fly with mhe

destination: anywhere our feet carries us

2009-12-01T23:07:00.003+08:00

It was a long weekend and a break from work. It also meant a break for the students. So Kevinski and company planned to have another movie marathon at their place, as usual. But this time, it was planned and the other youths were also invited. More than 10 came and was a handful bunch. After 3 movies,1 horror, 1 suspense and 1 feel good movie. We were on our bed dreaming that the weekend won't end. Hehe..

Morning came, while we were preparing to leave the place and faces were obvious sad to end the activity. Out of the blue, I forgot who proposed it, was it me or Kevinski, that we'd go river trekking at the nearby river, which was actually CDO's central river. We prepared a bottle of water each, no wearing of shoes, no bags and other important things. Then off we go along the road to teh farther part of Balulang which I had been to only once, we trekked the rsame river about 10 years ago with Kevinski's dad and others as well. Okay... We were excited to cross the hanging bridge which was a bit challenging with Mari in front of me. After which, decided to go on with the trail which prodded us to go the other, little way when a man with a hunting gun came out. It was an adveture that led us to another street which connected to a low bridge that when its high tide, the water would flow above it. Followed the road up a hill when Kevinski and company decided to climd a small passageway up a steep slope where we could see a cream-painted house. We were literally climbing up a slope where we could see the mountain opposite Balulang (so green with trees), the city from afar, the glistening blue sea beyond teh buildings and where we had hiked earlier. Savoring the view in every stop. Not knowing, there's a much better view ahead, which in fact is a road in a village I had just known, Xavier Ville. Only 2 houses were inhabited, the rest were still on-going construction. It is in the upper-part of Balulang. A mother and a child passed us and asked where we were going. Actually, we were going nowhere, just for the sake of bonding, adventure, and where our feet could carry us under the scorching heat of the noon sun. She informed us that up ahead is the Taguanao bridge. As adventurers and wanderers, we were excited and made it our new destination, where it'll lead, whatever it takes. So off we go. Passing by the last place of Balulang, we asked residences which fork of teh road leads to Taguanao. They politely answered us with a warning that it's too far. Yet, as if nothing was heard or was it just being determined to reach our destination, we moved on even without further knowledge on what awaits us and how far our destination is. The sight of the bridge on our left was an encouragement. It was not long that we reached our destination. Now what? Should we go back on our tracks or go on and continue our hiking to Taguanao where we could get a ride to the city, then ride a multicab back to Balulang. not to mention, it was already past 1pm and we hadn't had lunch yet. I was glad no one complained and everyone we're energized and excited to finish our adventure. It was not my first time to hike from Balulang to Taguanao, yet the trail was different. There was yet no bridge at that time, we had to cross the big river by banka. It was their first time to pass those trails and step onto Taguanao. Some even suggested that we continue walking to the city from Taguanao. Knowing the place, as Taguanao became my swimming team's favorite destination before, I begged not to for the fact the we might arrive at the city late in the afternoon, with no food and unprepared energy. Glad they agreed to take the jeep to the city. And it was then that they realized it was really far.

It was by far a great adventure. Not to mention, it was not costly. It is one of those that I can wear on my sleeves. Though they were dead tired when they reached their homes, I'm glad they enjoyed it. Hoping that it would be etched in their memory and the enjoyment and bonding be etched in their hearts. For first-timers, it was by far unforgettable. For some, it was their longest walk. Yet, nothing beats the bonding, excitement and smiles we had even if the heat was pounding on us. Thank you guys. Let's do this again someday.

blog - my venue

2009-11-25T19:53:00.000+08:00

My main blog got a malware and is not fixed yet. I''m looking over the possibility that it won't be fixed or it might be destroyed so I'll slowly be copying some of my important entry there to here. Yet I cannot save the entries comments but I'll try. Ill really try. I wish I had the time also. This will be temporary only, I hope. I miss blogging and I'll surely miss that blog. It had been my vent for everything.

vacation hangover

2009-11-04T22:08:00.000+08:00

I didn’t realized I missed my preschoolers until I saw them running on our playground this morning when I arrived. My thoughts were so occupied with my week-long vacation that my work took a backseat for a while. I hadn’t even prepared much for today yet it went well. Thank you Lord. I still have to prepare for tomorrow but my body is still glued in front of this tube. Hahayz.. Life.. Must go on. Still got hangovers from my vacation though, can’t deny that. Still sings that song. Still longs to wake up with the foster family and convincing them to go take a bath so we won’t be late. Missed seeing their smiling faces with their eyes closed. Hehe.. Hangovers.

My preschoolers hadn’t kicked off my school week either. Maybe next week. I still want to savor our weekends and Friday night together.

' i'e got a feeling..

2009-11-03T22:05:00.000+08:00

that tonight’s gonna be a good night.. that tonight’s gonna be a good good night..’

A good night indeed as I ended the week-long trip with 9 other friends who had become like a family. It all started with a plan to visit Davao City on their festival celebration. Shared it with some friends and waited for the date.

Our first stop was Quezon, Bukidnon. We were well-taken cared of, always invited for meals, given a warm welcome, greetings, etc. We were always full and we never missed any meal. All 10 of us slept in the living room of the house we stayed since not one of us wanted to get separated with the group. There were feet on someone else’s body, persons curled up in the sofa, feet banging on someone’s feet, etc. Yet no one ever complained. Talks that lasted till the wee hours of the night. When at that time, folks were already sound asleep. Walking from our place of stay to our destination instead of taking a ride. Taking a bath early in the morning so we won’t get caught up when the water shuts. Adopting ’sparky’ the dog. Seeing old friends, familiar faces, exchanging hellos. All of those made our 2 days stay enjoyable.

Then off to Davao City. On our first night, visited my favorite place in the city, Jack’s Ridge. It was a rejuvenating experience. Seeing the lights on the distance, enjoying the view with some of the friends I consider family, etc. The following days at Davao were spent at Mergrande Resort. Days of seeing glad faces because of our presence, short but meaningful talks, little bonding time with the group, practices that were full of laughter, being amused with each other, etc. There were also faces I long to see and talk and were happy because I had fulfilled my word, even to the point of surprising them because I hadn’t told them of my plan. Yet it was fun. Had meat and fish for meals almost everyday that my stomach craves for fruits and vegetables. As one friend said, ‘nangala sa prutas‘.. hehe.. Well, who wouldn’t crave for one anyway, for a fruit and vegetable eater like me. So on the last day, we had fruit fest. Manong Obet prepared it for us and we helped out. It was so yummy, the best indeed. Our last night was spent walking through the downtown area, from Boulevard to Bankerohan, and all other areas we had pass and circled through just to sit and enjoy eating a durian. It was yummy. That made my night. With that free dinner, free ride, mind boggling finger game for one person, talks of anything while walking, sitting on anyplace to have a talk, teasings, laughter, Baywalk, amusing smiles, priceless moments indeed. There was never a sad moment with them. Shrugging off any unwanted event.

Not to mention, my precious V3 cellphone with my old smart sim, Sony cybershot cam, money, ATM cards and an identification card were snatched from my wrist on our first night at Davao City. We were even bold enough to run after my robber only to be stopped by residents of the street the snatcher passed through. I was thankful we were safe, all 4 ladies. Worse could happen as our friends told me. I was thankful no one is hurt, no one was being stabbed, being dragged on the street, was abused, no one was bitten by a dog while running after the teenage robber or anything. We were all safe. It was not a traumatic experience for me, and I don’t know why. I even passed the same street on our last night at the city. I was even amazed because I wasn’t panicking. I was composed and had remembered everything, described the persons’ attire, height, my pouch’s contents, what happened, etc. The police officers had identified the kid because of it. I was even thinking what I should do next and what needs to be done immediately. I was very glad. All my friends who comforted me gave a thankful sigh we were safe with relieving words that they’ll help in any way. Expect for one, unexpectedly, which made me cry, among other things that happened that night and the next morning. It was an eye-opener experience. Not the snatching incident, but what happened after, the people’s reactions and support. Had guy friends whose eyes would say, if they’d want to say it words, ‘I could have prevented it but I wasn’t there because I chose not to come’. In a way, we were thankful they didn’t because for sure they’d run after the kid and what would happen to them if they had ran him over. One friend’s mother whose sibling was a high-ranking police officer said that the kid belonged to a sindicate group in that area. So imagine their force. Oh well.

Things do happen whether we want it or not. But the snatching incident didn’t hinder the fun and enjoyment I had with the people I’m with and the people I visited. I had a great time at Bukidnon, though the sun was scorching hot yet the wind was so humid. We were always full, courtesy of our friends, an old friend in college who also happen to be a church member. Had a wonderful time at Davao City with old and new friends. Long-missed talks with people I seldom talk to, I missed that, the topics, everything. The events we missed because not one of us wanted to be excluded and be left out from the group. Where one goes, the rest follows. The out-pouring support and care they gave made my experience a less traumatic one. The practices for our songs that though we were bored and tired yet the presence of each one of the group made it all festive. The special music we did at Bukidnon which we gave justice also when we gave it at Davao City, without much practice yet sounded nice they said.

I am back safe and sound. I missed my tour family. Missed waking up Mari in a different way, which was effective by the way, even if she gave me a punch and an angry sigh after. Hehe.. Peace mar.. Manong Obet took care of us, standing up to his role as our kuya. Thank you Bet. The prodigal son who was once separated from us for a while yet came back because he misses us. The surprised Isai and the teasings. Hehe.. Missed the people. Yet, I was happy I spent my days with them. Thank you guys. Though my phone and cam was lost, the memories you left me with were priceless and could never be replaced.

relationship or goal?

2009-10-19T15:01:00.000+08:00

Despite the busy schedule and less time to rest. I’m glad there are mountain-top experiences on some days.

On days that my weary body wants to hit the sack already but there’s still something lined-up for the day that needs my attention, time and energy, both physically and mentally. When my throat sores and hurts a little because I used it for 5 hours. When my eyes wants to give up on me on some nights yet is made alive by the smiles the people I work with give. When it is already late in the evening and work duties call me yet it is still relieving to talk to them about my day, my thoughts and anything in between while walking on the street for a ride home. When my brain is tired of thinking, aching and longing to rest. Like right now.

Should I count the number of times my weary body complains or the relationships I forged with the activities I do each day?

‘True wealth comes from the heart and is always only there.’ – facebook

Tonight was another mountain-top experience I had with some friends. Despite the 5 hours straight practise I had, the smiles, laughters and talks we shared over dinner relieved it. Each day comes with different experiences. Tonight was different. It may just be a simple night with just ordinary activities yet it was made different with the people I was with tonight and the amount of stress and pressure I am experiencing right now. Thank you, in a way, for relieving my stress.

I am not prepared for my work tomorrow. Hehe..

vertigo

2009-10-15T15:36:00.000+08:00

My boss said I have experiences of vertigo lately. It may be a big word, but I’d like to say that I am just experiencing slight dizziness sometimes. It is a balance disorder, the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is actually stationary with respect to the surroundings. You guessed it right, due to work-related stress, short sleeping hours, short rest time, not eating ice cream as often as I wanted to. Hehe.. Kidding.. Well.. The dizziness and late night sleep due to some work-related works that I have to made me use my glasses often, have some food eside me if I could buy one before I go home, frequent trips to the kitchen to drink water and earphones attached to my ears for company. This may be just this time and until the month is over. Next month is another adventure, another challenge with my students, both preschoolers and those that have special needs. Another learning experience, another opportunity to get to know them better, learn about their ways and on how to deal and address their needs while they are still under my tutelage. Teaching is fun and fulfilling.

I will survive. I will somehow survive.

in the jeepney

2009-10-13T16:02:00.000+08:00

I am a commuter and therefore commutes wherever I go within and outside of the city.

This afternoon, on my way to my tutee’s residence, the jeepney I rode in was caught in rush hour traffic. Glancing around, I saw elementary kids with their big pink bags and trolleys lazily coying with their guardians, a vendor busily checking her products, a skilled-worker gazing at nothing, a student who slumped in his seat, the career woman beside me busy with her cellphone, the barker busily asking passengers where they’ll stop, and others patiently waiting for the jeepney to start rolling again.

Passengers of public utility jeepney sometimes fascinates me. They were just there for the ride, oblivious to their fellow passenger’s actions or anything that they do.

playful work

2009-10-10T20:57:00.000+08:00

A site I once read had this advise, “turn your work into a game and you will find joy and satisfaction in it.” That was what I did with my preschool class yesterday. We had a short game of patterns and instead of supervising them from my usual place at the front, I joined their circle and played with them. Though they were quite uncontrollable yet they enjoyed it immensely, which prompted my teacher assistant to join us. After our snack, I had them identify the pictures of animals and match them with their young. I intentionally made extras just in case a kid picks his choice of animal. Fortunately, they didn’t mind what animal they were coloring so in effect I am left with 2 extra animal pictures. Seeing that they were busy with their works, I grabbed a crayon and started coloring on the extra sheet. My assistant joined in too. It felt good, was not stressful and I felt light afterward. Turning it into a play was good and definitely a learning experience as well.

Which also reminded me to take each day as it comes. I may have a lot to attend to these days yet it doesn’t mean that everything has to be done all at the same time. I may procrastinate at times. Loss sleep and suffer headaches afterward. Yet things had to be done and all at the appropriate time. Trust that it is still okay and that I can still breathe even if these tasks overwhelms me. Breathe.. Breathe.. Smile..

sleep, want more of it..

2009-10-05T20:56:00.000+08:00

These past few days were a whirlwind of responsibilities from work, both the preschoolers, special kids and tutorial, band practices, etc. Overwhelming my schedule that I guess, for the first time since the school year began, I had my 9-hours sleep last Sunday. Weehoo.. For a busy person like me, it was a relief. I do wish to have more of those 8- or 9-hour sleep one of these days. With the 2nd quarter and report submission closing in, I wonder if my next relieving sleep would be on the last weeks of this month if we won’t push through with our training. Oh well.. Life..

my brain ceased to function for a while there..

2009-09-24T20:52:00.000+08:00

Was lining up at the counter earlier to pay for the special paper I bought for our class activity tomorrow. In my hand was my portfolio with its zipper open. I forgot that I opened it so when I flipped my portfolio, all my colored pens were on the floor. And I just stared at it, asking myself, where did that come from and who’s the owner. Gush.. It took me a while to realize that it was mine not until the person in front of me picked it up and handed back my pens. Wheew.. This is not good. I have these episode sometimes. Like my brain cease to function, stopped to think and just rest blankly. Hahayz.. The long weekend I had was I guess not effective as rest days since I had to wake up early those days while vacationing at my mother’s hometown. Well at least, I spent it with my cousin and away from work (eventhough I brought some work with me but failed to continue working on them). Oh well.. More to come of these brain freeze episodes. Hehe..

why were they afraid?

