Food Trip at Asia's Latin City

I was in Zamboanga from the afternoon of July 26 to the morning of July 29. I was with some co-teachers to attend a training there. On our arrival, we stopped at a food court in Sta Maria. The beef stew was so delicious. We decided to stay at a pension house in Baliwasan. Here are some the accounts of our food trip, which we unexpectedly experienced in Asia's Latin City.

Breakfast at D Twins Fried Chicken @ San Jose Rd. Baliwasan

(Beef Tapa, Fried Rice, Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Balbakuwa, Hot Tea)

The beef was really tender and moist. Balbakuwa was truly savory. A serve of P 55 could be enjoyed by four.






Dinner at Chowkings @ the City's Commercial Center
(Pork Lauriat)

Added to the soft pork fillet, the stir fried noodles, rice, fried dumpling, crunchy chips and the sesame seed coated dumpling offer a mouth-watering and satisfying meal after a long walk around the city. Just be sure to have a drink as your mouth would surely be stuffed; you might get choked.

Night Snacks @ the Boulevard
(Balut and Tempura)

Nowadays, the vendors are not anymore allowed to sell at the boulevard area. Just a short walk from the seaside, the balut vendors situate themselves in a street near the City Library. Other stuffs sold are tempura and chicharon. In my case with my friends, we bought some food stuffs and had them eaten at a bench in the boulevard.

A Drink at Paseo del Mar
(Fried Peanuts and Tanduay Ice)

One of the city's major attraction, Paseo del Mar has so much to offer. I enjoyed a bottle of Tanduay Ice and had deep fried peanuts as pulutan.

Snacks at Mindpro's Food Courts
(Squid Balls, Kiquiam and Shawarma)

I have always been enjoying eating at Mindpro's Food Courts. Last Wednesday, I tasted the "Shawarma" upon the recommendation of a friend. I had Gulaman-Buko as my drink.

Manang Terry's Chicken Inato @ Canelar
(Grilled Chicken Pecho, Bijon Guisado, Bulalo)

Although the chicken is not as good-grilled as in Ati-atihan or Mang Inasal, the ambiance of the place is great for a food trip. As for the group, we loaded our tummies with grilled chicken, bulalo and bihon guisado.





Now the price? Added kilograms and lessened savings! But I should not set aside the memory we have made. We have become even closer and no amount of diet or peso can pay the bonding moments we made on our food trip at Asia's Latin City.

Here in Zambo

Together with Leonneth, Lotta and Bulak, I came here in the Latin City of Asia last Tuesday. We left Ipil at around 2:00 pm. We are here for the UBD (Understanding By Design) batch 2 training at Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School. We stay at a pension house in Baliwasan.

Yesterday, we had lots of fun and experience. We had a sumptuous breakfast at a local fast food chain. The balbakuwa was truly tasty and the beef was undeniably tender, juicy and delicious. After sessions in the seminar, we went to the commercial center and shopped. We took our heavy dinner at Chowking. We rested for awhile at the pension house then we went to the city's infamous boulevard. We ate balut and took pictures there. We proceeded to the newly established Paseo del Mar, where we roamed around and loaded ourselves with ice cold Tanduay Ice. We went back to the pension house as the night got old.

This morning, we packed our bags and checked out and proceeded here in the training venue. Hopefully, this training would end this afternoon so we could go home tonight.

As soon as we are back to our station, we shall be applying the learning we gained from this seminar.

ZSNHS Jaguars won 3rd

Yesterday, the town of Ipil celebrated its 62nd founding anniversary. There was a contest on cheer dance, which was participated by three college and two high school learning institutions. Our contender, the Jaguars managed to present a truly outstanding cheer dance despite the errors somewhere at the start. I videoed their presentation and left the venue right away to prepare my things for my travel to Zamboanga. I heared from their trainer, Loenneth, that they won third place.

I think, whether they got a place or not, they are truly winners. The Jaguars obviously gave their best during the competition.

2011 Miss Ipil

This year's Miss Ipil is Jaddie May Villafuerte, who represented Liga ng mga Kabataan. She bested over 15 other equally stunning ladies. Our student, Veronica Rufo (No.2) did not make it to the magic 8. She somehow gave an outstanding performance, as told to me by her trainer, Ms. Ipil Runner Up Jenylyn Chiong.Miss Sibugay '11 and the '10 Miss Ipil Amelia Caubalejo, one of my former students turned over her crown to this year's Miss Ipil.

(Thanks to Mary Josette Marquiala Din for these pictures.)

