January 21, 2010 : Missing the Worship Service

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

Good thing we didn't end the week with another demerit. But still we were warned for having another one or one that will be worse than having a demerit.

Its Thursday again! My favorite part of the week. However, I was unable to attend the worship service because Haha and I were given a task that should be done immediately. Nakakalungkot kasi hindi ako makakapag-participate sa service. Sayang. Buti nalang malakas yung sounds kaya kahit paano naririnig namin yung worship songs from the hall. I was almost chanting na sana malakas din yung boses ni Pastor Paul kapag nagbigay na sya ng sermon regarding sa gospel. Pero bigo ako. Pastor Paul is soft-spoken kaya wala akong narinig kahit part lang nung sermon. May kumanta ng live ng isa sa mga worship song. Siguro nagkaroon ng technical problem. We thought it was one of the practicumers. Yun pala, resident yung kumakanta. Hmmm,nice voice.

After ng worship service, tapos na din kami ni Haha sa task namin. Ok na din na hindi kami nakaattend ng service kasi satisfied naman si sir sa output namin.(Thank You God for the creative juices!). However, we were reminded that last minute preparation should be a no-no.

Yesterday, the residents chose to not have their regular movie watching session, instead, they opt to have time to practice. Wow. Kina-career talaga ang dance contest. Well, its good kasi they are trying to be more focused on their task, at same time, enjoying what they are doing.

I decided not to join their practice anymore so that I can start making the awards for tomorrow's program. Again, my creative juices was squeezed out. Together  with Rio and Bethel, we tried to make the awards a little bit more special by putting too much effort in it. Why too much effort? because I saw that this week, even there were sanctions and everything for both the residents and us, the week still went well and there is still something to be happy about.

With regards to the awards, too much effort means too much glue and colored sand were used. We were now learning in our own ways on how to prevent last minute preparation and cramming. And to avoid passing the burden of cramming to the practicumers on duty the next day.

As I end this entry, let me thank God for giving me another week of opportunities, challenges and lessons learned. Thank You for letting me use my talents for the day to day demands of life. May You continue showering me and my fellow students with Your grace so that we can touch others' lives and for us not to forget to find things to be joyful of.

January 20, 2010 : Shout for Joy/Happy (demerit part 2)

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

 

 

Ironic day still. Demerit part 2..at least ngayon 8 hours nalang. I repeat, it may sound unfair, pero hindi naman kagustuhan ng isang tao na madamay yung iba. May dahilan naman eh.Anyways, napansin namin na ilang araw nang hindi nagkakaroon ng outdoor activity yung mga residents. Ayun. Shoot! Pareho pala kami na may sanction. Kung kami may demerit, sila naman may sanction for 7 days. Lahat sila walang privileges. Walang outdoor activity, walang TV, walang radio at eto ang masaklap-walang snacks. Katulad ng sa amin, may dahilan din kung bakit sila nabigyan ng sanction: bullying, hoarding ng medicine, papers  tsaka pang-aagaw ng food. At katulad ng sa amin, wala ding exempted sa kanila. Walang privileges means one thing I think : BOREDOM. 

At dahil dyan, naisip ni sir na magkaroon ng dance contest yung mga residents for the culminating activity. So dahil wala naman silang ginagawa, magppractice nalang sila. Shout for Joy yung sa first group, Happy naman sa Group two. For the dance contest, sila dapat yung mag-choreograph ng sayaw nila. We can suggest ng steps pero dapat hindi directive yung approach so that we would not be sending a message na hindi na nila kailangan mag-isip dahil kami na ang gagawa para sa kanila and para maiwasan yung dependency. 

During the practice, some stood as leaders. Yung group 1 almost lahat sila naging leaders. Contributing steps to make their choreography better. Kaso lang may pasaway sa group nila. Hindi sya nakiki-cooperate. Group 2 was submissive to the one who acted as their leader who in a way is very encouraging to his group mates. Their group was also very open to suggestions when it comes to the steps. 

