Hopeful and Thankful

The Pens of Hope Project in Cagayan de Oro started with a boxful of pens, pencils and other school supplies from Frtizie Figuera of Yokohama City, Japan. It sat under my cubicle for almost a year waiting for just the perfect moment. It was supposed to go to Kikit and Pens of Hop in Davao but with her encouragement and the spirit's prodding, I decided to start the project in my city.

The first distribution was a pleasant surprise and very heartwarming. I met a Swiss missionary in Baungon, Bukidnon who shared his experience of putting up a preschool in the Basurahan or Landfill in the city. Right there and then I knew they would be the perfect place to start POH in CDO. I rounded up some of my former high school student leaders who were generous enough to spend their time and resources to give out the supplies to the preschool kids of Philippine Island Kids Learning Center. What never fails to amaze me about giving is that after the experience I always feel like I was the one who received more than I ever gave. We went through classes giving sweet kids their set of pens and pencils and snacks. It was admirable how well behaved they all are. I can tell that the volunteers did an amazing job with teaching them. In the end, the high school kids showcased their talents. It was another revelation to me how gifted kids can be as they sang and danced with passion. Every move and every word that came out is  full of hope and dreams for the future. I was really glad to have been there to witness it. I looked at my former students who have also chosen to serve and hoped that they see the same thing and that they will continue to live a life of generosity.

Jeda Suyao and Jyle Pielago with the kids of Philippine Island Kids Learning Center

The fruits of the first distribution was plentiful enough to influence more people to do so much more for the kids of CDO. As more donations came pouring in from Xavier University High School and her alumni, I remembered one of the areas that have made a huge impact in my formation and my work as Immersion Coordinator. The tiny village of Leropan in Brgy Pagalungan was very remote and can only be reached by habal habal. Hundreds of XUHS students have spent their weekends here learning and experiencing rural life. The generosity of the people have taught me that no one is too poor not to give somethiing. Together with my Awesome class of 3 Owen and some Bobola students, we spent a day sorting donations from the Math Department and Paper Station Store. We packed 80 kits and then hired a jeepney to bring us to Leropan. It was a very humid day when we went around houses and gave out the kits to the kids. Of course they did not know we were coming but the pleasant surprise and shy smiles on their tiny faces made all the effort worthwhile. It was a tiny thing to do compared to what their lives had taught us over the years. 

This little boy was playing with his friends on the street when he received a surprise from POH.

Awesome Owen and Bobola volunteers braving the searing heat of the sun

The previous distribution experiences have taught me a lot about how to do this project. As a teacher, the formative aspect of every activity is very important so as not to lose sight of the real meaning and purpose of why we do what we do. The Third Distribution was a response to our own public schools whose teachers had to use their personal money to buy the most basic learning materials for the pupils. Cathy Lozano's sister was one of those who always had to salvage used teaching materials from Cathy that her students can use. She told us of how she had to cut pencils in two so that more students could use it. For years, Cathy had also been sharing to me how her sister would be ecstatic over scrap paper from XUHS that her pupils can use to write on. Drawing on the generosity of LAWIG, former CLC's like Tiulay Abamonga in Canada and Sit Nitz of XUHS, we set out to prepare kits for 80 pupils. It was an outreach that filled us with loads of happiness. We started out with some fun getting to know you activities while some parents looked on. The kids were very excited and participated very actively with Cathy. Their eyes sparkled with joy when they received their set of school materials and it was heart warming how they clenched the pencils and carried the envelopes close to their hearts. What we gave will never be enough but then that is how generosity thrives. This time, the kids expressed their gratefulness and Ma'am Mildred's smile conveyed her happiness that at least for the rest of the school year her pupils didn't have to worry about what to write on. 

their smiles say it all

Ma'am Mildred and Cathy introducing POH

My belief in every person's capacity for selfless giving was reinforced when LAWIG once again decided to do an alternative Christmas Party. It was a suggestion from Davao friends Alwin and Roj. Cagayan de Oro has been bravely struggling to rise after the devastation Sendong caused. The group decided to do something for the children of Puntod, Balulang. Thus, the Grasya sa Pasko project was born in coordination with Pens of Hope in CDO. Balulang was one of those areas where floodwaters did serious damage to property and took away lives. Puntod is an island right in the middle of the river and during the flood it got completely submerged. The goal of our activity then was to help the children focus on the graces they want to receive this Christmas, a year after Sendong. Although the turnout of kids were not as many as we expected, their was still enough of them to fill the area under the great lumboy tree with happiness and laughter. Games were played, art work and group sharing were facilitated and at the end of it all, the Grace of Christmas drawings were wrapped around the Lumboy tree. A beautiful symbolism of hope rising up towards the heavens. 

