Km 0

When Lina asked me to visit a former co-worker who is now retired and recovering from an illness, I agreed at once to join her. For convenience, we just met up in a restaurant along Roxas Boulevard. We had a long chat over lunch as if we parted ways for a long time. Then, it's bye time.

After lunch, Lina and I walked to Rizal Park. When was the last I went to this park? I could no longer recall when.  We looked for the Km 0 mark and took pictures even with the fast-moving traffic on the road nearby. It's from this point where distances to any other points in the country are referenced. Quite special, isn't it?

Then we proceeded to the terrain map. It's like having a tour around the Philippines. There's a bridge that will bring you close to all the islands of the archipelago. Amazing! The tour was cut short when it started to rain. Lina and I ran as fast as we could to the bus stop and caught the aircon bus bound for Trece Martires City. What a trip!

Back to NY

It was my fifth time visiting the Big Apple, the "city that never sleeps", but this time was special because I was accompanying Cyd on his first visit to the USA. We had to leave soon after the final examination week so he could maximize his summer vacation (here in PH, springtime there).

For sure, Cyd was so excited to see the place. Gaining weight during this stay was top on his list. What to eat, what to do, where to go to. My sister who lives there was equally excited to have him there, much more with my nephew and niece. Here comes Kuya Cyd!

Easter Cantata

For the first time, our church choir held a cantata on Good Friday. The worship service normally focuses on the last seven words of Jesus but we all agreed and practiced early to have it. The initial plan was to perform it like a play but time ran so fast and we could only sing the parts following the original arrangement and wearing our costumes.

"How Great Thou Art" narrates through songs the life of Jesus from His triumphant entry to Jerusalem (Let Heaven Ring, Hosanna!) to His resurrection (Christ the Lord is Risen Today). It was a big challenge for me because I was assigned to sing the Mary part (When They Pierced Your Side). It's not my forte to sing solo, especially to a big audience but it will always be a privilege to sing for God's glory.

Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee...

25 Years of Service

When I started to teach at CvSU, I never imagined myself staying here for a long time. After I graduated and got my professional license, all I wanted was to get my first work experience. It has been more than 25 years since then. No regrets. And I'm honored to be recognized for my dedicated service to this institution.

Another 25 years?

Coron, Palawan

It was Christmas afternoon when the family arrived in Coron, Palawan. The trip was booked on Independence Day. Thanks to the 12.12 promo of our favorite airline. It was the first time for the kids to fly on a turboprop plane and their anxiety was punctuated after the rough landing at Busuanga Airport.

Coron is a small town, not as urbanized as Puerto Princesa City. It is noted for wreck diving, island hopping, and snorkeling. The owner of the pension house where we stayed was proud to tell us that the town has zero crime rate and it ranks first in the must-see destinations in the country.

Day 2. Stuffed with a home-cooked breakfast of sunny-side-up eggs, fried rice, and yummy lamayo (marinated boneless danggit), we were off to six destinations for our island-hopping escapade. A Brazilian guy and his French girlfriend joined the four of us. The first stop was Kayangan Lake, a brackishwater lake declared the cleanest lake in the country. Why is that so? The natives take care of this part of the island. The next stop was at Twin Peaks Reef where we truly enjoyed the under-the-sea experience. It was the kids' first snorkeling adventure. Then we had lunch at Banol Beach where the sand is powdery white and the waters crystal clear. Oh, I loved the seafood prepared for us. No kamayan as we were with foreign guests. Then we were off to CYC beach then more snorkeling as we reached the portion near the floating house, Balinsasayaw. Finally, we swam under a rock formation to reach the Twin Lagoon. Wow! I was truly amazed to see and experience God's wonderful creations in this part of Palawan.

Day 3. Cyd was not feeling well so he was not able to join us when we climbed the more than 700 steps to the top of Mt. Tapyas. The hike was all worth it as we admired the panoramic view of the town, the sea, and the nearby islands. We trooped to the gazebo downhill on the other side and rested for a while. Going down was a breeze and we managed to hire a trike to Maquinit Hot Springs. They say it's the only saltwater hot spring in the country. The hot water soothed our tired muscles and we were rejuvenated as we left the place.

Day 4. Bobby and I explored the town plaza. We were surprised to see the various Christmas lanterns on display after a competition. Then we visited the bay walk and bought our favorite lamayo and cashew nuts from the public market. After a hearty brunch, we were off to the airport.

Coron, you've got me. I'll see you again. :)