Our Gorgeous AI.11 Bet is Now in the Top 3

Almost every time American Idol Season 11 airs on TV, our family is glued to the show in anticipation to the performance of the Filipino contestant Jessica Sanchez. Her singing talent is amazing. Even the American Idol coach Jimmy believed that she has the best voice among all the candidates. It was shocking when she was almost eliminated, but we expected that the judges would save her with their only one save for the entire season. Indeed, while singing to stay in the contest, the judges even went up the stage to stop her and saved her from leaving the competition. Now, she is at the top 3. We saw the news on TV. The elimination night show will be aired tonight at 6, but several local news channels report in advance the results. In 5 years, there has been no female winner. This time, she is the only one left. The best female singer on AI.11 is undeniably Jessica Sanchez - the last female contestant standing strongly. I hope the Filipino and Mexican communities in the US would vote for her. She deserves to be the winner.

Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips joined her in the top 3. Hollie Cavanagh was eliminated.

Startlingly Simple, Serene Island

One of the many views of Balas-Balas Island

Probably because the place is barely lined with sand, that the folks of Dapitan call it Balas-Balas, suggesting the meagerness of the beach-soil at the sides of the limestone-structured island. A pump boat ride got us there in about fifteen minutes. We enjoyed looking at the edge of the west coast of Dapitan, landscaped with nature-carved  sedimentary rocks and lively green vegetation while on the way to the island. Simple as it is, the island offers a variety of picturesque sights at different angles. Serenity and simplicity make this humble island a venue for a get-together with friends, where you can truly hear what every one would say as there are no loud sounds from appliances. I heard that a number of people would come to the place during the Feast of St. John the Baptist. Last April 28, there were two parties aside from us that went there. 

Nearing the captivating island 

I and Pilar pose in match-in-color summer wear

Jellyfish presence is something not familiar ( to the people in Dapitan, accordingly.) But there were at least three when we were there. One of our friends was stung (by about a couple of inches) by a such a venomous young cnidarian. I was grateful I wasn't though I was swimming a lot there. I think, one has to be really careful and observant enough about the presence of these relatives of Medusa. I did snorkeling and found some sea urchins hiding in the rocks. I spotted some starfish and young corals at the bottom. The water was virtually still while I was swimming. Though not highly rich in biodiversity, the presence of marine life at the nearby seafloor and the coolness and cleanliness of the water are enough to enjoy viewing sea creatures through goggles. Lovely's brother Pagong and Harvey her husband with their son Kenzie, also enjoyed snorkeling, but were not stung by any jellyfish.

I chat with Sweet in the cavern. Pilar took this picture. 

After-lunch moment with Pagong, Me, Pilar and Lovely

Given another time to revisit the island, why not? The beach, though not the usual heavily sanded, offers venues where one can have fun under the summer sun. The rock formations are great backdrops for photo shoots. There are at least two shallow caves, which are evidently formed by chemical weathering on the limestone. Visitors can sit down the caverns while looking at the scenic views from the island. The "edge" extends generously before you get to the deeper area, so swimming is convenient. The beach is also naturally setup having only waves, insects and birds that serenade the stunning island. It's truly a nature trip going to and being in Balas-Balas island. 

Just another view seen from the island

Balas-Balas, simple, but naturally scenic island. 

My second commencement speech

The first graduation message I had was addressed to Marcelo Spinola School 2010 Graduates. This one below was conveyed, well, to my very students and now, co-alumni of WMSU. I somehow realized later, that it had to be a WMSU graduate, who should talk about WMSUans in this modern period. 

WMSU GRADUATES 2012: MOVING TOWARDS THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW CENTURY

I am truly honored having been chosen as your speaker for this memorable commencement exercises. Being an alumnus of Western Mindanao State University, I could say that your graduation from college brings oneness in the sense of achievement with all of us that finished our studies from this university.

Dear graduates, the ones close to you couldn’t be any prouder and more content having seen you wearing your graduation suits, in crimson, the color associated in some biblical passages with richness of knowledge of good. Indeed, you have been enriched by our Alma Mater with the bounty of learning amidst all the real challenges you faced until you come to this very day, when you would probably say, “at last, I made it!” “What a journey it has been.” “Thank you dear God that you have blessed me with the sweetest fruit of success from all the efforts that I took.” You should have realized this time that those actions you took in facing difficulties that seemed to be unsolvable were just possible after all. This is the time to cherish all the triumphs you have gained.  

