I would like to present my second freebie for this year: 2015 Monthly Planner!

Found this post about the Daily Routines of Famous Creative People yesterday and I got so engrossed straight away! I mean, who wouldn't be curious to know what famous and accomplished people like Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin routinely did during their time?

The title says that the routines belonged to famous creative people. I consider myself to have stronger right brain but why do I have a terrible time management? I'm trying my best to straighten it up. Honestly, it's tough work to do so. Perhaps (you? and) I can get some insight from my idols?

Here are the Daily Routines of Famous Creative People brought to us by podio.


Want to develop a better work routine?
Discover how some of the world's greatest minds organized their days.
Click image to see the interactive version (via Podio).
 

So now, in my possession are three letters/cards from Meve. Her full first name is Mevelyn but it's too long for a nickname so we call her Meve. Or sometimes, I call her by her surname Baluis as my weird way of endearment. :)
I can't remember anymore who drew this Tinkerbell cartoon. Meve is a great artist. She can draw and sketch really well. We used to join art competitions together when we were in grade school and high school. She also has an awesome penmanship.

This is the inside of the card. It's a graduation message for me. :)

I don't know but I feel like our childhood was more awesome even without all those gadgets. We could play in the rain and under the heat of the sun, get our knees scarred, laugh our heads off over some random joke, and tell stories to each other. Technology has, somehow, ruined that kind of childhood. Of course, this is debatable. It always depends on the person.

I'm going to make sure that my future kids will have as much fun (or more) as I had during mine. :)
At the back of the card is a hand-made envelope pasted on it that contains another letter written by Emelech - another friend. It a birthday letter for me! My birthday is in the month of March, which is also the graduation month.
So inside is another letter written in a bond paper. The cover has cute party poppers drawn on the corners.

This is the inside part. I can't even remember complaining about not being part of the honors. -_- I really can't remember. This definitely didn't bring back the memory. Haha.


If you're wondering why there is a blank after "Your," that's because we were in the middle of a misunderstanding that time. Grade school petty quarrels. I remember getting bullied a lot. Lol. :)

Another birthday letter from Meve. Oh look! She called me a special friend! :) This isn't the whole message just yet. It's only the outer cover.
She mentioned computer! I enrolled in a computer class the summer after the grade school graduation. Guess what? I didn't learn a thing. It was a very boring... er, tutorial? It happened in a computer cafe. I didn't turn up after the second lesson.

It was just a way of hoarding money from computer illiterate grade school students. Why, you ask? Because we were asked to buy books that were completely irrelevant to the topic and they cost thousands! Ugh.


There goes a corny joke. Well, how will I ever forget her name. She's one of my friends. Do you even forget your friends? -_-

I seriously prefer two or three genuine messages in greeting cards, whether handmade or commercial, or handwritten letters over hundreds of status post greetings through Facebook.

They just feel so sacred. I mean, the cards are so personalized, with their (givers') own penmanship, their own design - each reflective of their maker's or giver's personality, each having their own story to tell.

Who knows? Perhaps HBD means "Horrible" birthday?

Anyway I'm going to post the photos of the cards here one by one. The first release is here: The "Pagmamahalan" Pocket Book written by... you'll find out later. :)

Pagmamahalan is a Filipino term for romance. So we can assume that it's the title of this pocket book (as the author has named it). This is written by a twelve-year-old grade school student.

He called it a Pocket Book. If you're wondering what this romance story is all about, I can summarize it for you. But first let me tell you how this came into existence.

I used to have a crush on a certain boy when I was in grade school. You know, like any other kid. It's normal alright? I still slap my forehead whenever I remember those days. Sooo corny and... ugh. I can't even find the right term. I guess... horrifying or gross?

So this all started when Dominic (the author of this pocket book) got his hands on a short story I wrote about my crush that I never got the chance to finish. I changed the names with other names to conceal the awkward reality behind it.