Church Visit: Cathedral of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

It was the last day of the music module I attended there in Malaybalay when I unexpectedly visited the City's Cathedral. I was with my friend, Amiel for some transactions at the commercial center. He took these pictures via his phone. I did not bring my camera at the time, having the thought that we'd just be going to the centro. While Amiel's files were still being photocopied, we decided to visit the cathedral, which was just a few steps away. I wouldn't be much thinking about church visits since at the Institute, we have a chapel, and we had just went to the famous New Transfiguration Church. When we're nearing, it appeared that the church was closed but having learned from a fellow that it was open, we entered therein. I prayed for a while inside. Before we left, we took pictures of our selves to capture a remembrance of our visit to a House of the Lord in Malaybalay City on June 3, 2011.

ZSNHS Choir sings in a program the Opening Prayer and Phil National Hymn

Ma'am Vivian informed me ahead that our choir would be singing the opening prayer and Lupang Hinirang for the PTA 2011-12 Induction Program. And so I practiced the kids Fr. Nilo's I Believe in Peace and the national anthem. From the rehearsal, I could see that the children are quite ready to present their performance. Here's a glimpse of their rendition during last Friday's induction program:

Will I soon replace Facebook for this?

This has been just a usual try just like any other novel offering on the net. So far, Google+ has its advantages over Facebook. A comment that you have posted can be still edited even after a day or more. The ones in the link can be grouped into circles easily as friends, acquaintances, and so on. It's hangout feature looks more attractive.

If most of my Facebook friends will be hooked to Google+ one day, that would probably the time when I shift to the latter.

Bienvenidos aqui na Ipil Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

His Excellency Bishop Julius Tonnel, D.D, upon seeing the Black Nazarene at the Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Bukidnon, was hearwarmed by the image of the Lord. At the time, the Parish Priest of Quiapo, where the original image of the Nazarene resides, was there too. From their conversation, Bishop Tonell wrote a letter to Archbishop Rosales of Manila, requesting that the Ipil Diocese be given the image of the Nazarene. The bishop of Manila in his reply to Bp. Tonnel, happily informed that the Nazarene Statue be made soonest. It was also mentioned in the letter that the Diocese of Ipil would be informed on the time of shipping the holy image. That was last April.

Now, July 14, 2011 at past 10 am, the image of the Black Nazarene arrived at the premises of the St. Joseph's Cathedral, with Bp. Tonell, leading the welcoming of the Lord's image. Last Saturday, I have been practicing with the Interlude Choir, the singing of the Nazarene's theme: "Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno." During the blessing of the image, we sang it meaningfully with the faithful present. After the para-liturgical rites, the Bishop approached me and gladly asked how I came up with the hymn for the Nazarene. I told him that I got it online. He suggested that we also sing it during the communion on Sunday as a gesture of welcoming the Lord's image.

This 5:oo pm, we'll be singing during the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of the Black Nazarene of our Lord.

Training up a school choir

To have an SATB choir has been a big dream. Never have I thought that I'd train up one group of talented high school students, sing in harmony. So far, it has been more than a couple of weeks and the choir has three pieces that are ready for presentation. The first one, "I Believe in Peace" by Fr. Nilo, is truly a meaningful song. I have also found a piece from the Internet, the "Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Hymn), which is arranged by Ed Nepomuceno. The third piece is Dan Schutte's "These Alone are Enough", which is a good music for doxology. (Picture on the left was taken during our practice last Friday, July 8, which we did at a Kiosk as we would want to have it done outside a room.)

The job hasn't been like doing the work there in the music room. Before each rehearsal, I have to encode each note of the songs into a software program for music. (Thanks to a real great friend from Davao City, who installed the program in my net book. He is Amiel G. Baculna - an instructor at John Paul II College and the church organist in Davao.) Without the program, it would have been so impossible to train the kids. I usually save each file as sound format so it can be played during our practice.

There are challenges that lie ahead. The kids have to master yet the art of singing. We have yet to purchase a keyboard. There are times that some of the choir members have to attend to other extra-curricular activities during our practices. But with the good remarks we have been hearing so far, there is no reason for us to slow down. This is the first time the school would have this kind of group, and there's more to come, God bless us.

I have had it washed anyway

It's been raining 24/7. The road, muddy; everywhere, wet all day. My motorcycle has been dirty with mud for almost two weeks now. I would think that it is not wise to have it regularly washed. This morning, I looked at my XRM-RS 125 and I saw it was not necessarily have to be that untidy of the mess it got from the wet weather. I was on the way to campus B when I saw a car wash open. And so, it was washed. Despite the thought that it will get dirty again, as the rains are still around, I have had it washed anyway.

Seasons of Love @ PIL

Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for this video of the group 2 performance during the Concert Night of the 2011 Music Module at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. Our group, during its rehearsals shared lots of funny moments. AJ lead the group in its practices. This video tells a lot of stories our group made at the PIL.



Trainer: AJ
Soloist: Carlo Rey
Fr. Danto's impersonator: Randell
Organist: Oliver

Other members: Myself, Fe, Jeffery, Raffy, Sr. Noelle, Aloma
(Fr. Danto was supposed to be with us. However, he was scheduled to leave ahead. Randell represented Fr. Danto, impersonating father's manner of speaking in Filipino.)