You finished your studies when there are innovations in education such as UBD, K+12. This is also the time when our national government seriously addresses issues on good governance. Technological advancements are at their peak. Undeniably, along with these developments, your life as students was not that easy. Other than the demands of your mentors and subjects, financial constraints would have been a barrier to finish your course. Personal issues would have weakened your spirits. But look at you now, steadfast and successful. “Congratulations!” You are most deserving of this greeting. You are graduates of the new century.

The new century has brought you graduates of education and computer courses together for a great endeavor that waits ahead. What a powerhouse tandem you make! Just recently, the partnership of the University of the Philippines Open University with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the DOST, through the iSchools project evaluated and validated the so-called Computer-Based Learning Objects. These learning objects are teaching complements which can be used during the conduct of the lesson, remediation, reinforcement, and enrichment with and even without the teacher’s facility. The Alternative Learning System, which is catering learners of all ages enjoys the utilization of digitized learning modules. I have learned that some computer science students ventured on computer-based researches at some of the schools in our province. On the other hand, a number of BSEd students utilized IT in their practice teaching. The BEED students transacted with their research adviser online. With our ESU’s online resource venue, you are so in sync with how studies and researches are done in this modern era.

However, amidst these overwhelming advancements, there is still so much to do. This world is setup dynamically. Innovations are here, there and everywhere and they happen anytime. There are schools that have not been installed with IT. There are still issues in education that have to be addressed, one of the most pressing concerns – the achievement rates of the learners. There are teachers, students and citizens who have yet to get acquainted with the ever-evolving computer programs. In the society, there are still necessities that call out loud for useful inventions. A number of government services have yet to be made more time-efficient and convenient.  The challenges of the new century are indeed big. These challenges highlight the job that you graduates, shall be doing comes your turn as employees of the society. 

But we have a bright future ahead of us. What makes you advantageous among all other graduates of the country is that you are WMSU graduates. This university has geared you with appropriate, relevant courses that shall enable you to confront the present time’s demands. We often hear good remarks about WMSU graduates. The students taking up masters and doctors at the university gain great reputation from the community. Its motto: “La Universidad, para la comunidad”, “the University for the Community,” is an assurance that this university turns out graduates who are highly potential agents of positive transformations in the society. You, who completed your well-earned courses from this institution, are undeniably directed towards facing and answering the challenges of the new century.

But are these challenges of the technologically advanced century confined in computer-based or IT-related concerns? Certainly, you have enough knowledge and skills to keep yourselves attuned to what is trending in the technology now. As graduates of computer science, you can be employed by agencies that require IT-skilled applicants. You are surely adept at dealing software programs and operating systems, and even efficient with working on the hardware components of a computer. And as education graduates, your knowledge on the foundation in education and skills in the utilization of educational technology shall make you good teachers in the field.

Aside from or even more than your knowledge and skills, is your attitude. The way you will move yourselves in this new millennium shall be greatly influenced by your values. Among the louder challenges that ring in this modern world, is the call towards self-transformation. Issues on corruption, poverty, social injustices, crimes, illiteracy and environmental problems continue to exist in this contemporary time. These are real challenges, where you graduates are moving into. Not only has this university called you to address them, but our very own country, the Philippines. You are the shining hope, being a breed of new blood in transforming this country to a more developed state, where there is social justice and prosperity. You shall be the frontline workers in taking care of our environment and in preserving the rich biodiversity of our province. You, computer science graduates shall be inventors of schemes that would allow our government to dispense fast and efficient services to the public. You, teacher-education graduates, shall mold the minds of the young to be competent and self-reliant. All of you, graduates, shall be agents of good governance and nation-building.