winding the grace of christmas drawings up the lumboy tree

The activity was also an amazing unifying force as several groups came together to make the activity meaningful. It was a reunion of sorts for CLC's from Lawig and Tunob who had not been together since college 15 years ago. XUHS students, XU SOE English Interns with Sir Nitz Librando, Jr. Donors from all over the world sent their generous contributions and Ms. Gigi Go of The Rotary Club helped a lot in providing the kids with a delicious snack.

the grace behind it all

The event was truly meaningful. We only hope that the pens and pencils we have shared with the kids of CDO have written relevant stories and that the kids have somehow seen hope amidst the hardships. We are strangers putting our money, our time and our lives to other strangers. But somehow, in the hours it took to be with these kids, they have somehow become our children and our brothers and sisters. The joy that is evident in the twinkle in their eyes, the silly grin, and the shy Thank You's grab at your heart. And I say, I find meaning in dong this, in seeing this, in bleeding for this. Love is indeed shown in deeds as St. Ignatius once wrote. It is not merely a feeling, a good thought or even a grand intention. The months that Pens of Hope had spent in Cagayan de Oro was truly wonderful. It brought out the generosity of people and the kids. We will continue writing little scribbles of hope.

Thank you so much to all those who have been very generous in giving their time, money and prayers to Pens of Hope in CDO.

writing begins tonight

Being cooped up in a 10x15 foot apartment when one is recovering from a major operation can be quite challenging. What can one do in two months of necessary break from a 12 year habit? Before the surgery I listed my options:

1. Design the menu for Pacifico Huts

2. Reviving my never started Odesk online career

3. Resurrect my blog

4. Make card templates

5. Play chuzzle for two months

6. Stalk everyone on Facebook

From the list, the blogging idea seems more attractive. Why not? This blog has been sleeping for almost two years and I need to vent out some emotions that a Facebook status update just cant cure. So I opened blogger which this computer does not even recognize as a favorite and got blasted with a new blogger look. It invited me to "explore" and I was little bit insecure about doing this again. Years ago I taught myself html so I can tweak my blog the way I like it. I remember how time consuming it was and I cringed at the thought of having to do it again. First on the blog resurrection to do list is to change the template. Gisele's template is still cute and the green looks happy and elegant. But I am 35 years old and I cant get away with cute drawings anymore. So I searched for something 35ish and found a notebook/diary design which looked more mature and classy. Then I have to decide to delete some widgets,mementos of the blog hopping craze and the race to gain more traffic and maybe earn some on the side. I decided I'm terrible at it and I do not like the pressure of writing to please people. This blog will remain to be a collection of thoughts,a keepsake of memories and events and a record of emotions and dreams. 

With this awkward attempt at writing again, I now begin my stories...

all about EVE

grandpa dude heralding your arrival

Dear Eve,

We have been waiting for you ever since your mom told us you are on the way. It is our heart's fondest desire to see you and hug you. Your grandpa dude is especially happy to hear about your arrival from your dad. He has been waiting impatiently for months and now feels that he has been born again through you.

I know that you will be a wonderful person coz of the parents that you have. I pray that you will love life in all its awesome beauty and even in its tragedy. You are a child whose coming has made a lot of people very happy. Never forget that.

We will be waiting for you to come visit our tiny island. We will bring you to different places and let you meet interesting people. We will teach you to eat rice and say, "Maayong buntag!". We will let you swim in crystal clear warm waters, eat fresh buko, play with butterflies and make friends.

Thank you for coming into this world. Even without having seen you yet, I know that you have made it a million times more beautiful.

Love and kisses,

Shal

blue sky, blue ocean, blue boat and a baby boy

Let me tell you this amazing story on our recent trip to Siargao Island. Our 3 day recollection-outing ended on Saturday, April the 24th. We took the first trip out of the island since we wanted to do some shopping in Surigao. Charlie had difficulty with the seats so we opted to stay outside the fastcraft. But I still saved two seats inside the boat just in case the coast guard wanted us inside. The seat I saved was right in front of the engine room coz it had the largest leg room. We arrived early so there was plenty of time to waste. While waiting, we sat on two plastic chairs watching people come in. Then there was a flurry of activity and an elderly woman got in the boat with the intention of getting our seats. I told her it was reserved. But when I looked up I saw a very pregnant woman in a hospital gown and another man holding her dextrose. I took my bags from the seat shamefaced and offered the seat.

that's the kind of boat we were in

I once thought that these things only happen in the movies. That of women giving birth inside a taxi or car and on a plane. Who has heard of a woman giving birth on a small boat?

I watched with disbelief as she ducked to enter the boat. But before she did, her face was contorted as a contraction hit her. She then sat down and for a while everything seemed ok. Thirty minutes into the trip, I noticed a commotion below and saw that the woman was now lying on top of the engine room on a mat. The nurse or midwife was between her legs and a blanket was around her small body covering the woman's lower body. Her contractions had become more frequent and her face was always contorted in pain. Surprisingly, she never screamed.

