Pamahiin For Boards: Pinoy na Pinoy!

You wouldn't be a hundred percent Pinoy if you don't know what 'pamahiins' are. They are just a staple in our awesome culture. They are one of the things that makes us unique with the rest of the population of the Earth.

Most people don't follow them, a lot dismiss these as silly little things that our ancestors made up. But there's no harm in believing them right? Especially when a lot of people stand to be first-hand witnesses on their effect. These beliefs are as absurd as can be, and there are no scientific explanations for them. But, there's no harm in trying...

Come on, I'm not starting up a new religion based on these things. So don't go snooty-wooty on this one. These are just things that a lot of examinees do. I mean, you can never be prepared enough for one of the hardest battles of your life.

Here we go!

Ready to rock the long hair frock?

DO NOT CUT YOUR HAIR! - So I don't know when you start with it. My batchmates and I just assumed it started when we started the review.The reason behind is that old folks say that all the knowledge you attained from reviewing will fall away with the cut hair.

BUY A BIG RED CANDLE - I bought ours at the St. Jude Chapel. The vendors were trying to sell us the orange ones. I still bought the red one because it was what my friend instructed me to do so. And there's a catch: You have to light the candle before going to the testing area. Then you're gonna blow it out when you get home from the exam. This is why, ladies and gentlemen, it is better to stay in a house where there are other people around on the days of examination

Long nails might have been banned
during our hospital duties,
but now is the perfect time to have them,
while you can!

DO NOT CUT THE FINGERNAILS - Yes, this may seem very unhygienic. I thought so too myself, but I did this just for the last 2 weeks before the exam. The rationale behind is the same, knowledge will fall off with the cut fingernail.

Red is for ultimate luck!

WEAR SOMETHING, ANYTHING, RED ON THE DAYS OF EXAMINATIONS - For the earlier exams, where they were allowed to wear civilian, this was quite entertaining to see, as most examinees wore red shirts. In fact, our reviewer said that they looked like celebrating Valentine's day or something. But since the protocol was changed into the school/nursing/scrub suit most people opt to have something red with them. Like a handkerchief, the rosary, the pony tail, the bag, or which ever you prefer. I bought special red panties for the exam though. One for the first and one for the second. :) The reason, of course is to bring you great luck for the exam.

UPON ENTERING THE EXAMINATION ROOM, ENTER WITH YOUR RIGHT FOOT - They say it's to start things right with the exam. Frankly, when I had my exam, I was too nervous to think about starting with the right (or left) foot.

BEFORE SITTING AT YOUR CHAIR, OR PASSING THE PAPERS, KICK YOUR CHAIR SLIGHTLY FORWARD - It's one of those things that are rumored to bring you loads of luck. If you're too shy to do so, you can kick it oh so discreetly.

BEFORE PASSING THE PAPER, ENCIRCLE YOUR CHAIR THRICE - I have to admit, this is one of those that I really didn't do. But I know a few who did. ;)

Well that's all there is that I can remember, feel free to drop your contributions so we can compile them here! :)