God is Good!

I am so blessed today.  After long months of waiting for the rationalization program of the Department of Education I finally got the assurance that I will be retained and will not be able to have a co-terminus item (CTI).  I was interviewed by my Director and by my superior at the Evaluation and Training Division.  Thank you Lord for the advanced gift on my birthday.

Bonding Time with my Family @ Lucky Chinatown Mall

What a nice feeling to share moments with my family at the Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila, Philippines.

Death Found Me

(c) Joselito Asi

Your words had me stalled
I faded
Time stopped
I felt I was trapped.

I got lost and I felt empty
Alone and full of misery.

I'm wasted
'but kept on walking...
and walking still...
until death found me.

Para kay Gigi Reyes

Para kay "Gigi Reyes":

Siguro naman sa pag-uwi mo ay may mabuti kang maitutulong sa ating bansa. Aping api na ang bansang Pilipinas alam mo iyan. Ituwid mo na ang sa tingin naming mga ordinaryong mamayan ay patuloy na pagyurak sa kaban ng bayan. Nakapagtataka naman kung bakit kaapelyido mo pa ang isang heneral na katulad mo'y nadamay rin sa akusasyon sa paglustay ng yaman ng Pilipinas. Subalit marahil ay iba ka sa kanya dahil buhay ka at may pagkakataon ka pang ipaalam sa bayan ang iyong nalalaman sa tandisang paglustay ng ating yaman. Ibangon mo ang iyong pangalan at ang karangalan. Nawa'y mabigyan mo nang linaw ang dumidilim na katotohanan. Sana ang lahat nang ikikilos mo ay para sa bayan!

#20PHNET Forum Program ISOC-PH

Just attended the #20PHNET Forum Program for ISOC-PH at Asian Institute of Management, Makati, Philippines.  Can you believe it?  The Philippines is now celebrating the 20th-year of internet use. I'm so glad I was able to celebrate this milestone with the IT experts and techies.  Congratulations Philippines.

Focus of Education

We have had an intellectual discussion this morning during our usual Monday morning activities at our office. My director pointed out that the foci of education on the 20th century are the "resources of the learners (i.e. textbook, classrooms, and teachers)" and on the 21st century the focus of education is "what the learners are learning (i.e., assessment, etc.)."

Dingdong Dantes and I

What a sudden turn of events!  I was walking near the Bulwagan ng Karunungan Hall after the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Department of Education, Central Office when I overheard that the GMA actor Dingdong Dantes would be visiting in the afternoon.  I felt extremely happy about it since he was my daughter's favorite actor.  I thought that a photo-opportunity with Dingdong would be a surprised gift to Betty since I would present her the Dingdong and I would-be photo.

However, bulk of work loads at the office caused me to forget everything that I planned, until at about 7:00 p.m., I was reminded by my colleagues that the actor was still there at the BK Hall.  I immediately went down with one of my friends and  took our chance to meet Dingdong.  Luckily, he was still there.  The actor was so kind to give me this pose.

Dingdong and I

Accidents happen in the most unexpected moments!

March 4, 2014

Yesterday, I was bumped by a slow-moving white vehicle's right side mirror at San Antonio Village, Pasig City between 6:30-7:00 p.m. but I did not react right away since I did not feel any pain. Now, the tingling sting on my shoulder is so annoying.

March 5, 2014

This morning, while I accompany my wife to Quiapo (Avancena HS) for the NAT examination, I heard a sudden sound on my backpack's zipper I took a peek and it was indeed opened. A guy appeared from my left side and I immediately threw an elbow (the one I was bumped yesterday, remember?) on him but it didn't catch his face. At an instant, I stepped on his slipper so that he couldn't move away - but he was able to escape. I was trying to measure this guy if I could beat him in a fistfight, which I felt I could, I moved towards him and as I was about to take a desperation punch two individuals appeared from nowhere. This caused me to change my mind and instead protected my wife by just leaving the place. I'm glad it was over. My wife told me not to return to that place again!

Luneta Chess Blitz Tournament 2014

Tied for  1st to 3rd places at the just concluded Luneta Chess Blitz Tournament with a score of 4 out of 5 points. Carrying 4/4 points in the penultimate round but got ambushed in the final round by "Kuting" in a very exciting game. Tie-break was not so helpful as I ended with 15 Buchholz against my opponents 17 and 11.5 respectively.

My First Five Days in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa Diaries: My First Five Days as a JICA Scholar

“From missed chances to magic moments—this was the start of my Japan story.”

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 2007 to 2008?

Yes, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the training course was called “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.” And let me tell you, my first five days in Okinawa, Japan were nothing short of unforgettable.

Day 1: From Narita to Naha – A Gentle Landing into the Unknown

The moment my feet touched Japanese soil at Narita Airport, I felt the weight of wonder and responsibility settling in. After the immigration formalities and retrieving my luggage, I was warmly greeted by a lady JICA officer who handed me a limousine bus ticket, along with precise instructions — the kind only the Japanese can give — to proceed to Haneda Airport. She even walked me to the bus stop. Imagine that!

From Haneda, I boarded another flight, this time to Naha Airport in Okinawa — the final stretch. There, another JICA staff welcomed me with a smile that felt like sunshine. She brought me to the Okinawa International Center (OIC), my new home for the weeks to come.

