Tackling the Nursing Exodus in the Philippines

Macrine ( RIP) Graduating with Her AA Degree in Nursing, Contra Costa College, Richmond, CA 1979

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/celebrating-macrines-waksi-one-year.html

Nursing is a profession that I can personally identify. My wife ( RIP) was a nurse, educated in the United States. My two sister- in-laws ( now retired), were nurses educated in the Philippines but immigrated to the US. Both of them had nursing careers in the USA they are very proud of. My nephew is a current practicing nurse in the UK. My deceased wife has several relatives in the US and Europe who are or were nurses. Thus the nursing profession is close to my heart. Thus, this article about Nursing in my FaceBook page today, 

My Wife (RIP) Graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing, Holy Name College, Oakland, CA. 1981. Macrine had an Accounting Degree from the Philippines. When we immigrated to the US in 1960, she stayed at home and raised our four children until they were all college graduates. Macrine went backed to school and pursue her life-long ambition to be a nurse at the age of 40.

I supported her dream and when she passed the Nursing Board ( California), I treated her to a one-week vacation to the big Island of Hawaii. That was the week, we will always remember!!

💚💚💚The Pride of Cleaning Asses!! I was inspired to repost this article- Tackling the Nursing Exodus in the Philippines.   

"The Philippines has been known as a major – if not the largest – exporter of nurses globally. It was estimated that in 2020, some 240,000 Filipino nurses are working across the world.

https://www.hospitalmanagementasia.com/talent-skills/tackling-the-nursing-exodus-in-the-philippines/#:~:text=It%20was%20estimated%20that%20in,grow%20to%20250%2C000%20by%202030.

But ironically, the country is now facing a growing nursing shortage at home. As of 2023, the Philippines faces a shortage of around 127,000 nurses a number which is expected to grow to 250,000 by 2030.

Ms Everrette C. Zafe

The reasons behind this trend are many-fold, but Ms Everrette C. Zafe, Nursing Director at World Citi Medical Center (WCMC) in Manila, points to the COVID-19 pandemic as a tipping point.

Before the pandemic, the hospital saw the pace of recruits keeping up with the pace of those leaving. The pandemic however heavily disrupted this balance.

“Nurses feared the risk of catching the virus themselves, and we saw an exodus of nurses with many leaving the profession altogether. At the peak, we were seeing 2 to 3 resignations every week,” said Ms Zafe.

With a nursing strength of around 130 Staff nurses at WCMC, the rate of resignations was significant.

Moreover, as more nurses began catching the virus and stayed home to be quarantined, the number of nurses available at the hospital fell further, she noted.

As such, it has had to halt admissions for a while due to a lack of nurses to ensure quality of care.

When the pandemic situation stabilised, the hospital then faced the new challenge of nurse retention. With the reopening of borders, many countries dangled attractive packages to Filipino nurses, including higher compensation, conducive benefits, and visa provisions.

On the Philippine government’s end, several measures were launched to tackle the growing shortage, including temporary deployment bans restricting nurses from moving abroad. Last year, it launched the Clinical Care Associate programme, allowing the employment of nursing school graduates who have yet to pass their board exams".

💚💚💚"The Pride of Cleaning Asses !!!-From My Face Book Page this Morning

" Today I heard again "you work cleaning asses" and it's neither the first nor the eighth time I've heard it. And I feel the need to claim my work and shout out to the world how proud I am of it. Yes ladies and gentlemen, proud to clean asses, cut nails, wash heads, dress, shower, feed and care for people among other things, yes yes PEOPLE, who cannot do it by themselves and need help. But let's summarize it in "wipe ass".

I am already a little fed up with the negative connotations of this expression that is closely linked to my profession. It is clear that not all of us are worth everything. For example, I couldn't work in something that required me to lie, like a banker or something like that. And yet that is a highly valued profession, on the contrary, facing mine is like the last of the last. 

