My birthday this year

Falling on the day of the Easter Octave for 2013, I celebrated my birthday with my Interlude Family at St. Joseph's Cathedral. We sang for the celebration of the Divine Mercy Sunday's morning prayer and second and third Masses. My student-choir joined in the third mass. We then proceeded to the rectory's kitchen where we took our breakfast.

In the afternoon, some of my co-teachers came home and we enjoyed a simple dinner with lechon. Later some students and alumni of the school where I teach also came. My friends at WMSU - Ipil also arrived.

My young buddies, Efren, Royce and Fredrick and I roamed around Sanito until the break of dawn. We looked for a coffee stall. We found one at the Ipil Provincial Hospital. We took pictures there. When it was about 4 am, we went to the airport and there, we waited for the sunrise. We had another coffee break at Ma'am Tess's house then we parted our ways.

Ang Payag ni Narciso

Narciso has been telling us (my young buddies) many stories about his nipa hut (Payag) near their small fish pond. Since this day is holiday, we decided to go to the Payag to have some good time, enjoying each other's presence. There we sang, chat, grilled pork and took our lunch. Some of his classmates also joined in. We even went farther. We walked along the dikes of nearby ponds and took a bath at a "cleaner" area. This is another day to remember. I have become closer to many of this year's graduating batch.

A Night with ZSNHS Batch '07

This batch has the students, who first occupied campus B in 2003-2004 school year. The campus was established due to the growing student population of the school. They experienced many challenges as the school buildings were make-shifts in nature. But they were steadfast and finished their first year level at the campus. They studied the rest of their high school years at the old campus (campus A.)

Tonight, I met some of the batch's alumni near a hotel. They invited me to join in a dinner that would be financed by Julius Latoza, who now works there in Makati. And so we indeed met. I was so happy to see my former students. We dined at Casa Mea and then proceeded to Underground Disco at Sibugay Grand Plaza. It was also Julius who sponsored the event. Though I enjoyed partying with the youngsters, I had to leave earlier for by tomorrow, I shall be the church organist in the 6 am mass.

One of the fulfilling times a teacher can have is seeing his students succeed in their chosen career. This meeting with the batch '07 gave me that sense of fulfillment, as I saw some of my students earning for a living already, and even helping their families.

Ely's Birthday

Ely is one of my cool young buddies. I usually get close to my students but it has been years that I opted to just be a teacher and a friend of my peers. It just happened that we have enjoyed each others' (his classmates) presence, so here we are. I bought some stuff to eat. Ely spent for the drinks. We went to the beach in Palid. I always love beaches. There, we cooked fish and enjoyed each others' company. We told jokes and whatever stories, swam, played in the cool waters and took pictures of all these crazy things we do.

Ely's birthday has brought me closer to at least some of the kids. We should have done this one even along time ago. But then again, things just happen without us planning them to occur. 

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Pax Tecum

The Prince of Peace, Word of God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is born! He is the Emmanuel - God with us. And today, he comes to our dwelling. His visit through altar servers Sean, Edward Jr., and Grabrielo reminded me of my father, who was still living when the image of the Child Jesus came to our home last year. The kids (Dimple, Nonoy and Angel) and my sister Daday kissed the Little Mighty Lord after the Pax Tecum prayer was said. Indeed, He is our peace. He comes to console our sadness and to bring the joy of salvation to all humanity. 

May my father Uldarico's soul rest in eternal peace with Jesus, whose birth we celebrate this bright season. May we, who are still journeying here on earth, merit the peace of Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen.

Celebrating the Canonization of Pedro Calungsod

Image of St. Pedro Calungsod at St. Joseph's Cathedral
Parish of the Ipil Diocese

It wasn't easy to find time to practice with the choir some hymns for Pedro Calungsod, who is canonized today as the second Filipino saint. There were periodic tests, teachers' conference and preparations for the celebration of our school baranga's founding anniversary. But my perseverance won. Just a few days before Sunday, the kids mastered hymns like "St. Pedro Calungsod (Percival Cacanindin), San Pedro Calungsod (Fr. Tim Ofrasio, SJ) and Kuya Pedro (Jamie Rivera)" after our few practices. In one of our rehearsals, one of my students really cried when she saw the video of Calunsod's story. Some of my students were interested to have the mp3 amd mp4 copies of the hymns so they can practice at home. 

This Sunday, also the World Mission Sunday, coincides with the canonization of 7 beatified individuals at St. Peter's Basilica. Here in our cathedral, our school choir joined the Interlude Choir in the singing for the second mass (8 am) and sang during the third mass (9:30 am), which are both in English medium. On both celebrations the hymn for St. Pedro Calungsod by Percival Cacanindin and San Pedro by Fr. Tim were sand during the entrance and offertory processions, respectively. The choir sang Kuya Pedro as post communion in the 3rd mass. 