2009-09-18T14:07:00.000+08:00

I never thought there would still be someone I know who is afraid to cross the Carmen bridge after I led one of the youths in crossing it. Last week, after one of our practices, we would go to DiviSoria where majority of us could get a ride home. As always, we would cross the bridge. Unknowingly, one of our companions was afraid of crossing long bridges. Made me wonder why they were afraid? Because the bridge kind of vibrate whenever a vehicle passes through? Or they were not used to passing one of those long bridges we have? Oh well.. Maybe because its a new experience for them. Some paths have to be taken with risk and courage. While some, well, can be ignored. Yet opportunities knock on our doors once. We have the freedom of choice ot grab it or let it pass us by, without knowing the possible outcome or consequences of our actions.

end of the day relaxation

2009-09-13T01:45:00.000+08:00

I may not be at home for 14 hours or so on weekdays. And go for other obligation on weekends. Literally, not always at home. On weekdays, from work, I go to my tutorial then for music practices and dinner. After which, we’d head to DiviSoria with the youths then home. Such busy days for me, specially because I’m still adjusting to my new work schedule of 8am to 5pm. Nonetheless, the end of the day activity were always a mountain top experience. Being with the youths, talking about anything, sharing views and insights though they may be confuse at times and don’t want to bring them to my level of thinking. But I’m glad they are very open as well. Those were moments that even though my body yearns for rest yet it could be relieved by this people, this youths I spend my time with. Priceless, irreplaceable, cherish moments.

longing for home

2009-09-02T20:45:00.000+08:00

Work has changed this past 2 weeks. I’m asked to replace our senior teacher who is resigning due to family health reasons. So I had to do an 8AM – 5PM job handling the pre-school children and continuing on with my students with special needs plus the tutorial I have after work, which usually gets me home at 9PM. That’s 11 hours away from home. Darn.. Imagine, I’ll only get home for net, sleep, morning preparation for the work day, breakfast and mess with the things here. Hahayz.. Longing for a respite. Wanted to go for a swim but when it comes to the day and time I had planned to take a dip, laziness overpowers my will. What else do I want to do to relax? Soundtrip with the youths again? Strolling with them? I want to stay at our house the whole day, for once. Wake up late, slump in front of this computer browsing on anything, continue my dvd marathon on 24 the tv series, take a swim, go somewhere, etc.

work break agenda

2009-08-27T20:43:00.000+08:00

We got 5 days off from work starting tomorrow, counting in the weekends. Tomorrow is the city fiesta, a non-working special holiday for our city. Then on Monday, National Heroes Day which is a official declared holiday. Yehhey!! Long break..

And long workday break for me means NO CLASS, more time with friends and dvd marathons. Hehe.. As always.. I have to finish watching the last 4 episodes of NUMB3RS season 3. Other title on my list to watch is the season 7 of 24. Hopefully I could have time for it on Saturday. Tomorrow morning though, be meeting up with some friends of my friend having problems with their thesis paper. Meeting up also with a co-worker who wants to borrow my NUMB3RS dvd. Monday morning, meeting with the boss at school. In the afternoon, be with the youths to plan out our activity for the October festival.

Notice that when I don’t have class or even when there’s extra time for relaxation, its either I’m with the youths or having a marathon run of shows I’m interested in or music tripping? It seemed as though I don’t have any other choices. Are my options limited? Hhmmm.. Or, am I limiting myself?

time out

2009-08-24T15:40:00.000+08:00

I do not consider it wasting time when I am with the young people or even just 2 of them.

After buying a refreshing cold drink at DiviSoria, we decided to sit at the park while consuming our Orbitz. We didn’t plan to stay much longer as it is Sunday night and tomorrow is a school and workday. Yet we did. Just talking about anything, teasing Mari and sharing and exchanging views with Kevin. Small talks yet memorable and helps me know them more.

Last Friday night, at 10:30PM, 7 of us went to a city carnival to ride the roller coaster courtesy of Makoy. It was fun, the ride was thrilling and we got hilarious reactions. We just rode the roller coaster then went home at minutes past 12 midnight. Quite late for young people like them to be on the street and we had to walk from the carnival place to the highway were Makoy could ride a jeepney to his home.

I could have stayed at home that night. I was still exhausted from our river trekking. I could have rested since I could only have 2 nights in a week to rest my mind from work. I could have went home immediately early tonight. But I didn’t. And I chose to spend it with them.

Indeed, the best and the most beautiful things in this world, cannot be seen or even touched. They are felt with the heart. It doesn’t make me rich in wealth. It did made me rich in relationship and contentment.

sunburned in August

2009-08-22T20:40:00.000+08:00

Friday was a non-working holiday, no class, no work. So my brother and I decided to go to an adventure. We went river trekking and an out-of-the-plan water tubing. The trek was not so challenging and tedious, as it has become a popular destination for people who wants to light candles on wooden crosses along the way. Yet the time spent with my younger brother was worth it. We hadn’t been in activities we both enjoy lately. Its either me going with the young people if I’m not at work and him in his computer programs and whatsoever if he’s not at school. So as expected, when we go for an adventure, its either we’ll make up our own route or go beyond the usual route. But this time, we followed the trail and went tubing instead, it was not part of the plan. The heat was scorching at minutes before noon. Enjoying the waters and trying hard not to get wet but to no avail, and it was what made tubing fun. It was a nice break from work for me and school after midterms for him as well. Because our pants and shirt were wet, we decided to walk to a friend’s house which was located on the way, not very far from the starting point of the trekking site. Not part of the plan also. I also find it amazing that we only had a bottle of Gatorade and a pack of biscuit each yet we still had energy left after that trek. Others who went had packed food and big bottles of water. Does that mean we’re still very much capable for an adventure? Hehe.. I sure do hope there’ll still be more adventures to come.

for lack of anything to post

2009-08-20T00:52:00.000+08:00

Read this line somewhere, “When your student hurt you, do not hurt him back. Hurt the other student instead”. Haha.. Unreasonable.. Okay okay.. I’m just tired right now. Thinking up of reasons why I don’t want to go to work today or handle my MR student. For one, she would be hyperactive again this time. Yesterday, I had to restrain her feet so she won’t kick me or lie on the floor. I must say, she made me weary after almost an hour of doing that. I felt like I had a workout in the gym, except that my dumbells were her feet and strength. Hahayz.. Sometimes, I just want to sit with her in our room and not say anything, not try to teach her anything and just stare blankly at her, see her smile for no reason at all. Glad my other 2 students weren’t as tough as her yesterday.

kagay-an festival

2009-08-19T20:27:00.000+08:00

It is the city fiesta once again. I wish to see most of the planned events, like the cultural parade, civic military parade and other events in the DVSoria. Unfortunately, I had work on those days and would prefer to get some rest. An opportunity to take a break from my hyperactive student I say. I wish to snap pictures as well. Oh well.. We’ll just see.Since Friday is an official holiday, had a plan with my younger bro to go for a river trekking adventure at Tablon, just for the thrill of it though and the kicks for my muscles. Hehe.. Hoping it’ll not rain on Thursday afternoon till Friday morning. We’ll see..

dvd marathon for turtle speed net

2009-08-16T04:01:00.000+08:00

For the sake of this person who wants update on me and my activities (hehe.. peace..).

Well, there’s nothing much this past few days. Work, leisure, food, etc. The internet was slow due to a network breakage in the Southeast Asia area as I’ve read on another blog. So I resorted to dvd marathon instead of waiting and wasting time on the turtle speed net. And much reading on a book about Dyslexia. No wonder I had a slight headache and my eyes hurt nowadays. Ignoring to wear the glasses and continuing on reading and watching much. That’s what I got. Glad I got a restful sleep last night than opting to continue on the dvd marathon of the tv series NUMB3RS, which my younger brother is still watching as of this post, to catch up with me. I’ve talked to one of my friends about this tv series and exclaimed that he cannot relate and is uninterested. Huh.. He made me think I’m kind of weird to like numbers so much and how the characters and producers played it in this tv series. Oh well.. At least my younger bro also liked it. Haha.. Still waiting on my younger bro though to call me so we can watch it together. We almost had the same interest though, when it comes to these tv series. Haha.. Credits to that.

one person at a time

2009-08-09T05:41:00.000+08:00

Sean Porter: Everybody listen up. The Gridiron is a football field. On the Gridiron, we do it my way, not your way. Your way got you here. Whatever gang you claim, whatever hood you’re from, this is your hood now.

Sean Porter: Most sixteen/seventeen year old kids, they make a bad choice. Something gets broken, they screw up in class, hurt somebody’s feelings, show up at the prom drunk. They get sent to the Principal’s office, have their car keys taken away or get grounded. Then there’s kids that make a bad choice, somebody ends up shot dead in the parking lot. Those kids get sent here.

Lines from the movie “Gridiron Gang”.

The “Gridiron Gang” is about making a difference, one person at a time, in small but significant ways, in the lives of troubled youths that societies the world over would just as soon ignore. Much like the situations we have in our communities nowadays. Whenever there’s violence, the youth gets blamed for it. Whenever there’s resistance, the youths gets tagged into it. What are we doing about it?

Had a talk with a fellow youth worker and an apprentice last night. He was asking how they’re doing, their activities until our talk touched to our effectiveness as youth workers. When people look at them, specifically the boys or rather guys, they’ll conclude that nothing really has changed. They get frustrated and was on the verge of giving up because their desired results were not met. It isn’t like that as we all know. Life can’t be changed instantly like snapping a finger. It is not done overnight. It is a process. I had been closely with them for over 2 year now and I could say that they’ve really changed. Not with every member of the group though. For some, the changes were obvious to us. At times, their parents, brothers and sisters were the once telling me about it. While there were instances also that I hear complains about them from their parents. Some changes were in their choice of company, in their decision-making, in perseverance to continue on with their studies and in their choice of activities. I wonder what their lives were when they weren’t together, when they’re at school, when they’re with friends other than the group we have. We’re they good examples and influence to them? I certainly hope so. They live in a society were drinking, smoking, youth and adult violence, teen pregnancy and youth drop-outs were rampant. Older brothers who hadn’t finished college because they see school as a waste of their time and laziness with studies. These are what they usually see in their society. Deviating from their society’s norm could gather up praise and ridicule at the same time. Yet they still persevered and strive to do good and make a better future.

Two years, the changes may not be that big but at least we had planted a seed and continue to nurture it until maybe it is ready to be left alone. It is still worth it. Our effort is not in vain. The journey is not over yet.

new series marathon

2009-08-07T14:44:00.000+08:00

Haven’t been on the net lately. I’ve been gone for 3 days I think. So what updates have I missed? Hmm.. I hope not much. Wonder what I had been up to when I’m at home and not doing work-related activities or not yet in my bed? Been glued to NUMB3RS the television series and would watch a marathon run of it without getting bored. In fact, it got me interested that I’ve planned to buy the other 2 series soon. Calculations, math, numbers, hypothesis and proving it through numbers, family relationships, etc., count to that randomness. Would do a marathon run on it again even if I still have classes to attend to the following day. Haha..

He balances it

2009-08-07T14:32:00.000+08:00

With the entries I posted, I’m sure you’ve come to know the nature of my income generating job. You’ve known of the struggles I endured to defend myself though there were times that I wasn’t successful. I get to receive punches, kicks, spits, slaps, shoes thrown, etc. every now and then and I just address it as part of the job. Why? Because even if I wanted so much to restrain, scold or punish her, she wouldn’t even understand why I had to do it nor would she understand that it hurts. Unless maybe if I do to her what she does to me, revenge. NO, can’t. With the case of the ADHD kid, it was his impulses that made him do it. And that’s what he is trying to control. That’s why he is my student. Patience is an essential virtue in my line of work, much patience that is. Even if my student had punched me on the head 5 times, 2 on my back, 1 on my right temple, 1 on my right jaw and 1 on my face, I could only cry from the pain. I could not hit her back or restrain her with my anger, I might hurt her and I don’t want to do that. My license will also be at stake. I just don’t want to mind it and concentrate more on how I can help my students. Even if sometimes, waking up to another teaching day is hard, much more when upon entering the gate, my students would then show hyperactive gestures. Expect that I’d be stern with my ADHD kid and merciful with my MR student. My Bipolar student was also different, I still had to get to know her more. As well as my other 2 students who were not so difficult to deal with anyway.

I am very glad we have Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I sometimes wish that there won’t be Tuesdays and Thursdays to deal with. Hehe.. I’m glad there’s Fridays to end the workweek. Saturdays and Sundays to wake up late, have some alone, quiet time without my students, leisure, meet up with the youths, jam with them and be recharged.

Thankful also to the food that relieves my stress, even if it makes me fat.

a unique mountaintop experience

2009-08-03T17:34:00.000+08:00

What an experience it was.

The Sunday afternoon was quiet as the youths were treated for a birthday lunch at KFC, Limketkai Mall. After which, to make their time useful and not just wander around the mall in pairs or groups without unified direction, we revised a game with the objective of surprising the birthday celebrant. It was very spontaneous, was only planned and organized then and there but was fun nonetheless. We made the youths race around the mall to find key persons to accomplish the tasks. This was not the highlight of my Sunday though. It was after the youths went home at around 5:30PM.

Since Kevin had to finish some drawings with the help of Patrick, I decided to join them and Mari since we also go to the same direction going home. I didn’t know when they’ll finish the drawing assignments of Kevin for his Architecture course. To while away time, Mari and I talked and wrote just about anything while Kevin and Patrick were busy sketching and talking at the same time once in a while we didn’t notice that it was time for Limketkai Mall to close. It was already 8PM. So we decided to transfer to McDonald’s outside the mall. Had dinner and finished their drawings. By that time, Kevin was already shading while Patrick was figuring out the designs, structures and details of an old church. After dinner and some talk, the guys proceeded back to their work while Mari and I got bored and talked about anything, again. Until Mari got sleepy and I helped out at shading Patrick’s work while he continued to worked on his detailing. It was the only help I could give since I am not talented with arts. It was already past 10PM and we still had a long way to go but enjoyed our company as well. Talking just about anything, life, the designs, a little orientation about Architectural designs, terms, and techniques from Kevinski and singing as that’s what we commonly do. Unknowingly, McDonald’s Limketkai closes at 10PM on Sundays so we overstayed. We didn’t even bother to look at the time I guess. We were aware that we were the only customers left, but we weren’t aware that they closed early. The staff didn’t even bother to approach us and advised us that they were already closed, until we went to the counter to buy snacks which was hidden from our view where we sat. Bad. By 12AM, we left the store since the crew has already finished cleaning up the place and was about to turn off the lights.

