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.

Psalm 23: The Lord Prepares a Banquet for Me

"You spread a table before me
in the sight of my foes
You anoint my head with oil
my cup overflows"

"Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come"

September 29 is the Feast Day of the Archangels

Three angels have been mentioned in the scriptures - Michael, "Who is Like God?" in Daniel 10:13; Gabriel, "Power of God", (Daniel 8:16) and Rafael, (Tobit 7:8) "God has healed." These named beings were later identified by Catholic tradition as "archangels."(from http://communio.stblogs.org)


I never have had any experience "encounters" with angels. But I truly have the faith that they do exist. Angel Gabriel, the one sent to announce the birth of the Christ Jesus, is very familiar, as he is always remembered during the Angelus. There's also a song "Adlaw-adlaw kang Maria," where St. Gabriel is mentioned. St. Michael's image of defeating satan is one famous picture.

Although the angels' existence is not personally experienced, there have been so many times that I met many angels here on earth. They are those that give me comfort whenever I am down. They give me good counsel in times of making decisions. Some would fight the evil in me just to make me walk the right path.

These past days, I have been making melodies on psalms. I have somehow improved with playing the electronic pipe and church organs. There have been angels who are not noticeably sharing their presence with me.

Unheard Bestowed Forgiveness

How could one ever be reasonably angered by false accusations of a legally mentally ill individual? It is something I never ever have expected to happen to me. But it has. I received baseless allegations from an individual through text messages. The texts were dreadful, and they were so personal and dishonest claims. Worse, there were even threats attached to the messages. How could someone be so unfairly annoyed at me? There's just one explanation for all these - I have been an object of a bipolar/Schizophrenic individual's mental imbalance's releases. I really have to admit that what has been happening disturbs me at the moment. In the first instant, I was even assaulted physically. It took that to happen for me to realize what was going on at the time.

Now that everything seems to have sunk in already, all I need to do is ignore and keep the farthest distance as possible. There has been no text replies ever, which is good, to send a message to the other side that I have been barked wrongly. Top of it all is forgiveness. Though it is not heard, I bestow it totally. I have the reasonable mind, totally sane analysis and clean conscience; why worry. Maybe I have to be anxious that this has already blown, and I truly don't have the control of everyone's thought. There's just no justice right away, but finally, I believe it will triumph.

image: http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs32/f/2008/212/6/2/Schizophrenia_by_Clouded_and_Shadowed.jpg

Today is the Feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Image Source: http://www.wf-f.org/BirthofMary.html)

I woke up at 5:10 am and got my self set for the 6 am mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral. I would accompany (in guitar) the psalmist. We practiced Ps. 13 "With delight, I rejoice in the Lord" last night. This morning, Bishop Julius Tonel celebrated the Eucharistic Commemoration of the Birth of the Mother of God. It was in his homily that I learned that there are just two birthday celebrations of the saints - those of Mary, Jesus' Mother and John the Baptist. Mary's conception of Jesus, should represent how God relates with us - that we too are God's temple, where Christ lives in our works towards living a holy life.

All my life as a catholic, I know that Jesus has entrusted to me his very own mother. I believe that my prayers for the Blessed Mother's intercessions were brought to God, as it happened on a wedding banquet in Cana.

My Mother Mary, I am an undeserving servant of your Son, Jesus. I pray to you, that each day that I serve God, may your prayers make me worthy of Christ's promise of eternal life. Pray for us sinners, O Blessed Mary, full of grace, now and at the hour of our death. AMEN.

"I don't know how to forgive myself, having caused the injury on a helpless little girl."

I was hurrying to get to the church. I was going to sing the psalm for the 4th Mass (Cebuano) of the 22nd Sunday of this Ordinary Time. When I got near to the church's gate, I noticed that the 3rd Mass was still going on. I decided to drive my motorcycle on the left path of the cathedral. I had to move really slow so not to disturb the celebration. I was surprised when suddenly a kid ran fast from near the plant box, without me knowing it. She got hit. My vehicle was almost not running but I guess she hit herself onto it. I just realized that something happened when I saw a girl, tumbled on the pathway. I thought it wasn't that injuring but when she was picked by her mother (who is an acquaintance), I saw blood on her forehead and mouth. I was devastated by what I saw. At the time, there was no amount of reasoning that could ease my guilt. Up to this very time, I don't know how to forgive myself, having caused the little, helpless girl's injury. As it happened, one extra ordinary minister of the communion advised me to bring the kid to the hospital. With her mother, we proceeded to the nearest hospital. The girl was right away attended by a nurse, Rommel, who was one of my students before. I could only give an amount, and I left the hospital after making sure that the kid has been accordingly treated. I was somehow relieved that her mother understood the situation.

