Johnric turns 7; In-in is Christened

The home is stuffed with people lunchtime, in celebrations of Nonoy's 7th birthday and Christening of Erika Nessa Lumosbog-Casquejo. A couple of days ago, my sisters and I prepared for the food to cook for the double party.

At 11:30 am, In-in was baptized at St. Joseph's Cathedral, with Fr. Elmer Alforque as the officiating priest. After the Christening rites, the guests and godparents proceeded home for lunch. Some of the guests were the officemates of my elder sister Levi, others are friends of Dionessa, some from IMAVEMCO and from our neighborhood. Ate Kathy, prayed over the celebrators and the meal we partook.

1st Week in School

I have the Independence Day to thank, for the holiday last Monday. I was spared from the would-have been busy first day in school. But I wasn't. The first week that has been was indeed a busy one. Having four sections of three year levels to handle, three subjects to prepare and two campuses to serve, this week shows a preview of a hectic school year to journey. At the moment, I'll just take a deep breath. Now that it's Friday, thank you Saturday and Sunday. You both shall pamper me with the comfort of not waking up early.

Now this one's called a "journey".

I have had lots of travel before. I treasure the memories of each place I visited. Never have I thought that I'd have a journey that is so packed with experiences. How did I take on such a trip? Let me count the ways.

4 airports, 4 flights,
3 bus rides& 7 cities

It was May 30, 2010 at 9:45 am that I flew from Zamboanga International Airport and landed at Mactan International Airport at 11:00am. After buying an item at a mall in Cebu, I took the 4:20 pm flight for Silay and got to the airport at past 5 in the afternoon. I even got a rare chance to take a shot on the craters of Mt. Canalaon, which is situated at Canlaon City, Negros Occidental. Going home last June 9 (While on the wait for the trip to Cebu, I witnessed the proclamation of Noynoy, which was shown on the TV screens in the airport), I traveled from Silay to Cebu and then on the 10th of June, from Cebu to Pagadian City.

It was my first time to set my foot in Negros Occidental. I was there for two seminars in Nature's Village in Talisay City that would run from May 31 to June 9. I also got a chance to go to the cities of Bacolod, Silay and Victorias.

Heritage Homes, Haciendas,
"The Ruins" in Talisay,
& Vast Sugarcane Fields
June 4 it was when the sponsor CICT got us participants visited many historical places in Negros. While inside the shuttle, the tour guide introduced many ancestral homes that can be seen along the streets of Silay City. We particularly got to Balay Negrense and Hofileña's Ancestral House. Many artifacts and collections can be found inside these houses. As we traveled further to Victorias City, we could see the vast fields of sugarcane. We finally stopped by "The Ruins" in Talisay City. The 1920's house was put on fire during the 1942 Japanese occupation. The house should be made of quality materials that its framework have withstood burning and time.

3 Unique Churches

The church inside a sugar milling compound in Victorias City was once put to controversy because of a journalist's misinterpretation of the Lord's painting. The tour guide however gave us the rightful explanation. Then we visited another one - "The Chapel of the Cartwheels", which is found in a sugarcane surrounded hacienda. It was rather more symbolic than architectural. The cartwheels, the stone altar and seats, plow blades, the sculptures of Our Lady and the Lord Jesus are so indigenous, that they represent the farmers and their struggles. Finally, I joined in the Eucharistic Celebration at the crowned-shaped church of the Queen of Peace Parish in the provincial capital City of Bacolod. It was there, where I found serenity and comfort after all the busy days in Negros.

1 momentous Bloggers' Reunion
The one I had been so excited about the travel was the meeting again of the camp blog 1B classmates. It was indeed a great time having seen them one more time. I was also so glad to have seen again our trainers - Sir Rodel, Ma'ams Lei & Alex and Sir CP at 1B. More to these are also the addition of more friends from 1A, and participants from Negros and new mentors in Camp Blog 2A in Negros. Camp blog 2A also gained me a brother, Ericson and a big bro, Stephen. It is also in camp blog 2A that I learned how to make a web-based interactive learning object, thanks to Ma'am Rein, I produced one. This journey would not have been possible without the sponsorship of the iSchools Project, managed by Ma'am Toni. Forever grateful I am for the CICT, which helped me grow professionally.
2 Happy Moments with My Sis in Cebu
Dyan and his husband Atan were so kind to me that they gave me good times in Cebu. Last May 30, they accompanied me to a mall to buy a digital camera. Then on my way back home last June 9, they treated me a scrumptious dinner at Mooons' Cafe in IT Park in Lahug, Cebu. We finalized the night with a video k madness in Banilad. I also had a great time with my cute niece Danna and grown up nephew Jonas.

Noy Proclamation Viewed at Silay Airport

It was June 9, 2010 - around 4:10 in the afternoon, just in time when I and my co-bloggers just seated at departure area, when we saw on TV the proclamation of the Philippine President-elect Noynoy Aquino and the VP-elect Jejomar Binay. It was a different kind of experience considering that I was in an airport (Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental) when I witnessed such a historic event. Noy-Bi are the first executive officers of the land, who were elected through an automated election, along with local officials nationwide.

