The anatomy of LTO in Ipil

It was last Friday that I dropped by the licensing section of the LTO for the renewal of my license. Well, my case was not easy. I lost my wallet sometime last year and my driver's license was there inside. But I secured right away an affidavit of loss. The past year has been so busy on my part that I forgot to have my license renewed. But I am always ready to pay for my due. A woman there told me that I should produce an affidavit of loss. So I went home and got a copy. I remembered that I had my license photocopied for RCBC, which required ID copies from its regular clients. The bank generously lent me a copy, which I photocopied again. So I presented both the photocopy and the affidavit. I told that woman in licensing section that the PRC was OK with photocopy, and that with it, a card can be renewed already. But she said that LTO is different. "What?! Is LTO a private agency?" I said to my mind. Anyhow, I told her that I'll be back Monday to know some developments.

But I returned today and it was around 1:20 pm that I was there. A man there, who was like busy with his phone's music told me that I had to wait. I took pictures of the place. At around 1:50 pm, the woman arrived. She told me that I have to pay P 600.oo for the certification of the lost ID. Earlier, I was looking at the poster there showing the fees for renewal including some penalties. In my case, my due would be not more than P 300.oo. Well, I have to be back there tomorrow. If the woman would not be able to produce me a receipt for that P 600.oo, better for me to have my license renewed somewhere not here in Ipil.

Lots of Psalm Singing for the Interlude

Our Interlude has been tasked to be the choir for three of the Novena Masses for St. Joseph's Fiesta this May 1. Last April 23, I sang Psalm 122 and Psalm 66 last April 27. We'll be singing this April 30, and by that time it will be Pamela who's going to sing. This afternoon, I put a melody on Psalm 148, which will be sung by Pamela on the 30th. I had it recorded on my phone and as soon as I got to her printing press - Ipil Print Haus, I sent the copy via bluetooth. She'll have a day to master it.

Pamela (left most, front) is a member of the Interlude. Last march 10, she was a singing buddy at the wedding of her aunt, who came home from the US to have the church wedding here in the Philippines, with her American husband.

It’s Sunday once more!

I found a real hard time putting melody on Psalm 66. Good thing I have my phone with me and it has been so useful specially with recording a melody that comes into my mind. At around 1:20 pm, the song was ready and so I went to the town to have the piece photocopied. I roamed around but there was no copier. I went to Pamela’s printing press, and there, I accomplished my quest. I told Pamela that she might sing the song. But it was too late for a practice so next time, maybe.

I finally sang it at the lectern of the Cathedral during the 5:15 pm mass. I should admit, the melody I put on was kind of complicated but, I made it through. Thanks to kuya Manny who accompanied me with a guitar. I was beside my mamang who was at the time, the second reader.

Ps. 66: "Pasinggita ang tibuok yuta, ngadto sa Dios, uban sa kasadya!"

Fr. Joy said that the Psalm I sang was good.

At last I had it sent

I've been thinking about finishing my master's once & for all. Last Tuesday when I claimed a prize at Zamboanga, I dropped by the Graduate School of the College of Science and Mathematics in WMSU. I requested ma'am Nancy that I'll send my title proposals via e-mail. She was OK with it. This morning I sent her my three proposed titles as an attachment. I was so happy that somehow she got it. Here's her reply:

Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:00:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Araceli Lim" Yahoo! DomainKeys has confirmed that this message was sent by yahoo.com. Learn more
Subject: Re: proposed titles
To: "darwin querubin" darwin_jerkrh@yahoo.com

Hi Darwin!

Thanks for your message. Went through the titles very quickly but will reflect on them later so we'll be able to discuss them when you get back to Zambo in time for your topic presentation.goodluck. God bless and see you soon.

Ma'am Nancy

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Got no post yesterday...

Well, I've got to put the blame on...

Sir Bashier? Cashier?

