Merry Christmas

From http://allonzoinc.wordpress.com/

Adlaw Nga Natawhan Sa Akong Duha ka Ig-agaw

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.

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Out of School youth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Mother Mary's Birthday

September 8 is for some people just an ordinary day while for many Filipino people, this is a special day. Other religions just don't mind about this day but for the Roman Catholic Religion, predominant in the Philippines, this day is a significant day. And why? This is because it's the birthday of our Blessed Virgin Mary. While the Roman Catholic Church usually celebrates the day which a saint died, Mother Mary is so special that we also celebrate her birth.

To commemorate this day, Roman Catholics held a special mass in their diocese or chapels for this special occasions. Maasinhons, as religious people, attended masses or just lighted a candle in their altars just to praise Mother Mary. But the most frequent activity of Maasinhons on Mother Mary's birthday is to go to Our lady of the Assumption Shrine located at Abgao, Maasin City and Diocesan Shrine in Montecueva, Basak, Rizal, Maasin City. Masses were held there and a large crowd of people attended. If you go there, you will be amazed how many people meet there. People especially from highlands go down here to visit the Shrine and join this commemorating event. Poor or rich, young or old, good or bad, all kid of persons are seen at the Shrine. Students after their classes won't miss going to the Shrine. This is what Maasinhons would never miss for. It is their way of showing love and belief to Mother Mary since we owe her a lot. The flow of people going up and down the Shrine never stopped the whole day.

This is how religious Maasinhons are. Whatever happens they won't let this day pass without giving a visit to Mother Mary. This is how we love our Blessed Mother Mary. Keep it up Maasinhon! God Bless to all!

Loyalty Day Celebration of my Alma Mater

As you may know, I attended Saint Joseph College (SJC) and graduated in practical nursing in 2010. Despite its name, SJC is not only college but also high school, serving the full range of education in Maasin. Every first week of September, Saint Joseph College celebrates its Loyalty Day. It is part of every school to have Intramurals or so called Loyalty Day. It is when students show their talents and skills in literary and sports. It helps also to develop God given gifts of students, and also sportsmanship since in every competition, there's always a winner and a loser. Beauty is also shown through having muses in every year level of each team. It is one of the school events that students had most awaited.

Three weeks before this event, the college students start having sleepless nights. Not enough to be in school every day, every student went back to school during night, after dinner, to practice the activity they have joined since all students are required to participate and join even just one activity of the event. Some are into sports while others are into other activities like street yelling, parlor games, games of law and literary.

September 2-4 of this year, SJC had its Loyalty Day with the theme: "Loving each other as children of God". The event started with a Holy Mass at 2pm and a parade was followed afterward. Years ago, students were divided into two teams for high school and elementary department and four teams for college in every department. But this year it was different: the college was divided into four teams by merging course departments. Each year, factions were named with terms from the Catholic Religion. This year, teams were named after saints since SJC is a catholic school. The teams of the elementary department were St. Dominic Savio and St. Tarcisius; the high school teams St. Sebastian and St. Aloysius; and  lastly, for the college department, the teams were St. Pillagius (Criminolgy, Practical Nursing, Diploma in Information Technology, and Office Administration Department), St. Achilleus (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Department), St. Agapitus (Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology and Bachelor of Science in Accountancy), St. Joan of Arch (Bachelor of Science in Education, Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology).

Knowing that its Loyalty Day, people were waiting at the side of the street to witness the parade and watch students wearing their colorful team tshirts together with their muses. People were entertained by the street yellings. Really fun to watch for!

After the parade, students were gathered at Maasin City Gym to open the event in a form of a short program. There was a firework outside the gym before the program was finally started. Lighting of the torch by Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, SJC school president, was followed. A short speech by him was delivered afterward to officially and formally open the event. Dance presentation from college, high school, and elementary school were shown. Muses with their different muse attires were presented as well. They ramp around the ground showing their beauties. After this, winners for the street yelling, parade and muses were proclaimed.

The second day, September 3, was dominated by sports events. Students woke up early for the attendance quick count and for the mass afterward. Ballgames and athletic games followed afterwards. Under the heat of the sun, students were striving and trying their best just to win for their teams.

On the third but last day, September 4, games of law were held and after it has been done, all students and teachers gathered at SJC covered court for the proclamation of winners. Excitement and happiness were seen in every students face while waiting for the proclamation. Okay, here is the proclamation: For the college, the champion is the St. Pillagius team, for the high school, the St. Aloysius team was best, and lastly for the elementary department, the winner is St. Tarcisius. Yahooo!

Whatever the result, sportsmanship wins and seen among student's faces and this is the most important to accept the result heartedly. Students were satisfied with what they have heard during the proclamation. Friendships are still there since for them that was just a Game. Congratulations to all the winners and for the losers, better luck next time. God Bless!

Looking for a digital camera ...

Today I am not able to add a picture to my blog. I would like to, because a blog with pictures is so much nicer, but I cannot. Why? Because I have no digital camera! The pictures in my past blog entries were taken by friends, not by myself. Is anybody reading this who has a spare digital camera for me? Hehehe ...

I don't have the financials for it, but I can dream, so I was investigating about digital cameras selling here in Maasin City. What store we can buy it? How much does it costs? The lesser and the average price. What are the brands?

I walked around Maasin City looking for a digicam. I went to stores which sells appliances and gadgets. Sad to say, there's only one store that sells it, the Cellworks. If you know other stores, please add a comment here. Cellworks sell digicams but the most gadgets they sell are cellphones. They only have four kinds of digicam in different brand. These are a Canon worth P22,000, a Sony Cybershot (14.1 megapixel) for P14,000, a Sony Cybershot (12.1 megapixel) worth P9,999, and a Nikon for P16,000. All these are small compact cameras for beginners and everyday use, not big professional cameras. The price is probably fair if you are rich enough to afford it, but for my own financials, I found it very expensive. Sad to say, maybe I will never have a digicam...

These are only what I got in my investigation. I hope soon, Maasin City got stores which sells many gadgets so it would be more easy for the maasinhon to buy such thing here and so we have many more choices. Goodluck Maasin. God Bless!!!

Surprise For a Friend

Preparing a surprise birthday gift for the one who is special to my heart is one of the most exciting things I ever did in my life. I have done it to my family many times but not yet to a friend. And this is what makes it an exciting one for me.

Last August 19, it was Yhing's birthday. The days before this date, we didn't talk about it when we were together, pretending that we forgot her birthday. Whenever we realized that she is going to talk about her birthday, me and Donna tried our best to change the topic. Even when we were exchanging text messages by phone, we didn't mention it, and instead we talked about the usual things what we will do on the coming days. We told her that it would be a busy day for us, we have lots of work to do in our house, and so on. When that day came, Yhing sent a message containing: "Wa jud nang.greet dahhh..:(" to be exact, if only she knew our plans for her, for her special day. Hehehe. I did phone calls to our friends Donna and Rozel and to Yhing's boyfriend Jingle to talk about what to do with the surprise birthday gift. We agreed to contribute money in any amount so we can buy the gift. We never sent text messages to her, also not replying to hers. We did not let her know that we were in the city already. To figure out where she is, we just texted Jingle so that our ways wouldn't crossed while we were buying the surprise gift. That time, Yhing get a little bit mad at poor Jingle because he was always texting so that she (with irritation) always asked him who he was texting to, not knowing that it was us. Getting mad, she decided to go home. Ooooohhh no, that shouldn't be! We haven't finished buying the gift. So, we told Jingle to do anything to please her for her not to go home. And thank to God, Jingle did a good job and she stayed away from home. After we bought the gifts which are cake, balloons, and pansit bihon, we went immediately to her house. When we came there, her family was also surprised as they didn't know our plan. We hide at her room and texted her boyfriend to bring her back into her house. Her older sister commanded her to get her niece out of her room. then, she followed. As she opened her room's door...Surprise! ... "Happy birthday, happy birthday to you!" she could hear us singing. Seeing her face, she was really surprised with tears of joy in her eyes. Yahoooo! ... Our plan was successful!

Even if it was just simple, we know that we make our friend happy on her special day. We did special things to her. We really love her. No one can take this precious moments we had on her birthday.  Friend can't be bought by money that's why we treasured our friendship and this is how we showed our love for her. God bless to all of us!

Maasin Fiesta Celebration

Every August 15, it's Maasinhon's tradition to celebrate the Feast of the Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron of Maasin City. Days before this event, there were activities held like the Parish-BEC Night in which all Catholic Maasinhons were invited to come and join the party. There was a big show for the people and for the bishop and the priests, with some lead singers and background dancers that made the people really entertained. After that, a Disco was followed. It is the time when people, priests and bishop mingled to each other. On the next day, there was Maasinhon Got talent, a contest in which Maasinhons in different ages showed their talents in singing and dancing.

Maasinhon who are working abroad or living in other cities or towns came home just to witness the fiesta celebration. Our fiesta was for some of us a family reunion as Maasinhons together with their families attended mass. We could also see people from other towns visiting our place. Many foreigners came for the fiesta. Even for the poor and disabled people, it was a special time. It is natural for us to see beggars, lames, and blinds in different corners of the city to beg money, and Maasinhons generously share with them when we have. As we enter to Maasinhon's houses, different foods were seen on the table. Of course, us as Filipinos love preparing different kind of foods during special occasion like this fiesta. After a nice meal and a short rest, people roamed around to shop things. Maasin was very crowded at this time.

People have different reasons why they came for the fiesta. Some were just looking for adventures while others came to adore and pray to the Patron, Our Lady of the Assumption. Some came just for shopping since during this time, goods were cheap or affordable. But, whatever the reasons are, the important thing is that people were happy as they went back home.