Happy 80th Birthday Mama!

I would like to greet my mom Aurora Bandelaria Asi a happy 80th birthday.  I wish you'll have a very good health and will get your wishes.  Sorry, we won't be there this Christmas and on your birthday.  We love you so much.

Feliz Navidad

I would like to take this opportunity, through this column, to greet each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New Year.  May all your wishes come true and more blessings to come.  Enjoy the holidays and have fun.

Cozy Inter-Cities Chess at Dagupan City, Philippines

Hi guys!  'been very busy lately... aiiizzzz.  'Was in Baguio a week ago... then today at Dagupan City.  Well post some details later.  It's game time.

Champion at DepEd Chess Tournament

Aizzzzzt.  I just captured the 2010 DepEd Chess Sports Olympics individual award with a score of 12 out of 14 games.  The final game was so crucial because my score is tied with another player from another team.  We both have 11 points.  Sitting at board 1, I made it sure to give my opponent a tough game, and I did.  Several exchanges ensued and after the smoke was cleared I was a piece-up and had an advantage on my time clock.  My opponent resigned after I trapped her Queen several moves later.

Thank you God for giving this victory.

Badminton Delight!

Just had my 1st badminton team tournament at DepEd-CO and you know what?  Our team (Orange - Mercury) won with a score of 3-2 against the blue team.  I thought, the games were a picnic because we scored easily 3-0 until our opponents rallied to win the next 2 games.  Should I say this?  I was part of the losing player from the team.  Haayyy...

Hopefully, I can perform better next time.  See you next time guys...

Dumbest Move I Saw

I watched the game of basketball at DepEd Central office between Orange team (my team) and Green team with the former having a one point lead with 4 seconds left and a ball possession.  Nelson, my buddy, made an inbound pass to his team mate who dribbled the ball away and with time expiring the receiver suddenly stopped and threw the ball up in the air... sadly, an opponent was there to catch it and hastily made a shot... boom!  Our team lost a seemingly winning game.  Whatta game!

Manny Pacquiao Wins Again

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines did it again!  He won his 8 division title and was the first boxing athlete to do so.  Kudos Manny.  You made us Filipinos great again.

Macy and Ranjie's Wedding Rites

Sorry guys, I was late in posting the pictures of Macy and Ranjie's wedding ceremony. Press this link >>>pics from the wedding<<< from facebook.  Enjoy!

Attending a Workshop at TICC

I am now attending a Regional Cluster Training Workshop for Filipino Teachers at Tagaytay City International Convention Center.  Though I am acting as a technical staff, I learned a lot of information on Filipino language.  The speakers are very smart and energetic.  Kudos to all participants from Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, and NCR.

Stalled to Another Draw

Aiiiizzzzzzzzt.  I was stalled to another draw on  my chess game yesterday.  My opponent was not that good but I was afraid to make some attack.  I don't know why?  I really don't know why??  Fear factor caught me.  I have played so many games at chesscube almost every night.  Yet, came actual game and I wasn't able to make any improvement on my position.  It was a sad day for me.  Hopefully I can make another victory this coming Friday.

My opponents were all up against me, they were trying to crush me, and they got better each game.  Oh I got so tired and sometimes so cautious of them.


Where is my killer instinct?  It is all tainted with fear.  Fear of losing...

We Missed You Matthew

My family visited our deceased first born son Matthew at Lourdes Memorial Park located at Malabon City, Philippines.  It was not crowded as it used to be during the the past years I visited the place.  Maybe because of the long vacation offered to employees (that they visited the place earlier) and the continuous rain that hit the city.   We had a long walk this afternoon due to rerouting that made the day very difficult.

Up for a Long Holiday!

Yiiiippppeeeee! Another long holiday for government employees and private workers as well.  Hiya! Everybody is filling a long exodus to the province whence to visit or pay tribute to their beloved love ones who either left them with sweet memories or unbearable sadness.

My family plans to visit Matthew (my deceased son) at Malabon City cemetery where his tomb is located.  After that, Betty and Joaqs are joining the costume party at SM San Lazaro wherein they lost last year.  Now, their dress theme for the party is much appropriate.  I feel this heebie-jeebie feelings while my kids are competing because I don't want them to lose.  But I know they will learn from their failures.  Hopefully they will get a prize this year.

