Chess Champions Again

The 2009 District Athletic Meet opened last Friday morning. I was to coach my four chess players namely:

Boys
Board 1 - Joven Torrefranca
Board 2 - Eloydee Mesia

Girls
Board 1 - Charis Cutamora
Board 2 - Albertine June Din
The result was simply a repeat of last year's Meet

(http://itsmylyf08.blogspot.com/2008/11/sibugay-high-in-chess.html).Boys board 1 and Board 1 and 2 of the girls were all undefeated, turning out an over-all champion for Zamboanga Sibugay NHS.

Happy World Teachers' Day

A teacher is…

Someone you can turn to in times of trouble

Someone you can lean on whenever you fall

Someone you can cry on when you feel displeased

Someone you can ask for something unbeknownst

A friend to someone who needs a helping hand

A brother or sister to anyone who’s abandoned

A mother or father who guides your pathway

A door that is open, each and every day

Your comfort in moments of worry and gloom

Your sunshine that makes you grow and bloom

Your boat that leads you to a blissful destination

Your shield that shelters you from obliteration

My Winningest Tennis Moment

Earlier this afternoon, Manilyn (a former student of mine, who came home from Zamboanga, where she studies BSBA at Pilar College) invited me that we play tennis at around 6 pm or so. I told her that right after the mass, I'd come over. We would be playing at a clay court in Pangi.

After I took my dinner, I went to the court and just right after a few seconds, I was ready for some action. I (with my partners) won all the following pairings:

Game 1: with Efren vs. Jingjing & Toto
Game 2: with Darious vs. Manilyn & JayJay
Game 3: with Manilyn vs. Kenken & Jayjay
Game 4: with Jingjing vs. Toto & Jayjay.

Top of it all, it was the volume of sweat that I turned out, that always marks my winning moment. It was so light-feeling after sweating a lot!

Sibugay High Palarong Pampaaralan '09 Opens Today

salo-salo 2gether

Food has a lot of purposes indeed. It was through it that we, teachers had our get together at Campus B. This morning, there was a program at the Division Office, and so there was no class. Jiji told the group that we cook adobo. We shared 50 pesos each, and then I and Jiji went off to the market. We came back to school and cooked pork adobo, fish stew and agar salad and 2 kg rice too. By 12 pm, the table was ready. It was something new that we took lunch together, in one big table. We really enjoyed the moment.Attendance:

Jiji, Ma'am Glo, Joy (Kulot), Orlyn, Ma'am Vivz, Sir Doming, Sir Coro, Ma'am Neneng (Escala), Ma'am Lilia, Joy (Neneng), Tintin, Lovely, Sir Edward, Sir Jhonny, Sir Nonoy, I

Sibugay High crowns its 2009 Mr. and Miss Palaro

At past 4 pm, a pageant show was presented, searching for this year's Mr. and Miss Palaro. The search coordinator-director was my friend Lovely. She assigned me to host the show. I was a bit tense at the start but as the show progressed, it was like something that I enjoyed on.The winners were the representative of the Seniors for Mr. Palaro and the candidate of Sophomores was crowned Miss Palaro.The show was graced by truly outstanding candidates, a powerhouse board of adjudicators and a well-setup physical arrangements. Congrats to the organizers - the MAPEH Department.

Omar and Kara won the Cluster 2 Science-English Spelling Bee

Yesterday, in celebration of the National Science and English Festival 2009, several contests were held at Zamboanga Sibugay National High School. I was the coach for the Science-English Spelling Bee with Omar (III-SPED) and Kara (III-SPED) as my contestants. They were a team of two, as representatives of Zamboanga Sibugay NHS. In all of the rounds, they were ahead than any of the other four schools, and so they were the winners, eventually. They scored 29 points, which was followed by 23 and 21 points, which settled 2nd and third representing San Antonio NHS and Titay NHS, respectively. The words were endeed difficult, but they managed to correctly spell 14 words from other schools.

Check out the ZSNHS's Science Club blogsite

I did not want to put into oblivion the event we had in school last Friday and Saturday. It was the school's science camp. I decided to blog what took place so, check it out: www.scizsnhs.blogspot.com.

I Qualified for the iSchools Camp Blog!