What an experience that was. Two stores closed on us on a Sunday night as we were enjoying each other’s company. Though bothered a bit with the fact that Monday is a school and work day but we all had a common goal, to finish the drawing before we leave, that overpowered our reasons why we should have been home by that time.

Upon leaving McDonald’s, the crew jokingly stated that we had spent 2 days at their store, since it was minutes past 12AM that we had gotten out of their premise. It was the first time for us. They were friendly and nice people too. We were indeed grateful.

What did we learn from our experience? When someone has projects, call a friend. Hehe.. Seriously now. Kevinski shared that he could have worked on his projects at home and avoid the reprimands of thier parents for coming home late, vey late in tonight’s case, and spending for dinner, he had no regrets about spending time with us while doing the work. Though he could have finished his work sooner if he stayed at home, it would have felt that the load was heavy carrying it alone. I totally agree. I’m glad he came along and shared his assignment with us.

mountaintop experience

2009-08-03T16:46:00.000+08:00

Do you know what mountaintop experiences are? These are the moments when you experience a breather after a very stressing day or event or a relax from the pressures of daily life. I’m not sure if I did justice to Kevinski’s word about mountaintop experiences, but its more quiet like it.

Like last Saturday night, I know it was supposedly a rest day or night and a respite from all the hustle and bustle of workdays. And to think that it was already late in the evening so basically for workers like me who have a regular day job. Saturday night is suppose to be a rest night. But not tonight. After our practise and jamming at Cugman, we visited a friend at their residence for a little talk. He was on his guitar that time with his cousin on the beatbox. Without wasting much time, I and a fellow youth joined in on the soundtrip while his cousin asked permission to go on his way as he was only passing by as well. And so that started our 2-hours soundtrip and short talks in between. It was truly spontaneous. It just happened that we 3 wanted to have a respite and craves for the sound of our own music rather than getting it from a radio or from our music players. We had fun laughing at our own made lyrics, actions, the way we cut a song and instantly changed into another, changed its pitch, etc. All for 2-straight hours and none of us wanted to end it. Sad to say, it was truly late, t’was almost 11PM and to think that I still had to take 2 rides going home. It was a fun night though, no regrets.

Truly a mountaintop experience for me. Event though my body is craving for rest already and I so wanted to go home for some tasks to be done, yet I chose to stay with them and make music. My way of relaxation. Music. And their company most of all. It has become my life. It was also the first time that we 3 had jammed and bonded. Truly great. Hope it’ll happen again.

i cheated with my reward.. ssshhhh..

2009-07-31T02:04:00.000+08:00

Finally, I’m done with my reports, but not after watching Star Trek 6 : Undiscovered Country. Hehe.. To say, I rewarded myself in advance with this one.

Back to my topic, made 3-pages and 4-pages report per child and another 2-pages for a new one. Much browsing, scanning and reading through preferences like books, notes, articles on the net, even previous reports I made for my old student and reports from other professionals forwarded to me. Tedious job we say but necessary for the child’s progress, where the child is right now, his needs and capabilities. More so, getting to know the child more and knowing where best to develop and address his skills or learning.

Finished my report at 4AM with some background music from my stored files. In the morning however, continued my reward of finishing the Star Trek movies my brother had in his computer. Watched Star Trek 8 : First Contact and Star Trek 9 : Insurrection. Great movies to watch on a break though.

tears of sadness

2009-07-21T14:48:00.000+08:00

When we started our class, my student was talkative and was her usual self. 1o minutes into our time, she wouldn’t do the task I asked her to do. She was blabbering about the chalk, about standing up, kicked her shoes, slapped me with the book and threw the manipulative tool. Suddenly she sobbed and said something about spanking. It was about halfway on our class. I didn’t get her so I tried to appease by comforting her. She stopped for a while. Slumped on her chair, looked at me and said something inaudible again. Sobbed some more. This time she was really in tears and her eyes were red and wouldn’t stop crying. She just hugged me all those times while saying something.

I told her Nanang about it and found out that she was spanked by her older brother last night. Pitiful girl. She felt the rejection but couldn’t understand why she was beaten. She has feelings, genuine feelings. Children with mental retardation does. They just don’t know how to understand and express it appropriately.

new tambayan

2009-07-20T15:31:00.000+08:00

I just discovered this afternoon the Boiz's new hang out place. They invited me over at their tambayan a couple of times for some soundtrip and jamming with acoustic guitars and beat box. Sad to say I hadn’t been with them for those purposes since they held it usually at night, under the stars when it is not raining or in weekdays wherein I’m not able to visit them. But this afternoon, I had finally gone with them since I still had a task to be done before I leave their place.

Guess what. Their new tambayan is in an unusual place yet nice. It was in a small parcel of land, rather a platform in the middle of the river when the water is low, enough for them to gather in a circle. Sweet. The sound of the shallow, rushing river in itself is soothing. Not to mention the music that they make. Really a nice place to relax. I wasn’t able to be with them in the river though because I was wearing a skirt and it would be impossible to scale the dike with a skirt on, even if I do it in barefoot. Maybe next time. (pardon the picture, it was taken through my camera phone)

spontaineity

2009-07-19T15:56:00.000+08:00

I led one of the youths in crossing the Carmen bridge tonight with her eyes closed. This girl was afraid of hiking through that bridge. It is already old, around 40 or 50 years old yet still strong. We often pass there from Carmen to DiviSoria every Friday night. Tonight was an exemption since we came from our meeting. Whenever she walks through that bridge, she would always hold the railing and would walk slowly. And in a way, slowing us as well.

However, tonight, I grabbed her hands and held her close to me. Asked her to close her eyes and slowly walked straight through the bridge’s sidewalk. She did that all the way and I’m proud of her. Though there were humps along the way, she would slump a little to the side, she could feel the bridge more under her feet whenever a vehicle passes, we would stop on our track when a person passed us from the opposite direction and gave us curious looks, etc. Yet it was fulfilling. Knowing that I had led her from one end of the bridge to the other. It was quiet a long bridge by the way, estimating 80 meters.

Why did I bothered do it in the first place? I don’t know. It just came into my mind. I was suppose to scare her by teasing her and pushing her a little to the side but it was meant to be put in good use.

on its 2nd week and counting

2009-07-19T14:27:00.000+08:00

It’s already Saturday night and I’m still sick, 2nd week now. Still got cough, colds and sore throat. My fever hadn’t surfaced back. My body still aches. Do I need to be alarmed? There are confirmed cases of swine flu victims in our city. Don’t get me wrong, I am not paranoid. I am just concerned since I’ll be facing and handling preschoolers and children with special needs and might have weak immune system. One of my new student even got fever last week and I hope she didn’t get it from me (her sister also got the fever before her). Little things that if left untreated could become alarming. Somehow, for precautionary measures, I’m taking Vitamin C medicines. Hope this’ll be enough.

mute for a day

2009-07-14T12:18:00.000+08:00

I’m suffering from a severe sore throat today. This morning, no voice would come out of my voice box, I could only do whispers. I texted my boss early this morning that I could not attend to my classes because of this dry cough, colds and sore throat. Unknowingly, we don’t have a class because of the transport strike. Good thing. But my mother was worried this might be a case of streptococcus and she wants me to have it checked by a specialist. Bad. I haven’t had my throat checked lately. Tired of going back to my doctor who’ll only let me open my mouth, insert something then prescribe a med or answers my inquiries if I had one or two.

Yesterday morning though, it was only a mild sore throat due to my cough and cold. Because the youths were there and the band was complete. I couldn’t resist and grabbed the bass guitar while doing some vocals with the coarse voice I had.

No one else to blame but me. Not the wheather, not my job, and certainly not the boys. Hehe..

Good thing there is text messaging nowadays or else I had to call my school and force my voice to come out so the other end would hear me. Didn’t even consider going out of the house. How would I tell the public utility vehicle driver where I’d be going, where I wanted to be stopped, etc. I had considered writing my destination and having the driver read it. But why bother. I wonder also if they know how to read sign language, they’ll probably laugh at me and fellow commuters eyeing on me. Oh well. This area would probably be a challenge for the deaf and the mute as well.

am I in or out?

2009-07-11T16:10:00.000+08:00

Heard one of the preschoolers sung this song yesterday. Upon prodding her who sung that song, I had to search it in the net. Here it is;

You could change your hair,
You could change your clothes.
You could change your mind,
It’s just the way it goes.
You could say goodbye and you could say hello.
But you’ll always find your way back home.
You could change your style,
You could change your jeans.
You could learn to fly,
And you could chase your dreams.
You can laugh or cry,
Like everybody knows.
You’ll always find your way back home.

It’s just the chorus part of You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home’ and that’s what she sang. She told me that it is a Hannah Montana song, I got curious. Was wondering why this 5-year old girl is watching a tv series for teens. Is television really that unrestricted anymore that when a household got a cable connection they could just leave their children unattended in front of it and watch whatever is available on the tube unsupervised?

Can’t really relate to this. I’m not a tv freak, nor am I a television addict. Only opens our television to watch the news or any useful, educational programs on television. We don’t have a cable connection as well.

Or is it just the fact that I’m so behind with what’s in and acceptable with the society that I reacted immediately without even finding out and delving into the topic or issue at hand to understand the things they do and why they do it. Or is it because Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus doesn’t interest me at all. Whatever.

I could only hope these kids would feed their young, sponge-like minds with useful and good things.

not a lost cause

2009-07-07T12:09:00.000+08:00

Had a talk with one of the preschooler parent after my afternoon class today. It started when my MR student approached her toddler and played with him. From then, we caught up on anything. She shared how her sister-in-law of 22 years old stayed at their home for 2 days then ran away to Zamboanga to reunite with her boyfriend. Her disappointment with her sister-in-law could be traced in her face. She respected her, gave her space, tried to understand her wants and wimps but she disrespected them by running away. She was angry and worried.

She didn’t know that I’m involve with the youths.

Our conversation led us to discuss about the youths situations nowadays. Their activities, their behavior and the norm that was once unacceptable. She shared that she sometimes sees older elementary students on the next school adjacent to us walking in the sidewalk holding each other’s hands. She worries about her preschool daughter. She and her husband’s in their 40’s now. When her daughter reaches teenager, will she be proud to bring her mother to social events? She wonders.

Teenagers, young adults.. Times have really changed. Society shaped them and fed them things. Things they ought to learn and those that they shouldn’t have learned early on. Things that were supposed to be good but inappropriately practiced. Rebels, teenagers eager to grow up but still lacks knowledge and wisdom about their self, the world they are in and everything in it. Still looking for their niche in this society.

We could help them by understanding them and being with them. Letting them know that somebody still cares and accepts them for who they are. They are worth the effort.

How about you, how do you see them?

preschoolers do amuse us at times

2009-07-05T03:30:00.000+08:00

Let me share with you what happened to 2 of the preschoolers in class the other day. Take note: they are preschoolers, 5 and 6 years old.

It started when we had our circle time and sang the Barney song “I love you, you love me.. We’re one happy family..” First, we had them in a circle. Then we asked them to pair off with their classmates, with the kid beside them. Ivy paired off with Jules and did the song with actions. On our succeeding activities, they would wait for each other, helping each other with the worksheets, sharing their snacks, even held hands on plays and while running around. Hhmmm.. Smells fishy?? Their classmates even teased them. Haha.. Before we ended our class, they sort of had a quarrel and declared that they are not friends anymore. Yesterday though, they forgot what happened the previous day. Hehe..

How sweet..

my day..

2009-07-02T14:54:00.000+08:00

Had a good time today despite the stress of work. Transformer the movie was nice. Didn’t had ice cream though, maybe next time. Hehe..

To my friends, relatives and family who greeted me today, THANK YOU SO MUCH. ^_^

t'was good for me

2009-06-30T12:49:00.000+08:00

Been assisting our Kinder 2 class for 2 days now, since its head teacher was not feeling well. It had been a tiring and trying days. But fun nonetheless. I’m getting the hang of it. The smile I get when a kid embraces his classmate because they shared their snacks. Simple things that brought on lasting effects.

Spending time with them made me think twice on giving up the roving teacher post. It was worth it anyway. I had realizations. My principles were made clearer. I had proven once again to myself that I am still on the path I had chosen even if they say so otherwise.

money can't buy this

2009-06-24T12:35:00.000+08:00

My ADHD student today amazed me. After he threw his handkerchief to the adjacent room and tore the pages of the book, he apologizes to me. Forgiven. Good thing he didn’t threw the scissor (during our last session, he threw the scissor to the flourescent lamp, glad it didn’t hit the lamp). At one point, he even smashed my bag to the floor. Everytime I turned my back at him, who knows what he’ll be doing next. Anyway, after a while, he made some writing on my clothes with the chalk and threw the board eraser on my shirt. Still he asked for an apology. Though he was forgiven but pardon the stern look kid. He is diagnosed to be Global Developmental Delay with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Problem and mildly educable. A big challenge on my part. He was not at all affected with the stern look so I had to talk to him in a firm voice, not my usual soft one. When our time was almost up, he kept asking me if its time already so I had to firmly say “no, you are not going home yet, you still have class”. Hahayzz.. What an hour that was. After our class, before he got out of our room, he hugged my legs without uttering a word. Then he went to his lola who loved him dearly.

i did survived..

2009-06-23T08:09:00.000+08:00

.. but not without a kick, a shoe thrown at me and much struggle. Hehe.. My life as a teacher for her. It has been like this since her seizures started and worsen. Depending on her medication, sometimes I can get her to focus and be quiet. At times and most of the time, she would ran around the lobby, sit on the floor, good thing though that our room is not spacious enough for her to roll over. I’d also feel lucky if I couldn’t get a punch, a kick or anything thrown at me. Sometimes, I wonder if she deliberately threw them at me because I was such a nuisance to her school life. Hehe.. On the second thought, she’s not aware and she doesn’t really know that it hurts and that it is bad to throw things at anyone, or even kick somebody, or give a hurtful punch. I salute her nanang for being so patient and caring to her despite everything she had done to her.

lazy Monday

2009-06-23T02:33:00.000+08:00

It’s Monday once again. And it meant another day with my student, my hyperactive one. I hope she will behave this time and focus on tasks.

Hahayz.. Got to gather up energy before I head to work. I’m just so lazy today. Oh well.. I will survive.

remind me again why I took this job?

