Corregidor with the Scholars

Recently, I had a chance to spend an overnight weekend with the Night High scholars at Corregidor Island. I was glad to see Patrick and Angelyn’s smiling faces as I handed them as a special gift a photo-book I created of our Ilocos region trip last year.

This time around, I was really hoping Diane and Jehrick, our two new scholars I have not met personally, will be in this trip but unfortunately, Diane wasn’t able to make it.

Our two days at Corregidor were filled with history with arranged tours of the whole island. Of course our stay won’t be complete without soaking ourselves in water, be it in the swimming pool or the beach.

Did you know that Corregidor is part of Cavite? I’ve always thought it’s under the jurisdiction of Bataan.

Scholar's Report Card & Awards

I’m happy to share with you current report cards and awards our scholars received lately. It’s really nice knowing each of them are working hard to fulfill their own dreams...

...and ours for them.

78 at 65th

These are some pictures from the recent SDA's 65th anniversary.

Claire's Mom

Please be informed that Clarita (Rivera) Bernardo’s mom passed away recently.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of her soul and for her family who is in deep sorrow and grief.

2011 Quick Review

The year went by so quickly I could only remember a few highlights. Really time flies so fast and before I know it, I will be considered a senior citizen. Now that’s a scary thought!

Last year, Patrick & Angelyn, our first two scholars, finished their Night High freshmen year with flying colors. As a personal gift to them, I brought them along on a 3-day Fort Ilocandia tour, hitting Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud.

After more than 25 years, once again I was able to witness and enjoy with some good ‘ol friends the famous kneeling-carabao during our local town fiesta.

Also had a couple of trips in Washington DC and New York but the most exciting one was seeing old friends and amazing natural wonders in Canada.

And then I succumbed to the Facebook temptation and open my account only because I needed another medium to promote Philippine tourism thru a new website I created, Trip Na Trip. I know I know it’s a lame excuse.

Finally, while it took awhile for us to find the ideal candidates, our next two scholars Marck and Diane were formally introduced before the year ended. So in all, we now have four good students benefiting from all your kindness and generosities.

It ain’t bad year after all so I am thankful of 2011...

...and hopeful of 2012.

Alumni Homecoming and Election of Officers

This coming December 30th is a very important event at St. Dominic Academy. Not only because it’s the yearly Alumni Homecoming, it’s also a chance for every member to vote for their next Alumni officers.

This is your rare chance to cast your vote so please plan to attend our homecoming.

Every batch is expected to participate, have fun, and enjoy the food and the programs. Please make your donations by buying your tickets now.

As always, same time, same place.

Diane & Marck, Two New Scholars

Two more scholars have been added recently to our roster. Like Patrick Vasallo and Angelyn Galia, our first two scholars, Diane Caluag and Marck Jherick Tribo were selected from a list of competitive candidates. Both of them met all the scholarship requirements, signed their contracts, and have started benefiting from your contributions/donations to our cause.

Please continue to support our effort to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged kids. Below are details of our SDA Batch ’78 bank account if you wish to make a donation:

Banco de Oro
SM City Bicutan Branch
Dona Soledad Ave corner West Service Road
Bicutan, Paranaque City 1700


Account Name: St. Dominic Academy Batch ’78 Alumni Association, Inc.
Peso Account No: 152-801-2794


OR personally deliver to Eva Fajardo/Paperbox Store/Rowena Castillo but make sure to specify your intentions and ask for a receipt of your donations. 


Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our scholarship project. In the next few days our latest financial report update will be delivered to your mailbox.


On behalf of the four scholars, I would like to thank you all once again for your continued support, financially or otherwise.

There are good reasons...

There are good reasons why I fly Philippine Airlines (PAL) all the time when I visit my homeland. Flying thru NAIA Terminal 2, PAL exclusive terminal, they may not have the cheapest fare but I don’t mind paying extra if it means convenience and a more welcoming experience after a long non-stop 12 or less hour trip from LA. Nothing fancy but navigating the terminal is so easy.

In other words, I can’t stand the old NAIA airport Terminal 1 so much so that I can’t blame some tourists to think it’s the worst airport in the world.