I informed thru text messaging my students, who were winners (3rd) at the 2007 Regional Science Fair that their prizes are already for release at the DepEd Regional Satellite Office in Zamboanga. They were so reluctant about going there, and they kept on inquiring me via cell phone. One parent even called up. So this morning off they went to Zamboanga. At 11:12:47 am, I received a message from them: "Sir?.lain kaau ka.. knw wat??.nangad2 mi wala daw c sir amb0t unsa nym. .(referring to sir Bashier) naA pa daw palawan.!.sayang kaau amuang pamasahe.,.huhuhu. ." I immediately told them to go to the cashier and not to Sir Bashier, because their prizes are there.

Later on, I received messages from them that they got their prize. They texted: "Sir naA na,tanx. .hehe.yehey!..", "Tanx kaau sir..tanx jud. .hehe. .enjoy au kay naa aqui..hehe..", "Sir...na.a nah jud q kwrta... hehehe...". I was so glad when I got these messages.

The rain helped anyhow.

I was at the computer room in our school when I received Kuya Manny's text message telling me to prepare the Psalm for the 5:15 pm Novena Mass for St. Joseph this afternoon. I was preparing the ICT Narrative Report of our school. I was skeptic about making one because the guitar was borrowed by Kuya Lino last Sunday. I thought he practiced with Sir Dodong so I went to Sir Dodong's place, but the people there told me that Kuya Lino got the guitar already. I looked for his place, and fortunately I found it and got the guitar. I had to photocopy the Psalm from the TALAD so I went to the Church and ask Ate Nene to lend me a copy. It was already starting to rain when I got back to the Cathedral. It was around 1:30 pm. I was looking for Ate Nene. Good thing Fr. Jim was there and offered me a help. He said he'd be the one to hand the TALAD to Ate Nene. As I was on my way home, the rain got even stronger. I drove through it and got really wet when I got home. I was supposedly at the Division Office to make a training proposal. The rain helped anyhow. Then I started putting melody on Psalm 122: "Nalipay ako nga giingnan ako nila: mangadto na kita sa balay sa Ginoo". There were three stanzas and I found a hard time with the last one. By 3:45 pm, the song was ready. I went to the metro to buy something for our snack at home - P 40 pan de sal, 4 pcs. egg and a pouch of tuna spread. After I took my share, it was already around 4:21 pm so I hurriedly dressed up and went to the Church. Good thing Kuya Manny was there. Immediately, we practiced the Psalm and just in one run, he got it just right. So came my part to sing Psalm 122. How I felt like relieved of my sicknesses. Fr. Athan was the Mass presider.

Today, yesterday

Today...

I woke up early from a nice "hilot" last night. At around 5:15 am, I was on my way to Zamboanga City for two purposes - to claim my prize for the Science Fair and to inquire at WMSU Graduate School for my thesis writing. Everything turned out so successful. I had a quite long talk with ma'am Nancy, our Chair for the Graduate School. She made it easy for me to submit my title proposal. I'll have it sent via e-mail. Nice! At around 11:45 am I rushed to Pueblo to treat my self a little. My sister Daylin told me about "Inasal" in South Way. So there I went and dined in. The rice was unlimited. Then I bought an rrj shorts which was sold at 600 pesos from 1000 pesos. My pasalubong was Greenwich Pizza Large Square. I arrived home at 4:55 pm.

Yesterday...

I had a terrible flu - the reason why I wasn't able to post any. I thought I was really hot all over and was so weak. Mamang called up Nang Marina. She gave me a truly painful "hilot" but that paid off, because just right after I felt stronger and I could walk normally(?).

Sunday it is!

I had to wake up early. Our school was the sponsor for the second Mass. I had to photocopy the Sambuhay (Missal) for the readers, which I had yet to look for. At around 7:20am, I proceeded to Connie's house to give her the original copy. Connie has been a regular commentator during our sponsorship. But she didn't make it early today, so Genio, a member of the interlude took her place. I arrived at the Church just right after the first mass. So I assigned people to be the readers. Sir Tony was the first reader, Kuya Lino, the Psalmist, who had been so prepared for his "emote-na-emote" (according to Governor Hofer) performance. I had to be the second reader, and Ryan our disbursing officer, lead the prayers of the faithful. I was the one playing the organ using recorded accompaniment on a diskette. The mass focused on one's faith, believing Jesus as the only way to the Father, "as the truth, the way and the life".

