Friday, January 27, 2012

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Explore.Dream.Discover

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 
 Mark Twain

Sunday, January 15, 2012

I Love Cebu



Cebu is close to my heart because it's the hometown of my best friend and kumare, Emilyn Ortiza. And I had the chance to go there twice already. I fell in love with the place, specially the beaches in Bantayan island. It was "wow"....I also love the seafoods...the warm welcome of the people and everything about them.

Today is a special day for the Cebuanos...It's Sinulog Festival!...Viva Sto Nino:))

Thursday, January 12, 2012

My Life-Changing Experiences in 2011

1. Being a Model
I will never forget that moment in March 2011, during our meeting when our principal announced that I'm the winner of eco-friendly model teacher...My first reaction was of course, surprised and very happy. And what excites me the most was the prize...a trip to Palawan...Yes!...dream come true:))
2. A Facilitator
October 18, 2011, an important date to remember. Read the article I wrote here Facing my Fears. This experience changed my life a lot...in gaining self-confidence, and in facing my fears
3.A Leader
I was very surprised by the turn-out of the election of officers last March 2011, it happened at the time of the announcement of my winning as eco-friendly model teacher. I can't believe I was elected as President of Teachers Club. I was extremely opposing this position from the very start. I was asking my colleagues, why me?...and they answered...'we like you to lead us'. And who am I to disappoint these people?...who am I to break their trust on me?...So no choice but to accept it. And with the help of my co-officers, encouragement of the other teachers, little by little I'm doing my job well. I hope I can lead the group well 'til the end of the year.
4.An amateurBlogger
Last October 2011, I started writing blogs...why?...First, it was my first love to write. Since my high school days I write poems. Second, I want to write my thoughts, my dreams, my unforgettable experiences, may it be painful, happy, sad etc...Third, I was inspired by some people whom I've recently met, and a great blogger themselves...they write well and i love their blogs, and of course Ms. Bianca Gonzalez.
5.A Student
Being a student again changed my lifestyle a bit. I hope I can cope up with the stress, the brain-drain feeling, and the busy weekends. Though it was hard, i have to continue this for my own good ....I started last nov '11...and I want to end it up with a blast...Good luck to me:)
*Late Post....

Sunday, January 08, 2012

It's More fun To Travel

Amazing Creations (Trip to Bohol)
My trip to Bohol is truly amazing and a memorable one. I was able to conquer one of the country’s best places, Chocolate Hills. I was mesmerized and enchanted by its beauty. All I can say is ‘wow’….is this real?....Am I really here? 
When I was still starting in my teaching profession, I was assigned to handle HEKASI subject. I teach the historical and beautiful places of the country. I just describe them through pictures. Now I can really say I’ve been there…that it is more than amazing, and a magical place.
 I am proud of this country, not just because of its warm people, but also the place itself., the beauty of nature reflects to the people living in it.
I really love this amazing creation, It was truly God’s gift to us.

Hilotongan Island, Bantayan, Cebu
Summer 2010, when I had my first footstep to Hilotongan Island in Bantayan, Cebu. It was where my best friend, Emilyn  was born and raised.  It was very far from the city proper. We took a lot of vehicles before we arrive at the place…a very long bus ride from Cebu city to the port… sail in a ro-ro boat  to Bantayan  Island…then we rode in a tricycle to pantalanand from pantalan  we took a pump boat (a small boat), and finally got there in Hilotongan. It is a small island that is part of Bantayan province.  The travel took us less than a day to finally  got there.  It was a long, tiring but an enjoyable trip.
The island was just small but it was beautiful and scenic. I got a warm welcome from the people there. Their life were very simple. I got a chance to be with them for almost a month. And for a person like me who’s not used to live in an island, it was a different and  life-changing experience for me.  
I’m so happy I’ve experienced the life in that place. I will never forget the pump boat-balsa-banca rides, the sunset sight seeing, the yummy sea foods, the smiles and friendliness of the people, our everyday swimming, the picnic in buhian,..and a lot more. All we’re new experiences for me. And those gave me lessons in life and realized that the true happiness is right there in your home, with your family.
 Bantayan Island is...WOW!...that's the perfect description. The beach itself says it all. You will surely love this place, and will never get tired of going back and forth. 
Santa Fe beaches are so beautiful....the fine and white sands, clean and clear water, scenic views and a lot more, plus the warm welcome of the cebuanos. 