Dear graduates, the world out there is indeed challenging. After this graduation, you will get yourselves ready for the exams such as CS eligibility and LET. This is yet another tough mountain to climb. Some of you may endeavor on finding a job. The journey just commences today, and WMSU celebrates this beginning, as it sends you forth not to the world of unemployment, but to the venues of tremendous possibilities. Live by the good values as you make use of your earned knowledge and skills as you take your next steps. Trust in God. Our faith strengthens our spirits and motivates us to do what is right and just. Believe in yourself. Your relentlessly burning confidence shall keep you going and moving towards the fulfillment of your dreams. Once again, congratulations and Godspeed!

-          Darwin Q. Lumosbog

-          April 22, 2012

I was so not lost

Roaming around Manila on my own has never occurred in my thoughts until yesterday. I arrived at NAIA Terminal 2 when all the participants (in the training I am attending now here in Tagaytay) were already in the seminar venue. The organizer called up on me and gave me instruction on how to get to Tagaytay. I took a ride on a shuttle bus, which passes south of the terminal 2. I requested the driver assistant to drop me at the MRT. I paid 12 pesos for the ride. Once there, he signaled me to go down. I did not realize that the buses for Tagaytay were still meters ahead. So I took a brisk walk, dragging my baggage. I asked the dispatcher there where would I take a ride. He was kind enough to point on a bus. And so, I was headed to my destination. The traffic in Manila I used to see on TV happened to me. It took the bus more than three hours to get to Tagaytay. Earlier, I asked the bus conductor to drop me at the "Rotunda", which he did. I paid 60 for the trip. I saw a tricycle and told its driver to bring me to DAPCC. The driver talked a lot about the place. Seeing that I was trying to take a shot of the famous Taal Volcano, he stopped the motorcycle at a vantage point. The picture was really good and I posted it on Facebook. At least 15 people liked it. I finally reached the venue and took my lunch after I checked in.I thought I would find it hard to get to an unfamiliar place. It takes guts to do it. Now, I could be more confident when it comes to situations like this one.

Just for the pics

Friday it was when I was rushing to the pageant venue as I would be the chairman of the Board of Judges for the 2012 Miss WMSU-Ipil. It was already like more than half an hour after the scheduled time before I arrived. As the show commenced, I realized I left my camera. I texted everyone at home but for some reasons, they couldn’t attend to my request. Right after the talent contest, I drove as fast as I could homeward to get the cam. I estimated that I could still be back since there would be two presentations before the next exposure of the candidates. I caught up the last intermission number before the next competition – the swim wear. And so the cam successfully took pictures, which are definitely memorable and as they say, “fruits of a hard labor.”

Ivy Marie Aballe, BSEd II Major in Biological Science was crowned Miss WMSU. She bagged three minor awards namely, best in Production Number, Cocktail Dress and Swim Suit. She was also the Most Photogenic. She will be enjoying full scholarship grant in the next school year. She will be representing WMSU in the 2012 Miss Ipil Pageant.

Joy Marie Sullia, BSEd III, also a Biological Science major, was the first runner up. She was the best in School Uniform and in Gown. The Computer Science candidate, Shiela Mae Deleonio, who was the Best in Talent, showing off her singing prowess was the second runner up.

40 days after my father's peaceful death

Time really runs quickly that it seems just yesterday, we mourned for papang's death. Now it's the 40th day since that night of January 7, 2012, when he left us. There have been times that I cry so hard, having missed my father so badly. I am however consoled by the truth that he is no longer feeling the pains he used to experience while still here.This morning at 10, father Elmer presided a Holy Mass at the tomb of papang. The Parish Council were almost all present. Papang used to work with them when he was still stronger. Some of our neighbors were there too. After the mass, we invited them for lunch at home.

We still continue to pray for papang's eternal repose. We have the strong faith that with our prayers and deeds, we share in his salvation, through the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 32

The melody of this antiphon of psalm 32 was made at past 11 pm on the 11th of this month. This morning, this was sung by Stephanie - a lector/psalmist who just practiced this one for few minutes. She solemnly and beautifully sang the psalm at key of C and I was so glad that this could be rendered that good. Praise be God, who heals us.

Earlier, I sang the Cebuano version of this one. It was during the radio-broadcast 6 am mass. Noli, the CFC choir (who was assigned that morning) guitarist, accompanied me properly despite the fact that we did not practice the psalm beforehand. Before the start of the mass, I left the score on the organ chair, where he always positions his song books.

"Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted."

