Dr. Myriam- The Dental Aesthetic Clinic

Tag: jeddah

  • Serenata shines at seven

    Its been awhile i haven’t written anything in my blog and i wont miss this opportunity to share with you the spectacular show of Serenata Children’s Choir and String Chamber Orchestra.How i wished i was able to take more pictures but i opted to listen and watched the show instead of doing all the clicks!

    The musical presentation was under the musical direction of Ms. Sylvia de los Santos and was held in American International School of Jeddah last Feb. 6, 2012. Though my children were never a part of the show, I am always looking forward to attend the yearly presentation. I am amazed by  their talent and the hard work behind the journey of Serenata, not to mention their humble objective of promoting the Filipino cultural values and to extend financial help to well deserved students…Truly an inspiring organization…HurrAY!

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  • OFW kitakits – a breezing night!

    It was a cool ,breezing night for all OFW (overseas Filipino workers) in Jeddah, the mood was festive and extra ordinary. Extra ordinary because we live in Saudi Arabia where male and female are usually separated in all occasions.It’s a one night happening in a year, you wont be glad to miss!

    my bff at the entrance

    As usual, i am carrying a small point and shoot camera, so here’s some of my shots…cheers!

    my ladies
    mens fashion

     

     

     

     

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  • When Ruby becomes Thursday with friends…

    Ruby Tuesday

    It is always good to see old friends , not old beyond fifty, I mean friends that I haven’t seen for a while. We had late lunch at Ruby Tuesday in Thalia St. the ambiance is just perfect for us.

    They have a lot of  good menu but we’re not interested actually of what are we going to eat, were just happy to see each other again, just us…, without a husband…though the 2kevs (my youngest and my friend’s son) tag along, they have their own table and world of their own (as usual).

    We spent the afternoon, catching up of the past things and latest news that’s happening to our everyday’s life. Sophie is working in UK and comes back to Jeddah every six months to see her family and Jo and I are both  in Jeddah but she is busy with her kids and helping her husband to run their small business and me?I am busy with my world too (home-kids-clinic-home). Some of our friends are still on holiday, lucky them!

    Friends makes your life better,especially  in this place, socialization is a key to make your day if not your week a pleasant experience.

    Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health. A 10-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends. A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesityamong people whose friends gained weight. And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age.

    huh! research or no research, everyone knows how going out with friends relieves some of your stresses in life.

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    staff at ruby tuesday
    the manager
    the bartender

  • Got to honk! for women’s right

    Where flowers bloom, so does hope

    A lot of Buzz about Saudi women driving on June 17 (Friday), I am not sure exactly why this date was chosen or the significance attributed to it. People were asked to Honk for support. I believed a lot of expatriate’s women are waiting for this law to take effect, however, cautious they (and I) may be, driving is a long-awaited , one step forward to women’s right. Among others are … the rights to work which is already being implemented (mostly in education, health, and finance field), mechanism for marriage and divorce, protection from domestic abuse which is globally tackled in many ways.

    Huh! Beautybeyond fifty at age 52 will start to drive in Saudi Arabia and a lot more who has been in this country for decades, can now put out their driving license in public, and in use hopefully. But this is not entirely a new thing, women in exclusive compounds can freely drive within and I also heard that in some rural areas, it’s common to see a woman in driving seat. So, what’s the big buzz if they allow them to drive freely in the city?  Isn’t it … they already have women pilot? Ironically,someone has to drives her to the airport , so she can fly the aircraft…strange but its true!  I guess not everyone is amused to the idea but for sure,  each has reasons, each has his/her own story to tell.

    I remember when my first son, got his driving license in the Kingdom, he was not as excited as I  expected him to be, his comment? …this is not the right place to drive ( at least for the first timer like him); a lot of drivers are not polite and doesn’t follow traffic regulations especially during rush hours and Ramadan months. I definitely agree with his observation.  This is the place where accidents happened most of the time, not only two but more like of domino effect, most of the time. Even though, how careful and how defensive you are in driving, there are a lot of munchkins on the road, ready to eat you and forever honking, until you give him his way, not to mention, texting while driving and stopping at the middle of the road, just to say “hello” to someone he saw on the road, never mind if he is blocking your way.

