ZSNHS Hosts Variety Show in celebration of the 59th Araw ng Ipil

The classes this afternoon were called off early (around 3:30pm) for a faculty meeting. Included in the meeting was the presentation of the students in the variety show - one of the highlights for the celebration of the 59th Araw ng Ipil. (I wouldn't have come had it not been requested of us teachers by our very good Principal, Sir Dodong Alavaren. We were told to be at the Ipil Plaza at 6 pm.)

When I got home, I found out that there were no food stuffs in the fridge so, I went out to buy some. I cooked Pinakbet for the kids. They enjoyed it. Anyway, I left home after the dinner and when I got to the plaza, the presentation has just started. Expectedly, Sir Dodong was there. The kids were awesome. I have a student in my advisory who rendered a cool song number. After some presentations, I left the venue and proceeded to where I am seated now - Internet cafe at Purok Kaimito here in Barangay Tirso Babiera.

High School Choir got its debut yesterday

Last week, Mrs. Mañalac reminded me of the sponsorship of our school, the Zamboanga Sibugay National High School in one of the daily masses. I would only have Monday as my vacant, as I have a class during Thursday (our previous schedule as choir). I told her, we'll start on the 7th of July. So last Thursday and Friday (July 3 and 4), I practiced with my advisory students, who have been so willing about joining the choir. They were exceptionally fast in learning the songs, with a little help from three of the choir members last year!

So came Monday, at past 4 pm, my third year students (well, not all of them) went with me to St. Joseph's Cathedral. I did not expect that last year's choir would also come. I was so happy they were around and I asked them to lead in the singing as they are already familiar with all of the songs. At the start of the Mass, Fr. Jim (the Celebrant) was so welcoming. He and the community, welcomed us back!

It was the "loudest" choir I've ever had (with students that I conduct with). Loudest in a sense that their voice were clear to be heard even outside the church. I was so happy that such first sponsorship (every Monday) this school year turned out to be a very good start.

My Papang Celebrates his 60th Birthday!

This has been one of the busiest day I've ever had.

Mamang was preparing the eggs and the milk for the leche flan. It's papang's birthday today. She didn't know how to get it done, so I prepared it my self. I left the house and told my sister Daylin that the flan is being steamed and would be done in 10 minutes. I had to be at WMSU by 7 am because of my chemistry class with the first year engineering. By 9 am, I left the campus and proceeded to Ipil Central School for a seminar (which should have been only for newly hired teachers by virtue of its purpose - TIP or teacher induction program). Well, indeed, staying at the venue was totally a waste of my time!

At past 12pm, I rushed up back to WMSu for my chemistry class with the ComSci - I students. They were really waiting for me as I told them, I'd inform ahead if I was going to be absent. I held lesson with them till 2 pm. I went down, back to the training venue (to continue to waste my time!) At around three, Daylin sent me a text message that I go to Tiayon as Papang's birthday party would be held in there. I left the seminar at 3:30 pm and went to a department store to buy a present for papang. It was a Lacoste shirt. When I got to Tiayon, I gave Papang his gift. He was happy about it. I was so glad having heard from Uncle Moroy that my Teacher - II appointment is now ready. The celebratin started at 5pm. At that very time, I received a text from Kuya Roger that I had to be at the church to operate the musical organ. I rushed to the Cathedral and I saw Fr. Elmer, already ready to have the Holy Mass started. He told me, "Sir, you are a messiah... everyone has been waiting for you!". As soon as I got ready with the diskettes, the Mass began, with me as the commentator at the same time. I too was the second reader... whew!

Well, it's papang's birthday. I pray that he will always have a healthy mind and body, with God's blessings.

Congrats Pacman!

I was attending the last day of our computer training when I left the venue to watch Pacquiao-Diaz match. At the time, the trainer was looking for something and it was past 11 am already. I thought leaving the workshop wouldn't do much damage. And so I looked for a nearest home to view the boxing match. I went to Kuya Roger's (Eng'r. Pacatang, our Interlude Choir's President), and there I found him with Ate Marie (his wife) watching the live telecast. They were so accommodating. It was already at the sixth round when I got there and Pacman got the fight ended on the ninth round. We were so elated. Pacman got the WBC title and now he got four titles on different divisions - a first time record for an Asian. He has truly made us proud to be Filipinos!

