Attended the 2nd JAAP General Assembly

I had the opportunity to attend the 2nd JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP) General Assembly at the Asia and the Pacific College in Makati City, Philippines. The event was, of course, for the Filipino scholars sent by the Philippine government to Japan to study or to be trained on their respective fields. I, for example, an employee from the Department of Education, was trained in 2007 to 2008 on the "Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education" in Okinawa, Japan which also happened to be my first trip outside the Philippines.

The event was well-attended by talented government scholars (TPYL, JDS, and TESDA Group Training Course) from targeted institutions. Likewise, I was so lucky to participate in the board of directors election process. During the event, I was able to mingle with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) participants esp. with a lady candidate who approached me to include her name in my list of candidates to be elected. I later watched her presentation about her struggles in Japan as a trainee. I was able to see my kids pediatrician from Tanza, Navotas whom I didn't know was a JICA grantee too. I also found a friend whom I meet at the JICA, Makati office a couple of weeks ago. What made my day interesting was the fact that I saw and talked to someone from DAR who also went to Okinawa, the year I was there. I felt very happy during that moment.

Things were going well before the President's report and all were in their jolly mood but not until the items for amendments were read. A long and heated debates ensued. There was a motion to retain the 15 board of directors (BODs) instead of having only 10 BODs, other suggested to have 11 BODs so that a tie would be break. I was so impressed with the way things were going, I felt I was watching a parliamentary procedure. Other issues were raised but those were settled as some lawyers and scholars intervened. BTW, in between the discussion raffle(s) were being held.

During the election proper, I finally recognized (upon reading their profiles posted on the wall) that candidates came from different parts of the country and to my disbelief they were not just ordinary employees or mid-career professionals bur rather lawyers, local government officials, etc. Wasn't that amazing? Simultaneous to the election a sumptuous dinner was served. A video presentation on Japan's tsunami tragedy was shown the same time the votes were counted.

It was getting late and I felt that I would not know the elected BODs so I planned to leave the hall but as luck would have it my name was called as one of the winners of the raffle - a wall clock, so my departure was deferred for about 30 minutes. Nice.

I would like to thank JICA officials, the organizers, and my fellow government servants for an opportunity to be with you during the 2nd JAAP General Assembly. I wish to see you again soon! Dozo yurishiko onigaishimasu.

Gained a Seat to the Finals of Table Games Tournament

I am so lucky today. I went home very early since I was late for office this morning. Since I knew it would be traffic I took the road less traveled. Nah, it was just a figure of speech. Well, since I was not in a hurry and time was on my side I went to Sta. Cruz through FX via Pasig - Quiapo route, my usual day was MRT-LRT-Binondo way.

At Ronquillo, near Sta. Cruz church, I was invited by a supervisor from Casino Filipino to join their Super 6 Table Games tournament. To those who were not aware of what Super 6 meant, it was similar to a baccarat game (Lucky 9). Since I was familiar with the game and have been playing since I was young I acceded to her request. After the registration, I was introduced to other participants and was told that the tournament would be held at Manila Grand Opera near D. Jose St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

I was at the venue at exactly 6:30 p.m. and for the first time, I saw a humongous venue for players eh... gamblers on the 2nd floor of the hotel. After getting accustomed to the place I carefully watched the VIP players as they pushed their Skyflakes-like chips worth P10,000.00 bets.

Now back to the topic, I was assigned seat number 6 and as a start, I was given 10K chips (all of the 8 players have the same chips too). It was my first time joining this kind of tournament and I was very nervous. I lost the first four bets I made and I was shattered. While other players were gaining more chips I have been losing mine. On the 5th deal of cards I saw that solid colored sign (is that the big eye?) has been creeping so I put a 2.5K bet on that and I won. Additional 4 bets through that solid thing and I recovered my chips, however, the guy on my right probably saw that solid thing too as he won numerous betting chips.

One by one, players have been ousted because they lost their chips and the good thing was I'm still alive. I counted the players and we are just 5, then down to 4. I could land to the top 3 with very careful plays. Down to the last 3 hidden bets, and I put 2.5K in the banker and the rest put theirs to the players, and know what? I was the only winner and that increased my chances to land in 2nd place! I was able to win the last 2 bets and just won the 2nd prize! Wow.