This Sunday's psalm expresses how God takes care of his people. He heals their sickness, as well as their pains. I sang in the first mass at the Parish Cathedral this beautiful song.

I set the alarm on my phone at 5 am - an hour before the first mass. Although it beeped at 4:45 am, I opted to have the time extended by 10 minutes. I was the one alarmed because I woke up at exactly 6 am. So I pulled out the white polo and put on my pants, undershirt and white polo; and without having my at least my face washed, I rushed to the church, which is around a couple of kilometers away. I got their with the gates closed since at the time, the Angelus was prayed. Once the gate was opened, I hurriedly drove to the side of the church as I heard the commentator saying the introduction. I realized that it was our beloved Bishop Tonel, who would be celebrating the mass. It was around seconds that I approached and reached the organ and I played it for the entrance hymn. "Yes, I made it!" I told myself. I managed to have my self ready for the Responsorial Psalm, and Rodel, the cathedral's sacristan, accompanied me. The mass was on air, via a.m. radio, and it was heard all over the province.

God does not only heal our being brokenhearted but also our life's anxieties. We have the assurance of his comforting presence for as long as we call upon him.

Erika Nessa turns 2

After what our family has been through, we joyfully celebrate today the birthday of the youngest grand daughter of mamang and our departed papang, with feasting and prayer.

A thanks-giving intention was offered during the daily mass this morning. The celebrator was brought by her mother with Joshua and mamang to the St. Joseph Cathedral and heard today's early Eucharist. Toti and Daylin, her mother prepared the food for the dinner, when we would be celebrating as family the birthday of In-in. Mamang led the prayer, with bible readings. In-in excitedly blew her candle, and then the kids and the not-anymore-kids feasted the sumptuous dinner. After the dinner, we proceeded on praying the 10th day of prayer for the souls of our beloved departed.

Moving On

Yesterday at 9 am, we (I, mamang and Daylin) accompanied the prayer group to offer prayers at papang's tomb in Autumn Woods on the last day of Novena for my father's soul. Somewhere at the concluding part, I sang Salve Regina, asking for the intercession of our Lady to lead papang's soul to the Blessed fruit of her womb - Jesus. At night, the Novena was prayed in its completion. Earlier, mamang attended the 6 am mass, where we offered prayer intention for the eternal repose of papang's soul.

It is really now the time to move on and get involved back to our daily routines, having the faith that our beloved departed, now rests in the loving arms of our Creator. However, mortal and helpless as we are, we shall continue to pray for papang's eternal salvation. We shall never put into oblivion the memories we shared, while he's still here on earth. Just this morning, mamang woke up early and she heard the 6 am mass. The kids at home got themselves ready for the school. My sister Daday and I did our usual preparations before reporting to our respective duties. Mamang has started to be once again busy with her coop's concerns. We have seen the people we used to meet, done the works we used to accomplish and walked on the paths we usually pass by. This is the usual life. The only lacking person in the picture is that of papang's. But having him here in our hearts and thoughts, he's really not that far. Yes, we have to move on; move on, not forgetting the love of papang for us, that we owe him a life lived to its fullest. For it is by our good deeds that we become close to God, the God who takes care of papang's soul in His heavenly home.

Papang is finally laid to rest today

At 7 am, fr. Dodong presided the funeral mass for my father. The ceremonies and the liturgy allowed us to express the grief we felt as papang's interment was coming closer. We drew strength from each other, as family, specially that our relatives were around at that time. The Interlude choir filled the celebration with beautiful, memorable hymns. The attendance at papang's funeral mass was unexpected. At past 8 am, we brought our father in his coffin to Autumn Woods Memorial Park in Taway. With the help of some friends, those who mourned with us were ferried to the park with vehicles, which were served for free. Papang's place of burial had been orderly readied before we arrived there. Nonoy lead the burial prayers before the interment. I could hear the mourning of my sisters as papang in his casket, was brought down to the ground. All I could say was to hope that he may have a peaceful journey towards his heavenly home. I stood beside my mamang, as I felt the grace of strength that kept me peaceful. Then the tomb was completely covered. They placed the gravestone with my father's name etched therein. They covered his tomb with the flowers offered at his wake. Mamang, Dyan, Daday and I prayed at papang's grave, where we lighted two candles.