2009-06-20T09:57:00.000+08:00

She was just so hyperactive today. The moment she arrived at school, she hadn’t stopped talking, shouting, running around the lobby. When I brought her to our little room, she still hasn’t stopped talking. She talked the whole time, I couldn’t butt in, couldn’t make her to focus on the task I asked her to do. Tore the paper I asked her to write on. Sat on the floor with her white pants. If the space was enough, she could have lied down again. Drooled. Threw her shoe on my face, the other shoe on my chest. Punched my stomach. Threw the blocks on me. I wouldn’t dare let her hold the scissors. When our time was up, she continuously ran around the lobby her nanang couldn’t control her too. Attempted to get out of the gate the lady guard had to restrain her with the locked gate on her back. Etcetera etcetera. So tell me, why did I took this job again?

My co-teachers still hadn’t stopped telling me that I shouldn’t have given up the roving teacher item for this. The pay was good compared to the one I have right now and less risk on my part. It gets to the point that they get annoying. I’ve already explained to them why I gave up the said position yet they still pestered me with that ‘you shouldn’t have given it up‘, ‘you should have tried it‘, ‘you should blah blah blah‘, and the sort. I’ve gotten tired of those statement. Its not money I’m after anyway. For me, I can be more effective with one-on-one with the special children who understand little of themselves, this world and their surroundings than tend to preschoolers who would just throw tantrums because they just want to when their needs aren’t met.

Oh well.. We all do have different views. Different ways of addressing our usefulness and attending to our needs. This week or the next, i hope they would eventually stop pestering me.

youth summer ender

2009-06-18T19:21:00.000+08:00

Ever wonder what’s up with the youths right now? Well.. Since it is school time once again, they are now getting busy with their studies since most of them are in college. Last summer after the camp and before I went to Cebu camp, we often see and gather together for band practices, jamming, just plain chika-chika and bonding time. We even had crash sleepovers at any youth’s place. They are now starting and getting comfortable with the other youth group since they both are now jamming and practicing together in one place. Good, right, getting united. And 3 youths are being trained to lead them, make their activities, organizing them, etc.

Anyway, before school officially started, we had a beach activity which the 3 youth trainees meticulously planned and organized. They randomly separated the group in 3. Had stations which the group had to undergo. There were memory game, eat-all-you-can, puzzle, blow it all away and a riddle. It was a good start for the trainees though. Not bad, two thumbs up for them. I wasn’t there when they planned it as I was at Cebu camp and had my vacation extension.

Admittedly though, they still need continued guidance and mentoring, of course.

As if school hasn’t started yet, we went for a videoke with the youths and Baby Bear Sai as our visitor last Sunday night. It could be the culmination of our summer.

What would we be doing next now that school has started already? I wonder.

back to the old one

2009-06-16T14:11:00.000+08:00

Had a talk with my boss this afternoon. I was assigned back to my previous item. I’m glad, really glad she relieved me of the roving teacher for preschoolers one. As I have been saying to her, I prefer youths over children, specifically preschoolers. The pay may not be that good but its okay, totally okay. I don’t want to be pressured into doing something I’m not passionate about. The pay doesn’t really matter as long as I’m doing something I know I can make a difference. Than be pressured to attend to responsibilities and duties with an unenthusiastic spirit.

I just hope my boss didn’t misunderstood my side.

not in the mood yet

2009-06-12T14:13:00.000+08:00

Classes will have a full swing on the 16th at our school. So basically, this week is all about getting to know and establishing a good working camaraderie with the new teachers, cleaning our rooms, decorating, plus another room was added to accomodate the growing number of students enrolling so we had to help out in cleaning that one too. Not to mention preparing for my curriculum as the new roving teacher. Sad to say, I haven’t made one, I’d only be depending on the curriculum made for our regular classes which I’d be coming in on certain times. Laziness got on me plus the hangover from our larag-larag which made me always sleepy and weak. I am late everyday, since Monday till today. Haha.. Instead of coming in at 8AM, I usually arrive 8:30 – 9:00. And be off minutes past 5PM, just like the others. Hehe.. Bad working habit eh. But next week, there won’t be any room for tardiness. I might say, I am only excusing my tardiness since there are no students yet. Haha.. Anyway, I’m still not in working mode. I wish I had more restful week. Because it was as though I haven’t had a vacation or a rest from my responisbilities and duties after summer classes with my student and after our larag-larag. Oh well.. Life must go on.

what happened during the 10 days I was away..

2009-06-08T14:10:00.000+08:00

Where do I start?

Yeah.. We left Cagayan de Oro the afternoon of May 25, as posted in my previous entries. Though we had anxiety and nervousness whether we’d be flying in on that day, we never doubted and still continued to hope and prayed that we will. Despite the time we spent strolling at SM CDO while waiting, we did have our moments and bonding together. We laugh at Kai quickly getting up from her sit when I read to her and Marmie Sarah’s text message that the plane was scheduled to fly at 4PM. It was 15 or 10 minutes before 3PM. And we thought it would be the estimated time departure from CDO, so we hurriedly went to retrieve our baggage from the counter and rushed to the airport which was just 10minutes from SM CDO. Only to find out that 4PM was its schedule to depart from Cebu International Airport. Haha.. We had fun waiting anyway. And even when Sarah forwarded the pilot’s text message that they had landed already to the moment when the pilot approached us. We were very excited and it always shows. So when a man in white pilot uniform with an Aviatour patch, black pants and shoes holding a portfolio appeared from the gate, Kai right away stood up. It was somewhat embarrassing for us so we calmed ourselves once again, sat politely and waited patiently(?). Until he approached and asked if we were his and his co-pilot’s passengers. Weeehh..

It was a blessing also that we left Cagayan de Oro at 5PM. Along our ride, we had a glance of the city from above, the sea beyond, the island of Camiguin from a distance, Negros island, Siquijor, we passed by Bohol and saw the famous Chocolate Hills, etc. And most of all, we were blessed to witness the sunset on the horizon. We were met by glad faces of friends at the Cebu airport, at the hangar of Aviatour.

The camp went well. My companions were assigned dorms and campers they had to take care for the duration of the camp. I, as well, was into swimming and snorkeling again. I had already prepared myself for the scorching heat and burnt skin but I didn’t imagined it to be this much. I had sunburn on my nose, on my face, then at my shoulders, which hadn’t healed until now. On the second activity day of the camp, I even had a slight fever. But life must go on, I still had swimming class to attend to and snorkeling class to assist. It was even an opportunity to swim along with the fishes, marvel at the creation under the blue waters we often see, see sea snakes that lie at the bottom of the sea, a straight sea horse, starfishes, fishes coming out of the corals, swimming beneath us, colorful coral reefs that weren’t bleached yet, etc. It was amazing indeed. Until such time that I had had enough of the view since we ventured to the same spot everyday, morning and afternoon for 4 days. Nonetheless, it was a blessing.

I had great co-workers too. Aside from the Cebu people who welcomed, included and accepted us, the Mindanao staffs warmly, we always had great food and I had 2 bottles of Gatorade a day provision. Hehe.. Working alongside with the Mindanao youth workers in this camp was one big blessing for me. It was an opportunity also for them to be part of the Cebu and other people’s lives. At times, we would go out after the campers are settled into their rooms at night and just talk about our day and the days to come. When we couldn’t gather for some time, a tap on the shoulder, an exchange of conversations, a smile, sitting beside them during sessions, eating with them, a short how-are-you encourages all of us. The bonding that we had established from our Davao City camp the previous month was further nurtured at the Cebu camp. It has bonded us so much that we became very comfortable with each other, always ready with a helping hand and an understanding heart to each one of us. That was great! I’m glad they came as well. This year at Cebu camp, I was not alone.

After the camp, we spent our time at Sibulan, Negros Oriental, the town next to Dumaguete City, at an adopted Mindanao team member. Just some unwinding, relaxing, more bonding moments, laughs to cherish, etc. We had our walk at the airport runway, took pictures with the 2-seater planes parked at the hangar, went to Dumaguete City, strolled from their market to Silliman University campus to look for a Jollibee outlet and we didn’t have our tour guide with us, had swimming time at Forest Camp, strolled at the park of Valencia, Negros Oriental, had fried ice cream, strolled at baywalk, had a snack at a camper’s house inside the Silliman University campus, had a drinking spree which bonded us more, walked again at the airport runway, lain at the runway gazing on the starless sky, visited their provincial hall, walked again to Silliman University campus, strolled at Silliman University campus, had body glitters, etc. Those were such cherished moments. Wish we had more time at Dumaguete City, we could have visited Sta. Catalina also. Anyway, at least we have something to look forward to the next time we have the opportunity to visit Negros Oriental. Next year maybe? Hehe.. I hope. Then back at Cebu City, bonding time with the Cebu City people, chit-chat, mais con yelo, SM Cebu, Sto. Niño Church, Magellan’s Cross, and McDonald JY Square for a treat.

It was fun, really. So sad that it had to end and we had to part ways once again. I had great travel companions, fellow youth workers, friends, brothers and sisters. How many times have I said that already. Haha.. Anyway.. For sure, it will not be the end of our adventure or larag-larag. With the bonding and trust we had established, I hope our planned Palawan trip next year would be a reality.

back home

2009-06-06T01:24:00.000+08:00

Just got back from my escapade. It was fun, not too tiring. From Cebu City to the town of Alegria to Sibulan, Negros Oriental to Dumaguete City to the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental and back to Cebu City. I had great companions as well. It’ll take some months before we’ll be reunited again. It was a privilege working and traveling with them. I’ll surely miss our time together, our bonding moments, funny moments, sad moments, lakwatsa, walking together, lying on the airport runway at night watching the stars while talking, reaching a goal together, eating together, laughing around, joking around, etc. Will probably be posting some pictures soon.

Have to rest. I’m still a bit dizzy and sleepy.

Dumaguete City post

2009-06-02T13:12:00.000+08:00

We did had our plane ride at 5PM that day. Niabot ra jud ang supply sa amo lana. Hehe.. And it was fun. Riding in a 6-seater plane was an experience.

I’m here at Dumaguete City right now. Arrived this afternoon after we ended our camp at around noon. I had a tan. I already expected this but not as tan as this. Haha.. Anyway.. It was worth it anyway, I had a great time.

quick post before I leave

2009-05-26T04:38:00.000+08:00

I left my place this morning excited for the ride and the camp. At the same time, I was kinda bothered. I hope I hadn’t left a thing or anything that I’ll need at Cebu. Or I hope I didn’t miss to leave them with extra cash or anything they need. Forgive me for thinking about this even at a time like this when I should be preparing myself for the camp and all, mentally and emotionally.

T’was 4 hours ago that I bade goodbye and take care to my siblings and dogs. Yet I’m still here at Netopia of SM CDO waiting for our ride. They are still waiting for fuel as well. Anyway, just whiling away time. Hope naa nay lana. Hehe..

my gratitude to them

2009-05-25T22:33:00.000+08:00

Be off to Cebu City in a few hours through the generosity of the Bahinting family. I was supposedly in a boat last night but my good friend Lloyd asked to swap places with me since he’d be the only guy passenger on that plane ride and I would be the only lady passenger in the group to go with the boat. I agreed of course, since it’ll give me extra time here at home and with the youths and with whatever I need to do. I brought his ticket and off he went with 2 guys of our group. Our flight is scheduled probably at 10:30AM, so have to be at the airport by 10AM. By the way, its a private plane owned by the Bahinting’s, a very generous old friends and churchmates we know. They have regular flight scheduled to Cagayan de Oro, that’s why we wanted to hitch a ride. And it’ll save my fellow staff also further expense from their meager budget. My biggest thanks to the family for helping us and giving us the means and opportunity to serve their youths in their camps.

So I would be off for 10 days from the internet world. Tatah..

a day of thanksgiving

2009-05-24T12:55:00.000+08:00

Finally done with our seminar. T’was a day of wits and confidence. As you may know, I shy away from the stage, much more, speak in front of a crowd. But I’m glad, really glad it was over despite the headache and muscle pains in my feet from standing too long, moving around and facing the crowd with a happy and unbothered smile. Hahayz.. The quirks of being in front, emceeing while coordinating the staff and people involved. Anyway, what’s done is done, as Aslan had said.

Glad our boss treated us for Halo-halo at Chowking, Limketkai Center as a celebration of the just concluded seminar. It somehow appeased the headache. It wasn’t even obvious as the whole staff were joking around, not minding the weary body and tired minds. It was still a long table of loud-talking halo-halo eaters.

And, unexpectedly, I saw one of my students, my favorite one. We didn’t have summer class so expect that I did really miss him and his sweetness. He was with his caring older brother and beautiful mother when he saw and called my attention. In a surprise, I almost ran towards their table. I’m glad I was at Limketkai Center, at least I still had the decency to behave. Hehe.. I was really glad I saw him. I don’t know if he’ll enroll again in the coming school year, I do hope he will. He is such a sweet lad. The type that he would try to choke me or try to wrestle me, but those were his type of sweetness, games to him. Get this, he is much bigger than me, bigger than my older brother, and much muscular than my younger brother. After a week of absence from our class, he would search for me in every classroom, ran towards me then give me a big hug with his big weight and a smack in my back or he would pull me relentlessly to get my attention. He is that sweet. No wonder he is one of my favorites. And he is teachable and patient as well, just as long as he is not irritated. But then again, I already know how to appease him whenever he feels irritated in class which seldom happens and only when he is sleepy and tired.

God, thank you for the smile after a tiring day.

tonight, lazy night, multi-tasking night

2009-05-21T15:07:00.000+08:00

Have things to do tonight to be submitted tomorrow in connection with our seminar this Saturday. But here I am in front of the monitor, chatting with some friends, browsing the net, reading articles, whiling away time, er, rather, wasting precious time while listening to some music over the radio, texting friends and devouring Milo chocolate powder with little sugar on a cup. What a life. As if I’m not busy and clamoring for some more time. I haven’t packed yet, haven’t prepared my things for my weekend travel to Cebu City. Still have to do some laundry and ironing. Haven’t even cleaned my bag and my messy bed. Haha.. So much for the complaints.

And I just put on my eyeglass. Haha.. My eyes hurts these days from too much reading and browsing, not too mention lesser sleeping hours.

a busy buzzy week

2009-05-20T00:53:00.000+08:00

Aside from the fact that it’ll be a week before Cebu Youth Camp begins, the preparations and all, though not more unto physical but more of emotional and spiritual. I still have to prepare my swimming paraphernalia and make sure they are all usable. Haven’t done that yet and the clock is continuously ticking. I haven’t even bought a boat ticket yet to Cebu City in the knowledge that my fellow camp staffs would be joining along. This may have added to my stress. Nah.. This is what I enjoy doing, so why would I be stressed with this?

