20/25 Vision thanks to Lasik Surgery

I have worn eyeglasses and contact lenses as long as I can remember, more specifically ever since I was in the 1st grade. I recall, I was the tallest girl in the class and so the teacher has placed me in a sit at the back of the 1st row. That was the time I realized that I was having some trouble following the lessons because I can’t see anything the teacher was writing in the blackboard. That was when my mom scheduled my first ever trip to the optometrist. Although I was doing fine with glasses/contact lenses, all the optometrist that I have visited pointed out that due to my very high astigmatism, the grade of my eyeglasses and contact lenses was never enough to give me 20/20 vision and is just enough to make me see until the 4th line of the eye chart (or whatever that is called) so even though I have glasses and contact lenses, I still requested my teachers/professors to put me at the front row of the class. Ever since, me and my eyeglasses and contact lenses have battled through elementary, high school and college quite well.

Lasik (laser assisted-in-situ keratomileusis) surgery was something that I have been looking at for quite sometime now but I just feel queasy by the mere thought of someone poking my eyes and I was a bit terrified about the results (although I know that these fears were unfounded). What if I go blind or something, better to have blurred eyesight than none at all. However when we moved to the Netherlands, I have known a few people who have undergone the surgery and have assured me that the results are very satisfactory and the risks are minimal.

Finally, I have discussed with my honey and we have decided that it’s best that I undergo the procedure when we come back in Manila for our holidays. I have done some research online and found several well-reputed eye centers that offer the procedure, I have decided to inquire with Asian Eye Institute and American Eye Center through their websites. Both websites promise a response within 48 hours however only American Eye Center delivered an answer to my query. I tried to inquire again with the Asian Eye Institute but still no response. I also asked my mom to inquire with both the eye centers through phone and she commented that American Eye Institute is more accommodating. Finally, I decided to entrust my eyes with American Eye Center, I assume that if they are very accommodating with their clients online, how much more if they’ll be performing a procedure on you.

I had my initial tests on the 12th of May and the moment I have passed the screening, we immediately scheduled the surgery on the 19th of May. Even during the screening, the doctor already told me that due to my very high astigmatism, the best-corrected visual acuity that can be achieved through the operation was 20/25, which was more than fine with me. I was asked to arrive at the American Eye Center in Shangri La at 1:30 pm so that I could undergo further retina tests, among others. At exactly 3:45 I was inside the operating room with at least six others waiting for our turn to be placed under the humongous laser machine thingy that will eventually give us a brighter vision. Dr. Jack Arroyo performed the surgery on me. The actual procedure only lasted for approximately 15 minutes for both the eyes so before I knew it, it was my turn. As I lay on the operating table, my heart was pounding so hard I was worried that my eye would pop out of their sockets. It was so quick, I remember following Dr. Arroyo’s instruction to focus on the red blinking light at the center of the machine, there were moments when the light was blurry, sometime it was clear still again sometime it was not even there but I was still asked to focus on it. I didn’t feel a thing although I remember having a weird feeling around my lashes a split second while the procedure was being done. I think I held my breath the entire time. After a couple of minutes, which was like forever to my oh so nervous heart, the doctor finally placed the flap on my left eye (my right eye was already flapped right after it was done) and said that I did great. Whew, what a relief!

I was guided to sit at the waiting room just right outside the operating room and asked to wait for a little over 15 minutes, right after that, the flaps were removed and an attendant asked me to open my eyes so that she could drop some antibiotics over it. After the antibiotics were dropped, another doctor examined my eyes and said that everything looks great. I was escorted into yet another waiting room outside where my honey was waiting for me. The attendant gave him all the instructions, to which I was not paying attention to, about all the medications and instructions on what to do and what not to do. I had tears trickling down my cheeks for the next couple of hours. In spite of that, I can already see an improvement in my vision, I just can’t keep my eyes open for a long time coz tears are flowing harder and my eyes couldn’t take too much light. What did I do when I got home? I slept it off.