I'm glad that office work is over this week and the pressures suddenly stopped.  I am looking forward to a very relaxing weekend.

Betty Got a Prize at Drawing Contest

Whew, I just heard that my beautiful daughter Betty got a prize during a contest at Robinsons Galleria sponsored by Colgate Philippines.  Though it was a minor one I am so proud of what she achieved.  Betty congratulations!

Winning a Difficult Game

I just had a sweet victory against my chess team mate at the Department of  Education.  He gave me a tough game but I won the tough game.  My total score now is 7.5 out of 8 games.

Terrific Individual Score

DepEd sponsored a chess team tournament for its employees for the months of September to November, 2010.  I joined the event of course with my colleagues at IMCS, Sir Eric and Dante.  I scored 6.5 out of 7 points to top the individual score midway the tournament.  However, my team mates were ambushed by our opponents.

We placed 4th at the meantime though I am expecting a better score next time.  See you guys on October 26, 2010.  

New Computer

After attending a 4-day workshop at RELC-NCR Marikina, I went back to the office to bring all the materials and documents used.  It's good that Nelson and JQ were there to assist me and Sir Eric.  I was amazed to see on the top of my table several boxes which I learned to be computer paraphernalias.  I felt so happy!  I immediately collapsed all the boxes and abrupty installed the computer.  Yeheey!!! It has a Windows 7 OS, an LCD monitor, an optical mouse and a top-of-the-line (TOTL) speaker.  I didn't check the capabilities yet but I assumed it to be fast and beneficial.  Thank you DepEd for giving me this equipment. 

Well, for your information guys, it will be my first time to use government equipment since the computer (laptop) I have been using for the last five years in the office was a personal one which I bought during my brief stint at Okinawa, Japan.

Oh I am so excited and I can't hide it.

Whatta Weekend

Spent the week with lots of expenses.  Started it with payment of credit card bills, then an unexpected expenses on water motor repair, followed by few more disbursements.  At the end of the day, I was left with only chips.

Hopefully, the coming weeks will be better, financially.

First Day at the Workshop

I'm  here at Tagaytay International Convention Center, Tagaytay City and it was the first day of our workshop wherein I am tasked to be a technical staff and a participant at the same time.  I have searched the place and I found out that there were so many amenities.  The dinosaurs were all over the place, the swimming pools were now all working as well.

The participants were late in checking in so I believe the sessions would start late.  Tsk.tsk.tsk.

One-Week Workshop on Editorial Skills

I have an scheduled workshop at Tagaytay City International Center this coming week.  Nah...I wont be going to talk but would act as technical assistant to various experts in the field of editing, book design, etc.  The title of the workshop will be "Basic Editorial Skills for Beginners".  Sounds redundant?  hehehe... Isn't basic stuff for beginners?  Anyway, some people from the DepEd Central Office will be attending this one-week activity.  Our guest speakers will be coming from University of the Philippines (UP), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), (Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), etc.    I am wishing that another worthwhile endeavor, such as this, would be repeated in the near future.  Good luck to our speakers and to our participants as well.

I am so Lucky Today!

Wow! What a wonderful day it is.  DepEd - CO has its sports activities today and you know what?  Our team gets the coveted title - yup... we are the Champion.  In 7 events we got 6 first places including the cheer leading competition in which I joined.  To my disbelief (I thought that we lost in the cheer leading competition) our team was called to be the champ.  I was praying that God would grant my prayer that our team gets 3rd place at cheer leading category since it was enough to win the championship since Violet Team, our main rival, gets only 5th place.  So it is mathematically possible that we would still get the number one award.  However, God gifted us with the 1st prize on this category.  God is so good!  He really is.

So Happy for My Wife

King and Queen

I can't stop listening to my wife's challenging experiences on her first day of teaching at Jose Abad Santos High School as a new Values Education teacher.  I can't stop laughing at her, seemingly, fairy tale stories like how she looked at her students' room only to find out that her students left already and how one of her pupils took her envelope containing her original documents only to see it outside the room.  I could imagine vividly how her reactions were...fainted...giddy...woobly...

But that was part of the plot of a teacher.  I am so touched that she was able to conquer her fear and that first day gist was over.  Ohhh...you should see the reaction of my lovely child Betty on my wife's ordeal... she laughed and I laughed too not because I thought it was funny but because I can no longer see Betty's adorable eyes while laughing.


