A leader, a hero, and a Filipino: Rizal, who has influenced me

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The following post, are words from my reflection paper that I have made for my Rizal subject. I find the article so beautiful and pure, that I decided to post it in this blog. I also posted this in tribute for the Rizal Day, which is fast approaching on December 30th. Enjoy!

A leader, a hero, and a Filipino: Rizal, who has influenced me

In this life, there are moments where we ponder into the horizon. Thinking of a life, which we view as acceptable for our own. To live a life, that is understood as "a life worth living." In these instances, a life of a leader, is displayed with trials, hardships, and successes. Their lives aren't that of people who lives their life to the fullest. They are people, who use their very existence for the service of others. They are the guiding light, that people look up to. They help us go through with our lives and make it easier for us. They give us the direction, in a turbulent life, when the tough gets tougher, and when hope is seemingly deprived of us. These are leaders, people who sacrifices themselves, to continuously help others, in achieving a common goal.

The leader that I admire the most, is our national hero, Dr. José Rizal. Born Dr. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, is a martyr of the Philippine Revolution. He was the founder of the civic organization "La liga Filipina", which inspired the revolution of the katipunan, including heroes, Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He may not be a warrior in the times of Spanish colonization, but he showed his love for our country, in a non violent approach. He protested against the Spanish crown, in the pursuit of equality and peace. He inspired the people, to live up to themselves, and give them a sense of self-respect, thus, giving them hope for a brighter future. These attributes, are enough for me, to rate him as a leader, and more importantly a hero.

Dr. José Rizal's remarkable characteristics or intelligences, amazes me, and inspires me to follow his footsteps, in helping him attain his dream, even in this century. Like Rizal, I wish to be an inspiration to others, in helping people, realize their dreams, by continuously making people believe in themselves. Rizal is very admirable with his linguistic skills, this also inspired me, to work more on my speech, writing, foreign language speaking, and translating. Rizal is a well-known phycist, and following his path, he has also played an important role in my life, in choosing the medical profession. Rizal, to me, is a person that I think, is worth emulating, for he has found it's way not only into the hearts of all Filipino's, but especially to the entire world.

His insights of life, has influenced me greatly, in terms of how I view life. He is a person with tremendous dedication to his work. He is a treasure of the Philippine islands, and most of his works are revered until this very age. He is a clear representation of a true Filipino. Similar to our day and age, like Rizal, most Filipino's have bloodlines of foreign heritage. Dr. José Rizal, is a true representation, of not only a leader, but a hero. I am proud to have Dr. José Rizal, as a part of our great Philippine Heroes. As a person, Jose Rizal, will remain as an example, of what a Filipino is all about, and that is, being optimistic, hospitable, proud, and most importantly, God-fearing.

Trivia: Rizal day is marked on the 30th of December, in tribute to the great Filipino hero. Rizal Day and my birth date are both coinciding on the same date.

Picture: A painting of the great Filipino hero, Dr. José Rizal.

Hatred is not for Champs

In instances that I could never imagine myself to be at, I have finally found myself in a situation, that I can say, that I am at my lowest point. This lowest point isn't anything about failing, depression, inactivity, or anything like such. The lowest point that I have experienced now, for me, is when I experience hatred. An intense feeling that eats you up, makes you frustrated, and is stored inside of you like some energy that needs to be released. I constantly find myself on random aggression, as I think of thoughts that are bothering me. I find myself getting up and doing some shadow boxing, hitting the bed, and shouting at the top of my lungs, which is all the effect of the anger that I am feeling as of this moment. At the end of the day, I find myself being miserable, making sleeping a challenge, as I have found it difficult to put my mind at rest, with an anger in my mind and heart. Oh what a feeling it would be, when I unleash this on the person I hated. I feel like I would keep loading up punches, until there is no hatred left inside of me. I feel like a volcano, bursting in flames, and I wanted every flame that I have, to devour the person that I hate. I know that I should be in control of myself and my emotions. I know I am a fighter, and that a fight anytime of the day will be welcomed, but using this advantage against a non-fighter would be shameful to my part. God didn't entrusted me with the gift of power, to wreck havoc, but he gave it to me for a purpose, and I believe that purpose is for me to be a champion, and inspire the world. The events that triggered this emotion, hasn't left my mind and it keeps growing inside of my heart. Although, I will try to relax myself for the moment, but I will never forget the events that took place, and when the time comes, I will definitely need to confront him, to finish the issue and my misery. Nothing is more dangerous than a person who is at his limits. A true champion knows how to control his emotions when he is tested, that way he becomes more focused as his opponent becomes more frustrated. I want to learn every part of this experience, as God should have wanted me to grow from this. It is all a learning process, on the ever difficult and winding roads of becoming a true champion. I will try and be better every time, for the world to know my greatness.. For God, for the world, and for myself.