They had their break from their practice when we were informed that Ms. Faye would be coming for the art activity. It was a continuation of the resident's activity last week. The residents carefully finished  their art works and patiently waited their turn for using the scissors.then, they proudly posted their works on the wall and charmingly posed beside their work. Yung isang bagong resident nanonood lang kasi hindi nya naabutan yung activity na yun last week. From time to time, nakikita ko na tinatanong nya si Ms. Faye or should I say nangungulit lang sya kasi minsan yung tinatanong nya wala namang sense. Pagkatapos nun, since wala nga syang ginagawa, ako naman yung kinulit nya. Nagpapapicture sya. Siguro kasi nakikita nya na lahat ng residents pinipicturan ko tapos sya hindi (kasi nga hindi naman sya gumagawa) Anyways, pinagbigyan ko na din sya ng 3 shots.

 

I was flattered when Ms. Faye noticed my name plate and said that it was artistically done. And said that maybe she can let the residents do one for themselves also.(All smiles. Thank You Ms. Faye *blush*)

Most of the residents talented talaga pagdating sa arts. Even Ms Faye said that. Regarding their works, she said that we should look for things, even for small things that we should be happy for. I know her message goes out not only for the residents but also for us students.

After that, we helped Bethel in interpreting the test. We find it hard because we don't have enough exposure regarding those test. Puro theories lang.Walang application. Wow. on-the-spot learning. Challenging!

January 18, 2010 : Creating Joy and Happiness in Life (Demerit part 1)

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

 

 

Napaka-ironic ng araw na ito. Super. Creating Joy and Happiness and theme this week. Pero ngayong araw na 'to kami napatawan ng 10-hour demerit. Oh yeah. where is happiness?? 

Bakit? Sigurado yan ang next question. Dahil sa maraming bagay na minsan ay nakakalimutan namin that we are accountable for. It may sound unfair, pero kagaya nga ng sinabi ko, we are accountable not only to our decisions and for each other. Nakakapanghinayang, oo. syempre. !0 hours din yun. So where is the happiness  there? First, we were given another chance to change our shortcomings. Second, mas makakapag-bond pa kaming mga practicumers and the residents.

 

Nag-facilitate ulit ako ng ice breaker. Human Compass. Katulad ng Grizzly Bear, I already experienced this  game. I think nag-enjoy naman yung mga residents, yun nga lang, it would be better if may larger play area. Kasi yun yung complain ng group na nasa likod ko. Hindi daw sila maka-score kasi wala ng space eh lagi pa naman ako nasa corner (sorry kuya). 

Mas masaya yung next activity. Skit kasi yung style. And mas gusto pala yun ng mga residents. Ang saya kasi talagang nag-effort lahat ng group. Of course, for every group may nag-stood out as leaders. And lumabas yung pagiging best actress and best actor sa bawat resident. 

"Masaya Ako!" "Masaya Ako!" "Masaya Ako!" "Masaya Ako!" "Masaya Ako!"Yan ang nagpapanalo sa group 2.

Sir gave a short lecture regarding formulas on how to create happiness. I was amazed on how one of the residents gave a very good insight regarding those. I remembered on how was this patient looked and acted like when she was first brought in LCRC. Masyado sya noon stiff. Tapos nakakatakot kasi parang mananakit sya. Hindi din sya dati nakikipag-mingle sa ibang residents. Pero ngayon, she is very active and bibbong-bibbo pag sharing na ng insight. I learned that it is because of her medications. Maganda yung effect sa kanya nun kasi hindi nagiging robotic yung movements nya. 

