Big Star

"This is how big the star is!"

Ate Diding asks if the star is OK.

A little bit of lines

Just this afternoon, Jenny Agustin and Ate Diding were helped by the students finish a "big star" - the school's official entry to the Parol Making Contest. I was about to have class with the kids, but many of them were busy with the completion of the parol. I opted not to hold class with them. As soon as it was done, I took pictures with the kids.

The preggy Jenny is busy with sticking some stuffs

Interlude Choir Family's Christmas Party 2009

Balachang Lami-a!

I read this from this url http://www.chow.com/ingredients/613: "Belacan, balachang (Malay); bagoong alamang (Filipino); kapi (Thai); terasi or trassi (Indonesian). Dried shrimp paste is a common ingredient used in Southeast Asian and southern Chinese cuisine; it is made from fermented ground shrimp."

Just this afternoon, my co-teacher-friend Lovely called for a "balachang" session again. It would be my third time to chow on this truly appetising foodstuff. After the classes, I drove off to UZ Complex with back riders Lovely and Sweet for the food trip. Earlier, Tin B and Jiji were informed. The two were like done eating when we got to the place and they had to leave ahead to visit Ma'am Glo at the Provincial Hospital.

Balachang really tastes different. I think it is best eaten when not so hot (just warm enough). I asked Lovely to fan on the pan-roasted banana slices since they were freshly (hotly) served. It is actually the Balachang (sauce) that makes eating this food a real taste bud excitement experience. The sauce seems to be made of bagoong, tomatoes, and spices with chilli. I don't know the rest, but I think there's such a secret ingredient.

Looking forward to more balachang session. BALACHANG LAMI-A!

English Week 2009 Culmination

Story Telling Winner (2nd Yr)


Best Speech Choir Entry (4th Yr)

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.

Island Adventure: teachers' getaway

On the Verge of Sinking? What an Experience!
(Before I proceed, let me convey my heartfelt thanks to my lovely friend, Lovely (the one below). Her kindness made it possible for these pictures to be posted here. Thanks Love!)We were truly having a great time at the beach resort of Jed Jajuri in Labason last Saturday and Sunday. We (some teachers of Zamboanga Sibugay National High) were planning for such a travel to celebrate our companionship. Indeed, we had so much fun, thanks to Jed who let us enjoy in his resort FOR FREE! We sang to the top of our voice with the Video-K we rented. Of course there were drinking sessions and we slept after we have had enough of the day.

Came Sunday, we decided that we go to the Island of Bayangan. I personally have seen the island from a distance many times and I have been told of its beauty. We sailed through on a pump boat to Bayangan by around 10 am and got there after 35 to 40 minutes. The island was truly amazing! The 100 m extension of sand bar was breathtaking, seeing that it's not that flat and was made of pinkish white sand, which was from course to fine texture along with some coral debris scattered all over. The white sand underneath the waters makes the seaside flash in brilliant sky blue! Most of us walked through the sand bar till we get to the main island. We were truly having fun as we took a swim on the island's cool, clear and clean water. I also happen to get to the community, and had known from the settlers that the island was pounded by a super typhoon last month. We saw coconuts uprooted and some 4 houses destroyed. Anyhow, we went home at around past 1 pm. We had no idea about how wavy the sea could get at such time.
As the boat was cutting through the waves, we were not so alarmed until one big wave pushed the pump boat hard and was like causing the water coming in already. The same happened as we moved further. It was even getting worse that when we were half way through, even larger and stronger waves continued to pound on our boat. I too was worried of the situation. I know how to swim, but there were some of us there who don't know. I opted to keep on praying and I thought everyone there was doing the same. The waves were truly strong even at the part where we were nearing the destination already. I could see the face of the ladies showing anxiety. But I thought they were so brave for never was there any time that they panic. We somehow managed to reach the shore unharmed and were greatly thankful that nothing bad happened.

It was truly an experience. Having fun and all fun would not make an adventure complete. Having gotten to the island was truly something. Maybe, our way back was something to make us remember the time we spent there!

Ocotoberfest 2009

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.