Sir Dodong, our principal forwarded to me a text message from the ICT Coordinator, Ma'am Cielo. I was so surprised that my essay-entry that I e-mailed to the CICT was good enough to qualify me for the camp Blog sometime this October 16 - 26! The following is an exerpt of Ma'am Cielo's e-mail:

Congratulations! Your entry to the iSchools Camp Blog 1B training which will be held from Oct 16-oct 26, 2009 in Clark, Pampanga (venue to be announced as soon as details are available). for now, we need your confirmation that you will attend. di po pwede mag back out once magconfirm.

to wit, the following have qualified:

	BONIFACIO SANDOVAL TEACHER TITAY NHS
67	ANGELINE OLEGARIO	STUDENT	WMSU LAB HS
68	ERICSON ALIETO	TEACHER	WMSU LAB HS
69	FATIMAH INGKOH	STUDENT	WMSU LAB HS
70	GENALYN BIADNES	TEACHER	ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR NHS
71	DARWIN LUMOSBOG	TEACHER	ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY NHS

Out of 90 entries, yours belonged to the top 60 who will attend. You have brought honor to your school and the region . Congratulations! You have until sept 23 to confirm, otherwise , your slot will be given to the next in rank.

Today is Our Lady's Birthday

I woke up at around 4:45 am. Earlier on, I had such time scheduled for alarm through my phone. I took a warm bath and gotten my self ready for the Holy Mass, which would be at 6 am. When I got to the Cathedral, I saw Kuya Roger and Kuya Manny who were busy preparing many things. Ate Marie and Ate Lourdes were also there already. Last night, I sent Kuya Manny a recorded Psalm that would be sung for the Celebration. The Psalm was indeed great and was sung meaningfully: "With delight, I rejoice in the Lord." I also played the musical organ live. We, the choir sang Marian songs (Ave Maria as entrance hymn, Stella Maris during the post-communion and Mother of Christ in the final). It was a joyful celebration of the birth of Our Mother. The mass ended at around 7 am. I directly proceeded to Zamboanga Sibugay National High School for my classes.

May the Blessed Virgin continue to pray for the whole world. Ave Maria!

Gotten better already

Just awhile ago, we the Interlude choir just had practice for the Holy Mass tomorrow, which is the commemoration of the birthday of Our Lady. My co-members in the choir commented that I am now playing the musical organ like a pro. Kuya Manny even commented that I am already like a master of it. How heartwarming it has been to hear it from others, that after all my self-practices, I am now better than I was, like a month ago. I am so thankful to God that He paved the way for my knowing Sr. Aurea, OSB, who has been teaching and encouraging me to play the musical organ, live during each mass our choir is assigned. I know that I still have more to practice. For now, I am so blessed with friends who continue to give encouragements.

whata Sunday!

I was waken up early yesterday by an SMS message from JiJi, inviting me for a tennis game. It was around 6:00 am that I got to his place. I proceeded to KenKen's house and there he was, preparing too for our tennis play. Then at the DPWH tennis court, we wiped off the slightly wet surface as it was raining a bit last Saturday. We volleyed for like 45 minutes and it got my shirt wet. When KenKen's father (kuya Norman) arrived, he joined us and we played doubles with me and KenKen as partners. After our game, Ate Daylin came around. She doubled with Kuya Norman against me and Sir Butch. We lost to them at 4 - 8. Winning the game really didn't matter (it never mattered to me at all) to me. What has always been the priority is me, getting fit while enjoying.

When I got home, I got a text message from Roland, a 3rd Year college student of mine that we pursue on what we planned last week - that was to have a good time at the beach on Sunday. He asked me if I could drop by so we could get Miguel his classmate. Then, we three proceeded to the wet market to buy fish and all what we would be enjoying at Palid Beach. When we got to the place, I saw a lot of friends. Miguel was amazed how could I have such a number of friends. We really had a great time there despite the limited rice. We swam to the wavy waters and it was such a fun jumping off the waves! We left the beach at around 5pm. When I got home, after drinking plenty of nice, cold water, I fell into my bed and enjoyed a long night sleep!

Rest in Peace Ate Mila

Last week, while we're (the Interlude Choir) practicing songs with Sister Aurea, we heard a news that Ate Mila, a member of our singing ministry group passed away by a complication due to appendicitis. Of course, we were all shocked. These past few months she hasn't really been that active with us but Ate Luz told me of her intent to be back again to the choir. She is survived by her son who's at his 20's and her daughter Meldie (our choir's projector girl), 16. Ate Mila should now be in joyful reunion with her late husband.

It was only like more than a year that I have known ate Mila. She to me, is a simple lady, a beautiful person inside and out, and a loving mother. She used to be at the "alto" group in our choir.