Saint Pedro Calungsod is such a special saint. I heard about him as "blessed," but when I learned about his life as a young evangelist who bravely died, protecting Fr. Diego (blessed) and defending our Catholic faith, I believe deep in my heart, that he truly is a saint. He is a Visayan, just like me. He too eagerly served the Church - the passion that I have in me. There have been times that I sought for his intercession and though the prayers were that simple, they were answered. Now, faithfully I would always pray: "San Pedro Calungsod, ig-ampo mo kami."

The story behind this new gadget

Last October 15, we were strolling around SM North Wing. In-in was very playful that she kept on running away in the mall and wanting me to follow her. I was with Jonas when we went on different way. Mamang, Dyan and Daylin with kids Dhanna and Dodot were busy finding for the kids' shoes. I was already tired of following after In-in. When I received a text from Daylin, the phone I was using got drained of its battery. I told Jonas that we buy a cheap phone so we can make a call. We window shopped at the Cyberzone area. We also tried to find our location. Jonas even told me, "we are so lost." It took us some time to finally decide on buying a phone. In-in was very tired and sleepy then. We went to an ATM machine and got some cash to buy the phone LG e400. As soon as the SIM card was inserted, I readily received a call from Daylin, who was so worried about us. They went to where we were (at Earophone), where they found In-in sleeping on my arms.

I would have bought a Samsung unit of similar price but LG's internet page is better and it has great features. I will have bought a phone on a scheduled trip next week, but here it is with me now. The phone, not really that expensive is a gadget great to have.

Dining at Chika-an @ SM City Cebu

This very day is Dhanna's birthday. My sister Dyan treated us with delicious lunch in one of the restaurants in SM City Cebu. At Chika-an, we ordered pinakbet, crispy pata, baked scallop, lumpia shanghai, kare-kare and clam soup. The ambiance of the location is good with added view of Radisson Blu Hotel nearby. The treat really got me stuffed. I thought we should have ordered fewer serves. Anyway, it was one great lunch worth telling in this blog.

Dhanna's 3rd Birthday

The first destination of the day was to attend the celebration of the 28th Sunday of the Ordinary Time. We attended the Holy Mass at Consolacion Church here in Cebu. Then Dhanna was given a birthday party at Jollibee. She was thrilled by what was to happen. The party was attended by Dhanna's parents' friends. Her birthday on October 15 was celebrated in advance. Her mother's (Dyan) birthday would also be on the 17th.

The kids enjoyed the party with some parlor games, fun challenges and dance showdown. Here are some of the videos and pictures:

Here in Cebu now

With Chiwawa hybrid Chauncy 

Mamang and I woke up early this morning and took the 4:30 air con bus to Zamboanga. We took the 9:25 am flight 5J 434 of Cebu Pacific. Dyan and Jonathan, with their cute girl Dhanna fetched us. Also in the car were In-in, (who embraced me tightly when she saw me) and her mother Daylin and brother Joshua.

Now I'm here at Dyan's new home in Mandaue. Jonas, who grew in Ipil till he was more than a year old, is also here. There are many things to enjoy here. Aside from everyone's hospitality, there's a quite strong internet connection in the house plus the cute hybrid dog named Chauncy, who is overly friendly and playful. It's nice to be here for the next three days. Tomorrow, Dhanna's 3rd birthday (which is actually on the 15th) will be celebrated. Our family will also be blessing this new home. I look forward to seeing Cebu once again. Our school at the moment, is planning to send us to training sometime on the last week of this month. The said event will be here in Cebu.

with Jonas, Dhanna, In-in and Joshua

I thank God for the safe trip He blessed on us.

Funny Cake

"Happy New Hair Day Darwin."

This morning, two of my co-teachers went to the town. When they came back, they brought some food for our lunch. To my surprise, they bought a cake for me. I so wondered why they gave me such a present. I could not think of any celebration. When I looked at the entire cake, I could not expect what were written therein. It said, "Happy New Hair Day Darwin." I laughed and asked them why. They said that they would just like to buy a chocolate cake and since it's free to have greetings written on it, they thought it would be funny to greet me for my new hair cut. 