A Champion and Liquor

It's been a wild evening, as I have just experienced the night life, which is clearly contradictory to what I believe and stand for. I have decided to experience this sort of trend in life, which will help me not to regret, that I have never done this, if ever I continued in my beliefs. Drinking liquor is a vice that needs to be taken out of anyone's system. As for me, I only drink these in every special occasions, like the fiesta's or the new year's, but I have never taken them as a habit. It's fun to do these once in a while, but I do clearly believe, that it will affect the outcome of what I wished for all my life, and that is, to be a champion. I don't want people to follow this demeanor that I have showed, but once in a while, you can say that these sort of things are fine as you take it rarely. Now is one of those days, as I consumed as much as I can handle, and being able to control oneself when that influence of liquor kicks in, is an experience unlike any other. Going through this, I have recalled the difference of my state from the fatter me, to the athletic me. I can say, that the fatter me, was able to tolerate alcohol at it's most extreme, while right at the moment, I am able to tolerate only a few glasses. In the event of this experience, I found pleasure in assessing myself as the influence progresses. Noting my body through the earlier stages, I am tense and observant through out my surroundings. Drinking a few, made me open up, becoming more sociable than usual, as I begin to feel at ease, and communicate some more. As the influence kicks-in, I begin to feel a chill, a body that seemed to tolerate tiredness. It also seemed that I feel light, and that my bones are able to flex without the limitations I would feel when in a normal state. Then you would feel the equilibrium imbalance, having a feeling that is almost similar to the effects of anesthesia. I can feel my skin, desensitizing as if I got anesthesia on my veins. Every itch from my skin are tolerated and less cared. As I have noticed, alcohol also seemed to make you tougher, as I have recalled seeing my girl talking to a stranger whom was seemingly, in my mind, had a bad intention. I immediately kicked in, and watched out for that person, because if he dares to face her again, with me at her side, believe me, the guy will have the worst beating of his life. I just couldn't believe that a champion like me, was in this position, drinking liquor and dancing on the disco. Looking through my surroundings, I began to notice a really drunk individual. He was more than what the symptom's that I have experienced. He was like a fainted individual being carried through his friend. Perhaps showing, how much the effect of liquor can get to a person, at it's limits. I have done this so I can experiment myself, in how much I can go through in this circumstance. In these fewer instances, I am able to record, of my experience on it's effects on the human body. In differentiating my current state to the state that I was in the past, from fat to the athletic. I have no regret's in what I have done, and surely, I won't be doing these every now and then. As I have said, being a champion is one of my dreams. I will take away any obstacles necessary, in order for me to reach my goal. I won't allow every hardships, pain, and trials that I have had, be put into the trash because of this. God has designed me in such a way, to fit in through what the requisites on my dream demands, and I dream to be an inspiration. I will make the weak strong, make the sentiments of the oppressed heard, and make a champion, out of every individual I meet. No matter how much liquor has kicked in, in me, I know I'm all heart. That fighter's will find it difficult to knock me down, as even if chance's may be slim for me, I will continue and be fighting. I will go on, and know, I will be standing in the end. This will be one of those few day's in my life for this. For I want people to believe in me, and to have faith in me, that I can achieve anything, when I believe.

Note: Writing this down, I know I am on the influence of alcohol. It will be the first time that I will be able to write a post, with the condition that I am in.