Last Saturday, the choir visited her wake at her parent's home in Tirso Babiera. Sr. Aurea led us in praying for her eternal repose.

Happy Birthday Daylin

My sis celebrated her 26th birthday last Aug 16. In the morning, I was busy at the church being the choir organist, and a beginner at that. Huh! When I got home at around 11 am, I saw that Mckoy was busy at the kitchen. He was preparing for the birthday lunch. Papang asked me what gift I would give to the celebrator. I handed my sis 500 bucks and she was happy with that.

I took a little sleep after the lunch to prepare my self for a tennis match. I sent SMS to my students/playmates telling them that we'd play at 3 pm. I sweat a lot and it was really great having felt good after the game.

Today, Our Lady of the Assumption Feast

I woke up early and drove off to the church. The Interlude was going to be the choir on the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist for the Feast of our Lady. I would be playing most of the songs on the organ, live!

The mass started at around 5:30 am. I was really pessimistic at first, having the thought that I might commit mistakes. You see, I am a beginner when it comes to organ. It has been just more than a month that I have practiced playing on organ. We were singing Marian songs in the post-communion and in the final. Anyhow, the mass got over and I thought I somehow at least got a passing mark because my mentor, Sister Aurea gave her OK with my performance. Way to go! But I know I am still on my first step. If time permits, amidst all trials, I believe that within a year, I could be better.

At 8 am, I rushed to DPWH to play tennis with my students. It has been a while since I played. Somehow, I played and I really sweat a lot.

so sorry i am

It's really not that easy to say sorry. Often we tend to be biased with our very selves and at times when our actions cause pain on others, we are most likely to reason out on our favor.

I did not expect a thing that I could hurt someone so close to my heart - that's Kuya Manny. He has been so good to me and my gratefulness for his kindness and his family would not suffice to express how happy I have been knowing him and his family. While we were practicing a song, and after having sung it, he flashed on an LCD another hymn , which wasn't really the song that we would practice with the choir. (Kuya Manny had all those PowerPoint presentations made). But the song was great and it's one that has been so familiar with me. So we sang or practiced the song. I saw that some words in there were not the ones I used to sing with my students. And so I told him that it was "wrong" and I thought I was really pressing hard the issue. Then he told me he did not intend it to be that way. He was really hurt when he said that. On my part, there was truly no speck of intention of hurting him or whatever, but then again, I hurt him. Because of the conviction within me that I wasn't purposely turning him down, I said sorry again and again. I was truly profoundly sorry, having thought that despite all his hard works, there I was, simply saying that something was wrong. Anyhow, I was glad that he offered me his hand after all.

"To forgive is divine". Perhaps, so famously known. But there nothing to forgive for anyone who is not sorry at all.

Got a new phone today

When I received my "differential" a couple of weeks ago, I decided that I buy a new phone. I used to have an MMS phone but I unfortunately lost it. It fell out of my pocket while I was driving. I used to like the N70 so I thought of buying one. Last Monday, my sis told me that she would be going with her husband Mckoy to Zamboanga City on Wednesday. I asked her if she could drop by a mall to buy for me N70. So yesterday, she bought the phone at a wise price. Now I have it and I truly like the unit.

Oh by the way, they went to Zambo to buy a spare part for the vehicle of IMAVEMCO. Unluckily, while on the way home this morning, the motor on which Mckoy was riding had its back wheel interior burst due to swelling caused by very hot road. Their son Joshua was with them. Good thing the little boy was wearing helmet (all of them anyway) and not a single scratch or bruise was inflicted on him. This morning, I really had a bad feeling about their travel. My heart was really palpitating fast when I had my thoughts on them. Thank God, there were good Samaritans who helped them. Mckoy and my sis got some minor bruises and pain. They're OK now. Thank God!

Congrats Rainier!

My contestant in Science III Quiz (Chemistry), Rainier Mesia of Zamboanga Sibugay NHS won first place in the District Level Science Contest 2009 that was just held this morning at Ipil National High.

We are now gearing up for the next level, the SLC which will be sometime next week at Titay National High.

Dimple turns 7 today.

Dimple and Angel got their birthdays celebrated yesterday, since the dates are only two days different. Papang treated them two lechons. The kids were so happy having all their friends attended their party. Happy birthday Angel and Dimple!

Farewell President Cory.