This week would be a busy week for me, for us at our school. We’ll be hosting a reading seminar this Saturday and the American speaker arrived yesterday. So it’ll be more of a week of entertaining the guest and filling in her schedule with activities. Not to say, I still hold regular summer classes for my student. I might want to ask her and her nanang not to come on some days. Haha.. Anyway, still have to think where we’ll bring our guest on Friday for lunch. One that is uniquely in our city. Plus, I still haven’t prepared my part as an emcee for the said seminar. Grrr.. Not my forte, so understand that I haven’t had the jest to start on it. Maybe I’d do another impormpto or make a last minute preparation. Duh.. Ice cream please..

only for fun at a vacation

2009-05-18T16:14:00.000+08:00

Just arrived from my Medina trip an hour ago. Was at Medina, Misamis Oriental for a little family gathering in celebration also of the town’s fiesta. Due to my work and schedule, I seldom had the privilege of visiting my mother’s town. In a year, it would be good if I can visit it 3 or 4 times. Normally, it would be once or twice a year. There was even a year wherein I hadn’t had the time and opportunity to drop by. Anyway.. My visit was cut short due to work tomorrow. And to think that this week will be a busy summer week for me due to the seminar our school co-sponsored.

Anyhow.. Met up with a friend last night at Medina and knowing the person’s asset, I gave the person a task just for fun. It would be to count off the persons laying eyes on the person for 5 days while the person is on vacation at Medina. Hehe.. Just for pure fun, nothing else. I’m excited to know the number at the end of our set period.

my summer ender

2009-05-16T19:02:00.000+08:00

Next week, I’d be traveling again to Cebu City then to the town of Alegria, 3 hours bus ride from the city I think. What would I be doing there? I’d be teaching swimming to youth campers of Cebu City, Dumaguete City and other places as well. The camp which will be sponsored by our church would be on May 27 to June 1. Its an opportunity again to serve the youths in those areas. Oh well.

When I get back from the camp, I want to treat myself for a hair spa. Hehe.. Vain? No. Consider this. I’d be teaching swimming and maybe help on snorkeling everyday for probably a total of 5 hours for 3 days, or maybe 4, I’m not really sure. And the heat would surely take a toll on my naturally wavy, unhealthy hair. But the good things is, I’d be snorkeling in one of the fish sanctuaries I have the privilege of exploring. It is indeed a blessing.

summer camp 09

2009-05-10T13:09:00.000+08:00

It has been days since the youth camp ended. I missed the campers, their laughter, the noise they made, their songs, their queries, etc. I missed the staff, our bonding, our understood glances, our encouraging smiles, the brotherhood we fostered and shared, etc. It has been a week of working together in unity for the same purpose and drive, that is to serve the youths in our annual summer camp. To give them a memorable summer and give them lessons as well.

As one camper puts it, it may only be a few days but those were the days wherein the campers feels alive. Why? Because it is in this camp that a camper make friends, foster it through sharing and activities that calls for unity and continues it through constant communication after the camp is commenced. Believe me. I had friends from my first camp more than a decade ago that remains as my close and trusted friends. It is also in this camp that they get to experience life simulations on situations common to their life outside the camp. They’d get to feel what it is like to be in a situation, what it really meant and what they could get out of it. It is like a training ground. We, the staffs may be rude to them with the activities we prepared for them but it is nothing compared to the challenges that awaited them outside of our set parameters in camp. We may discipline them but His discipline is much more painful, unbearable and confusing compared to what we did to them during the camp days. It may just be a 4 or 5 day event but it is significant and meaningful for a youths’ life.

At the end of the camp, we hope that the youths would bring the lesson, the experiences they got from camp into their respective places. They may struggle with their studies, their family, their friends, combat peer pressure, other personal issues in their lives, etc. Through all that, we hope and pray that in our little way, we had made a difference in their lives. It may not be big and obvious, planting a seed of lessons, of discipline, of friendship in their young hearts may be enough. Fostering friendship and bond that would last for years.

Kudos to the staffs who helped and made the camp possible. They sacrificed their time, money, strength for this young people. Some, like me, didn’t mind being absent from work just to be there at the camp. The campers deserve the thanks as well for being there, for giving us the opportunity to serve and be part of their life even just for a short 4-days. Looking forward to next years camp once again.

a lesson to relearn

2009-04-28T12:41:00.000+08:00

The previous week had been a lesson of patience for me. I am impatient at times, I admit to that. I have to learn and relearn for the nth time to yield and wait on Him. I am impatient with some important events in my life, I walk hurriedly, I can barely wait for people during meetings and appointments, I rush things. Yet I am patient with other people, or is it just ignoring and tolerating that I do to them. Even so.

Firstly, I had done a very grave thing this week. I told myself countless times to wait on Him yet I rushed things at the sight of it slowly slipping out of my hand. I panicked. A lesson to be learned. Now I had to bear the consequence and be prepared for whatever it is.

Secondly, the Cugman Boiz had asked me to do the bass guitar not only for 3 songs as was originally planned but the whole 5 songs.This was the something I mentioned in my previous post (guess what??). One of the songs to be played is a personal favorite and ever since I could recall, I longed to play the bass guitar for it, even just for practices only. But He gave me a much heavier task. And it’ll be in front of a crowd. I have stage fright, I shudder at the sight of people looking at me when I’m up on stage or just in front of a crowd. I guess He has something else in mind prepared for me. But at least I learned to play it and I’d be playing that song, that’s what mattered.

Somehow, there’s always something, an event, a task, a person, our attitude that slaps us on our face unexpectedly. In my case, it was something big. Had to pick myself up again and move on, but not without taking something from it. And hope that I had learaned my lesson. I may repeat this story in my life again someday, I might stumble into the same situation and testing again. But I cannot assure that I won’t fall into the same pit again. I am a work in progress.

guess what??

2009-04-23T12:17:00.000+08:00

The Cugman Boiz had asked me to do something. It may be a simple task but it is a heavy one for me. Can I do it? I may not be that confident and skilled enough to accomplish the task.

that old place

2009-04-23T02:07:00.000+08:00

Been to San Francisco, Agusan de Sur last weekend. Was amazed with the progress of that town. Our family lived there when I was yet 2 or 3 or 4 years old. So I couldn’t remember much of the place. The familiar spots though were the DBP branch were my father used to live, their rotonda and a small grocery store where we used to buy goods. We could even pass by their back door going home usually cause it is much nearer to our house. I guess the owner and employees of that store were our friends, why else would they allow us through their bodega and to the back door if they weren’t. I even failed to visit our old place eventhough it was just beside the reception venue. I had a little chat with our old landlady though, she even related how I used to play with his son outside their house and all. I just can’t remember those. I don’t even know her lawyer son. Anyway. Just that. Nothing much. I desired to roam around some more but time was short. Maybe next time. I have a cousin’s place to crash anyway if ever I would visit San Franz again.

message in a bottle

2009-04-22T13:24:00.000+08:00

At 7PM tonight, my dear friend Sarai called and shared on her bottle’s fate.

Have you ever tried writing a message, placed it in a bottle and threw it, preferably in the sea? Would you want to try?

over the weekend

2009-04-17T02:16:00.000+08:00

Yay!! It’s Thursday already and I haven’t completely unpacked my things. Why? I’d be gone again for the weekend. Be traveling again to the town of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur for my cousin’s wedding. It’s a 7 or 8 hours ride by bus from Cagayan de Oro. A very long travel indeed. But I will be reuniting with my relatives at Butuan City, half way through the travel. At least I will have company and folks to feed me. Haha.. I wouldn’t be attending their wedding for some reasons I gave the groom-to-be’s younger brother on his wedding last year, like the travel is tiresome and draining, I have works on Fridays and Mondays (hitting the possible Monday blues), and had to support someone on Sunday on a task. But.. But my cousin and his beautiful fiance asked me to be one of their bridesmaids. Why? So I could attend their wedding and celebrate with them. Blackmailing me. Hehe.. My cousin’s fiance by the way had gotten close to me, since we were both of the same profession. She’s warm, friendly and a great lady too. And I’d be glad as well to be part of their celebration and to witness this important event in their lives. Anyhow, got to prepare my body for the grueling travel and work for the coming days.

from land to air to sea and the bottle

2009-04-14T01:29:00.000+08:00

Just arrived yesterday from my week-long training/retreat and planning. Still exhausted but its a workday already. Arrgghhh.. Can I have a vacation extension, please?

My younger bro and I left Cagayan de Oro before 5AM Sunday, April 5, for Davao City. Since much work had to be done, we proceeded directly to our objective. The sight seeing and lakwatsa was part of the plan. Hehe.. We stormed our camp’s venues, Mergrande Ocean Resort and Outland Adventure. But would not miss the Baywalk, People’s Park and Jack’s Ridge. Thursday morning, 6AM, flew to Cebu City for their staff retreat. I admit, I was so tired I had to hide at the back of my fellow participant so I won’t be caught drowsing in my seat.

What started as a brainstorming Sunday evening ended with a message-in-the-bottle Sunday dawn. Was made an accomplice for my friend’s message of joy and hope in an empty and clean wine bottle. It was just for fun. We both don’t know the bottle’s fate yet hopes the bottle-finder would contact my friend and relates where the bottle is found and how the message has helped the person. I threw it around 3:40AM in the middle of the sea. It might go to Camiguin island or Bohol or in a far off place, I don’t know yet, I hope not in Sulu or on a pirate’s hand. I was even reprimanded by a crew for being in the rail. So I just pretended I was taking pictures of the bubbles of the waves created by the ship.

here is Sarah’s bottle with her letter in it..

a smile to it all

2009-03-30T18:14:00.000+08:00

My week was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. It also ended with confusion and exhaustion.

Had an eye check up last Saturday. My right eye was hit by my hyperactive student with a pencil last Wednesday and since then, it won’t stop excreting a little water and getting itchy at times. Good thing it didn’t hit my iris. As my MR student’s dad is an eye specialist, my boss wrote a note and had my eye checked for free. I had lead infection he said and gave me an antibacterial eye drop, for free again.

However, this afternoon, an incident gave me an opportunity to smile gracefully and made me empty my mind on the things that concerns me much this week. Well, he just came in the middle of our jamming, grabbed his guitar in the middle of a song to teach our guitarist at that time (not our usual guitarist) the chords of the song we played then gave him back his guitar and grabbed the microphone and sang. I just listened to him sing his heart out, and he was even in tune though it was not the usual songs I would hear him sing. It was a joy to witness him do that. Since I came to know him, he has not only changed and matured, he has also developed his musical skills.

Wanna guess who the guy is? He is one of the Cugman Boiz, of course.

holy week itinerary

2009-03-27T16:08:00.000+08:00

Get this..

Our school’s moving up / closing program will be in the afternoon of April 4 and will end probably in the early hours of the night. Our Mindanao youth camp is set on April 30 – May 4. But its camp training will be on April 6 – 8 at Davao City and its a possibility also that I will be at Davao City earlier, April 5. April 9 – 10 will be Cebu City’s youth camp’s staff retreat in preparation for the Cebu City’s youth camp on May 27 – June 1. This retreat is crucial for Cebu City’s youth camp volunteer staffs. Be home probably on the 11th. Then summer class in our school starts on the 13th, Monday.

See my travel plans on the holy week? My much expected and awaited week-long vacation will never be realized. Hahayz.. But NO complaints about it. This is what I love to do, this is what energizes me at times, part of what I do with the youths. Just have to bear with these.

* I do need to breath, relax and unwind. *

these kids..

2009-03-27T01:45:00.000+08:00

Kids nowadays are so eager to grow up, try on grown-up things, clothes behaviors, play grown-up roles, etc. Can’t they be kids and enjoy the liberty of it? Explore and learn more of their age-appropriate games which they would eventually miss when they grow up. Fly kites this summer, run along the riverside, play takyang, patintero on the street, run in the streets, get dirtied, etc. There’s fun being a kid and not just try to relive those days when they are grown up already. I pity girls wearing heeled sandals and shoes as they’ll have difficulty running when they want to run and if they could run, it’ll hurt their feet as well. I pity girls wearing tubes, not because I can’t dare to wear one but because their delicate body needs protection. I pity girls painted on make-up even just going to the malls, they are beautiful and need not cover their little, cute faces with cosmetics. I pity boys who were confined to computer games at home when they could have run around and play with their neighbors or playmates or siblings. They could have practiced their balance by playing some tag or walking along a level line and makae a game on it. In that way, they could develop more of their muscles at an early age, develop social skills and any other aspects as well, further logical and cognitive skills at their age maybe.

Wish they won’t grow up so fast that they’ll miss some of the things we used to enjoy at their age. Society-wise, there are just some things which can’t be done anymore. But it should not be a hindrance to deprive the kids with these developmentally important plays in their young age.

* a close-similar article is also posted in wanderer's blog.

my teary Tuesday

2009-03-25T13:27:00.000+08:00

Spitted on me. Pushed me to the wall. Pushed my chair and laughed when I fell on the floor. Threw the blocks I let her work on, sometimes on my face. Punched my face and my left arm, it even lose its strength. Attempted to push her finger into my mouth and nose. Bit my stomach and legs. With that, I isolated my student with mental retardation into the corner with her chair, only. And those were not enough. She stood up, picked her plastic chair and threw it to me and her classmate diagnosed with Down syndrome. Then she came to us, lifted the plastic table and threw it in the direction of her classmate. It hit her in the foot. I don’t know what else to do so I isolated her again in the corner. Without even looking at her direction, no attention at all, not even a glance or any concern from her classmate, no word, none whatsoever. It may be harsh but I had to isolate her to make her feel and know that she is misbehaving, in the hope that she’ll feel it. Facing the wall, she started murmuring about something. I think she was imitating an authority figure in her life and pretending it talking to her. Some words got my attention. It were not something I wanted to be said to her, a child suffering from seizures and mental retardation. After much words, I stood up and walked to her. Moved her chair to face me, she still continued on with her murmurs while pointing fingers on my face, pushing her finger actually. When she stood up, I just hugged her. She still continued on murmuring. She’s the same student I had who always gave me a warm hug whenever she arrives at school. My heart really sank for her. I wish her parents would know how she is really. How she is when her seizure occurs and how she is cognitively. Her parents are so dependent on her yaya which became more like a mother to her since her yaya knows her more than her parents does and had witnessed her seizure lapses nd all. I hope she could stillimprove despite having her body drowned in medicines. Her hyperactivity and wildness nowadays were due to the medicines she’s taking to control her seizures, and most of those were on trial basis. Poor student, she’s like an experiment. Please include her in your prayers.