I tell them that most of us who classify us like this never need anyone to "wipe their ass" that: I hope they never need someone to do it. But if the time comes that is necessary, any of my colleagues who are professionals or I will be willing to help you and make you have the best possible quality of life, and always with good humor and love. 

Now they are going to say what is the really important job for people like us nurses, but please, do not use the expression "wipe ass" with contempt, because maybe one day someone will have to do it for you and believe me you will feel grateful."

Meanwhile, Did you Know that?

The British occupied Manila during the Seven Years’ War between Britain and Spain.

Key figures were William Draper & Cornish leading the British, while Simon Anda y Salazar resisted in the provinces.

The British looted Manila, taking treasures, including historical documents and gold.

Filipino Food is Fifteen Minutes Away from my Front Door

I renewed my DoorDash membership last month. I can order any ethnic foods and preferably my favorite Pinoy dishes any time. Last Sunday, I ordered Dungeness Crab in Garlic Butter from Crab Boil & Things in Concord. 

Yesterday, I ordered Lechon Belly and Turon from Imas Kitchen also in Concord ( see photo above). I have to pay a distance fee, since these restaurants are not in Walnut Creek. The Distance fee is reasonable. However I usually add a reasonable tip for the delivery person.  I ordered food usually on Sunday's when THD Newton's Restaurant is closed.     

There are several restaurants in Concord and other East Bay areas, where I could order Filipino Food. It is a shame that Walnut Creek has no Filipino restaurant.  Here are the restaurants where you could order Filipino dishes and is serviced by DoorDash. 

Goldilocks, Isla Restaurant, Isla Grand Restaurant, Oriental Food Market, Grill City, Imas, Chow King, Mama's Lumpia, and Red Ribbon Bakeshop.  Most of these restaurants are located at the Sea Food City Mall in Concord. Sea Food City Mall is just across the Veranda Shopping Mall. 

The above restaurants are good for To Go Orders. If you need more ambience, Try the FOB Philippine Restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland.  Last year I organized a THD Lunch Excursion. It was a gastronomic delight. I am hoping that this year THD may be able to organize a repeat lunch excursion at FOB in the next few months or so. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/06/lunch-at-fob-kitchen-gastronomic-delight.html

Meanwhile,  I made the left-over lechon from lunch into paksiw that I eat for Dinner with Steam rice. Here's the recipe for lechon-paksiw. 

https://www.foxyfolksy.com/lechon-paksiw/ 

 Lastly, here is a map of Europe's Culinary Horror, 2013

However, I love tripe soup, blood pudding, liver paste, Pressed Ducks and Frog Legs and Dressed Herring. How about you? Do you have an adventurous palate ? Or are you just a plain meat and potato person?  Most people are!!!       

The Cost of Matchmaking Services Today

Valentine's Day is near...This topic is relevant in the Celebration of Lover's Day!  

During one of our mealtime conversation several months ago with my neighbor, we talked about matchmaking services. We concluded that the service is probably popular with the rich professionals who have no time for on-line dating on their own time.   My dinner mate mentioned that a relative in her mid-30's just informed her she was able to get a marriage partner via a matchmaking  service that cost her 10K. I have no idea of what is currently a reasonable cost for matchmaking services.  I got curious so I did a search and here's what I learned💚.    

"As of 2024, matchmaking fees across the industry range from about $3,000 to $50,000.

Fees vary widely, reflecting the personalized nature of the service, and these costs can be affected by a number of factors, including: 

• the exclusivity of the service
• the duration of the contract
• the level of customization offered 

Some matchmaking companies, including us, also offer different tiers of service, with higher tiers providing more personalized attention and access to a more exclusive client base. 

Note: It’s important to remember that these fees are an investment in a service that’s tailored to finding a compatible, long-term partner, and they often include extensive consultations, personalized matchmaking, coaching, date coordination, concierge service and follow-up support.