Before namin sinimulan yung afternoon activity, nagkaroon muna kami ng brainstorming kasama si sir. Nadiscuss yung S - M - A - R - T para maka-buo ng  goal which eventually kapag nakuha mo na will give you happiness . SMART means:

S- pecific

M- easurable

A - ttainable

R - ealistic

T- ime-bound

Some how, nung nagdiscuss about this, nag share naman yung mga residents ng kanilang insights and ideas (yung iba lang). After ng discussion, another game was played by the residents. Kelangan hindi sila mag-rereact kahit anong gawin ng kalaban nila.yung iba sa kanila madali patawanin. Yung iba naman kahit pinagtutulungan na ng kabilang group hindi padin  nagrereact. Mas kaya nilang i-control yung pagtawa kaya sila yung nanalo.

Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Happiness comes from having suitable goals and using suitable means to achieve them.

January 14, 2010 : Cold Thursday

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

January 11, 2010 : Lemon and Lime

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

Outdoor activities ng residents = warm up ng practicumers. We play with them badminton and basketball. Kasama na din yung chikahan portion.

Absent si Sir ngayon, that means na we are fully in-charge of the activities. This week te theme would be : "Living in the Here and Now". I get the chance to facilitate an ice breaker called "The Grizzly Bear is Coming". Nalaro ko na 'tong game na'to so I thought mag-eenjoy din sila the way that I enjoyed. Yun nga lang, it didn't came out the way I visualize it to be. Nakakalungkot. Sinabi ko nalang sa sarili ko na maybe it was because one of their ground rules says that no touching is allowed. Pero I later (super late, mga 3 days later) learned that touching IS allowed DURING sessions. Tsk. Sayang. Nanghinayang ako dun. However, I just looked into the brighter side. I realized that the residents were mindful of the ground rules, making them disciplined.

After lunch, we discussed kung ano yung mga activities that we will facilitate to the residents. Since yung ibang games is not familiar to us, we first tried it out. Para alam namin kung ano yung possible na outcome kapag yung mga residents na yung gumawa, and para maghkaroon ng modifications and clarity in giving out the instructions. That afternoon was full of fun. Para kaming bumalik sa  childhood years namin (hahah.napaghahalataan na tumatanda na) We were tired but happy.

When its time for their afternoon session, we facilitated yung isa sa mga games that we tried. Since they were divide into two groups, hindi naiwasan yung cheating and hindi pagsunod sa instructions. And yung nakakalungkot dun is parang nagamit yung game para ma-insult ng ibang residents yung kapwa residents nila. Good thing that yung members from the other group ay cool lang. Sports 'ika nga. Nakakatuwa kasi yung facilitator nag-assign who will act as the leader from the both groups. Pero there were natural leaders na nag-initiate and guided his groupmates.

For a more "serious" activity, they were tasked to write their future plans outside the center. Most of their answers were family-oriented and speaks of their want to change. However, only some of them gave their specific plans, mostly general plans. Maybe they are just focusing first on their recovery before thinking what to do outside.

Sana they become more serious in "serious" activities as much as they are serious in winning in the fun games.

January 7,2010 : Winner Days

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

January 6,2010 : Please Listen to what i am not saying

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

Aerobic session ulit ng mga residents.Yun nga lang, this day hindi ako nakasali sa kanila. We were given a task to compile the outputs of the residents. Lahat kasi ng output nila ibibigay sa kanila kapag na-discharge na sila.Para mas madali, pinag-hiwahiwalay namin yung art works per patient.At masyado kaming na-overwhelm sa sobrang dami ng output.Tapos meron pang mga output ng mga previous residents. Narealize ko na marami sa mga residents eh artistic. Naisip ko din na siguro yung iba sa kanila mas na-eexpress yung thoughts and emotions nila thru colors.

As a preparation para sa afternoon activity, may pinabasa samin si sir na passage. And we brainstormed about it. We then shared kung ano yung line that most striked us. Actually, lahat nung lines sa passge na yun tumama sakin. Because its about pretensions and wearing masks.

Pagkatapos nun, kami naman yung nag-facilitate ng activity with the residents through small group sharing. Sa mga residents na napunta sa group ko, may isa sa kanila na willingly shared her thoughts and ideas sa line na napili nya.Kaso, yung isa sa kanila pumili ng line dun sa passage pero nung sinabi ko kung bakit yun yung pinili nya, parang hindi naman connect tapos hindi ko pa sya masyadong maintindihan. Narealize ko na mahirap mag-facilitate at mag-process. Pero I'm accepting that as a challenge. I believe na mag-iimprove din ako sa pag-fafacilitate.

