GOING OUT: PANDEMIC STORIES
MAY 2023

"Pandemic Stories"

By Dr. LanceIsidore Catedral

In this second of two parts of the Going Out issue, we share II pieces of poetry and prose written by Filipino internists from all over the country during the
slow, painful, and joyous transition to a changed world.

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Am I Free?
By Dr. Ryel Katherine V. Manipol

I was the lone senior resident-in-training in Internal Medicine at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH). I was, more often than not, assigned
to the front lines to look after patients with COVID-19

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Sand Castles

By Dr. Frances Eunice B. Alcober

It’s been two years or so,
Since our life was put on hold by a tiny foe.
Death was brought and people would go,

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Quarantine

By Dr. Reina Lynn Antonio
As an introvert, the quarantine was heaven;
I was carefree in the comforts of my haven.

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Zoom In, Zoom Out— Preferably Out

By Dr. Sonia Salamat

What’s the most outrageous thing you’ve done while you were supposed to be in a Zoom meeting?
Personally, I haven’t done anything too outrageous.

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Telemedicine: No Going Back
By Dr. Irene Villanueva-Felipe

I am an internist-pulmonologist with a big problem. Because of an immunocompromised immune system,
I can’t see patients face-to-face, at least for now.

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 It is Okay and It Will be Okay

By Dr.Jo-Ann Caroll B. Dacawi

Dearest,
I know you are probably tired of being told that it is okay and it will be okay.
It has been more than two years after all.

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Military Doctor Covid Stories 

By Dr. Abi N.O. Atanacio

I’m a military doctor, a member of the Medical Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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Dancing My Way Out of the Pandemic

By Dr.Maria Angeli R. Pamintuan

Who would have thought a 57-year-old internist would win third place, garner
a bronze medal and five awards in a contemporary ballet online competition?

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Ang Residente

By Dr. Julius T. Baciles

Katawa’y pilit pabangunin,
Panibagong umaga na kailangang harapin.
Agahan na luto ni inay iyong mabilis nakinain,

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The Hesitation to Hug
By Dr. Ella Mae Masamayor

I am strongly in favor of hugging. I give the biggest, most enthusiastic hugs, complete with wide eyes and squeals of joy. I’m a tiny person, so it’s not
exactly a bear hug on my end.

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The Windows to the Soul
By Dr.Ina P. Ortiz

One sunny morning, I found myself looking straight into the eyes of a young girl who reached out her hand to offer me a Sampaguita lace

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TFI welcomes contributions from PCP members. Please email articles (in Word Format) and photos (in jpg/peg format with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Editors reserve the right to use their discretion in selecting and editing contributed articles for publication.

REFLECTIVE WRITING FOR INTERNIST | A 55-WORD STORY WRITING FLASH WORKSHOP
Session 6 – February 2023

THE CALL

By Dr. Bill Ramos

It was close to midnight. I got a call from the helper, crying on the other side, that you are not well. I felt that it was something serious, something dreadful...

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SATURDAY MORNING

By Dr. Honey Sarita Abarquez

 It’s Saturday morning in front of a monitor.

It’s 24 months, forward in 2023.

I hear a rooster crow...

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PAGLINGON SA NAKARAAN

By Dr. Beatrice Tiangco

Hindi lang iisa, sobrang daming ala-ala.

Mga kasama na inagawan ng buhay.

Pagsuot ng mask, ang hirap huminga...

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COVID, OH COVID

By Dr. Maria Karla Malanyaon-Ermino

 An outing to the beach to get a breath of fresh air

Started a nightmare.

I had it, my husband and niece had it...

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SWALLOW

By Dr. Wilfredo Liangco

Had two patients with esophageal cancer last week. One was a news reporter, only in her 30s, and cancer has spread to her liver and bones...

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AMBULANCE RUN

By Dr. Noel P. Pingoy

She closed her eyes as the dog barked in a far-off distance. She told herself I would rather remember the sun’s heat pricking my skin in the midday rush to the población...

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 LIFE FULFILLED

By Dr. Anita Jesena

Hold me with your eyes at a distance. It’s okay, cry more behind your mask. Touch me with gloved hand if you can. But let go as i fade slowly...

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LAB LIFE

By Dr. Elsie Lim

Napakailap na buhay pag-ibig

Aking inaasam asam

Balot na nung bago mag pandemic

Ngayon ay mas higit pa....

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LOCKDOWN FREEDOM

By Dr. Carina Chavente

Everyone’s indoors, except me.

Highways clear

Business districts still

Traffic lights out

Not one in sight...

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PANDEMIC EMOTIONS AT PLAY

By Dr. Cherry Pink Villa

Pandemic has brought joy, peace,

at the same time fear and anxiety.

It has made us closer yet far to reach.

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HOPE

By Dr. Cherry Marquez

 Suddenly, everything is meaningless.

Sickness lingers, with no help in sight.

Desperate people calling, praying...
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MY SECRET AFFAIR

By Dr. Mary Antonette Ong

 The world went to a standstill…

Was not planning but fate brought me here.

One-click, one look, t’was just one...

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NEED
(With apologies to Maslow’s Pyramid of Need)

Dream and hope…

The resolve to rise again and

Takes it all away in instant but not

How sweet and simple life is until the dreaded...
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THE COVID AND ME

By Dr. Angeli Aresta del Valle

The Covid-19 outbreak for the past four years presents us all with an unprecedented amount of uncertainty. As a young clinician practicing medical oncology...

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ROUTINE

By Dr. Hyasmin Alejandro

I wear a mask, cover everything I can and walk through the bridge to the hospital.

I smile with my eyes, bow to those I recognize...

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SUB

By Katrina Gaelic Bebero

Fellowship training has just ended, and I was still asleep at 9AM. An unexpected call came in. Everyone’s in quarantine...

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TFI welcomes contributions from PCP members. Please email articles (in Word Format) and photos (in jpg/peg format with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Editors reserve the right to use their discretion in selecting and editing contributed articles for publication.