Friday, September 11, 2009

2009 Sportsfest at DepEd

Whattaday!

I had the chance to witness the wonderful activities this morning. However, I wasn't able to participate actively due to various assignments at the office. The employees at DepEd have had their talents and skills exerted during the event. I'm so happy to be able to have a photo opportunity with the future Senator of the Philippines, DepEd Secretary, Jesli A. Lapus.




To see more pics please click this >>>link<<<

Monday, September 7, 2009

A Creed to Live By

"Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special."

"Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you."

"Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless."

"Don't let life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life."

"Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying."

"Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave."

"Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give love, the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly and the best way to keep love is to give it wings."

"Don't dismiss your dreams. To be without dreams is to be without hope, and to be without hope is to be without purpose."

"Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been but also where you are going. Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way."

- author unknown

Monday, August 31, 2009

Dismal Performance on My Chess Tournament Competitions

After a long layoff on over the board (OTB) chess competition I found this signage at Hulong Duhat Court in Malabon that says "There will be a chess tournament on August 30, 2009." So I immediately joined the competition without preparation (again). The good thing about this tournament was that my twin brother (who's in Makati for a training) joined me. You must know how it felt to play with someone who's giving some motivation. I was also appeased with the support I got from my wife and kids who stayed in the tournament hall to give me some energy and needs.

The first challenge was the simultaneous event that fitted IM Barlow Nadera against 22 players. I joined that event. I had a good position and had been thinking that I could at least salvage a draw. But I missed strong lines after I succumb to follow his fast moves (I suffered that sad fate also in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur when I found out that my opponent [Basilio Pandan] had 1 minute left on his time clock. A lesson I didn't learn, err...

The next challenge was the tournament. My first game ended in a draw, though I could have won it, rustiness took its toll against me. I felt my old form during the 2nd and 3rd games, I demolished my opponents convincingly. It was unfortunate to lose a drawish position on my 4th game, I'm so sad to experience that (but I felt the joy in losing, that I always wanted to come back and win). I won the 5th game in a controversial manner. I was about to move when a sudden push at my back got me conscious. I didn't know that my opponent left his Queen en prise, so I immediately took it and my opponent hastily resigned after saying words that I got help from my colleague. But the truth, I was just galloping for moves and my first choice was the rook move and not the Queen takes. Games 6 and 7 ended in fighting draws. Though in game 6 I could have won had not I hesitated to dare in making a very simple but effective move. Game 7 was a very difficult game, at stake on this game was the "Top Navotas Player" award. My opponent kept seeing good move after good move. We were down to the last 1 1/2 minutes of time control and I spotted a drawing chances and I grabbed it. What a relief! A very nice feeling, really. Though, I missed the award I obtained a personal victory of not stumbling during tough games.

My score was a modest 4.5/7 on 2 wins, 3 draws, and a solitary loss.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Travel to Iloilo City

Had my trip to Iloilo City and stayed there for 3 long days. I worked with my colleagues from DepEd and had a great time dealing with teachers, principals, and supervisors. Our group was tasked to search for potential textbook evaluators on MSEP, EPP, TLE, Filipino, and Values Education subjects.

I returned to Manila at about 4:30 this afternoon and after taking my things at the baggage carousel I immediately went out of the NAIA Airport only to be stalled by long lines at the gate. So, I fall in line using the first queue but this certain group (with some tools) from the 2nd line encroached on our path so I told myself "why the guard inspected their baggage(s) first" which one of them overheard. So a little confrontation ensued and of course I stood firm and told this guy who confronted me that they came from the 2nd line, etc. Hmnn...I wasted my 10 precious minutes there.

Please press this link for the pictures...

Friday, August 7, 2009

Travel to DepEd RELC-San Fernando, La Union

I had a worthy experiences at San Fernando City. I met so many interesting people. La Union was a very important place for me. I will not forget that special incident some years ago. The people at DepEd regional office had been very helpful in transmitting some important documents to JICA Office that helped me in getting an international scholarship.

