or in your homeland the United States:)

ONE MED FOR JUAN CALLING 3: Brgy. Poblacion, Aplaya Muntinlupa

November 7, 2009 6AM in the morning we were heading to Brgy. Poblacion, Aplaya Muntinlupa as the advance team for the half day mission. When we got there, the local government unit was still preparing the tables and chairs for the floor plan I provided them weeks ahead of the event. Because it is my hometown, people seem to know me all of a sudden and I'm even their godchild??? which is impossible because I have only one ninang and she's in the states for years now...hahaha!:) Anyway, generally the medical mission was a success. We served 500++ patients and fed 200++ children and had a level up of our OMJ missions with 10++ minor surgeries!:) it was fulfilling and had tons of fun. It was even a family affair when my mom and brothers and bushy helped in the mission. Go ONE MED FOR JUAN!!!:)

How to make vegan organic soap

Got these compilations from different websites in my quest for the right recipe for an organic soap. Follow which one is most appropriate for your understanding. Click the words to be redirected to the original website. I had fun reading the Filipino version of how to make a herbal soap. It's challenging to explain everything in "Tagalog" I might use this how-to someday in one of my missions for a livelihood project. Amazing!:)

Cold Process Basics

The cold process is excellent! With it, you create your soap completely from scratch. These are the basic directions for using the cold process.

1. In a glass bowl, add lye to distilled water mixing slowly.

2. Melt your oils in a stainless steel pot.

3. When the temperatures of the oils and the lye water are close to the same temperature, pour the lye water into the into the oils. This will create the soap mix.

4. Stir the soap mix thoroughly until it reaches "trace".

5. Once the soap mix reaches trace, add the essential oils or fragrances called for by the recipe.

6. Stir the soap mix and pour it into the soap molds.

7. Cover the molds with towels and let them set for twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

8. After the soap has solidified, remove the soap from the mold.

9. Allow the soap to cure for four to six weeks.

That is the basic method for how to make soap. The actual process can be more complicated depending on your recipe and experience level.


How to make organic soap
JUNE 24, 2009

image by densaer
Using an organic natural baby soap on your child is not only safe for them but also for the environment as well. Such products contain no kinds of artificial ingredients, which are likely to cause irritation to their sensitive skin.

Today there are numerous different kinds of natural organic baby soaps that one can buy. But what you may find that where one soap suits one child it may not actually suit yours so you may need to try several before you find the right one. Yet even though you would be mainly using these kinds of soaps on your newborn baby these can also be used by other members of the family also.

The problem with actually purchasing commercially made organic soaps is that they are more expensive than other ones that are not. So if you would like to use only natural products on your child’s skin and save yourself money as well you could always have a go at making your own soap instead. All you will need is a few pieces of equipment including a couple of saucepans, some gloves and goggles as well as the natural ingredients. Below we take you through the steps of making your own natural organic baby soap.

Step 1 – You need to get together all the ingredients to make the soap. For this particular soap, you will need 15 ounces of organic olive oil, 5 ounces of organic palm oil, 5 ounces of organic coconut oil as well as 3.5 ounces of lye and 8 ounces of water.

Step 2 – Once you have already the ingredients together, you need to pour the water into the pan and to this very slowly add the lye. As the lye comes into contact with the water, you will notice that not only does it give off fumes but also causes the water to become hot. After you have added the lye to the water allow it to stand in a safe position under it has cooled down to room temperature.

Step 3 – After the lye mixture has reached room temperature, you now need to add the oils to this. But before you can do this, you will need to heat them up so place them all in the other pan and wait until they have reached the correct temperature. Using a thermometer will help you to know when the right temperature has been reached for the oils.

Step 4 – As soon as the oils have heated up you remove the pan from the heat and then very slowly begin to stir in the cooled down lye mixture. If you want, you can either mix the soap together by hand or use a stick blender instead. Blending the mixture together by hand will take around 1 hour before the mixture is ready to be poured into a soap mold. However using a blender can save you not only a lot of energy but time as well. You know when the mixture is ready becomes it has become much thicker and opaque to look at.

