Maasin Girl

New Year Celebration

2012-02-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

After attending Mass as a welcome of New Year, we had a simple dinner in our house and after that, we slept. We found difficulties in sleeping because of the noise outside for welcoming the new year. Some drove their motor vehicles loud sounds with part of roofs or cans tied on it. Our neighbor turn his chainsaw to produce noise. Some were busy making sounds through their fireworks. Also, there are children caroling every houses. I must say, that was the noisiest day of the year. Hehehe. Making noise is what we believed could take aways bad lucks. It was just a belief of ours.

After few minutes, about an hour of noise, we could go back to sleep finally. I woke up early in the morning to prepare food again for our breakfast. I also helped my father preparing for the head portion of the pig we slaughtered for lechon. After breakfast, we were still busy again for foods. Whoa. Before lunchtime, Papa's friends came into our house, also ate's best friend came, to had lunch with us. Simple foods for simple people. After the lunch, after a while, me, ate and her best friend agreed to go to Danao Park to relax and have some fresh air. We brought my camera with us and took pictures in any places we want and in any position we did. We went to Hanging bridge which is new to us. It was just not more than 10 meters length, I think. Also, we climbed to a blue rope, don't know what to call it and take some pose there. We also climbed on a tree. This is when I received my first blessing for that year, bees bite. As we climbed to the tree, I saw the house. I'm not aware that it was bees'. I thought it was black ants' so no worries. We pose and pose there. As we finished taking pictures, when I am about to climbed down the tree, an insect bit me. When I look at it. It was bee. Then another bite again. Whoa. That was really hurt. I almost cried. I ran and ran away from the tree, also my ate's best friend. I got four bites; one in my shoulder, arm, finger and bicep. My ate's Bf got only one bite which was in her right eyebrow. As we went home, we just laughed what had happen. It hurts but a while, we found it funny. I laughed at myself since it was new year and I was being biten by bees. Hehehe. I could consider it as an unforgettable moment and a great experience. I never regret I was biten since entirely, i had fun. I am happy. No need to be worry. Those bites would be healed and fade but the memories, NEVER.

Happy New Year Everyone!!! God Blesses 2012!!!

Rizal Day

2012-02-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

December 31 is an official holiday. It is our way of giving importance for what our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, did for our country against the Spaniards.It is the when Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan, now the Rizal Park.

Rizal fought the Spaniards without causing blood to diminished. He fought Spaniards through writing novels like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which exposed the arrogance and depotism of Spaniard Clergy and officials. These led him and his relatives to be in trouble. Spaniards didn't stop finding fault against them. He was imprisoned in Fort Santiago for few days on a charge of anti-friar for pamphlets were found at the luggage of her sister during their arrival from Hong Kong. While He was in Dapitan, he engaged into agriculture, fishing and business. He also taught Filipino children on English and Spanish language. He was being exiled to the island of Mindanao and during that time, Filipino revolt broke out and he was accused to be the one who inspired it. After a series of trials, he was convicted of rebellion, sedition, and of forming illegal associations. December 30, early morning, Rizal was shot at Bagumbayan field.

The heroic did of Rizal is still being commemorated until now. He still considers as number one among Philippine National Hero. He was being idolized by his intelligence, courage, loyalty and bravery. I salute you Dr. Jose Rizal.

Week Before New Year

2012-02-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

During Christmas, December 25, we had lunch at late grandparent's house(mother side) with families and friends. After that, we laughed and laughed until our stomach muscles were aching. We were talking about the funny moments we had with our relatives. My mama's sister were reminiscing their childhood days. later after we had some chats, one of our aunts asked me to teach them some dance steps for their dance presentation which is to be presented on the night for the Barangay Christmas party. I taught my aunt and her companions some simple steps since they were complaining if I taught them some little twist of steps. We practiced for few hours since they only had few hours to practice since it was that day they should present the dance. I had fun practicing them since looking at them executing the actions makes the mothers cute. Hehehe. After the practice, we went home to got ready for the party. upon arriving home. I lie down on my bed. That was the time I realized I'm tired. I planned to rest for a while and then got ready but, I fell asleep. My mother tried to awake me up but she failed so she just let me. Whoa!! I missed the party. I missed the presentation of my aunt with her companion which is me who taught them. UGH.

December 26, as I wake up, I felt pain on my legs and arm. I thought it was just a simple pain but it didn't. When I stand, it hurts especially when I walked that's why I had difficulties in walking that time. I was excempted with the chores because of that pain. I teased my aunt to pay me for it would not happen to me if I didn't taught them to dance. That was just a joke. My plans for that day was canceled which is to go to my grandparent's house to meet my cousins and watched movies there with them.

December 27, it was still aching.OUCH!!! What i did was watching television in our house and sleep.

December 28, thank God! Pain was gone. Our aunt asked me to go to grocery store to buy stuffs for the birthday celebration of my little cousin. I said YES immediately since this was what I wanted to do. I love buying groceries. After we bought groceries, we went home immediately and prepared the foods. Then, the celebration started. Happy Birthday!!! hehehehe.

December 29, I just stayed in our house. Nothing special happened.

December 30, my cousin pick me up from home to my grandparent's house. We watched movies and eat fried banana as our snacks. Afternoon came, with nothing else to do, we agreed to go to Maasin City Forest Park and have some fresh air. We roamed around the place while riding on a motor vehicle. I also practiced how to drive for about an hour. We stayed at the cottage while waiting for the closing time to come which is 5pm. We had some Chats. I had fun since we were talking about lovelife which were not we usually do. Hehehe.

December 31, I didn't intend to wake up early but I did since I helped my father to slaughter the pig. Every year, we slaughter pig and sold it to our neighbors. I was the only one who helped my father doing that. I became his assistant. That was for the first time and I found it exciting. I helped me tied pig's legs so it wouldn't be difficult to slaughter it. I got my shirt dirty since it's raining. As my father put the knife on pig's neck, few drops of blood spread into my shirt and arms. I found it funny. I even laughed. We put hot boiled water over pig's body so the hair would be easy to wipe off. After that, time to cut the body of the pig into the desired weight the neighbor wants to buy. I felt proud since my father told my neighbor that I was his assistant. Hehehe. In the afternoon, my cousin and aunt arrived in our house since they were celebrating new year with us. We prepared food and I was the one who is assigned to make Spaghetti. Yummy. Ehemm.

Then, we went to church to welcome new year. After mass, people were shouting HAPPY NEW YEAR while the noise of the fireworks heard from outside.

December 30 is also Rizal Day!!!

God Bless!!

My Christmas Vacation

2012-02-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

In this entry, I am going to tell you what I did during the Christmas vacation. And on how I spend it!

My entire vacation was just at our place, Brgy. Malapoc Norte! Below, I'm going to have a list of date with corresponding activity of mine.

December 17, this is when I packed my things up; my dirty and cleaned clothes which i have to brought back to our house since it's the start of the vacation. Before I went home, we went Metro Hi-Per, newest mall in Maasin City. We had some ice cream there after we stroll around the area. We shop for some stuffs (except for junk foods since my mother would be angry if I eat it) to bring home for my family. This is what we call pasalubong. It wasn't expensive yet comes from our heart. Me, I bought coffee and bread for Papa, toasted cake for Mama and short jeans for my ate. After we stroll, we went to our bourding house and parted ways.

December 18, I went to mass at dawn with my family. After the mass, as we went on our way out of the Church, Dogs fight with each other that people were running away except me. One dog bumped against my leg. That's the time When I thought that I have to run to. I run back and hugged my father and cried. I was really afraid . I was shocked by what happened. On our way out to the church, people were asking why i cried. I was shy but it's just that I couldn't help but cry because I was really afraid. My heart beats faster and faster. Thank god that dog didn't bit me.

December 19-24, I attended mass again. Dec. 21, I walked with my sister on our way to church since our motor vehicle had no gasoline that is why we had to walk so we could attend the Mass! My parent's wasn't able to attend since my Mama's back is aching and my Papa had be with her. So, it was me and my sister alone to go to Church.And on our way, my sister kept on complaining that her biceps was hurt since I hold her tightly since I was afraid in the dark. There are few lights. We have flashlights with us but still I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what if we could see ghost or witch. Hehehe. My sister just laughed at me and whenever I loose holding her, she run then I act to cry to stop her.

December 23, evening, I received a message from LBC saying I have to claim package at their office. After I read the message, I jumped with happiness.

December 24, after lunchtime, I went to Maasin Proper with my sister and her friend to buy groceries for the Noche Buena. Before we went to Grocery store, we went to LBC station to get my package. Yahoooo. It was already in my hand. I'm so excited to be home to open and know what's inside. Thank you to Georg for the package!

It was my first time to buy groceries in which I am the one who will budget. I was so excited that time since that was I wanted to do to buy many groceries with many bags full of groceries with me upon going out of the store. During grocery time, I was happy since my crush called my name. I never expect him to call me but he did. Yahooooooooo. Hehehe. My sister lined up to the counter. It was a long wait since there were many people buying groceries and the lines are long in every counter. It was a very tiring day. As we arrived home (grandparent's house), we never rest. I opened the gift. I was happy with the inside since it was a small cute bear, towel which is colored by my favorite color which is blue and a lux soap. Soooo happy with it. We are the one who prepared the food with our aunt. Really tiring, I must say. Yet, enjoyable. After cooking, we went home and got ready for Mass. After mass, we ate dinner together and had some talks after. Love it.

This is how I spent my christmas vacation. You may say that there's nothing special but for me, I was satisfied by it.

Christmas Wish

2012-02-03T00:28:00.000-08:00

Do you still remember when I said that there's a saying that if you completed the Simbang gabi (Misa de Gallo), your wishes will come true? Do you believe in that? Wanna know my wishes? Ok, I'll tell you.

For me, even if I didn't prove that wishes do come true if you completed the Misa de Gallo, I still believed in it. Many people I knew stated that there wishes did come true. Me, honestly, I'm not that into attending masses especially when it is during dawn since I hate to wake up at dawn. But last Misa de Gallo, I did my very best to wake up early in the morning just to attend the Simbang gabi, to complete it so I could make a wish. My family teases me about my wish. They teased me that it my crush who is my wish to be my boyfriend on 2012. With this, I laughed. If only they knew my wish. My wish is just simple. Simple for my family. I don't wish for any expensive material things. My wish is just for the happiness, good health and long lived parents. I wished that I could give happiness to my parents that I couldn't be a burden to them. For me, material things were just useless without my family. They are the most and precious thing I have now. I will let material things I have but not them. This is how much i love my family; my papa, mama and ate.

I'm not only wishing for my family but for the whole world. I'm wishing for a peaceful, safe and loving world since as what I have observed through news, our world is like a disaster. Calamities, wars and poverty are attacking us. I just wish devils won't win over the world. May the Lord blesses our world and guide us to good paths of life.

How I'm hoping for my wish come true. I do believe it will. May all your wishes come true too. God bless us all!!!

Christmas with Family

2012-01-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

As what I'm always saying, Christmas is the time of family reunions where families gathers at their ancestral houses just to celebrate this special event with their loved ones. It is very important for the Filipinos to welc0ome the birthday of Jesus Christ. It's like Christmas will never be complete if we are away from them.

Last year (2010), I wasn't able to have Christmas with my family since I was in Manila that time. It was my aunts, uncles and cousins who are with me during the momentous event. I was there for a vacation. It was my first time to celebrate it there and away from my family. I would say, I really enjoyed being there during Christmas. It's just that I missed my family during that time. I'm not used to be away with my family especially during special occasions of ours. During that time, what I heard was only their voices talking to me over the phone which made my tears fall down from my eyes. With that, I would say that I am happy that time but celebrating Christmas without them makes me feel that there's something missing. What I need was there presence at that moment.

That was 2010 Christmas. Celebrating 2011 Christmas with family was one of the happiest day of my life. I must say, it happened for the first time as far as I remember. I am celebrating Christmas with my family plus relatives. It's kinda weird that it was for the first time even if our houses are just few kilometers away from. I always mentioned that I love family gatherings that's why I was so happy during that time. I couldn't explain my happiness. Our celebration was just simple. We just had Noche Buena at my late grandfather's house (mother side) after we went to Mass together. Simple yet unforgettable, these two words are what I could describe my Christmas. God Bless us all!!!

My Preparation for Christmas Vacation!

2012-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas came, we all had our own preparations and plans on how and where to celebrate it. Some just planned to have Christmas away from there homes to explore new things or extraordinary things. They would spend it abroad or in good places here in our country with their families or friends. Some also planned to go home to be reunited with their families and loved ones whom they were missed with.

Well, if you ask me, I would say, I will just spend my Christmas at home with my families and relatives. For me, it would be very exciting since being reunited with them is one of the things that could make me happy. When we say plan for Christmas, what comes to my mind is that celebrating it with families. Even if I see them everyday or every weekend, the best thing to celebrate the birth of Jesus is with them. Having Christmas with family could be consider precious and priceless. Also, when it comes to vacation, I usually bond with my cousins even if they are few years younger than me. I always let them feel that I loved them that's why they love me. Hehehehe. I also planned to spend time with my friends; my classmates in elementary which I usually do.

You may notice that in my plans, it deals with time. Time is priceless which you could give to your loved ones. It is more than the material things you could give them. It's the only thing that you can never get back. So, we have to spend it wisely with the people we love. God Bless!!!

Experiencing Simbang Gabi

2012-01-08T04:11:00.000-08:00

I'm used to Misa de Gallo. I've known since my childhold and got knowlegde about the world. Years ago, I always attended the nine-day novena but I never completed it. I attempted to complete it but I was being tempt by my sleep. It's like I can't carry myself to stand up. Hehehe. Maybe, it's satan's way of stopping me to go to church. :( . It is because, I hate waking up at dawn. I don't want my sleep to be disturbed. It's what I hated the most. It's okay with me to still wake until dawn but to be awake at dawn? NO WAY!!! It's the main reason why I never completed it.

But, last Simbang Gabi, I was able to complete it. I did my best to not get absent even once. What I did is sleep earlier at night so I wouldn't get yawn in church. It would be ashamed. hehehe. Night before the first day, I was very excited. I was very excited to complete it. I am excited to wish. For my first and second day, I attended the mass or novena in Maasin Cathedral since it was during school days. I went to church with my roommates. As we were on our way to church, it's so fun since we are many. And as we came there, we were amazed by the crowds. hundreds of people attended. What I can see most is families. It was really crowd that others just standing while the mass is going on since there were no sits available inside and out. It shows how religious Filipinos especially Maasinhons are.

During the start of mass, bishop blessed the new bell of the church with water and after that, they let it bell. the sound is good to hear. It's friendly for the ears. Hehehe. That was the first time it was used. Also, it was my first time to attend mass in the Cathedral during Simbang Gabi. As we went home after the mass, we went back to sleep. Hehehe.

The rest of the days is spent in my place. I went to church with my family. We woke up at 3:30 am in which alarm clocks awakes us. I insure to put the alarm clock beside me so I can really hear it. Hahaha. Simbang gabi is a spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus. This is the way of requesting blessings as what most people believed that if one completed the whole series of nine-day novena or mass, her wish will be come true. My family teased me about my wish that made me complete the novena. Wanna know my wish? hmp. It's a big secret of mine. wish should not be told for it to be granted. This is what I heard from them.

After the mass, delicacies awaits the people. Unlike in cities that delicacies are sold, in my place, residents of our barangay were divided into ten committees. Each committee is assigned each day to bring delicacies for the church goer. Outside the church, in covered court area, tables and chairs were set for the people. After the mass, they just sit there immediately and eat together. Foods were served by the committee. Looking people; young and old, kids and parents, teens and citizens, eating together is really great. I found it amazing and fun. People during this time is reunited. It's like a really big whole family eating together.As we went home, we went back to sleep since it's still dark outside. I really congratulated myself because I made it to complete the nine mornings. Yahooooooooo. I hope my wish will be granted. Also, all your wishes will be come true also. God Bless us all!!!

Misa de Gallo

2012-01-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

Misa de Gallo is part of Filipino tradition. Here, we called it as Simbang Gabi. It started 16 centuries ago. It is influenced by Spanish during their invasion of our country. They set this to let the farmers hear mass before they go to their fields early morning. During old days, people is being awake by the ringing of Church bell at around three to get ready for the mass at 4 o'clock. Roman Catholic Churches open their doors to welcome the faithful for the Simbang Gabi and it is still being practiced nowadays. Simbang Gabi is also for the preparation for Christmas, the birthday of our Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.

Simbang Gabi is still being practiced at cities or province, urban or rural areas. It started on Dec. 16 and culminates on the midnight of Dec. 24, the midnight mass. As people walk along their way to the Church to attend the Simbang Gabi or nine-day novena, they are being guided by the beautiful lights decorated in every houses or even in tress they passed by. Also, parols or lanterns could be seen hanging on the trees or windows side of the houses. With this, it made people be inspired in going to church because through this, they can feel that Christmas is coming. After the mass or novena, traditional delicacies like bibingka, biko, puto, suman and sikwate are sold in stalls right outside the church awaits the church goers.

On my next entry, I will share to you my experience during the Simbang Gabi. God Bless!!

English Month 2011

2012-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

With the theme: "Promoting Digital Literacy Through Campus Journalism", Saint Joseph College cooperates with the celebration of English Month by having it in the school. This was led by the Education department major in English. They had their own booth inside the school campus where books and many others were displayed which is related to the event.

This celebration gave emphasis on how important English language in our lives today. It made us aware on its position, not only in our society, but to the whole whole world as it is the Universal language. English language makes us united in this world. It is the language which almost everybody uses to understand each other especially those who has different nationality.

Now, all of us should know English, on how to use it. Me, myself, honestly, I have difficulties understanding some terms in English. I'm not fluent with this. But, I can say that, after making all the blog entries, my English improved. I may not that fluent and master speaking it, but I learned a little. Making blog entries does a great help to me. God Bless!!!

The pictures below are from Leyte Elementary Schools' English Month.

Disaster of Typhoon Sendong

2012-01-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

One of raining kills hundreds of lives and destruct millions of assets. It was half of this month when typhoon Sendong attacked some area of Mindanao; especially Iligan City and Cagayan De Oro were really affected. They were declared under a state of calamity due to floods that swept away most of the house in the area. Watching the news, it was so depressing and heartbreaking for all the casualties and damaged properties. It pains our hearts hearing the continued rising of death toll.

Philippines is currently recovering for what typhoon Ramon and Quel had caused last September, but, now, we are facing another trials which was the typhoon Sendong had left. Most of the dead were asleep as the flood attacked the places somewhere in Mindanao. The typhoon affected several municipalities with over ten thousand of families. Last thing I knew was there were already 956 deads and 49 are still missing. Half of that deads were not yet claimed that the government in CDO just decide to put them in a dampsite. It doesn't mean that they will damp there. It's just that this move just avoid the bad smell caused by the dead body which may affect the health of the resident. This was just temporary. NBIs and other forensic agencies get the DNA sample of the dead for identification purpose. Those who haven't claim yet, the government decided to have a mass grave. It should be yesterday but the plan was aborted since there were other forensic agencies coming. Others were just buried in a apartment type tomb with identification number written.

Lots of help came to the area especially relief goods which are really needed since victims were running out of food. Also, there were people who donated clothes and other stuff that could give a great help for the resident. There were also cash donations came. As I watched television, TV networks in the Philippines do something to help. They accept donations, cash or not. They use their networks to announce the need of help of the typhoon damaged site. Philippines is need of help now. I pray for these. This is all I can do!

Congressman Macapagal-Arroyo (Part 2)

2011-12-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

As she finished her term as a president, she ran as a congresswoman of Pampanga and got the spot. President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III took her place. Now, she was being sued by the current administration about the anomalies she had which are always blocked during her term. Now, the country filed many cases against her which is related to corruption. Some may think that PNOY has something to do personally against CGMA. The president recounted that he was just doing his job as a president and worked what he had promise to the people during election as it is in his platform: Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap.

Currently, CGMA is suffering from an illness due to hypoparathyroid and bone diseases. Due to this condition, they planned to go abroad for some medical treatment. They demanded it for them to be given a permission to leave the country. At first, she was under hospital arrest while waiting trial for electoral sabotage. A Pasay Regional Trial Court judge issued an arrest warrant against Arroyo after she was charged with electoral sabotage by the Commission on Elections on Nov. 25 of this year. This means that she was not permitted to seek medical treatment abroad. She was being diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis. Her hospital arrest continued. From St. Luke's Medical Center, she was transfered to Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

As I've seen CGMA on t.v, I got pity on her since she is suffering from a disease. But, when my teacher said, even if Gloria is in that condition, he never get pity on her since she is corrupt. She deserves things that have happened to her. (SIGH). Let's just pray and hope that justice will prevail. God Bless!!!

Congressman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Part 1)

2011-12-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

Few months or weeks, it's been a menu of the conversation of all Filipinos even in other country, maybe, about what Congressman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is facing today. She was the 14th president of the Republic of the Philippines and been the 2nd female president after late former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino. There were many cases which is filed against her related to corruption. This corruption issues was during her time as a president of our country.

As I remembered, as she was still the president, there were many issues against her. There were many anomalies when she in her sit as a president. These include the million dinner. Me, myself, upon hearing this news, I was really mad at her. How could she ate that expensive food when her people was suffering from poverty. That happened abroad. Another case is the ZTE where there pictures have been taken that could support that the issue is true. Also, I remember the Hello Garci issue which is related to the 2004 election as she won as the president against late Fernando Poe. This issue arised when a recording of a phone call conversation of CGMA and former Election Comissioner Virgilio Garcillano, talking about the rigging of 2004 election, came out to the public on June 2005. There were many attempts of impeachment against her but it didn't happen since her administration is dominated by her allies. It was blocked by them.

With these issues I have mentioned above, I'm so disappointed with her. My appreciation for her as a president of the country turned into disappointments and anger. If it is true, how could she do that.

I have many things to say about the issue. And, this will be on my next entry...

Pacquiao Defeated Marquez for the Third Time!

2011-12-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

One event of this year is Manny Pacquiao's fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Before this day came, the whole I think watched or updated themselves about the trainings that the two fighters did as a preparation for their fight which was held on Nov. 12, 2011 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Nevada. Every moves of them was one of the headlines of the news on how was their preparation for the fight or if they have techniques to win the fight.

Before this day came, boxing experts were interviewed about who did they think would win the fight and majority of them recounted that it would still be Pacquiao who would win. But, this is not the basis since we didn't know what would happen. When the day came, I must say, the whole world stopped turning during their fight. Everybody I think watched the very much awaited boxing fight of the year. Famous celebrities and even politicians never lose the chance to watched it live or just in television. In Philippines, City Gym or covered courts were filled with people where a big screen was placed to watched every fight of Pacquiao. Some took this opportunity to earn money. They people see the fight in their house for a cost but some didn't mind the amount as long as they would witness the fight. I would say that everybody sats in front of their television. What they did sowed that they supported Pacquiao. And, I am included in those people. Me, I watched the fight myself together with my parents and sister.

And, as I've watched the fight, I would say that the two were a great boxers. I must admit that Pacquiao found difficulties to defeat Marquez but still he won through a majority decisions. Yahoooooooooooo!!! After the fight, there were many issues about Pacquiao's winning. I didn't care about the issues since we all know that Pacquiao did the fight fairly and he deserved to be won. Thank you PACMAN for bringing pride again in to our country. God Bless!!!

Nov. 1 and 2 (All Saints and All Souls Day)

2011-12-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

All Saints Day and All Souls; as you look on the calendar, these days are considered holidays or either of them would be holiday depending on the government on which day will be consider as holidays. As what we've known, halloween is celebrated during these days or before these days wherein people or youths wearing horror costumes. Wew. Also, during this days, relatives and families are reunited at the tombs of their loved ones. They pray their and have chat about the happenings of their lives while they were away from each other. I have noticed that during these days, policemen roamed around cemeteries and inspect every persons before they let people enter the area. They implement that people are not allowed to bring glass bottle, sharp objects and etc. that could be used in any bad purposes since during this time, snatchers or what we call bad-minded people grab this opportunity to victimize people like stealing things that could be sold for them to gain money or any bad intentions which is obviously could harm humans. I would say that policemen did a good step to prevent crimes during that day and let people feel that they were safe as they visit their late loved ones. As I've watch the news, I can see crowds. I can see thousands or millions of people visit in a cemetery. That's why, some just went there before the day came or right after that day just to avoid crowds.