This week's visit wasn't different I really felt that I have never been away from home and I enjoyed every minute of my stay here.

To see some highlights of the activities please press this link >>>

Friday, July 31, 2009

The English Language

Have you ever wondered why foreigners have trouble with the English Language?
Let's face it
English is a stupid language.
There is no egg in the eggplant
No ham in the hamburger
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
English muffins were not invented in England
French fries were not invented in France.
We sometimes take English for granted
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly
Boxing rings are square
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
If writers write, how come fingers don't fing.
If the plural of tooth is teeth
Shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth
If the teacher taught,
Why didn't the preacher praught.
If a vegetarian eats vegetables
What the heck does a humanitarian eat!?
Why do people recite at a play
Yet play at a recital?
Park on driveways and
Drive on parkways
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy
Of a language where a house can burn up as
It burns down
And in which you fill in a form
By filling it out
And a bell is only heard once it goes!
English was invented by people, not computers
And it reflects the creativity of the human race
(Which of course isn't a race at all)
That is why
When the stars are out they are visible
But when the lights are out they are invisible
And why it is that when I wind up my watch
It starts
But when I wind up this observation,
It ends.

- adapted (author unknown)

Travel to DepEd RELC-Tuguegarao City

July 27, 2009
Rode in a Victory Liner and had a 12-hour trip from Manila to Tuguegarao City to conduct a Regional Screening of Potential Textbook Evaluator

July 28, 2009
Had an orientation, examination, and interview sessions with the participants.

July 29, 2009
Continuation of interview and examination sessions

July 30, 2009
Finalization of output

July 31, 2009
Arrived from Tuguegarao City from a 10-hour trip through Florida Transport, Inc.

Press this to see pictures

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

DVD Marathon

I don't have office work today so I watched various DVD tapes. I almost had an eyesore. I watched the following movies: Mr. Bean series, The Grinch, and Diamonds are Forever (James Bond)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Stranded in Navotas

It was 4:30 a.m. when I heard Sec. Jesli Lapus announced on a radio station that there will be no classes for pre-school and elementary pupils today. That means I won't accompany my daughter to her school. I immediately rushed to do my usual morning routine before going to my place of work. Conspicuous was the high water level in the streets before I rode a tricycle. After reaching Hulong Duhat, I transferred to a jeepney only to be stalled to a nearby street due to flash flood. I alighted the vehicle and went back home the hard way (walking through deep water).

I again took a bath and after that made a short nap. After gaining some strength I opened my PC and played some chess games online then I searched for some DVD tapes and watched movies like "Sinjuku Incident," "Bente," and "Fast and the Furious 4."

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Sad Fate

Whew...

I just came from witnessing the funeral of my new born niece Ayessa at Ibaan, Batangas. I felt the pain being experienced by my twin brother Noel and his wife Amor. During the first wake, tears were unassumingly longer than usual, sadness were all over the place, and everybody felt wasted. It was good that during the next day everyone recovered on time.

Best regards to both of you Bro. Noel and Amor. Take care always.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

English Language Review

I spent the last four days of the week reviewing IELTS with my favorite mentors at Quezon City. I learned a lot from this semi-workshop and mind you our mentors were so generous for providing us with kits and food as well. Our group from IMCS asked our instructors regarding the fees we would pay, however, we were told that everything would be gratis. Instead, we bought a presenter and audio system for them. I was so grateful to see their Mom too who cooked sumptuous dinner and lunch for us. Thank you so much.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Paper Clay Art


This weekend I spent my time doing my new found enjoyable activity. Though it was time consuming I felt the satisfaction after seeing the output. Why didn't I learn it long time ago?

Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day Celebration


I was a bit surprised or should I say deeply touched to receive a very appealing drawing from my six year old daughter Helena Beatrice on this very day. Thank you Helena.

We spent the day with activities such hearing a mass, dining at our favorite food chain, and watching the movie "8-legged animal."