Step 5 – However if you are stirring the mixture by hand it can take up to an hour before the mixture is ready for being able to transfer to a soap mold. But once it is then you will need to leave your organic natural baby soap to stand for the next 24 hours in order for it to harden and then after this you will be able to use it.


Paggawa ng Sabon Mula sa Halamang-gamot na Akapulko, Bayabas, Kakawate, at Kalatsutsi
Written by Web Admin
Wednesday, 20 August 2008 23:03
Ang sabong halamang-gamot (herbal soap) ay isang uri ng sabon na hinaluan ng mga natural na katas at bitamina mula sa mga halamang gamot.

Kaukulang gamit ng mga dahon:

dahon ng akapulko para sa sakit sa balat (antifungal)
dahon ng bayabas para sa sugat sa balat (antiseptic)
dahon ng kakawati at kalatsutsi para sa galis.
Mga kagamitan:

Plastik na timba, sandok na kahoy o patpat na kawayan, baso o tasa, katsa na pansala o salaan, kutsilyo, sangkalan, palayok o stainless na kaldero/kaserola, kalan o lutuan, at hulmahan na plastik (ice cream cup).

Paraan nang paggawa ng dekoksyon:

Hugasang mabuti ang mga dahon at pagkatapos ay hiwain.
Maglagay ng isang baso ng hiniwang sariwang dahon at dalawang baso ng tubig sa palayok o kaldero.
Isalang sa mahinang apoy, pagkulo ay simulang orasan hanggang 15 minuto
Pagkatapos ng 15 minuto pagkakulo hanguin, salain sa pamamagitan ng katsa, at palamigin.
Mga sangkap at sukat:

1 baso ng "caustic soda" (NaOH)
3 baso ng pinalamig na dekoksyon o pinaglagaan,
5 baso ng mantika (cooking oil), at
"coloring powder" (hindi obligado/kung nais lamang).
Paghahanda:

Ihanda lahat ang mga sangkap at kagamitan na kakailanganin,
Maglagay ng isang baso ng caustic soda at 3 baso ng dekoksyon sa timba,
Haluing mabuti hanggang matunaw ang caustic soda,
Ilagay ang 5 baso ng mantika o "cooking oil" at patuloy na haluin,
Ituloy ang paghalo hanggang maging parang gatas na malapot na kondensada,
Isalin sa hulmahan o molde ang hinalong sabon (soap mixture). Hayaan sa hulmahan hanggang lumamig,
Pagkaraan ng apat hanggang limang oras ay alisin na sa hulmahan o molde,
Ilagay sa mesa o kabinet ang mga sabon hanggang 30 araw (aging period) bago gamitin o ipakete. Lagyan ng pangalan ang mga sabon.
Pag-iingat:

Ang caustic soda ay nakasusunog ng balat. Kapag nakapitan kayo nito, hugasan ng tubig na may sabon ang bahagi ng balat na nakapitan. Ito ay masama sa kalusugan, kaya gawin ang nararapat na pag-iingat. Gumamit ng "mask" at guwantes para sa kaukulang proteksyon. (BPG)

PBP Blg. 6587 Enero - Marso 2006

Pinagkunan:

PITAHC/DOH, Makati, Metro Manila.

