destination: anywhere our feet carries us

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

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

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..

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?

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

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

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

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..

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..

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.