    What about those rude, smelly taxi drivers, whose eyes are on you… as if this is their first time to see a woman in their life and not only that, they will ask you” kabayan” filipina? kumusta ka maganda! the pedestrians are also the same, staring, wondering where are you going, where is your husband, where is your driver…annoying !

    On the other hand, having to drive your own car is a right of every individual who loves life and freedom. Why I mentioned “love life”because if you love your life ,you drive safely to avoid mishap and “freedom”we should be given a free will to decide whether we like to drive or not.

    Saudi Arabia is the only country that banned women to drive, if it is about Islamic law? what about the other Islamic country, why do they allow women to drive?

    It’s a never-ending discussion, each one has it’s own defense, women’s rights is a global issues, discrimination happens but are  they doing something about it? Is there a Law against discrimination in the Kingdom?

    Saudi women is still in guardianship..meaning they can not do anything even to travel outside without a male guardian. This is to protect family unity, family honor but what about expatriates? Women expatriates are not allowed to sponsor their husband either or even to invite them on visiting visa. If they value Family unity, it should apply to all expatriates alike who also has family of their own.

    Two years ago , my husband had a visa problem and I was literally begging to everyone I know, who can help  him to stay with us  but to no avail, we have to follow the rules. Of course, you would think this is another issue… but for me this is also connected in a way, if Saudi women have no rights in their own country, how could we?

    Beautybeyondfifty honks for Saudi Women… three honks for all Women!
    “When women thrive, all of society benefits, and succeeding generations are given a better start in life” .– Kofi Annan

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  • Letting go…no drama …only chopstix

    One of the delights of Life is eating with your love ones.Food is our common ground. and one of our favorites past time in Jeddah is to dine and talk. We pray, eat and talk. This is the time that we are all at rest, savoring tasty food, got into discussion not argument and enjoy!

    My eldest son , Edge finally said goodbye to Jeddah. We spent his last day in Chopstix, a chinese restaurant in La terra mall,amir sultan road.

    my love

    At this time,”no diet” is out of our vocab

    ^-^, we just like to enjoy the moment that we’re together, sooner than I thought, Edge will be gone ,next year will be Kevs turn and I will be left all alone in this country. 😦

    But, we don’ like drama…we move on quickly, life is too short to stay gloomy, sooner or later will be together again. I wish for you, my love is to reach the vertex of success. Keep focus to reach your goal, we will be your backbone and if at times, it’s so hard, don’t forget to ask HIM for guidance and HE will lead you the way.

    Remember no matter how thin the chopsticks,how difficult to use,it can still pick up food, the analogy, no matter how narrow the road you can still pass and reach your destination.

    Cheers!

     

     

    PS: if chopsticks doesn’t work,use spoon and fork (that’s ME and Kevs) and knife (that’s dad) 🙂

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  • Celebrating 56 at Bamboo Seafood Resto

    Bamboo Seafood Restaurant

    May 27, 2011, is my favorite brother’s b-day. We celebrated his 56th year in Bamboo seafood restaurant in Al Rawdah district Jeddah,KSA. We been passing in this area a thousand times, wondering what’s in this huge lobster building?I was not able to taste the lobster in Boston ,Ma., so i said this is it!

    Lobster in Jeddah. whoah! the price is soaring high! probably,I may have indigestion at the end. So we discarded the idea!

    great interior…refreshing too!

    The place is cozy, the walls are decorated with bamboo, there’s privacy in each family , each partition  separated by real bamboo decor, though i was asking… a grape fruit on bamboo? hmmm, the sounds of water from the man-made waterfalls makes the place more refreshing, the waiters are polite and has smiling faces.

    the staff at Bamboo

    The foods are not bad, it taste good but the service is slow.

    It might be because …its Friday, the place is packed with families.

    Some tips… when they serve the appetizer make sure you order your main dish already and

    when the main dish just serve, ask for your bill too 🙂 otherwise the waiting period is so long, unless you just want to hang around.