My enthusiasm to listen to my wife's stories was further intensified by her account that teachers at Abad Santos were allowed or, should I say, offered a condo unit loan.  Hopefully she'll get this once in a lifetime opportunity so that we can have a house of our own.

I am so happy for you mommy!

An Unforgettable day at Ace Water Spa

Sorry guys, I just came from a long vacation (again) so I had to post my activities late.  I, with my family, went to Ace Water Spa at Banawe, Quezon City, Philippines to unwind.  It cost us a lot but its worth it.  We enjoyed the world class facilities including the hydro-therapy massages.

The night before going to that venue (September 10) I suffered leg cramps and I thought I would die.  I was in a very difficult situation and the discomfort was getting worst.  It's good that my wife and my niece were there to help me.  Just when I thought the pain was over, I stood with haste only to be struck by deepening pain that started from my feet to both of my legs.  The feeling was terrible...had not my neighbor came to give me a much needed massage I would be dead. Thank you for the help.

That was the reason why my family went to Ace Spa wherein I have been treated to various amenities.  What a relief!

 

I found the missing document

Alas, the document that I have been searching for 2 weeks was found on the same folder where I kept it. 

Urgh...maybe it is a sign that I am getting older.  I just couldn't realize why I didn't double checked it in the first place. 

Another lesson learned.

Happy Christening to Eunice Kyle

Eunice Kyle with Ninong and Ninang

My family attended the very happy occasion of the Christening of Eunice Kyle Dacumos at Makati.  I was supposed to participate in the Barangay Wesley (BW) chess team elimination (try-out) at Robinsons Galleria, Manila but gave way to my wife's invitation to attend the special festivity of my brother-in-law's (Noel) daughter.  It was such a full-packed event attended by friends, relatives, family, and well-wishers.

Congratulations Eunice Kyle and welcome to the Christian world!

the pouring of water to Eunice Kyle

Mae, Eunice, and Noel 

cake for the soul

gifts for Eunice Kyle

What is Happening to Philippine Chess?

I got this news from facebook that my kababayan Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (he hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro) currently the ranked 2 player of the Philippine chess team was ousted from the team due to unknown (though there are varied conflicting reports) reasons.  Reading the items from the blog of Susan Polgar added some major controversies and problems.  If you read the comments you would probably judge what was happening.  Why did they (both parties) discuss it in public where in fact they could talk it privately to settle everything. 

Free Time

Yeheey!  I found this new activity during my free time.  I played chess tournament games at ChessCube even during wee hours.  I have been so effective during midnight too. I have beaten strong chess players and , would you believe it, some of them were accusing me of using chess programs to beat them.  Which is of course untrue.  That only means that I am improving in my game.

4-day vacation

It's a long weekend because on Monday (August 30) will be an official holiday.  During the first day, my wife and I went to a tripping to find our permanent residence, however, what we found were too expensive and not within our budget. 

We planned to go to Baguio City or somewhere else but we decided not to push through due to Helena's final review day of the MTAP,  Her education is much more important than our travel, you know.  I hope that she will be selected and be given an opportunity to be in the elite group. 

Hopefully, this afternoon or tomorrow we could go somewhere else to see different places and again experience our family bonding.  

Major Major Comments from Ms. Universe Candidate

I have been watching the Miss Universe beauty pageant and have been praying desperately that Miss Philippines would get the coveted title.  Guess what?  She got a pretty easy question from Mr. Baldwin.  But her major major answer seemed to be unusual for the judges.  You see, before going to the pageant she encountered problems on her documents, moreso, with her nationality issue which created problems (challenges) that almost caused her to being dislodged as a Philippine candidate to that prestigious event.  Isn't that a major issue? Perhaps, the judges perceived her answer, though unnatural, to be dishonest.

She had had all the chance to answer beautifully and indeed she bought time when she told one of the judges "thank you sir, blah...blah...blah...) but she blew it!

Missed opportunity for my bet.  Anyway, Ms. Raj is still young and in fact her answer is not that bad, however, in a pageant there are no wrong answers --- only good and better ones.

God is so Good

Yeheey!  I just claimed my brand new iPod nano 8gb as my prize yesterday.  I would like to thank Rexona and all its staff who are behind this promotion.  BTW, what I bought was a Rexona spray for men worth P150.00 but I got a prize worth P8,500.00 (check the price dude!)  I am so excited, and I can't hide it.  God is soooooooo good really! Here are the pictures of my latest winning...