There are good reasons why I go to different places all the time and limit my stay in Manila during my vacation. I feel most proud sharing my travel experiences and promoting Philippine tourism to my US friends when they see beautiful islands, turquoise water, great landscapes, and refreshing sceneries thru all the pictures I took.

In other words, I am not happy and proud seeing Manila’s ugly side so much so much so that I can’t blame foreigners like Geoffrey James who had something to say about his experience recently.

There are also good reasons why I try to invest as much time, money, and effort to my homeland. And if it means, going back there for good when I retire from the workforce and try my best to help as much as I can to make the country, or my hometown, or a kid better, I’ll do it in a heartbeat just like apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas does now and what our scholarship project is all about.

I just wish more Filipinos especially those abroad do the same and never forget, no matter how twisted your tongue is, and no matter what color your hair or your contact lenses are, you will never hide your true identity...you’re still a Filipino so get real and at least try to be part of the solution to many problems our country is facing.

We should always be proud of where we came from. I know I am.

“Get an education, change your situation"

“Get an education, change your situation. Get your graduation, earn your occupation.”

That’s the line from Black Eyed Peas band member Pinoy talent Apl.de.ap’s latest song. He is currently in the Philippines urging all of us to help local kids go to school and stay in school. He launched his new advocacy just recently and in fact has convinced his fellow Black Eyed Peas member to support his effort.

Check out this website if you want to know more about this new campaign to promote education in the Philippines or just follow this url:

www.wecanbeanything.com

Just like Apl.de.ap, education always has a soft spot in me that is why our Night High Scholarship project is very important.

The latest news regarding our project is that Eva continues to evaluate more candidates. We are hoping to add two more students soon, in addition to current scholars Patrick & Angelyne. So far, one sweet girl named Dianne is about to sign the scholarship contract agreement while a boy still has yet to be found.

Thank you all for your help and continued support.

Canada Mini-Reunion

After attending a week-long job-related training in Maryland, I asked my wife and daughter to meet me in Washington DC. We spent a couple of nights there but not before a quick side trip to Pennsylvania. We flew in to New York after, and from there cross the border to Canada to visit Niagara Falls.

We also got a chance to visit Digna B and family in Canada. Incidentally, Felix M is also there visiting from the Philippines with his dad. So, a mini reunion of some sort happened.

The four of us, Digna, Felix, me, and Dom (on the phone talking to Digna). :-)

Digna is stil the same sweet person I always remember in high school. Hope someday we get to visit her again and stay in her place longer.

Thanks Digna and family for the hospitality and of course their support and donation to the night high scholarship project.

WOW Philippines

You may have already visited my new website dedicated to promoting tourism in the Philippines. If you haven't seen it, it has tons of pictures from all my trips to the Philippines. Some of them has related stories and videos to go with the still images from my own collections.

Please feel free to send your friends, relatives, co-workers, and even enemies the link to my new website. Link is http://trip-na-trip.weebly.com/ or just click here.

Baka dito ako yumaman sa kaka-click nyo sa mga ads sa website ko when you make plans for your next travel or perhaps meet your soul mate or not.hehehe.

I could use the money to build my dream library. :-)

I still like the old WOW Philippines tourism promotional tag. You know what happened when thy tried to change it and re-invent the wheel. Not well-thought of to say the least. Another blooper...

Senior Moments

Have you had senior moments already? Oh you know what I’m talking about. We are all going to get to that point soon, but I’m sure we’re all hoping it happens later, if not at all. 

I just had two today.  :-)

 

First, I kept trying to open a door I’ve been going in and out for years, bewildered when it wasn’t opening this time. Admittedly, I was distracted by my phone but opening that door should have been automatic, ingrained in my brain. I struggled so mightily pulling it out when I'm supposed to be pushing it in. The person behind that door opened it for me with confusing look on her face...and a big laugh.

Second, I went to work wearing my underwear backward. I can’t find the access when I need to relieve myself.

Hahahha

Help Wanted: Sexy Librarian

I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with a piece of land I’ve had back in my hometown. It’s been vacant since 1995.

Years back I thought of building a 5-door rental apartment. I had the floor plans all drawn out, back-filled the area with more dirt soil and put up fence around it. I actually started applying for a loan thru Pag-ibig to finance the construction but I found the whole application process too cumbersome.

