Tokashiki Island Experience

Tokashiki Island: My Slice of Paradise in Okinawa

When I first hopped on the ferry from Naha, I didn’t know Tokashiki Island was about to steal my heart. The ride itself was a treat—turquoise waves, salty breezes, and the kind of blue sky that makes you forget about your phone.

Stepping off the boat felt like entering a postcard. Quiet roads, lush hills, and the warm smiles of the locals instantly made me feel at home. My first stop? Aharen Beach—pure white sand and water so clear I could spot fish from the shore. Snorkeling here was unreal. I swam alongside colorful corals, schools of tiny fish, and even a sea turtle or two.

In the afternoon, I hiked to one of the island’s viewpoints. From up there, I saw an endless horizon of blues blending into each other—sea, sky, and everything in between. It was the kind of view that makes you pause and just breathe.

As the sun began to set, the beach transformed. The sky turned gold and pink, waves whispered against the shore, and by nightfall, the stars came out in full force. No neon signs, no traffic—just me, the sand, and the universe.

Tokashiki Island isn’t just a destination; it’s an escape. I went for a day, but I came back with a lifetime memory.

A Visit to Manila Ocean Park

As a treat to my daughter's 6th birthday, I brought her and the whole family to the Manila Ocean Park. It was an amazing experience for kids and adults as well.







For additional pictures please click this >>>>

First Time Father

It was 2:30 a.m.
I was deep in sleep when a gentle nudge on my left side stirred me — followed by the quiet, urgent sound of my wife calling for help. Her face carried the shadow of worry, eyes wide, uncertain. I glanced at the bed and noticed the sheet was wet. At first, I thought it was just a spill. But no — to my astonishment, the water was coming from her. She was in the final stretch of her pregnancy, and this... this was no ordinary night.

Like a prince roused for his beloved, I leapt into action. I supported her carefully, trying not to show the tremble in my hands. She told me she wasn’t in pain — only discomfort from the fluid steadily flowing. I held her close, clipped her safely into my arms, whispered reassurances that everything would be alright. I led her gently to the bathroom. Then, foolishly thinking we could still sleep this off, we returned to bed.

But sleep had other plans.
Minutes later, another shout — this time with urgency in her voice. She had spoken with her OB-Gyne. “We need to go to the hospital. Now.”

We scrambled to pack. I showered in record time. Then we rushed into the night, hailing a taxi as the city slumbered. Inside the cab, we made light of things — joked nervously that maybe this was it. That maybe our baby didn’t want to wait the remaining three weeks on the OB’s calendar. That maybe today would be the day we’d become parents.

At the hospital, she was questioned quickly, and then — just like that — they wheeled her toward the delivery room.
Wait... what? Already?

That day, we were gifted a son. A fragile miracle. A boy with lungs too weak for this world, but with a spirit that fought for sixteen days inside the NICU. And then... he let go.

---

That was seven years ago today.
This is his seventh death anniversary.

And every year, the pain replays like a scene I can't edit. I was young. Unprepared. Maybe even foolish. I missed the chance to hold the title of “first-time father” in full.

My son — wherever you are in the vast universe, in a place I can’t reach but feel so near —
I LOVE YOU.

Always.

#everyone #firsttimefather

New Important Words

I just learned two new important words...

D - Drop
E - Everything
A - And
R - Read

It was shared by Dr. Benilda S. Santos of Ateneo de Manila University.

M - Make
E - Excellence
A - A
N - Necessity

It was shared by Dr. Churchita A. Villarin, Education Supervisor II of Region VII.

I got these information from our Regional Cluster Training of Textbook Evaluators at Ecotech, Cebu City.

Trip to Boracay Island

This was the second time my wife and I spent a weekend at Boracay Island. If you love to be spoiled and live a pampered lifestyle, Patio Pacific is the place to be. Own a room yourselves, simply gorgeous .... and the bathroom was soooo nice. It’s away from the noisy crowd but within 10 minutes you can be right were the action is. I always come back from Boracay as a renewed person.

Just finished another course, A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Global Vision

I am so happy today! I just finished another course at Philippine Normal University and I earned a Certificate in Teaching Profession. I could have finish this course last year but an abrupt stint at Okinawa, Japan made me missed the opportunity. Now, I'm back with my old fighting spirit. God is so good.

In a world where challenges often dictate the limits of one’s dreams, I chose to write a different story—one of resilience, lifelong learning, and service.

My academic journey began at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), where I earned my Master’s in Government Management (MGM). My time at PLM was not merely about obtaining a degree; it was about developing the skills and mindset to lead, serve, and solve problems with innovation and integrity.

The pursuit of growth didn’t stop there. Through TESDA, I was selected for a scholarship program in Application of Multimedia Technology for E-Education in Okinawa, Japan. This experience expanded my vision of how technology can transform education, giving me firsthand exposure to world-class e-learning innovations. It was in Okinawa where I first glimpsed the power of multimedia in bridging educational gaps—an insight since carried back to the Philippines, influencing mywork as an Education Program Specialist II.

To further strengthen my ability to shape the next generation, I pursued my Certificate in Teaching at the Philippine Normal University (PNU)—cementing my role not just as a policy leader but also as an educator at heart.

Today, I am not just applying for scholarships; I am applying for opportunities to create impact. With every milestone—from PLM to Okinawa, from TESDA to PNU—I proved that education is a lifelong journey, and that every challenge can be transformed into a stepping stone. My goal is to harness cutting-edge technology, multimedia, and education strategies to serve communities both in the Philippines and across Asia.

EMPOWERED

I saw these desired attributes on the wall of Philippine Normal University, College of Education. I believe every individual must be empowered.

E - xercises effective communication
M - anifests professional competence
P - ossesses adequate knowledge of the discipline
O - bserves professional ethics
W - elcomes progressive innovation and change
E - xhibits a deep sense of rationalism on global perspectives
R - adiates a caring attitude for others
E - ngages in effective problem solving and decision-making
D - emonstrates personal integrity

Working with Pleasure

My superior assigned me to different regions in the country and I am very impressed with what I saw. Not only did I learn new things about my work I also enjoyed it. I was able to meet new friends on my trips too. I been to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao - the three major islands of the Philippines.

Here are some photos... I hope you'll like it.

A glimpse of Tuguegarao, Cagayan sunset

As the name suggests ... a museum in Iloilo

A rock at RELC Angeles City, Pampanga