Palid Beach, WMSU Campus, St. Joseph's Cathedral

When I was on my way home yesterday, my motorcycle's front wheel got terribly flat by a sharp object. I was near a vulcanizing shop but the owner already went home. I had to call home for help. Mckoy helped me out. He brought the motorcycle back home and this morning, he brought the tire to the town and had it a new interior.

My sister Daylin wanted to go to the beach. So to the beach we all went. The kids were truly having a good time bathing under the sun. I too had a fine moment there. I had to be back home by 1 pm because I have a summer teaching load at WMSU Ipil ESU Campus. My students were not there. they could be thinking that I wouldn't be around because I was absent for two days. A student (not under my class) told me that the back wheel of my motorcycle was flat. Indeed it was. I had to drag the vehicle down because the road is rocky. But along the concrete road, I had it run through its engine. Then when I finally got to a vulcanizing shop. I sent a text message to Kuya Roger, the president of our choir, to inform him that the musical organ has not yet been taken from Ricky. He immediately rushed to where I was and I accompanied him to get the organ. Then after we brought the organ to the Church, he fetched me back to the shop to get my vehicle. We drove back to the Church. Fr. Jims was the Mass presider.

I am now somehow feeling better. After the swimming at the beach, the dragging of my motorcycle, the operating of the organ... i thought I could not have made it. TGIS - thank God it's Sabado.

Got an award

Last night, I had a drink with RJ and that caused me my headache today. I woke up at around 8:00 am and because of the hangover, I soaked my self at Palid Beach with my nephew Nonoy. I thought it got me a bit relieved. I had to go back home right away for the awarding at WESMIARC.

I first reported to the school for the training and told our trainers that I'd be back after the awarding. There at the venue, I was feeling like bored. But I had to be there. I was asked to operate on the PowerPoint for the presentation of our SDS, Sir Manuel Muyargas. I thought the slides were nice. So came the announcement of my award, I was somehow relieved of boredom. Then I went back to the school with Ma'am Doris, who was also an awardee. I still made it to the training and Sir Reuben was explaining on Internet.

Something New and Different

This has been another day of encounter with Linux and the training was focused on creating a presentation using IMPRESS. I would have to say that microsoft ppt is a lot better, but impress is ok and simple. We (participants of the CICT training) presented our impress creations and I was glad to have heard good reactions. The session was really eye-straining, but I was somehow contented, having learned something new, different and useful.

edubuntu, Linux and its programs

My 8 hours today was for the CICT Training. I was having a hard time with my headache. Yesterday, I was with my batch's place, together with some old time school mates. Atty. Henjie Estaño passed the most recent BAR exams and he was giving a celebration. There was a drinking spree and that caused me my headache. Anyway, Batch '93 of Marian College is truly proud of Henjie as its first ever lawyer. Last night, he was really taking "the lawyer way".

Today at the training, we tried on OpenOffice.Org Calc and I learned many new things about it. I think I am now starting to accept Linux.

Two days without any posts: Blame it to the rain

Two days ago, typhoon "Ambo" made its way to the central Visayas, affecting the Mindanao area. Last Sunday, I had to drive through despite the rain because the Interlude was counting on my presence to sing Psalm 23. Of course I made it through the rain and gloriously sang before God's people of Ipil the Psalm. Ricky, who is a musical organ master thought it (the Psalm) was a song piece from a composer. I told him I made it my own.

Monday was truly a busy day as expected. I had to be in school for the ICT seminar-workshop. It was drizzling that morning when the Division Office called up for me to report. Ma'am Bebs also called up and I channeled the call to Sir Dodong, our principal. Sir Dodong couldn't even make a decision and so I had to stay.

O yes, today has been another busy one for me. At the ICT training, I found a hard time operating on a Linux OS. I could not forget how I managed to create a table with merged cells. But anyhow, I thought I learned many things from the training. I was so glad this afternoon when the Regional Science Supervisor Sir Bash sent me a text message informing me that the prizes (money! yes.) for the Science Fair are now ready to be claimed at the DepEd Satellite Office in Zamboanga. Wow.