And I don't know what inspired Dominic to write his own, completely different version. I guess he wanted to annoy me but now that I think about it, it's kinda cute. His gift to me was (and is) so cute and well thought of. He made this pocket book himself. Despite how annoying he was during those days, he was a really sweet friend. :)

WARNING: Reader discretion is advised. This is definitely not the kind of story that you must read to your kids. Reason? Uh... the morale isn't that good...

This is the first page of the book. Allow me to translate it in English (trying to translate it as close to the original story as possible):



Cindy was introduced to Michael by his best friend Jay. The first time that Michael saw Cindy, he already felt something different. He felt like he always wanted to see her and talk to her. He was usually shy towards girls but his shyness seemed to have disappeared when he met Cindy.

"Can I walk home with you?"

"I'm sorry. A driver picks me up from school because daddy is so strict. That's why I don't want to be late when coming home."

"Really? Then let's hang out right here. Can we have snacks together?"

"Sure. Let's go to the canteen," Michael wanted to know lots of things about Cindy, like if she already has a boyfriend, where she lives and her phone number.

Cindy was attracted to Michael. Aside from being intelligent, being handsome and having a nice physique, he was also a gentleman. That was why Cindy had lots of rival.

They started meeting each other more frequently. Cindy also learned how to lie to the driver. She would tell him to go home without her because she has to practice for a dance.
This is the second page. The translation goes:



The two had mutually understood each other. "Promise me that I'm the only one you'll ever love," Cindy told Michael.

"I won't promise. I swear I will love you so much."

And their lips met.

Cindy's lies to her daddy and mommy had become more frequent and her parents started to become suspicious.

"Maybe you already have a boyfriend. You often come home late."

"I have no boyfriend, Dad. We're just busy practicing for the dance."

"I'll take your word for it."

"Yes, dad."

They started having limited time together.

"What are we going to do now, Love?" Michael asked sadly.

"Just endure it a little more, Michael."

One day, Cindy saw her Dad leaving.

"Dad, where are you going?"

"I'm going to New York, dear. I need to. They need me there. You behave well."

"Yes dad."

They sent her dad off to the airport.
This is the third page. I'm sorry for my poor translation skill:



"Yes! Michael and I finally have our chance!"

The very next day, Cindy happily told Michael about her Dad leaving for New York.

"Yes! We can finally watch a movie!"

"I don't know," said Cindy.

"What?!" his surprised reply.

"Jeez you can't even take a joke, can you? Why would I even tell you about this good news if I'm not going to join you?"

"Really?! Jeez you really love me. Come here."

"Hey stop it! People are staring!"

"Can you stop screaming already? I'm going deaf!"

Cindy lied once again to her driver and told him that she'd come home late because they have to practice.

Michael waited for Cindy at the gate.

"Finally you're here."

"I'm sorry but I had to wait for the driver to leave."
This is the second to the last page. I mean, the fourth page. I'm sorry if the translation isn't that accurate. :)



"Okay. Let's go,"said Michael.

"Where are we going?"

"We're going to heaven."

"I don't like that kind of joke!"

"Of course to the movie theater and we're gonna eat somewhere."

And hand in hand, they walked their way to the theater.

One day, as Cindy was entering the school gate, she immediately saw Michael talking to another girl. Cindy felt jealous because Michael was talking to Vicky and she knew that the girl likes Michael very much.

"Why are you so grumpy today?" asked Mhay.

"Because I saw Michael talking to Vicky! You know that she likes Michael."

"You really get jealous easily."

Cindy didn't show up. Michael waited for her and almost gave up waiting.

Because of boredom, he went over to her classroom. And so Mhay told Michael that Cindy was angry at him.

Here goes the last page of the pocket book. And my translation goes:



"I'm going to their house."

"No you can't. Just give her time."

The next day, Michael went to school early to fix things up with Cindy. He knelt in front of her and said, "Please forgive me, love."