First 9:30 am Sunday English Mass Choir

Singing Psalm 23 by Ferdz Bautista 

(Note: All photos courtesy of Boyet Sumatra)

The school choir has already rendered musical services in some Eucharistic celebrations namely this year's baccalaureate mass, founding anniversary of DepEd-Zamboanga Sibugay Division Office thanksgiving mass and mass at the Division Office commemorating the 2012 World Teachers' Day. From these, I have become confident that they can be as good as regular choir at St. Joseph's Cathedral of the Ipil Diocese. Indeed, this morning, the school choir sang solemnly during the first ever 9:30 am English Mass. We sang the mass proper using the new English text, all of Dan Schutte's Mass of Christ the Savior, Revised. We also sang Ferdinand Bautista's Psalm 23. Bishop Julius Tonel celebrated the mass. During his homily, he recognized the choir as a "new" group in the church. He jokingly called me "Fr. Darwin." The Local Government of Ipil, headed by Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan, who attended the mass, sponsored the Eucharistic celebration. It is my prayer that we would be able to sustain this ministry. This activity surely brings the kids closer to God through singing sacred hymns in the house of the Lord. 

Bishop Tonel stands in front of  the Altar during the
offertory procession, as the choir sings "All Good Gifts."

My World Teachers' Day

At past 5 am today, I received a text message from a personnel at the DepEd Division Office, requesting me to accompany in the singing for a Thanksgiving Mass in the celebration of the World's Teachers' Month 2012. I saw it as something meaningful to celebrate "my day." I chose eight choir members from the school and we lead in the singing of the missal hymns, using the new texts. Fr. Dodong was the celebrant of the mass. He was very amazed when he heard our choir original, "My Teacher, My Hero," as our final song. I had the song composed last year, and I improved some of its texts this time. Some personnel also requested for the copy of the song. 

My Teacher, my Hero

Lyrics and music: Darwin Q. Lumosbog

What have I done that I deserve, deserve your love and care?

What is the worth that I possess, that you are always there?

You are the light that guides my path, the star that shines my way.

You are the voice that makes me speak; I thank you every day.

There are times that you and me, walk in different ways.

And there are moments that you are there, to brighten up my days.

You are the arms embracing me, whenever I need love.

You my teacher, a great friend, a gift from up above!

Refrain

My teacher, my hero! My teacher, my hero!

I’ll reach up on the dreams I have, upon your helping hands.

Every day I thank you; appreciate you: My teacher, my hero!

What shall I do to let you know, to let you know I care?

What shall I give to you today, to thank your love so dear?

You are a precious gift to me, my teacher; my true friend

This I promise, this I pledge: I’ll remember you till the end

Refrain (Twice) 

Coda:

Every day I thank you, appreciate you, my teacher, my hero!

The entire school choir also sang "My Teacher, My Hero," during the school's presentation program for teachers. It was first rendered to the teachers last school year at Campus B during the conduct of the same celebration. I opted not to attend the program this time as I would expect that there would be teachers that would not be given (or be given less) tokens. I did not want to see that happen so I just stayed at the faculty room. Some students, however, came to me and gave me their presents. I felt happy having seen their sincerity in doing what they did. I attended the teachers' party in the afternoon. I was the one who lead the prayer before the sumptuous meal prepared by the Student Government Organization. We had lots of fun games after the lunch. 

Photo Courtesy of Trisha Veronica Avengoza 

At Casa Mea Hotel

I, Lovely, Sheryl, Christine and Sweet went to Casa Mea, to have our little party. We took some pictures there and we cooled down with a delicious banana shake treat. I saw two of my former students working at the hotel. How fulfilling it was to see them finding a job for a living. 

Since it is Friday today, I had to go early to the church to accompany in the singing of the hymns for the 5:15 mass. It is first Friday of the month so I had to stay further for the Holy Hour. Bishop Tonel celebrated the mass and lead in the prayer of the Holy Hour. 

From being lost to shopping frenzy... and finally to the Summit

The ZamPen ICT Summit was organized by the DOST - ICT, DTI,
RITECC-9, CCIF and the Local Government of Zamboanga,
which is now popularly called Asia's Latin City

I did not receive the memorandum about a summit on ICT in Zamboanga. But our principal sent me a text message, advising me to attend the event. Earlier, a co-teacher informed me that the summit's schedule was September 25 - 26. Despite being unsure about the schedule, I still went to the city on the 25th and took the 4:30 am bus. I went straight to Astoria Hotel and I saw that the DOST was holding a workshop, which was about Tsunami Preparedness. I immediately informed Mr. Alavaren, our principal and he advised me to just find a lodging house since the summit would be on the 26th. "I was so lost," I told myself. 

After I checked-in in a hotel, I decided to go on shopping. I bought a wallet (Hicock), a travelling bag (Champ), and 2 collared shirts (A&F and Bobson) and some toiletries. I also treated myself with a nice Greenwich pasta with a slice of pizza and some spicy fries. I took my dinner at D' Twins Fried Chicken. 