The following morning, I removed the protective glasses from my eyes and realized that I had a clear vision, one that I have never had before with contact lenses or glasses. I went back to the American Eye Center at 9am for my check up and the doctor confirmed that the operation was successful and I have now a 20/25 vision, which was in line with our expectation. In fact, on my 1st week check up which was last 26th of May, a day before we went back here in Amsterdam, the doctor was quite impressed with the result, she said that in fact, with my very high astigmatism prior to the operation, normally the best vision would be around 20/40 which was a blessing for me of course.

Thanks to all the doctors and staff of the American Eye Center for taking care of my eyes and for their warm and very professional approach in doing it.

Palawan Escape

One of my dream destinations ever is Palawan. In fact, it was one of our choices for our honeymoon when Junfer and I were still planning for our wedding and it is a part of my 100 things to do/visit before turning 35 Faith didn’t allow us to visit this beautiful paradise until last Thursday, 15th of May 2008. Junfer and I together with our friends Dennis and Hyen towed our bags across the Centennial Airport bright and early in the morning with our eyes still puffy from the previous night’s lack of sleep due to the anticipation and excitement for that day. We boarded the Philippine Airline flight bound for Puerto Princesa and we took off at approximately 9:30 am and we arrived at 10:30 in the morning. From the Puerto Princesa Airport, the resort where we booked our 3 days/2 nights stay, Dos Palmas, has arranged for a 30-minute bus ride to take us to the port where we took an hour boat ride to the Island. It was quite a rough boat ride since the weather was not so good (which will turn out to be an understatement).

Upon arrival at the resort our boat was met by a jovial group riding kayaks and throwing flowers at us, it was lovely, although the strong winds diminished the effects of such attempt. Anyway the resort still receives my thumbs up for their effort. There was also a group of musicians playing a native drum and kulintang that welcomed us as we stepped foot on the resort. As we walked further, another group welcomed us with a refreshing drink and gifted us with native necklaces that were all so pretty as well.

We decided drop off our bags inside our beach cottage before having our lunch. The beach cottages were quite impressive, spacious, well lit and functional and I really liked the simplicity and elegance of the room. The view of the beach right in front of the terrace and the peaceful sound of the waves only add to the room’s charm. Only thing that I would have wanted to be added in the room is a television (I will elaborate later).


After examining our rooms and securing our luggage, we headed off to the restaurant and feasted on the buffet lunch that were all so sumptuous which we later on discovered would be true for all the meals that we had on our 3 day-stay. Dos Palmas offers a wide variety of food that can satisfy every craving. Not once in our stay did we taste the same kind of viand from their buffet. What I particularly liked about their set up was the on the spot cooking for pasta, crepes, calamari, ebi tempura and others. Each of these foods was sizzling hot when we take them to our own table.

When we had our stomach full, we changed to our swimming gears and went to Dos Palmas’ Marina Center where we asked their crew to assist us on our attempt to snorkel. They were very helpful and provided us with the proper gears, arranged for a speedboat to take us to the snorkel site and even took pictures of us as we float around the clear blue water. Dos Palmas’ offers one of the best services I have ever experienced in any resort or hotel that I have stayed at. I even remember Hyen saying, “The crew here are so motivated, they’re always wearing a smile and are so enthusiastic to help us, maybe the management compensates them well”.



I don’t know about compensation but I sure do agree with Hyen. The staff and crew in Dos Palmas are very helpful and offer a service over and above one’s expectations, mine’s at least.

Unfortunately, our dream escape turned into a dull vacation thanks to the crappy weather that persisted the entire time that we were there. We were able to snorkel on the first day but only for a very short while because it started to rain so hard and the wind blew so strong that the waves came crashing at us. We made attempts to kayak the following day but we had to abruptly end our sorry attempt again because of the strong winds. We also tried to arrange for tours on the under ground cave or other famous islands that can be found in Palawan but we were discouraged by staff in the resort owing again to the bad weather. We had to make the most with the activities offered within the resort like billiards, a single videoke room, infinity pool, film showing, spa and table tennis (which I have only learned to play during this stay in Dos Palmas, thanks to my patient honey and friends). Since May is supposed to be a peak season, there were quite a few guests in the resort as well. We all had to share in the limited indoor activities that were available thus, there were times when we ended up with nothing to do but wait for our turn to use a facility and not having a television in your room doesn’t help.