Monday-itis

2009-03-24T02:35:00.000+08:00

Or what I sometimes call, Monday blues.

Yups.. It’s still Monday, the first workday of the week yet I feel drained already. It’s like all of my energy and enthusiasm were left in my bed pressed down with my blanket. Hahayz..

Last week was torture. Everyday is a battle field. One of my student not only had to be restraint. I had to avoid her spits, punches on my face and upper body, pushes, slams on the wall and even learns to scratch my face. Where did she learned all of these? Imagine having a student like that who wouldn’t even understand what you were talking about. Sometimes I would just want to punch her back to make her feel the pain. Hehehe.. The perks of our job.

Hahayz.. I better get over these. Thinking of her right now makes me want to call my workplace and fake being sick. I want to rest. Treat me for an ice cream will yah.

imprompto but so much F-U-N

2009-03-17T00:38:00.000+08:00

Listening to music is evidently my stress reliever. Yesterday, had a one-hour jamming sessions with 2 of the Cugma Boiz and 2 frequent visitors with nice voice who jammed with us for the first time. Yes I had the bass again and some glances at the copies of the songs or to the guitarist. It was amazing!! The songs, our bonding, our time together, the understood glances, the smiles, the laughter, not to mention, it was imprompto and yet brought so much fun. Playing music indeed has become a stress reliever for me as well. For an amateur like me, that is something. Looking forward to more jamming sessions again someday with the Cugman Boiz.

what is they call about Tuesdays??

2009-03-11T01:19:00.000+08:00

I forgot. My brain’s not processing the way it used to be. Argghh..

It ’s still the 2nd work day of the week, though it feels like Friday to me. I’m so tired. My hands lost its strength after a struggle from my student on my first class today. She zapped all my energy and enthusiasm to attend to the rest of my tasks. She’s just so hyperactive today that she would throw everything to the floor and my other student picking the thrown things for me. Pour her drink on her shirt and pull her pants down, I’m glad she doesn’t yet know how to unlock her belt. I also have to restrain her so she won’t litter in the hallway, which would disturb other classes. She also has a recurring seizure so I can’t leave her, I have to always be by her side whenever she’s standing just in case she has an attack, at least I can catch her. What a day. Hope your Tuesday is not as tiring as mine.

Work as usual.

back in the water

2009-03-05T03:57:00.000+08:00

Finally had my swim early this morning. Though only for a short time. I might strain my muscles and hinder my energy for my work later. I did the usual; warm-up, laps, drills, underwater and warm-down of all strokes. I almost didn’t make the 22-meter underwater swim. Before, I used to do an average of 4 underwater laps, this morning I only did 1 lap. Hahayz.. I’m really getting fatter and had lesser air. Which gets me motivated to swim some more till I get back to my 4 or 6 22-meter underwater laps (I assumed the pool’s length is 22 meters, as the staff also assumed).

I haven’t been swimming for the past months. Swimming for me meant, laps and drills of all strokes. As if training for a competition, except for the sprinting. No wonder I get short of breath in the underwater this time.

Who wants to join me next time? =)

cherished time

2009-03-03T01:19:00.000+08:00

At last, at long last. I had a jamming session with 2 of the Cugman Boiz last Saturday night and 4 of them yesterday afternoon. I so missed being with them, much more, doing our common interest, MUSIC. It started off as a practice for our songs yesterday. Macky in his usual instrument, the drums, Ryjy on the guitar and doing the vocals and since Breaker was not around so I did the bass guitar while singing. During our break, we had a role reversal. Usually, it’ll only be Macky and Ryjy swapping roles, but this time, I was part of that swap. I had the guitar, Macky had the bass and Ryjy on the drums for this particular song only. I only did strums, one strum at a time though. Hehe.. I enjoyed it immensely. Then we had our run off.

Yesterday was different though, Breaker was there. He had the guitar, I had the bass and Ryjy had the drums, Macky was on the microphone with another Cugman Boiz who frequently came also for our practices.

I sorely missed jamming with them. I miss them. I’m glad also that they had patience in teaching me to do the bass. Yesterday, while Breaker was strumming, he would shout the chords so I would hit the right string and fret. They are that patient with me. Hats off to them.

random act

2009-03-01T16:40:00.000+08:00

I don’t know what came into my mind this morning. There was this student who tried to talk to me last week. He said I looked familiar and asked if we went to the same school. He might have thought we were of the same age level or something. This morning, we met again at the hall where our session was held. This time, he asked about the humidity in the hall and if I’m comfortable in the far corner where I’m seated. I often saw him doing something and oftentimes blankly staring at something. Before our session ended, I made a note in the hope that it would encourage him. But he was busy tinkering with his things and doing about his duties when our session ended. So I let the moment pass thinking that He might not let me pass on this simple note. So I went out of the hall. I was already out of the building when I felt the need to ask one of the student organizer if the office would be available at this particular time. So I went back into the hall, inquired on the office schedule then turned towards the door. It happened that he was almost at the door looking at us, so I unhesitatingly approached him as he was by that time smiling at me and handed him the note.

Thank you for your unconditional service. You’ve reached out to people, to us, with what you do here. Continue to be a hardworking person, acting on your responsibilities and extending a hand even without being asked. It will surely carry you through life, with God’s grace. God bless you, your family and your studies. He will never leave you. He will always be with you, even if it feels and seems so otherwise. *smiley* (I didn’t wrote my name)

This was not the first time I’ve passed on a note. The other was to a 7-months pregnant crew at McDonald’s DiviSoria. She was standing the whole time, though it shows in her face that she’s really tired yet she still wore a friendly smile and a ready hand to give assistance to their customers on one busy night. McDonald’s DiviSoria was so full at that time that customers lined up for reservations outside.

I hope the notes I gave served its purpose.

my anime addiction

2009-02-27T10:29:00.000+08:00

This is what I’ve been up to. While all else were into Naruto and Bleach or some other anime, I am into this. And while ladies or grown-ups would root for Korean novelas in their free time, I am into this anime. I may already be a grown-up but I still enjoy watching this particular anime and would look forward to faithful downloads of its episodes from my bro. What’s with Gundam anyway that makes me sit infront of my bro’s computer just to watch it, even when I almost got late in my session today? Watching Gundam 00 Season 2 episode 18 “Mixed Feelings” right now, its latest release.

In the picture above is Celestial Being’s ace 00 Gundam piloted by Setsuna F. Seiei and 0 Raiser piloted by Saji Crossroad who initially boarded the ship Ptolemy as a gunner to atone for his mistakes, emitting the green GN particles from its twin drive. 00 Gundam and 0 Raiser fuels the Trans-Am system of the machine, their ace weapon. The other Gundams are Gundam Cherubim with Lyle Dylandy a.k.a. Lockon Stratos, Gundam Seravee with Tieria Erde, an Innovator with loyalty to the Celstial Beings, and Arios Gundam’s Allelujah Haptism with Soma Peries a.k.a. Mary Parfacy, on another unit attached to Arios. Both Allelujah and Mary Parfacy were experimental children trained to be super-soldiers with machine-like abilities in HRL colony, which Allelujah eventually destroyed in Season 1.

Hehe.. I could go on with the story. Pardon me.

Monday blues

2009-02-25T16:07:00.000+08:00

I thought I was the only one experiencing Monday blues in my workplace, until I had a chat with my fellow teacher over a break. She relates to me how Monday is a dragging day for her. She would literally drag herself out of bed at times to be early at work. Then get enthusiastic to work on Wednesdays at most.

I had also read a teacher’s blog once about how she would have this Monday-nitis. Having less energy and enthusiasm to work on a Monday.

But today was different, because its a Tuesday and yet it felt like a Monday to me. I haven’t had a holiday since we still had a master’s class yesterday. Arrgghh.. I even wrote on my student’s paper the day Monday, not until she corrected me that I was made aware. Haha.. Good thing she had a good memory.

Monday is always a dragging day for me as well. Tired and looked sleepy after my work. I just want to go straight at home and sleep back, since I also literally dragged myself out of my bed in the morning. Hahayzz.. Who hasn’t had Monday blues?

I might forget that tomorrow is Wednesday already.

an ice cream would be nice..

2009-02-23T14:48:00.000+08:00

What’s my destressor this time? Blog hopping and sound trip while customizing my newly registered multiply account. I went to bed after submitting my assignment online but slept only for a few minutes. My sister woke me up for a question and couldn’t put myself back to sleep again. Though my eyes are still heavy but my mind is so active now. Don’t want to read a book, any book in that. Wanted to watch a feel-good movie, maybe Drumline or any war movies or any one of my favorite movies. But couldn’t find one I wanted so much to watch. So here I am in the cyber world again. Maybe later I’d be in the mood to watch a movie if I still couldn’t get myself to sleep. Hahayz.. It’ll be our last day tomorrow, I’m glad, I’m so glad.

And yeah.. A bowlful or a pint of rocky road ice cream of either Selecta or Magnolia would be yummy right now. Hehe..

Ever got amused what a person could do and want to have to relieve stress or destress themselves? In class, when we can have the time, we’d go online, browse the cyberworld. Or listen to music from our music players. Sometimes I would play Sudoku or read a hand-out. Or just slump in my sit, observe my classmates and not really pay attention to the presentors, except with our professor. As if making her aware that I’m really into her class. Our subject concerns early childhood. Not my area ayt. Can’t relate so much to the topics but I’m learning. There are some also that she pointed out which I could also use with the youths.

Rocky road ice cream puhlezz..

what's the relief for stress?

2009-02-22T16:45:00.000+08:00

Heavy eyes.

Tired brain.

I was planning to make a computerized lay-out of our assignment, maybe use the Paint or use the Microsoft Word or something. But what the heck! I’m so tired and it would only be a waste of my time anyway since our professor is not really particular with the neatness or on what program we used with our presentation. So went with my initial plan, scan the document, crop it, made some editing through the Paint program then make it into a Powerpoint presentation. Simple as that. Then why am I complicating it? Duh.. We’ll just have to make good with our defense tomorrow, rather, later. By the way, it’ll be our 3rd of the 4-days straight class. I’m so glad Monday is a non-school day. At least I’m not marked absent and I don’t have to inform my students that I won’t be able to handle them and ask my co-teacher to substitute for me. Hahayzz.. But I’ll miss out on the relaxation that I could have enjoyed if not for this class on Monday. Anyway, I’ve enrolled myself into this in the first place. No one else to blame, but mhe.

Thinking of it makes me tired all the more. Last night, I played with my dogs to relieve stress. Tonight, I picked up my acoustic guitar (I’m an amateur guitar player by the way..) and strum a few songs while listening to some of it in my Windows Media Player. Enjoyed listening to the fast shuffle and distinctive after beat of keyboards, drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, saxophone and trumpet in the catchy melody of Put3ska’s Manila Girl. The ska. Music.

Can’t imagine life without music. I’m not saying this because I’m stressed. Music do soothe a weary heart and a tired mind. I’m also glad I’m born into a musically inclined family. Truth be told, I haven’t mastered playing even a single musical instrument, frustrated music student eh. But what does it matter? As long as there is good music, that’s fine. But I would really want to make good music other than learning the basics of playing an instrument. Maybe someday, when the instruments would want me to be a skilled one.

I should have gone to bed now. Still have a tiring, draining whole day class later.

missed you guys

2009-02-08T12:34:00.000+08:00

I terribly miss the Cugman boiz. Forgive me for rambling about them in this blog, again. They had been a source of joy so maybe more entries may be posted about them, bear with me. Anyway.. It has been weeks that I haven’t talked to majority of them. Though we sometimes see each other in their place but there’s just not much time to talk anymore. Either they are busy with their studies or I am busy with my work and master’s program. Huhu.. I miss them so much. I miss our lakwatsas, I miss our music jamming, I miss our teasings, I miss going to adventures with them, I miss their loud laughs, I miss eating with them, like we used to do. There’s the text messaging anyway, but nothing beats spending time with them. Right now, I’m glad they are fine and doing well with their studies, except for one, and in their life as well, except for two. Though admittedly, I can’t always be there for them, but as much as possible I’d like to be there to give them support. At least in my own little way, I gave them a smile and a light heart.

January..

2009-02-03T02:23:00.000+08:00

.. indeed is my door to the year.

How was your 1st month of the year? Is it fair or good? So good that you don’t want to part with January and move on to the next month? That’s not what I felt for sure. Though January had been so good to me. It gave me more students, challenging though but a continual learning experience and appreciation for my life and the work He has tasked me. The month’s event also teaches me to trust Him and the people He sent to accomplish the task He gave me. To appreciate the people in my life whom I hold dear and not worry too much for them as they are always taken care of. Though it was only on new year’s vacation days and some days when the flood hit our city that I had the time to stay at home the whole day. The rest, it is either at work, listening to lectures on my master’s program or at church and its activities. However busy and filled those days may be, those were the stepping stones to where and what I have gained today. But despite that, He also gave me time to sit around, smile at things that transpired in the day, blog about it, sing my heart out, strum a little, enjoy the company of my friends, teach someone, exchange meaningful smiles and text messages, etc.

Keeping the smile on to February guys.

what in the world..

2009-01-25T14:46:00.000+08:00

This morning, I witness a lady crossing a one-way street rightly and got reprimanded for it. She looked on the side where vehicles would come and didn’t bother to look the other side as it was a one-way street, of course. When she was at the middle, a motorbike from the wrong way of the street almost hit her. What’s more, the bike driver even had the guts to be angry at her and shouted bad words to her for not paying attention and watching the street. Huh.. The nerve.. He was the one violating the law and even got angry at the innocent pedestrian. What’s wrong with these people?

Last night, as I was on my way to Cugman along DiviSoria, the jeepney I rode in unknowingly hit the right side mirror of a metallic colored Toyota Vios behind us. The jeepney driver attempted to drive to the side as the car behind us also did the same, in effect, hitting the car’s side mirror with the jeepney’s tail. The innocent jeepney driver rode till Cogon while the car driver raced with him to get his attention. When he got the jeepney driver’s attention, he intentionally hit his now damaged side mirror to the reserved tire of the jeepney making more damaged to the now hanging side mirror and blamed the jeepney driver for it. He even demanded the jeepney driver to pay for the damage and replacement. Duh.. Who has the right of way anyway? But in a way, his rage made more damage to his car. What’s wrong with these people anyway? Why are they so stupid?