I proceeded to the church. There, I caught the procession of the Priest, father Arnel with us, the lectors, together with the altar servers and extra ordinary ministers of communion. I was really uneasy. Despite the guilt, I managed to sing psalm 63 "My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord, my God." In the course of the liturgy, all I do was pray that the kid is well, and that my guilt be taken away. O God, give me the strength to get through this. I am simply so weak. Grant me O God, mercy and grace, that I may become strong amidst this experience. Amen.

Image: http://leadingfamilies.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/anxious-child.png

Trusting someone you just met

May 22, 2011, I was on my way to Malaybalay City in the Province of Bukidnon. The bus stopped for awhile for the passengers had to step on an antiseptic mat before proceeding to the province. I heard one passenger asking where the Benedictine Monastery (at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy) is located. I too, was going to the same venue. We had a little chat about our going there. The driver assistant told us that we'd be dropped at the bus stop in Malaybalay. It was our first time there so we did not know that there is really a bus terminal, where the participants are picked.

I came to know Adette, who is from Manila, when we arrived at the bus stop. I was a bit confident that we'd get to the venue that easy since Kuya Manny, who is a friend, has been there at the PIL for a month already. He would help me get to the venue. He sent me a message that we will be picked at the Mercury Drug Store. We asked some people there where the store is. It was raining at the time. I was told that it is near Land Bank. I left my baggage to Adette for we have decided that I go to the store, and get back to her at once. There, I waited for more than an hour already. I did not know then that the one (Edson) who would get us was also waiting AT ANOTHER MERCURY DRUG STORE. Kuya Manny was already alarmed and he asked for another vehicle to get us. He called me up and asked my exact location. At the time, I was worried about Adette. She is from Manila and it would be difficult for her to communicate with the people there. I was also thinking that she might have proceeded to the venue with a possible help from some fellow.

Finally, they spotted where I was. I told them that I was with a co-participant. The one driving the vehicle is a Benedictine Monk. I could not forget his words, "Bakit ka nagtiwala?" I suddenly realized, that truly, why did I entrust my baggage to a fellow, whom I just met. I told him that I just trust her. We eventually got to where Adette was and, yes, we were successfully brought to the PIL. There, for ten days, I have known more about the person I just met and then trusted right away. I was so right. Adette is truly a friendly, lighthearted and a good fellow. PIL became a place where I met and became a friend to the people, who serve God in the ministry of music.

Film Review: The Count of Monte Cristo

"God will give me justice."

The movie was shown in 2002. I haven't seen the entire show until this morning. I was feeling bored and I had only one option: to watch whatever movie is available on the external drive. I just simply clicked "Count of..." and watched.

I saw how one could be inflicted with injustice, just as the lead actor in the character of "Edmond" had from even his closest friend. His being naive hugely brought him to an ordeal that was so unlikely to be resolved - he was imprisoned in a stone-walled cell in a remote island. For years, he constantly scratched the etches on the stone wall that said: "God will give me justice" until there came a point when he lost his hope in God. He unexpectedly befriended "Priest" who was instrumental to both his escape and transformation. He was taught on how to read and write and economics, and other important lessons. Although he lost his faith in God, he clearly was godly in his being a good fellow to the old Priest. He managed to escape from prison on the day Priest died. Before his death, Priest gave a map of treasure in Monte Cristo to Edmond. Edmond became unimaginably rich and he addressed himself as the Count of Monte Cristo. He had his revenge on the people who caused him his pain. Having won back the love of his life "Mercedes", with unexpected reunion of his son, he could only afford to have his faith revived. He would have wanted to destroy Château d'If (where he was imprisoned) but he opted to have it lived as it would be his reminder that there is God, who gives justice.

Food Trip at Asia's Latin City

I was in Zamboanga from the afternoon of July 26 to the morning of July 29. I was with some co-teachers to attend a training there. On our arrival, we stopped at a food court in Sta Maria. The beef stew was so delicious. We decided to stay at a pension house in Baliwasan. Here are some the accounts of our food trip, which we unexpectedly experienced in Asia's Latin City.