Nurse: Saving and Preserving Life

There are moments in life, that just take your mind out, into thinking deeply. Experiencing circumstances, that seem to relate itself into understanding life, and it's processes. Giving you a whole dimension, into thinking and viewing the world, more than what an average person sees. It is in these experiences, that we begin to learn, and gain wisdom. All are processes, of our growing up, which then helps us better ourselves, when such challenges are confronted and faced. Things are learned, in and out of any organization you choose to be in. For an athlete, things are learned in the gym, for a student, things are learned in school, and for a champion, things are learned in life. As a fighter, not only have I experienced the harsh nature of my sport, and succeeded in terms of enduring them, but I have also been exposed in the hospital setting, as a student nurse. Having experienced one of these priceless moments, that one would feel as if something has changed in them. I have always dreamed, of becoming a world champion someday, that I constantly envision myself in such moment, as I continuously train myself, through sweat and all muscle pain, one can't believe possible. For years, I have trained for that thought, but just parts of these wonderful moments as a nurse, I am able to view things more differently, that an athlete never sees.. The value for life, empathy for affected people, and the care for the weak, these aspects are elements that are innate, and I have learned through the constant hospital exposures, I've had in the past. There are these moments, where I would say, I love my work, and that is, in helping those who are in need. I had lot's of experience as a student nurse, but this experience, for me, is worth for the entire world to know, and to learn from. In a graveyard shift in a public hospital that I've had an exposure of, I was prepared with every materials, a positive mindset, and a body, which is willing to work for the eight hour shift, which was asked of us, but never would I knew, that it would one way or another, change my life in the long run. A traumatic event took place, as a turbulent moment in the Intensive Care Unit rushed me into the scene, by the request of my Clinical Instructor. Inexperienced as I was, I was called to operate a hand-held device, called a Bag valve mask, which is used for patients who are inadequately breathing. I stood right beside the distressed patient, which seemed to looked as if surviving, from the disease process, that had created her condition. The patient was dependent, to the ventilation device, that I match my pressure with breathing rhythm. Looking through the monitors, it is seen, that the patient was already having an irregular cardiac rhythm. The patient's husband, was terrified, crying, and eccentric, that he was shouting over everyone in the unit. In moments of his silence, the husband would cry in prayer. In the height of the moment, the husband decided to go against medical advice, which then prompted the entire staff to stop from there, as a signature was signed, indicating HAMA, or home against medical advice, which was made. He was probably looking for a miracle to happen, but in reality, it is understood that their decision would be fatal. As the nurse deflates the stopper of the endotracheal tube, I was asked to remove it, as I was the only person, wearing gloves at the time. Without question, I removed it. There were criticisms that people made towards my actions, for why did I allow myself to remove, a device that the patient was clearly dependent of. It is true, that the actions that has been done, had a direct effect on life and death. But what else can I do, when the family of the patient have asked of us not to do anymore? Although, I wanted to do something, but then I knew, I couldn't do anymore. These kind of trials, made me reflect, and learn a deeper sense in life, which has made me tougher, as a person. As inexperienced as I was in the past, I felt I will not be bullied into these types of situation again, that as long as there is hope, I am willing to use all my strength, stamina, and work up a sweat, just to save someone's life. I will preserve life, as much as I can, and it doesn't matter on what approach will I use, as long as I save lives. A year has passed, and I have just recently experienced another dramatic situation in the hospital setting. On a graveyard shift, I was assigned in the Intensive Care Unit, but in a different hospital. There was a patient who was again in Endotracheal tube which is attached to a mechanical ventilator. He was conscious, responsive, and was seemingly energetic, despite his condition. He was asked not to remove the tube and follow instructions which were given to him. He became defiant, and removed the tube on his own. He was questioned immediately of his actions, and responded that he wanted to spit, but after a few seconds he experienced shock. Everyone was on rush as they prepare the emergency equipments. I wanted to come in and help, but they asked me to stay out, for there were too much people in the room. My opportunity arrived, when they asked for a cardiac board, which I delivered. As I entered the room, The doctor was performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. In a frantic moment, perhaps noting my physical advantages, the doctor decides to let me do the chest compressions. I swiftly went over and gave all I could, as I knew how to do such procedure. In my mind, I thought to myself, that I will save this man. I was intense, consistent, and desperate. The patient's face looked pale, looking through the monitor, it was seen that the patient has an irregular heart rate. In a moment where hope is deprived, I made myself to think, that I am the hope, that I will definitely save him. I continued for such lengths, that even if the nurse offered to switch turns with me, I said, "It's okay, I can still go on." I never felt tired, when it comes to saving one's life. I went on, and on, with full determination, until his normal heart rhythm has returned, and his face wasn't pale anymore. I felt fulfilled that I did all I could, into something worth doing. For me, nothing beats the feeling of helping people who are in need, in saving lives, and more importantly, serving my father God. I want to help, as long as I have the strength, I will do all I can, to prevent death as much as I can. I understood well, of my mistakes in the past, and I will not allow myself to be placed in that dark pathway again, for I've learned and found the light. People would ask me, "Isn't there anything greater for you, than being a champion?", I would say, "Greater than a champion, is a hero."

Weight Difference

Weight plays an important factor in a match. Most people underestimate the tale of the tape, but it is in actuality, the essence or the early indicators, of how the fight will take place. So even if my prediction, was seemingly had some sense into it, you can never tell, until the tale of the tape is seen, especially the weight just hours before the fight. A weight advantage, can do lot's of things to you, as long as you understand how it works. It can give you a strength advantage. As I've said in my previous post, a requisite for power is weight. Weight is where the power comes from. People mistake power, from the swinging motion of your arms, or the strength of your upper body, but these things are only helpful in how you deliver a punch. The over-all punching strength of a fighter is determined on weight. That said, putting weight on your punches, really put's out the full potential of one's true strength. Another thing is, it can give you endurance, such that, a fighter can resist or take the punches more. We have seen this, over and over again, in the sport of boxing. People who are heavier have the least chance, of getting knocked down, by an opponent who is lighter than him. Finally, the disadvantage of weight increase, is slower reflexes and slower punching. So it is best to understand what weight division are you most comfortable with, based on Body Mass Index. Being fit and heavier is better, than being overweight and heavier. Weight is an important aspect in the science of fighting.