I remember one time, less than two years ago, I crossed the street fronting Dunkin Donut store in DiviSoria to my waiting groupmates. As it was a one-way street, I looked to my left and didn’t bother to look to the other side. As I was about to cross the street, just then, a bicycle driver shouted at me for being in his way. His wheels already touched my legs. My groupmates who saw the incident shouted at the bicycle driver for being in the wrong side of the road and for being angry. What’s wrong with these people?

that kid.. =(

2009-01-21T14:54:00.001+08:00

As I was waiting for a ride at DiviSoria to my workplace this afternoon, a mother and her child stood beside me also waiting for their ride. I curiously eyed the child. His leg muscles looked wobbly and his gaze wanders off a lot. I asked his mother about the child’s condition politely. At first she was withholding information and was quite shy a bit. After I told her that I am a teacher for children with special needs, she slowly opened up her struggles and story about her child and the things they had to go through for her son to go to school. Her son is enrolled in a public school for children with special needs and classes starts at 7:30AM and ends at 12:30PM. There are times that her son couldn’t go to school for there won’t be no one to bring him there if her mother is not available too. So the child stays at home, watches television a lot and doesn’t go out and play with their neighbors often. The child can speak and answer questions correctly. Guessing (cause I can’t prove it yet unless be subjected to assessment and tests) on the way he listened and answered my questions, he can cope up with his peers of the same level. He is 10 years old and speaks coherently.

It is these stories that rip my heart. Knowing that the child can make it in this world and be independent with much training and intervention yet at the moment was not properly addressed due to lack of resources. Felt sorry for the kid. Television is not good for him. It’ll only dull his mind more. He needs mental stimulation on print, sound stimulation to imitate and activities to make him active.

When they left, he gave me a high five and uttered, ‘goodbye teacher’. Wow.

front seat view

2009-01-16T16:08:00.000+08:00

Just got back from my trip to Medina, Misamis Oriental. Didn’t planned it. When I saw my cousin walking out of our room with her red Jansport bag, I had the urge to go with her to my mother’s hometown. I didn’t show it to my brothers and sister that I was really worried for my relatives’ safety and as well as also for our things in the back garage of my mother’s ancestral home. After asking permission from my parents, off we went to the bus terminal at minutes past 10AM.

Earlier, at 2AM, we were awaken by the news that waters flooded some parts of Medina, especially where our relatives lived. My cousins place were already in waist-deep water which started to rise at 1AM. What made us worried the most is their situation. Though their house were elevated, we were still worried for my cousin’s father who can’t move easily. If ever the water would rise and creep into their house, they have no choice but to stay behind and wait for the waters to subside. With my uncle is his wife, my auntie, and their 10 year old granddaughter. Who wouldn’t worry for them.

Text messages also came that water level from the river beside my mother’s ancestral house is rising since almost 12AM and the current is quite strong too. At minutes past 2AM, my uncle texted that electricity was already cut off and the river almost overflowed the dike beside our house. They had kept watch since the night before and had prepared for the waters. Blocking out any holes that the water could pass through. With my uncle is his wife, their 7 year old son and petite househelp. That was the last text we received. Who wouldn’t worry for them.

At 4AM, rain hadn’t stopped and strong wind blowing outside. Feeling cold, we wanted to have a hot bread and milk. Our only update about Medina were the text messages and calls put on air by I-FM. To divert our worries, my younger bro and cousin went for a walk with our 2 partly broken and 1 sturdy umbrellas and sweatshirts. The street was empty and water everywhere. We braced ourselves for much deeper water ahead. With some talks, we reached the bakery and bought hot pan de sal, such a relief from the cold. Instead of going back, we decided to proceed to the Carmen bridge as there were already reports that Isla de Oro was flooded again, as well as some parts of Macanhan and Carmen, specifically those along Cagayan River which overflowed again while consuming the pan de sal we bought. We failed to get some pictures or even cross the bridge, the wind was so strong we had to fought it with our umbrellas which by that time almost broke. It would not be worth it, we still had to go back and no commuter vehicles were plying the street yet. It was almost 6AM and yet it is still dark. At almost 7AM, my younger bro braved the wind and waters and went back to the bridge and affected areas to snap pictures. My cousin and I went back to sleep. (please don’t mind the date and time in the pictures)

At 9Am, we were awaken by the news once again that Medina’s seawall broke. Making it more dangerous since the waves were quite big too and rain hadn’t stopped.

Commuters lined up for the airconditioned bus also when we arrived at the bus terminal without breakfast. Being the first in the waiting line for the next bus and after inquiring that the next bus would leave CDO an hour away from the one were lining up, we decided to talk to the driver and conductor to let us in. Yes they let us rode on that bus. My cousin sat at the pathway and I sat at the conductor’s chair. Such a nice view. We had a first, full view of the road ahead of us. Had the opportunity to see both sides. Was very excited, t’was my first time to rode a bus in the first row, opposite the driver, actually beside the door. The Bachelor Express driver plying Cagayan de Oro – Butuan City – Surigao City was very nice as well. He talked to us all the way. We asked about his work, the company, etc. He’s a respactable man, calling us ‘Ma’am’ and not ‘dai’. A helpful man as well, when a fellow commuter wanted to sit where I was sitting, he motioned that I sat there first, no need for me to argue to the man since there’s no vacant seat at the back. Anyway.. The rivers we had passed through gave evidence that a rushing and large body of water passed through. Garbage, cut trees, trunks and leaves were gathered under the bridge. Some rivers were still large with rushing waters, that’s beyond their normal. We’ve also passed towns where homes were still partly flooded, particularly Balingasag and Talisayan. On our way to Medina, its only at Bulwa bridge along Medina highway that we were required to get down the bus and cross the bridge by foot and the bus crossing the bridge without its passengers. Adding safety to the then risky situation. Other cargo trucks were not permitted to pass through, fearing that the bridge would give way. It was only later I’ve learned that the other bridge in the inner part of Medina that which the same river runs through broke in the middle and collapsed. That’s bad! We were thankful to the kind driver who gave us a safe and fun trip. By the way, in barangay San Luis of Gingoog City, kilometers away from where we dropped off, part of a bridge collapses so it won’t be passable to big, heavy vehicles. The commuters in the bus had to get down with their things and cross the bridge by foot to the other side. They would have to ride in another bus and get another ticket from there to their destination.

Walking along Medina streets, we could still see traces of the flood. Residents cleaning their floors, washing their things, and water marks on their wall. We were glad our immediate relatives were safe though. Some of our distant cousins took shelter at the town gym or the barangay hall, which were converted to evacuation centers. At night, I had the responsibility of keeping watch over the river’s water level beside my mother’s ancestral home. On my watch, the water would rise an inch or 3 and its current would get stronger then recedes. And since we arrived at Medina, rain hadn’t stopped, until the moment I rode the same bus back to Cagayan de Oro this afternoon. The driver was kind enough to usher me a space this time, since there were still vacant seats. I got on the kind driver’s bus at Agay-ayan, Barangay San Luis already. I also went to Gingoog City after lunch, after seeing that the multicab I rode to Agay-ayan could pass through the bridge. Our former residence in Gingoog City was in knee-deep water and other areas as well. Businesses were closed and residents were also busy cleaning up their area. It was reported that water level in some parts of the city went as high as 1 meter. Ggrrr.. I’m glad the whole city was not devastated.

I’m glad to be home. The wind is so cold, I think I had fever. Though I failed to snap pictures of my trip, I intentionally left our camera for safety purposes.

It has not only become a Cagayan de Oro calamity, but of Misamis Oriental. Some parts of the province were reportedly flooded as well, towns such as Lugait, El Salvador, etc. My uncle related that a friend lost his home and all their things in the flashflood. He had only secured his family when the water washed their home along the river in the upper part of Cabug, Medina. He even saw 2 kids holding on to the shirt of their father who’s also holding two derby cocks in his hands wading the thigh-deep water. Disaster also has its humor. Hehe..

flashflood aftermath

2009-01-13T14:16:00.000+08:00

the empty strip of a highway, C.M. Recto Ave., yesterday afternoon

according to residents of Zone 6 Bulua, this became a sea of brown water rushing into their home at the height of the flood yesterday afternoon

inside, the water is knee-deep according to a friend,

the water left a mark on their wall

the river that overflowed, Iponan river along the Barra road to the seaside

it was reported yesterday that waters reached as high as their roof in this place at Barangay Iponan

the lady in black, obscured by a yellow object, was picking garbage that got stuck from their fence using a stick, also in Barangay Iponan

this house is now emptyresidents on the left side of the river had nothing left, everything was washed out by the Iponan river

bridge before Scions subdivision where most of the woods got stucked leaving only rushing water into the areas below, including Barangay Barra and Iponan

the mudded street of Johndorf subdivision, Barra, Opol

and mhe, diving in the mud, hehe..

i slid and my cellphone had a new skin..

it was indeed a wet day

2009-01-12T07:36:00.000+08:00

The rain is still pouring as of this writing. It had been raining hard for about 7 hours already. Some areas of the city were reportedly submerged, some rivers overflowed, streets filled with water, and other areas unpassable to commuters. I’m worried. There have been reports of rivers overflowing but no mention of Bigaan, the river along the Cugman where I frequent and had become my other home. I don’t know if I should be worried because none were mentioned or maybe it was not noticed since the reports mostly were of the barangays along the Cagayan de Oro river which also overflowed last week.

My mother’s ancestral home’s floor in Medina, Misamis Oriental was almost filled with water. The area along the river, despite the dike, is in knee deep water according to my uncle.

Carmen market’s floor is partly submerged in water, the highest being knee deep also, mostly in the streets and jeepneys were being rerouted. Gaisano Carmen’s gate facing the market is in a foot deep of water. The houses along the Binonoan river were washed out by the fllod and residents were gathered with their things at a nearby building. Jollibee Carmen’s vicinity is also in waters, a foot deep. From Jollibee Carmen part of the Vamenta road to Liceo de Cagayan, only a few vehicles passed, only those with high chassis parts.

Reports were made of children being rescued in some rivers along the west part of the city, namely Iponan and Kauswagan.

Divisoria and the east part of the city were not as worse as the west side. Barangay Iponan, Barra, Barangay Bonbon, Barangay Bayabas and back part of Patag are in waters to name a few.

Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), formerly Mindanao Polytechnic State College is surely in waters once again, sometimes its as high as 3 feet. Text messages were also circulating whether they’ll push through with their exams tomorrow. Hehe..

Electric current in our place just got back. In time to post this entry.

Just got a word from one of the mothers of the Cugman Boiz, they were safe, the river was big but didn’t overflowed. Thankfully.

2008 was indeed a wet year.

Thankfully, its Sunday today. No work and no school. At least, students are safe in each of their residences with their family. As well as also the flashflood that happened last Saturday. And both incidents happened in daylight hours, making it less dangerous.

in the mood for..

2009-01-08T10:52:00.000+08:00

..dvd marathons once again.. This time its another tv series which haven’t been aired on our local television. I’ve been through with CSI:NY, CSI:LV, CSI:Miami, Criminal Minds, Law and Order and The Unit. Guess I’m an action and investigation buff huh, my siblings are too. Hehe.. Can’t help it, keeps my mind active.

So I intentionally went to DiviSoria yesterday after work to check on some new tv series in dvd format that I haven’t seen yet. Found Gundam dvds but already saw them, thanks to my bro who patiently downloads them to his computer. And this other tv series titled ‘Cold Case’. It was new to me so I bought it out of impulse after reading its cover and checking from the seller that it worked. Though its was a copy of their 3rd season. Anyhow, I’m sure I’ll find this enjoyable too.

Cold Case is about a fictional Philadelphia police detective assigned to unsolved crimes committed many years ago.

So pardon me if I’d be sleepy tomorrow at work or if I’d complain from eye pain.

* * vacation mode * *

2009-01-01T12:51:00.000+08:00

My things are still unpacked since I arrived this morning. Still too tired to move around, go about my things, put it back to their places in my dress drawer. My mind is still set on vacationing. Still wants some rest, I want to go back to Club Fortmed, take a dip at their cute pool, mingle with the people, enjoy the scenery and their delicious food, and bask in the beauty of the place. Hahaiz.. I’m still on vacation mode. Work is this Monday, so soon. When will I start to feel like going back to work already?

The conference I attended was so nice. Getting reunited again with old friends who knew the burden of having responsibilities in our areas and field. Receiving their hugs warmth my heart and refreshes me. At least this time, its a different crowd from where I am right now. A different perspective and a different experience. Though the conference was short, I’m so blessed to have participated. It gave me more time to mingle with old and few new friends. Though there were less talks, its message was also catchy and nice.

Most of all, the conference gave me an opportunity to catch up with my friends life. We may exchange text messages at times, but nothing really beats the time spent talking with them in person, sharing in their glory and burden. Glad I have friends like them, though we may be miles apart.

tic.. tac.. tic.. tac..

2008-12-27T12:15:00.000+08:00

In a few minutes, I’ll be leaving my humble abode to board Superferry bound for Cebu on its day trip promo with my friends. It’ll be my second time to be voyaging the sea at day time. My first being years ago I can’t even vividly recall. It was also bound for Cebu but was scheduled the night before, due to a storm the sailing time was postponed. I remember my father hurriedly coming home to gather and brought us to the port, we were almost running to catch up time. Anyway, kind of anxious to watch the sunset at sea though and hope to capture the majestic view on cam.

How was your Christmas?

On the 24th, my brothers and I were at a childhood friends’ house to celebrate their mother’s birthday and their coming home as well, having their whole family residing in Manila now. It was kind of a gathering for us childhood friends. And it was fun. Catching up with each other’s lives, work, school for some, personal life. Since we don’t belong to the same age range, some 5 or 6 years younger and 5 years older than me so expect that there would be lots of chikas and interesting things to bask on. Despite the age gaps and our status, I’m glad we still remain friends and the bond has now strengthened that we were already scattered in different corners of the country. We cherish each opportunity we can get together. What I like most about our friendship is that we more or less treat each other as brothers and sisters. We were almost 15 and no romantic relationships were made, so far. Great right.

Going back home, I noticed fire trucks lining up the street along Divisoria. Too bad for those firefighters who couldn’t be at home at the struck of 12midnight.

Anyway.. I’ll be off now. My friend is on her way here to fetch me. Till next time. Enjoy your days.

no-name-yet puppy

2008-12-24T11:45:00.000+08:00

Our new puppy. She looks like a stuffed toy, and is fluffy too.

When she arrived two days ago, she slept a lot. Might be exhausted from her trip, hehe.. Or, experiencing stress and adjusting to her new home. She wants to be cuddled. If there are people person, she’s the ‘people doggie’. She doesn’t like it when she’s left behind alone, she wants to be with us always, be beside us. Even sleeps at our bed, and really tries her best to climb up our bed even though she’s still too small to jump over it.