Going back sa passage na tinutukoy ko,it is nice to reflect on it so I am sharing it with you:


PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT I AM NOT SAYING

Don't be fooled by me.
Don't be fooled by the face I wear.
For I wear a mask, I wear a thousand masks
Masks that I'm afraid to take off, and none of them is me.

Pretending is an art that's second nature with me.
But don't be fooled, for God's sake, don't be fooled.

I gave you the impression that I'm secure, that all is sunny and unruffled with me, within as well as without.
That confidence is my name, and coolness my game;
that the weather's calm and I'm in command, and that I need no one.

But don't believe me. Please.
My surface may seem smooth, but my surface is my mask.
Beneath lies no smugness, no complacence.
Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in fear, in aloneness.

But I hide this, I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weakness and my fear of being exposed.
That's why I frantically crate a mask to hide behind, a nonchalant, sophisticated facade,
To help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows.

But such glance is precisely my salvation, my only salvation. And I know it.
That is, if its followed by acceptance, if its' followed by love.

It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself, from my own self-built prison walls,
from the barriers that I so painstakingly erect.
It's the only thing that will assure me of what I can't assure myself.
that I'm really worth something.

But I don't tell you this. I don't care. I'm afraid to.
I'm afraid your glance will not be followed by acceptance and love.
I'm afraid you'll think less of me, that you'll laugh and your laugh will kill me.
I'm afraid that deep down I'm nothing, that I'm just no good,
and that you'll see this and reject me.

So I play my game, my desperate game, with a facade of assurance without,and a trembling child within.
And so begins the parade of masks. And my life becomes a front.
I idly chatter to you in the suave tones of surface talk.
I tell you everything that's really nothing, and nothing of what's everything.
Of what's crying within me.

So when I'm going through my routine, don't be fooled by what I'm saying
Please listen carefully and try to hear what I'm not saying.
What I'd like to be able to say, what for survival I need to say,
but which I can't say.

I dislike hiding honestly,
I dislike the superficial game I'm playing,
the superficial, phony game.
I'd really like to be genuine and spontaneous and me.


BUT YOU'VE GOT TO HELP ME.

January 4, 2010 : "Creating authentic and Caring Relationship"

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

After ng "free-style" activities nung holiday season, we were back sa pagkakaroon ng theme per week. This week, ang theme ay "Creating Authentic and Caring Relationship". Ito ang first time namen to experience handle activities with theme.

Before kame pumasok sa hall, nagkaroon muna ng discussion regarding what activities na ipapagawa namen sa mga residents.Nag-suggest si Sir ng pwedeng activity with an objective na maging "authentic" yung mga residents.

Ako, si Nadz and Rio ang naging co-facilitator ni sir.Kami yung humawak ng smaller group discussion.Simple lang naman yung task ng residents.Bubunot lang sila ng topic tapos as much as possible, dapat makapag-share sila ng truth about dun.

Sa group na na-handle ko, may resident na open pag-usapan yung topic na nabunot nya then nag-share din sya ng insight nya. Meron naman sa kanila na nagsabi na wala daw syang experience regarding dun sa topic na nabunot nya.Maybe she was just not comfortable discussing it with someone like me.Nirespeto ko naman yun kasi baka lalong magkaroon sya ng resistance sa pag-share. Meron din naman na parang wala lang.Hindi ko naramdaman yung effort nya na mag-share at magbigay ng insight.

After ng small group discussion, we formed into one big group. Tapos, katulad ng nangyari sa small group sharing, bumunot ulit ng topic yung mga resident.Ngayon nga lang, kelangan ka mag-share sa mas malaking group.Pati kami ni Rio sumali.