Lucky Me!

Guys, you may not believe it!

I was on my way out at Watson's, after buying some vitamins and medical stuff,  located at SM San Lazaro Branch, Manila when, suddenly, I was blocked by this beautiful saleslady who offered me to buy Rexona products.  She was so inviting so I indulged to buy (sorry I forgot to ask her name).  I didn't know that there were some perks after buying that thing.

Here was the catch.  That saleslady made me stood about 4 steps from the cabinet purposely-prepared for Rexona's promo.  She instructed me to throw a ball at a 9-hole mold and I unintentionally made a shot at the right corner hole.  Then the saleslady shouted, "Oh man, you got the iPod!"  I shouted back "What?"  She handed me the ball I used then asked me to shoot again.  So I tried very hard to put the ball in the hole I shot earlier, but I missed. I got the lowest hole at the right corner instead.  I was told that I got a key chain.  I was waiting for further instructions when the saleslady, after searching at the room near the cashier's place, told me that her manager was not there so I could pick the iPod nano tomorrow (actually it is today).  She made me sign a receipt and asked me to return at 1 p.m.

I believe I am so blessed because God made me  a shot I didn't know what's at stake. Need I say more?

Reminiscing the Past

I have been thinking of my past struggles, especially my deepest frustration due to the death of my first-born child. It happened years ago but the emptiness still lingers within me.

I still remember that I didn't have the financial capacity to pay for my son's hospital bills that ballooned to P375,000.00. I even asked the help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the senators. I was so lucky that the former shared a hand.

What a shame! I have been crying most of the time for I couldn't take the body of my child from the hospital (who was frozen) because, again, I couldn't pay. Sorry my baby. Not until I pawned the title of my land (from the province) to the hospital that I got my kid (or else he'll stay there 'til eternity).

Paalam Aking Mahal

Joselito Asi (c) 8 Agosto 2010

 

Akala ko’y tuluyan ka nang nawaglit

Sa isip at puso ko’y ikaw’y tinikis

Lahat ng nangyari’y pilit na inalis

‘Pagkat walang magandang bunga ang maling pag-ibig.

Ngunit ang tadhana’y sadyang mapaglaro

Nakita kang minsang walang kibo

Iiwasan ka sana’t agad akong lalayo.

Ngunit tumimbuwang nadagil ang pinto.

Halakhakan ay di magkamayaw,

Munting pagkakamali ko’y agad sinumbatan

Ngunit nang tingnan ka sa dakong likuran

Kamay mo’y inabot, hiya ko’y naparam

Puso ko’y walang tigil sa pagpintig

Kapag kasama kita’y lagi nang may kilig

Ngunit batid kong mali’t di dapat ipilit

Dahil ikakasal ka na sa kaibigang matalik.

At tayo nga ay nagka’walay

Luha ko kanina’y ngayo’y hikbi naman

Kabiguang dulot tila magpakailanman

Kawangis ng kandila sa init ay nalulusaw.

Agad akong umuwi’t kumuha ng punyal

Isang saksak agad kong iniunday

Sa puso kong bigo sakit ay ninamnam

Buhay kong ito’y akin nang wawakasan

Ngunit bago ako lumisan

Sana'y marinig mo aking hirang

Paalam, paalam

Paalam aking mahal.

IMCS Workshop on Developing Textbooks

Alas, the three-day workshop on Developing Textbook and Teacher's Manuals for Public Secondary Schools was over. The workshop was well attended and our participants were publishers, authors, editors, book designers, and teachers coming from the National Capital Region.  IMCS was able to invite Mr. Antonio Calipjo Go, a long time critic of sick books, who presented his vast array of findings (error-filled books).  Not that I depend Department of Education (which caters to public schools textbooks at this time) but most of Go's findings were on private schools textbooks.  I have been waiting for him to reveal how he was able to get all those findings, what method did he use, etc. because his topic covers research too.  Ah... maybe because of the limited time given to him. 

At one point, a heated argument ensued after topic on tools and minerals were discussed but that was just part of intellectual discussion.  What interest me most was the argument on the word 'observe' wherein one participant stated that, in science, this word is all-encompassing.  Meaning, if you use the word 'observe' it would not only mean to use the sense of sight but the other senses as well. 