To conclude this story, I won a 45K pre-bet coupon but didn't convert it all to cash. I went home with an additional P20K in my pocket. Lucky me, I also qualified to the National Table Games Tournament on December 5, 2015. Yeeheey!

Time Runs Out, Lights Go Out

Tick tock tick tock
Time runs out
The lights go out
Tick tock tick tock

The deadline for a Nuffic funding at Maastricht School of Management is fast approaching, I wish God will grant me an opportunity for international education. Bless me, Lord!

Rush Hour Realizations: A Morning Commute Gone Wrong

The Unexpected Journey

It was 6:30 a.m. when I hit the road, hopeful that I’d reach the office within an hour or two. But what followed was one of the longest, most frustrating commutes of my life—over four hours of discomfort, delays, and unexpected detours.

I found myself crammed into an overcrowded van. Phones were ringing simultaneously, conversations overlapped in a chaotic chorus, and to top it all off, the vehicle’s fan broke down. The heat, the noise, and the sheer lack of space made every minute feel like an eternity.

Deadline Pressure

What made the situation even more stressful was the looming deadline. I had a submission due by 12:00 noon on February 25, 2015. At 10:46 a.m., I was still stuck in San Juan, rerouted by our driver in a desperate attempt to escape the traffic—only to be caught in another jam.

Small Comforts, Big Lessons

Despite the chaos, a few things helped me stay grounded. I had packed essentials in my backpack—biscuits, water, an extra shirt—which provided some comfort. I also managed to read Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynn Truss, a witty take on punctuation and its importance. That unexpected reading time reminded me of the value of being prepared and the need to stay physically fit to handle such exhausting situations.

If you're looking to gear up for fitness, check out the range of sportswear at ZALORA.

A Thought on Urban Work Life

Isn’t it burdensome for employees in the National Capital Region to report to work on a supposed holiday, only to find major roads closed? Traveling from Binondo, Manila to DepEd Central Office shouldn’t feel like a survival challenge.

Accepted to MSM

I was just informed that my application to Maastricht School of Management to study short-term course has been accepted. I am extremely happy, and now I am working on my scholarship funding. Lord, guide and bless me that I be given this opportunity to study in The Netherlands through Nuffic Scholarship!

Too Many Opportunities This Year!

Whew! There are too many opportunities at the Department of Education today. If you are unaware of, please go to www.deped.gov.ph and join the government of the Philippines to make the needed change. You could be the change that this country needs!

Just this morning, I sent the only missing document for an international training opportunity. I wish that God will grant me my request.

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BTW, before the Valentines Day I had a petty quarrel with my wife due to financial matters. I just don't know why, this new place of ours (condo unit) is not giving us financial blessings. I am doomed.

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Hopefully, these coming months I will be blessed.

My Men Died, and I Didn’t” — A Tribute to the Fallen SAF 44

There are words that echo long after they’re spoken. In the movie The Patriot, Mel Gibson’s character returns home, haunted by loss, and utters a simple yet devastating line:
“My men died, and I didn’t.”

That same quiet pain seemed to radiate from PNP Officer Espina in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in Philippine law enforcement history—the Mamasapano tragedy. His face, etched with grief, carried not just the weight of leadership but the heavy sorrow of a commander who had to bury his own men.

Forty-four members of the elite Special Action Force were slain in that fateful operation. They were young, brave, and full of promise. Sons, brothers, husbands, fathers—heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price. Their deaths were brutal, senseless, and heartbreaking, but their courage will forever be remembered.

This isn’t just a story about loss; it’s a story about valor. These men stared danger in the face, stood their ground, and laid down their lives for a greater cause. Their sacrifice is a reminder that freedom and safety often come at a cost—one that others bear so we may live in peace.

To the SAF 44: You are not forgotten. Your bravery lives on in every Filipino heart, your legacy etched in history as a testament to honor and courage.

Rest in peace, young heroes. We stand because you stood first.