Papang's earthly body now rests in a peaceful place; his soul now reunites with the Father who created him. Our relatives have just left us back to their places. And we at home, take our well-deserved relaxation. A sense of joy now fills me, having seen how we have given our father an honorable, memorable and peaceful interment. May he truly rest peacefully in the arms of his Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ the Lord.

It's the last vigil for papang

(12:46 am)

At 5:30 pm of January 13, father Elmer came and presided a funeral mass for papang. I attended the celebration late since I was the accompanist for the high mass of the Feast of the Black Nazarene here in Ipil. I found that my Dinglasa cousins arrived, as soon as I saw Didi, their eldest. I almost cried when I saw their presence. My father should be so glad that his sister's and brother's children are here to console us.

After the liturgy, the usual novena prayer proceeded. Few minutes later, the CFC served memorial service at papang's last wake. Noli accompanied the group in singing beautiful songs, which papang used to sing when he was still here. Then our family offered our prayer to papang. Diday and Lyn-lyn were the lectors, as I lead the rite. We said our prayers asking for the strength from the Almighty and praying for the eternal repose of our father's soul. Earlier, all of us cousins here present, exchanged joyful thoughts at papang's wake. Had he been alive, our conversations would have been more vibrant. I think this has been the time papang was looking forward to - that we have a family reunion, and it just happened.

Hours from now, papang will be finally laid to rest. At 7 am, a funeral mass will be held at the Parish Cathedral. All I pray this time is that the Good Lord strengthen our family as we will be confronting with the pain of seeing our father left at the memorial park. Later on, we will be moving on with our lives, without him. May the God of peace grant us serenity, which will enable us to realize that finally, papang's pains have come to an end; that this is the very time to experience tranquility, having the thought that our father is at the loving care of his Creator.

Our Relatives Visited; Some have Arrived from Far Distances

Yesterday, our closest relative here in Ipil, auntie Rosmin, with her son and our Querubin relatives in Sta. Clara Naga, visited us. Jonathan, Dyan's husband and their children arrived from Cebu. Earlier this day, from Margusatubig, Neneng, our eldest' wife with AJ their youngest came home. The one and only brother of papang, uncle Henie with his wife auntie Malou came home this afternoon from Lapuyan. Later, all the way from GenSan, Auntie Delsa, mamang's aunt and auntie Nida, my mother's younger sister followed. They were in the same bus with our first cousin Jun-jun, who also arrived this afternoon from Pagadian. Just this time of writing, my first cousins Mac-mac, Mayan and Ukong came home, braving the heavy downpour. We have been informed that more of our relatives will be coming. My sister Daday's mother-in-law is also here.

Their arrival and visits brought consolation to our family. They offered listening ears to the experiences we went through our father's death. The warmth of thoughts, touch and embrace truly consoles us. Traveling entails sacrifice not only of time and money but also of one's health, as it is energy-requiring. But they still come and mourn with us. Life this time is truly difficult but with our family's relatives around, there are reasons to be stronger. Their presence signifies the helping hand of God, which constantly answers all our needs. There is nothing to worry what might come ahead of us for our family is not alone in our grief. As it is written, "the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs." (Ps. 145) Praise be the Lord's name forever. Amen.

Seeing the Coming Days of Deeper Mourning

The tears have dried up since papang's moment of death. Our family has found joy in the consoling condolences, financial assistance and prayers from friends. Everyone has already the strength to smile and laugh a little bit. The fate of our father has somehow sunk into our thoughts.

But now that the days are getting closer to the time, when we shall finally have papang's interment, I start to have these anxious thoughts. How would our family stand through the sorrowful burial rites? How should we easily move on without our beloved father? Whatever happens to mamang, who constantly accompany papang, when he was still here?

Just this morning, my brother-in-law Athan asked me if I could have enough strength to accompany the singing of the choir during the funeral mass. I told him that I used to serve other people; why can't I do that to my own father. I went to the church this afteroon. There, I realized that indeed, it wouldn't be that easy playing the musical instrument while seeing my family mourn inside the church. Sister Au told me that none of their family members participated in the liturgy support and they just heard the mass while mourning. I think I'd be just sitting where my family would be.