"Hey! You stand up it's so embarrassing! You're forgiven already."

"Really?!"

"Yes. Why? You complaining?"

"No Ma'am."

And after their studies, they ended up together. They married each other in a grandiose wedding. And they had a child, Daniel.

I have been supporting my boyfriend's dream to become a medical doctor so I know how anxious he got when he thought that the interview part was coming next. Anxious and yet excited. :)

From my personal perception, interview is the most critical point in any application - be it a job interview or a school interview. Why? Because you must be good in marketing yourself.

You must think, at least, that they are the buyers and you are the product and advertise yourself as the best product that they could possibly get so that they'd "buy" you and you'd qualify to whatever it is that you're applying for.

Related: Tips and Techniques for Future NMAT Takers

So here we go with the transcribed version of my interview with my boyfriend about his interview experience. LOL.


After getting your desired NMAT percentile score, your next problem would be applying for Med schools.‏ I think majority would apply to the schools that they have chosen on their NMAT application.‏

As for me, my choices were: University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH).‏

How did you prepare for the interview?‏

The interview part really pressured me because I find my English really rusty during those times. Thus I took the initiative of looking for some tips and advice on YouTube about medical interviews.‏ Here are the things that I learned before and during the interview.

Please be reminded that all the things that I'll be sharing here are based from my personal experience.‏

1. Dress appropriately.‏

I suggest that you wear a semi-formal attire such as long sleeves, ties, slacks and black shoes. For the girls, wear your semi-formal or business attire (you know what they are), light make up and shoes with heels of at least 1.5 inches. Please bear in mind that it's not a fashion show so conceal what you must. Also, there are some institutions that rate your attire. :)

Remember: YOU'RE GONNA SELL YOURSELF to the institution. Bear in mind that you are a product so you should be presentable.‏

For the boys, look as neat as you can. Therefore, shave and visit the barber shop/parlor if you must. :)

2. Come on time or earlier than the scheduled time.‏

Keep in mind that you're aspiring to be a physician. Time is of great importance.‏ It's also a good way to gain a nice first impression.‏

3. Look Smart and maintain a good posture.

Avoid slouching.‏ This portrays decency. Sometimes, your posture and mannerisms spell what kind of person you are.‏

Med schools are looking for smart-looking individuals. Walk like you have an actual purpose. Have a purposeful gait.

Related: Tips and Techniques for Future NMAT Takers

4. Know thyself.‏

Have a good grasp of what kind of person you are because most interview questions revolve around self-awareness.‏ They're gonna look into your personality.‏

This can also ensure consistency in your answers. Thus, if you are inventing things during your interview, I don't think you're gonna get away with it. So honesty is the best policy.‏

Trust me, it will be one of the best (if not the best) weapon that you can bring with you during the interview.‏

5. Relax.‏

You're probably the 20th person who's gonna be interviewed so don't think of yourself as someone of utmost importance.‏ Try to be conversational.

6. Know thy thesis.

Trust me, you're gonna need this. :)

7. Follow-up your interview schedule.‏

You have to show them that you are determined to get into their medical school.‏ There are circumstances that may hinder them from contacting you for your interview schedule so you must take the initiative.‏

8. Be consistent with your answers.

There is no right or wrong answer so you have to be consistent. Stick to your answer, defend it, explain, elaborate and stand up for it - because who they're looking for is someone who is decisive and knows what he/she is getting into.

9. Practice common interview questions.‏

This is essential so that you won't be caught off guard.‏ It can also allay some of your anxiety, knowing that you already have a nice answer (or punchline) for a certain question.

