No, I am not dead.  With everything that happened, took me a while to make a post.  Without beating around the bush:  I withdrew from CIM for reasons previously discussed.  It was a painful decision, full of what ifs.  The truth is, if i kept struggling, there is a good chance I might have even passed the year.  But what then?  Is studying medicine really about passing, or about getting the best understanding possible?  I know ill learn more with lecture. The financial loss is not as significant (by American standards) as the time lost...  but I've gained a preview of medical coursework that will help me focus in the future.  I also know what I'm lacking compared to my Filipino classmates.  So, new game plan:

1)  Second semester I will take Anatomy, Histology, and Microbiology with Parasitology on an undergraduate level.  Most med students here have had these subjects, and I want the same familiarity when i start medical school again.
2)  June I start medical school in Southwestern or University of Visayas (90% chance the first one) where I will get lectures, better lab equipment, more guidance, and hopefully a better UNDERSTANDING.  

Stay tuned for my travel adventures....:)