Comparing Matchmaking Costs with Online Dating

When weighing matchmaking services against online dating, we understand that cost is a significant factor. Matchmaking, with its personalized approach, typically involves higher upfront costs compared to online dating apps or websites, which often have free or lower subscription rates. The difference is that matchmaking provides a bespoke service, potentially leading to more meaningful connections, and much faster than the more time-consuming search of online dating. 

Are Matchmaking Services Worth It? 

Personalized matchmaking is unlike any app you’ve ever used. Matchmakers can be worth the investment for those who value personalized assistance in their search for a partner. They offer expertise in human relationships, saving time and energy by curating potential matches. For busy professionals or those tired of the hit-or-miss nature of dating apps, matchmakers provide a more focused approach to finding a compatible partner.

Despite the initial cost, matchmaking services can potentially save money in the long run. This saving comes from the efficiency and targeted nature of the service. Matchmakers streamline the dating process, reducing the time and expenses associated with endless dates that may not lead to meaningful connections. By focusing on quality over quantity, matchmakers aim to quickly and effectively connect you with compatible partners, potentially leading to a lasting relationship sooner and reducing the overall financial and emotional costs of prolonged searching.

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that matchmaking is an investment, both financially and emotionally, in your personal journey to find love.

Key Take-Away: By focusing on quality over quantity, matchmakers aim to quickly and effectively connect you with compatible partners, potentially leading to a lasting relationship sooner and reducing the overall financial and emotional costs of prolonged searching. It’s a real investment, but one which might pay endless dividends.

💚For Details visit: https://tawkify.com/blog/from-the-experts/how-much-does-a-matchmaker-cost-in-2024-and-why

Meanwhile, here's my previous Dinner several months ago (To-Go) featuring Lentil soup with sausage and Pork Tenderloin served with baked sweet yam and saute'ed ginger carrots and mango chutney. 

The lentil soup reminds me of one of my favorite Filipino dish, Guinisang Mongo with Pork. The Pork Tenderloin was delicious and the mango chutney was a perfect sauce and side dish. Again Kudos to Agustin, Our Newton's Chef.. Also, welcome, Joel -our newly hired sous Chef. May your stay here at THD a long and happy event in your life! 

Lastly, here's my poem of the Day:    

One hundred years from now

It will not matter

What, what kind of car I drove

What kind of house I lived in

How much I had in the bank

Nor what my clothes look like.

One hundred years from now

It will not matter

What kind of school I attended

What kind of computer I used

How large or small the congregation where I was worshiped.

But the world may be

A little better because

I was important in the

life of someone else

  

Ten Interesting Facts about Manila and the Philippines

From My FaceBook Page the Other Day: Filipinos need to go out of the Philippines to look at their country in a better light and perspective.

Manila, Philippines- Some Parts are Chaotic with Traffic Congestions, but the Rich Suburbs are Places for Big Mansions, First Class Shopping Malls and exemplifies the luxuries of Living on Planet Earth.

I will badly miss the following. I was born and raised in the Philippines but now I am residing abroad- Quotes from the Author of this Article

1. The sun- sun here is constant and reassuring. We know it will rise at 5am and sets ut 5:30 to 6pm, 365 days.

2. The chaos, traffic and smoke- it can be overwhelming for newcomers but a constant sense of adventure for us. Everyday, we ride on motorbikes and gets a different vibes, different level of thrill and danger.

3. The language and chatter- I will miss hearing Tagalog and local dialects if I am in a foreign land. I miss speaking it.

4. The smiles- I will miss the smile and gentle nods of the taho vendor, the grocery store owner and neigbors.

5. The ease of meeting friends- Filipinos are always just a call away. Need a coffee date, message a friend, meet halfway. Need a drinking buddy, call the tropa and head to the local bar. Or just go anyway and talk to the waiters.

Typical Rural ( Provinces) Scene in the Philippines

6. The entitlement- yes, as a natural born citizen I will miss that liberty to complain, rant, and vent without being discriminated, validated or threatened.