Yummy lasagna with garlic bread and spicy fries! 

Came the summit day, I checked out from Mag V Hotel and went back to Astoria. There, I saw Mr. Alavaren. I also met Ma'am Cielo, who used to be our head in ICT-iSchools Project. The iSchools project closed last year (December 5). There were many attendees to the summit, mostly from the business sector in the region. The summit was graced by ICT officials from Manila and by the speakers, who were the successful individuals in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry. The summit tried to present to the region the possibility of operating BPO. The summit was an eye-opener for me. I realized that my younger sister Dyan, has been in the business. She is doing medical transcription in Cebu. As soon as I got back to the school, I shared to my students what I learned from the ICT Exhibit. 

Officiating Officials' Seminar Accreditation in Dapitan

With Sir Nonoy who participated in Soccer, and Lovely (Leonneth)
in Gymnastics. Photo Courtesy of Leonneth M. Moncupa

Having been given a 4, 500 peso-check from the Special Program in Sports Fund, I had no choice but to attend an accreditation workshop, Chess Game in Dapitan on September 21 - 23. I was with Sir Nonoy and Lovely. There, I realized how complex it is to officiate chess games. I met some of the best chess players in the Region. I was so anxious that we'd be all playing. Good thing the trainers decided to group us with some of the veteran chess arbiters. Our leader was very smart and we solved all the given problems and questions during the practicum. On September 23, the written exams were given to all the participants. I was very apprehensive about the test. Good thing, one good chess player helped in answer some hard questions. 

We, three, dropped by Lee Plaza and dined at Chowking, after we brought some groceries for pasalubong.  There's so much to do back to the station. I have to study a lot further. I heard that I would be the tournament manager in Chess in the 2012 Congressional Meet. Good luck to me. 

Been to Buluan at last

Thanks to the science club Buluan Island Coastal Cleanup Drive, I set, for the first time my foot on the enchanting island. Yesterday (Oct 23), I got my back pack stuffed and ready for the big day. At past 9 am, I was with some 20 plus science clubbers as first batch to visit the island. The next batch followed us in less than an hour. After we gathered the nonbiodegradable garbage picked along the sand stretch, we enjoyed bathing and making fun in the cool waters of the island.

Long have I been wanting to go to the island. It's white sand lining is observable from the mainland. Many stories have been told about and relating to it. Presence of rebels, huge waves and difficulty in finding a boat and instances of boat sinking have been told of the island. But there are also nice things about it. Just yesterday, I could only say good things about Buluan Island. It is one of the top marine sanctuaries in the Philippines and is truly amazing and beautiful. How I wish I could go back there and once again, enjoy the breezy, bright and cool island experience.

Got an award on the day of Papang's first afterlife birthday

The documentation that I worked with ALS-Sibugay, which was one of the semifinalists in the National Search for Outstanding ALS Implementation 2012, earned me a plaque on the very first birthday of my father after his death.

The awarding was done this afternoon through a program,, "Harvest of Excellence," that was held at Roderic's Resort in Taway. There were a number of recipients from SPED, ALS, Elementary and Secondary Educators. We were all given fresh red roses, symbolic of their (DepEd Division Office Personnel) congratulatory gesture. The organizers offered us canned juice and hamburger for our snacks. I was with the ALS group during the awarding of the palques. The Division ALS Coordinator was there and he congratulated me.

It was drizzling after the program, but I rushed to Autumn Woods Memorial Park to greet Papang a happy birthday. I placed the rose I received earlier on his tomb. I said a little prayer before I left. It was still drizzling when I was on my way home. Had he been alive today, he would have been so proud of the recognition I got. But I know that he is just there somewhere, happily watching over us, whom he loved dearly.

Payments here and there

I should be enjoying the fruit of my hard labor. Yes, today I have had my check enchased. But payments are left and right - One thousand for the bu-bu, six hundred thirty for Autumn Woods Memorial Park, six hundred fifty for St. Peter Plan; not to mention my two thousand six hundred plus monthly amortization for PAG-IBIG housing loan and five thousand one hundred plus for my two-year salary loan at One Network Bank. These all sum up to almost ten thousand pesos!  

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Christ's great love for us is perfected in his offering of salvation. Let us then joyfully draw water from his well, filled with saving love as this psalm expresses:

During the 6 am mass, Erika sang the English version, which was accompanied by Rodel. My mother, who attended the mass said that the psalm was beautifully sang. We just had this one practiced last night. The Cebuano version was sang by the same psalmist during the 5 pm mass, of which I was the organist.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.