Me, you may not believe me but it's true. I went to cemetery last Nov.1 after 8 years. Yeah, it's true. Whenever these day comes, our mother don't let us go to the cemetery since as what I have said, it's crowd there. My last visit there was when we bury my late uncle and after that, I never got the chance to come back for my parents forbidded me and my sister. What I did when these days came, I just prayed at home for the saints and for the souls. Now, that I think I'm old enough to handle myself in a crowd, I had decided to go there together with my sister and visit my late uncle and grandparents on my mother side. As I was in front of my uncles tomb, I felt like crying because for me, it's hard to accept even if 8 years had already passed. The pain is still here. For my grandparents, I didn't got to see them when they were still alive since they died when I wasn't in this world. It was my uncle whom I bonded.

For the souls in purgatory, may they REST IN PEACE!!!
God bless everyone!

Holy Rosary Month

2011-12-20T13:24:00.000-08:00

Catholic Church dedicated each month of the year for a certain devotion. And month of October will be for Holy Rosary. It is one of the best known Catholic devotions. Best practice for this month is to pray for the Holy Rosary but, of course, it doesn't mean that we will pray the Holy Rosary for this month. It should be everyday. As I have noticed, during this month, there were processions happen during 6pm of the day.

Traditionally, the rosary is divided into three sets of mysteries: Joyful (recited on Monday and Thursday, and Sunday from Advent until Lent); Sorrowful (Tuesday and Friday, and Sunday during Lent); and Glorious (Wednesday and Saturday, and Sunday from Easter until Advent).[1] Childrens, mothers, fathers, olds and youngs gathered at the church for the procession. As the procession pass by the house, we can say lighted candles outside or at the windows of the house. It shows respect for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I talked about this Holy Rosary because some forgot about it. Oooooh I think most. hmmmp. It is important for us to pray everyday since this is what we need for us to be more closer to our Almighty. As I have observed our world today through news, people were suffering from calamities, wars and poverty. People today are so cruel. They only mind material things they have. They forgot God. God is only our hope to save us from hell. God Bless!

SEMBREAK

2011-12-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

SEMESTRAL break usually starts last week of October. It takes 2-3 weeks of vacation including the holiday in Nov. which is the All Saints Day and All Souls Day. For public schools, they only have two weeks vacation, from Oct. 26-Nov. 2. Classes resumed on Nov. 3. It is compulsory for them to follow the order of the DepEd as it is stated in the official calendar of school activities in school year 2011-2012. Private may opt to follow or change the the date as long as they will comply the 180 school days for the second semester.

Semestral break is what most of the pupils and students awaited. Before it came, they already have plans or list on what to do during this time. During this vacation, family reunions happen because November 1st Holiday. Some students stay at their ancestor's house. Some will take a vacation on the other town or countries with their families. Some just stays at their houses helping their parents doing the chores or the business they had. Also, it's not only time for family reunions but also, classmates' reunion or berk's reunion.

During the vacation, I was just at our house doing this I usually do everyday except for going to school. Also, because of this vacation, I was able to spend more time with my parents and cousins which I dearly love to do. To be with them always is what makes me happy. I don't think of having vacation to different towns or countries. First of all, I can't afford. Hahahahaha. As long as I'm with my loved ones, I'm contented.

Vaacation is what most students loved. Hehehe. I'm just being honest base on what I have observed. But then, still, we love to go to school. It's just that we want to be relaxed sometime. Some enjoyed their vacation while some were not. Whatever it is, it's already over. It's already start of the class. And I must say, WELCOME TO SCHOOL. GBU.

Maasinhon Trio Wins in PGT

2011-11-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

PGT or Pilipinas Got Talent is a franchise show from abroad. It is a show which is open to any talents; singing, dancing, magic trick and other skills and talents that could amaze the audience.This is hosted by Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano. Of course, PGT couldn't be PGT without the three buzzers and the three jugdes who are Kris Aquino, Aiai Delas Alas and Freddie Garcia.

PGT hosts, judges, staff and crew went all over the Philippines for some audition. And there were thousands of auditionees who tried their fate just for the prize worth two million pesos. After a series of audition, the contestant who got the YES of the judges will undergo elimination round. In here, from hundreds who passed the audition, there will only 36 who'll be qualified for the Semi-finals. And they will be performing and showed us what they got. There will be 6 contestants who will perform every week. And I'm to say that my co-maasinhon got a spot in the 36. Evry week, PGT will only get two from the contestant and it was based on text and online voting. And luckily, Maasinhon Trio got a spot for the lucky twelve to perform for the Grand finals. During the Grand Finals, every contestants showed their very best just to prove that they were all deserving for where they are now. It was September 22. Day after, it was the result night. During that day, our Province and City Officials and the Diocese together with the people of So. Leyte united and supported the trio to its last fight. And greatly, Maasinhon Trio proclaimed as the Winner. Yeheyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

After the result night, there were many speculations against the Trio. All I can say is that it was others fault for the lose of their bets since they didn't supported them heartily. Maasinhon don't mind the speculations since we fight it fairly up to the very last. What's important is we are so very proud of the Maasinhon Trio. We thank them for bringing the pride of our Homeland. CONGRATULATIONS MAASINHON TRIO!! GBU!

Fe Reminiscing Her Being A Nursing Student

2011-11-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Nursing! Nursing Degree! Nursing Course!

Whoa, this is what I want. But, I guess, it was really not meant for me. When I was in high school, I always imagined myself wearing white uniform, working in a hospital and caring for a patient. But, I think, this wouldn't be because of my situation now.

All I can do is to reminisce and cherished the moment when I was a Nursing student. I cant's forget those sleepless nights making our case presentation. While making this, this our time to jam with classmates. We had food trip that time since if we are in school, we are very busy studying and memorizing our lessons for quizzes. I can still remember the feeling during our very first day of duty. Wew! I felt very nervous and innocent during that time even though we are already oriented about the happenings in the field. I can still remember our favorite subject which is vacant. We treasured every vacant of ours to sleep or to room around the stores of Maasin. We went out together for a window shopping. Hehehe. I find it enjoyable. Also, we experience to serve the community like having a feeding and lecture about health especially about dengue since that time, dengue is attacking the people around the Philippines.

All of that and more, it's still in my memory box. I treasured all of that. This is how I love my former course. Sad to say I can't be a nurse anymnore. Still, I'm so thankful since I'm still lucky for I can continue my education and have a degree which is very important. God Bless us all!

Me Being an Accountancy Student 2

2011-11-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

"If you can manipulate news, a judge can manipulate the law. A smart lawyer can keep a killer out of jail, a smart accountant can keep a thief from paying taxes, a smart reporter could ruin your reputation- unfairly." - Mario Coumo.

Before I took up this course, I know it wouldn't be easy to be an accountancy student. As I see the student taking up this course, they were always in front of their finger-to-finger thick books. As I imagine myself at their position, whoa, I think I get crazy since I'm not the type of person who used to read books that much. I'm not that studious.

Now, I took up this course. Way back my highschool, I never imagine myself to work as an accountant.It wasn't really crash ion my dreams. And look, what happen to me, I'm currently taking up this course. Actually, Accountancy is my 3rd choice of course. Even though I didn't like it, I just included it in my top 3 choices since it was my parents who want it. What I want is to become a nurse. Honestly, at my first month, I cried every night since I really don't like this course. I shifted because of financial problem. Nursing is too expensive and I realize that it's to do what my parents want which is to take up Accountancy course. SIGH!

Now, as an accountancy student, I found it difficult on the first day since for me, I went back to zero. I met terms that are not familiar to me. I'm struggling every our accounting session. At first, during our quizzes, I got low scores. Whoa. So disappointed with myself. I felt like I'm a failure. But, after few days, I recovered. I studied and familiarize the terminologies and some principles. And, I got high score during drills or quizzes. I'm so proud of myself. In fact, I was not expecting a high grade on our Mid-term exam. I was the highest. Yeheyyyyyyyyyyyy...

With this, I was inspired to study more hard so I will end up being an accountant someday. Wish me luck!!! God bless you!

Me Being An Accountancy Student 1

2011-11-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

As you read my title, you may wonder why I mention the accountancy course. Yeah, right! I am now an accountancy student. In here, you will know the reason why I shift from Nursing to Accountancy, how is it to be an accountancy student and how did I feel for shifting a different course. These questions mentioned are to be answered later. But, now, let's talk about the Accountancy Course.

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) prepares students for entry into a variety of fields in accountancy, including corporate accounting, accounting information systems, and governmental accounting, as well as entry into graduate programs such as law. It also equips students with basic and advanced accounting concepts, principles and procedures. In addition to doing accounting functions for business enterprises, the students are prepared for public accounting after passing the CPA licensure examination. (http://www.letran.edu/collegiate/cbaa/cbaa_acctg.php).

In here, students in their first year were taught and introduce to basic accounting principles, accounting concepts, and accounting terminology. Once the student be familiar with the terminology, they will be comfortable navigating the explanations, drills and puzzles. In here, students were pre-oriented the importance and obligations of an accountant in a company or in an organization.

1st SEMESTER

2011-11-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

According to my research, wikipedia, semester divides the academic year into two, mostly 16-18 weeks each. Literally, it is a six months period. In other countries, they have different set of school years. In Philippines, we have two semesters for colleges and universities. It begins on the month of June and ends up on 3rd week or sometimes last week of October. There are also universities in our country like De la Salle University, for example, that used different set of school years unlike the usual school year we used to.

First semester for the freshmen are the period of adjustments. It is when they catch up and adjust on their new environment with different faces in their new school. It is a stuggling period. For me, during my first semester in college, whoa, I felt nervous upon entering the school since most of the faces are not familiar to me. There were many students seen unlike in highschool. Also, it is when I became a bedspacer. It was really hard for me to be away from my parents side for the first time. Also, classmates were different in each subject, well, some have the same but mostly has different subject each. I found it hard during the first semester. I found it difficult to adjust. WEW!!! First semester is the start of every freashmen's dream. It could be consider as the first step. Every semester is not really easy. Students experienced sleepnights making their assignments and studying their lessons, spending time in library doing some research and jamming with their close friends for a quite sometime just to relax themselves from the stressful activity that the semester had given to the students. With those, some students found it interesting and enjoyable that they continue their schooling. Also, some could discover that their course didn't fit to them that they need to shift to the other course they will like. And some may stop maybe because they found it tiring to study.

All of those were experienced by students. And now that the first semester has ended, well, thumbs up to those students for they survive the stressful half of the school year. High five for them. Good luck to all of us for the next semester. God Bless!

TYPHOON

2011-11-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

We all know that Philippines is currently suffering from poverty. One of its reason is the effect of the calamities attacking into it. Like what had happen just weeks ago. It was last week of September and about first week of October when two typhoons named Pedring and Quiel attacked Philippines especially on the upper part of it, the Luzon.

These two typhoons brought a disaster to the Philippines. It added the problems that our country is facing now. Our country hasn't yet recovered from the result of the previous typhoons and now, there were trials again. OH MY! It was really heartbreaking watching the news about the disaster the two typhoons had caused. People were suffering from hungry since they can't get food because they were trapped by the flood which is above human level. In fact, some stayed at their house second floor while others stayed at the roofs. In order for the other victims to go from one area to another, they used small boats as their transportation. Also, some walked kilometers away just to get food whenever they hear hearsays that their are some donations arrived. They sacrificed to walk in order to feed their crying stomachs. As we can see the news, there really millions or billions maybe of damaged. From people themselves who died, their agricultural area which is one of their source of income, from the things they worked hard to buy, the schools and schools materials, to the roads that has been not used because of the landslide that trapped many commuters. That was really a damn damaged.

WHOA. I was very sad by it. I am thankful that it didn't happen into our place. On the other hand, I felt really sorry for those typhoon victims. I know even if I didn't experience it, it's really difficult. I just pray their goodness to God. It's all I can do, to pray and left it up to the LORD. To all the typhoon victims, don't lose hope. There's still tomorrow. God Bless!!!

BER Month

2011-10-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

It was like yesterday that we celebrate Loyalty Day, have sembreak vacation, celebrate all Saints and all Souls day, Advent season and most of all, Christmas. It was like after we celebrate all of those mentioned, we slept and when we woke up, it's BER Month again. Meaning, We are near to Christmas. Time really goes so fast. We can't stop it.

Now, the season is raining. Many typhoons were coming. It's one of the sign for coming of Christmas which is rain. Also, surroundings start to become colder. Maybe, during this time, some already prepared for their Christmas celebration. They start listing things need to buy for the celebration. Maybe they already have lists of people to whom they will give their special gifts of love.

Thinking about it, now that Christmas is already coming, it excites me. For me, Christmas is really the best celebration a human could have, not because they will receive gifts from their loved ones or it's the time for family bonding or vacation but, it's when JESUS, our SAVIOR, was born. It's the main reason why we celebrate it.

So now, let's do the countdown for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. And, let me be the first one to great you a MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all. May we all have a fruitful days while this event is coming. God Bless!!!

Loyalty Day Celebration

2011-10-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. It's September. Month for Intramurals or Loyalty Day celebration for most of the schools in the Philippines while others are on the other months. In Manila, there is so called UAAP. Battle of prestigious schools(universities) there like ADMU(Ateneo de Manila University), De La Salle University, UP Diliman, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, etc.! This was every year.

Here in Maasin, schools here celebrates Loyalty Day during this month of September. For SJC, the school held it on the Sept. 7-10. Well, of course, as a Catholic school, it started with a Holy Mass wherein Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDV, DD, the school president, was the celebrant. It happened on the first day, 4pm. Then, on the next day, there was a parade. It was new for all old students since we used to have our parade in the afternoon but this time, it was held in the morning at 9am. There was also another new to students since we used to have 4 teams in College, two teams for High school as well as the Elementary. It was different teams but this year, it was different. There were only two the same teams for College, High School and Elementary. It was to promote Unity so that they can cheer with each other whether they were came from High school, College or Elemetary. The activities are still the same like games, cheerdance competition, there were muses and also Biblio-drama Contest. For MCC, I wasn't able to witness there intramurals since I had classes that time. So, I asked my friends who watched it. The team was change. From Spino and Kentro to Hydrus and Pyrus. There old teams were used for four consecutive years. According to my source, they will change team's names every other four years. Like SJC, there also cheerdance competition, games and Victory ball wherein, they had disco.

I don't know about the two other colleges: STI and College of Maasin. I never heard any news about their Intramurals. In Cebu, most of the schools had their Intramurals for a week or more than a week.

This kind of celebration enhanced the talents and skills of every students. In here, we can discover new talents hidden behind every students. It also improve the sportsmanship between students since in every competition like this, there's always a winner and a loser. It's up to the student on how to accept it but for me, they have to accept it heartily since if they win, it means they did their best. Ahm, I didn't mean that losers didn't did their best, it's just that it was their destiny to lose in the game. For the winners, GOOD JOB. TWO THUMBS UP! For the losers, better luck next time! Never lose hope!

God Bless!

Science and Math Month

2011-10-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

Schools in Philippines celebrates Nutrition Month during July. Now, that it is already September, schools celebrates the Science and Math Month. This was every every of the same month. They had separate themes. For Science, it is "Chemergy: Chemistry and Science Clubbing in Synergy" while for Math is "Unraveling Complex Systems".

During my high school year, I was able to witness this kind of event. First school day of September, there will be a program. Selected students will dance and sing and after that, there will be questions for all students and who ever answered it correctly, he/she will got a price. It was all about Science and Math topics. And on Monday every week, after the flag ceremony, there will be questions again and a price to those who can answer. Students were eager to answer for the price. Also, during this month, students in Model section and students who are members of the Science or Math Club will handle a tutorials. There were also Investigatory project given in every section and compete with the other.

It was such one of the interesting events schools in our country ever had. It could help the students to nurture their knowledge about this two subjects. It could help them to go beyond their skills. Others also were given the opportunity to help those students who are in need in this two subjects. It promotes unity. This kind of event could discover the knowned scientists and mathematicians someday. I hope so.

Good Luck Students.
God Bless us all!
Take care!

CHALK HOLIDAY

2011-10-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

The ACT or the Alliance of Concerned Teachers declared September 16, Friday, of this year as a Chalk Holiday. It is not a non-working or official holiday. It is when teachers don't use chalks during their class. Its purpose is to protest to the government about its chalk allowance for teachers. This is not only for the increase of chalk allowance but for their salary as well. They demand to increase teachers' wages.

During this holiday, it doesn't mean teachers didn't proceed to their lessons. It's just that they will not use chalks. They were just using their louder voice in teaching lessons. Others just used manila paper and marker since for them, pupils or students still need visual aids for them to understand well. They weren't using the chalks for the reason to emphasize their demands to the government.

With this kind of issue, it touches my heart. This is one of the effect of the corruption happening in our country. If the money was distributed to every department properly, this will never happened maybe. I hope the government will listen to the cries of the teachers. I hope the problem of our country will be solved as soon as possible. I know it couldn't be as soon as possible. But, I just wished it could be as possible as what people think.

God Bless everyone!

Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2011-10-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

Another year, another day of birth of our Blessed Virgin Mother!

For people to show their love to her, their respect to her, they visited and attended masses in Our Lady of the Assumption Shrine and Montecueva. They brought flowers came from their places, some bought to be offered to Mama Mary.

I have a story to be told during the birthday of Mama Mary. She did a miracle. I wasn't able to witness it but I believe it was true since it's about the Blessed Mother. She was able to be the one who handled the bread during the Holy Communion. It happened in Montecueva. As the people describe her, She was really beautiful. They found out this miracle during the snack time of the priest and the nuns. There were only two nuns but during the communion, there were three. Upon hearing this, I had a goose bomb. Lucky to those who ate the bread the lady feed during Communion. How I wish I witnessed it.

Some may believe it while some will not. It's really up to us. What's important is to keep our faith to God and praise the Blessed Mother. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY.

God bless us all!

Teacher's Month

2011-10-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

"They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carol Buchner

It was officially proclaimed by the Malacanang Palace to celebrate the National Teacher's Month every September of the year. It is under the Proclaimation no. 242 of the Palace. It is a month long celebration in honor to all the teachers.

This kind of celebration gives us the opportunity to thank our teachers for imparting their knowledge to us. We should commemorate the sacrifices they have done just to fulfill their mission to feed us the information we need. Being a teacher is an easy profession. They have to be more patient in dealing with everybody especially those students that are hard-headed and lazy to study. Teachers make ways for them to pass. They burned their eyebrows just to make lesson plans for us students. Most of their time was reserved for us instead to their families.

Now, I'm encouraging you all to personally thank your teachers. If you rare shy to do it, just be a good student to lessen their burdens. What we became, where we are now, we owe it to them. Even those successful bachelors, they owe to their teachers. They couldn't have their professions without the help of their teachers. And to all Teacher licensure examinees, good luck! And to all teachers out there, Happy Teacher's Day! You all are our heros! God bless!

Buwan ng Wika

2011-09-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Every year, month of August, whole Philippines commemorates Buwan ng Wika. This is the time in which we, Filipinos, celebrate our Philippine National Language which is Filipino. This was institutionalized by Former President Manuel L. Quezon. It is our way of showing love for our own language. Filipinos united for this event, united since even if we are in different places, we celebrate one occasion. In this, it is a proof that we respect and treasured our own language.

During this event, we may see pupils or students wearing native dress or attire as their participation. They may also used our language whenever they spoke. Also, there were many games held like poem (tagalog), balagtasan, orientation(tagalog), pukpok palayok, sungka, patintero and other filipino games.

But as I was observed, some Filipinos are not fluent to our own language. They prefer to speak English since it made them sophisticated and seen as educated. Some also find it difficult to speak Filipino because they speak other languages at home, such as Cebuano, Waray, and so on. Huhuhu!

God Bless!

Maasin City Fiesta 2011

2011-09-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

Another year, another celebration, another fiesta!

August 15 when Maasin celebrates its fiesta as Our Lady of the Assumption as their patron. Aligned with this fiesta are activities before this day came. One of this is the BEC night held on August 6, at the same time, this day is the Opening Salvo. August 7 is the SK/Youth night where in SK/Youth gathered at Maasin City Gym and had a Disco Party there. This is their way of making the SK/Youth mingle with the other youth from different barangays in Maasin. This is every year. Another activity that they held is the concert of The Maestro Ryan Cayabyab with Jimmy Bondoc and Geneva Cruz. During this concert, knowned bands here in Maasin Show also what they got. And August 14, Maasin hosted a Hiphop Dance Showdown at Maasin City Gym wherein group dancers from different part of So. Leyte joined. That was really a great showdown according to my friends who watched and never missed this talent showcases.

Month, I think, before this day came, you can many vendors around the terminal area. There were cheap household utensils, clothes, machine tools and other things that could catch people's attention. There were also what we called here Ukay-ukay. Most people preferred this since there stuffs are durable, branded and cheap(very affordable). This is what make my friends and me almost got no allowance since we always went that area and buy whatever we like. we buy not just for ourselves but for our parents also. Hehehe. Sometimes we agreed not to go to that area so that we won't get tempted with those stuffs. I can say that during those times, we didn't have savings from our allowance. We almost experience money shortage.

When the day came, as always, crowd is always present where ever you turn your head. People of different faces, different races from different places came and witnessed the fiesta celebration. With this, it made me wish that it would always be FIESTA. Hehehe.

Happy Fiesta Maasinhon! Happy Fiesta our Lady of the Assumption. God Bless!

11th Charter Day of Maasin City

2011-09-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

During this day, Mayor Maloney Samaco - Maasin City Mayor - wants a deep relationship with the City of Davao. This is what he pointed out as he introduced the guest speaker of that event who is Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The event was held at the Maasin City Gymnasium where thousands of barangay officials, provincial and municipal government officials, employees, students, and non-government organizations gathered just to witness this delightful event. Thousands of people supported the celebration despite the heavy rain.

Part of this celebration was the campaign for anti-smoking of the City. In this program, stores are not allowed to sell cigarettes and when caught, there is a penalty. Also people are not allowed to smoke in public. The question and answer section of the Miss Maasin election refered to this campaign. For the Miss Maasin election, each barangays of Maasin City had their representative, or muse, who competed for their beauty in an elimination round. And during the event, from 70 muses, there are only 10 muses left and I'm proud to say that our barangay was included. Then, from those top 10, it became three who would undergo the question an answer portion, and from these three candidates, Miss Anniversary and Miss Maasin City Fiesta was be chosen. And the Miss Maasin City Fiesta was from barangay Ascuncion and the Miss Anniversary was from barangay Tomoy-tomoy. Also, during this day, the Maasinhon trio shown their singing talent. They are the one who auditioned in PGT (Pilipinas Got Talent). It was just one of the proof that Maasinhons are talented and I'm one of them. Hahahahaha! Awarding of the barangay for the Clean and Green Category and awarding of its BHWs are part of this annual celebration.

That was one of the eminent event I've witnessed in my entire life. I really enjoyed that day even if it was raining. Congrats Maasin City for a job well done. I salute you. Good bless you!

Maasin City 11th Charter Day

2011-09-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

It was like yesterday Maasin City celebrated its 10th Charter Day. And this 10th day of this month of August, it celebrated again its 11th Charter Day. Time runs fast. People especially Maasinhons waited for this event.

Aligned with this event are many acitivities like an open basketball tournament which is participated by four universities from Cebu City. They are from University of Cebu, University of San Carlos, South Western University and University of the Visayas. It was a three-day tournament. It was held last July 22 of this year. This activity is not just for the Charter day but also for the Maasin City fiesta which was 5 days after this Charter Day event.

Some competing games that are held are billiards open, lawn tennis, badminton, 21 kilometers marathon, Potpot race, sepak takraw, mountain bike tournament, taekwando, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines KAB Olympics. Those mentioned above are just few of the activities that Maasin has as a preparation for its big day. This is their way of making people enjoy for the coming event. I hope everyone who attended. God bless Maasinhon and the rest. Have a happy day always!