I want to pray more intensely and intently. I want to say prayers with my family, that the Good Lord grant us strength to endure the pains of weeping and loneliness. Yes, we have let go of papang already. But the heart simply could not easily bear the thought that papang would not be anymore physically present.

Only God's love and grace would allow our family to go through these very difficult times. We love our father very much. We would be deeply hurt to be separated from him. Let the thought that he is anyway going to the heavenly home, arise above all these worries. All shall be well in the presence of the Lord.

Our Family's Friends Continue to Offer Prayer Services

On the fourth day since my father's death, prayers from friends continue to serve at his wake. My Interlude Family, with Sister Aurea, OSB (who just arrived from her trip) were the first to offer prayers yesterday. I accompanied the singing using the portable organ here at home. I heard that sister Au has already sent the name of my papang to be included in the prayers of their Benedictine group. The leaders of the Chapels here in Sanito came next. Mr. Dayuday was the group's guitarist with Bro. Carbaquil as the prayer leader. Papang used to actively work as a minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in this barrio. He not only contributed to the spiritual growth of the assembly but also helped in the physical enhancement of the house of the Lord. The third novena was prayed last night with Mrs. Flores as the usual leader. Since she caught up the presence of the leaders here in Sanito, the same group participated in the novena. The last group to offer prayer service were the Couples for Christ, CFC. The group leaders came in good number with Mr. Cescon as the prayer leader. The service was filled with beautiful CFC hymns, which brought me to recall the songs papang and mamang used to sing here home. My parents were active leaders of this ministry. I remember the times papang was asking me to translate in Cebuano the prepared English discussions of the CFC Christian Life Program. We were having great moments talking about what he would have to discuss as a speaker of certain talks. But as soon as he became a minister at our chapel here, he left the CFC.

Our friends online express their condolences, thoughts and prayers to us. The show of support from these people through the FB personal and group pages is heart-warming. Many have come to know about papang's fate through the Internet. Even Sr. Milflor, who is based in Angola, Africa knew what happened and expressed her sympathy to us.

My co-teacher/friends Lovely, Tin-tin, Sweet and Jiji perpetually enrolled papang among the benefactors of the Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. Papang will be included in the intentions during Saturday masses offered throughout the year, daily remembrance in prayers, sacrifices and Apostolate of the SHMI.

Prayers strengthen our family. They affirm the greatness of the love of God and His saving mercy. Each time our friends offer prayers at my papang's wake, our family is given hope that papang shall eventually have his home-coming to the Father's holy dwelling place.

Condolences poured in

This has been the 3rd day since papang left us last January 7. The first condolences that our family received were from some of our neighbors and cousin Ate Bibing, who were there at the hospital, that night my father died. Kuya Manny also sent a message of condolence upon knowing what happened. The next day, in the morning, before the Liturgy of the Hours, my Interlude Family touched me with their consolation. Most of the expressions on that day of the Epiphany were text messages. Papang's wake was finally placed in our home around 1 pm that day. Roxas Family and the Spinola Sisters came. The sisters offered a beautiful prayer for our father. The prayer group of the Chapel of our Lady of Lourdes started the Novena at night.

Yesterday, my co - teachers came and conveyed their sympathy to our family. My sister Daday's PEO family also came and expressed their condolences. Three of Dyan's high school classmates, three of my high school classmates and three of my fourth year SPED students showed their sympathy to our family. Mamang's IMAVEMCO family (where papang used to work as noodle production supervisor) visited us. The Novena prayer continued last night. Our neighbors continue to came and could only say kind words about our beloved father.

Life this time would have been so difficult. It would have been definitely lonely. Our days with our father's wake here home would have been all for grieving. But the Holy works of the Lord, through the Holy Spirit have been amazingly consoling us. The number of people who have showed support is truly giving us joy in this hard moment. More to their presence, financial aids, flowers and other assistance, our family appreciates the prayers that our friends offered. These acts of consolation could be that of Mary, the mother of the Lord's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, where God's presence becomes evident with the visitors' consoling acts. Deo gratias!

