after 13 years, i met my Lumosbog cousins...

Thanks to Dyan's wedding!

Before the day of my sis Dyan's wedding, my sister Daday had been calling everyone to come, including my Uncle Hennie in Lapuyan. It was in 1995 that I last saw my cousins in Lapuyan.

Before the wedding, my Uncle Henie arrived with Aunt Maluo and Mayan. I didn't know it was Mayan until he was introduced. Ukong was on his way at that time from his trip to Boracay. (Ukong is the Federated SK Chair in Lapuyan). He didn't make it to Dyan's wedding (may 24) but he arrived at the reception just in time when I, Mayan and Joyjoy (my cousin too... our most loved actually! He bears the family name of Dinglasa and we often see each other). Mayan called up Ukong and I was like hesitant to even come near. He would not recognize me and indeed he didn't. After the program, Joyjoy was hurrying up to go back to Pagadian because he had to catch up his trip to Bohol. So i brought him home and accompanied him till he got the bus. I didn't realize that Macmac was there already as I and Joyjoy left the reception.

My Papang was overwhelmingly happy of my cousins' presence that he ordered as many beer at the reception. But because they couldn't finish it there, they came home and the drinking session happened at home. We were seated and served with some pulutan. We started to chat and there, we got really close again. You see, I have been hanging out and drinking with my friends, but not once have I done it with my cousins from Lapuyan. But macmac had to leave because his wife was around. Anyway, having Ukong and Mayan, we sang to the top of our voice on a video-k at home. It was late night then and we stopped. We (Uncle Henie, Auntie Maluo, Mayan, Ukong and I) continued talking at the bedroom of my parents. When Uncle Henie fell asleep, we (Mayan, Ukong and I) went to a disco pub and continued drinking. Dyan and Jonathan followed us. Dyan sang at the Underground upon the request of my cousins. She was a star that night! By tomorrow, we went back to the place without Mayan, who went back to Zamboanga for his review. When the entire clan went to the beach, I had a good time swimming with Ukong. We had a height advantage though.

I was overjoyed. Never have I imagined that I have a group of cool, nice cousins! See them soon.

My sis Dyan's Home today

I was so busy with the preparation of the souvenir program for the general assembly of IMAVEMCO, the cooperative on which Mamang is a manager. Around past 11 am, we finished it. I went with the staff of the cooperative to a village for a house blessing of their loan officer. Of course, I took a sumptuous lunch. I proceeded to the school and surfed the net. When I was driving my motor back home, I realized that the rear tire was flat. I had to drag the vehicle to a vulcanizing shop. When the tire was repaired, I went straight home. On the corner, leading home, I saw Dyan waiting for someone. She just arrived from Cebu with her little boy Jonas. She's here for her big day on May 24 - her wedding day, with Jonathan. Dyan said she was waiting for my sis Daday for fitting of her gown.

finally, after decadays...

May 4...

I was on my way to Zamboanga for a Web Development Training on May 5 to 9. It was raining, as usual as I left home. I luckily got the air con bus but, unfortunately, I had to be seated at the back for it was loaded. Having reached Zamboanga, I rushed to the Grand Astoria. I was kinda late so I had to stay at the Regency in Pasonanca. Whew, how far! As I was about to take my dinner at the Astoria still, I saw Esmie a certified jerk, and therefore a friend of mine, and was a classmate during my college days. It was her Mama's birthday, and it was celebrated there at. We talked of course. Her family was so friendly to me too. The occupants at the Regency were shuttled to the Pasonanca. I shared a room with Ma'am Daisy. No big deal, she's like a Mama to me.

May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9... the Training!

We went off to WMSU, my beloved alma mater. When I passed by the College of Education, I took a picture on it. Then we took our breakfast at the College of Engineering - the venue for our training proper. After I registered, I entered into the computer lab. Everyone was busy finding for his/her computer. Eng'r. Lim, who was our trainer last April, recommended computer #35. I didn't realize that of all the units there, I was the most efficient. There was not a single day that I experienced a problem on loading, on anything.

I have so much to say about the training... i'll have this post editted later.

This I've got to post

(This one is posted here in Zamboanga)

I woke up early on a Sunday, May 4 for the regular choir schedule at the Cathedral. Interlude sings for the first Mass every first Sunday of the month. But it wasn't an ordinary Sunday because the celebration of the Holy Eucharist was for the ascension of Christ to heaven. I sang Psalm 47 with the people at the Cathedral. It was a very heart-warming experience.

My procastination took a tool on my travel to Zamboanga for a Communications and Information Technology Training on Web Development. Other participants would be on Computer and Library Management. I was making some melodies for the upcoming Psalms, thinking that my Mamang would be the one to prepare my clothes for my travel. But Daylin did not arrive early so Mamang had to take care of the kids. I decided to iron the clothes at almost 1pm. It took me more than an hour and I was really sweating a lot. I had to place everything – clothes, shoes, soap, roll-on, alcohol, etc. in the travelling bag. Whew! It was already 2:25 pm that I took a refreshing bath. It was raining at the time. As soon as the rain subsided, I left home and took a ride on an aircon bus. I had to be seated at the back-most because the vehicle was loaded. Actually, there were some two seats available, but there too were two greedy passengers, who wouldn't allow anyone to sit beside them. Anyway, I hope one day they become less selfish. I arrived here in Zamboanga at 6:00 pm and went straight to Grand Astoria Hotel. The hotel was fully booked that many of us participants had to be accomodated at the Royal Regency Hotel in Pasonanca.