SONA (State of the Nation Address)

2011-09-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

State of the Nation Address is one of the duties of the Philippine President as stated in the Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 constitution. It is an annual event of the Republic of the Philippines. During this event, the president stated the current condition or status of the Philippines. It was delivered during the 4th Monday of July. July 25 of this year, Pnoys delivered SONA @ exactly 3pm. It was Pnoy's second time to deliver it. Unlike past Presidents who used pure English or sometimes Tagalog-English, Pnoy used pure Tagalog which was for many a good move so that it can be understood by any level of Filipino Society.

http://www.keywordspeak.com/2010/10/president-noynoy-sona-2011-pnoy-sona.html is the site where you can read the full transcript of the SONA 2011.

I remembered in one of our class, our instructor said that at first he regreted that he voted Pnoy as the President but after he heard the SONA, his mind was being enlightened and realized that his vote was worth it. Before the SONA, he thought that Pnoy had done nothing important when after the deliberation of SONA, he realized that Pnoy did many things in our country. Many said that Pnoy take the latest administration corruption issue personal, and this is right since it was his money, it was my money, it was my parents money, it was our money whom those irresponsible politicians corrupted. Filipinos should take it personally!

Nutrition Month

2011-08-26T03:17:00.000-07:00

“The first wealth is health.”- Emerson

“Life is not living, but living in health.” - Martial

Nutrition Month is an annual celebration regarding the nutrition itself. It is part of our Philippine Constitution. Last July 2011, the entire Philippines celebrated it with its theme: "Isulong ang BREASTFEEDING- tama, sapat at eksklusibo". Obviously, it focuses on the breastfeeding which, as we all know, is the best milk for infants. Its objectives was to encourage all sectors to help to protect, promote and support the practice of breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding ranks as the most effective interventions for child's survival. It was stated that the child that was raised by breastfeeding was more healthier and had higher resistance than to a child who wasn't. As what I have observed today, most mothers depends on milk which are sold rather than breastfeeding. This is because they had to work that they can't give breastfeed to their child at the same time.

It was not all only about breast feeding. Schools such as SJC participated during this month long nutrition celebration. They supported it by having a program about nutrition, having role playing or games like questioning students or pupils about things related to nutrtition.

This kind of celebration helps the students to be more aware about their health at their early age. With this, they will know what to do to be healthy. Also, parents are also aware on how to provide nutrition not only to their children but to themselves. It is one of the best Presidential Degrees that Philippine has. Good bless you!

July 1-Southern Leyte Founding Anniversary

2011-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

It was like Southern Leyte just celebrated its founding anniversary and this month, it celebrated its 51st anniversary. During this time, Southern Leytenos were united in the plaza. Alluring drop-dead delighful spots of the province were taken a picture and printed in a tarpaulin and placed in every corner of Maasin City. Upon celebrating this, many activities were held like Concert at the park on June 29 and Ms. Southern Leyte 2011 on June 30 wherein 19 beauties from each towns competed to reign the thrown.

On the day of the celebration, as the starting of this, parade was held and lead by the Southern Leyte Governor, Damian G. Mercado. Officials from different towns, students, and government workers joined the parade. It was really a long parade with a long walk. Days before the event, we can many vendors in the Capitol Plaza wherein people visit to see the items that are sold. There is also a part of the plaza wherein products from different towns of Southern Leyte were presented and sold. Crowds were waiting for the people who joined the said parade to arrived. There were many people that even a needle can't enter. It must be amazing to be there to see many people from different towns.

Those i have said above was only described and stated by my friends who witnessed the event since I wasn't. It was because, I got fever during that time that sadly, I was able to join the long walk. I was just imagining what happened as they told me about the event. Next time, I will never let myself not to witness this
high spirited luxuriant event. You..You...yes you..Come in Southern Leyte next year and witness the event. God Bless!

CPA Honoring Ceremony

2011-08-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

"If you have a task to perform and are vitally interested in it, excited and challenged by it, then you will exert maximum energy. But in the excitement, the pain of fatigue dissipates, and the exuberance of what you hope to achieve overcomes the weariness." - Jimmy Carter

"We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible." - Vince Lombardi

Saint Joseph College-Maasin continues bringing its name to the top. It was proven and tested by its Accountancy Department through what it got during the May 2011 CPA board Examination. Its passing rate goes higher and higher. It only means that SJC has the good quality of education given to its students. Out of 25 examinees from SJC, 18 of them passed the board examination. Although not all of them were first taker since some of them were second taker, meaning they are conditional. With this, still, it gave pride to our Alma Mater. It committed a National Passing rate of 40.50% and SJC rate of 69.23%.

It's the accountancy department's tradition to have an honoring ceremony for all the CPA board examination passers. And, as I am an accountancy student now,I was able to witness its inspiring activity they have. May 2011 CPA passers were all invited. And the activity goes this way: accountancy students lead by the assistant dean, Ms. Melodina Orit and other accountancy instructor gathered at the SJC Gunfrida Covered Court along with the passers for a mass. After the mass, a motorcade was held and proudly presenting the faces of the passers. After the motorcade, the honoring ceremony started few minutes after wherein passers were presented to all accountancy students and was given the floor for their messages. Some shares their experiences before and during the Board Exam. Some shared some tips, just a hint on what they do to pass. Some also shared their past as how they stuggled when they were still students. As we listened to their messages, we are all inspired to be what they have got today.

Before this entry end, as I listened to those messages, I was touched by what one passer said: "Today is the best preparation for tomorrow." So, to all accountancy students including me, strive hard so we can attain our goals to become a CPA. Good luck to all of us. And for the passers, you did a very great job. We are so proud of you. Congratulations and good luck for your future works. God Bless!

Fiesta

2011-08-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

I mentioned already before, Filipinos really really love fiesta. Every town or barangays here in Philippines had their saints their fiesta celebration is based on. Just like ours: our barangay just celebrated our fiesta as Sacred Heart of Jesus as our patron saint. People from other places gather in our barangay and visits houses they know to eat different foods the residence were preparing. Of course, lechon is always present. Almost all of the Filipinos love this food.

I can say that, as I witness our fiesta for many years, this recently fiesta we had was the best fiesta ever. It is because I had my loved ones with me. It was not all but at least few of them came. My uncle came home from abroad just to celebrate with us. Also, my best friends came. I was really happy. I went to church with them. I was bit disappointed since it is not pontifical mass since Bishop had many matters to do. That is why it was the monsignor who held the mass and it was called High Mass. I also went to disco with my friends. Disco is always present during night of our fiesta. People gathered at the barangay covered court to have a non-stop dancing with old and latest songs. Before, I never went to disco. I just stayed at our house and sleep. But with friends with me, I must go. I found it enjoyable especially in going there with my uncle.

Fiesta is so tiring yet worth it. We were very busy entertaining visitors and accomodate what they want. But, it was great since it felt like satisfying when many people came to your home. meaning, they like how you treated them. Some were I seen for the first time. Some were familiar to me since they were on our house during fiestas.

All I can say is our fiesta is unlimited enjoyable. It was an all out fun!

Yahoooooo!

Looking forward for the next fiesta...hehehe...God bless! Sacrada Corazon De Jesus, pray for us!

My 20th Birthday

2011-07-31T03:09:00.000-07:00

Many birthday greeting on my phone. Thanks to all of you!

Birthday is a day or anniversary to celebrate person's date of birth. This is to commemorate the very first day of our existence here on earth. I know that all humans celebrate their birthday, either in a silent way or through a party or dinner.

I remember when I was a kid. I was always excited when my birthday came. I was excited with the gifts and the party. Well, it was not a big party as you may think; it was just a simple party where my family and relatives gathered in our house for dinner and some chats or a videoke (sing-along). Although my family and relatives on maternal side always come together for other reasons as well, gathering because of birthdays is different. I find it more fun and awesome. Maybe because we were celebrating the very special days of our lives!

And now that I'm already 20 years old, no longer a baby, I still had this feeling of excitement when my birthday was coming. It's not because of the gifts. It's just that I was excited to receive greetings from the people who are important in my life. They are the people who did a great part in making me for who I am now. That's why I took a picture of those messages. Upon receiving messages from mommy Ritchiele Gelsano, Jeralden Bolo, mommy Jonilyn Esclamado, ate Margarita Almeda, Mary Grace Badeo, grandfather Georg Sander, and Donna Rose Espinal, my special day is half-way complete. Half-way since they serve as half of my life. Without them, my life would be meaningless. It was my way of thanking them and I am so proud for they greeted me. To celebrate my birthday this year, I didn't have a party. It was just a dinner with family and relatives but before that, we went to church altogether. For me, parties and gifts are not important as long as those people I love are there for me. It means a lot to me. They are more precious than any gifts. On the day after my birthday, my friends (Yhing and Mommy Ritchiele) treated me on a snacks. I wasn't surprise with this. Lol. It's just, I don't expect anything from them as long as they remember me, it's all I am wanted for.

Yhing, me and Mommy Ritchiele eating cake

I am thankful to them for that kind of effort they have done for me. First of all, I thank God for giving me chance to borrow this life to experience on how to live this world he had created for us. Second is to my parents who take good care of me from the day I was still in my mother's womb until now that I am a older. Hehehe! I thank those people behind this life of mine. And lastly, whether you are haters or lovers, I thank you since you are the reasons why I am stronger now. I can say that I am so lucky since I am well-loved by those people I mentioned and also by many more people that I have not mentioned above.

Each of us is a gift made by God so we should be thankful with it through celebrating it. Before the celebration, it is God we should thank first. Celebrate it with God since if it is not because of him, we couldn't have this wonderful life that we had. All I'm wishing for is good health and long live for me and for those people I love. I hope, this year will become a fruitful one for me. God Bless everyone!

Fight for the cake. Hehehe. But we all got enough cake.

Opinions towards Cybersex

2011-07-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

Cybersex, also called computer sex, Internet sex, netsex, mudsex, TinySex and, colloquially, cybering, is a virtual sex encounter in which two or more persons connected remotely via computer network send each other sexually explicit messages describing a sexual experience. It is a form of sexual roleplay in which the participants pretend they are having actual sex. In one form, this fantasy sex is accomplished by the participants describing their actions and responding to their chat partners in a mostly written form designed to stimulate their own sexual feelings and fantasies. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersex#Criticism).

As I watched the news recently, I always hear about cybersex. It was about parents who engaged their daughters and sons to cybersex to earn money. They let their children experience it just to sustain their needs. I was intrigued by this issue since as a Filipino, it's a dignity destroyer. It degrade the pride of Filipinos.

In my opinion, I can say that HOW DARE THOSE PARENTS TO LET THEIR CHILDREN ENTER THIS KIND OF MATTER. They were really people of satan. As we all know, parents should be the one to care for their children and protect them from any harm. Upon hearing this news, I was really affected since what they did destroy the dignity and not just dignity but their whole life. I hate those parents. They should be put in jail.

With this, I asked my friend's opinion towards. And here are some of what I have gathered.

"Those who did this were lazy and useless parents. They ruin their children's life." -Margarita Almeda.

"They were parents who are irresponsible. They don't deserve to live. Instead of giving their children a heaven's life, they give what it feels to be in hell." - Grace Badeo

"All bad words for those parents. Even if they were alive, their souls are already in hell." - Janice Ramirez.

Father's Day

2011-07-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

One father is more than a hundred Schoolmasters

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad." -- Anne Geddes

Like mothers, fathers also have special day, Father's Day that we celebrate in June. I have read a history of this special occasion for our fathers on this site: http://www.theholidayspot.com/fathersday/history.htm. It tells us how the father's day celebration came into existance. During this day, we are celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds and the most of all, honoring our father. We are honoring for their hardworks to provide us, their children, a shelter to live, foods to eat, clothes to wear and everything we need. All what we have now is came from their sacrifices in going to farm, facing mountains of paperworks in office, waking up in dawn to catch fishes to sell and any works they can just to earn money to provide what their children need.

My father, Martin Alico, is one of those hardworking fathers the world has. I can see those sacrifices he has done to provide the basic needs of our family, also to earn money to send us to school to get our diplomas which he never had. He always told me and my older sister to study hard so we can achieve our dreams. "Dli ko gusto na mapareha mo nahu nga wa kahuman ug college". This is what our father always told us. This statement of his is simple yet so touching and inspiring. It inspires me to strive hard in my studies.

In my childhood, I remember many moments with my father than with my mother. Whenever I woke up, he was the person I looked for. And when I knew where he is, I went there. When my father went to our farm, I joined him. When he did the copras, I was with him. I did things I can that could help him like carrying woods, gathering water, and so on! Where ever he was, I was. Also, when I had a crush, he was the one to know it first than my mother. He never scold me when I confessed, instead, he reminded me that I'm too young for that matter. As I remember, I was 11 years old when I told him I already had a crush. Hehehe! I dream to be his Junior and until now, that dream of mine still exist. It makes me happy whenever I heard people say that I got my face from my father. I'm proud of it. When I got mad, he always did everything to make me smile. I am closer to my father than to my mother. Sometimes, I got my friends' envy since they are not close to their dad unlike me. He is one of the people who always there for me, one who has loved, cared and provided for me. He is one the two most important people in the world to me. Someone I love with all my heart. He is my guardian angel, my friend, my hero and most importantly, my Papa.

I love my father very much. What I am or whatever I have now, all of these are what I owed from him and my mother. I've had a hard life, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father went through in order to get me to where I started. I love you, Papa. If I will be given another life and God will ask me whom i like to be my father, I will still choose you. This is how much I love you. Happy father's Day to all fathers out there! God bless!

Welcome Back to School

2011-07-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

"At the desk where I sit, I have learned one great truth. The answer for all our national problems - the answer for all the problems of the world - come to a single word. That word is 'education'."- Lyndon B. Johnson

Summer is over! Raining starts. Vacation ends. School begins. It was like I spend summer vacation just yesterday. Now, it is over and classes begins. Some students are perhaps sad because they are not satisfied with their vacations. Some are happy to enter classes. They are excited to see their friends whom they missed or maybe, they are tired staying at home doing nothing. Some are also excited to enter a new level of their education. Elementary graduates proceed to High School which, as most of the people say, are the best years during education. High schoolers go to college to take the course which could help them to be professionally what they want to be.

Education is very important to one's life or journey. It will shape one person into what they will be in the near future. It can't be taken away from you no matter what.We all know that Philippines are facing crisis today. And, I only know one solution for that. It is EDUCATION.

So, I am welcoming pupils/students to the world of education. I wish you the best of luck! One advice: Study hard at the same time, enjoy your life! Just make studies to your number one priority and not just an option. God bless!

Flores De Mayo

2011-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

I mentioned it already in one of my previous blog entries: filipinos love fiestas and festivals. They are celebrated all-year round. Fiestas are celebrated all over the country, in particular during summer months. May is the merriest among the months of a year. May is the month in which many fiestas are celebrated like the Flores De Mayo or the Flowers of May. During this event, people harvest their beautifully blooming flowers and use them decorate the altars of their Parish Church. All towns celebrated this festival. In my place, children were gathered every afternoon of the whole month of May in Church to pray the Holy Rosary, with beautiful arranged flowers with them which are to be offered to Mother Mary. After the rosary, children marched down the aisle to the altar of Mother Mary. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the goodness and purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

During my childhood, I also experienced this kind of doings every summer. This event is what most of the children awaited. I did all my chore assignment in the morning so I could attend this activity. Sometimes, my parents teased me that they wouldn't allow me to go to this event, and I cried since I didn't want to be absent. I was always excited as I walked with my friends on our way to church. It was one of the memorable moments I had during my childhood. I always wanted my flowers to be arranged beautifully since during at the end of the session, there are awards for the best flowers. During also the activity, children were guarded by big sisters, and the children who behaved best also got awards. I wanted that award that I never moved even turned my head to my side from the start up to the end of the session. Hehehe! I found it hard but I did it just for that small piece of paper where "Best Behaved" was written. I got the two awards (flowers and behaving), not each time, but at least a couple of times, I got it. I was so happy that time as if I got one bag of candies! Yehey!

It was really a funny experience. I never forget that. Today, I miss doing that. I used to have the small piece of award paper with me but unfortunately, my sister threw it away since she didn't know that I keep it as a remembrance. I felt sad but we never found it again. I just think that it was just a piece of paper. What's important is that the event is still on my mind. God bless us all! Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us!

Fe say goodbye to VSU

2011-06-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Being in VSU for about two months, it is one of the greatest experiences I should save in my memory box. It couldn't be erased from my mind unless I will get amnesia. Hahahaha! I had so much fun there not because of the place but because of the people there. If you want to picture out about this school, just imagine a mountain with buildings that are apart from each other. Students and staff there were so kind that your tiredness would fade when you will see all their smiling faces. I can say that studying there could be tiring in a way that the rooms are far from each other and lots of mountaing climbing is needed to reach the rooms. But, if you were in the class, you wouldn't regret that you enter this school since professors there are highly competent. This is just my opinion. It was based on what I have observed during my stay there. People there were simple in a way that they enter to class wearing slippers. It was my first time to experience it. I amazed me since I was not used into it from SJC. The school, where I came from, Saint Joseph College, prohibited wearing slippers and shorts when we enter into the school. There in VSU, you can wear any types of clothes you want. But, there are some who wear their uniforms.

You know what? Now, I miss VSU. I miss going to the market to buy foods every night. I also miss going to Baybay proper with my roommates just to eat halo-halo in a food chain there. I miss the bell ringing to wake us up for cleaning. I miss climbing a long way up to attend classes. I miss the big dormitory where I lived. I miss my roommates whom accompanied me throughout my living there. I also miss my classmates especially my classmate named Alyssa who was always there with me to guide me, who gave me orientation about the way people in VSU lived and about the school and who is now one of my best friends. She is the one who was always my partner in every activity we had. She helped me in every difficulty I encountered during my stay there. I missed everything about that school. Goodbye VSU! I thank this school very much! More power to the school! May you continue being good in feeding knowledge to your students more like what you have nourished to me! GBU!

Experiences at VSU

2011-06-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

While studying at VSU (Visaya State University) for the summer class, I experienced many things that I want to share with you. Experiences that I will never forget! Some of these are memorable to me since I've done it for the first time. And also, there are experiences that molds me into good. I was able to share experiences with different lives of people that I just met or people that accompanied me throughout the summer class.

The first experience was to wake up early, everyday in the early morning, around 5am, just to clean the area which was assigned to us. Every room got an area to clean. As far as I remember, I've done this for the first time. Honestly, I hate to wake up early, but I had no choice but to follow it. It was part of the dormitory's rules and regulations so I was oblige to do it. If someone violated it, fines were expected. These kinds of routine helped the students to follow rules, and in addition it trained students for some household chores. Doing it for about two months, it helped me to changed a little bit since as of now, I was able to clean our house which I never did before. Before, I gave all the responsibilities to my elder sister. This doesn't mean that I didn't do any chores in our home, it's just that I don't like cleaning that is why I didn't care much to do it. But now, I already consider cleaning as part of the weekly routine.

Another experience was that I was able to study and live alone and away from my place. I had to budget my allowance every week which I've never done before. I made sure that it would be enough for the whole week without experiencing money shortage. It was also my first time to enter into a school without someone that I knew already, someone that could be my company when looking for a rooms. Unlike my previous school where I have many friends already, in VSU, I didn't know even a single person. But I was able to cope with it since people there were so friendly and accommodating. Thanks to them!

Also, it was at VSU that I saw some animals that always wanted to see: sheep, ostrich and deer. I saw them for the first time. Hopefully I will see more other animals one day. My roommates toured me to some area of VSU which I haven't seen before. One day is not enough to roam around all over the school, as they said, since it was a big school. In fact, when I was there, I haven't gone to all places of it, maybe only half of it.

Being with different people, it's like sharing our life story. I found it interesting since we were talking about our pasts, good or bad. And there is one story which touched my heart. It was about the past of one of my roommate. She have gone many difficulties. She experienced to be one of those street children who beg from people they met. She was able to sleep in the street. She went through many difficulties. If I was in her situation that time, I don't think I would have survived from all of that. I praise her courage and strengths in striving those trials she met. Knowing her past, I can say that I'm so lucky where I am now. Even if we are poor, I know that some dreamed to be in my situation. Now, the roommate I talked about took a nursing course. I think she lived in one of bahay-ampunan (orphanage) in Tacloban city. An Australian supported her studies. I wish her all the best and lots of success! God Bless all!

Report in Health Education Subject (part 2)

2011-06-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

I focused on making the report that I canceled all my appointments with my friends on that day. I was the one who planned the activity my friends and I wanted to do but I'm the one who couldn't make it. I just send them a message to their phone explaining. It is good that I have understanding friends. In fact, they encouraged me to do it on my best. During that weekend, my aunt came to our house and asked me to join her to go to a fiesta in her friend's place but I refused. Same to my sister. I just stayed at the house making the report. I laugh now that I remember being very busy, even when my sister asked me to stop for a while and talk to her, I didn't find the time to talk to her. I didn't join her in watching television even though the movie was one of my favorite. I never stopped what I was doing. Perhaps, you think what I did was over the limit or not normal but I just wanted to not waste any second that I have for my task. I only stopped for eating. I know my sister understood my situation. I was supposed to be back in Baybay on Monday but because of the activity for that day, I went back on Sunday afternoon. I finished my report there. I wrote it in a sheets of paper before I put it in a powerpoint. Good that there is an internet cafe in the dormitory I lived in. I consumed hours in front of the computer. I was done encoding my handouts (that I must give to our instructor and classmates) and after this, I made the powerpoint slides. I started doing these at 3pm and finished it at around 12 midnight. Before going to bed, I studied it again so that I would know what to do during the demonstration.

When Monday came, I woke up early and got ready for school since I'd still have to go to an internet cafe for the printing of my handouts. Afterwards, I went immediately to our classroom and prepared myself for the presentation. I studied and studied until the reporting started. Each group got only 15 minutes to present what we did. When the first group presented, I just listened and observed the way they present their work. And when it was my turn, just before standing in front of my classmates and teacher, I told to myself that I can do it, that I am better than the first one. This was my way to boost confidence to myself.

Then, the reporting started. I just let myself be the way it should be. I explained our topics and explained further and further. Seeing smiles from my classmates raided my confidence. I reported as if I am a real educator that time. When our teacher mentioned that there's only one minute left, I rattled but still managed to continue the presentation. I spoke fast competing to the running time. Just in time! Yipee! That was a perfect timing. As I looked at my classmates, they smiled and congratulated me. They said words that meant they were impressed with my presentation. It's overwhelming. After I reported, I went back to my seat and listened to the last two group reporters for that day since the remaining four group would just present on the next day. While listening to the other group, I felt very excited that they would finish their reports so that the result would be announced.

When the result was being announced, our teacher first commented about the reporters. He said that our group was the only group who was well prepared. Hearing this, my hope rose to win, that means to be exempted from the exam, but still, I'm not expecting 100% so that I wouldn't be disappointed. Time for the result! And the result was ...

... you won't believe it ...

... the result was that our group got exempted for the final exam. Yehey. Big hand for me! Congratulations to me and to my groupmates! My groupmates thank and thank me for what I did for them.I felt very proud of myself. I was so excited to tell it to my parents. I wanted to tell them personally that couldn't wait to go home. Hehehehe! I know, they would be proud of me. For the other group, they were given a second chance to be exempted. Our teacher gave then another requirement for them to be exempted. Aside from the reporting, our teacher required worksheets to be passed. Our group leader told me that there's no need for me to help with it. They owe me one thing as they say that they would wanted to pay me that way. I grabbed the opportunity. Hehehehe. I agreed with her idea. Hehehe! I also thank her for giving importance to my effort during the demonstration.

With the result, I proved to myself that we can do whatever we want if we will do it on our best. If we will try hard, we can make it successfully no matter how hard it is as long as you trust yourself. We should always be optimistic. Good luck to me for the next challenge! God bless!