The people on board respectfully gave them distance and was careful not to stare. But interestingly, the men seemed more affected than the women. I have to tell you that where I was seated, I had the best view of everything that was happening. If I turned my head to the left and looked down, I can see everything. So the men crisscrossing the boat always asked me, "Nanganak na?" They seemed pretty nervous about it. I saw three women assisting the midwife. I dont know why but they kept shaking the woman's belly.

And then an awful smell came out from below. I saw one of the assistant's eye tear up and she ducked her head outside and puked. I didn't understand why at first coz I didn't smell it until later. The wind was blowing right on my face so I was not so affected. But people started going out of their seats and puking. I then realized that the woman must have pooped (excuse the word).

After a few minutes, I heard the women shouting "Tuyod! Tuyod!" (Push!Push!) over and over again. I was so scared for the woman that I texted my co-teachers up front to pray. Then Charlie tapped my shoulder and said, "Look, Shals!". I then saw the baby come out wriggling and the women exclaiming, "Nay, layake! (Hey, its a boy!)" I was just so amazed by the whole experience I couldn't stop smiling! They placed the baby on top of his mother and wiped him clean. Then the midwife began cleaning up the mother. Another woman took charge of the baby. I looked at the mother. She looked so exhausted and looked like she was asleep. After they put clothes on the baby, they placed him in her arms. She instinctively opened her eyes, looked at him and snuggled him close to her.

I guess everyone on board sighed in relief. I wanted to take pictures but Charlie forbid me. So I took a picture instead of the blue gallon in front of me. Haha! After that, its as if nothing happened. When we arrived in Surigao, an ambulance was already waiting. Later, my co-teachers said that they never knew there was a woman giving birth until they smelled the stench and got my message.

the blue gallon in front of me right after the baby was born

I just felt awed by the whole experience. I couldn't forgot the sight of the baby looking so pale with the umbilical cord still linking him to the mother. He looked so beautiful. I still regret not taking a picture especially when they told me another passenger took a video of the whole thing.

in search of a home

Moving is a logistical nightmare. Finding a place to move to is a pain in the butt.But as the traffic and garbage situation in CDO worsen every year, the more we feel the urgency of moving and getting out of the pollution and the desperate aura of many of the people who do not care about you as long as they get your money.

Since last year, we have been in search of the true Filipino island community. We thought we would find it in Siargao Island but the place was too humid and not enough opportunity for income as the number of visitors are not as many as we thought it would be. The people are great but they charge too much for land.

We liked this Magpupungko beachfront lot

Then we went to Davao and explored the Island Garden City of Samal. We liked it but in retrospect it was just too far from my family and only way I could work was to sail to the mainland everyday.

Wondering where the water in the pool came from at Samal

It was a very frustrating task to search for a home island. We had to rely on the internet and opinions from expats and other people. Fortunately, Charlie liked to explore and read and study. From all these, we thought that the most likely island good enough for a home is Bohol.

We didn't know anyone in Bohol. I have been there twice. Both times as a tourist. The first time I've been there, I loved it. It was quiet and reminiscent of Surigao. The people were helpful and the scenery breathtaking. The second time I went, it was hell. It was already hyped up as a tourist destination and the roads were being repaired. I felt that I went there just to ride a bus the whole day choking on dust. So I had an ambivalent feeling about Bohol. Part of me liked it, the other part hates it.

And so it was with a certain skepticism that I agreed to go to Bohol. I was apprehensive of the 2 weeks we have set aside just to explore the island. It was no vacation. It was a serious search for a home. Charlie was all excited and couldn't talk about anything else for months. He had all the places figured out, bought all the maps, wrote down the names of all the people to talk to, and reserved lodging.

When we arrived we were able to rent an Honda XRM for php350 a day. We stayed in Panglao Island for two days in a resort called Bohol Divers Club. It was a tiring 45 minute ride from Tagbilaran with all our luggage piled up in a tiny motorcyle. But the place was cool because it has complete amenities and we didn't have to pay much for it. We didn't like Panglao though. It was much too crowded with all the foreigners everywhere you look and it just seemed too far away to commute everyday to Tagbilaran.

Alona Beach at sunrise

After two days of exploration, we packed our bags and checked in at Nisa Traveller's Inn at Tagbilaran City. Here we got the greatest deal for our money. For php450 a day for two, we get free breakfast. Since the inn has been in existence for almost 50 years, they have everything figured out from room slippers to hooks in the bathroom. I've seen plenty resorts and inns that forget the little details. Not Nisa! The place was also very homey with those old molave floors and general antique feeling. You feel like you're staying with your grandmother all over again!