    Oh well, it’s a great Friday with my sons, brothers,nephew and his wife.

    Happy b-day Kel,

    WE LOVE YOU!

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  • Friday the 13th: Hot to breeze to chill! (part one)

    American AIrlines

    May 13,2011 Friday. If you’re superstitious, I bet you won’t choose this day to travel because it holds to be the day of bad luck hmmm let me take you to my journey. As I was preparing to zip my luggage I was talking to my boss who doesn’t have any superstitious belief at all, his main concern is to keep the ball rolling on his side. “If anything happens to me, please take care of my children; give them what is due for my 24 years service in the clinic”. To make the story short, I’m off to airport at 6:30 in the morning. God forbid! I am ready to whatever comes to my way. Waiting to depart, I was invited to join (as a gold member of AA advantage) first class lounge, with free breakfast and Wifi ,ahhh  friday the 13th this is a good start!

    Well, as always, I felt all eyes turned on me, what is she doing here? If you’re a Filipina working in Saudi Arabia, you know what I mean, the stigma attached to women…. it’s either you’re a Nurse or domestic helper…or you’re married to a foreigner, oh my! We’re already passed millennium that was then! Alright, as I moved my eyes, true! There’s a Filipina traveling with his foreigner husband on a seat not too far from me…there’s another two blond lady reading a novel and mostly are business men (on their best suit) either busy on their phone, reading newspaper or just engaged in a conversation with another man. Only a few second look and everyone is back into their own business.

    On boarding, mostly of women still wears their abaya (a black robe we have to wear over our own clothes when were in public) as the plane (British Airways) takes off, abaya is off too. My flight is about six hours and forty-five minutes from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to London Heathrow. Heathrow is the busiest and biggest hub airport in UK, It has five terminals and I thought I have enough time to my connecting flight (AA –American Airlines) to Atlanta in terminal 5 to my dismay, there’s a long line for security purposes, they are scanning all passengers and hand carry baggage. The express train that will bring me to terminal 5 comes every 15 minutes and I have only 10 minutes left before boarding gate closes, Yes, Friday the 13th are you on me?? I approached the security and showed her my boarding pass and she called immediately the airlines to wait and Walla! I am on my way to Atlanta. If it wasn’t for her, I would have missed my first day of training.

    It’s a nine hours flight from London to Atlanta…again a long line for security check but I was not worried this time because I have no connecting flight to catch on, as the immigration officer stamped my entry, I heard a call “Dr. Suarez please approached the customer service” now what??? Friday the 13th…come on…”Dr. Suarez, we’re sorry your baggage was left behind, we will deliver it to your Hotel tomorrow evening” Oh no! I only have my jeans and shirt and my training starts at 8:30 the following morning. I have extra shirt and underwear on my hand luggage but not decent clothes for my meeting. The officer handed me a debit card worth of US$50 (huh! What can I buy for 50?)Your guess is right; my next blog would be what to wear under such circumstances.

    The weather is not as I expected, it’s breezy..a little rain shower along the way, as I went to my room and jump on to my bed, Friday the 13th was not so bad after all. I got my luggage after 36 hours of my arrival.

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  • Ladies behind: Inihaw Kamayan Grill Resto

    Inihaw Kamayan Grill House Restaurant in Balad (old town ) Jeddah, managed and partly owned by Filipino OFW. Some of the owners are my acquaintances and the ladies (gina, dong, thess, jo) behind are my friends and one of them Jo Imperial is my colleague in dental profession. She also has a talent in fruit carving.

    "Ladies" of Inihaw kamayan Grill house Restaurant

    My eldest son was invited to take some photos and as usual, I tag along together with my youngest son. I took some shots behind the scenes too!

    This is very promising restaurant, the place can accommodate around 100 guest (maximum) and can be arranged accordingly. The foods are combination of Chinese, Filipino and Japanese dishes. Though we were not able to taste the Japanese, maybe one day, we will try it too!

    Some of my favorite dishes includes: kare-kare, laing (with hot chili pls!) and sizzling sisig.