Former President Corazon Aquino flashes the ‘Laban’ sign as she speaks to thousands of people at an anti-Charter change rally on Sept. 21, 1997 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. AP-Bullit Marquez (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/168752/Former-President-Corazon-Aquino-people-power-icon-passes-away)
Tita Cory is indeed an icon of democracy. I do still remember my childhood days when she struggled with the Filipino people to free our country from dictatorship. When she came here in Ipil, my elder brother had an unforgettable experience with her. While the people were surrounding her, she threw her yellow garland, which was caught by my bro. I could recall her words to him that was told to me by my bro: "Iyo na 'yan boy!".

This morning at 3:18, she passed away. May she now rest in peace with Ninoy, as her legacy of freedom linger forever in the hearts of true Filipinos.

Happy 5th Birthday Angel!

just visited the internet cafe after a long while

all these past days were tennis, school, church, musical organ, tennis, school, church, musical organ..

just yesterday at 7:30 pm till like 9:00pm, I was playing doubles with wangyOe as my partner. well, he is a national athletics meet player. he brought our team to a 2 - 0 victory! Manilyn, jesker and j.j. were playing with us.

whew! what a life! but then again, "it's my life"!

May's almost over and yet

haven't yet posted that much... what a busy life!

The Easter Vigil Celebration 2009

The Interlude choir, through the hard work of Kuya Roger, our president and Kuya Manny the Liturgical Committee Chair, has been preparing way ahead of time the celebration of the Easter Vigil. Specially that this commemoration has so many parts that are not commonly done, we really had to be also prepared on our part as a choir. Kuya Manny requested me to put melody on 7 Psalms, two of which were for the Palm Sunday and Good Friday and the other 5 for the Easter Vigil. We asked the assistance of Ricky to have all the Psalms recorded on diskette to be played on organ since none of us in the choir knows how to play the organ. After the tedious recordings and preparations, the Psalms and the liturgical songs had been readied before the schedules. Last Sunday, Pamela sang the Psalm: "Dios ko, Dios ko, nganong Imo akong gibiyaan" very meaningfully. Last Good Friday, I sang the Psalm: "O Amahan, gitugyan ko ang akong kinabuhi diha sa Imong mga kamot."

This afternoon at 5:30, the Easter Vigil Celebration started with the blessing of the fire, which was followed by the Liturgy of the Word. Ate Ofelia, Darlene and Kuya Manny sang Psalms 104, 16 and Exodus 15 respectively and Kuya Manny and Ate Des sang in duet Psalm 42. I was so happy because the assembly and even Bishop Tonel, his co-celebrants and the assembly sang with the choir loudly. I and Darlene sang the Litany of Saints during the Baptismal Rites. On the whole, the choir did a great job. Bishop Tonel told us that we had good music that we made the people sing too.

Kuya Manny prepared a dinner for the group at his home. There, we celebrated as the Interlude Choir Family for having done a good job in our singing ministry.

Happy Birthday Fr. Jim

Fr. Jim McAuley is a priest from the US. He used to work at the World Trade Center before entering the seminary. He was ordained at the age of 33. I came to know him, and eventually became a close friend because of my being a choir at the church. I thought it was with my students, the ZSNHS Choir that we have become good friends.

Anyone who knows about Fr. Jim has only one thing to say: "He is a good person". One time he asked me when my birthday is. He was amazed when he knew I was born on the 7th of April because his mother was also born on the same date. I too was surprised to have known from him that his birthday is on the 8th. This morning, I woke up at 4 (and joined with those in the pictures above) for a mañanita for Fr. Jim. I didn't expect that I'd play the guitar for the singing, and also that I'd lead the prayer upon Fr. Jim's request. I felt so happy. We took the morning snack and then left at once because there would be more batches to greet the good priest, my friend.

To you Fr. Jim, a friend and truly Jesus' faithful disciple: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A Different Kind of Celebrating My Birthday this Year

More than any other birthdays I have had, this day has to be the most meaningful. I was skeptic about attending the Chrism Mass this morning at 9 because of my sprained right foot. Yesterday Kuya Manny encouraged me to hear the mass and as a gesture of my thanksgiving, offer something in the Holy Eucharist. But when it was about to be 9 am, I finally decided to get dressed, prepare the gift and proceed to the church. I saw Kuya Manny there and I thought he really was delighted to have seen me bringing my offering. He and his wife, Ate Lourdes greeted me a happy birthday. It was an amazing moment to see almost all the priest in the prelature converged at the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, and even more special for me, celebrating my birthday at the Church. The mass was highlighted with the blessing of the oil. I went home once the mass was over. I received a text message from Kuya Manny that Bishop Joy was appreciative of the Psalms that I have been putting melodies with. We would have a practice at the church for the Easter Vigil, as our choir will have a big part during the upcoming celebration. The Bishop was indeed nice, that he even greeted me. He heard some of our Psalms and he said they could be compiled on an album and may be marketed. As I was about to leave, my close friend Fr. Jim (who will be celebrating his birthday tommorow; today is his mother's birthday too) greeted me also. Darlene, who is a choir member accompanied me for a halo-halo snack at Ati-Atihan. I brought her to her place and I went home then.