From there, we began to make explorations of the island. We went around the city and even ended up in a landfill. We explored every nook and cranny then headed north to Corela at the Tarsier Sanctuary.

goofy boo

The next day, we went to Loboc. There was a lot going on in that place. The floating restaurants were very busy and many tour buses came and went. We went to eat at the Buzz Cafe owned by the Bohol Bee Farm. The noodle I ate was yummy.

seafood noodle at bohol bee farm buff cafe

Then we checked out available accommodations. There was a traveller's inn right in town called Digal's but the whole place was painted bright orange and the rooms were too small.

Then we checked out the Hilltop Place and Nuts Huts. Nuts Huts is this cool place owned by a Belgian. First of all, you have to be nuts to stay there. From the high way, the place is about a kilometer away on very, very bad road. Then when you arrive you had to go down more than a hundred steps to get to the reception area and another hundred to get to the huts beside the river. But surprisingly, all the rooms/huts were almost booked. I saw only foreigners there. I then understood that the place provided them with privacy and a very rural feel. It was certainly for backpackers and those who prefer silence and solitude. I saw people there just lying on hammocks and reading books. We stayed there for a couple of hours and Charlie took a dip in the river with an English biker. Floating restaurants came by and my husband certainly enjoyed the attention.It would have been cool to stay there but with our purpose for going to Bohol, it wasn't a good place.

going down the steps to Nuts Huts

coconut foot massage

The next day, we packed our bags again and drove off to Loboc and stayed at the Hilltop Place. Charlie managed to get a fan room for two at only php500. Nobody else was staying there. All the foreigners preferred Nuts Huts.

On our way there, we passed by a side store selling fresh buko and got into talking with the owner, Manong Ondoy. Upon knowing we are in search for land, he launched into a summary of all the possible lands for sale and got us into contact with his cousin who owns a hectare beside the river. So we met up with the cousin but the property turned out to be half nipa half hillside.

But at that point, we have already decided that we like Loboc and will try to get a riverside property as much as we can. Being clear on that and with a willing local who wants to help, we set about looking at all the properties alongside the Loboc River. The next days after that was all about finding the perfect place. It was hard. Many of the properties have several owners. Fortunately, we had another help from Manong Ondoy's friend Manong Joven. He was the manager of the Loay floating restaurant and a very funny guy. He presented himself as a negotiator and said that he will talk to the families who own the land we like.

bantering with ondoy and joven

So we waited and at the meantime decided to explore more of Bohol. We rode to Bilar, Dimiao, up to Valencia. We dipped into the cool waters of Badiang Spring, got soaked in the rain, and generally had a great time on the road. It was blistering hot one time and then cool the next.

badiang spring

We also explored the hills around Loboc. We were intrigues by a giant white cross on top of a hill and our curiosity was piqued enough that we rode uphill to try and find it. We got on top just when the sun was setting. Perfect for jump shots!

taking off on top of loboc

Finally, somebody told us about a property for sale in Brgy Valladolid. The man swore that it was the place we were looking for. A bit skeptical, we went and looked at it. He was right. It was a pretty special place. It was right beside the river, with good wind, lots of coconuts and best of all, amazing people. Charlie said he has never encountered such friendliness in one place. Even a jaded Filipina like me saw the utter sincerity and simplicity of the people. It's like going to an immersion place. It definitely gives me the same feeling.

that's the property we want

But like all things in the Philippines, things are not what they seem. Yeah the property was for sale and it was in a great location but the layout was wrong. It was very narrow and not big enough for what we want. So we had to find out who the owner of the lot beside it was. That lot has hundreds of mahogany trees planted in it. So someone has to negotiate with that owner if he is willing to sell the land with the mahogany. We didn't want to get our hopes up too high but we felt that we have found the place we were looking for. We just sat there for hours talking to the people who all came out to look at the Amerikano. Another plus is that the same place we want to buy is the spot where Cesar Montano shot the movie Panaghoy sa Suba. It was that special. It was also heartwarming to know that the people there said they wanted us to be their neighbor. Sweetness.

glad they are happy

We spent hours walking through the property, pondering, imagining, dreaming. We looked at the land title and the vicinity map, talked to the caretakers, took a boat ride to look at the property from the river, we did all sorts of things just to make sure. But in the end, we had to wait for the decision of the owners.

So now we are back in Cagayan de Oro and the moment we landed a hustler wanted us to take a taxi for php150 from the pier to carmen. Everybody knows it doesn't cost php150 for that short ride. That's the thing I hate about CDO. People have become opportunistic. A far cry from what it was 15 years ago when it was called the City of Golden Friendship. Now they called it A City in Bloom. Pretty soon it might become a City of Doom if these problems are not addressed.

So that was our search. It took days and days and days jsut to figure out where we want to live. And now it's gonna take months and months to know if we could buy that land. Then months and months to build a house and create income. I pray that it will all be worth it.

