Free Gym Session

It was one day before my birthday, that I've decided to take the free session trial of the gym, that gifted me for my birthday. I was spirited, full of hope, and determined. As I reached the place, it did not fail to make me notice, the obvious Chinese-looking signboards, structures, and its people. Apparently, the location of the gym was in the renowned Chinatown district of the city where I live. As I reached the area, I felt hungry, and knowing that it is important to eat before you train, I decided to look for any food with protein available. As I go through the streets of Chinatown, I found vendors selling "Takoyaki", it is a ball-shaped dumpling made with scramble egg, cabbage shreds, carrots, green onions, topped with both mayonnaise and ketchup, sprinkled with some brown powder. I loved "Takoyaki" since I was a kid, and knowing its egg content and some healthy ingredients, I've decided to spend three orders for such, with one order composing of four balls. As I ate, I noticed street childrens along the sidewalk, and then I decided to give them some of the servings of "takoyaki", that I bought. As I felt full, I realized it was high-time that I get into the gym and work out a sweat. I then went to the second floor where gym was located, and was very impressed with the facilities. It was not like a boxing gym at all, but it was a very spacious work out area, where you can feel like working out and relaxing at the same time. I later asked the receptionist if there were boxing sessions available in that time, and she said, that the trainer left already a while ago. I was slightly disappointed, for I brought my pair of 18 oz boxing gloves. After placing my things in a cozy locker room, I decided to hit the cardio, and do some running on the treadmill, I then burned 270 calories, before I settled down into a fancy sofa to rest. Trying to recuperate, I noticed that there was a computer in the lobby, with free internet access. I then posted my progress via Facebook, and people responded well to what I have done. As I began to catch my breath, I then went to the upper level of the gym, and worked out for strength training. Coming into this circumstance, I already thought and planned to work out my lats or the latissimus dorsi, and so, I head to the Pull down exercise machine, in my hopes to improve the muscles, and build those wings. Watching boxing matches, I have always been fascinated with the body built of fighters, especially the latissimus dorsi which looked obvious and pretty solid. Working out this muscle in the gym was important for me, because it is the only device that I lack at home. I can do crunches, reverse crunches, isolation, running, jumping rope, heavy bag work-out and the like at home, but never for the lats. I have thought about a parallel bar for pull-ups as a substitute, but I never have come across it, for I don't have it. Only in the gym, can I work-out my lats. I did a hell amount of work-out focusing on the lats, and later worked out the lower aspect of my abdominal muscles. It was a huge machine, that is supported with some weights for resistance, and metal frames for doing a reverse crunches. It was a great experience to be working on different work-out machines at the time. I had to thank the instructors for helping me out, for it was the first time I worked-out on those types of machines at that time. Feeling the slight bulge and tightening of my muscles, I then decided to take a rest in that same spot on the fancy sofa, and went over a few magazines. As I recovered, I recalled the earlier experience on the treadmill, which I thought was a great. I then decided to go for the treadmill for a second time. Running solo, I was having an intense work-out on the treadmill as I was watching cabled television. I was watching a soccer match which motivated me to run, and made me burn an additional 200 calories. I was work-out crazy at the time, with a concern that I was a little out of shape due to the holiday season. After getting some rest, I head outside the lobby and bought some water. As I walk past the receptionist, she immediately told me that the boxing trainer was upstairs. I was so excited, I can't hardly wait. I rushed upstairs into the boxing area and found the trainer. I asked him if he was able to train me today, and he replied "sure." He helped me with the gloves, which was great, because as I recall, I was the only one helping myself with the gloves through my self-training. It sort of gave me some moral support, in such a simple act. He treated me with some mitt training, starting off with jabs, then complex combinations that I can hardly repeat. I was hitting the mitts on his hand so much that in the middle of my work-out, I began to not focus on the mitts anymore, I was looking at the trainers face, as if his face would be my next target. *chuckles* He stopped, and told me "hit the mitts, okay" as if concerned that I would hit him in the face. *LOL* It was hilarious, but I never had the time to laugh, only after I realized how funny it was. While the trainer was training me, he told me in Cebuano dialect, "kusog man lagi ka manumbag." which is translated to English as "You really hit hard." I told him "Yeah." He asked me, "Who was your trainer?", and I told him that I learned boxing on my own, that I have been watching boxing matches every single day possible. Soft spoken, He praised my power and was skeptic about the notion, that I was not trained by a trainer in the past. He gave me some weird combinations that I never trained in the past, like the double right cross. I had it easy with the jab, but a double cross made me feel awkward. I couldn't hit it as stronger as I have wanted it. As long as I keep learning, I'm all for that. If Roy Jones Jr. and Manny Pacquiao can do it, so can I. If they used it and become great, so will I be using it, and become great. These were the mindset that played to me when I was training. The trainer gave me repeated combinations, over and over, not to mention the fact, that I have been running on the treadmill for too long. I wanted to go on, but my body seemed to have reached its limit, and so I told the trainer that I have had enough. In the end of all that training, I was worried and asked him, "what else do I need to improve?" He told me that everything was good, and told me I need more stamina. As I removed the gloves, my hands were noticeably shaking tremendously, as I had a hard time writing a signature for the concluded session. It almost looked like "Parkinson's", but I knew it was all adrenaline. Retiring to the locker room, I joined some people in the sauna. (After a few days, my skin got so much better.) I showered, packed my things, and left. It was one heck of a training session that I will never forget.

A Month without Boxing

It was in the month of December, that I was coming home from school, when I received a letter from a gym that I signed up to, months ago. In this letter they have greeted me, a happy birthday, and that, I received, a one day privilege, to use their facilities. It was inspiring on that moment, as in those days of December, I made it a point, to forget about boxing for just that month. Receiving that letter, made me think, that when I am not in boxing, it calls for me. It is like a sign in the heavens, or something, that boxing is definitely what I am supposed to do, in my life. Those days, that I decided to not box for awhile, was a product of my thought, that I was too much into boxing, and that I am not giving myself a break. People would say to me, you are too much boxing, relax yourself. So I definitely gave it a break, especially in the holiday season where my family needs me. I had to focus on other stuff for awhile, but one thing is for sure.. I missed boxing like crazy. Boxing is not a discipline for me, it is a want. People have their differences, and as for me, I love boxing. It is natural in me. I love training and I love punching.. It was hard for me to adjust myself into a non-boxing behavior. Taking away boxing from me, is like taking away my very soul, identity, and life. People, just can't be me, and I can't be them, it's logical, we are all unique. Although, I survived the month without boxing, I had made an exception. For that one day at the gym, I will unleash all the boxing that is stored and left inside of me. Great things have happened, and these are experiences and memories, that I will cherish forever.

Reached its 3000 views

It's been long since I posted here, and I found it tiresome to some extent, to write anything in these past few days. I had a lot of things going, and I guess this blog has missed out on some of the important details, that I have encountered. Experiences that develop me, as a Champion. First of all, I want to thank everyone, who has stumbled upon this blog. This blog has currently reached the 3000 plus mark two weeks ago, in the event of the first week of the new year. It has been a blessing, that the blog has increased in views from time around. Views, are one way or another indicators, of how much I have reached the world. It is important to know this, for I wish to inspire the world. I want to thank you all, for showing some support in this blog, through views, and recognition of some of my posts. This blog will keep going forever, to inspire.. A diary of a warrior, who dreams, and the difficult road, in which a Champion has to take.. this is what this blog is all about.. Believe in your dreams, with God, nothing is impossible.

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."