Happy Birthday Mamang!

It's still another day here in Pampanga so I could not personally greet my mother. I was hoping this morning that I could somehow do something to let her know that I care about her birthday. Early on, I asked permission from Ma'am Toni (the training project manager) that I go out to send money via MLuillier. She told me that I'd be accompanied by one of the facilitators to get to the SM. I was surprised that Ma'am Toni told me that I would be accompanied by her husband, Sir Joe Torres (our Resource person) because they were to buy newspaper at the metro. I was greatly amazed. I had a great time with them talking on the way, with Sir Joe riding the wheels. They dropped me by at SM Clark. There was only an ATM there, where I withdrawn a 2000. I had to go to McArthur Highway to get to MLuillier. It cost me 140 to travel to and fro, but it didn't matter; I was successful with the sending of money for Mamang's Birthday.

I received a text message from Ma'am Toni that they were waiting at the back of the mall. She called up and asked me where I was. I was looking around and the only common signage I saw was that of KFC. I told her I was at KFC. I found out later that I was at the event center; KFC was somewhere else at the ground floor. She texted me again that I'd wait at the KFC. We finally saw each other and came back here at Mimosa.

The moment with them was indeed something to remember.

I wonder what would they (back home) buy for the amount I just sent. Anyhow, I thought I made them feel remembered with the gesture I did.

Happy Birthday Mamang. May the Good Lord forever bless you.

6th day here at Pampanga/Camp Blog1b

I woke up early (5:30 am) and took around 20 minute-jogging. It was great though since it made me sweat a bit. Then came the usual routine - take a bath, dress up and now, here I am at the plenary hall (Hilltop Restaurant), waiting for another day of seminar-workshop that is all for USEFUL blogging.

It was kinda heavy yesterday. It was like the whole day that we surf for sites that would be references for our upcoming blog. Even up to now, I'm still feeling a bit drowsy staring at the LCD monitor for hours. Our group (science class) was somehow relieved after we presented our outputs before the no less than, CICT project manager, Ms. Tony. Her remarks though were good for our improvement. One (Jenelyn) of our classmates had to be rushed to the clinic after feeling ill. O I pray I wouldn't be the next.

So now, O God, this must be another hectic day. I hope I'd have enough energy to cope up.

it's 7th for Pacman!

We're still in blogging session yesterday and so I failed to watch Pacman's fight against Cotto, live. We only learned about his victory through latest Internet reports. Some were not surprised as they have been used to hearing Pacman win. But I was as thrilled as I have always been. I was like apprehensive about the result, having the thought that Manny's opponent had the size advantage. When we got to our villa, here at Mimosa Leisure Estate (Montevista Villas) in Pampanga, I came to know that the bout was brought to the 12th round, with Manny winning via TKO.

image source: http://pacquiao-vs-cotto.blogspot.com/

Congrats Packman... truly the Greatest Filipino Sportsman!

R.I.P. Ma'am Emma, our nanay

Nanay, we fondly called her. Ma'am Emma was a co-teacher from 2002 to 2006. She transferred to another school for some reasons. I would always remember her to be a person I always talked with. At the time she was in school, I was next to her table and so we always share our thoughts. When she left the school, we gave her despidida party. We offered her songs and I thought she departed from the school with a peaceful heart.

Last Nov. 2, I received a message informing that she died of heart attack. I was shocked as everyone was. We visited her wake by the next day. I saw her picture that was placed at the glass of her coffin - she was the nanay Emma that I used to know: a jolly, carefree person.

I think it's already a "job well done" for her as a teacher. She would be truly missed.

It's Confirmed, I'm Joining the Camp Blog!!

This is a scanned copy of my plane ticket (round trip) for the Camp Blog in Pampanga from Nov. 12 - 23.

Adios mi amigo, Fr. Jim...

Just a few minutes ago, I was with Fr. Jim along with his friends in his Farewell Party. That would be the last time I'd see him. He's leaving for Davao tomorrow.
Fr. Jim McAuley is a Maryknoll priest, who came from the US. I have come to know him through our choir. (I am a member of two - Interlude and ZSibugay NHS). The first time I heard him speak, I was amazed by the profound Visayan words he used. I was even glad that I came to know him as a friendly person. He is someone you can confidently talk with and he communicates in a very light, lively and happy conversation. My students would always look forward to seeing him every time we sponsor for Wednesday masses. He is so loved by the kids for his kindness and friendliness.

There is only one thing you would hear from anyone about Fr. Jim - he is a good person. For me, he truly exemplifies Jesus' ways. He always emphasizes the greatness of God's love for everyone. It is so sad to know that he has to leave. His superiors are looking after his safety, after what happened to a Columban priest in Pagadian City. We just couldn't hold him.

He will be surely missed.

I am forever grateful that I have become his friend.