Just coz it's saturday

There's so much that happened during our Bohol adventure that I am the moment at a loss for words. Plus I have 500 pictures to upload and my brain has gone dead as well as my hands. At the same time, I missed blogging a little. My entrecard points also went down so its disheartening. But thank God for memes! I got a kick out of this. Hope I can gather my thoughts tomorrow for a post about our Bohol adventures.

Saturday 9: Kicks (Keep Getting Harder to Find)

1. As you get older, do you find that kicks are harder to find?

Not at all. Because I am Filipina and married to an American artist, lots of kicks are created everyday. Haha!

2. Who is your favorite relative and why?

My cousin Ainee coz I took care of her when she was still young and sacrificed many, many, many social encounters with my peers coz I had to babysit her.

3. Who is the most important person in your life?

My husband, Charlie.

4. Name one thing you used to do that you are not proud of.

Bitching about my salary.

5. Tell us about the furthest you've ever been from what you consider "home".

When I volunteered for two years and took a lot of risks in a place where I knew nobody. But it turned out to be the best, life-changing experience of my life. It is where I found my truest friends.

6. Who would you want to be locked in a room with for 24 hours?

My husband not included? Probably George Clooney. Hahahha!

7. What are you doing this weekend?

Just staying home. I got travel overdose. I need to stay still for at least two days more before I travel again to Siargao.

8. Other than your own, whose car were you in last?

The jeepney driver's. I went to SM to buy food.

9. Tell us about the last compliment that you've received.

"You're very beautiful, Shals." - my husband

Join us here!

Wordless Wednesday: I Heart You

TCP: Ben-Hur

Yay! My first time to join Kikamz Tuesday Couch Potatoes! I'm not so much into movies but ever since I married Charlie it's movies every weekend. He's the real couch potato! I'm happy K got home just in time to host TCP this week since I'm leaving tomorrow and won't be online for two weeks. So I'm gonna miss lots of memes.

My TCP entry for Easter is Ben-Hur. There are a few movies I remember in my childhood and this one is of them. This movie made such an impact on me that I could still remember the white cloth my papa placed on our sala and how he projected the movie to it so it looks like a real big screen. The whole compound would then be invited and benches would be lined up in our living room and lights dimmed. This usually happened during Good Friday.

I love Ben-Hur. It doesn't matter if I saw it every year when I was a child. It was part of my childhood together with Star Wars, Sheena and The 1o Commandments. Ben-Hur stars Charlton Heston (which my husband incidentally hates). It was filmed in 1959 and is a story about Judah Ben-Hur who was found guilty of attempted murder he did not commit. He was banished and made into a slave. Later on he escaped, became a horse trainer and vowed to exact revenge on his former bestfriend Messala who once accused him. The epic chariot race between them was very riveting. I remember watching in awe as a child and cheering for Ben-Hur. Yet in the end, Ben-Hur decided to forsake revenge to embrace the cross of Christ. In this he found redemption.

Thank you Ka for hosting! I'm off to Bohol starting tomorrow and won't be back until next, next week.

Siargao Summer Barkadahan Rates

Siargao Summer Barkadahan 2009

Here it is guys! The ultimate Siargao Summer Barkadahan Tours package rate for Summer 2010!

Every summer, we help organize tours for barkada's and groups who want to do something different and exciting on a very reasonable rate. The goal is to get as many people as we can to explore the Philippines and get to love our islands and our people. We choose Siargao because it is the perfect summer destination away from the typical touristy beaches. In Siargao, you can be yourself. You can have a lot of fun for very little money. The people do not rip you off and there is a great deal of variety in the spots you get to go to.

As of now, we only cater to barkada's or groups coming from Cagayan de Oro. When you take our tour, you have no other worries but to have loads of fun in the sun!

Siargao 2 Nights/2 Days @ Satur-Honor Beach Resort
Php 3,350 each good for 12 pax

Inclusions:
Abas Van CDO-Surigao and Vice Versa
Fastcraft Surigao-Dapa Port
Van Pick-up from Dapa-General Luna and Vice Versa
2 Nights Resort Accommodation
3 Island Hop (Naked, Daku, Guyam) with snorkeling stop in Daku
Magpupungko Tour with choice of van or habal-habal
Cloud Nine,GL Town, Souvenir Shops

Free Breakfast

If you choose to have your own van or transport from CDO to Siargao, the rate is only Php 1,700.00 each and you get

Van Pick-up from Dapa-General Luna and Vice Versa
2 Nights Resort Accommodation
3 Island Hop (Naked, Daku, Guyam) with snorkeling stop in Daku
Magpupungko Tour with choice of van or habal-habal
Cloud Nine,GL Town, Souvenir Shops

Free Breakfast

If you're interested and very interested, you can send your inquiries to me at shalz2021@gmail.com or text me at 0916-4815214.