I lost interest.

Meanwhile, my library project still remains a dream as I struggle to come up with enough resources to support the project let alone find the ideal location to build it.

I’m still dreaming.

Then a bulb started flickering one lazy boring Friday afternoon at work. My imagination didn’t stop scribbling and ended up with really rough sketches of a multi-purpose building with my retirement crib at the bottom floor and a decent-size library with living quarters on top.

For years I have this empty lot and yet didn’t think about it for my dream project. I said “Hmmm heck why not?

Sometimes we lose sights of what we already have and keep wishing for something else.

Location may not be ideal for a public library but sure good enough for my retirement crib, satisfying my longings for both. If people, especially kids, would want to take advantage of a library, be it anywhere, they will use it. Free.

If I build it, they will come.

It will be more like a privately-owned library I can enjoy for myself once I retire and can be opened to the general public as well. I will design the building so that there’s a separate public access to the library and a private entry to my retirement home.

What I would need however is someone to manage the library during the times I’m not hanging around in my crib and also to take care of me when I become too old, cranky, grumpy, and incontinent. My wife made it clear to me that she will not retire in the Philippines. I will.

So help is wanted. :-)

Sexy Librarian/Cook/Caregiver

Female, between 25-45 years old

Must be care giving and an awesome cook

Male OR anyone over 45 years old need not apply

Send your best picture for initial screening of application

See where my imagination takes me when I’m bored? Hehehe

Circle of Life

Lately I've been asking myself many things. Mostly things about my life now that I am almost certain of where I would be 10, 15 years or more from now.

Retired in the same place where I started. Perhaps in the dust. Alone. Definitely!

I asked why is there a need for someone, for anyone, to get married, become a parent and deal with spouse, kids, family, not enough toilet-paper, never-ending bills, legal issues...when living alone is a lot easier, more convenient, less worries, less bills, less hyper-tensions...but more toilet-paper to use. :-)

I know family brings happiness to us most of the time but sometimes I wonder if they are all worth the troubles that came along with.

I also know it feels good having someone in your life you can count when needing a shoulder to cry on, or perhaps just to tell each other stories with, make passionate love and waking up in the morning sharing a good brewed coffee now and then. However, is it really necessary to sign a contract so to speak and have them around every minute of our 'effin' day and night?

Are we all afraid to grow old and die alone hence even at the very young age we're all thinking, dreaming, hoping, wishing, making it a mission, determined to get married and have a family of our own? What exactly does having one proves? Is there really a point in all these?

I could understand having someone in life, a spouse or a partner, if that's what you call it nowadays, by our side as we grow old and needy....but kids? We all know they won't be around for long because they will have their own life to live sooner or later, and deal with the same issues I mentioned above. Will the circle of life stops?

Don't get me wrong. I am happy with my life now. The question that I have is, will I NOT be happy if my wife and daughter does not exist in my life, by my side...at all? Could I be happier if they are not around?

I'm just asking. Am I being selfish?

"Carmageddon"

I will be attending a 3-day conference in San Diego starting tomorrow and good thing I will be back before “Carmageddon” occurs this July 16^th and 17^th. Every commuter in this part of Los Angeles is worried about this expected event so forget about driving to LAX airport on these 2 dreadful days.

When Hitler finds out that the 405 freeway, the busiest in the nation, will be closed this weekend to give way to a major road construction, to hopefully ease daily traffic congestion, he is not happy about it. Little did he know in Manila, this shit happens every day without advance notice?

Watch/read his rants below:

Follow his rant here:

I Really Don't Know...At All!

One of the most iconic artists of her generation, Joni Mitchell’s song proved to be simple yet so inspiring. You’ll appreciate it even more if you pay close attention to the lyrics.

Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air, and feathered canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way. But now they only block the sun, they rain and snow on everyone. So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way.

I've looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow it’s clouds’ illusions I recall, I really don't know clouds...at all.

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels, the dizzy dancing way you feel, as every fairy tale comes real, I've looked at love that way. But now it's just another show, you leave them laughing when you go. And if you care, don't let them know, don't give yourself away.
I've looked at love from both sides now, from give and take, and still somehow it's love's illusions I recall, I really don't know love...at all.

Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say "I love you" right out loud, dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way. But now old friends are acting strange, they shake their heads, they say I've changed. Something's lost but something's gained in living every day.
I've looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose, and still somehow it's life's illusions I recall, I really don't know life...at all.

Pulilan Got Talent

While the search for two additional scholars is underway, our two current scholars Patrick and Angelyn are doing well in their studies and are now officially enrolled for school year 2011-2012. They are now back in school after an exciting summer.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, we’ve decided to add two more freshmen students to sponsor this year, another pair of boy & girl, keeping the balance of gender power. Pulilan has got many young kids deserving of the opportunity to go to school and whose talent has yet to be discovered.

Eva is currently leading the effort in search of the two most deserving students amongst the many first year enrollees the Night High program has this school year. Weather is just being bad lately that house-to-house interview process has been delayed.

Meanwhile, I hope you are as confident as I am that we have enough funds to sustain this scholarship project for years to come. We are still in dire needs of your continued support, financial or otherwise.

The kids need you. I need you.

Today I Declare Independence Day

June 12 has always been a confusing day for some of us. Most Filipinos recognize and celebrate this date to be the true Philippine Independence from the colonial Spain in 1898. But if history recalls, for awhile, we celebrated July 4th as the one, the date when United States finally recognized our independence in 1946.

This day was confusing for me big time.

As a little boy, my fondness for parades, balloons, and marching bands held every year at Rizal Park (aka Luneta) during Independence Day foolishly made me declared June 12 as my birthday, not truly knowing the real one.

Sa dami naming magkakapatid, hindi na matandaan ng ina ko kung kelan talaga ang birthday ko. Kaya nga ba Pro-RH Bill ako eh :-)

And guess what?

Only when I applied for passport to go work in Saudi Arabia that I learned thru official records that June 23 is the correct date, well, that’s according to our municipal records. Who knows if that’s really accurate?

And that’s not the only confusing part!

As I was frantically searching from our municipal legal records, I could never find my name in the June listing of all 1961 newborns. I remember going thru all the books and finally found my name in their October 1962 listings instead.

Apparently, I was born in 1962, and my parents waited four months or so to officially register my presence in this world.

Oh well, no matter what the historians say...and our municipal records say...and my passport says...still, today, June 12, I declare Independence Day...

...and also my birthday!

Pro-RH Bill

The debate about RH Bill has been dominating the political scene even before I came back from my recent trips.

Say whatever you want but this bill will surely help alleviate the growing census numbers that has been dragging down our country down even more to its current economic level.



I would think by now people would have realized that poverty is another byproduct of overpopulation. The more kids you have, the more resources and necessities are needed to give those kids a good quality life.

RH Bill is about educating couples, especially the poor ones, to make informed decisions about responsible parenthood, giving them knowledge and options on how to plan their kids, allowing them free access to contraceptives if one chooses to.

That parenting is not about just making babies.

I am deeply concern every time I visit with the growing number of street kids roaming around the city. A constant reminder of how unlucky they are to have been brought to earth by uneducated and irresponsible parents. It pains me to witness these kids not knowing what their future holds much less what to put on that empty stomach every day.

I am Catholic but not proud of what the anti-RH bill church is doing.

Go forth and multiply my ass!

Bow the Carabao

After 23 years, I was again able to witness the amazing kneeling carabao of Pulilan.

I tell you folks, it’s a quite a spectacle for me to once again see, this time thru my lens, the crowd excitement and the carabao’s obligatory kneel before farmer’s patron saint San Isidro Labrador. I can’t believe the number of hardworking carabaos I saw. It could be a record-breaking number of carabao participants for this century-old tradition.


Susan, Eva, and I braved and snaked-thru the relentless crowd to get through right in front of the church where the kneeling happens. Susan’s sister managed to score admission tickets to the special viewing deck and stand toe-to-toe with local cinema legend Laurice Guillen.

Like in the past, rain started pouring near the end of the parade, a good sign according to local legend, and much-needed reprieve from a really intense afternoon heat for those loyal beasts and intense crowd.

I was hoping I could have good angle from the viewing deck but because of the over-crowding, I could only manage some decent shots. Some faces in the crowd are even look familiar.

Check them out: