Goodbye 2008, Welcome 2009

"As 2008 comes to an end, let's write all our hurts and pains in the sand so that the water of forgiveness can wash them away. As 2009 begins, let's carve all our blessings in stone as we daily say our thanksgiving for all that has been and all that will be." (Photo from www.5cense.com.)

20 Years and Going

Christmas is in the Air

Christmas... The merriest time of the year and the longest celebration in the Philippines. As early as September, one could hear carols being played in the radio. Christmas trimmings here and there. I still go for the green, red and gold colors of the season. Christmas means different things to different people. Christmas bonus, parties, new toys and clothes, reunions, exchange gifts, caroling, noche buena, etc. Whatever it means, it always brings cheer to everyone, young and old. 

This year, I shared a Christmas message in our church during our simbang gabi hosted by the Church Women's Association. It's all about Christmas as a time of giving. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Let me share with you an article from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado: "If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior." Have a blessed Christmas. (Image by www.photofunia.com.)

First Blooms

Who wouldn't be happy to see the first fruits of his labor? These are the first blooms of my organically grown cattleyas. I remember last year while we were in Tanauan to visit my niece, we had to go to the city proper to look for an internet shop because my sister was waiting to chat with me. Afterwhich, there was this sidewalk vendor with all his orchids. Bobby took all the cattleya plantlets at a bargain price. I think there was a dozen of them. All I did was to pot and place them together with my dendrobiums and dancing ladies and water the orchids whenever I had the time. And that's it! Two of the cattleyas started to show their violet blooms. Except for the yellow flowers of the dancing ladies, the rest had different shades of violet blooms. :)

All We Like Sheep

... have gone astray, each of us turning our own separate way, we have all sinned and fallen short of Your glory... UCCP-Indang Evangelical Choir sings God With Us by Don Moen on December 7, 2008 at the University House of Worship, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite.

Meet Babsy

Her name is Babsy. Why Babsy? After more than ten years since we had our first pet puppy (one day he left the house and never came back), we finally decided to have a pet dog and we wanted a male one. The puppy was delivered to our house in April this year. It was semi-askal and it took us several days to learn that the puppy was a "she" so I coined the name Babsy to mean Babae sya pala! Babsy is just less than a year old but she has grown bigger and heavier. She never fails to welcome us each time we go home from work and school. It will be her first Christmas and New Year with us. We're just a bit worried about the firecracker noise that will surely scare her. Poor Babsy!

Over 40 and Fighting

I was watching a program in Q when an advertisement caught my attention. It was a test on age-related macular degeneration (for whatever that means). But what really interested me was the invitation to the website: http://www.over40andfighting.com. So, I tried the tests given, and here's a test for heart disease: 1. How old am I? ... almost 44 2. Do I smoke more than 5 cigarette sticks per day? ... Never 3. Do I exercise more than 30 minutes per day? ... Once a week 4. How often do I eat beef, pork, or any food high in cholesterol? ... Occasionally 5. How often do I drink alcoholic beverages per week? ... Never 6. Am I overweight? ... A Bit Overweight 7. How often do I get stressed? ... Often 8. Do I have diabetes? ... No 9. Do I have any relatives who are suffering or suffered from heart disease? ... Yes 10. Am I willing to change to a better lifestyle? ... Yes Lifestyle Risk Meter Result? Lovin' Your Heart: Wow! You're in Good Shape. Keep up the Love! It's time to fight harder!

Stranded in Palawan

November 15, 2008. Tropical depression "Tonyo" was 210 km east of Puerto Princesa City as of 10 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center according to PAGASA. We were in Puerto Princesa City and our scheduled flight back to Manila was at 5:00 p.m. that day. After our group check-in and with 45 kg of excess baggage (we paid P100 per kg of excess) because of the many pasalubong and pabili, we patiently waited for our boarding time. The turnaround plane would be delayed as announced in the departure area and then finally, at 5:20 p.m., we were told that the flight was definitely canceled. I overheard that the plane could not land due to poor visibility and returned to Manila. We collected our baggage and our group of six boarded two tricycles to bring us back to our hostel. On our way back, it was already raining with gusty winds and we requested our driver to drop us first at an ATM for the much-needed reinforcement for our prolonged stay. It was dark due to power interruption and raining much harder when we reached our place. To top it all off, the hostel was locked and the caretaker was not around! While my friends were busy doing the akyat-bahay way, I was like a wet chick in one corner because of my fever. Fortunately, they were able to open the main door lock, the power was restored, and they had to cook whatever was available for dinner. The sun was up the following day and we spent the waiting hours talking about our work, family, and personal experiences. Bonding time with each other. We checked in at past 3 p.m. with just 10 kg of excess baggage. Right! That's another good thing about being stranded. And off we flew to Manila.

Training People on ICT

The Training on Basic ICT which I attended as a resource person in Palawan on November 14-15 was very much different from the other training I had in PCARRD. This time, it was scheduled in response to the request of the newly launched FITS Centers whose staff were not really computer literate. Preparing the materials became a challenge for me. How would I present effectively and efficiently the basics of using productivity tools and the Internet in just two days? And it became much more challenging to facilitate the hands-on sessions. For some, it was the first time holding and clicking the mouse. To others, it was extremely difficult to drag and double click the mouse but they were too eager to learn. At the end of the first day, I was suffering from back pains. Maybe I was no longer used to standing and speaking for hours. I was so tired that when we reached our hostel, I just lay flat on my back for several minutes. My roommate was gracious enough to massage my upper back which put me to sleep right after. I was energized to start the second day of our training. This time on the Internet. Just the same, I had back pains and headaches after the training. I may be tired but at the end of it all, I was glad to hear the impressions from the participants. One father told us that he was so happy to chat for the first time with his daughter who is studying in Manila. Really, it is never too late to go for ICT and appreciate its importance in our day-to-day lives. Somewhere, somehow, we make changes in the lives of people we meet each day. And vice versa...

What's Next?

That's what my co-worker at the department asked me when she browsed over my Life and Travels blog. She was actually referring to my next destination. And she jokingly supplied her own answer... the moon? I have gone to different places both local and foreign (Thailand and US; Hongkong, Vancouver, and Nagoya for stopovers). On my wish list last year, I have yet to set foot in Davao. I don't know when but I'm not rushing. It will come, hopefully. I did not plan to go to most of the places I have visited but the Lord led me there. What's next? Hmmm... Davao? Batanes? Israel? Europe?... It doesn't have to be the moon or any place abroad. Really, there are no criteria set. Any place that I could go to, be it abroad or a small barangay in Cavite, will always give me worthwhile and enriching experiences.

Life Begins at 40

When I was younger, I was puzzled and at the same time curious about what the statement really meant. How could life begin at 40? Now I know. 

I was almost 40 when I started to experience depressing moments. Emotionally, I was down and yearning for reassurance. Doubts, insecurities... really, they go together. Physically, I learned what life begins at 40 means. I'm not sure if it is actually the age or the stressful moments that I went through early on which introduced me to hypertension. Even my friends could not believe that I have been taking maintenance medicines. They say that I'm straight. No hard drinks. Not a smoker. Doesn't stay up late at night. Disciplined when it comes to eating. Sticks to one carbo diet, and so on. Well, they didn't know that I have the genes! As a result, I have been a health card patronizer. On my 40th birthday, I gifted myself with a pair of reading glasses. I also got myself a suki card to take advantage of my "investments" at Mercury Drug Store. And one of these days, I'll try to organize the medical files that have accumulated from my visits to different doctors and laboratories. So, that's it!

Crown Royale Hotel, Balanga, Bataan

The CvSU team of developers joined the other implementing partners of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology in the eSkwela Content Development Conference on October 28-30 at Crown Royale Hotel in Balanga City, Bataan. It was my first time going to Bataan and so I grabbed the chance to join the conference. 