BTW, I acted as emcee during the closing ceremony and I was able to make  ad lib(s)

I would like to thank everyone who, in one way or another, helped in making this worthwhile activity a success.

First day at the workshop

Just attended an Orientation Workshop on Developing Textbooks and Teacher's Manuals at Development Academy of the Philippines.  I introduced one of the speakers and I have been busy assisting some of Department of Education's participants.  I was the technical guy this morning and am so proud of it. 

Too many tasks to finish

The works at the office are filing up and everybody is trying to finish their tasks on time.  The themes keep changing from job rotation to sharing loads.  Name it, we have it.

The coming week is challenging too since we will be facing our bete noire as one newspaper had stated in one of its articles.  I am really excited and agitated as well because I don't know what will happen.  I wish everything will be fine.

Finally, Home Again...

Finally,  after 10 days of workshop in Tagaytay City, I'll be back again to where I belong - home.  I will be able to glance my wife and kids whom I missed so dearly.

4th Day @ TICC

I just finished reading the book about Gulliver's Travels written by Jonathan Swift and I felt I was traveling with him too, it was so amazing.  Gulliver must be really a genius due to his knowledge on learning new languages.

I'm just so happy to receive a phone call from my wife who is in Manila.  I'm so delighted to receive an information that Helena Beatrice (my beautiful daughter) was tapped to join the MTAP review.  Yehheeey!

Orientation Workshop @ Hotel Kimberly

Attended a workshop on STRIVE at Hotel Kimberly in Tagaytay City. 

First Day at TICC

I just had a long trip from Manila to Tagaytay City late in the afternoon.  It was a very long trip so I had a very long sleep.  I was so tired because I had to finish some stuff before going to the workshop venue.

At TICC, I was transferred to different rooms and it pissed me off.

As I settled down, I was able to watch the "Secrets of Magic: Revealed" and I was so amazed with the show.  I couldn't sleep so I got my laptop and search for a wifi-signal.

A text from my wife made my day!

Went to SM San Lazaro to Hear a Mass

I went to SM San Lazaro yesterday to hear a mass.  I learned that at 9:00 a..m. during Sunday(s) a mass is held at the entrance of the mall. 

Thank you for your greetings!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who greeted me (verbally and at Facebook) on this very special day.  To my twin brother Emmanuel best wishes to you and may you fulfill all your dreams.  Take care always.

You were asking for my age?  Clue.  I won't be able to apply for any Japanese Scholarships now.  Got it?

Black Out in Manila

Sad day for Manilans yesterday. The entire electric system including the telephone lines were shut off due to devastating typhoon "Basyang."  Would you believe it?  Years before if it was a brown out people could still use their phones to call their immediate relatives, but now,  it's different.  I can't even use my postpaid SUN internet line.  Terrible.  I spent the whole day at SM San Lazaro with my family. 

I went home at 9:45 p.m. and since there was no electric power in the city,  I decided to bring my kids at the Hotel Sogo, Recto Branch for the much needed sleep.

Mishaps Before Office Work

I experienced 2 vehicular mishaps this morning...tsk.tsk.tsk.  It's good no one was hurt.  Thanks God.

Too tired!

Just finished working and cleaning my place of work.  am too tired...zzzzz

Too much work today!

'been busy today.  Just finished tasks on recording and safekeeping some documents transmitted by evaluators.  Transferred some files @ our new stockroom located at Dorm E.  Cleaned the library and corridors with IMCS staff and had a sumptuous lunch courtesy of Sir Eric.  Made some correspondence to valued clientele and called some VIPs.

Onslaught of Memo. Circular No. 1

Have you read the first issuance of memo. no. 1 from the P-noy administration?  It caused deepest sadness to my colleagues here at IMCS.  Most of my co-workers, predominantly contractual employees, were disoriented, perplexed, and dismayed over this new issued memorandum.  Considering that most of the offices/services here at DepEd were manned by contractuals how would the organization effectively and efficiently run. Take for example the case of the monitoring unit of my group whose staff are 70% non-regular employees.  Would they be able to fulfill their assigned tasks since their terms of office would be cut short?  Just asking...

