Sibugay High in Chess!

This afternoon finilized the chess tournament for secondary level. Ipil District Athletic Meet '08 commenced just yesterday and the chess event began by the afternoon. I was assigned the tournament manager and chief arbiter of the game and at the same time coached four formidable chess players of Zamboanga Sibugay National High School, to compose board 1 and 2 players, both boys and girls.

Over the years of my coaching the chess, the school has annually represented chess boys in the SLC competitions. This year, I will have the biggest number of delegates to the higher meet (SLC) to date. Eloydee Mesia (board 1, boys), Joelibee Barroca and Karen Faye Licay (board 1 and 2, girls, respectively) were undefeated in their seven matches! They contributed three gold medals for Sibugay High. (They will also represent Ipil District in the 2008 SLC Meet.) Lyndon Avenido (board 2, boys) was only second to a former regional chess player, who represented Marian College.

a hard road worth the journey

Yesterday Armz was like trying to make me feel jealous of his being there with Ate Atz and Jenz at a waterfall in Kabasalan. This morning, Jenz kept on sending messages through SMS, inviting us Audz to go there and take a bath at the falls in Calapan, Kabasalan Zamboanga Sibugay. I sent text to Audz and he was OK. He brought with him his little bro Rambo and his cousin George. We went off to Kabasalan at almost 1 pm. We got to Ate Atz place and after the sumptuous lunch, we ( I, Armz, Jenz, Audz, Rambo and George) road on a motorcycle/sidecar and got to Calapan, particularly at the entrance road to the place called "busay" (falls).

Jenz told earlier that getting to the place wouldn't take us that long and difficult (maybe she assumed the same when she got there through a motor drive). But it wasn't. It really wasn't. It was an excruciating (may be that's an exaggerated word) experience to trek through a long, winding and roller-coaster road. Once we got near to the place, there was a kid that we met along the way. She is named Generous (grade III). I had a chat with the girl and she affirmed that we were indeed very near to the falls.But once we got there, I could only marvel at the simplicity of the place. The management highlighted the place with painted cottages and a bamboo-made ship. With my shorts on, I dipped my feet on the water and it was truly cool. Among us, it was me who first got to the falls. Armz followed, and then the rest of the gang. Jenz generously took pictures of us while we were enjoying on the cool, falling water. I suddenly felt the rewarding massage of the falls after that tedious, dehydrating walk toward the place.The waterfall was not that high (around 10 feet, maybe) but the entire area was enough to offer enjoyment. Just at the side of the pool, there was a cavern on which one has to swim under to get into it. But it was not that big to accommodate 10 people. I just couldn't get enough of the falls so I climbed up the rocks and got to its top. There was another nature's wonder to view. They followed up and we even surveyed the river's route. The stones, rock formations and the softly flowing water, along with the lush vegetations of moss, trees, ferns and grasses displayed an enchanting scene. After a while, we went back to the falls and left the place at once. We took another long journey towards the National Highway. We rode on a rural bus and got home at around 6:40 pm.
Maybe it wouldn't be that much enjoying if you get to the place that easy. You would really feel the reward of having got there after a challenging hike!

it does hurt seeing ur friends go

Well, sarJ and sHam had to leave yesterday. They had been overstaying here already. I did not have any idea what exact time would they trip off until sarJ sent me a message that they're going home. He used Vize's phone and his text was:

"Lakaw naq'im goING H0me Na."sarGe ni.'tnX .'URE D asSASin.'

We went on exchanging text messages. I thought they were really already gone after I received a "baboo" message. But AudZ sent another message asking me if I could come. I wasn't that busy so I came to the place and found that they were still there. We talked a little, the five of us. Then a motorcycle passed by and sarJ had to have it stopped. SarJ and Sham placed all their stuffs at the vehicle and shook hands with us before they left. As the motorcycle drove away from us, Sham and Sarj were waving their hands. I felt an itch somewhere inside me. I suddenly recalled our fun time, our companionship! I told aUdz that it was kinda hurting. He told me that he felt the same. There was really nothing to miss for at all. Anyway, they're coming back after a couple of weeks. But it did itched yesterday huh.

Geson's second

My CE - I students came to school (Zamboanga Sibugay NHS) this morning to fix some damaged parts of the Science Lab cubicles. My third year high school students were thrilled to see some college students. Early on, we had planned to go to Geson's place at Kitabog, Titay to celebrate with him on his birthday. (Geson is one of my ComSci I students at WMSU -Ipil, this semester. He met an accident almost a month ago, which almost cost his life. )At almost 12 noon, Jenny and Abigail rode in with me to Kitabog.

We all did not know where the place of Geson was, so upon seeing a lad on the rocky, winding road, we asked where the place was. He said that it's near a basketball court. I asked if it's that distant. The boy said that it's far. Indeed it was. The party already started when we got there. There were some WMSU students who were already eating. We had to wait for Geson's mother to recognize us before we could be given something to eat. When his mother saw me, she offered us a lot of food!