Reporting in Health Education Subject (part 1)

2011-06-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of summer class of 2011, we were divided into eight groups. For every meeting, one group should report its assigned topics. All members should have topics to be reported. Then after the report, our teacher would explain further about the topics that have discussed by the members of the group. On the next meeting, before the next report, there would be a short quiz for about 10-15 items. That was our routine for every meeting in this subject. The reporting went on until May 12. On May 13, Friday, our instructor required each group to report. Actually, this was not really a report. It was like a demonstration on how to be an health educator since being an educator to the client is one of the role of a nurse.

The topics of the reports were about developmental change of human such as infant, toddler, preschooler, school-aged, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood and older adulthood. The leader of each group picked a roll of paper from a glass of bowl provided by our teacher, like in a lottery. This paper contained the topic that should be discussed during the demonstration. Our group got the toddler topic. The sequence in reporting was according to developmental stages which is from infant until older adulthood, so our group was the 2nd group to present. After this, we were given a time to meet with our group mates and talked about this activity. Upon talking about the activity, my group mates chose me to be the representative to discuss the whole topic that had assigned to our group. I felt happy that they choose me, because this meant that they liked the way how I reported. On the other hand, I felt pressured since our teacher said that if he would be satisfied with the demonstration, our group will be exempted for the final examination. The chance to get exempted was in my hands. I never promised them that we would be exempted. I just told them that I would do the best I can to make our presentation good.

I had two days (Saturday and Sunday) to prepare for the activity which would be on Monday. Actually, on the day, on my way home, I thought of quitting and would just pass the task to our leader. This was what the half of my mind said. The other side told me to go with it, that I can do it. My group mates chose me so it meant they trusted me. They have trusted my ability. And if I could do it, I can make myself proud, especially my family and relatives. With this thought, I didn't quit.

What would happen next? Would I ever finish my report even if I'm alone in making it? Would my group be exempted for the examination? These questions will be answered on the blog entry next to this. Check it out!

Informatics (Nursing Informatics)

2011-06-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is not my own computer. I am writing the
blog still in internet cafe. Does anyone have a
spare computer as gift for me? ;-)

Informatics is one of the subjects required in my nursing course. Here, we learn about computers and application such as the internet, programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Powerpoint) and so on. We are taught about this since in the hospital nowadays, technology is being used in giving services to the clients. Our teacher gave us three projects as a requirement to pass this course. One is to make a note in facebook that should be passed to her through a tag. The note should be entitled "NURSING INFORMATICS FOR ME". In composing this note, there are some guidance questions to be answered: What is nursing informatics for me? What are its advantages and its disadvantages? Is it amenable for me to adapt nursing informatics? Below is the note that I made:

Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice, nursing administration, nursing education, and nursing research. For me, it is about rendering health care services to the patients with the help of modern technology. Technology is dramatically altering the ways in which health care professionals diagnose, treat, care for and manage patients. It is our past and it is our present. Nursing informatics facilitates the integration of data, information and knowledge to support patients, nurses, and other providers in their decision-making in all roles and settings.

Nursing informatics does a great help in us nowadays. One of the advantages that nursing informatics gives is it shares data. It improves the access to medical records through what we call EMR (Electronic Medical record) in which the medical record of the patients can be accessed from several different locations simultaneously, as well as by different levels of providers. It improves data reliability. It helps to decrease data redundancy. For example, allergies and vital signs need to be entered once. Nursing informatics minimizes the time spent in documentation. It increases the time in patient care because less time is required for the documentation and transcription of physician orders. It also facilitates data collection for research. Electronically stored patient records provide quick access to clinical data for a large number of clients. It promotes flexibility in conceptual design. It also improves legibility of clinic documentation and helps to keep order with a computerized information system. Lifetime clinical record is promoted in here.

When there are advantages, there must be disadvantages. One of this is the complexity of the conceptual design process. Nursing informatics also needs multiple external databases. It needs hiring of database-related employees. A database acquires high cost. It could result into a more complex programmer environment. There is also a possibility that catastrophic program failures occur. And lastly, health care professionals can be dependent to technology in doing their tasks.

For me, I can say that if nursing informatics ensures the positive outcome for patient care, I am amenable to adopt into it. Since, nowadays, technology are being introduced to us, I am willing to yield nursing informatics. As it is used abroad and I'm planning to go abroad, it could do a great help to me in my nursing job someday.

That's what I wrote for this course. Through nursing informatics subject, nursing students were able to view about what it will be in their future job. It makes the nursing students aware about the modernization that happened in their fields. Me, I already had knowledge about computer and its application since I had computer subjects when I was in highschool, and of course through writing this blog, and now, after taking this subject, my knowledge was broadened.

Activities in speech 11

2011-06-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of our speech class, our professor gave us set of schedules which should be done during our class. This schedule helped us to prepare for the activities in the coming days. It made us to be ready and not experience cramming. Upon having this schedule, still, we experienced cramming. Honestly, it is because of our habit that, when we have time, we won't work for school until last minute. Because of this, we always had cramming on our activities. One of the activities is the interpretative dance. We ought to sing a song and interpret it. We already chose a song to be sang but we never practiced on it. My partner knew the song and me, I knew only the chorus. We practiced our interpretative dance the day it should be presented. We only had one hour left to practice. I just saved the song to my MP3 and listened and listened into it with a printed copy of it in my hand. We divided the part of the lyrics so it would be easy for me to memorize my part. We just sang it together if it is in its chorus. For our interpretation also, we only used our hands. We practiced and practiced until it was time to present. Upon witnessing the performance of my classmates before us, I can say that me and my partner were better than them. And when it's our turn, we performed on our best. We didn't do any mistake on our part and we pronounced the words correctly. It was just that we were out of tune sometimes since we are not that good singers. Hehehe!

Next activity was to present a commercial. Like the last activity, we experienced cramming. The good thing was we didn't have anything to memorize. We just had to say what we wanted to say, but of course we should use English and it should be related to the product we advertise. I found it funny and interesting. Some of my classmates did their part seriously while some made their commercial into a little bit of comedy.

For the last three remaining days of our summer class, we had three consecutive activities. One activity for each day. The first activity, it was word drill. We ought to read words correctly, correct pronunciation. I got only 52 points out of 60. I found it difficult since there were some words that I never had heard before. I was confused how to read it. I just guessed their right pronunciations. For the second activity, it was a sentence drill.We should read the sentence in correct pronunciation of its words and right intonation. That was even more difficult, and I got only 49 out of 60. For the last activity, it was tongue twister. Honestly, I'm not good at it that I practiced very hard. I got 45 out of 50. Even if I didn't get the perfect score, I'm satisfied with what I got because I passed. And compared to my classmates, I got high scores.

God bless us all!

Speech Communication(Speech 11)

2011-06-03T06:08:00.000-07:00

Speech communication is one of the three subjects I took this summer class. Through some of my friends who already finish taking this subject, I already had an expectation of what will gonna happen during this subject, I mean, the activities in this subject. From the word SPEECH itself, I viewed this subject as more on speaking up using English language. We will be taught the correct pronunciation of the word, stressed word, intonation and the proper way in speaking. Honestly, I hate this subject a little bit since I have the fear in speaking up in front of many. It's not actually fear. Let's just say, I hate to stand and speak before people. If it's dancing, I am in the game. But speech? I doubt I could make it well. Upon entering this class, we already had an speak up activity. In this activity, we were given a text. We have to memorize it and deliver it before the class. And we were graded. We were given one day to practice it. For that day, we were required to wear a business or formal attire as needed for an official speaker. We were graded this way: Mastery= 25%, Delivery= 60%, Audience Rapport and Proper Attire= 15% for a total of 100%. During the activity, waiting for my turn, I felt nervous. When I touch my hand, it was cold until the time for me to come up on stage and speak. I looked at my classmates, also our professor first before I open my mouth to start my speech. Below is the text that given into us which is to be delivered during the activity but the greetings are excluded:

"My respect to our speech instructor, Dr. Zenaida C. Dumaguing. Ma'am! (Vowed slightly). And to you, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon!

Are you nervous? I suppose you are. But why? Communication is the best thing that can ever happen to two people - to many people. When asked to speak, you are likely to exclaim: a speech? But what will I say? An invitation to a cocktail party? But how will I react when I am confronted by all those strangers? They want me to say a few words to the guests. I know I shall be terrible. What on earth will I say.

Many things! And you can do them. Listen to a confident man speak. He is, at once, convincing and brilliant, charming and entertaining. People say he is a born orator, a glib conversationalist. But nothing could be farther from the truth. He has been getting practice. He increased his speech power and learned the secret on how to speak.

You too can share the secret of his success!

This is the time - the good time!"

During my speech, I could feel that I was shaking. To calm down, I just pinched my hand which was placed at my back. This helped me to ease or lessen my nervousness. I did that until I finished. When I finished, before I came down from the stage, I saw our teacher smiled and turn her head up and down, meaning that I delivered the activity well. Yahoo! We weren't able to see or know our grades for that activity but I am confident enough to say that I passed. I was happy not just because I passed but because I was able to conquer my nervousness. I congratulate myself for a job well done! Hehehe!

Mother's Day

2011-06-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother.

Mother's day is annually celebrated by all countries in the world to honor our mother. But, here in the Philippines, it was celebrated during second Sunday of the month of May. It is an important occasion to pay tributes to the person who unlimitedly takes good care of us, the person who knows no boundaries in showing her love and a person who always does everything just to keep her children safe and happy. And I'm talking about no other than our mother.

Families have different ways in celebrating this important event in their lives. Some families treat their mother to a dinner out or shopping in the mall, spend time together in the park or have swimming in the beach. Some also treat their mother to a make-over like retouch, spa and body massage. some also just stayed at their home doing mother's daily routine like cleaning the house, wash the dishes and other things that is done by our mothers. They treat their mother as a Queen on that day.

Me,I didn't do all of that. I had my simple way of celebrating or thanking my mother for all the things she did to me. Being kind to her everyday and didn't give any problems to her is my way of showing my gratitude to her for taking good care of from the time I was still in her womb until now. I may not have have money to treat her anywhere or to buy her anything. All I can do is to be a good daughter to her as I can. She has no day off. She has no pay in taking good care for her family. But, we never heard any protest from her. I love my mother. What I am now, I owe it all to her. I can never be who I am now without her. There's nothing I can do to equate the things, the sacrifices you have done for us but to be a good child to you. This is all I can do. I can say that, even if we are not that rich, I am the luckiest for having a mother like mine.

Mother's day is our chance to show our love back to our mother. We should never miss this opportunity for us. One day is much enough for them since they never ask anything from us in caring and loving us. But the best way to show that we love them is to tell them every day that you love them. Be a good child to them. Let's not wait for a mother's day to come to show our love and care for our mother. Every day for me is a mother's day. and most importantly, let's pay tribute to the mother of all, The Blessed Virgin Mary. Happy mother's day Mama Mary! Happy mother's day to all mothers out there especially to my mother, Fe Alico! I love you, Mama!

Easter Sunday (Easter Party)

2011-06-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Now let the heavens be joyful,
Let earth her song begin:
Let the round world keep triumph,
And all that is therein;
Invisible and visible,
Their notes let all things blend,
For Christ the Lord is risen
Our joy that hath no end.

Easter is one of the most festive events in Catholic Calendar. It was totally the reversal of the image of Good Friday. During Good Friday, death of Jesus in the cross was being commemorated whereas during Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death was being celebrated. Before it happened, people gathered at the church for Easter Vigil. It takes place late Holy Saturday. There, they reenacted the waiting for Jesus’ return. When it came, Jesus’ reunion with His Blessed Mother Mary was reenacted. There were also angels. After this reunion held outside the church, people marched, lead by the two people who played as Jesus and Mary, inside. Men and women joined the marching separately. Women followed the image of Mary and men to the image of Jesus.

People have different ways in celebrating Easter Sunday. Some have family gathering and have colorful Easter Eggs hunting for their kids. Some just decorate their surroundings with a motif of white and gold. Some churches also decorated the cross with flowers. Some also held Easter party in their house while others went to beach to celebrate it.

Me and my friends had an advance Easter party. We held it on Black Saturday. It’s just that we reserved the Easter Sunday for our family. We planned this kind of party a month before. We were very excited of it. The day before this day, me and my friends were texting each other about the things we were going to do for our plan. Only to know that we had to cancel it since we didn’t have enough budget for the party. We were very disappointed. What else we can do but to just cancel our planned party. We couldn’t ask money from our parents. We just accepted it and thought that there were still many time to do it. On our dismay, Jesus sent an Angel to us which was our German friend. He knew that we didn’t have the budget, so he gave us as his Easter present for us. I can’t explain my feeling that time. From disappointment to unexplainable happiness! We really thought that we couldn’t make our party but through our friend, we made it. The day before, I slept early because I was very excited. When I got in Maasin City, we bought foods and drinks for the party. We held it in Aloha Resort in Brgy. Mantahan, Maasin City. There, we met with friends, chatted, ate and swam. That was unlimited fun on that day for me. We really enjoyed it. Yipee!

That was a great Easter Sunday for me. It was my first time to experience that kind of party during Easter. I really can’t forget it. That memory was being tattooed to my heart and mind. Thanks to my friends who are the most important during the party. Without their presence, it could never be that enjoyable and memorable. Thanks also to our German friend. We owe a lot to you. Unlimited thanks for you. And most especially, thanks to Lord Jesus Christ for saving us from our sins and for giving this colorful life. Without you, we’re nothing. Eternal thanks to you. Even if we had different ways in celebrating it, the importance is Jesus is always in our hearts. God bless all! We love you Jesus.

Holy Week

2011-05-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” (Isaiah 43:25-26).

Holy Week is celebrated every year. It is one of the most important events in Catholic calendar. It is the final week of the lenten season before Easter. It commemorates the the events of Jesus' last week before his death through various observances and services in some churches or chapels. It has chief festivals namely: Palm Sunday, Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday (Great Vigil). Here in the Philippines, Lent is observed through weekly fasting and abstinence, penitence as well as the traditional passion plays or senakulo, panata, via crucis, visita iglesia and the pabasa in most barangays or villages in every town and city.

In my barangay (Brgy. Malapoc Norte), we commemorates the sacrifices that Jesus have done to save us. It was lead by Rev. Father Boy Luzon. On Palm Sunday, the mass was started with the blessing of the palm leaves and then marching to the Church. People in our barangay brought coconut leaves for the blessing of the leaves and place it in their house when they got home after the Mass. During the mass, reading of the entire passion narrative from one of the synoptic gospels (Matthew 26:14-27:66; Mark 14:1-15:47; and Luke 22:1-23:56) was being featured. For Maunday Thursday, a mass was held commemorating the events that took place the night Jesus was betrayed. During the mass, there is an reenactment of the foot washing rituals. However, the true essence of this day is the celebration of the Last supper and stripping of the altar followed afterwards in which the priest and assistants remove all vessels. In spite of its solemnity, Lent Season and its peak of holy week are special occasions for Filipinos to pray and bond or reunite with their families as well as relax from the daily grind. It is also the time to repent for our sins, asked for forgiveness, sorry, and show the essence of genuine love & trust to HIM coz nobody in this world to SAVE Us people except the Almighty. Lets thank Jesus for saving us despite of our wrong deeds that made him suffer on the cross. We Love You Jesus.

During Good Friday, station of the cross was held early in the morning. When the afternoon came, there is a reading of seven last words and mass was held afterwards. In spite of the solemnity of Good Friday worship, it is not a funeral service for Jesus. It is rather a time of quiet and serious contemplation on His great saving work. for the Black Saturday, great vigil is reenacted. The Great Vigil is made up of four separate but connected worship services. These are service of light, service of readings, service of baptism and last is the service of Holy Communion. During the great vigil, people staying up late in the church until the coming of the Easter Sunday.

1st Day in School Again

2011-05-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Some says college life is a life of freedom. I remembered my first day in school as I went back to continue my studies. I had looked forward to this day from my school days. As I came back, it meant to me a new life. I was no more a young girl but a young woman. I had to think myself as a lady with a sense of freedom.

When I entered my college for the first day, I looked around with a mixed feeling of perplexity and joy. The stately building with massive pillars made a deep impression on my mind. I was puzzled as I was not familiar to their ways of things. The students in batches were moving up and down the corridors for their classes. The professors were coming smilingly and exchanging greetings with the students in a friendly manner.

On my first day, I didn't even know where my rooms for the respected subjects were located. It's like I'm back to zero. With this, it made me nervous and shy. What I did was asking every students I met on my way where this room is and where that room is. Gladly that people there were so kind. They pointed me the right room. As I entered into the room, students who were my classmates were looking at me. I felt shy and small since I didn't know them. I only saw them for the first time. When I sat down on my chair, I must say that they were so accommodating. They were also my classmates in all subjects. Knowing this, I felt relief since I'd just follow them on our next subject because I found out that I would never be confined in the same room. As we finished with our first subject, someone came near me and ask me my name. When we introduce ourselves to each other, I could say that God was really good to me since that person was just entered to our class on that day. And our next subject required us to have a partner since we had an activity. So, I already had a partner. Yipee! She became my companion during our class hours and in going to our next classes. With this, I had nothing to worry about. She also served as my guide since she toured me to the school places which I didn't know.

And the classes for that day was ended. I'm so thankful to God that He never let me get lost in my new school. I stayed there for the first time. I had a great experience in my first day. Now, I didn't know all my classmates name. I just familiarize their faces. What a great day for me. I find it interesting since I'd be able to go and do things on my own which I haven't did before. It was great comeback. Wish me luck in my schooling! God Bless!

Continuing My Nursing Course

2011-05-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

April 13 of this year when me and my mother went to VSU (Visayas State University) in Baybay, Leyte to finish the enrollment pares so I can enter the summer class. April 11 was the opening of the class. Actually, we planned to enroll of that day but, we couldn't because I'm lacked of only one requirement which is the laboratory examination specifically FECALYSIS. I was being trapped into this since I wasn't able to make my waste out from my body. So, I decided to make it on the next day which is April 12. Still, it wasn't. It seemed that chances teased me. Because of this, I did everything I can so I could be able to make my stool out. I ate foods rich in fibers. I forced myself to defecate. And lastly, I drank tea to fasten my digestion. But, still, it didn't on that day. I felt worried. I was already two-day late in class. I was already behind on our lessons. Huhuhu. I couldn't sleep on that night thinking about my schooling. was it a sign that I should not go back to school and just work to help my parents? Or was it just a challenge? These are the questions came up into my mind. To comfort myself, I just thought that it was just a challenge and I'll be able to pass with it. I did not notice on what time did I fell asleep. When I woke up, hurrah, the nature is calling me. This is it! At last, I could complete my requirements and be enrolled. After a 30-minute of waiting for the result of the examination, we went immediately to VSU with two back packs with us containing my stuffs. It was in the afternoon, near to dark, we finished the enrollment. Yippee! My mother was supposed to leave to home but, I asked her to stay for one night. There, we slept in the same bed which is just good for one person. Even if my mother was with me, I still missed home, my father and my sister. I just thought that I would take the miss mode because it was for my future, our future. Thursday, early morning around 5:30a.m, the clock rang. It was a wake up call. Every morning, the same time, except for Sundays, we ought to clean the surrounding of our dormitory. It is part of the rule. I hate to wake up early but i have to so I won't be able to get a fines. My mother was still in the dormitory until I finished cleaning the assigned area. Before my mother left, I hugged her. Ooooh, I already missed her. I'm about to cry but I don't let it happen since my roommates would be able to see it. Then, time for me to get ready for school. My first day in class since I stopped. What happen to me? Find it out on my next entry! God Bless!

Resigned as an Out of School Youth

2011-05-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

"The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."

It wasn't my plan at all to be one of those "out of school youth". It never appeared in my wildest dream. It's just that time and situations push me through it. But, I can say that, as I became an out of school youth, it gave me more fun. And, I must say that, as I became one, I enjoyed my teenage life very much which I never experienced during my school life. I became more closer to the people whom I want to be closed to. I got also more time for my family and relatives. I have many experiences which I did for the first time. I regretted that I stop my schooling for some other way. It is sad to think that I'm already behind from my batch mates. But, to think of my experiences, it's all worth it that I never regretted to go through the things I had done during my being an out of school youth. Those experiences molded me to what I am now. I have more understanding about life. I have many dreams in life. And now, I'm pursuing it through going back to studies and continue the course I really dreamed from the very beginning which is to finish a Nursing degree and get licensed. Now, I had my limitations unlike months ago. Sleepless nights because I have to study my lessons, staying in front of the books instead of friends, hardworks in doing my projects and assignments; these are the things I hate to do, honestly. But, I have to do these for the sake of my dreams. And, I'm doing it heartedly as my parents, relatives, friends and my dreams are my inspirations.

School may be tiring but there's nothing I can do to change the truth that going to school and be educated is one of those steps to success. Success comes who pursue with it and doesn't come to those who wait for it. And, this is what I'm doing now, taking a step to success. I'll tell you that I miss my friends and families for I am far away from them. but I just think I do this for my future and for those people I loved. It gives me motivation to study hard.

I just want to those people around me during my being an our of school youth especially my family and friends. Without them, those times will that colorless and I may never be that enjoyed. I owe a lot to them. Wish me luck! God Bless!

Execution of Three Filipinos in China

2011-05-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

"Death is not only an unusually severe punishment, unusual in its pain, in its finality and in its enormity, but it serves no penal purpose more effectively than a less severe punishment; therefore the principle inherent in the clause that prohibits pointless infliction of excessive punishment when less severe punishment can adequately achieve the same purposes invalidates the punishment."

March 30, Filipinos around the world were in grief for the death of three Filipinos in China namely; Ramon Credo, 42, Elizabeth Batain, 38, and Sally Villanueva, 32, who were convicted of drug trafficking last 2009. They were supposed to be executed last Feb. 20 and 21 but it was being hold after Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay went to China to ask mercy last Feb. 18. Philippine Government had gone to their great lengths to save the three for the execution. They made repeated appeals for their sentences will be commuted to life in jail. But, the Chinese Embassy confirmed that the three will be put into death on March 30. Chinese government began to snab appeals from the Philippines for the commution of sentences. A week before the execution, PNOY acknowledged that from the very start, the government was told that the hold of the punishment was just temporary and "WE HAVE TO CONFORM TO THEIR LAWS". Before the execution happened, the three were able to meet their families for the last time. They were only given one hour to talk to the three. Sadly, they were not able to give their pasalubongs from Phil. to the three for the authority prohibited it. When the day came, the three filipino drug mules were executed through a lethal injection at morning. At that time, news were focusing on their death and Filipinos sympathize for what happened.

Some said that the Government did not do their part in saving the life of those people. In my opinion, of course they did. It is just that, China has its own laws. Yes, it was really a bad news for us Filipinos that, to some extent, we should put on our minds that it is already in the law of China to execute the criminals and there's nothing we can do about it. Executing those Chinese drug smugglers in Philippines?? That would be okay but, we don't have laws like that. 227 Filipinos were in jail for the same case, DRUG TRAFFICKING. And, I don't think that they should be forgiven for what they have done because they came from poor families. I'm sorry to say that engaging to drug smuggling would make out from poverty. For me, the Government should focus on how come that those drugs were able to pass over the airport when there were X-rays for the luggages and passengers. Is there any member of the syndicate inside the airport? If there is, they should be convicted. All I can say is that we, Filipinos, should not allow ourselves to be one of those victims of International syndicates. R.I.P for the three. God Bless!

Moving On: A 3-Step Process

2011-05-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

"Baby, I found someone new. Will you set me free?"

"This relationship is not working. It is better to end this."

"Oh, I"m sorry darling, but I'm not inlove with you anymore."

Ouch! It hurts, right? Love feels like heaven and its loss hurts like hell. When a break-up comes, expect tears, pain, sorrow and sleepless nights. It seems like you're carrying the whole world. You would always asked yourself: "Will I be able to move on?" Of course you can, if you are willing to help yourself!

Moving on is not easy. It is a process. It takes time. How will you be able to move on when all those memories keep haunting you? How will be able to go on with your life when you lost someone who is your greatest dream? Your future? Your beloved? Will you just let yourself to be trapped? Or just bless the parting and move on? Choose the latter? How?