Actually, yung na-share ko nung time na yon is first time kong nakwento.I felt good after.

Since kami nila Rio and Nadz yung nagFacilitate nung morning, admin work naman kame nung hapon.Si Rio naging "fax lady". Kami ni Nadz andun sa likod gumagawa ng inventory.Nung time na for afternoon session, andun pa din kami ni nadz sa likod.Naiinggit na nga kami kasi naririnig namin na nageenjoy sila sa loob tapos kami ni Nadz kasama ang napakaraming papel,kalat at glitters sa likod.

That was a tiring day pero fulfilled kasi naayos namin ni nadz yung art cabinet.And nabalitaan ko na ang galing mag-facilitate ni Daisy.Sayang hindi ko nasaksihan..
Congrats Daisy!

January 2, 2010 : new year na!

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

Welcome 2010!!
Ayan..dahil New Year na, i think it would be better for me to write my blog entries in Tag-lish.Nakaka-nose bleed kase. And I think I can express my insights better this way.
(Sorry sa typo errors)

Aerobics session ngayon ng mga residents, of course to improve their physical well-being. Yun nga lang, hindi lahat sa kanila sumali,especially sa female residents na may monthly period. Napansin ko na kabisado na nila yung routine ng aerobic session. Minsan pa nga inuunahan na nila yung sa video.Namiss ko tuloy yung aerobic session with Gayle.Mas masaya yun tsaka mas interactive kesa sasabayan lang yung sa video.


Later that afternoon, schedule ng mga residents to watch a movie. Five People You Meet in Heaven dapat talaga yung papanoorin nila. Kaso, Mahina yung audio.Tapos nakita nung isang resident na may naka-save na movie na Matilda sa CD. Ayun.nirequest nya na yun na lang panoorin.Sabi naman ni Haha pwede daw yung Matilda so yun na lang yung pinanood nila.(may guidelines kasi na dapat sudin when it comes to choosing the movie. Dapat walang sexual or violent content.)

Natuwa din ako kasi hindi ko pa napapanood yung Matilda,tapos yung Five people napanood ko na.So, in favor pa din sa'ken :)

karamihan sa mga residents na-enjoy yung movie.Especially sa mga scenes na bibong-bibo si Matilda.Yun nga lang meron din sa kanila na parang hindi masyadong enjoy.Maybe they find the movie too childish.

Personally, I find this movie cute at the same time shows the importance of family and acceptance. And no matter what you encounter, just like what was said in the movie - "You are not alone".

December 30, 2009 Days Gone By : The LCRC Year - End Culminating Activity

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

" This will be a very busy day". That is what I am thinking while I was on my way to LCRC. Good thing I was just right on time (8:00am) even I lack sleep.

I starteed to finish the lettering for the backdrop and eventually discussed with Lala some matters regarding our facilitation to the culminating activity later that day.

Sir Al, in our meeting, delegated each of us on a particular matter that should be worked on. Gayle on the gifts, Haha on the costume, Dana and Daisy on the banner for Sir Vito, me on the decoration and backdrop and Lala on the preparation for the culminating activity.

Speaking of the culminating activity (ceremony of time capsule and letting go), the residents were given two sheets of paper - a white one and a yellow one. On the white paper, they were asked to write the things that they want to let go - their failures, pains, not-so-good memories and experiences (this paper was burned at the ceremony). On the other hand, they must write on the yellow paper all their goals that they want to achieve for the year 2010. However, these goals must be guided with these reminders: it should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time - Bound.

Sadly, not all of them participated with that activity. After they were finished writing, the papers were then collected and put inside their own respective boxes. Rehearsals followed after that.

During the nap time of the residents, we were informed from the nurse station that there will be a new resident coming. She was resistant at first that was why we were not yyet allowed to enter the hall for the continuation of the decorating.

Before the program started, we had the opportunity to talk to Sir Vito with his "unplanned" and spontaneous bible study. I think that was God working His way to bless us in our program.

