What happens when leadership finds you before you feel ready for it?

In Shift #005 of Shelf Life: The Long Shift... na may kasamang CHIKA, I sit down with She Obispo, former National President of the Young Pharmacists Group Philippines and now a corporate pharmacist based in Malaysia.

She didn't necessarily set out to become President. Instead, she found herself suddenly stepping into a role that came with expectations, responsibilities, and the challenge of continuing the work of those who came before her.

In this conversation, we talk about what it was like to help restart and rebuild an organization, the pressure of living up to her predecessors, finding her own way of leading, and ultimately figuring out how she and her team could make their own mark.

But our conversation goes beyond YPG.

She reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the people who influenced her, lessons learned along the way, her transition to working in Malaysia, and what she believes the next generation of Filipino pharmacists needs from the profession today.

This isn't a conversation about having all the answers or becoming the "perfect" leader.

It's about showing up when you're needed, growing into responsibilities you never expected to carry, and discovering what you're capable of along the way.

🎙️ Featuring: She Obispo
🎧 Hosted by: Mikey Mendoza

Every shift has a story.

Sometimes, the path we choose isn't the one we end up following—and that's okay. Growth isn't always about changing direction; sometimes, it's about discovering where you can make the greatest impact.

In this episode of Shelf Life: The Long Shift na may kasamang CHIKA, I sit down with Gab Ocampo Paragas for an honest conversation about leadership, public health, and purpose. We revisit his time with the Young Pharmacists Group (YPG), discuss why he believes pharmacy is fundamentally a public health profession, and explore how those experiences eventually led him to pursue medicine.

This isn't a conversation about leaving pharmacy. It's about carrying the values of our profession wherever life takes us. Gab shares the lessons he learned through leadership, service, and finding the courage to follow a calling that continued to evolve over time.

Whether you're a pharmacy student, a practicing pharmacist, or someone simply trying to figure out what's next, I hope this episode reminds you that your journey doesn't have to look like everyone else's. Sometimes, purpose is found in the unexpected.

Leadership isn't always about holding a title. Sometimes, it begins with showing up for your family, carrying responsibilities that few people see, and continuing to move forward even when you're still figuring things out yourself.

In this episode of Shelf Life: The Long Shift na may kasamang Chika, I sit down with Dominic Moreno, current President of the Young Pharmacists Group of Quezon City, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, being a breadwinner, balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities, and the lessons that continue to shape him both as a pharmacist and as a person.

This isn't a conversation about having all the answers. It's about embracing growth, staying grounded, and leading with purpose through every season of life.

Whether you're a pharmacy student, a young professional, or someone carrying responsibilities for the people you love, I hope you'll find a part of yourself in this conversation.

Because every shift has a story.

What does it take to build a meaningful career in pharmacy?

In this episode of Shelf Life, I sit down with Dr. Stephen Rae Fontanilla to talk about the journey behind his career, his passion for antimicrobial stewardship, and what it means to be recognized as a FAPA-CP Fellow. More than the achievements, this conversation is about mentorship, service, leadership, and staying true to your purpose. If you're a pharmacy student, a young pharmacist, or anyone navigating their own career journey, I hope you'll find inspiration in Doc Stephen's story.

Welcome to the very first episode of Shelf Life: The Long Shift na may kasamang Chika.

Naisip ko na bago tayo makinig sa kwento ng iba't ibang healthcare professionals, siguro fair lang na ipakilala ko muna kung sino ang host ninyo.

Sa episode na ito, ikukuwento ko ang naging journey ko sa pharmacy. Paano ako napunta sa profession na ito, ang mga trabaho at opportunities na dumaan sa buhay ko, at kung paano ako napadpad dito sa Texas bilang isang pharmacist.

Hindi naging diretso ang lahat. Maraming exams, failures, waiting, at moments na napapatanong ka kung tama pa ba ang direksyon na tinatahak mo. Pero looking back, doon ko rin narealize na minsan, hindi mo talaga makikita agad kung bakit nangyayari ang isang bagay hanggang sa marating mo na yung next chapter.

Hindi ito episode para sabihin na ito ang tamang path o para i-compare ang journey ko sa iba. Iba-iba naman tayo ng timing at opportunities. Gusto ko lang ikwento kung paano ko naranasan ang profession na mahal natin.

Sana habang nakikinig kayo, may mapulot kayong lesson, inspiration, o kahit simpleng realization na hindi kayo nag-iisa sa mga pinagdadaanan ninyo sa career.

Maraming salamat sa pakikinig, at welcome sa Shelf Life: The Long Shift na may kasamang Chika.

☕ Every shift has a story.