We were four SUCs in the group which is tasked to develop 120 modules for the out-of-school youths and adults. The other group of developers is composed of three SUCs with 60 modules. Among the CICT-sponsored training and workshops, it was the least stressful. I was just sitting there listening to the lectures and experiences shared by the resource persons. Not the usual activity that is full of tension. I brought my laptop so I could update my blog which was left untouched due to the past busy schedules. Unfortunately, there was no time to even go out of the hotel and explore the city. Maybe next time.

Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club

On October 19, Bobby was the guest speaker during the worship service at UCCP-Lipa. After the service and the short organizational prayer meetings which followed, Doren brought us to the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club. We ate grilled bangus belly and pinakbet with matching mango cheesecake, pudding and mango shakes. I'm not a golf player nor an avid fan but I got to appreciate the greens of the 27-hole golf course. Doren toured us around the area in her service golf cart. No sweat! And it felt like we were pros though I was not appropriately dressed. I tried to have my picture taken near a hole but my heels prevented me from going any further. I just "aerated" the well-manicured ground. We also passed by the big residential houses which I thought were only utilized when the owners come to play golf. We also witnessed the irrigation of a portion by sprinklers. I wonder how many deals were made by our politicians while playing golf. Hmmmmm...

Rebonding with the NGs

It was also heartwarming to see fellow NGs during UPLB's Loyalty Day Celebration on October 10, 2008. We attended the CEAT Alumni Homecoming in the late morning till lunch. Some of the bros and sisters were already there to get our Ciento shirts with a unique and controversial design of the P100 bill. In the evening, we had our alumni homecoming at the clubhouse of the Sacay Villas. Founders of NG and alumni from different batches were there having fun while mingling with the rest of the group. Even the wives of our deposed bros were there to celebrate with us. After dinner, we were all hats up to our very good host, sis Jen! I could no longer recall the exact amount raised for the auction of a P100 bill with the UP centennial logo. The last bidder was Henry Manguerra who is now based in the US. Then, we had the hilarious "Dil or No Dil". I was one of the NG Ciento girls (the equivalent of briefcase ladies). Ha ha ha!

Reunited @ UPLB

Thirty years after the Agricultural and Rural Development Scholarship (ARDS) Program started, its grantees from all over the country gathered on October 9-10 to celebrate the occasion in time with the 90th UPLB Loyalty Day Celebration. UP Pres. Emerlinda Roman and past and present directors of the Learning Resource Center that managed the program grace the ARDS Symposium on October 10 at the SAS Room of SEARCA. During the evening fellowship and the luncheon symposium the following day, it brought me much joy to see our kuyas and ates, my batchmates Pol, Boy, and Denden (we were only four from our batch of 21 grantees), and the younger batches. We had fun reminiscing the good, old times. For sure, everyone had a story to tell about fond memories as an ARDS grantee during college days at UPLB.

Lima City Hotel, Malvar, Batangas

The meeting I attended as an RMIS coordinator of STARRDEC in Lima City Hotel on October 1-3 was serious work and fun combined. I got to meet again with my fellow coordinators all over the country and share our experiences as we have been busy facilitating the different ICT training in our respective consortia. It felt so good to laugh even in the middle of a presentation, and have fun even when we think about our work and plans. There have been problems but as they say, everybody is still there despite the difficulties. Joomla-Joomla together!

Joomla and FITS IS Training at PCARRD

Participants from three regional consortia (CVARRD, STARRDEC, and BCARRD) train on FITS IS and Web Content Management System Using Joomla from September 29 to October 1 at PCARRD, Los Banos, Laguna.

Natividad Farms, Mendez, Cavite

On August 21, I joined the STARRDEC team and the farmers (MS) of the consortium on a visit to various farms in Cavite. Our first stop was Natividad Farms which is noted for its commercial-scale organic farming. Mr. Fajardo himself demonstrated to us their techniques and practices and guided us to the vermicomposting areas, nurseries, grow-out plots, and the other features of the farm. I was truly touched by Mr. Fajardo's discipline, dedication, and love for organic farming.