I and Lala were the hosts. (and i know nothing about hosting..tsk.) the program went pretty well, just like the presentation of the residents..and of course our presentation (30 minutes practice lang yon!)

the testimonials given by the residents were all inspiring and solemn. That was also I can say about the culminating activity. in the part of the awarding, I was happy to see that the residents were happy with the awards that they received. I think they were more happy with the gifts that they received from their families that symbolize new beginning.

Of course, what is a party without picture taking? The residents really enjoyed this part as much as we do..

December 29, 2009 The Rehearsals : Full Force

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com
A day before the much awaited Year - End Culminating Activity. Both am and pm sessions were devout for the rehearsals of the residents as well as for the set – up of the backdrop for the program.

As always, everyone was participative and it seems that they were excited for the program the next day. I can sense that they love what they do especially when they were singing the community song “At the Beginning”.

During the residents’ nap time, we started to put – up the backdrop. The concept was a “party popper”. It came out good (I believe), even though some were saying that it looks like someone’s gotta have a birthday party.

A part of the program will be the awarding of the participants. While Gayle was busy rehearsing the residents for their dance number, we were out from the hall busy decorating the sash that will be used.

Of course, the program wouldn’t be complete if there will be no presentation from the practicumers (syempre, papahuli ba kame? =)) we practiced after the rehearsals of the residents.

It was a tiring day and there were still more work to do the next day that is why before going home, we recharged ourselves by eating egg pie. =)

December 28, 2009 : ahh..uhmmm.. - learning the art of minimal prompts

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com


Somehow, I felt that I missed going to my duty. And I missed the aerobics session last saturday..as well as the film showing. And I think Buknoy misses me so badly that he almost jumped and bit me to pieces when I passed by him. (Augh,sweet.)

Before entering the hall for the scheduled practice of the residents for the coming LCRC Year-end Special, we, together with Sir Al, discussed some matters that happened during the 24th, 25th and 26th. They said that some residents were sad/depressed because they were not allowed to have visitors, however, they were still cooperative with the activities that they prepared.

Wiith our conversation with Sir Al, we were "shocked" to discover some "extreme" cases of some of the residents that we didn't expect. All the while we are thinking that they are "normal" because whe we are interacting with them, they appear to be "normal". I just realized that indeed sometimes, you can be fooled with what you see.

We were also given tips on psychotherapy. When you are interviewing someone, you must limit or control his/her three C's: choices, chances and change that you want him to have. Also, another tidbit of information: there are four sources of problems that the facilitator must explore and analyze: first is what is excess, what deficits, what is inappropriate, and what is he/she ignorant about. and you must kow how to balance all of these things for you to help him/her. Oopss.of course not to forget the art of minimal prompts! Which I believe will be very helpful i dealing with the residents.

Another interesting topic that was discussed earlier this morning was some of the residents' case started from substance abuse that caused chemical imbalances in their brain that resulted to chronic schizophrenia. While some of them already experienced symptoms of schizophrenia and to tone those symptoms, they engaged in substance or alcohol abuse.

Going on with the residents' rehearsal, they were cooperative but we found it hard to have them rehearsed during the afternoon session because we don't have the copy of the music that they will be singing and dancing. I was put on the spot to sing in acapella just to refresh them what is the tune of the music "at the beginning" (im so sorry for my voice.i hope they will still get to respect me after that.)
After that, I moved from being a "voice instructor" to a "dance instructor". It was fun because they were in the mood for dancing.However, it was really tiring because only the four of us (I, haha, daisy and dana) were left to teach the dance and the song.

I am really praying hard for the program on Wednesday to be as successful as the other programs.

p.s.
I almost forgot..
Sir Al, thank you for the brownies :) it's really gooooood!!!!!!!!!
love it!