Visited Nephew's Birthday

Since yesterday was a holiday, I (with my wife and kids), visited Rhys birthday at Navotas.  I arrived there in the afternoon but there were no visitors yet so I decided to pick my things which I left when my family transferred to Manila last November.  I spotted my useful books which I used during my training in Japan and some worth-reading manuscript like "Kasparov Teaches Chess" which I kept long time ago when I was very active playing chess (ahedres-ajedrez).  After packing things I found out that there are no visitors yet and my parents-in-law were still not there so I decided to play chess at Malabon Chess Plaza. I scored convincing victories against club opponents but was unlucky on solving chess puzzles.  

I returned to my parents-in-law's house after I received text that all were present.  I enjoyed the food served which were a combination of Italian, European, and native delicacies.  As my kids enjoyed playing with their cousins, so was my wife interestingly shared her views with her parents.  I had a drinking spree with my brothers-in-law as we watched the game between SMB and BMEG for an outright semi-final berth of the PBA league.   SMB proved to be the better team this time. 

We went home at about 10:00 p.m. and immediately went to sleep.  Hugh...

Back to Manila

After a week of seminar at Tagaytay International Conference Center, I am back to Manila.  It's very difficult to stay late nights to look over the works of our evaluators.

The sudden shift of temperature makes it difficult for me to control sneezing. Perhaps, the only consolation is that today and in the next two days I don't have office works because it is a Pasig Day and regular holidays.

'will take my needed rest.

At TICC for the workshop

It's almost a 4-hour trip to Tagaytay International Convention Center (TICC) and I felt very tired.  The three-hour trip was prolonged by the bus staff (San Agustin) who was trying to get all the passengers they could.  I observed the almost all the vendors were allowed to market their products.  Maybe you could imagine how many times I was bumped by passengers while sleeping.  So, instead of having a wonderful trip I had this hate inside me trying to explode anytime.  Upon reaching Olivarez station I was pacified as the two people beside me gave some tips on how to get to TICC. 

Alas! I found the place.  Should I say this?  It was too inviting.  I was assigned at room 143 (is it room for LOVE)  with Sir Eric and Sir Edgar who happens to be my colleagues at DepEd. 

BTW, as I entered the convention center, I found the lightings to be dark and not conducive to reading.  Except for the  ready-made movable lightings the hall would be dull.  To tell you frankly, the airconditioning unit is functioning well and the food was served on time.  The staff are so courteus and helpful as well.

Allergy Galore

Yesterday, I got this alien allergy from unknown source.  Either, I got this from the food I took or from the extreme heat.  I felt very annoyed by this.

Back to Usual Routine

Hi guys!  Since it's school time I am back to my usual routine.   I wake up as early as 5:00 a.m. to open my computer and check some emails (no farmville anymore) and see if all torrents work I did the other day are effectively running.  Also, I browse if there are pending moves I have to make by clicking the chess.com and gameknot.com sites to update my chess knowledge.  At 5:30 a.m., I bring Betty to her school (using my Japanese bike) at P. Gomez ES and buy some morning stuff at a nearby bakery.  After that, I again check my i-connection if it is downloading some self-help books and some programming languages.  Simultaneously, I turn on the  radio and listen to DZBB programs for some updated morning news.  At 6:00 a.m., I take a bath, eat breakfast, and check my things before going to the office.

That's what I wrote in my journal, but the truth is I went back to my apartment after accompanying Betty to her school just to sleep again.  I miscalculate the time (always) that is the reason why I am tardy in going to office.

I'll be better on the coming days...

CFC 29th Year Anniversary

Attended the Couples For Christ (CFC) 29th Year Anniversary at the Luneta Grandstand yesterday.  Though my wife and I are not very active we tried to grace the ocassion to witness the ceremony.  The activity was well attended by members coming from the farthest provinces and even by bunch of followers from different parts of the world.  The scorching heat was felt during the whole afternoon but it has never been a big deal to those in attendance.  At six o'clock in the evening a sudden downpour was experienced but the music ministry, dancers, sponsors, members, and organizers never blinked an eye to go home as they continuously prayed and offered thanks to the Lord.  Congratulations to all CFC members and see you next year!

Saturated

Sometimes I feel that I am saturated with what I am doing here at the office.  The works are too repetitive and are too technical.

Break from Work

I have had a 3-day break.  Slept much of the time and considerably been busy learning new programing language such as Phyton.  During siesta period I played billiards and chess at a nearby street.  