My first visit to Cebu was one weekend of Sept., 2009 with my friend Emilyn and godson, Mykel. In just three days, we visited the historical places there. The famous Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino Church, Lapu-Lapu and Mactan Shrine, cebu Cathedral and Taoist Temple. I'm so happy I got the chance to go to this lovely place..."THE QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH"

 I will never get tired of going back and forth to this very lovely place. In my three times of visiting the summer capital, I was really felt relaxed. 

 
It was one of our unexpected gala with friends, Joey and Maricris.  We headed to Tanay and Antipolo, Rizal to see the beauty of Daranak Falls and Hinulugang Taktak.  We were mesmerized  by their beauty.  We felt relaxed, rested and happy just looking at these magical views.
It was a tiring one day merry-go-round trip, but an enjoyable  one. What’s next guys?...
This is one of my unforgettable adventures in life. I never thought I will do this rappelling thing… the mountain climbing…going inside different caves…crossing hanging bridge, etc…. It was indeed a different adventure. Though I love nature,  yet I’m so afraid of heights and this was so difficult for me.  Thanks God I’ve done all these with the help of the team.
Climbing Mt. Banahaw is a fulfilling one. Do the rappelling is  more than exciting .Thanks for the experience LAKBAY KALIKASAN TEAM!

One holiday of August  2010, my friend, Joey and I were able to bond in just strolling around the metro.  It was like a game pagud-paguran’…because of non-stop walking around the vicinity of Manila…whew!...We started off to children’s playground…passed by at  Orchidarium,  National museum, Dept. of Tourism…then to Luneta Park…then to Intramuros…lastly to Q. C. Circle. It was a tiring one  (no joke),  but a happy  and enjoyable gala with no gastos at all.
So why go to far places?, when actually there are beautiful places just around the metro!

A Place called HOME

I'm always proud to be from Bicol Region, though I'm away from home half my life due to my work...but when I got the chance to go home, I make it a point to give time to my family, and go around the place to reminisce...Last week I went home. I spent New Year with them. I can't imagine the happiness my mother felt when me and my sister decided to to be with her to celebrate new year. 

New Year 2012 was unforgettable...it was like a reunion for us, though three of our siblings were not there, and of course our father...still we're happy, of course with the presence of my makukulit nieces and nephews...the food we prepared...the non-stop bonding and laughter...the strolling around our barrio...etc. And I thank God I got the chance to be home during the holiday season. No one or nothing can beat the happiness we felt in that particular moment. Thank you Lord for the chance:))
The family I love the most. They're my inspiration specially my mother.
 
What a beautiful green rice fields! Farming is the main source of living of the people here in our barrio..I used to harvest palay in my teenage years (just reminiscing...)
 

 And I love Pili nuts. It is one of our famous tree/fruit here in Bicol Region. It can be made into candy, pili tart,  flavors to any food, toppings...etc.

Everywhere you go here in Bicol, you can see coconuts. We have lots of these that's why we are famous of cooking ginataang ulam.

 Anahaw, the Pamabansang Dahon...

 Our town Parish church, St Michael Arcanghel













Wednesday, January 04, 2012

A Time for New Beginnings

Time for New Beginnings. . . . . . . . . . . 
Taylor Addison, Blue Mountain Arts, 1989

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,

Remember each experience for the good that has come of it
    and for the knowledge you have gained.


Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.

Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.

Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.

Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings
    and the celebration of life."

I am the New Year

I Am the New Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bible Illustrator


I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have  learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with  more determination. 

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."