It felt great having the President that you and the majority voted being proclaimed. I also realized of the role a have to play now that the leader that I chose is going to manage this country.

Xerte

This software has caused me this tiresome sensation. This has been my 9th day here in Negros Occidental, and 3rd day for our training on preparing learning objects using Xerte as software.

For one thing, Xerte is an open source, so there'd be no problem with license issues. Although the program is relatively new, it offers viable possibilities for information tech integration in the lessons. One feature that I like is the interactivity function. Before, we can just have pictures as visual aids. With Xerte, images can be labled using buttons. Texts can also be customized so they can be dragged to corresponding boxes. Interactive quizzes can also be generated. I have to thank the benevolence of the iSchools Project of the CICT.

There's more to know about Xerte. For now, having tried it and produced a learning object is a big deal for me. After the tedious trial-and-error encounters, I am somehow relieved, having submitted the required output. Thank God!

Been to the Church of the Queen of Peace

Still in Nature's Village, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, I was hurrying up yesterday to catch up on a trip that would bring some Catholic participants to a church in Bacolod City. After having the job done, we took a ride on a jeep and got there after about 10 minutes. The church is unique in a way it was built. True to its name, Queen of Peace Church, it is shaped like a crown of our Lady. I felt so good when I got in. Perhaps, it was because the church is air conditioned. The Solemnity of Corpus Christi was celebrated. Throughout the mass, I felt so blessed. The flow of the celebration was so serene and the choir sang heavenly and solemnly.I could say it was one of the most unforgettable moments I have here in the sugarcane province of Negros Occidental.

Got a Shot of a Volcano Mouth

While on a plane on my way to Bacolod - Silay Airport last May 30, my companion Sir Coro brought my attention to Canlaon Volcano. Amazed by its breathtaking view, I got my newly bought digicam and took a shot on the craters of Mount Canlaon, which is situated in the Province of Negros Occidental.

Here now in Talisay City, Negros Occidental

My being here has been a journey. Just yesterday at 4 am, I took a bus ride to get to Zamboanga City to catch up on a 945 am Cebu Pacific Flight for Cebu, connecting to Bacolod-Silay International Airport. I got to Cebu at 11 am. Prior to my arrival there, I told my sis Dyan, who resides in Cebu that I'd drop by the city for 3 hours. Indeed, Jonathan (her husband) fetched me and my companion sir Coro, with his car to his home in Consolacion, where we took our lunch. It was a happy moment because I got to see my cute niece Danna and my grown up nephew Jonas. I arrived here in Talisay City yesterday afternoon. It was so good to see some familiar good people - Sir CP, Ma'am Lei, Ma'am Toni and Ma'am Alex.; just this morning I met again Ma'am Fritz and Sir Rey, who were my camp blog 1b classmates. Their presence truly made me remember my days in Pampanga (last camp blog 1b).

I thought I was just going to attend a seminar; now, I'm going to be part of a planning workshop. Whew!

Another Winning Moment for Lee

Expectedly, the American Idol Top 3

L-R: Casey James, Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox are the 2010 American Idol 3 Finalists. Who I do I think is going to be the one? Lee! He's got the best vocals and plays guitar really nice. From the start, I have the feeling he'd go this far. Click here for the related news @ the American Idol website.

What Lies Ahead?

Now that the country will be managed by new leaders, I could only ask: "What lies ahead?" After all the discussions, arguments and display of support, where are we led to?

Noynoy, who is sure to win as president is seen as a unifying symbol. It is most important that everyone takes part in the transformation of this country. I thought he was a wiser choice for a president need not be really good, who seems to be needless of the hands of everybody.

Zamboanga Sibugay could be under the rule of new people - the Jaloslos. Many things are heard from them. I pray that they handle this province with sincere service for the common good.

Just Voted

Having the disposition and conviction to participate in the historic first ever automated elections in the Philippines, I got my self ready by 7 am and together with my father, drove to Sanito Elementary School to cast my vote for Noynoy as President. It took a while before I found my precinct (35 C) because it is clustered with A, B and D. Anyhow, I managed to fall in line with my mother and my father. (We are numbers 110, 111, and 112 respectively.) We are Team Yellow!

It didn't take that long to vote but because 4 precincts are clustered into 1, the line of voters was really long even at past 7am. I pray that the entire process of the 2010 Elections will truly be clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful.

It was a Bad Dream; it could be a Nightmare!

I slept at around 3am this morning after surfing the net. I should be so sleepy that I fell asleep right away. I just realized I was dreaming already when a saw a scene where I was having conversation with some people. Suddenly, I had a sensation some ghost getting into my body. I was telling everyone around that I was possessed. No one believed so I asked that somebody give me a mirror so I could prove them. Having a mirror in front, I could see another face on the reflection. Abruptly, I felt that my body became numb, my hands and feet felt rigid and I couldn't move at all. I relaxed a bit and woke up immediately. I had a bad dream; it could be a nightmare. I drank plenty of water at once. When I returned to bed and started to sleep, I could feel that I was like about to be possessed by some bad spirit. I made a Sign of the Cross and I didn't realize that I was already asleep. Thank God I'm alive.