Just glad we have another puppy in the house. At least our one and only dog now has his playmate.

hands that speak

2008-12-20T15:42:00.000+08:00

I am so full I can hardly move and so exhausted. I didn’t noticed that I had been standing and walking around for straight 6 hours. Decorating the stage, finalizing the arrangements, preparing my handmimers’ costume, practicing my lines as the program’s co-emcee and the children’s presentations narrator, not to say, I think my wits ran out of me. Can’t seem to think of any sensible thing to ad lib. But somehow, I survived. We survived.

I’m so happy with my handmimers. Two of them were late so they failed to perform and I had to make a substition in their place. Tough duty, since I’m not really familiar with their hand positions. Yet I’m glad one of my mimers guided me, he even pulled my hands down when I had mine in the wrong place and it was so obvious. I was only suppose to be their guide, see the irony. Hehe.. But anyway, I’m very proud of them. They did great, they memorized their parts and I didn’t even prompt them or need to. And instead of guiding them, it was the other way around. Pardon my actions.

Not all handmimers were under my tutelage. Yet, in the course of time, through our practices, I got to know them, talked to them, befriended them and be part of their learning milestone also. I’m glad, I’m so glad. Being part of their life, of this kids with mental retardation and learning disabilities, is a blessing in itself. This, in a way, is the nicest Christmas gift I’ve received this year. Smiling with them and exchanging high fives after our handmime performance, despite the obvious mistakes I’ve made, is the best gift I’ve received today. Thank you kids.

a warm hug

2008-12-18T04:20:00.000+08:00

Upon arriving at my workplace this morning, I was met with a sweet smile and a very warm hug from my student with mental retardation. She even repeatedly called my name correctly in front of her dad and my boss. Haven’t seen her for 2 months. She’ll be back in school sometime this week probably or after the Christmas vacation. I am so glad to see her again. She’s still the same sweet child I used to know.

This week had been the busiest so far, with all the practices for the children’s xmas party this Friday. It has been a whirlwind of rehearsals with the preschool students and the one-on-one. With the one-on-one students having different rehearsal schedule with the regular preschoolers. And I have to be present in both practices. Not to mention continuing my one-on-one sessions in between. Somehow, I’m being compensated with food. Hehe.. Christmas and birthday parties this week amounted to 4 already. Not to mention the food parents of the preschoolers brought for us during our practices. Yum yum!!

the boys

2008-11-28T04:49:00.000+08:00

Some of these pictures were taken from our last overnight activity with Mcoy and the Cugman boys last month. Some of the guys were actually close, very close to us.

Like Mcoy, I’m glad I got to know them and had shared precious time with them. Be part of their day and their family as well.

They’re in their late teens and some just hitched 20’s already yet we still fondly call them boys.

Why? We first met them almost 2 years ago and they were still very much teenagers at that time, being boys.

Through time, they’ve changed and become more matured and guided. They’ve also become more motivated and sure of what they want in their life. Thus, the boys moniker is no longer befitting to them. But its nice to remind them once in a while how far they’ve gone since we first met them.

Music bonded me to them and it has been an instrument to our continued friendship as well as my tool in getting to know them well, aside from the lakwatsas that we go.

wanna know what i did yesterday?

2008-11-24T15:35:00.000+08:00

After teaching hand mime to 8 students with special needs for their presentation on our school’s xmas party, I headed to MPSC to add another master’s program subject. It was kinda late already so I didn’t expect offices to be open since its a Saturday and enrollment is a week over for the masters. I was only planning to add a subject that I feel is applicable to my program. Anyway, I was glad they’d still accept adding/changing/dropping of subjects for the master’s program. So I hurriedly got a form and went to our department’s office, it was only around 20 minutes before the offices close. I was set on adding that subject when upon writing the subject name and all the details in the form, I decided to not pursue with my plans. Haha.. Why? I’m sure it’ll took a lot of my time since it is scheduled on selected Saturdays, 8am – 5pm. And I just feel lazy going to class of that schedules nowadays. Hhmmm.. Justifiable? Hehe.. I don’t think so, but it is for me. And I’m sure I won’t regret it. My Saturdays have other worthwhile activities anyway. So I threw the form and texted Rhiane who was also bored and had nothing to do. And so he arrived at our school and we decided to roam around and try to explore the campus a little, as if there’s something to explore. Hehe.. And that we did, from the rooms to the cafeteria where we bought fruit shake, sipping it while making sensible and silly comments on the people playing volleyball not far from us. Next destination was the building at the far back. It was not so old though as it houses their library which I haven’t gone to except for clearance signing and other enrollment related agenda. My name wasn’t even entered in their database before I got my clearance signed last semester. Hehe.. Call it a non-library-user student. In front of the building was a barbeque station. And of course, having a food-lover as a company, we ordered 2-sticks each of the yummy barbeque over chit-chat about anything. Then Ketkai was our next destination. Just roaming around, window shopping as we were waiting for a text from another friend before we went to Divisoria as there’s Night Cafe and Market. Then went home, ending our 4 hours of roaming around and not giving our feet some rest.

Yesterday may be tedious and just another ordinary day. But somehow, I enjoyed it. Not because we met other people, giving silly and sensible comments to almost everything we saw and passed by. Yesterday was another happy day for me. Spending time with the people I value and learning about their life. That is what makes me happy. Its doing things I love to do, spending worthwhile time with the Cugman boys, getting to know them and being part of their day’s activities, teaching and exchanging smiles and giggles with my students, simple things that cannot be bought with money. Its the happinesss that paints smiles on my face and makes me feel good, like a kid devouring an ice cream in his hand.

he gave me a week-long smile with what he did..

2008-11-14T04:21:00.000+08:00

This happened last Sunday yet it still didn’t fail to gave me a smile. Just a little act that could be judge as just fancy little thing. But for me, it was already a feat and a stepping stone for some more of those someday, hopefully. It may be a very small and unimportant act for some, but for me, it was by far the best for my week.

You see, when I first met him over a year now, he was still very silent guy in the corner. Only nods his head, shrugs his shoulders and looks at me as a reply to my statement. Seldom speaks a word and when he does the few words can be counted out with the fingers. Though he is dependable with the guitars and drums as well, as they are. Through time, he would talk to me, exchange thoughts we didn’t do before, ask me questions, open up, even go with me for walks at times with others. And I started to hear his voice over the microphone as well during practices, when before, no voice could be heard over the speaker when he’s given the microphone. And last Sunday, he sang over the microphone while strumming the guitar in a crowd of almost 20. He’s a self-proclaimed shy guy, and he really is. Wheeew!! It may just be a passing fancy for others, but not for me. Being a witness to who he is right now, who he has become and what characteristics he possess. I wouldn’t be surprise if he has more talents up his sleeve that I didn’t know of yet. As for now, I’m happy with what he has become and hope he’ll keep on, continue on with his journey, for the better.

thank you guys =)

2008-11-09T16:36:00.001+08:00

Ever experienced being in an uncomfortable situation?

Last week, had an assignment to lead a crowd of about 200 in singing. Though I may be a singing enthusiast but being in front of the crowd and had to say some lines really makes me nervous. I may stumble upon some words and it may sound inaudible. Or worse, no words would come out of my mouth. I would want to stay in the corner and hide. But could not do so and had to face the challenge. It was indeed another experience for me that really needs a lot of my courage and support from others as well.

I am very grateful indeed with the team. We had made it through. Encouraging each other. Supporting one another. Even a single, simple pat on our shoulders helped lighten up our anxiety and nervousness. Its a different feeling when you’re not comfortable with the situation and the crowd (its definitely a big crowd). Though they were as nervous as I was yet they still pushed on. We had practiced our songs weeks before and had memorized it by heart, it cannot be denied that we were still nervous and lacked confidence. If we could only run and hide, we could have done so. Oh well..

It was not only last week that they proved their worth but countless times already in different occassions and circumstances. They never failed to watch my back and give me support. Kudos to these guys. I’m proud of you.

By the way, they’re also my bass guitar mentors. Woohoo..

an inspiration

2008-11-09T15:05:00.000+08:00

Just got home from music practice. I was glad Macky was there and is feeling well again. He texted me out of the blue late afternoon yesterday informing that he had fever. I went to their place last night but he was already fast asleep, clad in jogging pants and sweatshirt, and wrapped in a blanket. So didn’t got the chance to talk to him.

This afternoon, he excitedly texted that he was already well. When I saw him playing the bass guitar while jiving with the music tonight, I was thankful that he was back to his old self again.

Macky is only 17 years old yet he inspires me endlessly. By doing what he knew he SHOULD do, he pushes me to do the same thing I had promised myself to do. I might get tired and feel down at times, yet he always gives me fresh air and rejuvenates my spirit. He also has his perks, like he doesn’t have enough courage to face a large crowd (like me) yet he overcame it and shared to them what he had and is able to. Looking at him, he may not be the person you expect him to be. But Macky has a willing heart for service, more knowledge and deeper understanding.

He is only 17, yet he inspires people older than him. He inspires me.

card update

2008-10-29T15:40:00.000+08:00

Got my ATM card from the branch where its machine captured it this afternoon. And I’m glad the machine didn’t ate it up again as I tried to transact after retrieving it from its personnel. Wheew!!

Nighty night blog hoppers..

card captured (again)

2008-10-25T15:08:00.000+08:00

Yups, my ATM card was captured again. Blame it on the machine. Hehe.. Kidding.. I tried my card again this afternoon if its already okay cause the bank personnel I talked to yesterday said it’ll be useable again as of yesterday after office hours. Trusting what he said, I used my card to transact again. Darn!! I am not stubborn, I’m only following his words. I have to wait ’till monday to get my card, again. This time in a different branch. Hahayz.. This is twice this week. Hope this’ll not happen again next week.

card acptured

2008-10-23T15:55:00.000+08:00

For the first time in 6 years, one of my ATM cards was captured by its machine yesterday. Tried to call the hotline posted in there but to no avail (why would they post it if its unreachable anyway..). And the security personnel was not helpful also. Grrr… So I went back this afternoon to the bank and retrieved my card. It was only then I discovered that my account was already closed. I haven’t been using my card for almost 2 months now. That long! I never even noticed it. It seems only weeks ago that I used my card in paying something. Whew! Anyway, at least I have my card back and plans to go to my card’s opening branch tomorrow to reopen it again. That ATM card has been so helpful to me. Used it for cashless purchases in any SM store, aside from the fact that I put my savings in there. Hahayz.. The perks of life.

work.. work..

2008-10-11T04:23:00.000+08:00

Quite sad and upset right now. Just finished meeting with my boss concerning my student. It upsets me to think that my assessment and observation with my student is different from the specialist’s assessment when she only had an hour or two with my student. I have trust in her abilities though. I just wish she’d observe my student more than relying on her hour-long test.

I wish also my student would continue to come to school (or else I’d lose my income.. hehe..). She’s not good in academics but she’s coping in her emotional, interpersonal, and cognitive skills. She would even engage talks with me and even answers knowledge and comprehension questions correctly. She is indeed doing well, though not with the areas we expected her to. But for children like her, it is already an achievement. She was not like this when I first met her more than 2 months ago. She is a sweet girl and always has a warm smile to people she knows and are comfortable with. Hahayzz..

woohoo.. i am ECSTATIC!!

2008-09-14T11:19:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow will be another first for me. The first time that I’d be playing the bass guitar with 5 songs in a crowd (a crowd of about 30 people makes me nervous since this is not my forte y’know). Woohoo… Though I’ve played the bass before but with the usual people in our practices. Thanks to these guys who gave me free lessons, helped me understand finger positioning, the rhythm, so on and so forth. Yes, they had become my teachers in this field. They’re good musicians anyway.

Though my sister is better than me in this and I have no plans of surpassing her skills.

* i have a slight fever *

2008-08-31T11:48:00.000+08:00

ever wonder where your next coin would come from?

ever thought that the rain could wash out

disturbing thoughts that creep in your head?

how would it be if this world we live in hadn’t been corrupted?

ever wondered what would happen

if instead of walking down the curve hurriedly

you paused for a while to take a glimpse of a child

playing in the sidewalk?

what would i do without music in my life?

* * * * * * * * * *

Strange isn’t it, when unexpected things suddenly pop up out of nowhere when at one point you were asking, or rather begging for it. And yet, realizing in the end that it still is unreachable.

saying goodbye

2008-08-29T11:37:00.000+08:00

Sometimes there are things in our life that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes change may not be what we want. Sometimes change is what we really need. And sometimes saying goodbye is the hardest thing you think you’ll ever have to do, but sometimes it’s saying ‘hello again’ that breaks you down and makes you the most vulnerable person you’ll ever know. Sometimes change is too much to bear, but most of the time change is the only thing saving your life.

Change is inevitable.

Saying goodbye could break our heart or give it relief.

professional 'traditional'

2008-08-24T14:50:00.000+08:00

Know what? I didn’t expect there would still be traditional teachers nowadays, especially in the masters program, when its suppose to be modular and fast-paced. Its funny though to think that they still exercise traditional traits.

Imagine this: we spent half of our day electing our class officers. Duh.. Do we really have to? We’re on the masters program for crying out loud. We don’t even elect officers in our college days. And its not enough, after electing our class officers, the then elected people planned for our culminating party. Hhhmmm… And by the way, we started our class only on the 1st day of August and would meet for 9 days this month alone, including the culminating party in which we’d be submitting an assigned paper. Hhhmmm… Lahi ra gyud… Hehehe..

Pardon my ranting..

workday escapade

2008-08-15T07:28:00.000+08:00

I was at the town of Tagoloan yesterday to watch the opening of their local college’s intramural and cheer dance competition which two of our friends joined. It has been quite a long time also that I haven’t in an opening of a sports event. I missed raising my right hand with pride as I declare the athlete’s oath. I missed hearing the ’so help me God’ at the end of each athlete’s oath. I missed the spirit of unity and sportsmanship shared in each team. Oh well… Then again, I’m glad I had gone through those things back then.

Though never been a cheer dance participant myself, I came to be curious and interested with these because of my sis. She was a participant for quiet some time, equivalent to the number of years I also spent as an athlete. Haven’t seen her performed live before though, only in videos. Not that I don’t support her, I just don’t like to be in a crowd of perspiring teens.

Anyway, so at Tagoloan I went with my friend. Our friends in different department bagged the 2nd and 3rd place. T’was a break also for me though. Being under the heat of sun and the shade of the trees, witnessing them dance in which one of them confessing to be an unskilled dancer. Watching them perform, the acrobatic stunts and being awed at some of their moves. Not to mention, yesterday was supposedly my workday at Jasaan. Hehe..