    Well, you know, we can’t eat that much, we’re on diet…depends actually ..it could be full diet or balanced diet or no diet! ha ha ha ha…

    Ahhhh I love the halo-halo…maybe just once a month wont hurt the diet plan!

    thank you ladies! Keep up the good work!

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  • My Lady teacher: Priscila Arcilla de Leon

    I have known my fourth lady for a long time but we really didn’t have any intimate conversation, until I called her for the photo shoots.I am glad that I did this interview and with the previous ladies and 46 more to come. I am grateful for the time we have shared our thoughts for a lot of topics ,only ladies can relate (hopefully, men do relate too).

    PRISCILA A. de LEON

    My lady teacher is Priscila Arcilla De leon, born January 16, 1955 in Tondo, Manila. Married to her long time college sweetheart, Delfin de Leon blessed with four children, Derrick, Dondee, Danica and Danielle. (Note: all names start with letter “D”). Graduated from Philippine Normal University with a degree of BSEE-HE (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in Home Economics) 1972.

    For how long you’ve been teaching?

    I’ve been teaching since I graduated from university, got married in 1979, I continued teaching even when I came to Jeddah year 1984.

    What school in Jeddah?

    I started with IPSJ (international Philippine School of Jeddah) teaching from grade 1 to Grade 6. Currently, I am teaching PE (physical Education) for girls from grade 1-4 in Al Wadi International School (British Curriculum).

    Would you described briefly what is the difference between a multicultural foreign school as against to Philippine school? (on teacher point of view)

    From my experiences (this is only my opinion) its behavioral differences… more of attitude problem than academic differences. Filipino students are more polite, respectful and easy to manage.

    How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

    Disciplinarian! The first and foremost that I teach to my students is self-discipline.

    What is your strength and weaknesses as a teacher?

    Discipline is my strength and my weakness? I am easily distracted!

    Well, I guess it’s also a practice at home. What about your children? Tell me more about them.

    My two sons are already working, my daughter Danica recently graduated from Southville Int. School and Colleges with a degree of BS in Nursing. My youngest is in her 2nd year of BS in Tourism.

    (At this point of interview, I felt she is getting emotional and overwhelmed by the facts).

    It would be practically impossible for me to  describe her inner feelings as a parent of these children (adjectives…out of my mind) proud parents as they are, or should I say, a proud mom! She confided her difficulties while her husband was away working , She was left alone with her son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy . On top of that, she still has to work to help augment their needs financially.

    (Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability inhuman development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement.)

    Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or after birth up to about age three.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy

    At the time of delivery, she was told , her baby did not cry and oxygen was given immediately. (I guess, there wasn’t enough oxygen to reached the brain).

    When he was growing up, at three years old,she noticed, he can’t crawl or walk like any other child of his age, this prompted her to seek medical attention.

    Did you stop working?

    No, I didn’t, I have to help my husband, my son needs regular medical attention, and we practically stay more in the hospital than any other place. Then, we move to Jeddah, searched for another treatment. He had surgery in his leg so he can walk better. Continuous physical therapy was needed and done.Thanks God, he was alright. He grew up normally even played basketball.

    As she continues to unlock her other sufferings (like many of us…financial, lack of extended family support, homesickness etc.) her tears rolls down, trying to control herself (and myself too) she gives me a smile and said, let’s move on to other aspect…Beauty”!

    All right, tissue please! Whoa, what a moment, I admire her courage and perseverance.

    “The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. “ ~Carrie Latet

    Are there any beauty secrets that you can share? Any things that you can’t do without? What are the things that you love to shop and buy?

    I don’t shop for myself, I think of my children first (mothers!)Oh well, SUNBLOCK 35SPF, even I am inside my home, we should protect our face from the lights in our house. I also use moisturizer every day under the sunblock cream. At night, I use egg white, so my skin feels tight and smooth.

    It’s like egg white mask! There you go ladies, another secret unveiled!