Day 1 at WMSU... It's today!

Busy, anxoius, relieved

The training on web development started with a quick tour on Internet. I was so happy that I was seated on a very functional computer (No. 35). Compared to most of the other computers, it has been one that downloaded fastest. The training was truly jam packed with many Internet related topics that I had to really be attentive. Well, the the house rules like cell phones switched to silent mode, PC monitors off during lectures, everyone had to really listen. On the other hand, Gilda has not yet arrived. Our principal kept on asking regarding it. Then he instructed Nong Nitz to help out Gilda get to the bus terminal. My sister Daylin told me that she would arrive 4:30 pm on bus no. 10152. It was around 5:40 pm that I arrived at the terminal. I was with Mae-Mae. We looked for Gilda all around but she wasn't there already. So we had to proceed to Grand Astoria. We asked the front desk personnel if a “Gilda Mancao” has already checked in. We received a neagtive reply. I almost lost hope when suddenly, I saw Gilda outside the hotel. I texted everyone worried about Gilda that she's already here.

TGIS

Thank God It's Saturday!

I had a nice sleep last night and woke up saying "TGIS!". The kids at home were so excited with the coming of the taho vendor. I could not blame them. I myself, have proven the good taste of taho. The last time I tasted it (before this one) was in Baguio. It was flavoured with some strawberries but, the one I have been eating with the kids at home are far more delicious. So when the vendor came, the kids were so thrilled.

While I was playing the guitar, the no. 4 string broke and so I went to the metro to buy for a replacement. Earlier, I encoded Psalm 47, with the chords for the anticipated Mass this afternoon. I texted Kuya Manny that I drop by his place for a practice. He was with the BCBP and had his phone silenced so it was by 1:45 pm that he replied. I told him I'd see him in 20 minutes. So, we practiced at his place. And as usual, they (with Ate Lourdes) offered me something to eat. The impanada was great.

I went home and then went to the Cathedral at 4:45 pm. Ate Marie and Kuya Roger were earlier than I. The Mass, being anticipated, celebrated the "Ascension of Jesus to Heaven." So, came the part of the singing of the Psalm. I thought that was one of my most beautiful Psalms. ( Lately, I have been putting melodies on some Psalms).

(untitled)

I went out last night and came home with lots of beer on my tummy. When I woke up this morning, I was feeling the hangover. I took two tablets of antacid to somehow releive me of my headache. I went to the beach with Nonoy. He was so happy, eating cookies and cream ice cream. Then, we both took a swim. The beach was so clean. It was around 8:30 am then so we were like the first to soak on the water. I took a cold bath when I got home and had a nap a bit.

Ma'am Bebs called up at around 11am asking for a help. So I went up to WMSU - Ipil. I was there till 4:00 pm. I took my lunch there with Ma'am Bebs and Ma'am Juliet Tabacug, who was there to render LET review. When I was in college, Ma'am Juliet was our Vice President for academic affairs in WMSU main. Before I left, I joined the people there in a stomach progress, with boiled banana as the subject. I dropped by the Church to have a copy of the Psalm for this Saturday and Sunday. When I got home, I put a melody on it and recoreded the output on my phone. (Ps. 47: Misaka ang Dios sa Iyang trono, uban sa mga singgit sa kalipay, usa ka tingog sa mga trompeta alang sa Ginoo)

it was something yesterday

forenoon...

I went to the Division Office at around 9 am to secure my travel order for Zamboanga from May 5 to 9. I will attend an ICT Training on Web Development. Ma'am Glo told me that my copy was with Ma'am Daisy already. I had a little chat with ma'am Bebs and then I proceeded to Campus A to surf the net. Good thing Sir Nitz was there and he helped me open the computer lab.

afternoon...

At 2 pm, I went to Pamela's Print House with my guitar. We practiced the singing of Psalm 148. Her husband Norman was there. He laughed upon knowing that Pamela was going to sing a Visayan song. (Pamela hails from Batangas). I went home for a short nap and then left for the Church at 4:40 pm. As soon as Pam arrived, we practiced for a while. There was a line that she found a hard time to get. Well, I have to admit even if I was the one who put melody to the Psalm, it wasn't that easy. So came her part. She sang it so heavenly, but there was a line on which she had a slight difficulty but she nailed the entire song.

evening...

Sir Tony, a pioneering Interlude, requested Pam, Hernan and me to judge an amatuer singing contest, one of the highlights of the Ipil Town Fiesta, that would be held at the Marian Grounds at 8 pm. So, judges we became. There were 9 contenders for adult and children categories. The adult category was very hard to judge on. But we all agreed on one contestant, who was from Buluan, who sang powerfully and cleanly a winning piece. Along my way home I met Rj and he asked that we drink. We were with Jake and Roland. I got home at 2 am.

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

------------------------------------------------

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.