This evening, I attended the last night of Lenten Recollection. Bishop Tonel was still the speaker, and he delivered a very interesting and relevant talk on God's Commandments. I was with the Interlude Choir for we were rendering musical service. Pamela, one of the choir's precious voices, gave me a custard cake, which I brought home later. My best friend buddy Dwight was my companion after the recollection. We drank (ooops, not alcohol!) L-carnitine containing juice at the ONB. Then I went home at once.

Oh, before I forgot. I received birthday greetings from these great friends - Pamela, Mam Glo Canillas, Kuya Roger (our choir president), Allan (my best friend in the entire world), Dyan (my closest sibling, who's in Cebu), Dwight (my little bro), Jenny (the pretty and sexy one), Ciara (who's in CDO working as HRMO in Coke)..

Injured!

I was volleying tennis with Niel at around 7am. Later, his little bro came around and then his father too. The two were played doubles with some who were ahead of us. As they were done (they won), Neil's father said that we play doubles too. Neil was with his younger bro and I with his father. They promised that they give us a zero score. Indeed, it was like going into that direction because with us serving first, they broke points and got the first score. But we gained momentum at once, and tied with them 1-1. I struggled a lot with my partner and our opponents were nailed at 1 as we already won 5 game points. I was on the net as we were heading for the sixth point when a hard ball from Karl (Neil's bro) was about to land at the edge of our court. The ball was over head and I thought I was responsible to have it returned. I jumped up and successfully smashed it back to the opposite court, at the expense of my right foot - it landed angled and I felt like I had my bones removed off my foot as it dropped on the hard court. I sat down and examined my injury and I thought it wasn't that severe. I even told them that we could continue. But Neil's father would want us to go home for my sprain could get even worse.

This afternoon, I had my ankle "hilot" (reflexed?) by Nang Marina. The pain during the process was even more, but my foot got felt better after a while.

This evening, I attended a recollection at St. Joseph's Cathedral with Bishop Joy Tonel as the speaker. It was worth attending and after it, I even felt even much better.

Playing Tennis (Doubles) with Pros

I woke up at around 5:45 am after an early sleep last night. I got my rockets ready and proceeded to my playmate's (Leevani) place. We volleyed for like an hour already when some younger players would also volley and play within the court where we were playing. At the time we were starting to play, there were already two tennis pros playing on the other court. When they were having a break, I and Leevan transferred to the court where the pros were playing. To our surprise, they invited us to play doubles with them. It was already past seven and I was kind of tired already. But we played with them anyhow. My partner was really great at securing the balls back. I heeded to his advise that I stay on the net. It was indeed challenging for me and I never thought I could play that better. They even told me that I now can play tennis. Wow! Hearing it from them was truly amazing! Amazing it was indeed for I and my pro-partner won the game 8 - 6!

After the game, I treated Leevan with a hamburger snack. He would be going back to Sta. Clara this afternoon after he will have taken a special test. Leevan or Ban-Ban is one of my students in Chemistry 102, at WMSU-Ipil ESU.

Congrats Dimple

My smart niece Julianne Hyacinth, fondly called "Dimple" just finished her first grade today. She is the 7th honors of the class she belongs. Well, I should not be surprised because just by now, she can already read the 200 Sight Words! Way to go, Dimple!

Boracay, truly an Island Paradise (Thanks to DEDP)

My being part of the Division Education Development Plan (DEDP) was a kind of an unexpected venture. I was assigned as an ADHOC member and as one of the lead writers for the ALS (Alternative Learning System). I have had lots of opportunities, however hard were the demands for the group to finish the grand plan. Top of it all, would be the knowledge on making a feasible plan that I gained. As soon as the plan was packaged, presented, approved and enhanced further, the Division Office of the DepEd in Sibugay rewarded our endeavor with a trip to the Island Paradise Boracay, and there we went and enjoyed from Feb 26 to March 1! (I also posted a blog about my visit to Boracay on my other page: http://darwin-beachbuddy.blogspot.com)