I went to the Church this afternoon after the training. Spinola School was the choir and the sponsor. The sisters invited me to sing with them and I did. I heard beautiful grateful words from them and I was overwhelmed with joy.

The Good Shepherd

When I got home from a motor tune up, I had a little nap as my pamangkins went with their tita Daylin and tito Makoy to Tiayon. I woke up at 2:30 pm and went to Poblacion to buy a 512 MB Micro SD for my new phone (Motorola W230). I transferred my music files into it. Then I prepared the Psalm 23 – Magbalantay kanako ang Ginoo (The Lord is My Shepherd). I came early at the Cathedral this afternoon to put chords to the entire Psalm. Kuya Manny would be accompanying me through the guitar. I thought I sang it well and I was so relaxed at the lectern. Fr. Jims McCauley (spelling check pls..) was the celebrant for the Holy Eucharist and his homily was focused on Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He emphasized on the need of the Church for more shepherds in the person of priests, sisters, brothers and lay ministers. This day has been something so worthwhile, with ne having done most of my plans. I am hoping and praying that I will survive in the coming week, which will be surely a busy one for me.

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and oh, this morning...

"My motor and an old-time friend at an Auto Repair Shop"

Allan has been a friend for a long time. Our friendship and that of his classmates with me can be traced back to his fourth year life at MSS. Even when I was taking my MA at WMSU - Zamboanga during summer, we would meet there during our spare time. He was taking up some subjects at the time at Brent College. He comes home with his bro Athan many times. He too is a loyal drinking buddy.

This morning, I was planning to have my motor repaired and tuned up. I was looking for a shop somewhere near the Municipal Hall until I reached Nokie’s neighborhood. Allan was there and he recommended a certain shop. I asked him to help me out with the purchasing of some needed materials. He was the one I asked to buy engine oil and spark plug. We were seated there, watching my motor being tuned up, talking about Lloyd, Athan, Nokie’s loan application, his in-laws and his daughter, who at the time was at De Villa’s Hospital for medication. We had to stop our discourse when the tune up was over. He went back to Nokie’s place.

I got my motor filled with 100 peso gasoline and went home.

Food for the Body, Food for the Soul

This afternoon, I was left home alone. I took a sleep with the head phone, listening to senti music. I woke up at 4pm and finding out that there was no drinking water anymore, I brought along with me an empty mineral water container and drove to Aqua Serve refilling station. When I went back home, along the way, I saw Sir Bobby. To my mind, he must be fetching Ma'am Bebs for the 5:15 mass. That made me reminded that it's been quite a while since I partook in the Holy Eucharist. When I got home, I dressed up and rushed to St. Joseph's Cathedral.

The mass was not yet starting when I arrived. Auntie Rosmin requested me to read the Holy Scriptures and I said "yes". Father Elmer was the celebrant, and his opening words were so fitting to my thoughts at the time - "food for the body, food for the soul". I had no idea what the reading was. As I read through the Words, I came to realize that it was about Saul, persecuting Jesus, but eventually he turned out to be Jesus' significant disciple. I was kind of moved by the reading but I really tried to read the Words as clearly as I could. Father Elmer's homily highlighted the spiritual importance of celebrating the Holy Eucharist - a moment of remembrance of Christ's life, death and resurrection and a time to receive His Body and Blood. When I got home, there was still no one there. I cooked (stir fry ampalaya and talong with shrimp) and ate. My Sister Daday arrived later from a seminar in Zamboanga. Then I left home to come to where I am seated now... Oh, this Internet cafe is somewhere in Purok Kaimito in Tirso Babiera.