10. Do's and Don'ts

• Sit straight
• Avoid crossing your legs and arms
• Do away (if you can) with your twitchy mannerisms
• Maintain eye contact
• Keep your hands separated (so that you can openly express yourself using your hand gestures)
• Lean forward to show interest but don't put your hand/s on the table.
• Avoid looking up (it will look as if you've memorized your answers)‏
• Rather, look down. It appears more thoughtful.‏
• Smile because they are also looking for people who are comfortable speaking with strangers - a common yet important trait that physicians should possess.‏
• Show passion when answering questions regarding the medical profession. They're not looking for over-confident people; they are looking for compassionate people.
• Don't show an over-flowing confidence during the interview. They might find it cocky.‏
• Be familiar with what you've put in your application form.‏ They might find some loopholes if you're inconsistent with your answers.
• Download apps with sample interview questions and answers. Generic questions are also being asked.

Interview is a face-to-face encounter, so they'd (the interviewer/s) see everything in you.

They'd see the way you carry yourself, the way you think or how long it takes you to come up with a decision, the way you respond when you're getting pressed on, the way you walk, the aura you have, the kind of conversation atmosphere that you evoke, everything.

Well all I'm trying to say is that the interview portion is not to be taken for granted. :)

Thanks for reading! I hope you learned something from this post. Good luck with your interview! :)

Related: Tips and Techniques for Future NMAT Takers

I interviewed my boyfriend who aspires to be a medical doctor. He already took the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) and got satisfactory results. He willingly shared his experience before, during, and after the NMAT to me. Also he shared some valuable tips and techniques to help future NMAT takers.

Related: Tips for Medical School Interview

So let's begin with the transcribed version:


If you're going to take the NMAT, be sure that consequently, you'll be studying medicine so that you'll wholeheartedly prepare for the examination. Make sure that it's your own decision. Be mentally and emotionally prepared.

It is a psychological torture when you get a low grade. Why? Because the NMAT is an IQ test designed to filter those who want to go to medical school, thus it reflects what your IQ tells about you.‏

If you want to take the NMAT, be serious about it. Don't just take the exam for fun.

1. When did you start to prepare for the NMAT?‏

I started to prepare for the NMAT...‏  Well ideally, you must start while you're still in high school. The questions in the NMAT measure how well you did in high school.‏

As for me, I *forgot already what I have learned in high school so I took the liberty of integrating my study for the NMAT in line with my NLE review so that the momentum will be in sync. Sayang nung momentum kaya pinagsabay [ko]. Besides, NMAT is really the gateway to get into a great medical school.

Naturally, the NMAT represents 60% of your chance of getting into a great medical school, the other 40 can be divided among the other requirements: GWA, TOR, etc.‏

I started [reviewing] immediately after I passed the NLE. I did not study for NMAT right away after taking the NLE because I was preoccupied with the results.‏ I did try to study but it didn't work out because the thought of getting into the top 10 distracted me. It's best to take everything step by step.‏

I needed to make sure first that I'd passed the NLE so that my NMAT review effort wouldn't go to waste.‏

2. Did you enroll in a review center or did you study all on your own?‏

To be honest, I really hesitated enrolling in a review center.‏ Other people say that you could study on your own for the NMAT but since I have already *forgotten my high school lessons, I enrolled in a review center in España.‏ It was really hard on my part because I had to pay 100% of the review fee before the first day of the review.‏

Besides, I originally thought that the results of all your NMAT takes are being averaged. So I worked really hard. Anyway, it's not being averaged.

You can retake NMAT maximum of three (3) times and is valid for 1-2 years. You can decide which NMAT score you want to declare/include in your Med School application requirements. So basically, you can choose your higher NMAT score.