Sunday Stealing:The 35 Questions X2 Meme: Part 2

Welcome to Sunday Stealing! Since it's my first time to join this meme, you'll notice that the numbers start with 36. I can't go back to Part I. Just because. It's a kind of gloomy sunday morning here. I just finished preparing breakfast for Charlie and he's now with his butterflies so I better grab the chance to meme before he comes back and have breakfast.

36. If you suddenly became single or are single, do you think you could last in a relationship for 12 months or more?
That's an interesting question. I think it would depend on who you're having a relationship with. I'm the kind of person who stays committed. Once I say yes, its yes through thick and thin.

37. Do you forgive or forget?
Depends on the gravity of the offense. Hahaha!

38. Do you trust people?
Most of the time. I'm quite naive when it comes to people. I tend to think the best of them first.

39. What are you not looking forward to?
Going to PRC and getting my teaching license renewed. Ugh. I hate long lines!

40. Do you get mad easily?
Not at all. I'm very tolerant. And I dont really get mad. I get even. Ask my husband. Hahaha!

41. Tell us about the last time you were told you that you have pretty eyes.
I remember this! That must be 10 years ago when one of my students said that.

42. Do you have strange dreams?
Yeah especially when I ate something bad and unhealthy. It gives me bad, weird dreams.

43. Ever licked someone's cheek or forehead?
That's not a good place to lick. Why?

44. Tell us about the last time you fell asleep in someones arms.
Last night. Duh!

45. When did you last play a game?
Yesterday with my lab Hershey. It's called fetch. hahaha!

46. What do you have on you at all times?
My clothes. :)

47. Do you go out in public without getting all dressed up?
Sure. When I go out to buy bananas and mangoes in the market.

48. Do you like fruity or minty gum?
Im a minty person so mint!

49. Favourite musician or group?
I'm quite old fashioned so I like folk and country songs and some pop rock from the Beatles to James Taylor to Apo Hiking Society.

50. Do you like anyone?
My husband. I adore him to pieces.

51. Favourite computer game?
Solomon's Key. Does anyone have that game still? But these days I'm playing Bounce Out Blitz. Silly really. hehe.

52. First album you ever went and bought with your own money?
Oasis. Forgot the album title.

53. Think back five months ago, were you single?
Nope. Very much married.

54. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
Oh yeah! On our first wedding anniversary we ate out and watched a movie. Invictus.

55. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Not really. Unless they need something from me. Hahha!

56. Last thing you bought?
Soda. Sshhh.

57. Are you a jealous person?
Not very much.

58. Does it take a lot to make you cry?
Nope. Acts of heroism make me cry.

59. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Lots and lots! I find that I can talk to the opposite sex more comfortably than with the same sex.

60. Have you ever had your heart-broken?
Oh yeah. Who doesn't?

61. Have you ever done something while drunk that you still cannot believe you did?
Nope. I can't remember being too drunk. I'm a good girl. hehehe

62. Is there anyone you secretly wish you could be spending your time with right now?
Hmmmnnn...nope.

63. Do you text?
Occasionally. For business reasons only.

64. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
More bookings for my Siargao Summer Barkadahan Tours!

65. Is your life anything like it was a year ago?
Pretty much. Less the stress of graduate school. :)

66. Go back one year on your blog. Leave us a link to your favorite post.
http://shalsjedi.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html

67. You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it?
Water. :)

68. Tell us about someone that you have lost contact with someone you wish you didn't.
I dont know. I pretty much have contact with everybody. Thanks to Facebook!

69. What is the last thing you said out loud?
More lettuce? Geez!

70. Will this year be better than last?

I pray so. :)

Saturday 9:Hurts So Good

My computer says it's 9:41 pm already. Although my eyes are already hurting from hours of choosing a good daily meme, I am excited to try and write my first one! Tonight I'm joining Crazy Sam's Saturday:9, Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday.

This is fun!

1. Tell us about the last time you really got hurt.
Just this afternoon while I was washing dishes, one fork jumped off the sink and hit my big toe. It bled like crazy. Fortunately I just finished my First Aid Course so I was cool. Most of the time I just faint at the sight of blood.Haha.

2. What's your oldest possession?
Must be my high school diary. But I still have to find it!

3. Do you have any phobias?
I dont know if it's a phobia but worms gross me out.

4. What values did your parents instill in you?
Sticking up for your principles and standing by your family no matter what.

5. What are your plans for Easter?
Go to the ukay-ukay and find a nice skirt. Plan the itinerary for our Bohol trip. Attend mass.

6. I like sun more than snow.
Never seen snow.

7. Tell us about 3 fads from your teenage years.
Skinny jeans, hair spray, walkie talkie.

8. Tell us what is the most important attribute in a lover.
Sensitivity to the beloved's feelings.

9. What new piece of technology have you resisted buying and what would it take for you to change your mind?

A new laptop would be really awesome. If my husband says go ahead I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

These questions are like consciousness examen in a worldly way. Yay! But it got me reflecting. Can't wait for next Saturday!

