WHAT'S SO EXCITING about September, I may ask. Why, it ushers in the BER months when we plan how to observe and celebrate the happiest period of the season: Christmas and other holidays.
Indeed, it's a different feeling when we welcome the season of love and merrymaking, a time when we feel to be sharing and giving, acts we do not normally show in ordinary days.
I am sure I'm not the first person to write about the coming of the BER months. In fact, Manila Bulletin columnist Alex M. Eduque excitingly wrote: Yep, that's right! It's September first today. The "ber" months are officially upon us, and a Christmas carol or two may have already played on the radio. After all, we Pinoys are known for celebrating the longest holiday season.
Ah, indeed, it's true that we have the longest holiday celebration season, lasting up to February. We are always on a celebratory mode. And to think we observe many holidays in a year. Fine excuse for those who apply for extended leaves.
Father Jerry M. Orbos, SVD, writes in his Philippine Daily Inquirer column (Sunday issue): It's September! Praise God we have come this far and praise God that the "ber" months and all that they mean to us are here...
Well, these pronouncements bring cheer to most, if not all, of us!
It's not farfetched that we could not hide our excitement over the forthcoming main event: Christmas. The countdown begins-how many days na lang to X'mas?
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I've finally met Mr. Nardo dela Cruz, the hospital administrator of St. Raphael Foundation Medical Center, Camahiles, Mabalacat City.
Nardo, who calls me Supremo, is a batch mate at Bank of the Philippine Islands where we spent several years before our retirement. Of course, I retired much ahead of Nardo.
He is a terribly busy man but I know him to be congenial and very accommodating. I just dont know how he copes with the magnitude of his work at St. Raf.
Speaking of St. Raphael Foundation Medical Center, its out-patient department is often full of patients especially during Saturdays where different specialists and medical practitioners attend to patients for consultation, including those with dental needs.
Dr. Joell Pingul, dentist, is one example of a compleat dental practitioner. One with a sunny disposition, Dr. Joel gives exhaustive and frank diagnosis to patients calling on his office. His secretary is also solicituous and goes out of her way to remind patients of their dental appointments.
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The Mabalacat City government used to have a MOA with the facility but I understand its efficacy has been suspended pending resolution of some issues. I just hope these will be resolved soon.