Many people enjoy soap making as a hobby. However, commercial soap products contain synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and products that many people have allergic reactions to. Also, most commercially made soaps contain Tallow--an animal product. This makes purchasing soap very difficult for people who elect not to use animal products as well as people who have sensitive skin that is easily irritated. Making your own soap can be fun, while at the same time allowing you to have an organic vegan soap product that is free of chemicals, toxins, and animal products.
Things you'll need to get started:
1.) 1 pair of heavy duty elbow length rubber gloves

2.) 1 pair of safety goggles

3.) 2 1/2 gallon plastic pouring containers4.) 2 large plastic spoons
5.) 1 candy thermometer
6.) 1 Food Scale
7.) Roll of plastic wrap
8.) 1 Stainless steel (at least 15 quarts) pot
9.) 2 Yards of acrylic (an old drapery will do just fine)
10.) 1 plastic shoebox lined with plastic wrap
11.) 2 tablespoons of dried herbs
12.) 12 oz. of distilled water
13.) 1 oz. of Pure Cocoa Butter
14.) 4 oz. of Sodium Hydroxide (LYE)
15.) 7 oz. bottle of Pure Olive Oil
16.) 7oz. Pure White Coconut Oil
17.) 16 oz. of Pure Vegetable Shortening
18.) Wire cooling rack

You can purchase the oils at a health foods store or an organic grocery store. It is important that all of the products be labeled as "organic." You must all check the labels closely, especially with the Shortening--to be sure that you purchase a brand that contains no animal products.
First, take the plastic shoebox and line the entire box with plastic wrap. You can set the box on the counter top, on top of the old drapery. The box will be your mold for the soap, which you will later cut into small bars. Second, place the oils in the stainless steel pot and turn the heat on low. Put the candy thermometer into the pot and watch to be sure that the temperature does not exceed 120F. Melt the oils to a thick liquid. Remove from the stove, set-aside (still in the pot) and let cool to 100f.
Next, measure the distilled water into one of the plastic pouring pitchers, and set aside. Put on your elbow length gloves and safety glasses. Weigh the remaining plastic pitcher, and then add the 4 oz. of Lye to the pitcher (weighing the pitcher first helps to ensure that you get the weight of the Lye correct). Be very careful when working with Lye. Lye is a naturally occurring substance, but it can cause burns if spilled onto the skin. If you do spill it on your skin, rinse with plenty of vinegar. Pour the lye into the plastic pitcher with the distilled water, and stir with one of the plastic spoons until the lye is dissolved. Stir no more than 10 minutes. You can then set the pitcher of Lye and water aside and put the candy thermometer inside. Let it cool to 100F. This should take about an hour.
Once the Lye mixture is cooled, mix it into the stainless steel pot of melted oils. Slowly stir with a plastic spoon. Pour the Lye mixture into the pot of oils. Pour slowly and stir. Stir for at least 15 minutes, and then set aside. Stir once every 5-10minutes for the next half-hour. You will notice the mixture begin to thicken. As the mixture increases in thickness, you may add your driedherbs. Any herb will do, and many people use Basil, Peppermint, or Lemon Grass for the aromatic scents.
As the mixture continues to thicken, you are ready to pour the mixture into the plastic shoebox. Pour the mixture slowly, and cover with plastic wrap. Next, wrap the old drapery around the entire shoebox, and set aside for 24 hours. It is best to put the shoebox in a well ventilated, safe area that is free from children and pets. Do not unwrap the shoebox, as you do not want the trapped heat to escape.
After 24 hours put on your rubber gloves and take the shoebox out of the drape. The shoebox may still be warm, so be careful. The soap should be solid; if it feels a bit soft, then it is not finished; re-wrap and set aside for another 8 hours. It the soap is solid, it is best to cut it right away. Remove the block of soap from shoebox. You will have a perfectly large square of soap. Simply cut into bars with a long, sharp kitchen knife. The bars will then need to be placed on a wire rack (a cake cooling rack is perfect) and set aside for 4 weeks. The soap needs this time to "cure"; the longer you wait the better the soap's texture and herbal aroma.
Once the soap has cured, store the store in paper bags rather than plastic. Plastic tends to make soaps sweat, whereas paper is porous and will protect the soap for a year or more. Try experimenting with a variety of different herbs for surprising scents. You can also experiment with the different textures, thickness, and shapes of soap. Homemade soap is also great for gift giving, as well as for personalized designs. At the very least you'll be able to bath with a product that is not made from pesticides, and unnecessary
chemicals, toxins or animal products.