Join us at

Blue Monday: Reminiscing Immersion Years

My first Blue Monday post! Visit Smiling Sally for instructions and get to meet other Blue Monday participants.

Narulang Immersion 2000 something with my Blue umbrella

I was wondering where the kids were whom I ordered to come right out of the river. That's what this picture is all about. Fortunately, my blue umbrella hid my face. I'm sure I looked terrible! But I love this picture which Yayam took of me without my knowledge. In a way, this speaks a lot about the years spent in the mountains with my students. I also like the waiting mode of the picture. Plus, this was the picture that attracted my husband to write me in Couchsurfing!

Whenever I see this pic, it brings a lot of fond memories of star-studded skies, walking in the rain at night, eating dinner in the dark, taking a bath under the moonlight, hiking up hills, scolding students, endless talks with farmers and housewives, buko, banig, sulo, endless teasing, bloopers and accidents, habal-habal, fresh air, dishwashing, waking up early to cook and photoshoot!

I actually lost three umbrellas during the immersion days. Brown, Blue, and Red. I have no picture of my brown one. But I have this and the red one. Almost the same pose but for different reasons.

Join Blue Monday!

A Birdie Says Giveaway!

I was thinking about changing my blog template and so dropped by my favorite designer Gisele Jaquenod for new freebie blog templates. Since there aren't any new ones for now, I decided to surf her site and discovered this cool contest! Gisele is giving away a set of New Birdie Says stackable mugs! Wowoweee!!

Just check this one out! Aren't the mugs cute as can be? If I win these cuties, I'm gonna take very good care of them. I'll give one to Charlie, one for me, and the other two I'd save for the babies. Hahaha!

The contest requirements are very simple. You can find it here. Also, check out Gisele's other cool stuff in her site.

Good luck to me! Hope my luck stays with me all through out the year! :)

spicy tuna cheesemelt

I just thought I would share the recipe for Spicy Tuna Cheesemelt that Bro. Jody Magtoto, SJ invented during those times when there's nothing to do in the faculty room and I was hungry. This recipe has been shared to some friends and students who swear by how good it tastes. If you're into spicy food and cheesy food you would love this. Even get addicted to it!

This is how you do it.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil (ordinary cooking oil will do) in a pan. Sautee onions. Add mushroom. I use Jolly's Champignon's Pieces and Stems, 1 small can. Stir until mushroom is soft. Add a cup of chicken broth (Just put a cube of Knorr chicken cubes in a cup of hot water). Bring to a boil. Stir in the cream (250ml Alaska Cream) followed by the the cheese. I use Magnolia Cheesemelt. Cut the cheese into one inch squares for easy melting. When the cheese has melted, add one can of Century Tuna Hot and Spicy. You can add another can depending on how much tuna you want in your sauce. I drain my tuna before I add them. Mix-mix. Then add black pepper, bell peppers and the spring onions. It's up to you how spicy you want it. As for me, I usually put a lot of black pepper and bell peppers.

For the pasta, I've used and experimented on a lot of pasta to blend with the sauce above. So far, the best has been San Remo's Vegeroni Spirals.

There you go! Try it out! Since it's holy week and meat is forbidden you might just like this spicy, cheesy tuna pasta. :)

human nature goodness!

the deonat is not from hhn coz they dont have deodorants in their product line yet

I am very proud of my HumanHeartNature products. They just feel good and right on my skin and hair. I started using them last January when I signed up for dealership. Since then, I have been earning and at the same time feeling good about my self.

These products are proudly 100% organic and 100% Philippine made. As in all of it! Even the containers and packaging. The prices are also very competitive and if you're a dealer you get great discounts that makes it all the more worthwhile.

Personally, I use the Tomato and Lemongrass Facial Wash and Toner followed by the Day or Night Face Moisturizers. I just love the fruity smell and the way they dont feel sticky upon application. You just know they wont clog your pores or irritate your skin. Twice a week I also use the Black Rice Facial Scrub which leaves your face feeling super fresh, young and clean.

On my hair, I use their Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner in Mandarin Scent. Perfect for my long, black hair. It gives shine and a light, clean feeling afterwards.

The Guava and Mango lotion are just awesome though at first you feel like ants would crawl on you coz you just smell sweet. Real mango and guava goodness to the max! But they are so yummy to apply and they don't have that sticky afterward feeling.

There you go! Im blogging this just to share how wonderful organic products make you feel! :)

fly, fly, fly the butterfly

goofing around before releasing the butterflies

One of Charlie's pet projects these days is raising butterflies. He spends millions of hours online talking to butterfly experts, watching videos, studying his butterfly book, and finding the perfect butterfly species for weddings and other occasions. He then built a small butterfly cage and ordered his first set of pupae from Marinduque.