You have to accept it! Face the reality, and then detach! Release! Forgive and start a new life.

Acceptance is very important. It is a way that you can make peace with yourself and the other one involved. Understand that almost everything in this world is impermanent, thus always give yourself a room for a change. That's reality! That's the truth. It hurts, yes it does, but it can set you free so just face it.

Next is detachment or release. According to Morrie Swartz, "detachment doesn't mean you don't let the experience or emotion penetrate you, on the contrary, you let it penetrate it fully." That's how you are able to leave it. Don't be a great pretender. It will do you no good. Cry if you want! Feel the pain! Don't run from it because it will go after you. It will hurt you. If you are so afraid to feel the pain, you would not be able to recognize it, and you can't move on then. But once you let the emotion penetrate you, you'll get acquainted with it. So, you don't have to dwell on that emotion forever. Once you feel the pain, you know it's pain. Upon recogniozing it, you can say, "Oh! I know it's pain and I'm through with it. I must put this aside." That was Morrie taught Mitch during that latter's 6th Tuesday visit with Morrie. (From the book "Tuesdays with Morrie").

Lastly, you must forgive and start a new life. Forgive yourself and the person who hurt you. It's not easy but it's worth it. Don't dwell on the past. You can never change it. Instead, focus your energy on the future.

Are you ready? Start moving on now! Don't ruin your life to a person who doesn't deserve your tears, who doesn't see your worth and doesn't love you back. Life is too short and too precious to be wasted on the crap.

This insights above helped me a lot during those times that I am heartbroken. It helped me a little bit. It gave me idea on what to do so I can moved on. That's why, I share it with you especially to those who undergo break ups. I got this insight from the JOSEPHINIAN magazine (Saint Joseph College magazine). To all heartbrokens, good luck in moving on! I'm through with it and I can say that, experiencing pain makes me more stronger. God bless!

Commencement

2011-04-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

"There is a good reason they call these ceremonies 'commencement exercises'. Graduation is not the end, it's the beginning." - (Orrin Hatch)

In some ways, this could be considered as an ending. It is an ending of all sleepless nights doing projects and assignments, spending time in front of books and computers making some research or studying instead of staying outside with friends having good time in strolling and having fun, waking up early to off to school, hard works in studying to get perfect on a quiz or exams, and tiring days during school activities. Some maybe sad because, they will be parted with their friends whom they were accompanied for years and became closer to their hearts. On the other way around, this could be the beginning. Beginning of a new journey in life. Elementary graduates will step into a new level of their school life which is high school and so as high school to College. College graduates take a new episode of their lives which is "work". Graduates must bear in mind that after graduation is not time to relax rather it is the time for preparation and soul searching. For Graduation is not and end of the book but, a finishing chapter. They will enter to a new episode, a much exciting and challenging phase.

I congratulated all those graduates for they achieved one important milestone in their education. To some extent, I congratulate their parents for their sacrifices in making double hardworks so they can send there children to school. And most of all, We should thank God for experiencing this kind of opportunity.

CONGRATS to you graduates for a job well done and Good luck for the new path of your life. God bless us all!

Heartbroken

2011-04-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Before I went to Manila, someone courted me and had my YES to be his girlfriend. I don't have any love for him that time but still, I agreed to be his girl. My parents prohibited me to get into a relationship. "Don't get a boyfriend since you are still young for those matters" my parents always say to me. When I was 18 years old, I got boyfriend once. I loved him but still, after 3 months, I think, I broke up with him because of my parents. I felt unfair to them because I disobeyed them. He understood my reasons and promised me that he'll wait for me until I finish my studies. But, it didn't happen, he got new girlfriend 4 months after we broke up. It did hurt me much, but still I managed to move on.

I was single and happy during my being an “out of school” youth until someone courted me. He was a friend of mine. I've known him for almost one year. I met him through my cousin who happens to be his classmate. I didn't feel love for him but I gave him my sweet YES. The time he courted me, I thought that it's about time for me to have a boyfriend since I'm already 19 years old. I'm old enough to get into a relationship and in addition, I already know my limitations. He never promised to not hurt me because for him, relationship wasn't normal without getting any misunderstandings. He just told me that he will always love me. At that time that I was in Manila, we just communicated through cell phone expressing our love. We exchanged sweet words. As time goes by, I can say I was already in love with him. I gave my full trust to him. He told me that he will wait for me for my coming back. But when I got home, he always missed to send text messages to me. He said that he was just very busy with his studies and he couldn't buy load since he had many expenses because of the projects. I understood him since it was about his schooling. After two weeks of being home, we never met. Okay, I remember we met but that was just a short time like saying hi and hello. That was it. Night before we broke up, we had a small fight. It was his fault. There was a time that he bought load but never texted me even once. It hurts. I knew it from a friend of mine. I confronted him that we had misunderstanding. I stopped texted to him that night and just slept. Day after that night, we texted and he felt that I wasn't in the mood for texting. I confirmed to him that I wasn't really in the mood, after that, there, he broke up with me. At first, I was shocked with his words "let's stop this nonsense relationship". He said that he was already tired pretending that our relationship was cool and fine. Then, he admitted that he didn't really love me since from the very start. OUCH! It hurt me as if someone hit a knife into my heart. It really broke my heart into pieces. I didn't cry. Nothing fell down from my eyes even just a drop of tear. I wanted to cry to express the ache I felt inside but I couldn't. I didn't know why. All I know was I was hurt, really hurt as if there's a part of me was taken away from me. Good thing that me and my friends agreed to meet. We did things we always do like roaming around the boutiques in Maasin City. I told them what had happen to me on that day. They helped me a lot. Our activity did a great help to me to stop thinking and feeling the ache and forgot at least for a short time. When the night came, we went to a disco bar. There, I danced non-stop. Through dancing, I was able to express the hurt I felt. Some people, when they break up with their partners, commit suicide or just get themselves drunk. I was different. I didn't drink that time. I just danced and danced with my friends as my dance partners. I felt relieved that time. But when we got home to rest and sleep, there, I felt the pain again. I kept moving and change positions in my bed so i could sleep but I couldn't until the morning came. As far as I remember, I’ve never been like that before. It was my first to be like that. And, I hate to be like that. I was worried if I'd be like that until I moved on. That day, I forced myself to sleep. I kept my eyes close but it wasn't working. Whole day, I didn't have sleep even just for a minute since whenever I close my eyes I could see his text messages running into my mind. With nothing to do, I decided to go to a salon to have my hair treated and also to change my looks. I got a "bangs" hair style. At least, there's something that change in my look. The night came, after dinner, me and my friends strolled around the City proper and just went home when I felt tired and asleep. As I laid down on bed, I didn't slept immediately. It takes for a long time for me to sleep but at least, I fell asleep. Yahooo!

Days passed, I must say I moved on. I felt no pain anymore whenever I think about what had happen. Having no memories with him helped me a lot to move on that fast. Getting hurt was just normal to a person who was in love. But it depends on a person on how to handle it. Me, instead of crying in the corner, I just let myself enjoyed since for me, I should never be miserable because of a male. I just told to myself that he lost a million for breaking up with me. Hehehe! What I had experienced was never easy to me but despite that, I never done things which could show that I'm down. He don't deserve to be cried for. He was never worth my tears. Because of what he did, I became much closer to my friends. I was more open to them about my feelings. And, I also thank them for always being there for me. They never let me feel that I'm alone. Through what my ex-boyfriend did to me, I realized that there's no reason for me to be sad because I'm so loved by many. Despite what he had done, for fooling me, I thank him for some ways. Because of him, I've learned my lesson. He made me stronger by breaking my heart. Now, I'm happy with my life being committed to no one but my friends. Also, I’m ready to get hurt again. I found it very interesting. Hehehe. That was just a joke! God bless you!

Reunited with My Friends

2011-04-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

One reason why I wanted to go home were my friends. While in Manila, I missed those times when I was with them, the things we did when we were together, the good and bad memories we've shared. When I was still in Manila, I was planning of surprising them (“mommy” Ritchiele and Yhing). I keep on telling that I'm not sure when would I come home. They always asked me to go home because they already missed me as they said. I planned that on the day I arrived home, I'll make a surprise meeting with them but it didn't happen because I didn't feel well. I was suffering from cough, cold and sore throat. Huhuhu! That's why I didn't make it to meet with them. While resting at our house, I just send them text messages as if I'm still in Manila. Hahaha! I rested for two days and when I felt better, I went to the city proper where Yhing lives in. Perfect timing that “mommy” Ritchiele was also there. On my way to their house, I was very excited and couldn't wait to surprise them. When I got there, hahaha, there were happy but not really surprised. I hugged them both. It made me wonder why they were not surprised. So, I asked them. It never came into my mind, as a matter of fact, it was my aunt who told them when I'll be home since they met her two weeks before I went home. How funny! I thought I'm the one who made up a story in order to surprise them, but it was reverse, they pretended to believe me while in fact they did know everything. It was ridiculous. All those times I told them that I'm not sure when I'd be home, they already knew. I couldn't believe. I was amazed. Big laugh to myself again! All those times I'm pretending, my friends were the real one who were pretending.

I didn't have something to give to them; instead, I just treat them for a drink. On that afternoon, we went to the grocery store to buy junk food and D'bar (alcohol). I felt a bit shy to buy that stuff, so it was Yhing who brought it. After we bought, we gathered at Yhing's sister's house together with our other 3 friends and have the drinking session there. Honestly, it was not my first time to drink alcohol but not that much as of that time. My parents didn't know about it. They were blind by the truth. I drank more than my limits. My friends were worried for I still have to go home since my father was waiting for me. They gave me more water to drink. And while we were on our way to home at night, I was so drunk that I shouted crazy things to my friends asking them to punch my face and so on. They were a little bit mad at me because I didn't listen to them to stop shouting, to think that we were in the streets with many people. They felt embarrassed because of me, because of the way I acted when drunk. What a stupidity of me! I didn't know what I was doing that time. I was sooooo drunk. When we arrived at my father, I was pretending to be alright. And good, my father never noticed that I was drunk. I did a great job. Hehehe. I really forget things I've done during that night. I didn't know what the hell I was doing that time. I was shy. It was not good for a girl like me. It was unpleasant to see and hear. I hated it. It was just my friends who told me all those things. I regret that I got drunk. Hearing those things I've done during that time, I felt small to myself. I felt I lost my dignity. Because of that, I promised to myself not to drink alcohol anymore even one sip. I'll try my best to save myself from embarrassment. And I realized that it's not good for a girl to drink too much alcohol! God bless!

There's No Place Like Home

2011-04-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

Happy! Happy! Happy! This was what I felt when I arrived home. We got home at around 2:40am since our home was just a 30-minute away from the city proper. Upon arriving, my mother prepared the table for me and then, I ate together with my elder sister. She cooked tinolang manok and fried pork chop, the food I had requested to her when I was still in Cebu since she knew that I didn't eat my lunch and dinner yet. While eating, I told them my stories about what happened in Manila. It was around 3:30am and I was done eating, me and my sister were left in the kitchen since my parents went already to their room to sleep. What we did there was just talk and talk about the things I had experienced and also, things that happened in our place while I'm away. We never noticed the time until we felt sleepy. So, we went to our room to sleep. When we got there, we're lying, we didn't sleep immediately. We just continued with our topics until we both fell into sleep. Because we sleep very late, we woke late in the morning. Hehehe! As I woke up, I went immediately to the kitchen and look for something to eat since I felt hungry. Glad that my mother prepared a food for me. I ate a lot because I missed the cooking of my mother. In the middle of my breakfast, visitors came. They were my aunts and cousins. Seeing them, smile appeared on my face. I missed these people. Super happy that they visited me! I felt flattered. After I ate, we gathered at our living room and there, we bond. Here I go again, talking things about Manila. Hehehe! They asked me about how the lives of our relatives there was. I told them all about the situation and nothing to worry about. They were all fine. We had lunch together. great lunch since it was like a one big happy family. This is what I always wanted to spend time with my relatives on a dinner. After we took our lunch, we rested for minutes and then, we all went to my late grandfather's house. We've been there until nights, gather there and have dinner together. watch televicion while talking different things like reminiscing the things happen during my mother and her sibling's childhood. I found it very funny and interesting, It's good to be home. I must say, it was a great first day after I went home. God Bless all the families!

I'm Going Home to the Place Where I Belong (Part 4)

2011-04-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is Going Home (Part 3).

Part 4: Finally back in Maasin

I was very disappointed because I was expecting to be home at 8pm. I just couldn’t wait any longer to go home and see my parents. When I looked at my watch, it was 12:10 pm and the boat would leave for around 7 hours later. I didn’t know what to do. If I go back to my friend's place, I had to pay for a taxi again, waste of money, back and forth. And, if I stay on the pier, I'd be lonely since there was no one I could talk to. My friend couldn't stay with me since she had to work. Finally, I chose to stay at the pier instead of spending more money to go back to the house. I was just hoping that I'll be okay and safe there. As we enter at pier 1, we went to the ticket booth to buy my ticket but it was posted there that they would start giving tickets at 4pm. Ooooooooooh no! We looked for a chair and there, my friend left me. I felt nervous inside. After few minutes, I felt hungry and sleepy, only to realize that I haven't taken my lunch yet and also, I didn't have sleep since Manila. If I went out to buy foods, there was no one whom i could trust to see my baggage. So, I chose to stay and suffer from hunger. Also, I couldn't sleep because I was afraid that if I sleep, someone will steal my things. I stayed at the pier without lunch and sleep until the boat left. I felt weak. Still, I managed myself to be alright. I just entertained myself playing games on my phone or texting with my friends. With this kind of activity, I got bored but, what else could I do to have fun? Glad that my friend in Manila called me. We had fun talking many different things until I bought my ticket. After I bought, I went immediately inside to go to the boat. Finally, I would be able to sleep since my baggage was safe there. I didn't notice when the boat was moving for leaving because I had a deep sleep. I just woke up 4 hours after its departure. And at that time point, I realized that I was going home at last. Hehehe! I went back to sleep since I would just get bored on the boat if I stayed awake. I slept until my arrival. The noise of the other passengers woke me up, and wow, we were already in Maasin. Yahoooo! I got my baggage and went down from the boat and there, I saw my parents. I hugged them tightly since I missed them very much. Finally, I was home. There's no place like home! Thank God I came home safe. God Bless us all!

I'm Going Home to the Place Where I Belong (Part 3)

2011-04-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is Going Home (Part 2). The next part is here.

Part 3: Arriving in Cebu

... While sitting there inside the plane, I took pictures of myself. I wasn't able to take other pictures inside the plane since I was shy with my seatmates. And since I was at the window side, I was able to take pictures of the other plane outside. I just looked outside, amazed what happened at the airport. After a while, we were ready to start. Few seconds, I felt that the plane was moving. It ran until it flew. I looked outside again and all I could see were dots of lights. Few minutes afterwards, the flight attendants showed some safety demonstration during emergency case. I listened very eagerly, not because the flight attendants were all handsome and beautiful, but because it was important during my flight since we didn't know what would happen. We went higher and higher, farther and farther until I saw lights no more. Goodbye Manila!

While waiting for the arrival, I just read some magazines since I couldn't sleep, because of my excitement, maybe. On our flight, the plane moved like a bus running on a rocky road. It was because of some air turbulences. After a few minutes, I saw dots of lights again and it must be Cebu. I felt that the plane was running. I never felt that it went down from above. As the plane stopped, we went out immediately and went to the part of the airport to get our baggage. After that, I went directly outside and found an airport taxi. Before I left Manila, I contacted my friend (a College classmate) to meet me in Cebu since I'm not familiar with the place. We just set place where we met and it was the Gaisano Country Mall. It was just a walk from her boarding house. The taxi went immediately to her boarding house. I'd stay there until the time the boat goes to Maasin. We got bored so we decided to go to Ayala Mall and roamed around there. We didn't buy anything. We just walked around it. When the time came, it was 11:30 am, we went back to her place, got my baggage and went immediately to the pier. We ride a taxi again. When we were there, my friend volunteered to get a ticket for me. Sadly, there was no day trip. Huhuhu! It was said that the boat will depart at around 7pm or 8pm. What should I do? What happened to me next??? Find it out on the last part of this Blog entry of mine.

I'm Going Home to the Place where I belong (Part 2)

2011-03-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is Going Home (Part 1). The next part is here.

Part 2: My first flight in a plane ever

When we arrived at the airport, I felt mixed emotions. I looked at the outside of the airport building. When we went out of the taxi, we got a baggage push cart. We saw people fell in line as they enter inside. It was a long line so I had the chance to cherish the moment by looking around. As we were in the line, my aunt told me what to do upon arriving in Cebu. She said I should not trust anybody there whom I don't know. As we entered through the door, I saw the big effort of the airport staff to secure the people’s safety. Many checks everywhere! My aunt pointed me to go to the people who fell in line for the check in counter and baggage weighting. My aunt didn't leave me until the ticket checks and weighting of the baggage was done. After that, I went to another counter to pay the terminal fee. Then, I followed the other passengers and passed through another check point, and finally arrived at the gate we were going to wait for our flight. There were many gates there: my plane was scheduled for gate 118. Near the gates are stores. There are many different things sold there, such as foods, magazines and other stuff. I imagined before what a gate would look like, but now I saw only long chairs, which was the waiting area. I smiled about myself. Hehehe!

As I was in the walkway going to the gate of my flight, I used the opportunity to look around in every corner of the airport. It was amazing. As I walked and walked, I finally saw a placard, hanging, with 118 written in there. At last, I was able to sit down after a long time of standing and walking. Yipee! As I sat there, I don't know what to do, either sleep or not. I was afraid that if I slept, I would miss my flight. So, instead, I started texting on the phone to my relatives and friends. I didn’t stop sending messages to them until my flight. I was happy texting since there was still someone awake. But by this, I didn't hear what the girl in the voice-over said. I was confused what to do. I saw people, who were sitting the same chair with me, stood up and went to the counter where tickets were to be presented again. To be on the safe side, I asked a woman of middle age what flight she was. Flight 5J-559 was her answer. Oooooh, it was the same flight with me so I went to the back of the last person in the line. I followed them until we were on the plane. I saw flight attendants, standing at the plane's door, saying "Welcome aboard Ma'am". This was when I realized that I would be able to ride an airplane. It was a dream come true to me. Yahooo! I went immediately to my seat which was 7F. It was on a window side. I sat there and look around inside the plane and told myself: "This is how the plane I saw on TV looks like" …

To be continued...

Catastrophy in Japan

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am sad and very worried about the historical disaster that currently happens in Japan. It is the coincidence of 4 catastrophies, each alone already with terrible impact, and we have all four happening at the same time. First, the Japanese experienced the probably biggest earthquake in human history. Next, there was the Tsunami which took probably thousands of people's life and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes. Then there was a volcano eruption, and that would in normal days be a big news on TV, but nowadays it nearly disappears in the massive amount of other bad news from Japan. And finally, there is the dramatic failure of the nuclear powerplant, which, as of today, might become the biggest nuclear catastrophy since the invention of non-military use of nuclear energy.

The Philippines are far away from Japan and we are probably relatively safe. Not as safe as people in USA or Europe, still the distance between the Philippines and Japan is about 3000km (2000miles). But our own daily problems suddenly look small compared to what happens right now in Japan. And let's not forget the thousands of Filipinos who are currently working in Japan or are there in school as exchange students, and who are currently suffering from the situation in Japan. And last but not least, lets not forget the Japanese people themselves. They all need our prayer!

I'm Going Home to the Place Where I Belong

2011-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is We Meet Again (Part3). The next part is here.

Part 1:

Knowing that my schedule for going home was already fixed for Feb. 16, I was so happy and excited at beginning of February. At last, I would be able to go home to my family whom I really missed so much. I couldn't wait to see and hug them as much as I could.

Feb. 15, on Thursday morning, I began packing my bags. I couldn't do all yet since my other clothes were still wet. So, I decided to continue in the afternoon. While waiting for my clothes to dry, I treasured the few hours while still being in Manila. I played with my nephew and niece. I went also to a small building called Guada Mall. It was just one ride away from my aunt's house in Makati. I walked around there, enjoying the time that I was still there, since what I could see here cannot be seen in Maasin. I was alone there and never noticed the time, and also didn't look at my phone which had many text messages from my aunt. As I looked at the time, it was already 7pm. I ran out the mall. I was in a hurry. I remember that I was still not done fixing my luggage. Hehehe! As I got in the house, I worked immediately on my things. I didn't eat dinner since I felt full even though I was not, maybe, because of my excitement to go home. After working on my bags, I tried to eat dinner. Still, I lost my appetite but I forced myself to eat, It was already 10pm. My flight was at 4:40am of Feb. 16. I still had more time to get ready or maybe to get some sleep. I needed to go to the airport 3 hours before my flight. Sadly, I couldn't sleep. I forced myself to sleep but I really couldn't. My aunt and cousins were already sleeping. I was just the only one who was awake. I stayed in the living room, looking at the hands of the clock turning around it, waiting for the time to come. I couldn't sleep because I was too much excited. I didn't stop thinking about what will happen during my arrival there in my hometown. I couldn't wait to go to the airport, fly and arrive.

Until the time came for us to go to the airport, I didn't have sleept even just for a single minute. My things were ready and I was also ready. I started already missing Manila. On our way to the airport, while riding on a taxi, I looked outside treasuring the moments that I was still there, grabbing the oppurtunity to see things which cannot be seen in Maasin. I just looked outside until I saw the printed name NAIA Terminal 3. This is it! This is really is is it! What happen to my flight? You will know it on my next blog.

Valentines Day

2011-03-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day, this is people's most awaited event in a year especially to those lovers out there. It is also called Heart's day. This the day for love. Boyfriends give something special to their girlfriends, such as flowers and chocolates, or they will take them out on a special date.

For me, even if I don't have a lover to give me flowers or take me out on a date, it was not a cold Valentine since I have my relatives with me. Valentine is not only for lovers. It is for all. I usually celebrated valentines day with my family. I will always surprise my parents during this day. I wake up early in the morning and beg flowers from my neighbor and give those to my parents. A simple hug and Thank You are enough for me. I don't expect much in return. As long as I make them happy, I am also happy. If sometimes I don't have flowers to give to them, I get some amount from my coin bank and buy something special for them. Sometimes, when my friends saw me holding some Valentine stuff, they teased me, about an imaginary boyfriend. Hahaha! I just smile at them if they only knew that it was for my parents.

If you gonna ask me if I already experience receiving something from someone during Valentines day, my answer would be YES. I received three red roses with his name written in a tag. He was the man who courted me. He went into our house despite the big rains and gave me the flowers. He had my cousins with him. I was really surprised. I never expected it. Even if I don't fell something special for him, I'm so thankful to him because for giving me that three red roses, I felt very special. I'm so flattered thinking that he came into our house just to gave me that and never mind the rain. I love him but a love which is just for a friend. I just don't want to to be unfair with him. I know it hurts but it was just for the better. I don't want to give him hope. Now, we're friends but not close. We just smile to each other whenever we met. The flowers are still with me. I put them on my treasure box. I keep them not because I love the one who gave it but because it was special for me. Special not because of that man but because of the effort of making me special. If thought, that was the first time and last time until now. I'm looking forward that it will happen again. But, of course, it will be with the man I love. Hehehe.

Even if I'm single, I'm still happy during the Valentines day celebration. I have my relatives with me and my family in the province whom I know love me very much. There's no reason for me to be lonely on that special day knowing that I'm so loved and I love them back. At the same time, while enjoying my life being single, I'm still hoping for the coming of the right guy for me who will love me for who I am. God Bless. BELATED HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

We Meet Again

2011-03-06T06:51:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is We Meet Again (Part2). The next part is here.