One Super Remembrance from 2011 music module

This rendition was rehearsed by the talented Father Nilo. This was the last time we were at the Transfiguration Chapel at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. As soon as the distribution of certificates was done, I went to the terminal bus with some other three participants. It was one memorable night. Our friends accompanied us to the bus terminal and it was truly hurting when we parted our ways. The four of us who left ahead were bound to Cagayan de Oro. There, we too had to went on separate ways. At 1:30 am, I was home bound and got to my destination at 10:30 am.

(Thanks to Ms. Amy Lee for the video.)

When will this rain ever end?

This day is not excused from rain. There have been downpours here in Ipil. They usually happen in the afternoon. There were times that I had to drive through despite the rain to get to the church for my choir responsibility. Last Monday, I wasn't able to attend my classes in WMSU because of the seemingly unending downpour. I came late last night in my class for the same reason. The campus B road, although still passable, has been so muddy. I always get my shoes and pants dirty whenever I pass along the road.

I thought this day wouldn't be wet with rain. It was very sunny at 10 am. Then, all of a sudden, before noon came, the rain fell down again. It's like that the weather decided to rain, and indeed it rained at once! When will this ever end? Only the Creator of the World knows. For the moment, I just have to be thankful for each day, each rainy day, that somehow there are no floods here.

Searching for Silence

Work loads in school, social network surfing and activities, Church songs preparations, part time job schedules, hanging out with friends... all these have met me after days of living a quieter, simpler life. Where is my thought about my very self? I haven't have the moment of resting my mind. Yes, I can still sleep well. But each day is marked with much noise around - noise, which I my self created. I couldn't hear that peaceful sound. I just need a piece of mind that is in true silence. I need to rest my thoughts amidst a life packed with things to do. I pray that I attain peace in the silence I am searching for.

"True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment." - William Penn

Gratitude in Prayer: a glimpse on a prayer of thanks

There are many times that because of the heftiness of the load of anxieties within, I find it hard to even be grateful for what I am going through; when I know in the end, all shall be well with God. Here's a glimpse of a reflection I wrote while in Malaybalay City last month:

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May 26, 2011

Have I ever learned to thank you my Lord? All that I have been having is a complaining thought. I am downhearted by the difficulties I am going through. Where is my mind that thinks of praising You my God, for all that I walk along with? Where is the grateful heart, that should adore You my God for all the love I have received from my friends? Today, I pray, that amidst the hardship and anxiety, You teach me O God, how to become grateful. Lord, for having brought me here, despite of the supposedly hectic schedules now and in the next days; for having given me friends and teachers, whom I share my life with; for the music, that is like heaven, so serene and lively yet like following Christ, entails challenges along the way. For all these, my gratitude O God would not suffice what it takes to give You praise. I love You O Lord, and I thank You. Your faithfulness and love keep me going. Your mercy makes me grow. Bless me that I may give You thanks, all the days of my life. Amen.

I’m really leaving the science lab

I had to get up so early. My first day’s work in school was going to be the inventory of science lab equipment. The school is kinder to me this school year; I am not given an advisory class. Consequently, I have to give up my position as science lab in-charge. I used to handle the science lab since its completion. I have had lots of memories there with my previous third year students. Now, the lab is only one of the buildings I would see in school. The present lab in charge Ma’am Neneng helped me out in accounting the equipment. Thank God we have six students who assisted us in the carrying of the apparatuses. Ma’am Neng gave me a nice snack after the inventory.

As soon as I left the lab room, there was a sensation of loneliness. I realized I was really leaving the science lab. Well, that’s life. But I’m still in school. My framed certificates are still there inside the science lab. I still belong. For now, I have to go on with what I am being assigned to - a teacher in general education, handling one Biology class and a SPED teacher, catering SPED classes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

A cool novel gadget

After the damage of the screen of my HP Laptop, long had I been contemplating if I’d buy another one or any similar technology; specially that it worth 40 thousand pesos. When I attended the training for the deaf in Cagayan de Oro City, I was looking around for a net book. Although I did not find time to window shop, I already made a decision that I’d have my mid-year bonus to purchase one. Last May 22, on my way to Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, I dropped by the City of Golden Friendship and looked for a net book at Gaisano Mall. I was kind of attracted at first sight with the Acer Aspire One brand, with its new look and the price tag was 11 thousand and eight hundred plus. And so I purchased it. The gadget was first used at the PIL in Malaybalay. I found it to be user-friendly and easy to carry. With its small size, transferring it from place to place is a breeze. So far, I am enjoying the use of the gadget especially in surfing the Internet, playing some games and encoding. It’s really good to buy something from funds that come in the package of bonus. This cool gadget is one remembrance of such eared produce of the work. The gadget is also a tangible reminder of my days at PIL. (Huh, get over it Darwin!)