December 23, 2009 : learning to ride a bike

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

this day, i came in 20minutes late.my first time to be late!

however, i really really enjoyed this day. while waiting for the aerobics session (which i was also excited about), we played basketball and i tried to ride a bike - and i was unsuccessful with that.next time ill try it again.our play was considered as the warm up exercise for our aerobics session.after e played,we had our a little chat with sir Al.

at around 10:30am, we entered the hall for the aerobics.i think i was more excited than the residents.it was led by Gayle. maybe wondering why there is an aerobics session huh? i think it is because of the wholistic approach that the institution is using..to have a better mindset, one must be physically fit and healthy right? as i was saying, the session was really great. since i love dancing, i really groove in to the beat of Jai Ho, though the stretching part really stretched my muscles and yes, fats and for a moment it hurt. (I am looking forward for another aerobics session!!!!! it made me feel better)

after our lunch, we had the part 2 of our chitchat with sir al. he gave tips on how we can prevent burnout wich we are very vulnerable in having one because of the nature of our work. taking care of our body because it is our instrument with this kind of profession. and, reconnect with our loved ones whenever we feel that our "love tanks" are emptying.as always, sir al keeps on reminding us the importance of taking our responsibility with whatever we are doing.

about the afternoon session, the residents were asked to make something for them to give to their families and their loved ones. special messages must be written by the residents themselves.

i was touched by how one of the residents remembered my name. =))

December 22, 2009 : Christmas Vacation.. – minus the vacation part

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com


Another day at LCRC. We had a chance again to play with some of the residents that were allowed to play outside.
In the morning session, the morning group prepared the energizer Chitty – Chitty Bang – bang and the game charade relay.

I think, the energy of the residents were contagious. as if they were able to fill up our energy tanks when they were getting low. i hope we can do the same thing for them.

I remembered the game charade relay. i had a ralization that both verbal and non-verbal communication are important.There are times when we don't want to speak but we want to be understood. however, there are also times when we are already speaking but we cannot be understood by others. sensitivity also comes into the scene.if we are sensitive enough to other people, it would be easier for us to understand them.

at the last word to be guessed in the game, one of the group answered "espiritista" while the word is supposed to be "fisherman". it was funny but at the same time, it made me think that every people is really unique.we view things differently.

the afternoon session was full of fun. the residents really loved the game bahay baboy bagyo.
and i loved the insight of one of the residents. she shared that decisions must be done carefully or else you might regret it.

the residents are no longer kid..so i believe that i can gain so much insights from their experiences.

ecember 21, 2009 : pik - pak - boom!

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

After the very memorable Christmas party last Friday, on this day, we were about to finally do some work and never forget some fun also. We met Lala and Gayle from UST as well as Elaine, Rene and Jean from NEU. They were all nice, jolly and warm that we didn’t find it hard to work with them as group mates.

We were then divided as the morning and afternoon groups. After the meet and greet part, we started to prepare for the activities for the morning session. We did the pik – pak – boom and The Captain and Ship which I think were both enjoyed by the residents and the practicumers. It was fun to found that the residents were able to process and extract something from the experiences in the games.

I noticed that there was a new resident there. At first, she was like not so participative and it feels like she doesn’t like other people. However, as the day passed, she managed to give us a smile and I felt that maybe somehow, she was more relaxed with her new environment.

It was like my first formal facilitating experience. I was really not confident in handling one of the games but I was lucky enough to manage the processing part with the residents. After our session, Sir Al met us up and he was really appreciative of what we can do and encourages us to do better next time. On that day also, he discussed the schedule of activities that will happen with the next days and week.

I know there would be more – I mean a lot more activities for us that is why I must start to work on the areas I must improve such us the proper processing after activities and also, with regards to the confidence that I must have whenever I am facing them.

December 18, 2009 : Shining Purples: Ang Liwanag ng Pasko

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com

Shining Purples: Ang Liwanag ng Pasko
It was the day of the Christmas party at LCRC. And we must be in purple – oops, sorry that must be SHINING PURPLE. We arrived at around four in the afternoon and we were not able to help out Maron and company to do the last minute decorations (sorry guys,,).