Part 3

I really got headache on that morning of Feb. 13. I was just lying on the bed and tired of waking up. As if my head will fall down if I stood. I got a terrible hang over. I wanted to drink and drink cold water that time. With this heavy head, I was worried about what my friends and I agreed which is to meet at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) at around 3pm. Since I was not feeling well, I went back to sleep and just set the alarm on my phone to wake me up before the agreed time. It was 2pm and the alarm ring, but, I didn't wake up. It was my cousin who woke me up and reminded me of my appointment with my friends. I stood up quickly and went to the bathroom immediately. I took a bath for 5 minutes. I was just in a hurry. My normal time for taking a bath is is more than 30 minutes. I was done preparing for myself in about 20 minutes. I was ready to go. The problem was that my aunt was not around. I didn't want to go out without letting her know that I'm going. I had asked her permission for the past night. It is in our Filipino tradition to let our elders know that we are leaving before we go to our destinations. I searched for her and luckily, I found her at her neighbor's house. After informing her about my plans, I went immediately to my destination. It was clear to me that I was late, but at least, I was able to make it, meeting up with them. I receive many text messages from them. They were already at our meeting place. For me to arrive there, I had to ride in a jeepney, then MRT and jeepney again. My friends met me at the MRT station since I didn't know the right way to MOA.

As we met, we hugged. Hehehe! We rode a jeepney and started our conversation there using our dialect which is Cebuano. People who were also there in the jeepney looked at us, maybe they wonder what we werte talking about. Hahahaha. We didn't mind the people around us, the important was, we talked about many things until we arrived at SM. We continue our conversations. We roamed around inside and outside the mall. We took pictures as if there were no other people around us. We also shopped for clothes that we liked, but of course only those affordable ones. Upon strolling, we became hungry. We ate at the Chowking food chain. We continue talking about our different experiences, in particular our lovelifes. We shared secrets to each other which I found most interesting of all that we do. Hehehe, you want to know which secrets about our lovelifes? I won't tell, otherwise it would no longer be a secret!

I found it enjoyable. We never noticed the time. It was already 8pm. It was time for us to go home. We rode a bus on our way home. Thinking about that it would be the last time to see them before I leave Manila, I felt sad and already miss them. And endless thanks to them for making my vacation so enjoyable and unforgettable! They told me that they will take a vacation in the province this coming summer. Thinking about that, it excites me. I'm looking forward to what will be our experiences together in the province this summer!

Good Things (We Meet Again Part 2)

2011-03-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is We meet again (Part1). The next part is here.

On Feb. 2, 2011 it became clear that I would go home on Feb. 16. I booked a plane for that day. Knowing the date, I thought of arranging my remaining time. I had so many things to do before leaving Manila. First, I needed to stay in Laguna for a week with my cousin at their house since my aunt went to Manila for work. Second was to bond with my cousins in Makati city. Third was to go to SM Mall of Asia where I wouldn't been during my first vacation here. And lastly was to see my friends again which was on Feb. 13. While waiting for this day to come, there were much good things happening to me.

The main reason why I agreed to stay in Laguna for a week was to bond with my cousin. There were no other time to make it but within that week. Great, I made it. I got bond with her. We made lots of conversation. She told me stories about her lovelife and the other stupid things she did. She also taught me how to play cards. I only mastered a little what they called Pusoy Dos. It was just for fun. When we got bored, we watched movies. The two movies we loved were "One More Chance" and "My Amnesia Girl". We watched these two for the whole week every day. We never got tired watching it. On my last day, Feb. 11, we decided to sleep late. We watched the movie again and got my hair colored from red brown to black. Hehehe! You may find all this boring but it wasn't for us. On Feb. 12, we left the house together since they were going to Palawan together with my aunt (her mother), her boyfriend and her boyfriend's family. As we went separate ways, I felt like missing them. That would be the last time I would be able to see them before I go home. From Laguna, I travelled to Makati city alone. I found it scary and at the same time, exciting. Scary because I was afraid to be lost and exciting since I would be able to prove to myself that I can travel alone to an unfamiliar place. Gladly, I made it. I really made it. Yahoooo! When I arrived in Makati, at around noon, my aunt prepared many diffrent foods. Oooooh, it was my cousin's daughter 3rd birthday. What a great timing! Hehehe. After we ate, we did videoke and my cousin bought some drinks (San Mig light). That was in the afternoon until night so I got a little bit drunk. It's okay since what's important is we enjoyed. We had fun. When I woke up in the morning of Feb. 13, my head was aching. Ouch! Hang over. Hehehehe. I was not feeling well. That day was that day I was supposed to meet my friends again. Will I be able to meet them in my situation? Find it out on my next blog entry.

We Meet Again

2011-03-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is 2 Month in Manila. The next part is here.

Part 1

Time passed, we've grown. It's been years since I played children games outside with my neighbor of the same age. Now, I miss that moment. As we grew up, we parted ways. We needed to continue with our lives on separate ways. My playmates went to Manila to continue their studies. I was left in the province. It's sad but we have to accept it. We have to go on with our lives. Even if we are far from each other, we never miss to communicate. If not through cellphone, it's by social network sites such as facebook or friendster.

It was Dec. 21, 2010 when I decided to meet my childhood friends. I planned to go to their house. Since I don't know where it is located, I contacted my elementary school classmate who happened to be their cousin and asked him to accompany me there. Gladly, he agreed. It was exciting for me to see them again after a long period of time. I woke up early in the morning of that day because I needed to go with my aunt and cousin to PGH (Philippine General Hospital) for my cousin's eye check up and my friend just picked me up there. At around 9am, we met and we went immediately to our destination. We rode an LRT (until EDSA station), then rode an MRT (until Shaw station) and then jeepney. We walked for about 5 minutes and finally, we arrived. At first, I was shy. But then, we had fun together my shyness faded and felt at home. They asked me about many things especially about our place on how people are there doing. While having conversation, we felt hungry, so we ate. While eating, we agreed to go to the mall (SM Sta. Mesa). After we ate, we rest for few minutes and then go, mall escapade time. Hehehehe! We roamed around the mall while continuing talking. We reminisced the things we did during our childhood. We can still remember the time we were outside playing games under the rain, swim in the river and went to mountain to fly a kite or make a slide riding on the branch of the coconut. We laughed a lot, remembering our childhood, so that people who were also there stared at us. Hehehe!

Because of our enjoyment, we never notice the time. It was already evening. The time we spent was not enough so I promised to them that before I go home to the province, I will see them again. My friend accompanied me back to my aunt's house. He never left me until I entered the house. We came home late since we were lost for about an hour. It was scary but we made it into the house. Thank God, we came home safe. It was really a great day for me. Upon seeing them, my stay in Manila was half way completed.

Living in Manila for Two Months

2011-03-01T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it all, it starts here. The previous part is New Year Celebration. The next part is here.

Living in Manila for two months was not that easy for me. Of course, enjoyment was there but being lonely and missed my family was inevitable. And it made me sad. While being away from them, I did realize su much about my life, which could turn me into a better person, maybe.

While in Manila, there were times that I enjoyed but there were also times that I was lonely, in particular the times when I was left alone in the house. Doing nothing made me thinking of many things. I remembered all the good and bad times that happened in my life. I thought of all the things I've done, and I remembered mostly the bad things. Sometimes, while thinking of this, teardrops fell down from eyes. I regret very much. I felt sorry for when I had done something bad. I think of doing something that will make that up. Even if I could not turn back the time but, well, at least, I'll do things that will cover the hole I made through doing undesirable things. On the other hand, while strolling around the place (Manila), I realized that even if we're not rich, at least our parents were able to provide us a house to live, clothes to wear, food to eat, and other things we need, especially our schooling. I'm so lucky compared to those people I saw, people who live on the street. Maybe, they grew up living on the street. I saw families there. I saw children crying; maybe they were hungry. I saw also mothers breastfeeding their babies at the side of the street. I saw fathers begging money from people they met while carrying their children. Some just looked for food from the trash can. While witnessing this, I realized that I should be glad with what I have now. Our family maybe met and will meet difficulties (for instance financially, but, well, at least, our parents don't let us to live and grow in the street). Life is not that convinient and because of its inconveniency, some people did undesirable things like stealing or snatching or whatever. I don't believe that all who are imprisoned are bad. There are also good. It is just that their situation pushes them to do such bad things. But, there are also people who had no work because of laziness and who choose to do such things to provide their vices.

I really thank God for giving me such wonderful parents who are ever loving. I thank my parents for raising us well. You never left us in difficulties. You are so supportive. You gave us what we need, especially your love and care. Thank you very much Mama and Papa. Letting me go in Manila is a gift for me. It lets me realize more how lucky I am in the world for having parents like you. I love you so much! God bless!

New Year Celebration

2011-02-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it from the beginning, click on the links here: Travel Part1 Travel Part2 First Day First Week Christmas. The next part is here.

New Year is a celebration which is one of the most awaited events for all people in the world. We're celebrating New Year not only because we want our lives to be more progressive but because, it will serve as a new hope for us. We, filipinos, have our beliefs that we always do during the celebration or the welcoming of new year. I’m gonna talk about our celebration and by this you will know some of the beliefs that filipinos have.

Dec. 31, morning, we went to market to buy stuffs we needed for the celebration. We bought ingredients for the food. Additionally, we bought 12 different fruits with round shapes. It is said that you'll get many money or more blessings for the whole year if you'll be able to complete the 12 fruits. We prepared food in the afternoon so we don’t need to do it during night and we will be able to welcome the New Year (2011). In the afternoon, fireworks arrived that my aunt had ordered. We didn't sleep until the coming of 2011. We also prepared coins which will be scrambled during the welcoming. While waiting for the event, we were at the living room, talking about many things, for instance what we did in the province. We also talked about horror stories and funny things. We talked about my aunt's childhood. Since we're having so much fun, we didn't notice the time until we heard sounds of fireworks from the outside. Oooooooooh, it's New Year. We scrambled the coins. We also put coins in our pockets since in our beliefs, it is said that if you do this, you will never get out of money for the whole year. Then, it's fireworks time. Yahoooo! Fireworks are there during New Year celebration so that its sounds will drive away all the bad lucks or the negatives. We were at the outside that time. We saw neighbors driving along having cans tied at the back of their motorcycles. This was to produce noise. After fireworks, we ate. We were so full. Then, it was party time. We sang and danced. I'll never forget my aunts dancing accompanied by a song entitled “Staying alive” by Beegees. I just laughed at them. I took a video of them. They told me to erase it but I didn't. I keep it to remember that moment. I will never erase it. Hehehe.

This is how we celebrate New Year. Now that it was New Year already, it means another year of our lives. New hopes and new life that God has given to us! Another chance to straighten our curved actions! We should be thankful for this another year, new life that is given to us. We should cherish this moment since it just happen once in a year. Good Luck for us! God Bless!

Christmas Season

2011-02-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it from the beginning, click on the links here: Travel Part1 Travel Part2 First Day First Week. The next part is here.

It was really my plan to celebrate Christmas here in Manila. I wanted to witness how Christmas is in Manila. One of the reasons was that from my family only me did never yet experienced Christmas here in Manila. I heard from my sister how nice it is here. Even if it meant to be away from my family, I still chosed it since it was just for once and my parents understood it.

Dec. 24, day before Christmas (Dec. 25), we went to the mall to buy gifts and groceries for the celebrations. We roamed around the mall the whole day. We were finished shopping at exactly 4:30 p.m. We were tired that time but we had to travel for about more than an hour to my aunt’s house in Laguna. We were going to celebrate Christmas in her house. As we arrived there, we rested for just about 30 minutes and left the house again. We went to the Market to buy the ingredients we needed for the food we planned to prepare for the celebration. After that, because of our tiredness, we just cooked one food enough for our dinner and then, we slept. It was only me and my cousin who welcomed the coming of Christmas since my aunt was tired. I was lonely that time but happy. Lonely because I celebrated it away from my family and happy because my parents called me on the phone and we were able to talk to each other. I was crying that time. Huhuhu! On Christmas Day, morning, we were busy preparing foods for our lunch since we expected visitors: my uncle and his family arrived at almost lunch time. We chatted for a while then we greeted MERRY CHRISTMAS. It was eating time. We got to bond with my cousins and their kids. Time to give Christmas presents! From my aunt, I received clothes and my uncle gave me cash. Hehehe! Thanks to them.

Even if I missed my family, they filled the emptiness I felt inside. I had fun and enjoyed the time. I can say that I was happy celebrating Christmas with my relatives but I am happier when I'm with my family. This was a first time experience. Thanks to my family for letting me have a vacation here and thanks to my relatives for giving me fun. God Bless!

1st Week in Manila

2011-02-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it from the beginning, click on the links here: Travel Part1 Travel Part2 First Day in Manila. The next part is here.

I could say that my first week here was a little bit boring. Boring since I haven't done so much things that would make me enjoy. In addition, I missed my parents already. In fact, on my first night, I was crying secretly, thinking of my parents and my sister. I thought of the bad things I have done that make them sad and disappointed to me. I felt so much regrets for hurting them for doing such things. I am always so sentimental whenever I miss them.

During daytime, I just stayed in the house helping my cousin's son's babysitter taking good care of the baby. I also played with the baby. The third day was great, since we went to the mall and had some fun there. We did window shopping, fitting clothes without buying it, playing games at the mall, played at the playground and tasted the food which I never tasted before, for instance siomai (pork dumplings in dim sum). And I must say, I didn't really like that food much. Hehehe! After we ate, we went back to the store and bought some clothes we liked, since they were cheap. I really enjoyed what we did. We came home tired and happy. At that night, we went to my other aunt's place. There, I was staying for good. I mean, I would be staying there until I went home. Still, I was just in the room (my aunt rents only a room) for the whole day. I felt bored again. I didn't have someone to talk since her daughter was having hospital duties and my auntie was at work all day, and both came home for sleeping only. Boring since I wanted to go somewhere but I couldn't since I was not familiar with the place and I didn't want to go out alone. The rest days of the week, I was just at the house. Huhuhuhu!

But, it was fine with me. I'm an optimistic person. I knew that my whole stay here would not be boring and I was looking forward into it. You will know about my stay here on my next blogs. God Bless!

1st Day in Manila

2011-02-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it from the beginning, click on the links here: Travel Part1 Travel Part2. The next part is here.

It was exactly 6:40 a.m. when we arrived in Manila. I stayed at the terminal waiting for my aunt and cousin to come and take me to their house since I didn't know or I forgot the way to their house. While waiting, I nourished my eyes with the beautiful views. Views which I've never seen in Maasin City!

At the terminal, I could see many baggages. Some people just arrived, like me, while others were waiting for the bus so they could go home to their provinces. I could also see people hugging each other for not seeing each other since long time. Maybe because they just missed each other. It was like family reunion. Ooooh, I remembered my parents! How I wanted to hug them at that moment!

At exactly 7:00 a.m., my aunt and my cousin came. While we were riding on the taxi, I looked outside. I could see buildings, subdivisions and many people pushing their carts. I could also see how the squatter area really looks like, that I have seen on television. I didn't feel any tiredness anymore since I enjoyed watching the views outside until I could see a familiar place, then my aunt told the taxi driver to stop. There we are! Finally, we arrived home.

House of my auntie

Now I felt tired and sleepy. I didn't care for the food in the table. I only wanted to go to bed and sleep and sleep and regain energy. When I layed in bed, I slept immediately. I woke up at 2pm, ate my lunch which was supposed to be my breakfast, and chatted with my cousins. We talked about things that happen in our province. I also met their kids. The last time I came here, they were single and now, they already have their own family. Many changes happened in four years. After chatting, my cousin asked me to go out and stroll around the place and i went with him. We walk around until we came to a familiar place. It was Makati Garden And Park. I could still remember that we went there already. We sat there at the bench and watched fish swimming in the pond. I also enjoyed watching the fountain. I could also see families, group of friends and lastl but not least, loving couples. Hehehe!

It was really a nice day for me because it was my first day here but I had already seen many beautiful views. How much more could I see if I'll be staying here for many days or a month? I was looking forward into it. God Bless us all!

Traveling to Manila Part 2

2011-02-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

This is the story of my trip to Manila. If you want to read it from the beginning, click on the links here: Travel Part1. The next part is here.

First, my parents did not permit me to go to Manila. Maybe because, they will gonna miss me. Hehehe! My plan was to go here in June 2010 but they were making many alibis like they don't have trust in me in going here alone. Hence I didn't go since I understand their part. They were just worried about me if I travel alone. So, I just enjoyed myself together with my friends in Maasin while waiting for a companion to go here. It was Dec. 2, 2010 when my parents gave me permission to go here since I already had a companion, our neighbor who also planned to spend Christmas and New Year with her family who live in Manila. It was my father who convinced my mother to just let me to have a vacation here. Knowing that they permitted me, I was so grateful. I was so happy and excited. Knowing the fixed date of my departure which is Dec. 10, 2010, I planned to jam with my friends before I leave. When the day came, I didn't understand my feeling. It was mixed emotions. I felt very excited, but I missed my parents already. In fact, I was about to cry when I hugged them to say farewell. And then, I sat on the seat #21 of the ULTRABUS number 08068. All were ready including the driver. The machine started and ready to go! Bon Vonyage!

I know my weakness when I travel: vomiting and dizziness. To avoid it, I just slept. My neighbor woke me up when we were going to pass the San Juanico Bridge. Then, I started to feel hungry and I ate. After I ate, maybe 30 minutes, oh my, I started to feel dizzy and vomit. All I remembered was that I felt weak and lost my appetite. With this, I forced myself to eat since I have to for it was a long trip ang my stomach needs something to digest. While I was awake, I just looked outside through the bus window. There, I saw lots of beautiful views. I also saw how conveniet some people live, also how hard others have to master their life. I saw people living in a concrete house while others lived just in a tent. I remember Maasin. I could also see different people with different emotions reflected by their faces. Some were happy; maybe they don't have problems while others were sad as if they were carrying the world. From time to time, I vomited whenever I was awake so I tried to keep myself asleep after I ate. During our trip, sometimes, I thought of telling the driver to stop the bus for me to go down and go back to Maasin. It's not that easy. But, that was just a thought of a girl who was weak and already missed the people that she loves. Time came that I really couldn't sleep. I couldn't wait to arrive in Manila. I tried to keep my eyes closed and sleep but I really couldn't. I didn't know what time we arrive until I saw a bus terminal. There it was! We finally arrived here in MANILA. Yahooooo!

Upon arriving, I looked around and saw buildings, MRT, luxury cars, taxis, buses, jeepneys, billboards, etc. These are what I always saw in television. Now I saw it the first time in my life in real. On the other hand, I'm so thankful that we came here safe. God blessed our trip!

Traveling to Manila Part 1

2011-02-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Traveling to different places is what I dreamed of. I really love to travel. I love to visit and explore different places around the world especially in the Philippines. But, in my case, traveling is never that easy for me. It is because of my travel sick (vomit and dizzy).

Going here in Manila was not a convenient for me since it takes more than 24 hours of traveling. Being an out-of-school-youth, it was really my plan to go here in Manila for various reasons. First, I want to visit my relatives whom I have never seen for the past four years. Oh, it's already four years since the last time I came to here. That was my first time to be here. It was also my very first long trip. Second reason is that I wanted to see a new environment. But, it doesn't mean that I'm tired of being in Maasin. I will never get tired of my hometown. It is just that I wanted to refresh myself with new surroundings. The last and the main reason why I came here is that I wanted to learn being away from my parents. I admit that I'm a parent's girl. I was dependent to them. I can't take the time being away from them. I always want to be with them. When I was away from them, I often missed my parents very much. But when I slept in Maasin, I never missed them. Maybe because, I know they were just near from where I am. We're still in the town, a small town. I can go home anytime I want whenever I miss them. Going to Manila gave me the idea that I can make it being away from them that I will never miss my parents even if I will be away for a long time. Wanna know if I miss them being not on their side for a month or more than a month? You'll gonna find it out on my following blog entries. Hehehe!

On the day I decided to temporarily stop my studies, I promised to myself that I will go to Manila before I will go back to school again. I planned to spend my whole time as an out-of-school-youth here in Manila and just go back for the enrolment of the next college classes. But that didn't happen since my parents didn't give me permission to go.

If you want to continue reading about my experiences in Manila, the next part of my trip story is here.

Jamming With My Friends

2011-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Being with my friends is one of those things that make me happy. I enjoy every moment with them. They are like a family to me. Because of this, hing-promise ko na before ako pupunta ng Manila, I will spend even just one night with them, jamming, like that.

We agreed to make it on Dec. 8 and I would just sleep at their boarding house, of course with the permission from my parents. I knew my parents would let me, since it is also the boarding house where my elder sister lives. It was around 8pm when we decided to go to the reclaimation area. The two of my friends agreed to buy drinks (redhorse), just for fun, even though me, my sister, and one of my friend didn't drink. Only the two other friends did drink alcohol. All in all, we were five. We talked about lovelifes and family matters. We had so much fun. Since we got more fun, we didn't notice the time, and suddenly it was already 11pm. We remembered that the curfew time for the boarding house is 10:30pm so we run and run the way to the house. As we arrived there, we were catching our every breathe. We just laughed at ourselves for what we had experienced. And good luck, the bording house was still open. If closed, oh no, we would have to sleep outside, which would probably been really interesting but dangerous at the same time. Hehehe! We just continued our talking and having fun inside the room, but of course with soft voices since the other boardmates were already sleeping.

I really had a good time with them. I can never forget every moment with them. They made me enjoy my staying in Maasin. Right now I am in Manila, but I'm looking forward to the activities we will do whenever I'll go home. I miss them very much!

Criminology Day in SJC

2011-01-11T01:46:00.000-08:00

Every year, all the course departments of SJC (Saint Joseph College) celebrate their day or what they call departmental day. It's a little bit the same with the Loyalty Day celebration since a department is divided into groups which compete into sports and literary to get a trophy. Tungod ane, magkabonding ang mga student sa mga nagkalaing-laing year level. Dahil sa ito ay magastos, they change it from departmental day into Convocation. Dito, naipapakita ang iba't-ibang talento ng mga estudyante. There were no more competitions here. Just for an entertainment.

Dec. 6, I was with my friends. We intended to roam around the Maasin City proper. We were in front of the school when we noticed something nice inside the campus. It was a program. As an "out of school youth", we missed that kind of activity so we enter there and watch the event. It was a convocation of the criminology department. Of course, as a filipino, we expected lots of dancing and singing presentations and we can say that it was amazing. We filipinos love comedies, so there was also comical skit which makes the program more fun. Participating in that program is cumpulsory so the students are forced to have their presentations. Kadtong dili katigo musayaw o mukanta man lang, sa comical skit nalang sila sumali para lang magkaroon ng partisipasyon. Naa pod uban nga miapil gayud sa sayaw o kanta bisan dili kamo. Tingali, it was there own way of entertaining the people.

We really get enjoyed watching it. We must say that, criminology students deserved a standing ovation. This is not a joke. I am sincere for saying it. They are really the best. Criminology students are one of the best performers in the school. Josephinians are the best. They really know what the people are looking for when it comes to entertainment. God Bless!

About the difficulties to write in Cebuano

2011-01-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

As you read my blog entries, you may notice that I'm started writing some entries using Cebuano language. Then, I translate everything what I wrote in my entries. I found it a little bit easy to translate. On the other hand, composing my entries using Cebuano, is difficult for me.

Given that Cebuano is my native language, you may wonder why I find it difficult, but I have my reasons. First, I don't know the right spelling of our words since we are not being taught in school how to write it. Also, we do not learn its formal grammar in school. We only learn by speaking it. Second, there is the youth language (that I always use) and the language spoken by older people. Often, I don't know the best word to be used since there are many words that I don't know which are used by the old folks. In fact, sometimes, when me and my mother have a conversation in Cebuano, there are words that I don't understand. Then I just ask the meaning of it, and she just laughs at me. Hahaha!