Aaron Kelly didn't make it to the A.I. 2010 Top 4

http://www.mtv.com/shared/promoimages/news/a/american_idol/2010/100505/281x211.jpg

After the performances of the top 5, I was really afraid of Aaron's fate on the American Idol. True enough, yesterday, he landed at the bottom 2 with big Mike and eventually, ended his American Idol journey. He's one of my favorite four.

Lee's Awesome Top 5 American Idol Performance

I thought Lee DeWyze sang the song even better than the original. This particular performance would surely push him to to finals. Break a leg Lee! Here's the video of his winning rendition of Sinatra's "That's Life".

Fantastic Dapitan

The last time I was at the Shrine City of Dapitan was in December '99. It was for a field trip to Rizal Shrine. Just last Friday, Lovely, a friend and a co-teacher invited us over to stroll around Dapitan, and to have fun at the Fantasy Land and Dakak Beach Resort.

I just arrived from our trip, some 2 hours ago. It was indeed a fantastic experience that I made with my friends there. I couldn't forget the fun we had while walking around and taking pictures of our selves with some historic places as backdrops.

At the Fantasy Land, the rides were amazing and stomach-squeezing too! The galleon ship, the roller coaster and bump car are among those unforgettable. The horror house was really frightening as the props and casts were like the real things and creatures.

I'd been to Dakak last May 2006. I didn't have the time to swim since I was there for a seminar. This time, I really had some fun under the sun. I took a nice swim, had some pictures of the beach view and even got the opportunity of riding on a jet ski. Whew!!!

In one of our leisurely walks, we dropped by Lovely's folks' home. It was a happy moment for her that she met her parents, siblings and relatives. Lovely is truly a friend that brought me just anywhere and I enjoy every time we spend with our friends. Had it not been due to her eagerness to make us happy, I would just have stayed in Ipil the whole summer.

My Fave Four on American Idol

Race the Time

April 10, Saturday. Commonly, during this summer time, the day is a chance to do whatever one would like to do. But it wasn't like any other ordinary day. I had to skip my morning tennis games. Instead, I got formally dressed in white polo and black slacks, put on my polished black leather shoes and was at the church by 8 am. I would be playing the organ, singing with the choir and chanting the Litany. Bro. Arnold would be ordained as priest and a seminarian, as deacon.

Just before the mass, ma'am Daisy called up that our class/final exam in EDSP 222 in the city of Zamboanga would be at 1:30pm. I never told her what time would I be arriving. I just said that I would be late and asked her to tell ma'am Yolly that I'd be busy at the church. The celebration started at past 9 am. I thought it would not be that long - that I could still catch up the 11 am trip and get to the city at 2:00 pm. But the mass ended at past 12 pm. I rushed back home and changed my clothes. I commuted on a single motorcycle and just at the entrance of the terminal bus, I saw an approaching aircon bus, which I took a ride on and brought me to the city by 3 pm.

Just in time when I arrived at the school, ma'am Yolly and our classmates were taking their snacks. Our professor was so kind that she was even telling me to take a rest for a while. She was glad to know that I am active at the Church for she herself, is a devout Catholic. Finally, I rendered with my group our presentation for the finals.

God is truly working in silence in times when time is hard to catch up on. What really matters most is how one gets to his destination.

A Birthday Celebration Like No Other

A. Tennisters' Time (5:30 am - 4:00 pm)

I woke up to the call of the alarm which I set last night. I fetched Manilyn to DPWH, after inviting Karl, JiJay and James. They all had no idea that it is my birthday. I played with them three doubles, and I won every game. We decided to go to the beach. Earlier, Manilyn was asking why I was receiving a lot of greetings. It was only when we were at the beach when they knew it was my birthday. Ciara, who is working at Coca Cola in Cagayan de Oro, called up and greeted me.

B. Choir's Moment (4:50 pm - 8:00 pm)
After the beach party, I prepared for the 5:15 pm Wednesday Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Interlude Choir sang with me playing the organ. How nice it was to celebrate my natal day, at the house of the Lord. Fr. Meloy was the celebrant. After the mass, I treated the group with some pancit guisado and sandwich. Sr. Mary Aurea played the organ to the tune of happy birthday and the choir gladly sang for me. We proceeded on practice for Bro. Arnold's ordination this coming Saturday. The brownout caused us to call it a night. My sister Dyan, who is in Cebu and Ma'am Daisy called me up to greet me a happy birthday.

C. Coteachers' Version (8:45pm - 11:00 pm)
Christine (A), Lovely, Sweet, Kulot, Ma'am Glo, Jiji were waiting for me at NESORICOM. Once there, we decided to go out. We finally agreed to go to Kamayan. We just had a couple of beer each, some chicken barbicue and grilled squid. Tommy and Harvey were there too. Ryan just sent me text.

D. Facebook Friends Turn (11 pm - 12 am)
When I opened my FB account at Ellan's Inet Cafe, I read the birthday greetings of my friends. How thoughtful of them. Of course, I played farmville and fishville too.