SMX, Mall of Asia

STARRDEC participated in the National Techno Gabay Summit on July 9-10 at SMX, Mall of Asia. The PCARRD-sponsored event was attended by almost 1,000 participants from the 14 consortia throughout the country. Mag Techno Gabay Tayo!

Travel Light

I love traveling. And who doesn't want to visit different places, discover new sights, experience varied cultures and traditions, get to taste different foods and delicacies, and bring home fond memories? Wherever my destination is, I see to it that I travel light. Enough clothes, the smallest kikay kit that I could bring, a camera to capture the priceless moments, and of course, money. And it makes sense to travel light. It's easier to move around and I have more hands to bring home pasalubong and other stuff. In life, it also pays to travel light. To get rid of additional weights that will pull or slow me down. Let go and move on... Travel light!

HRIS Trainers' Training at PCARRD

RMIS coordinators and HR officers from 14 regional consortia train on Human Resources Information System on September 2-4 at Bulwagang Panday Karunungan, PCARDD, Los Banos, Laguna. They will conduct the same training for representatives of research implementing agencies in their respective consortia.

Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay City

With Bobby, Doren, and Amyel on the wedding of Ariel and Jenny, 14 June 2008. Bobby and Doren stood as primary and secondary sponsors, respectively. Amyel and I joined the UCCP-Indang Evangelical Choir in singing some love songs during the rites. We also played "Ikaw" in the reception using the Ang Klung.

Boracay

Boracay, here we come. Another precious bonding time with the family on one of the best beaches in the world. Powder-fine white sand and warm blue waters. We traveled to Boracay via the nautical highway from Batangas to Mindoro to Aklan. 

It was the first week of June, supposedly the start of the off-peak season, but there were still a lot of local and foreign tourists. We only went out to swim in the early mornings or near sunset because the sands and crystal-clear waters were glaring to the eyes. Of course, we were avoiding too much sun exposure. At night, we strolled the stretch from our place in Station 2 near the talipapa to Stations 1 and 3. Photo sessions in front of the expensive beach resorts and something grilled for dinner al fresco. Wish No. 2 granted! and with my family. :)

Bicolandia

The faculty and staff of our college had their educational trip to Bicol on May 29-31, 2008. As we approached the Mayon volcano, we were all trying to get the best shots of the volcano from our bus. Our first stop was the Bicol University in Albay. After our quick tour of their ICT facilities, we proceeded to the Mayon Planetarium. Good thing our bus was able to make it to the place which is almost halfway to the top.

The second stop was Cagsawa ruins. It was drizzling but we had a clear view of the volcano. What's memorable is the learning experience from the little boys in the place who taught us about camera tricks. And that has been the byword every time we think of Mayon.

On our way from Albay to Pili, our bus had to be repaired for hours somewhere in Ligao City which delayed our trip. We enjoyed our simple meals in the nearby carinderia as we waited for the repair. Then, we rushed to the wakeboarding competition during the Kaogma Festival in Pili, Camarines Sur. We decided to proceed and stay overnight at the Camarines Norte State College in Daet. 

 The following day, we visited the fish port and left for Cavite after lunch only to find out later that the bridge in Sariaya was not passable so we had to take the other route. Another short stopover in Lucban, Quezon then off to Cavite passing by Laguna. What a trip!

Aklan

From Kalibo airport on May 18, 2008, we were brought to Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan. The following day, our five-day training workshop on Advanced Online Writing Techniques started.

In this training workshop we were taught about developing multi-media packages: writing for the ear, voicing and editing, conducting interviews, creating slideshows with audio, video reporting, and uploading videos to the Net. IT or non-IT? I told them during the opening program that I was one of those who are trying hard to be "IT".

After the tedious work, we were rewarded with trips to the Bakawhan Eco Park and Pina House in Kalibo and the Sampaguita Gardens Resort with its Precious Moments doll house in New Washington, Aklan.

I was a bit disappointed though that we were not able to visit Boracay. Banga is just a couple of hours away. So near yet so far. Maybe next time?