3. Would you recommend enrolling in a review center or reviewing all by yourself for the NMAT?

I would recommend that you do both because that's what I did. And based on my result, it was pretty effective.‏

If you enroll in a review center, you'll be prepared because they will give you even harder set of practice tests.‏ The NMAT questions were easier as compared to the diagnostic exam, post review exams, etc. given by the review center. They'll prepare you to be over prepared so that when you take the actual NMAT, you'll be really prepared.‏

For reference, my post review result was 83 while my actual NMAT result was even higher so I think the review questions were really more difficult than the actual examination questions.‏ And that's an advantage in itself. The review will also help you if you're someone who wants to enroll in a medical school that requires MCAT.‏

Another thing is, when you're enrolled in a review center, you're obliged to self review.‏

Why?‏

Because topics given in the review or the lessons themselves were very spontaneous that you'll eventually get lost. Some concepts were so new (for a BSN graduate), and combined with a fast-paced instruction, I understood only bits. Those few concepts helped me when it came to my self review.‏

Besides there's Google and Wikipedia.‏

Related: Tips for Medical School Interview

‎4. Do you think the degree course (BSN) that you took also helped you during the review and the exam itself?‏

Siguro it helped me when it came to the sciences part of the exam, specifically the social sciences and the biology part.‏ But overall, nursing graduates are at a disadvantage when it comes to the whole exam itself.‏ Why?‏ Because I think the NMAT is specifically designed for BS Bio graduates. Besides, BSN is not really a preparatory for medicine.

As for the actual NMAT, since I've taken two board examinations already (MLE and NLE), I think my stamina in answering questions helped me a lot.‏

5. Among the 8 subjects, which is/are the most difficult for you?

Quantitative. Because we were not allowed to use a calculator so it was really a struggle. I answered the quantitative questions last. Besides, in addition to the number of questions, there's time limit so it was really a struggle.‏

6. Is there any books or references that you want to recommend?

I recommend that you read books on subjects you find hard to understand, or your weak points, and get the main ideas from them. Concepts only.‏ Additionally, I think when it comes to being objective during the exam, the MSE NMAT reviewer also helped.

7. So since you are in a relationship, how did you manage to budget your time?‏

Well, when I got too much intoxicated during my review, I called my girlfriend who was always available.‏

8. What specific subjects do you recommend future NMAT reviewees to focus on?‏

Since the NMAT is based on percentile rank, I recommend studying on subjects that most NMAT aspirants are weak on. So that would be numbers, specifically the quantitative and the physics part. And a little bit of computation in the chemistry part.‏ Also, bits of commonly used trigonometric algorithms.‏

1. Register early because from my experience, when the date is already too close to the deadline of registration, the system lags. Therefore, I recommend early registration.‏
2. Know thyself. Know your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the NMAT review or studying (know when you can focus and learn best), and also during the actual exam.‏
3. Get enough sleep.‏
4. Never cram on your review because I have this cousin who actually read the practice sets five minutes before the exam. It didn't really work out well.
5. Bring at least 2 pencils, an eraser and a sharpener. The first pencil should be used for computations while the other pencil should be used for shading (only).
6. Don't forget your application form.‏
7. Be early. I came to the testing site at 6:30 and at 7:45, the testing site was already crammed with vehicles so it's wise to come early in order to avoid hassle.‏
8. Know your room assignment and how to get there.‏
9. I recommend wearing T-shirt, pants, rubber shoes and jacket. It's not a fashion show and the room's air conditioned. Be comfortable.‏
10. Once you get there, familiarize yourself with the place.‏
11. You can bring foods. Although there are lots of fast food chains and stores, there are also too many examinees. To save time, effort and hassle, bring your own food and water.‏
12. Don't drink too much before the exam.‏ The least thing that you need is a last-minute trip to the bathroom.
13. Bring at least one valid ID for verification purposes.‏
14. Based on my MLE, NLE and NMAT experience, time management is highly essential. To be more specific, I answered the practice tests while wearing my wristwatch so I was more conscious of my speed. That way, I was able to divide my time more accordingly.‏
15. Wear a wristwatch. If you're a left-handed person, remove your watch and put it on a place where you can readily refer to it.

1. Verbal Analysis

You'll be needing a wide vocabulary so I recommend that you read classic novels so that you'd be familiar with uncommon words.‏ Commonsense is also important.‏

2. Inductive Reasoning

Be mentally alert and focused. Write A-Z on a scratch paper with their corresponding numbers (1-26) so that you can easily distinguish patterns for questions that include letters and numbers.