The Pacquiao - Margarito Fight

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The Pacquiao-Margarito fight has been concluded, and Manny won by unanimous decision. It was an intense fight, with both fighters trying to answer from their onslaughts against each other. The ring was filled with attracting colors, wearing the gloriously white and gold trimmed shorts, is Pacquiao, while Margarito was wearing the red and black shorts. Analyzing the fight, we can see, that although Pacquiao, is the more renowned puncher against the two, we cannot deny, that Margarito also, has the known boxing phrase, "a puncher's chance". I knew the physical advantages of Margarito will make him more of a puncher, against Pacquiao. Although, larger than Pacquiao, he was slower. He reminds me of an old Oscar de la Hoya. As the fight progresses, we can see how Margarito was able to take Pacquiao's punches, as if it were nothing. Margarito looked like a man, who is searching for something, but ended up empty. I have to say, that his pressure did a lot, and I have seen Pacquiao, seemingly exhausted in the later rounds, with Margarito constantly moving forward. Although, busted up, Margarito definitely hung in there, and my hats off to him, as he has gained, a new found respect from everyone around the world. Pacquiao was just the quicker fighter and the better boxer, as he continuously pummels Margarito, but the only irony was that he was unable to knock him out. As expected, Pacquiao hurt Margarito early, but was unable to finish him in the later stages. It was another one-sided match from the "Pacman", and he has proven to me, and to others, that he is the pound for pound king. What amazes me was his post fight interview with Mario Lopez, as Manny said that, "Boxing is not a sport of killing." This shows, how much of a champion, Manny is. He shows mercy towards people, beating up a beaten fighter is no fun. As a fighter, showing mercy, is incomprehensible, so moments like this from a true champion, is truly amazing. In the later rounds, it may have looked as if Manny is exhausted, but perhaps, he showed mercy on Margarito, as he let him finish the 12th and final round. I felt that Lawrence Cole should have stopped the fight on round 10, as the aftermath, seemed to make Margarito be doomed to play in the fight. After the fight, Margarito was sent to the hospital, and will be having an eye surgery, because of the damage he took. I thought, Lawrence Cole's decision of letting Margarito continue to fight, was very inhumane. He does not deserve to be a called a boxing referee, if he doesn't show compassion towards the fighters. Today, the circumstances that have happened to Margarito can be all blamed to his corner men, who were almost like servants of the fighter, and the referee, Lawrence Cole, for his misplaced judgment of letting him continue the fight. The physician, must be obsessed with violence, or must have been an amateur as well. Again, ethics play an important role in these type of circumstances. Safety is most important, pride gives you nothing in the end.

Final Thoughts:
Manny Pacquiao is the man, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. must come out and face the challenge. Manny Pacquiao has become, the unprecedented eight division world champion. With all due respect to Sugar Ray Robinson, I think that Pacquiao might be, the greatest fighter of all-time.

Picture: An intense exchange of blows, from Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, and Antonio Margarito of Mexico.

The Statistics

The latest services for blogger.com, includes some of the most important and interesting programs, that will help bloggers, like myself, have an easier time, and a more complex view on certain functions, that will help us get, up-to-date to the progress of our blogs. The only feature that I am very interested was, the blog statistics. At first, I was not confident in using it, because I felt that, maybe, my blog hasn't had a view, except myself and some of my classmates who were interested. To my surprise, I have about more than one thousand views, and most of them, from foreign countries, outside my native Philippines. Looking at the statistics, this is what I have discovered..

My top ten, All-time Audience Statistics
1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Philippines
4. Italy
5. Australia
6. Poland
7. Canada
8. France
9. Germany
10. India

From the statistics above, frequent visits are from United States, United Kingdom, my country the Philippines, and Italy. The most viewed post from my blog, is a post, entitled, "Power in Punching" and pretty close with another post entitled "Boxing Weight Class Divisions", and a few one's from the posts.. "Philippine Boxing Legends", "Reflexes", and "Pacquiao-De la Hoya". The top referring site for my blog is google.com, and the local counterparts of it, in United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia. Facebook, is rank four, to my referring sites.

Final Thoughts:
I want to thank each and everyone of the people in this planet, who is reading this blog. You truly are, my inspiration. Things like the statistics, make me feel like, being heard, and it has made me proud, as a blogger, and has given me the inspiration to continue this blog. Looking through the statistics, it is evident, that all the countries who are attracted to my blog are all English-speaking countries. Therefore, I will take the challenge in writing spanish, in order to attract hispanic countries as well. I have learned that, people are more interested in boxing functions, and especially the topic of power. All I can say is, you found the right guy to trust, in these kinds of information. For just this moment, I am speaking, as a blogger. Again, I want to thank you, world!!

Picture: A world view, of the all-time audience statistics of this blog.