Batanes Escapade!

Batanes: An Unexpected Journey to the North

Hello everyone!
A few weeks ago, I went on an unplanned but unforgettable trip.
My superior had a conflict of schedule and tasked me to fly to DepEd Division of Batanes to orient Grade 2 teachers on contextualization. As the focal person for Grade 2 learning resources, I gladly accepted the responsibility and immediately booked a flight to Basco, Batanes. Yey, my first time there!

But as with all great journeys, this one wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.

My flight was scheduled at 6:45 a.m. from Clark International Airport—a loooong way from my place in Binondo, Manila. So, I had to travel all the way to Pampanga a day before. Compared to the NAIA terminals, Clark is smaller, with limited space and seating. There were benches, sure—but definitely not enough for the surge of international and local travelers. I ended up not getting any sleep that night.

At exactly 4:00 a.m., passengers started forming queues. I quickly headed to the PAL counter for check-in to avoid the long line of tourists. I later learned that Clark starts its operations at 4:00 a.m.—good to know. After checking in and paying the terminal fee, the rest went by smoothly.

This was my first trip to Batanes, and I was absolutely thrilled! Colleagues who’ve been there shared glowing stories about the breathtaking views and peaceful vibe of the province. So naturally, I told myself: “Once the orientation is done, I’ll use every free minute to explore this dream destination.” But the question was... with whom?

Luckily, Dr. Romel Costales, a Regional Supervisor from DepEd Region 2, had the same idea in mind—to go around and see the places we’ve only heard about in stories.

On Day 2, we set off for Sabtang Island, our first destination. At dawn, we headed to the port to catch a boat going there. While waiting, we had the chance to visit the famous Honesty Store, just a few steps from the pier.

I was truly amazed.

The store had no staff—just shelves of items, a price list, and a payment box. Transactions went on entirely on trust. What struck me most were the words written on the table:

"This store is too little for dishonest people."

Simple. Profound. Powerful.

I hate to cut this short, but urgent tasks are calling. Don’t worry—I’ll be sharing photos so you can catch a glimpse of the journey.

Thanks for reading, and until my next travel tale.

Sometimes, the best trips are the ones we never planned.
#BatanesJourney #WorkAndWander #DepEdTravels #UnexpectedButUnforgettable

New at heART

I joined the Arts Club at the DepEd Central Office Culture and Arts Section. As a beginner, I really don't know what to do. I just let my hands do the talking. Here it is ladies and gentlemen - my masterpiece(s). Thank you COCOLIFE for the chance to be part of one of your programs.

Naujan Captures Governor’s Cup in Or. Mindoro

I saw this post in the internet accidentally. It happened long time ago
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IN a final-round rally, Naujan town shot down the leading Bongabong team to win the First Gov. Arman C. Panaligan Cup team tournament held last Sunday in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

The chess festival was held in celebration of the province’s founding anniversary.

Underdog Naujan scored 3-1 against the favored Bongabong squad, which had been leading most of the way.

Best players were Alwyn Villas on board 1, Cesar Cunanan on board 2, Joselito Asi on board 3 and Ronald Berdera on board 4.

for the link >>>

O Heaven, It's 2011

Professionally, the year 2010 gave me my biggest break at the Department of Education.  I got promoted from Creative Arts Specialist I to Education Program Specialist II.  My previous trainings and achievements proved to be decisive in achieving my goals.

Financially, it was awful.  I wasn't able to save much and it was horrible.  Had not for my wife we won't be able to meet ends.

One of the things I felt sorry for was that I was not able to attend Couples for Christ - SOLD meetings every Thursday due to my busy schedule or I just wanted not to be there due to some commitments.  I wasn't able to attend to my IELTS review due to my being addicted to (I will not divulge it here) a certain game.  Hopefully I will be able to attend to some sessions again this year.

Maybe you're asking me what happened last year, well, here are some of my notable achievements...

1.  I was the chess champion at 2010 DepEd - CO Tournament with a score of 12 wins out of 14 games.
2.  I been again to different places (Baguio, Tagaytay, Romblon, Palawan, etc.)
3.  I got promoted.

There were more but this space is to small for what I've got.

Will the year 2011 be better and brighter?  I am looking forward to it.

I'm all alone...

Several nights I felt so low

As I counted the hours they go so slow

I looked outside my window to the world below

All that I could see were memories of you.

Travel to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

A Whale of a Memory: My Okinawa Adventure with JICA Scholars

December 30, 2007 — a date etched in my memory like a splash frozen in time.

I was in Japan, surrounded by bright minds and fellow JICA scholars, far from the tropical warmth of the Philippines but burning with excitement nonetheless. That day, we journeyed to one of the crown jewels of Okinawa — the Churaumi Aquarium. A mouthful to pronounce at first, but unforgettable the moment we stepped inside.

Now, picture this: the main tank, Kuroshio Sea, loomed before us like a cathedral of glass, towering with silent majesty. And then — there it was. The whale shark. The whale shark. Mammoth, gliding through the water like a king in slow motion. Around it danced stingrays, groupers, and creatures I couldn't name — each one more surreal than the last. I remember feeling like a tiny dot, just a visitor in the vastness of the blue.

Cameras clicked. Gasps escaped lips. Jaws dropped — mine included. We were scholars on a mission to learn, but on that day, we were kids again, wide-eyed and wonder-struck.

It wasn’t just the sheer size of the sea creatures that stunned me — it was the reminder of how vast and mysterious our planet is. And how lucky we were to witness a sliver of it from behind a pane of glass.

We took photos — lots of them — but even the best picture couldn’t capture the feeling of standing inches away from a 20-ton gentle giant. That aquarium visit wasn’t just a tour stop; it was a moment of awe, laughter, and pure joy. The kind that anchors itself in your soul and refuses to fade.

To this day, whenever I hear “Okinawa,” I don’t just think of beaches or history. I remember the chill of the air, the warmth of friendship, and the quiet power of the ocean... seen from the inside out.

It was fun, yes.
But more than that — it was unforgettable.
A memory I’ll cherish forever.

Very nice place!

Welcome to my blog!

"Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure."

This is my first Christmas away from home.
Far from the warmth of familiar voices, the smell of Noche Buena, and the chaos I once complained about but now desperately miss. It's not the same — not even close. There's a hollow ache where joy used to be. I feel... empty.

Writing on this blog helps — even just a little. It’s my way of pouring something into the silence, of keeping the loneliness from swallowing me whole.

If you have time you can visit this link... http://profiles.friendster.com/user.php