3. Quantitative

Practice a lot. It also needs a little bit of reading comprehension.‏

4. Perceptual Acuity

Aside from keen eyesight, you also need to master the process of elimination. This is the part where you can allot the least amount of your time during the exam.‏

For the mirror images part, practice and eliminate. Never apply the power of C (which means that if you don't know the answer, choose letter C) because it doesn't really work (based from my experience); the final decision is still yours.‏

Related: Tips for Medical School Interview

5. Biology

Broaden your scope in reading because there are concepts that you can't find in High School books.‏

6. Physics

Do a lot of practice when in comes to the formulas and concepts commonly used in Physics 1 and Physics 2‏. And it also helps a lot to master the physics concepts in the practice sets.‏

7. Social Science

For me, read Nursing psychiatry books. There were concepts taken from there.‏ Reading comprehension and commonsense are essential.‏

8. Chemistry

I took the liberty of reading a text book in chemistry. Title: Chemistry Demystified. I read the book from cover to cover and it really helped.‏

I know that my weakest subjects were Physics and Chemistry so I concentrated on them. You need books, not bullets, because books give you concepts and explanations.‏

You need a little bit of both memorization and understanding.‏ If you understand the concept, it's not hard to put it in memory. Chemistry is essential in the practice of medicine so I really took time to read a chemistry book. It'd be a great help in medical school.‏



To achieve optimum potential, I reviewed for both the CSE (Civil Service Examination) and the NMAT. I was able to practice and evaluate my examination-taking skills when I took the CSE. Taking the CSE is also a good way to practice for the NMAT.‏ It's like hitting two birds with one stone. :)‏

You can also take sample aptitude tests from the internet.

Image source: silverdoctors.

Also, speed during examination is so important.‏ Keep track of your time while answering review questions so that you'd be aware of your pace. If you're going slow, adjust.


According to our NMAT review director, since the NMAT is an examination required of future doctors, it serves to make sure that those who will get into the profession are speed-thinkers and decisive in order to give the best solution or treatment in the shortest time possible.‏

After the exam...

The result is given EXACTLY "AFTER" 15 working days.‏

After the exam, forget about it. Since the result is released after 15 working days, leave it at that. You did your best naman eh.‏

Related: Tips for Medical School Interview

DISCLAIMER:‏

The tips and techniques I shared here are the ones that helped me. However, I can't assure you that these apply to everybody.‏

*forgotten, forgot - well, of course he forgot because he did not do his best during his high school days so in order to make up for such insufficiency, he really studied hard for the NMAT. That's why we were so happy when he got his NMAT results, presenting with a very high percentile rank. :)

And for my own personal note, please do practice your shading and don't forget to pray. Although I didn't take the NMAT, I have taken several examinations myself and prayer really works wonders. :)


I hope you also learned something from this post. You're welcome to share your comments. Have you also taken the NMAT? Share your experience! :)

Related: Tips for Medical School Interview

Found this awesome video. Now, is this really true? Is this how your guy friend is treating you girls? Treating you like you're just another buddy? Another guy from their bunch of dudes?

It varies from person to person. Personally, my guy friends make fun of me but they also show some care and concern toward me.


When it comes to crushes, they are quiet and reserved and get the jitters when they are anywhere near their crush. It's highly unusual for a guy to be so carefree, gallant and brave in front of their crush. They are usually shy when they are around the girl they fancy. It comes with paranoia and the mentality that they are not supposed to make even a single mistake that might give them an ugly first impression.

I don't know but that's what I have observed. I'm not a guy but I love hanging out with them. Why? There's less drama when you're with guys. They are not the drama queens that are going to be upset just because you failed to show up on time. They're cool to be with, really. More like a breath of fresh air. :)

Nonetheless, the video is great, despite the awkwardness that I felt when I was watching it. :)