2 memos for too busy week ahead

My uncle Moroy who is working in the info section of DepEd Zamboanga Sibugay told me that I have a travel order at the office. It was around 8 am and so I had to rush to the Division Office, only to find out that it was the travel that I earlier cancelled. I already told my Dept. Head, Ma'am Marlene that I would not be going. So I just proceeded to Campus A of our school and surfed the net at the computer lab with Joy and Sir Noy. Joy was so busy chatting while Sir Nonoy was busy with both playing texttwist and opening web pages. I was inside the lab customizing my blog when Ma'am Nona handed to me a memo advising me to report to the Division this Monday to plan for a seminar, on which I will be one of the facilitators. Then, after a while the Planning Office called up telling me to get a memo regarding a whole week finalization of the DEDP (Division Education Dev't Plan). I went to the Division Office and got the memo. Haaay, two memos for a busy week ahead!

I had to rush to Dodong's place to get the guitar because the TALAD (a Missal for Eucharistic Celebration) was in its pocket. Last Saturday, Kuya Lino borrowed the guitar for Dodong. Then after I got it, I proceeded to Kuya Manny's place, where I saw him busy with papers at the porch. I had a chat with Ate Lourdes on Embot's successes and upcoming studies. Kuya Manny gave me a whole, truly sweet langka.

Got a new haircut and a new ATM card today

My first destination out from home today was "Kimboy's Barbershop" (my suki). I have got to have my hair cut. It was like not cool anymore. After the haircut, I kinda like to eat mango shake so I bought the ingredients and other stuff at Ipil Public Market.

I thought my wallet was drained already. I had 4 checks on my wallet that had yet to be encashed. I have been quite very busy these past days and I got no time to encash my checks as they are received. After the shake moment at home, I rushed to DBP - Ipil Branch. The encashment got my wallet bulging and so I planned to open an account at DBP. I got all the papers and requierements ready and by 1:30 pm, I got a new ATM.

An Ordinary Morning, A Busy Afternoon

When I woke up at 8:00, I opened the ref and there was no food. And so I went to the Public Market with Nonoy. On my way, I realized that I had to have my motor washed so we stopped by for it, then proceeded to the market.

I bought lapu-lapu (2 of which I steamed this morning for a breakfast), yellow fin and shrimp and half kilo of broccoli and cauliflower. After my breakfast I watched the third part of Superman on HBO. I liked it a lot. It's the second time around. When the taho vendor passed by, we bought some and it was truly yummy.

I was on my computer when it was past twelve. I received a text message that I had to be in school for the checking of forms. After taking a bath, I rushed to the school and lo and behold, the many forms that had to be checked. We (my co-teachers and I) finished four advisory sections at around 8:00 pm. Then after I signed in the forms, I came up to where I am seated now, writing this post.

A Year Older, A Life Better

Finally, I now make my first post. It has to be today, my birth day.

Yesterday, the Interlude family had an advanced birthday party with us three members - me April 7, Ate Helen April 8 and Neneng April 9. We had it celebrated at Palid Beach. Every member of the choir brought food and the eating session was truly enjoyed by everyone.

Today, I woke up at 9:50 am. I heard my mother coaching my pamangkins on how to greet me. When I went to the kitchen, I saw cooked pancit bihon. I was eating the food when Dimple greeted me. I thought it was spontaneous because the Lola wasn't around. Then Angel and Nonoy greeted me after. I told my sister Daday that we go to the beach. The kids were so thrilled. I brought the three of them along with me through my Honda 125. It was fun getting there because the way nearest to the beach was flooded and we had to pass through a bridge made of two poles of old, weak bamboo. Angel was like crying but she made it. When we got to the beach the kids hurriedly bathed, not minding of the hot sun. My sister Daday arrived and brought along bangus, which we grilled in there. There were also adobo and again pancit. I too took a swim with the kids. At around 2 pm, we went home.

I brought the kids to Tiayon where my parents were at the time. It was kinda far but I thought I like the place. I am even contemplating of putting up my own house there. It was raining very hard so I had to wait. At around 5 pm, I rushed to where I am seated now... in an Internet Cafe to post this very first entry at "It's my life". Earlier, before going to Tiayon, I edited the pictures, which was taken by my 5-year old niece Dimple. The one I placed as the heading was also taken by her. Proud tito huh?

Ooops, just this morning up to now, I am receiving a lot of greetings through text messages. Salamat kaayo.