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  • Acceptance and Faith: Carmelita Duya -Nalzaro

    rib4.gif - 3.5 KFilipino Women are facing the higher risk of Breast Cancer in Southeast Asia.Some 6,360 breast cancer patients die each year in the country, making it the leading death among Filipino women (data from the Philippine Cancer Society as posted by Bulatlat)

    What would you do if you are one of the women diagnosed with breast cancer? Would you want a treatment? or would you rather spend the money to travel around the  world and enjoy life from day to day basis?

    Carmelita D.Nalzaro- 11 years breast cancer survivor stage 3

    My third lovely lady is CARMELITA DUYA NALZARO,born March 10, 1958 in Baguio City, a graduate of ECE (Electronic and Communication Eng. 1985). Married to Engr. George Nalzaro blessed with 3 children (Jady,Christine and Gentry).

    As i was putting make-up on her, I was in awe, I cant believe she is a cancer survivor! Her skin is so soft and clear, her persona is so gentle and yet I also felt her inner strength.Her happiness and peace in life is visible in her face.

    Are you working?

    Yes, for almost 11 years now. I am working as a Math teacher in IPSJ  ( International Philippines School of Jeddah)

    How does it feel working out of your Engineering field?

    I find it fulfilling, I love teaching more than being in my field.I took and passed the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) at the age of 47 years old.

    What challenges do you face everyday in teaching?

    " Teaching is my passion"

    My challenge is for the student to love Math and not to hate the subject. I challenge myself to let the student understand the concept, to bring interest to the subject and get them focus.Teaching is my passion, I like the new challenge it brings everyday. For me, teaching is no longer my work, it becomes my playground of knowledge…a play I know that my students can participate,learn and at the same time enjoy.

    Well said my lovely lady! Let’s talk about other challenges in your life, When and how your breast cancer was detected?

    the discovery was accidental, George was doing massage of my arm, he was joking around… went a little bit further and suddenly he was surprised that there’s a hard mass ,we went directly to consult a physician and asked if she can do mammography. She was adamant that nothing was wrong and mammography was not needed. Months had passed and I noticed that it becoming more larger, we went to another doctor, mammography was done and I was diagnosed with carcinoma stage 3.

    how did you and George took the news? What was your first reaction?

    Why? why me?… we were advised to have another medical opinion, we went to another Doctor and Needle Biopsy was done. The first  diagnosis was confirmed: Invasive Carcinoma of the breast Stage III.

    The Doctor was so plain and direct to the point,” You have cancer,we will remove it and you will survive” ! wow! this help me a lot because i did not see any worries in his face, that he was sure I will survive… God bless…I did survive!

    How did you break the news to your family…to your children in particular?

    Acceptance and Faith…George and I accepted the news knowing God will always be there for us, the children took it the same way and we all embraced the situation with open heart and mind.

    Surgery,Chemotherapy (6 cycles) Radiotherapy (25 exposures) and a lot of prayers. I was bald … I was not bothered so i did not covered my head.

    At that time, bald was in fashion, one lady taught that at my age      “nakikiuso pa rin ako” (at trend) she was apologetic when she knew I was under chemotherapy.

    Other than your family, where do you get the inspiration?

    Maritoni Fernandez said ” It’s like walking though fire…how do you get to the other side without burning your feet? You just have to take it one step at a time, and eventually, you’ll get through the flames.” She is an inspiration!

    What is your  message to ladies who might be on same condition as you are?

    for those women diagnosed with cancer specifically breast cancer wherein I’m a survivor for 11 years now, go back to your normal life after treatment but be sure to have a not less than 8- hours sleep daily, shy away from foods with high in fats and preservatives. Learn to relax to overcome stress. Always have a positive outlook in life and have a personal relationship with God.

    Well, were not done yet..what about beauty secrets? what are the things that you cant do without?

    spray net( hair spray) and toner! I do routine exercise such as Taebo, 30 minutes treadmill, lots of water

    there you go Ladies, there’s life after cancer, there’s beauty beyond physical, there’s hope for everyone…have faith…Gods’ willing… We will all survive!

    To answer the question: yes i would seek treatment, travel around the world and enjoy life!

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