At OIC, I was handed my room key and meal card. The staff kindly explained how to use the facilities, and before I could even feel the sting of homesickness, two fellow Filipinos — Erik and Cris — came to the rescue. They told me hilarious and heartwarming stories of their first week. Instantly, I didn’t feel so alone.

I ended my first day in Room 235, curled under the blanket while the cold air outside whispered something new had begun. I called my wife and daughter back home with a newly bought phone card. My voice may have trembled from the chill, but my heart was full.

Day 2: Faces, Flags, and the Feeling of the United Nations

By 7:00 a.m., I was up and ready for breakfast at Tsukudo, the OIC dining hall. The moment I walked in, it felt like a U.N. convention was happening — participants from around the world sharing one meal, one roof, and one mission.

Cris-san showed me how to use the meal card like a pro. Later that day, I met with my course coordinator from MTEC who gave a thorough orientation — covering house rules, expectations, etiquette, and the whole nine yards.

I also met my classmates for the training course and other participants from different programs. It was electric — people from all walks of life, cultures, and professions, all gathered to learn and grow.

Day 3: When the Alarm Clock Fails and Redemption Speaks Japanese

This one hurt — I overslept. Yes, me! On the day of our big meeting with sponsors and Japanese company representatives. I rushed down only to see my colleagues receiving calling cards and handshakes. I felt invisible. Honestly? I was crushed.

I kept replaying my mistake in my head until my name was called to give a self-introduction. That was my moment to recover. I stood tall, pushed away the embarrassment, and delivered my prepared speech — in Japanese. That small win brought back my confidence. Redemption, served with grammar and guts.

Day 4: The Mayor, the City Keys, and the Aquarium Raffle

We visited Urasoe City and were formally introduced to the mayor. As a symbolic gesture of welcome, we were even given “keys to the city” and issued non-resident alien cards — our passport to blending in and becoming part of the Okinawan fabric, even if just temporarily.

That afternoon, JICA staff announced a raffle — a chance to visit the world-renowned Churaumi Aquarium. Out of over 80 participants, only 53 would be randomly selected. The odds were tight... but my desire was immense. I had heard only magical things about that place — “It’s like walking underwater without drowning,” one friend said.

I crossed my fingers. My heart hoped.

Day 5: Close to Defeat, Closer to a Miracle

I wasn’t chosen.

My name was not called in the raffle. Disappointed but not defeated, I remembered a simple truth: not all winners are drawn — some show up early. So, the next morning, I woke up before sunrise and rushed to the registration area, hoping someone would back out. To my surprise, five others had the same idea and were already lined up ahead of me.

Still, I waited. Two participants called in to cancel. Then three more. I lost count.

And then… I was alone in the line. Just me and the pulse of hope. My heart pounded — I could almost hear it echoing through the hallway.

Then the coordinator signaled the driver to start the engine.

Crushed.

I turned around, ready to leave with a sigh and a slouch… when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder
.
“Come on, join us, young man!”

It was one of the kind-hearted bus staff — they made room for me in a two-seater bench. I got in.

That bus ride to Churaumi Aquarium? It wasn’t just transportation. It was a miracle bus. A lesson on persistence. And proof that sometimes, if you just stay in line, the universe finds a way.

And the rest?

The rest was history — sea creatures the size of dreams, colors you thought only existed in stories, and the overwhelming sense that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Reflection:

In those first five days, I learned more than tech and training. I learned about timing. Humility. Community. And hope that refuses to give up — even when your name isn’t called.

Japan didn’t just welcome me — it taught me to wait with grace, act with courage, and believe in lucky second chances.

Happy Holidays to All!

The year has been tough and  the challenges have been mounting up but life has to go on.  I'm glad I was able to settle my debts before the year ends.

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The untimely death of a friend stirred my already crazy life.  Why him? not Napoles or JPE or GMA?  Those who were indebted to the Philippine coffers.  Those who caused pain to the Philippine economy.

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I can feel that my health has been deteriorating.  The medicines that I take continuously eat my muscles (lol). I changed all my doctors from Fortune Care Manila to Fortune Care Pasig.  Hopefully, my health will be better next year and the years thereafter.

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I realized that the more bad things you wish  for other people the more evil things would happen to you. I knew all along that typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) would hit the central part of the Philippines but I prayed that this typhoon would finally change its course and hit China instead (since this country had been bullying the Phillippines ever since).   Looked at what happened to my beloved country.  Sorry folks.

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I was not able to play chess competitively on the second half of the year.  Though, I was the Champion at the DepEd Central Office Tournament.

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Taking too much luck at the Casino Filipino raffle.  Bad decision.  Though, I've won twice it took much of my time instead of taking care of my wife and kids.  Bad me.

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Will the Victory Mine Tonight?

It will be my last chance today to win in a raffle draw at Casino Filipino (CF).  I have 2 dozens of gold tickets and a baker's dozen of silver tickets.  My wife and I will be going to Pavilion to try our luck.  I've won twice (90K and 30K) and hopefully I will win again.  CF has lots to offer including 10 3 Millions lucky patrons, and various laptops and professional cameras.  I can't wait to be there at the venue.  May the force be with me!

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Note:  

Not been as lucky as before.  Too many prizes but was not able to win any of them.  Maybe next time.

Almost Paid in Full

Alas, after several months of dry cash I was able to settle my accounts payable.  Few more days and I will be able to pay everything.  God is so good.