While waiting for the program to start, the residents had their dress rehearsals. The program started at around six thirty in the evening. I was happy though not feeling well that day because most of the residents have their families with them to enjoy the night. I thought that those residents will “heal” faster because of their families and loved ones who supports them through their journey towards healing.

Three groups of residents presented that night as well as the student trainees from UST, NEU, PUP and MCU. It was indeed a night of fun and great moments. I can say that the program was a successful one (congrats Maron!). Also, congratulations to all the residents for a very good performance and I really appreciated their efforts to rehearse and even gave up their nap time just to practice.

Of course, what is a party without food? The dinner was really scrumptious. Yummy! I was really full after that. And a party without picture taking? That is a big no-no for picture addicts like us.

It was also nice for us to see the previous activities of the residents through the AVP. The program was concluded with the community song “Star ng Pasko” which everyone sang whole heartedly.

If you think that was the end, you’re wrong. The party continued up to 12 midnight with exchange gifts and raffle draw (I was lucky enough to win one loot bag). Since that was already midnight, I, Daisy, Dana, Nadine and Rio decided to have an unplanned sleep over at Haha’s house which was just around the vicinity. A warm and very big thanks to Haha’s parents and brothers for letting us stay at their house with such a very short notice. =)

Merry Christmas everyone!!

December 17, 2009 : The Shining Shimmering Recycled Hawaiian party at the Kenon Road.

Founded by Dr. Randy Dellosa, Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) is a psychiatric facility and rehabilitation center for people suffering from schizophrenia, depression, addiction, and other unmanageable behaviors. It is located at #105 Scout Rallos Street, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Kamuning, Quezon City.

For further information about LCRC, you may contact 415-7964 or 415-6529. You may also visit www.randydellosa.com


December 17, 2009, a Thursday was my first “official” practicum day at the Life Change Recovery Center. And it was a day before their Christmas Party.

I, together with the PUP pips, came in early to prepare for the recycled decorations that we were assigned to work on. When we were already working on that, some of the residents were allowed to go out in the sun and play-and that was my first up close and personal interaction with them. Of course I was hesitant at first because I don’t know how to approach them. I just played with them and some of the residents, whose names of course are not to be mentioned, even helped us to fold some paper decorations for the upcoming party.

Thursday is the residents’ worship service day, and Sir Al, our supervisor, invited us to join the service and formally introduced us to the residents. There were a lot of joyful songs that day. Pastor Paul ministered the service who also gave a very inspiring message, not only for the residents but also for us. While saying our “God Bless You’s” to each other, I noticed that some were very welcoming and all smiles and even initiated the handshakes while others were “not-so-friendly” at first.

Later that day, we started to put up the decorations to the session hall. Since I was the one assigned to decorate, I decided to put up a Christmas Tree which has a very unique color (violet and pink) out of the Japanese papers I found in the cabinet. The reason why I chose that colors? Because I had no other choice! I used to comment on that as “baklang bakla ang kulay” while Sir Al used to say “ano yan Rose? Kennon Road?” hahah..wondering why Kennon Road? It was from the manner I put up the tree.. (si Sir Al ang saksi =) ) moreover, on that day, almost all of us were shining and shimmering because of the glitters..

Anyway, while everybody was busy doing the decorations, the residents rehearsed for their respective presentations for the party. I observed that everyone was participating and it seemed like they were enjoying what they do. All the song were so nice and I realized that whenever I was in the hall, I can't help but sing (although just to myself) and even sway to the rhythm.
One of the residents, while I was decorating approached me and asked my name. I also asked her name and after she introduced herself, she walked away. Ooopss, I almost forgot to say where the “Hawaiian” part came from. That was when Daisy and I were about to put the crepe papers around the Christmas tree =).

That was one exhausting day. At the same time, I learned the value of responsibility and initiative, as well as the virtue of looking things in whole rather than individually. Because sometimes, there are things that when looked at individually may looked great, but when put with other stuff, may not look “coherent”.

I am looking forward for more shining days with the LCRC family.