To ease those difficulties, I have decided to just write in English with a mixed of Cebuano or maybe Tagalog language sometimes. Through this, I will be able to use the three language that I know. Hope you will like my following entries with a combination of English, Tagalog and Cebuano language. Good luck to me! God Bless to You!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

From http://allonzoinc.wordpress.com/

Adlaw Nga Natawhan Sa Akong Duha ka Ig-agaw

2010-12-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

Cebuano:

Duha ka buwan usa muabot ang adlaw nga natawhan sa akong duha ka ig-agaw nga sila si Renjie Acasio(Ek2x) ug Rico Acasio, Jr.(Epo), ang akong tiyo nga tua sa Armenia nagpabuhi nila papa ug baboy para lechon. Naandan na sa mga pilipino nga sa mga dagkong selebrasyon, naa gayud lechon. Murag para namu, dili makompleto ang usa ka selebrasyon kung wala kini. Sa pagbuhi sa baboy, gasto tanan sa akong tiyo. Kami lang ang tigpakaon. Kada tan-aw sa baboy, naghinam-hinam na kami sa pag-abot sa adlaw. Hehehe.

Nagsunod lang ang adlaw natawhan sa akong mga ig-agaw, mao nga gidungan lang ang pagssaulog niini. Nobyembre 27 ang adlaw sa maguwang ug 28 ang sa manghod. Kada tuig puli-pulihon sila ug adlaw. Niadtong unang tuig, sa adlaw sa maguwang gisaulog mao nga karun sa manghod napod. Getakda nga sa alas 4 sa hapon magsugod ang selebrasyon. Tungod ane, nakasimba pa gayud kami sa buntag. Sa among pag-abot ngadto sa ilang bay uban sa akong mga ante, ig-agaw, ug tiyo, naabtan namo nga nag-ampo pa. Niadtong pagkagamay sa akong mga ig-agaw, sakiton sila mao ng gipanaaran nga kada tuig, siyam ka adlaw sa dilipa ang ilang adlaw nga natawhan, mag-ampo pahinungod ni San Vicente Ferrer kay siya man ang santo nga manambal. Naandan na kini namu nga tanang ig-agaw, sayd sa akong inahan, naa kami gedebosyunan nga usa ka santo. Sa nahuman na ang pag-ampo, oras na para mangaon. Hehehe. Daghan gayud kaayong bisita nga ilang mga silingan, bata man o tiguwang. Kaanindot tan-awon ang bata ug tiguwang nga nangaon. Nauwahe kami sa pagkaon kay nagkaguot na sa balay. Didto nalang kami gepakaon sa sala tungod sa kadaghan sa tawo. Espesyal gayud kami. Busog gayud kaming tanan. Pagkalami sa sud-an ilabina ang lechon. Hehehe. Human sa pagkaon, kinuhaay na ug balon. Ug siyempre, bilang usa sa mga ig-agaw, bisan dako na ko, wala ko nagpauwahe sa pagkuha sa balon. Naa gayud ko balon kada tuig. Sige lang kami pangatawa unya kuha ug litrato namong mga ig-agaw. Alegre gayud pag-ayo.

Kanindot sa gibati nga nagkatigum kaming mga ig-agaw. Kami tanan nalipay. Nalingaw kami. Murag para nahu, ato nga mga orasa, mibalik ko sa pagkagamay. Ako nagtan-aw sa sunod pa nga selebrasyon sunod tuig puhon. Naghinam-hinam nako mukuha ug balon. Hahaha. Mahal naho akong mga ig-agaw. Tagaan unta sila kanunay ug kabaskog sa lawas. Ang Ginoo manalangin kanunay sa among pamilya.

English:

Two months before the birthday of my two cousins, my uncle, who worked in Armenia, asked my father to raise a pig for a lechon. It was in Filipino tradition that there would be lechon during big celebration. For us, the celebration would not be complete without it. As the pig being raised, it was my uncle who expend all what it needs. All we have to do is to feed it. As we saw it, we're so excited for the celebration.

Their birthdays is on consecutive days, Nov. 27 for the elder and Nov. 28 for the younger. The day of celebration is alternating every year. Last year, it was celebrated on the elder's birthday, that's why it was on the younger's this year. Celebration was set at 4pm, Sunday, after church. As we arrived at their house, there was a group of people who prayed there. When my cousins were still young, they are sickly so they promised that every year, nine days before their birthdays, they will pray dedicated to St. Vicente Ferrer because he is the saint that heals. It was on our family tradition, mother side, that all of us, my cousins, we are devoted to a Saint. After the prayer, it was eating time. Hehehe! There were many visitors, their neighbors, young and old. Good to see them while eating! Because of many people who attended the celebration, they just serve us at the living room. All of us were full. Dishes were delicious especially the lechon. Hehehe! After we eat, it was time to get balloons. And, of course, as one of the cousin, even if I'm already old enough for it, I still get my balloon. I had balloons every year. We do nothing but laugh and taking some pictures with our cousins. We really had fun.

It's in feeling that we, cousins, are gathered again. All of us were happy. We really enjoyed it. For me, at that time, I went back being childish. I'm looking forward to the next celebration next year. I'm so excited to get my balloon. Hahaha! I love my cousins. May God give them good health! God Bless our family!

Praktis ug Motor

2010-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Cebuano:

Nahinumduman pa naho nga Hulyo 31, 2010, ako nakamao ug bike. Sukad ane, kada Sabado, kanunay nako mu-ensayo ane pero pagkalabay ug usa ka buwan, naundang ko ug praktis kay gikapoy naman ko. Sige man lang ko huwam ug bike sa akong ig-agaw kay wala man ko bike. Nag-ensayo ko dili lang tungod kay nasuya ko sa uban nga katigo kung dili, nag-ansayo ko tungod kay ganahan ko makatigo ug motor. Hanga ko sa mga tawong katigo ug motor labina ang mga muapil ug mga motorcross. Ganahan gayud ko mu-tan-aw ug mga kompetisyon sa motorcross. Sa kamatuoran, kahinumdom pa ako nga niadtong Hunyo 27, 2010, ako uban akong mga tiya, ig-agaw, ug tiyo, mitan-aw kami ug motorcrosssa Dongon, Maasin City. Kadto ang unang higayon nga nakakita ko ug ingato kay sa telebisyon raman ko kanunay makatan-aw. Aho lang gebaliwala ang kainit sa sinag sa adlaw ug ang abog kay baylo pod ane nga pag-antos ang pagkakita naho sa akong idolo nga si Kenneth San Andres.

Tungod ane, na-agne koug maajo para mag-ensayo ug motor. Dugay na gayud ako gustong mag-ensayo galing lamang kay wala makalugar ug tudlo naho. Mao ng niadtong Domingo, Disyembre 5, 2010, geingnan ko sa akong tiyo nga magpraktis kami ug motor, misugot gayud ako dayon. Sagul-sagol akong gibati atong panahuna. Gekulbaan ko nga nalipay ug mura kaihion tungod sa kahinam-hinam kay sa pagkadugay nga panahon ko maghuwat ane nga higayon, miabot na gayud. Makapraktis na ako ug motor. Didto kami nag-ensayo sa oval, activity area sa Danao(Maasin City Forest Park). Sa unang libot, misakay akong tiyo naho para mag.guide. Pagka-ikaduha, ako nalang ang nagmaneho libut-libot sa dakong oval. Samtang nagmaneho ako, dili naho malikayan ang mu-ngisi tungod kay nalipay ko kay katigo na ako mupadagan sa motor nga ako rang usa. Primira, segunda, trisera ug kuarta; kini ang mga gear nga kinahanglang sanayon. Ako, trisera pa akong naantiguhan. Dugay pa nga ensayo naho ako makatigo ug unsaon pag-tayming ug utro sa gear. Bisan pa man, nalipay gihapon ko kay sa kadugay nga higayon, nakamaneho na ako ug motor.

Nanakit man ako lawas sa akong pag-ensayo pero ako lang kining gebalewala. Kalipay lang akong nabati. Hantod karun dili pa ako kalimot. Unta makatigo na ako sa mga angay pa nahong makat-unan sa pagpraktis ug motor. God bless you!

English:

I can still remember the time when I learned normal bike. It was on July 31 of this year. Starting that day, every Saturday, I always practiced it, but after a month I stopped since I got tired. I always borrowed the bike from my cousin because I don't own a bike myself. I practiced not only because I envied those who know how to use it, but also because I wanted one day to ride an even bigger bike: a motorbike. I idolized those who knows how to drive motorbike, especially those who joined motorcross. I really like to watch motorcross competition. In fact, I remember when I, together with my aunts, cousins and uncles, went to Dongon, Maasin City just to watch motorcross. It was my first time to watch it live since I usually see it on television. I didn't mind the heat from the sun rays and the dust, because I could see my idol: the motor bike champion Kenneth San Andres.

Because of this, I aspired to practice motorbike for a long time, but my uncle, who has a motorbike, never had time. But last sunday, on Dec. 5, my uncle told me that we were going to practice motorbike and I agreed immediately. My feelings were mixed during that time. I was nervous and happy at the same time and I felt like I need to go to CR because of the excitement, because after a long time of waiting, at last, it came. I could practice it. We practiced at the oval activity area of Danao (Maasin City Forest Park). For the first round, my uncle was riding to guide me on how to drive. For the second round in the oval, I drove alone. While I was driving, I smiled because I was happy since I could run it alone. Primira, segunda, trisera, and kuarta; these are the four gears I had to learn. I only know trisera. It really takes more time to learn all this. With only that, I'm still happy since I was able to drive a motorbike.

I got body pain but I didn't mind it. I feel very happy. Until now, I can't forget it! Hope I will learn or master it soon. God bless you!

Ukay-ukay

2010-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

Cebuano:

Ukay-ukay, kini ang mga gamit sama sa sinina, blaws, syorts, karsones, bag, sapatos, ug uban pa nga ginamit na unya ge-import gikan sa lain-laing nasud. Kusog gayud kini nga negosyo. Daghan ang mamalit. Madato o pobre, Propesyunal o dili, mupalit gayud ane kay durable ug barato pa. Ang uban mupalit para sa ilang kaugalingonsamtang ang uban nag-negosyo ug buy and sell. Mupalit sila ug ilang ibaligya sa barato gihapon nga peresyo sakto lang para makaginansiya.

Niadtong una, dili ko ganahan ug ukay, lainan ko musuot, hugawan ko. Ako lang mama ug papa ang mupalit ug ukay-ukay. Akong amigo ang hinungdan ngano ganahan nako ug ukay-ukay karun. Maganahan ko sa iyang mga gesuot, mangutana ko kung asa niya gipalit. "Sa ukay-ukay", mao ni iya kanunay tubag naho. Tungod ani, na-agane ko nga mangukay. Akong tigumon akong alawans niadtong nag-eskwela pa ko para mangukay kada Sabado ug naay oras. Mupalit ko ug para aho pero siyempre, ako pod apilan ug palit sila mama ug papa. Ukay lang akong mapalit para nila kay wala pa man ko igo nga kwarta para pamalit ug mga mahalong butang para nila. Sa akong paghatag nila, nakita naho sa ilang mga mata ang kalipay. Unya, sa pagkakaron, tambay man ko, kami sa akong amiga (yhing ug mommy Ritchiele), kada adto naho sa dakbayan, sa dili pa kami musuroy, muadto gayud kami sa ukay-ukay. Usahay mupalit mi, usahay pod dili. Sa panahon nga wala mi mga kwarta, mangukay lang gihapon mi kay bisan ug dili kami mupalit, ganahan lang kami mangukay.

Tungod ane, mas mupili pa ako nga mangukay kaysa mupalit sa mga botik o sa ubang tindahan. Nabantayan naho nga mas nindot pa tan-awon akong mga damit nga pinalit sa ukay-ukay kaysa sa ubang tindahan. Salamat gayud kaayo ni Yhing, sa pag-agne naho nga musod sa Ukay-ukay. Tungod niya, nakatipid ko sa akong kwarta. Kamo diha, ukay na. Hehehe!

English:

Ukay-ukay or Bargain: this is how we call used things like dresses, blouses, shorts, pants/jeans, bags, shoes, etc. imported from different countries. It is a strong business here since many people, rich or poor, professionals or not, prefer to buy durable and affordable things. Some people buy bargains for their own, while others do a business by buying cheap and selling bargains with a little gain.

At first, I hated to get used clothes. I was worried that it was dirty since it was already used by other people. My mother and father bought it for themselves. It was my friend who inspired me to buy bargains since every time I asked her where she bought her clothes she just answered me "in bargains". Because of this, I started to buy bargains. I just saved my allowance, when I was still studying, to buy it during Saturdays when I had time. I bought for myself, but of course for my parents too. I could only buy bargains for them since I don't have income for me to buy expensive things for them. Still, I could see the happiness in their eyes every time I gave a new gift to them. And now, being an out of school youth, me and my friends first roam around in bargain stores before we visit other clothing stores or boutiques every time we go to Maasin City. We do not always buy stuff, but even when we don’t buy, we love to browse though bargains

Today, I prefer buying in bargain stores than in other stores or boutiques. I notice that my bargain clothes are the nicer ones that I have. Thanks to Yhing for introducing me to the world of bargains. Through this, I was able to save money. You out there, start buying to bargains! Hehehe!

My friends Bargain Store is here on facebook: Sam's Treasure.
See in the photo section for the clothes that are offered.

Pangenhas

2010-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Cebuano:

Pagpangenhas o pagpanguha ug suwake, dapaw-dapaw ug uban pang kinhason, mao kini ang kalingawan nga among buhaton uban sa akong mga amiga kada adto nako sa dakbayan sa Maasin. Pero dili kini namu kanunay buhaton, panagsa lang. Buhaton lang ni namo kung hunas ang dagat o kung naa pa kami oras o gusto namong mukaon ngadto sa baybayon.

Usahay magsabot mi nga mangenhas, usahay pod dili. Sa mga panahon nga dili mi magkasabot o mukalit lang kami ug hisgot nga mangenhas, Manghuwam ra ko ug suotan ngadto ni Yhing para makatamak ko sa dagat kay ug dili ko manghuwam, muoli ko sa amo nga basa. Usahay, mangadto mi sa baybayon uban sa pamilya sa isa sa akong amiga, magdala kami ug kan-on, suka nga pinakurat ug imnunon para adto lang namo kaunon among mga kinuha. Sa wala pa ko makatilaw, naglibog ko ug mutilaw ba ko o dli pero sa dihang natilawan na naho, ako na kining geisip nga usa sa mga paborito nahong pagkaon. Dili man ko kamao mukuha, sige lang ko ug sunod-sunod nila para ako ang tegdala sa ilang mga kinuha. Mao na ang akong matabang ngadto nila. bisan kapoy, makalingaw man pod. kung muingon sila nga mangenhas, sugot dayon ko. Hehehe.

Dili gyud naho makalimtan ang unang pagpangenhas. Kini nahetabo niadtong Hunyo 26, 2010. Kung dili tungod nila Yhing ug Mommy Ritchile, siguro hangtod karon wala pa ko kasuway ug pagpangenhas. Kung dili tungod nila, wala pa siguro ko katilaw sa kalami sa suwake ug dapaw-dapaw. Dako gyud nakong pasalamat ngadto kanila. Ang Ginoo kanunay manalangin kaninyo. Amping!

English:

Pagpangenhas or getting sea urchins and other sea shells is one of the activity I often did together with my friends when I go to Maasin City. We can do it only when it is low tide. We do it when we have time or when we want to eat at the seashore.

Sometimes, we plan to do it, and sometimes it just comes to our mind without plan. In those cases, I just borrow clothes from Yhing so I can step into the sea because if I don't borrow, I will go home with wet clothes. Sometimes, we go together with the family of my friend to the seashore and bring cooked rice, vinegar called pinakurat and softdrinks so we will eat there. When I did not know it yet, I was worried whether it tastes good or not. But now I'm thinking of it to be one of my favorite foods. Since I don't know how to get those stuffs, I'm just at their back, following them to bring all they have got. That's the least I could do. Even though it was tiring, it was always enjoyable. Everytime they told me to Mangenhas, I agreed right away.

I can't forget the first time I experience pangenhas. It was on June 26, 2010. Yhing and Ritchiele forced me to do it. If not because of them, I had never tasted sea urchin's deliciousness. I owe it to them. I really thank my friends! Take care!

Galeon Andalucia

2010-12-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

Pila ka oras usa mag-alas kwatro sa hapon, sa adlaw nga Domingo, Oktubre 31, naa motorcab sige ug libut-libot sa dakbayan sa Maasin ug naa sige pahibalo nga naa muabot nga barko gikan sa Espanya. Niadtong orasa, didto ako uban sa akong duha ka amiga sa reclaimation area para mangenhas. Nanguha kami ug suwake, dapaw-dapaw, ug uban pang kinhason. Amo lang gibaliwala ang maong pahibalo kay nalingaw naman kami sa among ginabuhat.

Pag-abot sa oras, taknang alas kwatro sa hapon, diha kami nakita-an nga dako nga barko. Nabag-uhan kami kay lahi raman kini sa mga barkong kanunay namong makit=an sa pantan. Kadto pa ang unang higayon nga nakakita kami ug ingatong klase nga barko. Para namu, kinaraan kini nga stilo sa barko. Sa pantalan, makita nimo ang daghang tawo nga nag-atang sa pag-abot sa barko. Gitabo pa kini ug kusog ug maanindot nga tugtog sa dram ug trumpeta. Kung imong tan-awon ang pantalan, mura gayud ug naa pyesta. Sa among pagkahibulong, nangutana gayud kami sa mga tawo ug unsay naa anang barkuha nga gitabo man ug sama ato ka-garbo. "Barko na ni Magellan". Mao kana ang tubag sa tawo kanamo. Sa pagkadungog sa tubag sa tawo, namangha gayud kami kay dili ikalimod nga si Magellan parti na sa historya sa Pilipinas. Siya ang usa sa mga lider sa mga espanyol nga nag-sakop sa atong nasud daghang tuig na ang milabay. Giingon nga ang kadtong barko, ge-alisadan na ang mga materyales. Buot pasabot, ge-renobet na kini pero wala kuhaa ang mga gamit sa sulod, mga gamit sa panahon nila Magellan. Ug kining barko abli para sa tanan. Pwede musod ang mga tawo sa barko sulod sa oras nga 10am-2pm ug 4pm-7pm. Kini kutob sa adlaw nga Sabado, Nobyembre 6. Ako ug akong duha ka amiga( Yhing ug Mommy Ritchiele) nagkasinabot na mu-tan-aw sa barko. Wala mi miadto pagka-Nobyembre 1 ug 2 kay adlaw man kini sa mga minatay. Mao ng Nobyembre 3 among gikasabutang adlaw. Sa wala pa kami miabot sa pantalan, nakita namu ang daghang tawo maong wala nalang kami nanglahos. Nagdesisyon kami nga sa Nobyembre na kami mangadto. Nabalitaan pa namu nga naay mga tawong gikan pa gayud sa lagyong dapit sama sa Hilongos,Leyte, Babay, Leyte, Ormoc, Leyte, Samar ug uban pa. Miari lang gayud sila para makakita sa Barko ni Magellan. Sa miabot na ang adlaw nga among gikasabutan, eksayted na gayud kami. Abi namu gamay nalang ang mga tawo pero sayup kami. Nag-antos lang mi sa kaguot para makalinya lamang kami. Sa kadugay sa among pag-linya, nakasud na gayud kami. Didto, nakita namu ang geingon nilang kanyon. Nakita sab namu ngato ang mga plaka nga gisabit sa bung-bong. Naa sab mga navy nga nagbantay sa barko ug mga taga-laing nasud nga maoy nagmaneho sa barko paingon sa lain-laing lugar sa kalibutan.Nalingaw gayud kami sa pagtan-aw sa barko.

Dili gayud namu makalimtan ang gesulti sa usa sa mga nagdala sa barko samtang padulong na kami panaog. "Adios gwapas bonitas". Mao kini ang iyang geingon. Getubag lang kini namu ug kataw. Hahaha. Katawa dili tungod kay naglibog kami sa buot pasabot kung dili, mikatawa kami kay geingnan kami nga mga gwapa ug kini tinuod. Hehehehe. Bon Voyage Galeon Andalucia!

Why Do I Publish in English?

2010-12-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Upon reading my blogs, some may noticed that my entries were all written in English instead of using my own language which is the Cebuano, or our National Language which is the Tagalog. Some will just take it for granted or some will maybe wonder why. And I'm gonna tell you all the reaons behind it.

In the first place, I made blogs to earn money in the future. To earn, I have to get more readers or followers who will maybe interested with my entries. To catch them, I wrote in English, so it would be understable for all, since it is the universal Language. Meaning, it is being used by most of the people in the world. Upon making it, I'm looking forward to get readers, not only from the Philippines but also from other countries. Other reason is to learn English more while I'm an out of school youth. And lastly, I prefer to use English because one day, I want to go abroad and getting used to English is a must then.

That was all the reasons I had. And, soon, I will make blog entries written in Cebuano or I will mix it with Tagalog or English. I hope I can do it successfully. The important thing is, that you all will like it. God Bless us all!

All Saints and All Souls Day

2010-12-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

All saints and all souls day are called undas in Tagalog and adlaw as mga minatay in Cebuano. It was celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 every year. It is the day when living people visit their loved ones, who are already dead, in the cemetery. During the visit, people clean the tombs and bring flowers for them, and also say prayers dedicated to the souls of their loved ones. Inside the cemetery, a Holy Mass was being hosted. During this holiday, families reunited. It serves as their family reunion since some gathered at their loved one's tombs. Some people from different far places went home just to go to the cemetery. This is their way of showing their love for the dead ones. Even if they are already dead, they are still being remembered. While visiting, some families also brought foods as if it was fiesta. They brought lots of foods and drinks, and celebrated there while they are beside the tomb.

In our family on mother side, we gathered at their parents' house and had a simple dinner. I think, it was our first time to gather there for this holiday. Before we ate, we put foods and drinks at the altar of the house since it was one of the filipino beliefs that the souls during this day went home. After the dinner, we talked about a lot of things including the reason why we are having that dinner. My aunt told us that they were hosting the dinner since they were afraid of what happened last year, same day, happens again. Last year, when they woke up early in the morning, they found out that the altar was ruined. It was so messed up. Saint's small statue was down and flowers spread over the altar. They tried to tell it to the elders. It was said that their parents' souls (my grandparents' souls) got angry since they thought they forgot them. It was a little bit scary. We all had goose bombs while listening about that. Maybe, it was unbelievable but that was true since neighbors saw it including my other aunt. And well, at least, it didn't happen again.

For me, the pain is still here for losing my grandparents but we can do nothing. They are already dead. We can never restore their lives. All we can do is to pray for them that they will be happy whereever they are. May all the souls rest in peace!

Day Care Day Celebration

2010-11-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Every year, it was part of the Maasin City traditon to celebrate Day Care Day. This day was used to acknowledge the good work of the day care teachers. This was to expose children to different activities with the guidance of their parents and teachers. And in their early ages, they would be able to develop their God-given talents. It also helped to discover pupils' hidden talent. It also become a way for a child to be practiced in mingling people and also meet and have new friends from different barangays.

October 28 was the date which was set for this traditional event. And night before this day, a coronation night was held at the Maasin City Gym in which there were 6 representatives joined. Day after that, the event was started by a parade in which children or the day care pupils with their parents beside them walk along some streets in Maasin. It was enjoyable and cute to look for seeing some children wearing their muse attire. It's like we want to pinch them in a way that we admire them for being beautiful and cute. After that, of course, being religious, in every event, there's always a Holy Mass. And as it was ended, a program was followed immediately after a few minute break for snacks. Then, program started which is called Day Care Got Talent. In here, day care pupils showed their dancing talents through a cheerdance competition. There were only six groups who perform since all the barangays were divided into six clusters. After the cheerdance, individual competition followed wherein some sang while others danced. Some showed gymnastic moves while others presented rymes or declaimation. Some acted on stage while others do some extraordinary things which amazed and satisfied the audience. And before the formal closure of this year's event, winners was announced and all were satisfied and contented with the results.

The event end up successfully. All were happy with the activities they had. All did enjoy. Parents were very proud of their children and this is the most important of all. God Bless!

Jamboree

2010-11-16T02:07:00.000-08:00

October 22-28, 2010 was the set date for the 7th BSP National Rover Moot which is held at Danao, Malapoc Norte, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Danao is also called the Maasin City Forest Park. Before this said event, our government improvised it more like making more comfort rooms which is really important. They also improvised the street to the jamboree sites since it's still not concrete. Also, people made tents for their stores, including my parents, aunts and uncles and our few neighbors. Some were from other barangays and towns.