Lucban and Sariaya, Quezon

Lucban, Quezon is noted for its Pahiyas Festival (also known as harvest festival) every 15th day of May, a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. All the houses in the poblacion are colorfully decorated with samples of their harvest and the usual kiping decorations made from rice flour. That was our first stop during the summer trip of the CvSU Development Cooperative on May 15-16, 2008. 

Then we proceeded to a beach resort in Sariaya, Quezon for an overnight stay. The sea breeze was so strong that we had to wait the following morning for a swim. However, we felt like being massaged by the strong waves. My son said that we were just surfing. From Sariaya, we dropped by Liliw, Laguna to buy footwear and foodstuff. The stores were so happy with our investments. :)

Catanauan, Quezon

On May 13, our team from STARRDEC visited FITS-Catanauan. From the "Welcome to Bondoc Peninsula" mark, it was a long but smooth ride. If not for the fresh air and greenery, I would have been bored by the loooooong stretch of concrete road. It was almost endless.

We had a courtesy visit to the municipal mayor and after a short visit to an arrowroot farm followed by lunch and shopping for arrowroot cookies, we left the place for our next stop - SLSU in Lucban, Quezon.

Wow for Moms

Odiongan, Romblon

We left Batangas City pier on May 7, at 5 pm aboard a ro-ro vessel bound for Odiongan, Romblon. The sea was calm and upon arrival the following day at 2 am, we proceeded to Romblon State College for the much-needed beauty rest prior to the 1st Joint RTWG and RRDCC Meeting at 9 am. The meeting lasted until almost 4 pm so we had to rush back to the pier to catch the 5-pm trip to Batangas pier. Whew! Sorry, no other sights to see nor even time to shop for marbles and pasalubong.

Heritage Hotel, Pasay

Regional Management Information Service (RMIS) coordinators attend the 4th Knowledge Exchange Conference on Community eCenters at The Heritage Hotel on April 3-4, 2008.

Guimaras

Guimaras... Our side trip while we were Iloilo. From the pier, we dropped by a souvenir shop and bought pasalubongs. I was intrigued with the mango catsup so I grabbed a bottle and bought other foodstuff. The island province is not only famous for its sweet, export-quality mangoes. It is also known for its white sand beaches and coves. On an off-peak month like February, we had the beach all to ourselves. We spent the afternoon on an island hopping tour. 

We dropped by Baras beach resort but we did not stay long so we could cover more islands. Our boat entered a cave on one of the islands. Kind of creepy feeling but it was much more when saw a snake come out of the water and crawled on the rock nearby. It was a totally different kind of feeling when we dropped by the tortoise breeding area and when we held one of the turtles. The last stopover was on an area teeming with corals and fishes. The sky was overcast but we also got to enjoy the underwater experience as we snorkeled.

Iloilo, 2008

We're back in Iloilo City on February 28, 2008, for the three-day Training on Flash Interactive Animation at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. We stayed at Jaro Bellevue Pensionne House. On our first night, we had our dinner at Buto't Balat Restaurant. We were so delighted with our food and much more when we saw the bill. Super busog at a very affordable price!

From the first day of our training, it had been serious but still fun work. After the second day's work, we had a break in a coffee shop near our hostel. I could not remember the name of the place but I very well remember what we ate. There were several cakes to choose from but Noel and I were so challenged with the "Better than Sex" chocolate cake. What's the verdict, Noel? Hmmm... I have been to Iloilo many times and every visit is always full of special memories.

Tagaytay Highlands

There had been invitations and plans to visit Tagaytay Highlands before but these did not materialize. Finally, I and the other faculty members of our department were there on February 8, 2008, for the educational field trip for agricultural engineering students.

It was almost lunchtime when we arrived but our itinerary consisted of a merienda in the clubhouse. We had a super petite halo halo with matching turon!

After the "bitin" meal, we were briefed on the irrigation and wastewater facilities. The highlights of our visit were the cable car ride to the gardens and off to the sewage treatment plant and the 48-passenger-capacity funicular ride to the golf course in the Midlands. The rides gave us a panoramic view of Taal and the vicinity. Along the way, we saw the log cabins of the rich and famous.