Classy Birthday Celebration at Quezon City

My family attended the birthday celebration of my brother-in-law, Froilan, at Quezon City, Philippines. Firstly, we partook sumptuous food at the cozy Cafeteria Buffet located near the GMA Network.

Thereafter, our group moved to Quezon City Circle to let the children (and adults as well) to enjoy the newly-installed structures at the park. What an experience!

Hurdled the International Arbiter's Examination

'just got a message from my colleague that I passed the FIDE Arbiter's Examination. Wow. God is so good!

Here is the link for some details >>>FIDE<<<

Answered Prayer!

My family just moved-in to our unit (condominium for teachers) at Numancia Residences and we spent our first night yesterday. It would be cost-effective for us since our family would spend only minimal amount on maintenance and utility costs. My wife was so lucky to get this unit instead of us paying P10,000.00 for apartment rental plus water and electric bills. Instead of paying our bills, I think, the rest of our budget would be paid for our food and supplies. Thank you Lord for providing us this wonderful blessing.

Poema Al Perderte Yo A Ti de Ernesto Cardenal

Al perderte yo a ti tú y yo hemos perdido:
yo porque tú eras lo que yo más amaba
y tú porque yo era el que te amaba más.
Pero de nosotros dos tú pierdes más que yo:
porque yo podré amar a otras como te amaba a ti
pero a ti no te amarán como te amaba yo.
- Ernesto Cardenal (Granada, Nicaragua)

Filipino Translation:
Nang mawala ka sa akin, ikaw at ako'y nawalan
ako dahil ikaw ang minahal ko nang lubusan
at ikaw dahil ako ang sa iyo'y lubusang nagmahal.
Ngunit sa dalawa ay ikaw ang higit na nawalan.
Dahil puwede kong mahalin ang iba tulad ng pagmamahal ko sa iyo
Ngunit ikaw'y di na mamahalin tulad nang kung paano kita minahal

Project 3, Man and Woman

Man and Woman

by Victor Hugo

Man is the most elevated of creatures, Woman the most sublime of ideals.
God made for a man a throne; for woman an altar.
The throne exalts, the altar sanctifies.
Man is the brain, Woman the heart.
The brain creates light, the heart, Love.  Light engenders, Love resurrects.
Because of reason Man is strong, because of tears Woman is invincible.
Reason is convincing, tears moving.
Man is capable of all heroism, Woman of all martyrdom.
Heroism ennobles, martyrdom sublimates.
Man has supremacy, Woman, preference.
Supremacy is strength, preference is the right.
Man is a genius, Woman, an angel.
Genius is immeasurable, the angel undefinable.
The aspiration of man is supreme glory,
The aspiration of woman is extreme virtue.
Glory creates all that is great; virtue, all that is divine.
Man is a code, Woman a gospel.
A code corrects, the gospel perfects.
Man thinks, Woman dreams.
To think is to have a worm in the brain,
to dream is to have a halo on the brow.
Man is the ocean, Woman a lake.
The ocean has the adorning pearl, the lake, dazzling poetry.
Man is the flying eagle, Woman, the singing nightingale.
To fly is to conquer space.  To sing is to conquer the Soul.
Man is a temple, Woman a shrine.
Before the temple we discover ourselves, before the shrine we kneel.
In short, man is found where earth finishes, woman where heaven begins.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I delivered this speech as my Project 3 at Manila Bay Toastmasters Club meeting and the comments were:
from DTM Rod Reyes
1) It could have been better if I compared real people, e.g. Bill Gates and Ofrah Winfrey, etc.
2) I should have explained the equality of sexes
from the Timer
Undertime

Project 2, My First 5 days in Okinawa, Japan

Thank you Distinguised Toastmaster of the Evening, Madam Zoila, for the kind introduction.  Fellow members, friends, and guests - good evening.

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in years 2007 to 2008?  Well, the training course was about the “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.  I will share with you my experiences on my first five days in Okinawa, Japan.  It goes this way...

I started forming impressions on Japan as soon as my foot landed in the Narita Airport. After I was through with the landing procedure of the Bureau of Immigration, I took my sets of luggage and lifted from baggage carousel. As soon as I approached the JICA counter at the airport, I was provided with a ticket to a limousine bus, then she gave me a detailed instruction on what to do next, then she escorted me to the bus stop and guided me go to the Haneda Airport then travelled again to Naha Airport where I was cheerfully assisted by JICA staff to my final destination - Okinawa International Center (OIC). At the OIC, a room key and a meal card were given to me, some personnel offered explanations as to how these card and other amenities of the center be used. I felt I was never away from home especially after two young Filipinos (Erik and Cris) entertained me by telling wonderful experiences during their first week of stay. I immediately bought call cards and called my wife and daughter from the Philippines.  My first day ended at Room 235 of OIC,  the weather was so cold, and so am I.