I was not able to witness the whole event since I was very busy helping my mother and aunts in the store because of many customers. All I'm gonna tell you is what I have seen and known. October 21 was the arrival of some rover moots who came from different towns or cities like Antipolo City, Davao City, Cebu City, Tacloban, Calbayog, Batangas, etc. After their arrival, they make their tents or assemble their camping tents immediately so they can rest. Rover moots from So. Leyte arrived the next day. Oct. 22 at night, Rover moots were gathered at the oval which served as the activity area for a short welcome program in which Mayor Maloney Samaco, Maasin City Mayor, delivered his welcome speech and to formaliza the opening of the event. Early morning on the next day, rover moots were divided and assigned to different public schools of Maasin City such as the schools in barangays San Rafael, Asuncion, Manhilo, Libhu, Malapoc Sur and Malapoc Norte and Maasin Central School where they rendered their services like helping the carpenters in building up the school stage of the Malapoc Norte, making school fences in Malapoc Sur and other projects of the rest of the schools that are mentioned. When the night came, a party was held exclusively for them. This also serve as a welcome party for all participants. They did the rendering of services until the 27th day of October in the late morning.

Oct. 26 was the arrival of BSP (Boy Scouts of the Phillippines) from different towns or cities and province such as Guimaras, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Cagayan De Oro, Capiz, Bohol, Biliran and So. Leyte, respectively. Another opening program was held. On the next day, in the afternoon, there was a drum and bugle contest in which the SJS, CM, Manhilo National Highschool and School of Malitbog competed. Also, the winner for the cheerdance competition of the MCC loyalty day did a presentation. This was to entertain the visitors or the BSP. When the night came, a cultural show was held in which the different council wear costumes and compete for their cultural or festival dance of their places. Afterwards, the people were entertained with the musical performance of two bands from Maasin City (Hybrid monkeys and Reggae sa Maasin). Some danced at the front stage while others just stood and watched. Oct. 28, in the afternoon, there was a street dancing and performing again their festival was being followed, showing cultural traditions of different towns. Some council had a short dramatization of their festival in the middle of their dance performance. At night, a grand camp fire was made. Presentations by different councils were being expected, including dancing, singing and drama presentations. After this, the event was formally closed.

It was my first time to witness a National Jamboree like that. I'm looking forward to the next one. Even if I was very busy in helping out in the store, at least I was able to witness maybe half of the event.

Banner for this BLOG

2010-11-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

I am trying to create a banner for this blog. Ok, I am not good at this, but here is my first try.

400 pixel wide:

Here is the code:

<a href="http://maasingirl.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9n-fGyze7kE/TNX6RnYddEI/AAAAAAAAAEI/wdxW_ZN_s0g/s1600/BlogAd400.png" /></a>

300 pixel wide:

Here is the code:

<a href="http://maasingirl.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9n-fGyze7kE/TNb9ho7DB3I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/OELX5uI4JWc/s1600/BlogAd300.png" /></a>

200 pixel wide:

Here is the code:

<a href="http://maasingirl.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9n-fGyze7kE/TNb9o7Hx9KI/AAAAAAAAAEU/aPWJaIs6Jfg/s1600/BlogAd200.png" /></a>

If you like my blog and know someone who might be interested in reading my blog, you can use this banner to do some advertising for me. Just include the code above into your own webpages. I am enternal thankful for any help!

Out of School youth

2010-11-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Never in my wildest dreams I thought of myself to be an "out of school youth". It came really unexpected for me. Living in the house, always alone, and doing nothing but household chores is really boring for me. Waiting for the month of April so I can go back to school again and continue my nursing course is really tiring. While waiting, I always went to the city to see my friends who are also out of school youths like me. Food trip is the activity we always did. Whenever there were events in the city, they just texted me to come there so we could watch it together. It was also the time that I was able to sleep at my friend's house which I usually did not do during school time, and which my parents disliked because they feared we would do bad stuff. To avoid that they scold at me, I lied to them in a way that I would ask my sister for help. We pretended that I would sleep in the boarding house where she lives, as she goes to college now. But in real, I slept at my friends' house. I pleased her not to tell it to my parents. And my sister agreed. Hehehe! I never missed any event in the city. Even though I know lying is bad, I still did it since it's the only way I can jam with my friends and cope up with my loneliness. My parents permitted always everything, except for sleeping at other people's house. As far as I remember, this year was also the first time that I went to a place (Banahaw located in Macrohon) without asking my parent's permission. I never regret for going to that place but I regret in a way that I didn't ask my parent's permission. Until now, they don't know that I've been there. We didn't bring any cameras so there is no evidence. This year was also the first time that I tasted alcohol. I don't drink too much, I just drink one shot, just what they call respect for the group.

Through those events, I was able to forget being an out of school youth, because I enjoyed those times. I never regret all the happenings in my life, good or bad, because these things made me the person who I am now. And this is also the reason why I made blogs. It really helps me a lot to cope up my boredom.

My School Life

2010-11-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

I started to enter school at the age of 4. I was a Day Care pupil for 3 years. Within these 3 years, I had many experiences to share with which I can't forget until now. While reminiscing it, I just laugh and can't believe anymore that I once had done such things. In these years, I became a muse in our faction/team. Today I think: "Was I that cute that they chose me to be the muse?" A big laugh from me! Another thing: whenever there was a singing competition for all Day Care pupil in the City, our teacher chose me as representative. Today I ask myself: "Did I have such a versatile voice that my teacher chose me instead of my other classmates?" As I sing today, I can say that I'm not a good singer. I don't really have any talent for this. I don't have an angelic and versatile voice like what other singers have. Because of this, it makes me wonder now what voices my classmates have today if our teacher preferred me to be the representative. Another big laugh from me! Even during the school programs, I sang. Hehehe! Yet another thing: Being a Day Care pupil for 3 years was sometimes tiring, so at my young age, I already knew how to cut class. I was waiting for my teacher to go to the comfort room, then I would go out the classroom and cut classes. I did it not just once but many times. After I went out, I did not went home yet, I just play outside and waited for the dismissal time so my parents won't scold me for cutting classes. Hehehe, I was only 6 or 7 years old at that time! I hope my parents don't scold when they read that now.

During grad I of my elementary years, I can still remember that my teacher assigned me sometimes to teach my other classmates how to read. During school programs, I was always member of the dance presentations on the stage. I was no longer a singer since dancing is really my passion. I was also the representative when there were academic contests in the City to compete with the other schools in Maasin. I receive an award for second or third places. I was very proud for this. I also joined the drum and bugle in our school. I was one of the lyrist that time. That was also the years when I climbed on coconut tree, as I had already mentioned in previous blog entries. That was not just for adventure but also to get coconut fruits to be bought by my teacher so I can buy paper, since I thought this is a simple way I can help my parents. I did not cut classes anymore since I took my studies seriously. I got medals as a first honor for 6 consecutive years during School year culmination. I finish my elementary degree at Malapoc Norte Elementary School.

I got my high school Diploma at Saint Joseph College. During my high school years, I learned to value friends and on how to keep secrets. I learned it from my classmates. First day of school, I was too shy. With the help of other students, I was able to adjust to my new school and new surroundings. They were all so friendly. They never treat me like a stranger. During first year, I was only in second place. On my second year, I was the first honor. Hooray! But when I was in my third year, I was on the fifth place for the first grading while second on the rest of the grading. Sadly, in my fourth year, my name was no longer on the honor list. This year, my parents got a little bit disappointed. But not to the point that I failed, I just got an average grade for my first time. I also sometimes cut class again. This made my mother very sad, and then I regretted it. How stupid of me for doing that! That's why for the rest of the grading, I studied hard and got the pride of my parents back.

College Classmates

During college, it was the time I started to live in a boarding house away from my parents. I cried every night for maybe at least 3 months since I missed them and it was my first time to live without them at my side. It was the help of my classmates, who became my close friends, to cope up with my loneliness. We studied together. We were always together during our vacant time. It was during college also that I experienced dancing on a street yelling during the Loyalty Day celebration of our school, Saint Joseph College. It was also the first time that I was able to care for a patient during our duty in the hospital. Remember, I studied practical nursing! Knowing the patients and caring about them is very exciting for me. I also experienced lots of sleepless nights for preparing our case presentation for the nursing class every month. It was all worth it since while we were learning we got bonds with our classmates. It was also during our college years when I was first time out of town. Together with, or rather because of my friends, I was able to go to Canigao Island, Bontoc, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Banahaw and, the great place I've ever been: Bohol. What a great experience of me! I will never forget all of these until my last breath.

With classmates and friends at Blood Shrine in Bohol

My Family

2010-11-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

My family is just composed of four members (father, mother, sister, and me). My parents came both from an ordinary family. Before they got married, they only had a simple dream: to have simple and happy life and to be able to raise their children well in a way that they can send us to school and be able to finish a college degree. These are their dreams. And this is what they did when they got married. Even if we are not rich, my parents were able to give us what we need through their hard works. And I'm proud to have them as my parents.

In my 19 years of existence, I can't say that we are happy all the time. Of course, there were problematic times, especially financial matters, but my parents doubled their hard works to solve it. Through this, it inspired me to really finish my studies. Through my parents' small business which is tinagak (abaca product), copras, and 1 motorcycle called Habal-habal in our place, my parents were be able to provide our family needs. The motorcycle is sometimes used by my father to transport passengers from Brgy. Malapoc Norte to Maasin City. My parents kept all problems away from us: they did not let us to help them, and often did not tell us about problems. This seems unfair to me because we are family and we should solve problems together. Still, understanding them is what I can do to help them. I know all they want for us is to not worry about problems and just to focus on our studies.

My family is very close. We always eat together and talk about the matters in school, home and work. We also go to church together during Sundays. Sometimes, we watch television together or go to the beach. We have happy moments when being together, even though, as what I mentioned before, we were not all the time happy. There were misunderstanding and quarrels, but when having this, we wouldn't let the day pass without fixing this up. There were also times when it took days to fix it.

Let me tell you a short story about my family on why we became four. When my parents got married, they only planned to have just one kid so they can raise the child very well since they are not so well off. And by this, my older sister was born. As she grew up, she played alone during days. She didn't have any playmate since they lived in a place without neighbors that time. During nights, my sister always cried, asking my parents to buy a baby so she can have playmate. Because of this, my parents made me. And this is how we became four. Hehehe!

With all what happened in our family life, I can say that we became closer and stronger. I know trials, challenge and problems are inevitable. All we can do is to help each other. We can pass everything that matters. We will work hand in hand to solve those trials, challenges and problems that will come to our family. All I can say is even a single moment, never in my whole that I will regret for being in the family where I belong. I love my imperfect ordinary family. God Bless our families!

The Way I Am

2010-10-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Letting you know more about me is what I aim to. Through the responsibilities and positions I am in, you can point out what kind of person I am. And here, i'm gonna tell you who I am.

Being a Daughter

I won't say I am a versatile daughter. I have many flaws and weaknesses. But everything I will do in the name of my parent's happiness and satisfaction. Through my studies, by getting good high grades, I got the pride of my parents. On the other side, what-ifs and what-could-have-beens are the things I am afraid of. What if I can't give them what they want? What could have been if I make them disappointed? Still, the pressure is in me but I'm trying my best just for them, to make them realize that all their hard works and sacrifices are all worth it. At home, I could say that I'm not that industrious. A little laziness is in me but still, I help them doing household chores. That's the least I could do for my parents as of now being an out of school youth.

Me and my parents were very closed. In fact, they still treat me like a baby. Hehehe! I shared things to my Papa and Mama but I'm not open to them when it comes to my problem, because for me, I don't want to add up my problems to theirs. I know that they had many things to worry about. I just don't want them to worry about me. It hurts me when I heard that somebody tried to violate my parents emotionally by making backfights, but even through this hurt, I can think of taking revenge on that somebody. My parents told me to just surrender it to God. That's why, I'm studying and I will study hard, so I can give a better life to my parents as a return of their sacrifices and hard works for us. This is how much I love them. I love you Mama and Papa.

Being a Younger Sister

Being a younger sister, I still have the responsibilities to be a good one. But me and my sister could be considered as cat and dog. Whenever we are together, we fuss and fight. We make word-fighting even just for a simple thing and nonsense matters. I don't know why we are like that. I could not explain. Whenever we are apart, we missed each other. Was it a stupidity of us or just me? I don't know. When she is closed to other person of my age, i get jealous and vice versa. But how come we became close if whenever we stay in one place, we fight. We always have misunderstandings. On the other hand, even if we are like that, we still shared more precious moments together as siblings than the fights. Even if the anger and madness are still there, when my sister asks for help from me, for instance with assignments and school projects, all of those fade. And she has done the same way to me. Whenever one of us got problems, the sisterhood wins between us. And as I have done this year, for financial considerations, I chosed to be an "out of school youth" for her to allow her to finish her two-year degree college course. That's one of the biggest sacrifice I ever did in my life. So, what will be your judgement? Am I a good sister or not?

Being a Friend

"It is easier to find a boyfriend or girlfriend than to find a true friend". "We can have million of friends but only few can be consider as true friends". These are some of the friendship lines which inspire me for having a friend. I'm a choosy type of person when it comes to friendship. I can be friendly to those persons whom I want to be my friends. And if I don't like a person, I won't make friends with her/him. I'll maybe smile to them, not a fake smile, but I won't consider them as my friend. Whenever I had a friend, I became dependent to them in a way that if I had some decisions to make, I'll rather ask their opinions than my parents. And when I go to the city, I can't stroll around the place without a companion. One of them should be with me when I roam around the city. In short, I don't want to be alone. When they also have decisions to make, especially about love, I'll just tell this to them: "Whatever their decisions are, I'm just here at their back, supporting them". This is what I always told them. When they fail with their decisions, I give my shoulder or the whole me for them to cry and lean on. I'm just here, ready to comfort them. This is what friends are for. As a generalization, I'm willing to share the worst and best things with my true and best friends.

Me Being Me

2010-10-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Part 2:
Sometimes, people think that I'm "suplada" because of the way I look and on how I speak. There are times that I heard that there are some who are afraid of me. Knowing it, I just laugh at it. Am I a monster for them to be scared of me? Some also likes and others hate me. And it is fine with me since I can't please everybody to like and love me the way I am.

With my "maldita" looks, there is still a good side inside of me. Like this kind of situation: it breaks my heart whenever I see beggars, especially those who are young. Some people hate it when those beggars asked anything from them. But me, I will never hate them. Why should I? They inspire me to strive hard for life. They are the reasons why I thank God for putting me where I am now. They are the one who reminds me that I'm so lucky for having a house to live in, food to eat, clothes to wear, and loved ones who care for me. Because of this, whenever they asked from me, if I have, I will share it to them.

I'm just a simple girl with simple dreams to reach for and who wants a simple life. I'm a simple type of person. One can easily make me feel happy. Simple things make me happy. Being me, honestly, I can say that I'm not a good person since as a human being, I'm not perfect. I have many imperfections in life. I'm just a type of person who is not that so called "plastic". I don't want to mingle with people whom I don't like and hate to accompany with. I'm good to those who are good to me and bad to those who have done me bad things. But still, for the people I love and for those who are close to me, I'm still willing to do everything just to make them happy. On the other hand, if I can feel that my goodness was being abused, well, they will see the monster in me. Hehehe!

Sometimes, people make backfights with me. This is inevitable for humans since all of us have insecurities in life. I'm looking forward into it. People are free to judge or say things about me. Whatever it is, good or bad, I will accept it with all my heart. I care the hell about their opinions. All I care are those people I love and who love me and people who are always there for me through thick and thin. Backfighters and my haters have freedom to hate me. The thing is, do I like them? And I'm provoking them to get to know me being Fe Analiza Acasio Alico.

Me Being Me

2010-10-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Part 1:

All human beings have loves and hates. And, as a human being, it is impossible for someone to just love or just hate everything in this world. Love and hates always collide. But ooops, wait, I'm not talking about lovelife. I will be talking about me, myself and through my loves and hates, you will be able to see my reflection and know me being me.

I'm gonna share to you the things that I love and hate. Let's talk first about my loves. When I was younger, I really liked to dance. In fact, I always performed dance presentation during school or barangay programs until I got to college. Even if the audience was just a small group, I still danced gracefully; at least, I had shown my talent. Also, my mother thought that I will become a lesbian since I don't liked to play with dolls; instead, I played boys' toys like beyblades, toy guns, trucks, robots, etc. When it comes to food, my favorites are vegetables, pork, cara beef, chicken and few seafoods. And now, I also want to hang out with friends. This is maybe because when I was still young, my parents won't let me to go out of our house often. In fact, I was just there at the window, looking outside, got envy seeing children of my age outside playing different games ... And most importantly, I love adventures. In fact, when I was still in elementary school, in grade four to be exact, I tried to climb to a coconut tree because of my fancy of adventures, and I was so boastful that I reached the top. My mother knew it so she went there and didn't know whether she should scold me or not while I was still at the top of the tree. She was afraid that if she scold me, I will get scared and jump from the top. So, she just talked to me and gently asked me to come down, and I did. But when we got home, she scolded me and convinced me with a little physical force never to do it again. I cried and cried, but then again, I never really regret it. At least, i did such an adventurous thing and I'm ready to face the consequences. I also love to travel but the problem is the money. I can't afford to travel to other places. Huhuhu! Still, I have a positive outlook in life. Soon, when I get a stable job and earn enough money, I can travel wherever I want. Traveling to Manila and Bohol are the only long trips I have done in my 19 years of existence. It was like a dream come true to me. Thanks to our German friend who brought us there. I really treasured that moment of my life. Hope I can travel again soon. Hehehe!

If there are things that I love, there must be things that I hate and afraid of. One of these are cats. When I was younger, I could not remember how many times I got fever because of my fear to them. I'm just afraid of their voices and mostly their looks. I really hate seeing them, And now, I'm still afraid of them but I'm not getting fever anymore unlike before. Also I am scared of big ants, which I prefer to call king and queen of ants. I hate them since the one time they bite me, so that I got fever after a few minutes. I am allergic to them. I'm also afraid of the dark since I imagine that there's something horrible behind that darkness. I imagine white ladies, dwarfs, ghosts, etc. On the other hand, I'm not afraid of seeing horror movies! When we talk about food, fish is what I dislike the most. I really don't eat any kind of them. I don't like their smells and their flesh. For me, it's yucky because they eat humans who died in boat accidents. How silly of me to think that kind of matter. But, this is me! Hehehe. And the most thing I am afraid of and really hate to happen is to be alone. I don't want to feel that way. For me, if I'll be alone, I will die. But then again, I'm being optimistic. I'm holding to the saying "No man is an island" so I will never be and feel alone.

With those things I hated and afraid of, you may think that I'm coward to be afraid of those stuff which are smaller than me. You may also think that I'm silly for thinking and imagining those stupid and non-sense things. But, what can I do?! This is just the real me. For those who think I'm coward, it's free to think what you want to think about me but let me tell you this: I may that be that coward but I can be a strong person just for the people I love. I can be stronger more than what you think!

Malapoc Norte Elementary School Coronation Night

2010-10-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Malapoc Norte Elementary School, this is where I finish my elementary degree. When I was grade five at my elementary the school building got renovated. During the renovation, the school stage got demolished. As being demolished, the school has to replace it since a school stage is really needed whenever the school has an official program to hold. While the stage is not yet build up, teachers and pupils just use the barangay stage for the meantime during their programs. That's why they were having this coronation night, to raise money for a new school stage.

About a month ago, teachers and parents agreed to have a coronation night and its proceeds will be the new school stage. With this being agreed, teachers in different grade level from pre-elementary to grade six choosed two representatives (a boy and a girl) to join the coronation night. The parents of the chosen representatives used small envelopes with a barangay seal and gave it to the people they knew. The purpose of the small envelopes was to collect money, and any amount will do. It is like a solicitation, but also like a competition, because the representative who got the highest amount until the day of the canvassing will take the title of Prince and Princess of Sports 2010. As parents, it's great to imagine your children winning that title. Hence, parents were hardworking to solicit money from people. Some got money from their own pockets just to have a big amount on the canvassing day. This is how much parents in Malapoc Norte try to help their school.

Parents were continuing giving envelopes until the day of the canvassing. Parents of the representative with the money and teachers gathered in the school for the canvassing. Even though I was not there, I know all parents were very nervous during that time and excited to hear the result. Then the canvassing started and even a single penny was counted. After few hours, the canvassing was over. It was time to proclaim the winners: the winning boy was from Grade four, and the winning girl was from pre-elementary. Both their parent are working abroad. The canvassing raised 38000 Peso. It is really of big help to the school for building up their new stage.

September 28 was the day set for coronation night. I was able to witness this moment since my two cousins participated. One was on the third place among the girls while the other one was the previous Princess who will turn over her title to the new Princess of Sports. And my job was to be their makeup artist and photographer. Hehehe! Few hours before the program, we thought that this will be canceled because a brownout caused the literary before the coronation being canceled. Some audiences went home since they really thought that it will be all canceled. But, thanks to God, the brownout was quickly over and the audiences came back and the coronation night continued successfully.

I enjoyed watching the program. It ended all successfully. Good job teachers and pupils! And of course this would not have been that successful without the people who gave contributions to the envelopes, and without the cooperation of the parents. We are thankful to have parents like you! God Bless!

Makeup Artist at Work

Makup and Photographer

Waiting for the Big Moment

Dance Presentation

Handing over the Crown

Our Representatives

Maasin City College @ its 4th Loyalty Day

2010-10-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Maasin has four colleges, the SJC funded by the Catholic Church that I talked about last time, the STI, the college of Maasin, and the Maasin City College (MCC). The MCC is a public school established by the government led by the Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samco. This school gives opportunity to those less wealthy parents to send their children to school for college since the tuition fee is so affordable. But even many wealthy children are enrolled here. This school gives way for students to reach their dreams. And for those students whose parents are government employee, Barangay official and barangay employee, their tuition fee is free. Part of the school institution is to have Intramurals (open house day) so MCC marked September 23-25 as the day of their Intramurals or so called Loyalty Day with teams named Spinosaurus and Kentrosaurus. These were the official team names used every year, and they are names of dinosaur species. I watched the MCC Loyalty Day celebration together with a friend.

September 23, first day, the day that students of MCC had awaited. This event was started with a Holy Mass at the Maasin City Gym, then a torch parade @ 6pm followed. I was not able to witness this torch parade since I was with my other friends having a food trip. But I think this was amazing to watch for and it's unique since as far as I remember, if not mistaken, this was the first torch parade in Maasin. After the parade, student and audiences gathered at the Maasin City Gym preparing for the short program. The program was started by singing the national anthem, the Maasin and Southern Leyte Hymn, but the most important is the singing of the MCC Hymn which was formally formulated during their College Day Celebration last February of this year. Then lighting of the torch by Mayor Maloney Samco as the president of MCC and speech to finally open the said event followed. Singing and dance presentation from selected students were shown while waiting for the cheerdancers to prepare for their presentation. After a short time of preparation, students were ready for their cheerdance competition. First to present is the Spino followed by the Kentro. As I witness the presentation of the two teams, I can really say that their sleepless nights and no rest weekend are all worth it. High five for the two factions! After this, a singing performance again was presented to entertain audiences and students while waiting for the judge to finish computing their rates for each team's performance to come up with the winner. I wasn't able to wait and witness who the winner is since its already late at night and time for me to go home. But all I can say is that I'm pretty sure that the judges had a hard time to decide which team should win since both teams were just very good. Both were beautiful, wonderful and amazing. I heard later that the kentro won with just two point gap from the spino. On the next day, ballgames were held and on the last day, games continued including games of law. And at night was the Victory Ball at likay2x beach at the back of the 4th Maasin Municipal Hall. They called it Jamaican night. Me and my friends were not able to see the event closely since there's a fence and we couldn't enter inside because we are not students of MCC. We just watched them from far distance, enough to see them wearing their swimming attire.

I was happy with what I saw during their Loyalty Day Celebration. Another mission completed for MCC students. Good Job MCC! Keep it up!