Chess @ ULTRA

After a long lay-off and OTB (over-the-board) playing I had the chance to compete with the best in the Philippine chess. The results were not as good as expected. I was beaten blue by NM Efren Bagamasbad on a Modern Defence game during the opening round . The best chance I could have was during the 4th round. After I scored 2 out of 3, I met NM Alex Milagrosa on a Kings Indian Defence game. I was so happy with that game because I played solidly. Down to 2 minutes against his 3 minutes I was able to achieve a superior position and was a piece up. My inexperience during crucial games played a big part as I lost the game I should have won. I blundered during time scuffle and missed the win so terribly. It was not the same after that  as I fared badly on my next games (probably still thinking of the missed opportunity on Milagrosa's game).  My final output was 4/9 a big disappointment and failure from a university chess player like me.

What I did yesterday

Watched the movie "Robinhood" and learned these mighty words, "Rise and rise until the lamb becomes a lion."

COMEHI Batch '87 Reunion

I'm impressed with the turn-out of our reunion yesterday at Jetstar, Malamig, Oriental Mindoro. 'couldn't believe that after 23 years I would see these groups from Diamond and Gold sections of P. G. Comia Memorial High School. What a feeling indeed!

Seeing old friends and crushes really moved each of us to another level. My salute to my former teachers who joined us on this wonderful occasion. See you guys in 2012!

On my way home

Yipeee! After several months I will again visit my hometown Barcenaga, Oriental Mindoro. My visit wouldn't be just an ordinary one 'coz it will coincide with the reunion of my high school class (batch '87). I don't know what to expect but I am longing to see my old friends and their kids. Oh my... how do my former classmates look like? What are their professions? Are they richer and wiser now? Whoa... I am looking forward to it.

Temporary Separation

Since school days are over, I let my kids stay at the province with my mother and sisters. I know they will be very happy during vacation days and will learn from amazing experiences. It's good thing that we will be able to chat and see them through the internet.

The temporary separation will also benefit us (I and my wife) since, at this time, we don't have someone to take care of them while we are working. Uhmn... it will also be our chance to fix some things left unattended since we transferred here in our new place.

Invisible Man (reading)

I just finished reading the book "The Invisible Man." I can't stop reading...I am craving for more books.

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Missed Opportunities!

I had a chance to travel again but was not permitted by my bosses due to greater tasks.

Sad Week for the Family

Things didn't turn right this week. My son Isaiah Joaquine got very sick and was admitted to a nearby clinic. He chilled and what the good doctor did was to clothe him with ice around his body. My son, for your information, had been hospitalized for two months at Chinese General Hospital (new born) but the good Lord helped us. That's why I am so worried every time he's in the hospital. But friends and well-wishers showered him with prayers and he got better each day.

After my son, it was my wife's turn to be hospitalized. The good thing was we have a Fortune Care to pay for our bill. The cause of her sickness had something to do with her heart. After series of check-up we had to transfer to Chinese General Hospital again for a more rigid medical evaluation. Haay...

Later that day we were allowed to go home for my wife's bed rest.

I promise to be better

Whew... I will be better this time.

God is so good!

Months ago I asked God that if I won't get the scholarship @ Japan he'd give me a promotion at DepEd. I got the latter. Thanks God.

Sooo many things that happened

'been very busy again. here's what happened:

i won P1000 at DepEd Cooperative raffle

my farm plants got withered

too many works at the office

been successful in some of my games

manny pacquiao demolished clottey in boxing

just finished reading a book

I just finished reading this captivating book about Alexander the Great.

pictures speak a thousand words...

Our recent workshop at Boracay is a combination of work and pleasure. I felt relieved and relaxed. Posted here are some pictures for your viewing.

too tired and sleepy

Arrived at Manila from Boracay late in the afternoon and got stalled on a heavy traffic at Moriones. I got asleep and woke up with huge taxi bill. Upon reaching my apartment I immediately search for food and liquid to fill my hungry stomach and to quench my thirst. I almost took 2 containers of H2O... My bed was so hypnotic that the sudden touch of my body on it was like an eternity.

IMCS Workshop @ Bora

Another opportunity to visit Boracay Island within 4 hours...

It's my third time to visit the island and definitely not the last one.

How I wish my family is with me. Haay...