Melrose Galindo Togonon

By Alon Calinao Dy: A staff nurse at International Medical Center, Melrose Galindo Togonon has been the most generous and gifted individual, who has natural abilities to attend all the needs of her patients. She began to experience her amazing skills when she worked with a lot of  different people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Facebook Photo of  Melrose Galindo Togonon

I had worked with her years ago and I started to consider that this person as an absolute great colleague, friend, and leader. The work in the hospital, which I thought a complicated job for a nurse to perform, was easier for her because the passion was always present in her heart. I remember how she guided and helped me through when I was still a newbie. She was someone I could always depend upon in all the assignments. 

I couldn't believe that I met these wonderful people as Melrose, Lydia, Noraina, and others, who would  help me become a more honest person today. I was so grateful to work with this sort of people, and sincere words of gratitude from my heart was not enough to thank them. Now If I see them happy on the internet, I'm also glad for them.  

Thank You, Melrose!

My Saudi Arabia Experience

By Alon Calinao Dy: Saudi Arabia is a huge country and is considered as one of the richest countries in the world as Saudis rely mostly on their oil wealth and gas exports to avoid economic crisis. 

As of 2013, over 9 million expats of the world's estimated 29 million lived in Saudi Arabia. The cost of living in this country is relatively low and people enjoy a tax-free lifestyle.

I lived, worked, and learned so many interesting things about the real life in Saudi Arabia for a year and a half. At the beginning, I thought it would be extremely difficult for me to adjust and settle in this new country. I thought I would not last for a month since I heard from many expats that there was no social life in this Arab state. 

Although I was so damn bored when I first arrived in Saudi because I always thought of my loved ones I left back home, I've had friends who brought me mouthwatering food like best chicken kabsa.

Medical Ward Unit

Nurses on duty at International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Mark Almonte and me

I remember my friend named Mark Almonte who was the first person in Saudi Arabia who bought me a dinner. He was a good man, a friend by everyone in the hostel.

Melchor Flores

Jeremy Decamora

Then I met Jeremy and Mel. They were very friendly people who taught me a lot of things like going out, shopping, and other things I still didn't know. Jeremy was my roommate and I found him very funny person who loved to share his personal experiences. 

I really admired him for he loved his family so much, especially his two adorable children. I saw him once crying in the living room as he yearned for his family after his one month vacation in the Philippines.

International Medical Center (IMC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

I fell in love with this new state-of-the-art hospital. I had so many fond memories in medical ward unit and out-patient department. 

At the moment, I still remember my friends ma'am Marivic, Aireille, Lydia, Melrose, Elizabeth, Anne, Melrose, Noraina, Bevic, Maria Cristina, sir Joseph, Alvin, Francis, and many others. I would never ever forget those happy moments I was laughing so hard with them.

with Joseph Rosario

After we played basketball near IMC hospital, we went to Starbucks coffee house because we loved drinking our favorite coffee with great music, Wi-Fi, and everything. Indeed, Starbucks stores are everywhere. It is the largest company in the world, with thousand stores in many different countries.

So now, it is fictitious that there is no social life in Saudi Arabia as what other expatriates told me. Whether in Jeddah or Petro Rabigh, there are a lot of dinner parties, social gatherings, picnics, and other in-home events. There is no problem to get together with a group in this Arab state. 

Although there are some restrictions, there are known private beaches in Jeddah and Petro Rabigh to socialize with your friends and other people. Let's always remember to respect their culture and obey their laws.

When I was in Jeddah, fish market in Al-Balad was my favorite hangout every friday of the week since I loved eating different species of fish. I always purchased shark meat from a trusted vendor in Al-Balad as he had a lot of fresh goods and loyal buyers. 

Aside from that, there was also a fascinating place called Corniche where families and friends could gather for picnics and other recreational activities. I often visited this place to unwind from my stressful work. 

A Friendly Reminder:

Be careful if you are an unmarried man who plans to bring a female friend, as it is strictly prohibited by Saudi law unless she is your wife and you have a marriage certificate.

Ate Lydia

Photos were taken from Lydia's facebook

By Alon Calinao Dy: Back in 2010, I worked as a staff nurse at International Medical Center (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). I had an opportunity to meet a few wonderful people. One of those was Ate Lydia. She was my senior nurse. I really admired her because she always listened to me whenever I have problems. She was smart, funny and down to earth person. I was happy because she was one of my close friends who truly inspired me to do better things at work. She was like a mother to me. Even if I got mad at her, she would understand and talk to me calmly with a friendly smile on her face.

I remember one time when I felt depressed because I fought with someone else. As a friend, a sister and a mother, she helped me with my problems. She would always be there for me and offered me good advice. From that time onwards, I learned to forgive and understand other people. I learned the true value of a friendship. I learned to have a compassionate ear for others. I learned many important lessons in life because of her. Although I worked only there over a short period of time, because I got a better job offer in another hospital, I treasured the moments I was with Ate Lydia.

Now, I'm confident that she will continue to help other nurses who need a motherly advice. It's my belief that we need someone as Ate Lydia who is positive in every aspect of life. I think a warm and friendly environment is possible if everyone has a positive outlook in life. The reason why I'm saying this is because I see many people who are pessimistic. Without even trying, they see things in a negative way that would say, "No, you can't do it!"

I think everywhere you go, there are these kinds of people. All you have to do is to show the good side of you and live a positive life around negative people. I think that's the best thing you can do, for it will not create a solution if you respond with the same unwanted behavior. But, of course, we are only humans. So, everything has its own limits.

If you think you need some time to cool off, don't hesitate to do so. Don't shoulder all your burdens alone. During this time, you need people who can sort out your problems. The best people I can think of are your parents. I'm sure they would want the best for you. Other best option also is to have a friend like Ate Lydia. You need a friend who would understand and bring out the best of you, not the other way round. Therefore, choose your friends carefully, because not all people have positive perspectives in life.