After the lunch, we went to Geson's home and there, we greeted him happy birthday and asked many questions. When I saw him, the first thing that came into my thought was that he has been granted by God a second life, seeing a big part of his skull (which was probably broken of its bone) being "implanted" on his tummy. He said that after some three months, the skull will be "transferred back" to his head via another surgical operation. His right head appears distorted of its shape and the stitch marks are still conspicuous. Before the accident happened, his mind was preoccupied with the preparation for Palaro 2008 of WMSU Ipil. While washing his clothes in his boarding house, he was approached and asked by some two ladies to accompany them somewhere, and along the way he met an accident. He said he could not remember anything after he collided on a fast moving vehicle.He just woke up (after two weeks!) and said he wanted to go to school. It is amazing to note that despite his condition, he still could recognize everyone around. Back in his home this afternoon, Geson had to tell again and again his ordeal as visitors (mostly his classmates - ComSci I) came in. Before we left the place, his mother offered us a delicious, freshly scrapped buko salad. I had to rush back to the school to close the Science lab. Luckily, I wasn't late for that.

Geson is an epitome of hope. Many told that he was dead already, right after the accident. His front-crushed motorcycle, which is at the moment impounded at the PNP, would give an idea that the driver would impossibly survive, alive. But he was not dead, and is truly alive, walking, talking, smiling. Both his pair of upper and lower limbs are very able. Geson's life is a strong evidence of miracles that can happen!

Happy Fiesta, Birhen del Pilar

I got my self ready for a choir-singing engagement for a mass in celebration of the Feast of our Lady of the Pilar at Magdaup. Kuya Manny would have accompanied me, but because he was not around, I had to sing the Psalm, with me playing the guitar, with a little help from JunJun. (It was my first time doing that huh!) Right after the mass, I rush to Audz's place to be with the group (with my engineering students; we were heading to Naga to have a nice time at Gubawang beach). Jenny and Cleeyben were at my back as I drove to Naga. Gunz was with Cleeyben's cousin. Audz, Kevin, Joven and Corazon (ComSci) commuted on a bus (?). We got to the beach at past 12 pm and we were obviously hungry. But ate Atz was kinda not yet ready with the food. So I and Jenny went to the center to take something for our tummy. When we got back, I saw some were eating already. I took some shots and it caused me a bit dizzy. I challenged Joven for a swimming rematch. He was really fast and juvenile. We were at a very tight race and a few meters from the finish line when I succumbed. (Well, I anticipate for a third match!)

I had to go back home at past 3 pm because I'd be doing a big role in the 5:15pm mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Along the way, I saw some of my students and they were calling me. But I had to really rush, with the thought that Kuya Manny might be absent again and no one could operate the musical organ! After a fast bath, I quickly got my clothes on and rushed to the Church. Indeed, I was the commentator, the organ operator and guitarist. Fr. Elmer even smiled when he saw how busy I was. But he deeply touched me with his homily on the "thirst of people for God's presence, when he held a mass at a far place today".

Astig!

The WMSU - Ipil Palaro '08 Champions!

I had never been as supportive as an adviser. But my effort truly paid off. Our team managed to win almost all the events. From 9 contests in the Literary-Musical Night, Trojans bagged 4 first places, with the Speech Choir as its biggest win. The team also reaped championship titles in men's basketball, table tennis and badminton. The lady-Trojans were also champions in volleyball, softball and table tennis. Jaducana (who also played baskeball and volleyball ), Bernardo (also played basketball, volleyball, and sepak) and Pausal reigned supreme in the track and field. The team was composed of the pedagogues (BEED IV), the hackers (BSCS II) and the builders (BSCE II and V).

Trojans won over the Titans, Spartans and Athenians (in order of places), despite the team's giving out of two games in men's softball (by default) due to lack of players. Our team has really given justice to our tag: "Born Champions". I have to give the greatest credit to the BEED IV, who never said "never" to join in the events, and performed to their highest energy levels.

The Palaro had its opening last Sept 26 and was finalized by a victory party on the night of September 28.

Love this one! I viewed this one at Mindpro this afternoon

The Mummy - Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

In this movie, you will surely be thrilled from start to finish. There's only one "minus" I could give - the leading lady of the previous parts, Rachel Weisz should have been the lead actress for this sequel. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Rachel-Weisz-Leaves-Mummy-3-4912.html has it told that "Bad news Mummy fans. Rachel Weisz has officially dropped out of The Mummy 3. You might remember a few months ago we were the first place to break the scoop that there was trouble with Mummy 3. At the time we told you that Weisz was hesitant to take part in the third sequel because of severe problems with the script. Of course shortly after we posted that story, Universal called us to refute it. It looks like their claim that everything was fine with Mummy 3 was nothing more than PR spin. We had it right. "

Nutrition Month 2008

Yesterday, I was so busy with my advisory in doing the activities of this year's Nutrition Month Celebration. Good thing there was no class last Wednesday, I brought the ingredients for the buko salad early on. So came Thursday, I guided my students in preparing the cooking area at the back of the Science Lab. I saw many of them showcasing their talent in cooking.

Back to the room, I helped some of them arrange the table. I advised my students to bring some fruits for the table presentation.Then by 11 am, the table was ready for the presentation. Too bad, before the judges came in, we were already starting to eat because it was already past 12. Anyway, the food was so good and my students shared some for the teachers.

At 1 pm, they headed to the other campus for the nutrijingle competition. I saw them and I thought they gave their best. Though they only managed to be at the 5th rank, I still commended them for their presentable rendition of the nutrijingle.

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.