It was past twelve when I went back to the training venue and they (participants and trainers) were having their lunch. I took mine too and I was lucky to catch up with the session. This afternoon, the training was finalized. I learned a lot.

More pics...

This one was before the fight. Manny had three belts. (After the match, now he has 4). Manny's kinda anxious here huh. This one's a great punch!

Training on Computer, once more!

I got to school quite early this morning. After the flag ceremony, our principal told me and sir Nonoy that we attend by 8 am a DTI - sponsored computer training at Sibugay Tech. On the way, just on the road in Pangi, my front wheel got flat. Fortunately, I was quite near from a vulcanizing shop and had it fixed. We got to the venue past 8 am already but the opening program got started at 9:30 am.

The first resource speaker was Mr. Pepe Calixto. "Nose bleeding" was what he told us that the training would bring. He was real to his words because true enough, he presented "in passing" a lecture and then, gave us all the participants a literally "speed test". But however the training was handled, the best thing was I personally have learned a lot. (Well, for a beginner on dealing with the internal components of a computer!)

Chris Lim was the speaker this afternoon. He was reasonably slow. (It really had to be that. How nice of him!) It was by his presentation-demonstration on disassembling-reassembling the motherboard that the participants became so eager about getting familiar with the peripherals and other components in the motherboard.

My stay at the venue has been a pleasurable one. One thing, Angelo Roque (his auntie, Bella Chiong - Javier is the owner of the school) was one of the participants, so I am helped a lot. My former students in Pangi, were very accommodating too. Well, tomorrow will truly be busy. I will have a class at WMSU, and will have to be at the same time attend to the training. Come what may!

it's useful telling them so when they're still here on earth

I remember way back in Marcelo Spinola School when one day, Sr. Lola brought me to her office as she would like to tell me something, she said was so important. I was amazed that she was just going to tell me that I am a good person. I was even more overwhelmed when she told me that often, we say something good about someone when they're dead already. Maybe we have taken for granted more often on telling kind words to anyone.

I had my class in Research this afternoon, with the BEEd IV. They had to be grouped for their research projects. It would be best done with their class cards shuffled, and then grouped randomly. The cards were at the locker, but I couldn't get those since I left the key. I looked for Rodel (the Executive Assistant) because he might have the duplicate. But I failed to find him. I almost lost hope when I saw Marvin, a personnel of the campus. I asked him if he could help me. He gladly granted my plea and opened the locker. As we were walking towards my classroom, I told him, "Marvin, you are a good person." I added what Sr. Lola told me. I thought it made him joyed. I too was happy and is happy about it.

Looking back, I could remember how Marvin politely has treated me. He was a student of the school where we work now, when I was just starting to teach. He was never my student though. I could sense his candidness with the times he offers help.

Happy birthday, John Ric!

Nonoy (John Ric) celebrates his 5th birthday today.

Nonoy is my nephew, whom I am so pleased and he always goes out with me. He is a usual beach buddy. Almost everyone would say he's my son. We'll I wish he is. But I consider him so. May he grow up as a good boy and may he be happy always.

Happy Father's Day to my Papang

He may not be able to view this post but this I want the world to know: "Papang is my hero. He understands me like no other does. He encourages me to improve my self and be the best that I can be. He shares his thoughts with me. When I was a kid, I could see how he fathered our family. Whatever could have been done by him, nothing would ever change the way I love my father."

He is now at his old age and he lives at a farther place - where he works as production supervisor. But he comes home often and he shares joy with his grand children. I fervently pray that God may bless him constantly and give him a sound mind and body. He still serves God as lay minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel of Sanito. May he sustain this ministry because he is truly God's servant.

busy for the SMIS training

I've never been busy these days. Just last June 11, I and Athan (Planning Office Personnel at the DepEd) started our work as facilitators for the Division SMIS Rollout. The training ended up this afternoon. I felt somehow relieved after, but the "aftershock" sensation reminded me of the aches on my back. We really had a hard time with backup creation, saving and restoration. In most instance, it was like frustrating that you presented something so successful but the exact opposite happened when the participants did the same. Anyway, we always emphasized that what was most important was that they know how to install, run/open/launch, log in/out, uninstall and reinstall the SMIS.

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

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Got no post yesterday...

Well, I've got to put the blame on...