Learning how to debone a chicken:)

How To Debone a Chicken on Howcast

Trying some stuff for a new hobby....Cooking!:)

Roundtable with US Ambassador Kristie Kenny

As one of the ten student leaders chosen to be part of the round table discussion, it was an honor to be in the same room with Her Excellency Kristie Kenny, Ambassador of the U.S to the Philippines, when she visited last September 25 in our institution. We were able to discuss pertinent issues and had some light moments during the giving of tokens by the different student leaders.
As a representative of our Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, I gave her personally our official reversible medicine jacket and my very own nameplate. I teased that, when she goes back to her embassy or her beloved motherland and she'll share she met the Jackie Chan of the Philippines-she'll have her souvenir to support her story, my nameplate! hehehe! I'm sure no one can say they lost their nameplate to the US Ambassador. hehehehe:)

ONE MED FOR JUAN CALLING!

A Thomasian Pride: ONE MED FOR JUAN
By: Jacquelyn Chan, MSC President


How ONE MED FOR JUAN started?
Started out as a vision and theme of unifying the UST medical community in all activities by the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery Student Council 2009-2010. Miracles do happen, a realization of that dream where a solidified compassion, competence and commitment are transformed into words of action.

The USTFMS Student Council together with all the student leaders of the faculty made a Unity Pledge from the recent Leadership Training and Planning Seminar with the theme of ONE MED: one Mind, Energy and Drive in order to promote Thomasian spirit and rekindle the future and present Thomasian physicians’ solidarity to pursue excellence.
Should we say the rest is history?
Well, just a brief background for the books. There were a lot of discussions and reservations in the start. We sometimes tease that sweat, tears and blood has been invested in such an idealistic vision. But in God’s will, we now have USTFMS ONE MED FOR JUAN (OMJ), a venue where all medical students regardless of any organizations or none can come and unite as ONE for the greater good of our faculty and our nation. We had projects like the Medicine Week, which was very successful with the help of all the student organizations. Moreover, with such compassion from our volunteers, OMJ has not only inspired our co-medical students but our Thomasian physicians as well. Our mentors, consultants and residents in the faculty have joined ONE MED FOR JUAN CALLING medical missions in Sitio Lambakin, Marilao, Sta. Maria and Sta. Rosa, Marilao, Bulacan.

What NOW for ONE MED FOR JUAN?
We only dreamed of making it big in the University, but we didn’t expect ONE MED FOR JUAN to reach the different parts of the globe, from California to Ireland, in addition to the support from the different departments of the faculty and UST hospital staff. That’s why we have an upcoming project “ONE MED Paskuhan FOR JUAN” as a thanksgiving and its proceeds will serve to help our cause. Miracles do happen. We just have to believe that we can be truly be ONE for JUAN!


For donations please deposit to this account:

Account No.: 0171-020322-201
UST Medicine Student Council

swift code: SETCPHMM
Security Bank - UST Branch
Ground floor UST Main Bldg. Espana, Manila

Or you may visit USTFMS-Student Council Office 2nd floor St. Martin de Porres Building for any suggestions or inquiries.

It's been so long since I last blog...

It's been months already since I last blogged...I know I'm not that of a writer myself and this blogging stuff is still arabic to me. So forgive me for not having updated my site. Anyway, what have I been up to for these past few months. We'll beside doing pharma all over again (for unforgiving reasons) I am the currently the Medicine student council President. As they say, when God closes a door He opens a window. This time, this window has smaller windows to go through every time. Currently we are working on our budget and the upcoming Thomasian Welcome walk for the freshies. But I am more excited with our upcoming Medicine week this coming September...we already have a theme for an interbatch competition "MJ: Med for Juan" More details regarding that project next time:) Promise!:)