Breakfast at D Twins Fried Chicken @ San Jose Rd. Baliwasan

(Beef Tapa, Fried Rice, Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Balbakuwa, Hot Tea)

The beef was really tender and moist. Balbakuwa was truly savory. A serve of P 55 could be enjoyed by four.






Dinner at Chowkings @ the City's Commercial Center
(Pork Lauriat)

Added to the soft pork fillet, the stir fried noodles, rice, fried dumpling, crunchy chips and the sesame seed coated dumpling offer a mouth-watering and satisfying meal after a long walk around the city. Just be sure to have a drink as your mouth would surely be stuffed; you might get choked.

Night Snacks @ the Boulevard
(Balut and Tempura)

Nowadays, the vendors are not anymore allowed to sell at the boulevard area. Just a short walk from the seaside, the balut vendors situate themselves in a street near the City Library. Other stuffs sold are tempura and chicharon. In my case with my friends, we bought some food stuffs and had them eaten at a bench in the boulevard.

A Drink at Paseo del Mar
(Fried Peanuts and Tanduay Ice)

One of the city's major attraction, Paseo del Mar has so much to offer. I enjoyed a bottle of Tanduay Ice and had deep fried peanuts as pulutan.

Snacks at Mindpro's Food Courts
(Squid Balls, Kiquiam and Shawarma)

I have always been enjoying eating at Mindpro's Food Courts. Last Wednesday, I tasted the "Shawarma" upon the recommendation of a friend. I had Gulaman-Buko as my drink.

Manang Terry's Chicken Inato @ Canelar
(Grilled Chicken Pecho, Bijon Guisado, Bulalo)

Although the chicken is not as good-grilled as in Ati-atihan or Mang Inasal, the ambiance of the place is great for a food trip. As for the group, we loaded our tummies with grilled chicken, bulalo and bihon guisado.





Now the price? Added kilograms and lessened savings! But I should not set aside the memory we have made. We have become even closer and no amount of diet or peso can pay the bonding moments we made on our food trip at Asia's Latin City.

Here in Zambo

Together with Leonneth, Lotta and Bulak, I came here in the Latin City of Asia last Tuesday. We left Ipil at around 2:00 pm. We are here for the UBD (Understanding By Design) batch 2 training at Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School. We stay at a pension house in Baliwasan.

Yesterday, we had lots of fun and experience. We had a sumptuous breakfast at a local fast food chain. The balbakuwa was truly tasty and the beef was undeniably tender, juicy and delicious. After sessions in the seminar, we went to the commercial center and shopped. We took our heavy dinner at Chowking. We rested for awhile at the pension house then we went to the city's infamous boulevard. We ate balut and took pictures there. We proceeded to the newly established Paseo del Mar, where we roamed around and loaded ourselves with ice cold Tanduay Ice. We went back to the pension house as the night got old.

This morning, we packed our bags and checked out and proceeded here in the training venue. Hopefully, this training would end this afternoon so we could go home tonight.

As soon as we are back to our station, we shall be applying the learning we gained from this seminar.

ZSNHS Jaguars won 3rd

Yesterday, the town of Ipil celebrated its 62nd founding anniversary. There was a contest on cheer dance, which was participated by three college and two high school learning institutions. Our contender, the Jaguars managed to present a truly outstanding cheer dance despite the errors somewhere at the start. I videoed their presentation and left the venue right away to prepare my things for my travel to Zamboanga. I heared from their trainer, Loenneth, that they won third place.

I think, whether they got a place or not, they are truly winners. The Jaguars obviously gave their best during the competition.

2011 Miss Ipil

This year's Miss Ipil is Jaddie May Villafuerte, who represented Liga ng mga Kabataan. She bested over 15 other equally stunning ladies. Our student, Veronica Rufo (No.2) did not make it to the magic 8. She somehow gave an outstanding performance, as told to me by her trainer, Ms. Ipil Runner Up Jenylyn Chiong.Miss Sibugay '11 and the '10 Miss Ipil Amelia Caubalejo, one of my former students turned over her crown to this year's Miss Ipil.

(Thanks to Mary Josette Marquiala Din for these pictures.)