I also realized that even if we had a good weather, some activities are only done during the day thus limited activities are available at night. Well I guess this place is not for the head banging, party people, this place is suitable for those who wants to get away from the hustles and bustles of city life.

Our first visit in Palawan was quite a disappointment for us, I have always pictured myself seeing the many scenic spots is this paradise. Before we left Junfer was asking me if I’d give Palawan another try. I definitely will, I would also like to stay at Dos Palmas again, I’ll just pray hard that the next time, we’ll be blessed with a better weather.

Happy Mothers' Day to All

Mother's Day is one of my most awaited holidays in a year, I don't really care if some people might think that this is just one of those made up and commercialized holidays by Hallmark (same with Grand Parent's Day or Valentine's Day) to increase their sales. What makes it even more spectacular is that I am celebrating this very special day with my mom! How great is that.

Honestly, I want Mother's Day to be an every day event so just to make an excuse to do something special for my mom. That's how awesome she is. I feel that making her feel extra special (if its even possible to hike up the notch of her "specialness") in more days in a year is a very little way to repay my mom for all her sacrifices, hard work and love in rearing me into the person that I am today.

And if that's not enough reason to celebrate this day, I was even blessed with more mother's (my mom in law Mama Lita and my hubby's aunt Mommy Zennie. Who have taken me into their families and treated me as their own daughter. God has indeed been very good to me.

I dedicate this space to all Mom's who have raised, are raising and will be raising the future leaders, the next artists, or just the next fine person that anyone can meet. Kudos to all you moms who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their children and for those mom's who have given nothing less but unconditional love. All of you have made this world a better place to live in.

And to my mom, Happy Mothers' Day, I love you and may we celebrate more special days together. I owe the person that i have become to you. Thanks for everything.

Word for the Week: Festive

Picture from Wikipedia.

As far as I know, Holland is one of those countries with the least number of Public Holidays celebrated within the year (only 8-9 public holidays in a year). However, when it rains, it pours. True enough we celebrated two holidays last week: Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) on the 29th of April and Ascension day celebrated on the 1st of May. Between the two, Queen’s day is the more festive event. This day commemorates the birthday of the Queen of the Netherlands and is supposed to be a day of national unity and togetherness. (according to Wikipedia). For us commoners, what makes it so festive is the “freemarket” (vrijmarkt) where people would lay out all sorts of things and sell it for very insignificant amounts. From what I have observed, these people who sell stuff on the streets during this day doesn’t do it for the money at all, this “freemarket” is done just for the fun of it. As for me and Junfer, it was so much fun to roam around the streets laid with all sorts of merchandise and finding a great bargain. As they say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

We started our stroll quite late this year at around 11am because the weather was unpredictable. I think the weather also discouraged a lot of people from participating in the “freemarket” because there are fewer stalls this year compared to last year. However, in spite of the fewer stalls, the goods for sale where as varied as anyone could possibly imagine, from kitchen wares, old plates and wine glasses to old printers, golf clubs, paintings, clothes and so much more. In the end, the weather cooperated and we made a great purchase. We chanced upon this antique bronze art piece from a very nice old man that is to be hanged on the wall which goes so well with my curtains bought for only €5. Sweet deal.

Another thing that I look forward to during Queen’s day is the “Kermis”. This is like a small amusement park set up in various corners of the city where there are rides, games, and various food stalls. I normally expect at least 2 new big stuffed toys from Junfer when there is a “Kermis” around. Junfer scored 4 new stuffed toys this week from our ever favorite game, the name of which I don’t know but let me just describe it. This is the game where a number of cans are arranged in a pyramid and the player would have to topple all of them using three balls. He is so good at it seriously that he scored my first big stuffed toy this week on his first try. Amazing.

Queen’s day is one holiday I would always look forward to. Maybe next time we’ll also decide to sell our old stuff on the “freemarket”.