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Tears and joy after circumcision Posted: 02 May 2022 06:44 AM PDT WHILE there was the joy of finally seeing my son circumcised last week, the agony of hearing my son in pain predominated. Initially, I was amazed when I saw many kids waiting for their turn with their parents. We arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. at the "Operation Tuli" site, but it seemed that we were already late. The doctors, volunteers, and local barangay team were already busy weighing the kids and doing the necessary documentation before the actual circumcision.Although there was a crowd, I saw all people wearing their masks. As names were called, I would always look at my son "Macoy" and hug him, but I could feel that he was uncomfortable that people might see, as he is already a grown-up. His father would always remind him, "matapang tayo ha, walang iiyak." In turn, I almost cry every time I hear my husband say those words.It makes me more anxious when I hear little boys crying, but I can listen to the doctors' calming voice that lessens the boys' anxieties. I can also hear parents' voices sounding some in fear, worry, and others in excitement. I had mixed emotions by then; it was as if I would be the one to be circumcised.When it was the turn of "Marco", God, I have called all the angels and Saints. And lucky that it was Dr. Abe Jun Versoza who circumcised my big boy. Oh, my eldest daughter and husband watched the procedure, but I remained sitting and, like my soul, flew in fear that my son would be in deep pain. I heard him cry a little, but Dr. Abe was careful and gentle. What a relief! Indeed, I felt that my son was in good hands.And because we came late, it was like "Macoy" was one of those last to be served, like almost 12 noon. But when I was looking at the volunteer doctors and the operation "tuli" team, I knew that they were all exhausted. Still, the smiles on their faces and willingness to serve were there. Never did I see an uncompassionate doctor and uncaring volunteers. Instead, I truly felt their caring attitudes and I saw happy clients.So, I took the chance to have a quick talk with Dr. Versoza, as my husband and "Macoy" went ahead to get the free antibiotic and pain reliever near the exit gate. Wow, everything is free! Glad to hear that the "Summer Operation Tuli 2022" conducted at the Alterado General Hospital Inc. is with the collaboration of the City Health Office, local barangays, and the Freemasons of Masonic District R11-A Davao City.It also includes the Agila Shriners International, Davao Masonic Center Foundation Inc., Masonic Lodges of the District, Appendant Bodies, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, Southern Philippines Medical Center-Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Urology, Davao Doctors Hospital, Mindanao Medical Foundation College, San Pedro Hospital Students, Operating room Nurses Association of the Philippines-Davao Chapter, and Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.Lucky are we and all those served last April 24, 2022. I know that "circumcision" will not be easy for some boys, but you will see the smile on their faces after battling fear and anxiety when it is done.Ahh, to the 137 boys circumcised, welcome to manhood. There might be tears at the beginning of the procedure, but there is indeed joy after. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wildlife photog hopes new P1,000 bill will aid to conserve PH eagle Posted: 02 May 2022 06:41 AM PDT FLOYD Bermejo, the wildlife photographer who captured the Philippine Eagle image used in the new 1,000-piso polymer banknote, hopes his photo will inspire action to save the Philippine Eagle from extinction."Gusto kong mai-save natin iyong Philippine Eagle," said Bermejo, whose portraits evoke a sense of gentleness in the formidable creature and pride in their beauty.The Philippine Eagle, one of the rarest eagles in the world, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimate of only 400 breeding pairs left in the wild.It is also one of the world's most powerful birds of prey and is native to the Philippines, making it a source of national pride and identity.Bermejo believes that featuring the country's national bird on Philippine currency will foster greater awareness for its conservation, especially since it is endemic to Philippine forests.Bermejo is an avid birdwatcher and member of the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy, a group dedicated to protecting the country's birds through documentation. He explained that his passion for photography was rooted in childhood memories of hunting birds for food with his father in the mountains of Sipalay, Negros Occidental."Nagustuhan ko iyong wildlife photography kasi parang naghu-hunt ka rin. Pero this time, you are using your camera," said the bird hunter-turned-conservationist.At first, he took and collected photos to relieve stress. But through his immersion in communities that served as habitats of endangered birds, his collections transformed into a powerful platform for his conservation advocacies.His passion as a lensman and his work as a pilot have allowed him to visit many protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries, including the one in Davao where he took the iconic photo of the Philippine Eagle featured on the polymer banknote.To celebrate the diversity of the country's flora and fauna, the new 1000-piso polymer banknote highlights the Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird, which exemplifies the Filipinos' strength and love for freedom as well as the BSP's independence and clear vision to help achieve a stronger and more inclusive economy.The banknote's design also features the Sampaguita, which symbolizes purity, fidelity, and hope.The Office of the President and the BSP Monetary Board approved the issuance of the new polymer banknote, which the BSP has released in phases, starting April 2022. (PR)

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