Church Visit: Cathedral of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

It was the last day of the music module I attended there in Malaybalay when I unexpectedly visited the City's Cathedral. I was with my friend, Amiel for some transactions at the commercial center. He took these pictures via his phone. I did not bring my camera at the time, having the thought that we'd just be going to the centro. While Amiel's files were still being photocopied, we decided to visit the cathedral, which was just a few steps away. I wouldn't be much thinking about church visits since at the Institute, we have a chapel, and we had just went to the famous New Transfiguration Church. When we're nearing, it appeared that the church was closed but having learned from a fellow that it was open, we entered therein. I prayed for a while inside. Before we left, we took pictures of our selves to capture a remembrance of our visit to a House of the Lord in Malaybalay City on June 3, 2011.

ZSNHS Choir sings in a program the Opening Prayer and Phil National Hymn

Ma'am Vivian informed me ahead that our choir would be singing the opening prayer and Lupang Hinirang for the PTA 2011-12 Induction Program. And so I practiced the kids Fr. Nilo's I Believe in Peace and the national anthem. From the rehearsal, I could see that the children are quite ready to present their performance. Here's a glimpse of their rendition during last Friday's induction program:

Will I soon replace Facebook for this?

This has been just a usual try just like any other novel offering on the net. So far, Google+ has its advantages over Facebook. A comment that you have posted can be still edited even after a day or more. The ones in the link can be grouped into circles easily as friends, acquaintances, and so on. It's hangout feature looks more attractive.

If most of my Facebook friends will be hooked to Google+ one day, that would probably the time when I shift to the latter.

Bienvenidos aqui na Ipil Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

His Excellency Bishop Julius Tonnel, D.D, upon seeing the Black Nazarene at the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Bukidnon, was hearwarmed by the image of the Lord. At the time, the Parish Priest of Quiapo, where the original image of the Nazarene resides, was there too. From their conversation, Bishop Tonell wrote a letter to Archbishop Rosales of Manila, requesting that the Ipil Diocese be given the image of the Nazarene. The bishop of Manila in his reply to Bp. Tonnel, happily informed that the Nazarene Statue be made soonest. It was also mentioned in the letter that the Diocese of Ipil would be informed on the time of shipping the holy image. That was last April.

Now, July 14, 2011 at past 10 am, the image of the Black Nazarene arrived at the premises of the St. Joseph's Cathedral, with Bp. Tonell, leading the welcoming of the Lord's image. Last Saturday, I have been practicing with the Interlude Choir, the singing of the Nazarene's theme: "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno." During the blessing of the image, we sang it meaningfully with the faithful present. After the para-liturgical rites, the Bishop approached me and gladly asked how I came up with the hymn for the Nazarene. I told him that I got it online. He suggested that we also sing it during the communion on Sunday as a gesture of welcoming the Lord's image.

This 5:oo pm, we'll be singing during the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of the Black Nazarene of our Lord.

Training up a school choir

To have an SATB choir has been a big dream. Never have I thought that I'd train up one group of talented high school students, sing in harmony. So far, it has been more than a couple of weeks and the choir has three pieces that are ready for presentation. The first one, "I Believe in Peace" by Fr. Nilo, is truly a meaningful song. I have also found a piece from the Internet, the "Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Hymn), which is arranged by Ed Nepomuceno. The third piece is Dan Schutte's "These Alone are Enough", which is a good music for doxology. (Picture on the left was taken during our practice last Friday, July 8, which we did at a Kiosk as we would want to have it done outside a room.)

The job hasn't been like doing the work there in the music room. Before each rehearsal, I have to encode each note of the songs into a software program for music. (Thanks to a real great friend from Davao City, who installed the program in my net book. He is Amiel G. Baculna - an instructor at John Paul II College and the church organist in Davao.) Without the program, it would have been so impossible to train the kids. I usually save each file as sound format so it can be played during our practice.

There are challenges that lie ahead. The kids have to master yet the art of singing. We have yet to purchase a keyboard. There are times that some of the choir members have to attend to other extra-curricular activities during our practices. But with the good remarks we have been hearing so far, there is no reason for us to slow down. This is the first time the school would have this kind of group, and there's more to come, God bless us.

I have had it washed anyway

It's been raining 24/7. The road, muddy; everywhere, wet all day. My motorcycle has been dirty with mud for almost two weeks now. I would think that it is not wise to have it regularly washed. This morning, I looked at my XRM-RS 125 and I saw it was not necessarily have to be that untidy of the mess it got from the wet weather. I was on the way to campus B when I saw a car wash open. And so, it was washed. Despite the thought that it will get dirty again, as the rains are still around, I have had it washed anyway.