7. The beaches- It hits different here because our beaches are generally full of locals and not foreigners.

8. The food- Filipino food isn't recognized as world's best but for all I care, our food are nostalgic of the love and warmth of our mother's hands and father's hard earned labor. It was never meant to please a foreign palate. It is always meant to be shared.

9. The Filipino humor- it always comes easy and handy.

10. The natural calamities- on hindsight, it is a constant reminder of our mortality. Hence, we are more grounded and act with a sense of humility..

The Black Sand Beaches of the Philippines

So if Manila is the riskiest city to travel why are we making it to 3rd Friendliest country? Also, as one of the happiest nation on earth? Think! Don't just agree

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of Batman- one of my pet Tuxedo Cats ( Black and White). His Brother Cat look-alike is named Robin.

Lastly, Did you know that during the American colonial period, Manila earned the nickname "Hollywood of the East." As a vibrant hub for U.S. films being distributed across Asia, Manila’s film scene thrived, showcasing American cinema to a wide audience in the region.

The city became a bustling epicenter of cinematic culture, with theaters and film studios popping up to cater to the growing demand for movies. This period marked a significant cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States, influencing local filmmaking and entertainment.

Travel with Me to France via Carenna's Recent Photos

Carenna and Me-The Lolo, Grand Pa or Abuelo!  Photo Taken, September, 2023 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/11/my-youngest-grand-daughter-carenna.html

Carenna my youngest grand daughter is spending a semester of college in Paris this spring semester. She sent me photos of Paris and surrounding areas, on French Food, architecture, art and popular tourist spots the other day.  She said:

Bonjour Lolo!!! Im having an amazing time in France. Learning a lot of French and eating good food! Here are the photos:

Meanwhile enjoy this Monet Painting: 

and my cat abstractionism

Just received from Dodie and Ruth- They are in Machu Pichu now and on their way to the Galapagos Island next week.

And Lastly, here's the latest news on President Macrons plan to leave a mark on the Notre-Dame windows

https://www.foxnews.com/world/backlash-may-shatter-president-macrons-plans-leave-mark-notre-dame-windows

Twelve Journey to Success- What is Life?

It is time for My Food for Thought for the Week!

From My Face Book This Morning!

1. You will always have problems. Learn to enjoy life while solving them.

2. People don’t decide their future; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their future.

3. In life, you can only control two things: your effort and your attitude.

4. Don’t ask how to start. Start, and then ask how to improve.

5. Happiness has less to do with pleasure and more to do with purpose.

6. Life is harder when you expect too much from the world and too little from yourself.

7. Life gets easier when you expect a lot from yourself and little from the world. High standards, low expectations.

8. Half of your problems are simply your mind turning minor issues into major ones.

9. Don’t look for secrets when what you need is repetition.

10. Don’t let yourself be controlled by three things: people, money, or past experiences.

11. In every challenge or even tragedy, there’s an opportunity. If you train yourself to find the opportunity, you can take control of the situation and even turn it into something positive—or, if it cannot be entirely good, at least something good can come from it.

12. Be thankful every day, because even if you feel there’s nothing to be grateful for, your “normal” day is someone else’s dream.

Meanwhile, "What is life?

💜What is Life to:

• Dostoevsky: It’s hell.

• Socrates: It’s a test.

• Aristotle: It’s the mind.

• Nietzsche: It’s power.

• Freud: It’s death.

• Marx: It’s the idea.

• Picasso: It’s art.

• Gandhi: It’s love.

• Schopenhauer: It’s suffering.

• Bertrand Russell: It’s competition.

• Steve Jobs: It’s faith.

• Einstein: It’s knowledge.

• Stephen Hawking: It’s hope.

• Kafka: It’s just the beginning."

Finally, My Photo of the Day!

💜Personal Note: My Dear Readers, If you are ask what one word, What is life to You, What is your answer? I like to hear from you.