Latest CD4 Count

The peak of my CD4 count since I started my ARV treatment back in June 2007 was 521 per ml of blood. After almost a year, it went down to 378 and then last November it plummeted to 294.


Honestly, I was a bit worried because it could be an indication that my drug regimen is not working anymore. But then I realized, I did not get sick for quite a long time and feel always healthy so probably my frequent travel and stress which are all work related might be the cause of this. I tried to get some good rest and my travel was lessened so I took the test again and I got the result last week.


Prayer really works and God has proven once again His faithfulness in me. My CD4 count has increased up to 457 which are very close to normal count of 500 and up! It's more than what I have expected. Also I took the other laboratory test I need to monitor regularly such as CBC, blood chemistry, FBS, uric acid, cholesterol, SGPT, SGOT, triglyceride and etc. and virtually all the result are within normal level!


It only means that I am now at the prime of my health praise the Lord and thank you God! Enough hours of sleep, good eating habits, regular work out and exercise, and nurturing spiritual needs while incessantly seeking God's presence truly works at its best!


Work-ministry-wise, not the answer I have expected from God but an opportunity to trust Him more! My contract will end this month and I was hoping and praying that it will be renewed after four or five months so I can study full time this semester. But last week, I was just informed that my contract is extended until September and another new contract will come after that. Not the way I planned it but it seems God has better plans for me than I do and all I can do is to trust Him even more. 


I can't help but be forever grateful and feel blessed to God Almighty!

Road Trip to Ilocos

Two weeks ago, my friends and I had a road trip to the northern part of the country. We visited Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and it was my second trip since 2007 that was not a business or work trip. It's pure pleasure and relaxation. Funny because that first pleasure trip was in Davao in 2007 and as I write this blog, I am in Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City!



Five of my friends from the office and me first visited the historical Vigan City. It's been years since I dreamt of going to this place because I love very old places and stuff that speak origin and history. We went to Baluarte which is more like of a mini-zoo, then we had our first jump shot at the Bell Tower and finally we spent more time in my favorite Calle Crisologo, a place which will bring you to the old Spanish time because of the old structures. We had our dinner in one of the restaurants there and tasted the famous bagnet! I really love this place!


Next morning, we took a less than a couple of hours travel from Vigan to Laoag where we had our lunch and then travel for another hour and a half to Pagudpud. We first visited the Patapat Falls and Bridge, the Rock Formation and the Bato Cave and finally we took our swimming time at the Blue Lagoon.


Another jump shot was took at the Pagudpud road signage before going to the famous Bangui Windmills the following day. This was also a dream came true! Afterwards we travelled via tricycle to Kapurpurawan, another very beautiful rock formation where the rock itself and the ocean where it lies is simply breath taking! And finally, we have ended our trip in Pagudpud visiting the light house before traveling back to Laoag.


We missed Fort Ilocandia, Paoay Church and Sun Dunes in Laoag when we travelled back there where we took the bus going back to Manila. That's another reason to go back in this region and explore nearby places next time. This trip was another realization that my country is rich in beautiful places, culture and histories that we Filipinos can be proud of.


It's good to travel sometimes which the purpose is just to relax, enjoy the sceneries and appreciate God's wonderful creation. God is truly a God! Thank you for these blessings and for blessing this trip.