Papang's Death was a Spiritual Journey

It was late night of January 2 when my father was breathing differently. He was complaining of a severe abdominal pain. Our family decided to rush him to Zamboanga, where better medical treatments were hoped. My sister Daday arranged the ambulance availability, while I facilitated his medication at the ER of the provincial hospital. The attending physician was so worried, and issued referral for the immediate transportation of my father to Zamboanga Medical Center.

I had no intention of going with my mother and our eldest Toti. There was a force that moved me to accompany them. While inside the moving ambulance, I started praying loudly, and tears start to fall from my eyes. It was a prayer like a child asking for a snow in a desert. I was holding my father's hand, and witnessed how he went through the painful sensations as the car negotiated with the bumpy road. I still remember how he was losing his hopes that we could get to the city. The ambulance went on tracking the winding road on that dawn of January 3. "There's no hope," my father kept on saying. "We could not arrive at the hospital alive," he added. But my prayer has gone even persistent. The situation shed light on my being helpless without God. We finally arrived at the ZMC. My father was given medical attention after some interviews and his X - ray. Our mother could not help us at the time as she almost fainted due to the trip. She looked for a lodging house where she could have some rest. Meanwhile, my brother and I were busy with purchasing medicines. I heard papang cried, "treat me now!" An intravenous medication was treated on him. Through the course of either standing or walking, my spirit was attuned to the Almighty Father. I also asked for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. Papang was finally admitted at past 10 am to a ward, where he was situated on a hallway. I worked on his Philhealth papers as my brother watched over him. I had no one to turn to but to God. I could feel the pain on my feet, but the thought that I was doing all those for my papang brought me consolation and strength. When I got back to where my father was placed, I said to my brother that he did not deserve this accommodation. We both just cried, since at the moment, we could not afford an expensive hospital.

As soon as my sister Daday arrived, she planned for the transfer of my father to a private hospital. I was back home at the time, when papang was referred to Zamboanga Doctors Hospital. My sister was relentless with this effort, and she got a great help from David Dar, who facilitated their transfer. Papang was admitted to ZDH on the night of the 4th of January. I heard that he was diagnosed and more accurate findings were known. Our eldest messaged me to rush to the hospital, as my father's voice was alarming already. He informed me that the doctor suggested that he be sent home, as his illness would not be cured by operation anymore. My heart was pounding like I could not breath. I traveled back to the city on the night of the 5th of January. My brother kept on asking where was I, since papang's situation was getting worse. I thought, papang would not survive that time. I said to myself, "pang, please wait for me." I again prayed desperately while the bus run through the highway. I took a habal-habal ride to get to the hospital. Once I got there, I saw papang catching up his breath, so helpless and very weak. I embraced him and talked to him and told him that I love him very much. He was a fighter and he struggled more to meet our youngest Dyan, who would be flying to Zamboanga from Cebu the next day. Indeed, Dyan still caught him still surviving. My father could hardly recognize Dyan but there were times that he was responding. Dyan could not help but cry being into such situation. As soon as we settled the bills, the ambulance that would ferry us back home was ready, after Daday facilitated the transportation. The experience on the way to the city came back to us as we were heading home, except that papang this time, could not talk clearly. He just showed on his face the pain he felt, whenever the ambulance crossed a bumpy road. My prayers were for the pain to be eased. My father was truly having a hard day. At around 3 pm, we finally arrived at the provincial hospital in Sanito. Since he arrived here, he started to be in a sleeping mode. Still, he was catching up his breath.

January 7, 2012: Papang took his last breath.