Message Extraordinaire

Though, I've read some of the items here below - I felt a child in me upon reading it again!
• ITALY: I Trust And Love You.
• BURMA: Between Us, Remember Me Always.
• CANADA: Cute And Nice Action that Developed into Attraction,
• CHINA: Come Here I Need Affection.
• EGYPT: Everything’s Great, You Pretty Thing!
• FRANCE: Friendships Remain And Never Can End.
• HOLLAND: Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies.
• INDIA: I Nearly Died In Adoration.
• IRAN: Ikaw Rin Ang Nawalan.
• JAPAN: Just Always Pray At Night.
• KENYA: Keep Everything Nice, Yet Amusing
• KOREA: Keep Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity.
• LIBYA: Love Is Beautiful, You Also.
• NEPAL: Never Ever Part As Lovers.
• PERU: Porget Everyone Remember Us.
• RUSSIA: Romance Under the Sky & Stars is Intimate Always.
• THAILAND: Totally Happy Always In Love And Never Dull.
• YEMEN: Yugyugan Every Morning, Every Night.
• BALIWAG: Beauty And Love I Will Always Give.
• CEBU: Change Everything But Us.
• IMUS: I Miss U, Sweetheart.
• MALABON: May A Lasting Affair Be Ours Now.
• MANILA: May All Nights Inspire Love Always.
• PARANAQUE: Please Always Remain Adorable, Nice And Quiet Under Edsa
• PASAY: Pretty And Sexy Are You.
• PASIG: Please Always Say I’m Gorgeous.
• TONDO: Tonight’s Our Night, Dearest One.
• MARLBORO: Men Always Remember Love Because Of Romance Only.
• YAMAHA: You Are Always My Angel! Happy Anniversary!
And the winner is:
PHILIPPINES: Pinoys Have Internet Love Idioms Practically Pasaway, Imbyerna, Nakakaloka, Ek-ekan Sayings.
Credit goes to Francis Mari Picart.

Reminders to DepEd Artists and Illustrators

Hello DepEd Artists and Illustrators! It's been a day since we concluded the 2014 Preparation of Visuals for K to 12 Grades 4 and 10 Learning Resources Workshop . We at IMCS had a blast and I hope you all did too. As a reminder, I had posted presentations of UP-CFA speakers in my Google drive and you may access these through this link https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_MdVbUmPeq1OTFLUlBiZXBTZ0k&usp=sharing Thank you!

The Long Wait Is Over

Yeheey!

Tomorrow and the next day after will be life-changing days for me.  I still do not know what are at stake.  After completing my Non-Disclosure Agreement with G....e I hope things will be better.  I am anticipating a collaborative, imaginative, and fruitful days ahead.  Sana marami ring ipamigay ng tools and goodies.  I really do not know what to expect.  I wish to have more blessings!

Big Event Cancelled Due to Super Mario's Wrath!

September 19, 2014

Not to be considered a super typhoon caused a wonderful event to be cancelled last September 20-24, 2014.  The venue, kits, facilitators were ready but Super Mario beat them all as it crushed National Capital Regions, specifically, Marikina City where our workshop is to be held.

I immediately got a message from colleagues that the workshop was cancelled.  Being one of the lead persons, I have to call the participants - I took the liberty of sending texts, email, and social networking messages to all the I could reach, however, as I search for my cellphone and browsed the directory, it's all gone!

I have been seeing lots of messages from my SIM card as I transferred it to my daughter's phone but no name appeared and it just added to my dilemma. Little by little, I informed those who texted me and thanks God, they responded positively.

To all our participants from the DepEd regions,  divisions (visual artists and illustrators) see you soon and I hope to finally see you!

Accepted and Happy With It!

Yeheeey!  God is so good.  I just got an email that I am accepted as a Google Teacher and I just got a ticket to attend a two-day collaborative seminar of experts at AIM Conference Training Center.  I'm so blessed!

Waiting for the Result of the 2014 GTA-SEA Result

This would be the day the results of the 2014 GTA-SEA application will be revealed.  The time gets to be closer than I thought and I felt very impatient.  Should I fail to get being shortlisted it would be the 2nd time I will feel the pain and heartache.  First, it was the scholarship in Australia which I didn't get and now this Google Teacher Academy program.  The competition(s) are very strong but I am relying on my proximity to the venue which I think other South East Asean counterparts would be hard to enjoy since the hotel and food accommodations are not free.  A factor that I eye also would be my being in the Department of Education Central Office.

However, as the time gets going the going gets tough.  It is almost 5 PM and I still didn't get an email and I am so worried.  Hopefully, I will be chosen.  God please help me.