At first, we were doubtful if the pupae that arrived survived the trip. We waited a couple of days and finally from the cocoons began to appear beautiful brown and white butterflies! Pretty soon, there were about two dozen butterflies fluttering in our small cage. We named them all Chacha for Charlie. He fed them with bananas and other fruits. They did not like the artificial juice Charlie made.

Then they began to mate and lay eggs. My husband painstakingly checked them everyday and took out the eggs and set it in another container. And now after days of devoted feeding and marveling, the butterflies are ready to go.

We released them today, Good Friday. Bye, bye, bye dear butterflies! We will wait for your babies to hatch. :)

bye, Didi :(

I am sad. One of my favorite American Idol contestants Didi Benami was eliminated this week. I've always liked her since she auditioned and sang "Hey Jude". I think her voice is very unique and unconventional. And contrary to what the judges said in her last performance, I think she did a soulful rendition of "What Becomes of a Brokenhearted". Well, the American people obviously thought otherwise. I'm sure that if the judges saved her she would have a blast with the John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs next week.

But since she's part of the top ten, people would still see her perform in the AI Summer Tour. So she's really not lost forever. Yey!

meet hershey

I am a certified dog lover. And I especially like Labrador Retrievers. For years, I dreamed of having my own lab to hug forever. Then three or four years ago, Balot made this dream come true. I finally got to have my own lab. She's black, smart and completely adorable. How she got her name? When she arrived from Davao my niece Danny was home and while brainstorming with her she came up with Hershey immediately. It just felt right. As I looked at her squirming in my arms, I just knew she was a hershey.

I bought a little book on how to train labs and I can say it worked pretty well. Labs are well known for their innate need to please and Hershey is no exception. It was real easy to train her. Of course we had a lot of accidents too but I think its because she intended it not because she did not understand. The first thing she learned was how to fetch. As a retriever it was in her nature to retrieve objects and bring it to her owner. Then I taught her to sit, stand, give, stay, kiss, embrace, no, come etc.

Another amazing thing was that Hershey would know when she did something I dont like. She would then look at me with pleading eyes and wag her tail so hard. Then she would attempt to climb up to my arms, no matter what I'm doing.

Recently, she's taken to understanding some words we did not teach her. It was truly amazing. She learned what leash, asa man, Charlie, lola, lolo, Aiza, James meant. If you tell her to go to someone she would know which one you're talking about.

Hershey is also a healer. Whenever anyone in the family is sick, she would stay alongside that person and somehow absorbed all the negativity. When the person got well, then Hershey would become sick. The downside of owning such a special dog though is the expense! There was a time I spent more than 5,000 pesos on pills alone. She had all sorts of sickness and the recurring one was dandruff. But even when she's sick, she never loses her great attitude. She still tries to please. It was heartbreaking to see her suffer through it.

She is also crazy about kids! She just loves kids. Whenever there are kids around she would be so happy and would keep on inviting the kids to play with her. Now that she's big the kids are sometimes scared of her so Hershey is left alone wagging her tail at them.

Dogs are a great source of happiness. I can't imagine not having a dog at home. I am so glad that Charlie is also in love with Hershey. He exercises her everyday and plays with her. He's even taught her new tricks! Sometimes I get jealous coz she follows him more than me now. Maybe coz he's more consistent with his commands while I tend to be soft-hearted and give her a hug right after I scold her. Haha!

Net time, I will also blog about my other dog, Lucas.

sunday at the movies

What's nice about the end of the school year is that I no longer have to be anxious about lessons to prepare for at the start of the week. I can stay up longer and thus stay in bed until late in the morning. I can blog, write notes, play bounce out, and edit photos at my leisure. No worries. No class to prepare for the next day.

Anyway, our little tradition includes going to the movies on Sundays. Today it was Invictus, a movie about Nelson Mandela and the South Africa rugby team. It was very inspiring and touching. It reminded me of our upcoming national elections and how important it is to choose and vote for the right president. Nelson Mandela in that movie embraced South Africa as his family. And just like a loving father, he knows exactly what his countrymen needs and he pursues it even when it did not seem politically correct. I just love how he was able to peacefully work for the unity of his people. The movie is a great lesson on strength in forgiveness, leading by example, and active non-violence where color and creed do not matter in working for the good of the country.

I hope you'll catch it in the cinemas while it's still showing.

refulgent in tenebris

Palunga imong suga.

Bisa'g abi sa imong silingan wala ka nakabayad og kuryente

Bisa'g di nimo makita imong ngipon samtang nanotbrush ka

Sige lang kay mas nakabalo man ka.

Pagnga 'ton im suga.

Bahala na kun di kaw anay makapanhugas nan plato

Bahala na kun jaoy mangawat nan im baligja

Halalam kay nakasabot man kaw.

Isn't it great to have cared?

Di ba tsada ang feeling?

Uman jaoy nawaya?

:)