Bottled ※ Brain

Just this week, I saw two doctors wearing scrubs, which looked great on them. In both instances, the scrubs were made by Figs, a company made popular by social media. Their pants were tapered at the ankles. I complimented them.  As I walked away in both instances, I remember that one time when wearing a "scrub suit" thrilled me. It was like buying my first stethoscope, a ritual of imbibing the proverbial doctor's life. I bought my scrubs from stores near UP Manila. They were cheaper. Now, I've sworn them away. The v-neckline creates an optical illusion of a deep cleavage. I like to wear a pair of jeans and a shirt. Now I'm partial to wearing rubber shoes or sneakers. Also, I bring my backpack everywhere now. 

The couple that fart together stay together.

My cousin RR is getting married today. As the oldest Garcenila cousin currently in the country, he has asked me to speak in behalf of the family during the reception later today. I suppose I'm going to quote something from Tim and Kathy Keller's book on marriage. I might even say something about the good example of marriage that his parents have shown him. Perhaps I might just wing it.

University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Ermita, Manila, November 2011

I thoroughly enjoyed Sam Fragoso's interview with New Yorker editor David Remnick. I listened to it yesterday during my drive to work. I was so glued to it that I stayed inside the car for a couple more minutes to finish the episode.  I'm a huge fan of David Remnicks' writing. In 2018, I bought his   book on Muhammad Ali  after my arduous pre-residency at PGH Internal Medicine. I listen to episodes of New Yorker Radio Hour, one of my favorite podcasts, which he hosts. (I use Apple Podcasts, which is terrific, but according to friends, you can tune in to Spotify, too, which is just as great.) But Sam's interview with David was the first time I heard about the esteemed editor's personal life. I was so interested to hear him speak about his awareness that, as the older of two brothers, he would be taking care of his parents. His father was a dentist who would later suffer from Parkinson's; his mother was an art teacher who would have ...

Glan, Sarangani

Refreshed by my meditation this morning on Psalm 107, especially verse 9. For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. 

Under the dining table, Paul imagines a scene for his short story collection called, "Canine Stories: My Daily Walks Around the Neighborhood." One of the stories is probably about Victor, who used to be his best friend but is now his nemesis.

After an early start last Tuesday, I had breakfast at the newly opened branch of fast food chain in the city called City Fry. It's right in front of the hospital. From the parking area, I had to cross the busy highway, mindful that I could be crushed by speeding vehicles. Pedestrians do not have rights in real life—only on paper.  Sean told me that City Fry is a locally grown restaurant that had humble roots. The Marbel-based owners must have unlocked the secret taste to whet a huge craving for the fried chicken they cooked. New branches have been opened in the city. The first one I tried was in Arellano Street, during lunch time, where the place was packed with customers who were clearly enjoying their time despite the South Cotabato heat. I ordered the "thigh part" and a cup of rice for Php 50. The restaurant served free water, which you can refill from the dispenser. There was no pretension. You go there to eat good chicken, not take s...

Tropical flowers are beautiful.

Over the weekend we reconnected with my dear friend, Renan Laru-an , now director of Savvy Contemporary in Berlin . He's in town for the holiday but is flying out early next week. We lived, among other mostly Ilonggo-speaking friends, in the same Quezon City apartment for many years. He was the last to leave, when he decided in 2020 to pack his bags and return to his home in Sultan Kudarat.  We've known him for so many years that, each time he comes for a sleepover (his ancestral house is about 45 minutes away from Marbel), I don't have to fuss over because he can help himself to the fridge or find fresh towels in the cabinet. He's part of our extended family.  He'd be cold in Germany when he returns for work. I had the grand idea of taking Toto Renan to the beach. He said it was a great idea. I hadn't seen the sea in a while. I can cite the busy-ness of my schedule, the fact that it's out of my way. But isn't that what vacations are for—going out of you...

My morning meditation takes me to Mark 5. Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit. The man wants to go with Jesus' disciples. Jesus tells him (Mark 5:19): "...'Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.'"

Paul enjoyed his time in the river!

We welcomed the New Year the same way we've always done it: quietly, in bed, half-asleep while the neighborhood enjoyed the fireworks, firecrackers, and trumpets.  We joined the Ebeos and Taburnals—our sister-in-law Hannah's side of the family—for dinner. A tent was pitched in the middle of their family compound in Bo. 8. Children played in parlor games and got gifts. The food was delicious. Manong and I drove home. On our way, we saw vehicles crowding along the high way. People were doing last minute purchases of palupok .  We slept through it. Paul stayed in Manong's room, traumatized by the noise. But we all woke up early, I the earliest. I had my quiet time, where I started my Bible Reading Plan recommended by Tim Challies and downloaded The Reader's Companion written by Mark Roberts.  The goal of The Reader’s Companion is to assist you in regularly studying the Bible. The Companion does this by making the Scriptures more understandable. Being able to “get it,” to ...