Seasons of Love @ PIL

Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for this video of the group 2 performance during the Concert Night of the 2011 Music Module at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. Our group, during its rehearsals shared lots of funny moments. AJ lead the group in its practices. This video tells a lot of stories our group made at the PIL.



Trainer: AJ
Soloist: Carlo Rey
Fr. Danto's impersonator: Randell
Organist: Oliver

Other members: Myself, Fe, Jeffery, Raffy, Sr. Noelle, Aloma
(Fr. Danto was supposed to be with us. However, he was scheduled to leave ahead. Randell represented Fr. Danto, impersonating father's manner of speaking in Filipino.)

One Super Remembrance from 2011 music module

This rendition was rehearsed by the talented Father Nilo. This was the last time we were at the Transfiguration Chapel at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. As soon as the distribution of certificates was done, I went to the terminal bus with some other three participants. It was one memorable night. Our friends accompanied us to the bus terminal and it was truly hurting when we parted our ways. The four of us who left ahead were bound to Cagayan de Oro. There, we too had to went on separate ways. At 1:30 am, I was home bound and got to my destination at 10:30 am.

(Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for the video.)

When will this rain ever end?

This day is not excused from rain. There have been downpours here in Ipil. They usually happen in the afternoon. There were times that I had to drive through despite the rain to get to the church for my choir responsibility. Last Monday, I wasn't able to attend my classes in WMSU because of the seemingly unending downpour. I came late last night in my class for the same reason. The campus B road, although still passable, has been so muddy. I always get my shoes and pants dirty whenever I pass along the road.

I thought this day wouldn't be wet with rain. It was very sunny at 10 am. Then, all of a sudden, before noon came, the rain fell down again. It's like that the weather decided to rain, and indeed it rained at once! When will this ever end? Only the Creator of the World knows. For the moment, I just have to be thankful for each day, each rainy day, that somehow there are no floods here.

Searching for Silence

Work loads in school, social network surfing and activities, Church songs preparations, part time job schedules, hanging out with friends... all these have met me after days of living a quieter, simpler life. Where is my thought about my very self? I haven't have the moment of resting my mind. Yes, I can still sleep well. But each day is marked with much noise around - noise, which I my self created. I couldn't hear that peaceful sound. I just need a piece of mind that is in true silence. I need to rest my thoughts amidst a life packed with things to do. I pray that I attain peace in the silence I am searching for.

"True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." - William Penn

Gratitude in Prayer: a glimpse on a prayer of thanks

There are many times that because of the heftiness of the load of anxieties within, I find it hard to even be grateful for what I am going through; when I know in the end, all shall be well with God. Here's a glimpse of a reflection I wrote while in Malaybalay City last month:

-->

May 26, 2011

Have I ever learned to thank you my Lord? All that I have been having is a complaining thought. I am downhearted by the difficulties I am going through. Where is my mind that thinks of praising You my God, for all that I walk along with? Where is the grateful heart, that should adore You my God for all the love I have received from my friends? Today, I pray, that amidst the hardship and anxiety, You teach me O God, how to become grateful. Lord, for having brought me here, despite of the supposedly hectic schedules now and in the next days; for having given me friends and teachers, whom I share my life with; for the music, that is like heaven, so serene and lively yet like following Christ, entails challenges along the way. For all these, my gratitude O God would not suffice what it takes to give You praise. I love You O Lord, and I thank You. Your faithfulness and love keep me going. Your mercy makes me grow. Bless me that I may give You thanks, all the days of my life. Amen.

I’m really leaving the science lab

I had to get up so early. My first day’s work in school was going to be the inventory of science lab equipment. The school is kinder to me this school year; I am not given an advisory class. Consequently, I have to give up my position as science lab in-charge. I used to handle the science lab since its completion. I have had lots of memories there with my previous third year students. Now, the lab is only one of the buildings I would see in school. The present lab in charge Ma’am Neneng helped me out in accounting the equipment. Thank God we have six students who assisted us in the carrying of the apparatuses. Ma’am Neng gave me a nice snack after the inventory.

As soon as I left the lab room, there was a sensation of loneliness. I realized I was really leaving the science lab. Well, that’s life. But I’m still in school. My framed certificates are still there inside the science lab. I still belong. For now, I have to go on with what I am being assigned to - a teacher in general education, handling one Biology class and a SPED teacher, catering SPED classes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.