At around 9:00 am, mamang asked me to pray for papang. I was hesitant a bit, for the prayer would be that of "letting go" tone. How could I resist my mamang? I positioned my mouth nearest to his left ear. I instructed him to pray with me. We prayed Psalm 23. As I started saying the prayer, my eyes were filled with so much tears. I could hardly say the words, but I kept on telling him to hold on to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. A shirt, which I wiped on my tears became wet with my tears. The moment became a spiritual travel on my part. I totally let go of my dearest papang to the Good Lord. Mamang noticed a radiance on my father's face as we proceeded with the prayer. Mamang requested for a priest, so I called up kuya Manny. Papang suddenly sounded off when I called up kuya Manny. They came at around 11 am. Fr. Dodong, who anointed papang last year, prayed over him again. He re-anointed my father with oil and even talked to my papang while touching his face. At past 6 pm, Dyan, our youngest ask that we pray the Holy Rosary. I lead the prayer with the intention of following the most Holy Will of the Almighty God. We said the rosary with joyful mysteries and the Litany to the Blessed Virgin. Then we took our dinner. Only me and mamang were left in the room. Papang was breathing hardly. There were times when he stopped breathing for 20 seconds and then breathed again. He was like sleeping, but his breath became slower and slower until he ceased to breath. I touched his breast to sense if there was beating. There was none anymore; he also stopped breathing. He died at 9 pm. I told my mother with ease that papang had no heartbeat and that he already had his last breath. I don't know what force there was that kept me strong. I managed to call everyone to come to the hospital. Mamang cried like the world fell down on her and so I approached and consoled her. When everyone was around, we all prayed the Lord's prayer with the line, "your will be done on earth as in heaven..."

Papang's death was not only his personal journey but also our constant conversation with the Divine. Through it all, everyone of us sought the aid of the saints and the Blessed Mother. Through it all, we believed that God's will comforted us each day.

Thanks to the Creator that we have been gifted with a father, worth our love, admiration and life.

Remembering my Posts on my Dearest Father

Papang peacefully died yesterday (January 7) night at 9 in private room #2 at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital, succumbing to his severe ulcer and complications in lungs and kidney. He stopped breathing a few moments after our family prayed the Holy Rosary, with the intention of accepting the will of the Heavenly Father. Here are the posts I wrote about him.

Father's Day - June 15, 2008
Papang's 60th Birthday - July 5, 2008
Papang's 62nd Birthday - July 5, 2010

Now, his wake is here home. The interment will be on January 14, 2012. It's a painful journey seeing my father inside the coffin but what I have in mind now is that his soul is far more essential. The body shall be reduced to dust but the spirit shall live for eternity.

I witnessed his last moments here, and I honestly say that he had a peaceful death. His breathing was as normal as sleeping, although it got slower and slower, until it stopped. I held his breast and realized that the heart ceased beating. He died, but he shall forever dwell in our hearts. We love our father very much; he is surely missed.

Right after the "used to be" closed; another one opens

The day after the closeout of the iSchools last December 7, I received a confirmation of the coming of some DOST personnel from Zamboanga. They came to school on the 8th of this month to deliver and install the STARBOOKS, which is a digital library. It stands for Science and Technology Academic Resource Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations. iSchools Project brought many IT advancements to the school. Though it officially ended, the ICT has been merged with DOST, which has established its link to our school through this STARBOOKS project.

One Impression (on iPC1)

One Latin language phrase Experientia docet, which is “Experience teaches” in English, was advanced by Tacitus. Truly, we, as iSchools Project recipients had our own shares of experiences that taught us in many ways. Along the journey of the project implementation in our respective schools, we surely encountered both triumphs and challenges. Whatever the journey has been, we have learned our lessons. These many lessons have just been successfully documented through this iSchools Project Closeout Phase 1.

The well-sequenced activities we went through from day 1 facilitated by competent personnel, allowed us to share our best practices and issues experienced. I observed from my co-participants the enthusiastic and candid contribution of ideas, talents and skills. Surely, the facilitators motivated us to manifest active involvement. From the problems that we identified, we found doable recommendations that would improve the implementation of the iSchools project. The resource person, Ma’am Cheng delivered her expertise evidently. All the workshops were done promptly and effectively. The purpose of this activity has been served. All these happened; thanks to the concerted efforts of the iPC1 team, lead by Engr. Cielito Olegario. They provided us a comfortable venue with sufficient provisions, which enabled us to do our part in this closeout phase.

Personally, this closeout activity has also become a recollection of my professional journey. Seeing the people I worked with here in Zamboanga, and even as far as Pampanga, Negros Occidental and Butuan, made me recall of my own journey with iSchools. Through this closeout, I have remembered my ICT trainings, which contributed to the enhancement of my teaching skills. Each one of us here should have experienced his inner closeout activity. Celebrate the gains of the iSchools project. Keep the iSchools spirit within us burning, and let us continue our noble works in bridging the digital divide.