I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and started the 2nd day at the Tsukodo (dining area).  I saw jolly participants from different countries.  Cris san guided me to the canteen staff who showed me how to use my meal card. 

After eating, I was visited by my coordinator (from JICA) who briefed me about important matters like house rules, courtesy, meetings and many more. I was able to meet my classmates for the training and various participants from the various courses.  It was fun to meet them and our sponsors as well.

I was late during the 3rd day meeting with the participants and sponsors and I felt so sad.  I was not able to control myself for I overslept.  Perhaps, it was due to the changing of weather condition which I was not accustomed to.  I saw that my colleagues were given calling cards by Japanese staff from prestigious companies.  Damn me, for not waking up on time!  I felt I was a little form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.  But I was able to recover as my name was called to give a brief self-introduction.  I stood up and immediately recited my prepared speech – in Japanese of course!  I felt relieved after that.

The 4th day was spent at Urasoe City, wherein, the participants were introduced to the mayor, and we were given a key to the city,  at the same time, we were given our non-resident alien cards for us to be able to formally live with the locals.  Astounding! 

In the afternoon a raffle was set for participants – a visit to the Churaumi Aquarium.

The day was spent studying Japanese culture and discussing their form of government, the Diet.

 

I got interested to go to the Churaumi Aquarium because of the feedback I received from my friends in Okinawa.  They told me that it was extremely beautiful.  My enthusiasm to go there was further intensified by the fact that only few participants would be able to go there due to limited number of slots.  It would really rely on luck.  So I was praying very hard that my name be called.  

Oooh... how can I forget the raffle day for the trainee to attend an Observation Tour at Okinawa Aquarium (believe me it was so huge and was in the deepest part of the sea). The slots for the participants were 53, but more than 80 persons signed up in the manifesto. So what the JICA staff did was picked 53 individuals by random. Sad to say I was not chosen.

But the big fighter that I am, I did not quit... I know that somewhere along the way some trainees who were selected would not be able to join the trip for some reasons or another. So I thought waiting early in the morning of the next day would be a great idea... maybe I could get a slot... oh maybe...

The 5th day...

The next day I immediately went to the registration room but got shocked after I saw five other individuals, ahead of me, forming a long queue in case someone backout of the trip (I thought I was the only one with that kind of thinking). So I was kinda praying that God would give me a chance to join the trip - then two people called the secretariat that they won't be able to join... another three sent peelers that they won't be able to make it. So, I was left alone in the line and I was so nervous, my heart was pounding too fast... maybe if you would come nearer to where I stood you would hear my heartbeat.

But no more backed-out...

The coordinator then signal the driver to start the engine... I got so frustrated and sad... so I prepared myself to leave and never to look back again...

While walking (with my head showing melancholic despair), I felt a soft tap on my shoulder - "Common join us young man!" 

I consider myself fortunate that these two generous people from the bus company agreed to accommodate me in a two-seater bench...and the rest was history. 

Madam Toastmaster.

Project 1, Self-Introduction

Thank you Madam Toastmaster, for that humble introduction.

Fellow members and guests, Helen Keller was once asked, “What would be worst than being born blind?”  She replied, “It’s having a sight without a vision.”

Ladies and gentlemen, that statement has become my guiding principle in life.  

It was on the 16^th of July 1970 in a developing town of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro when two healthy twin baby boys were born.  The proud parents were so happy to see these beautiful creatures.  However, they were so poor that they decided to let go of one of the babies.  It’s either, through adoption or by throwing one of the babies to the river.  They chose the latter.  Well, that was the first time that I learned to swim  (of course, this is a joke.  I just wanted to catch your attention).

As if misfortune was haunting me, at age 7, while I was in the elementary school, I suffered a vehicular accident. I was hit by a rushing 6-wheeler type jeep and was thrown farther than where I originally stood.  I was brought to the hospital from Mindoro to Manila.  While crying, my mom told the driver, who caused me creeping pains and prolong agony, that should I survive, she won’t get any single penny from him.  I did survive the accident and I also have no money.

While I was in high school, I had had so many crushes but I didn’t have the chance to tell them.  Finally, during my senior year, I mustered the courage to court a certain girl.  Unfortunately, she dumped me right away.  Since then, I told myself not to fall in love again for nobody would pay an attention to me, especially beautiful ones.

 All these frustrations made me a stronger and better person.  As I related my stories to friends and well-wishers altruistic people turned from nil to too many.  They told me to focus my time more on my studies.

I did!  My first course was Business Administration at the University of the East, Manila.  After that, I took up my master’s degree in Government Management at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and then later, I got my Certificate on Teaching Profession at the Philippine Normal University.  Thereafter, I took a board examination for teachers and passed.

I rose from ranks.  I started as an administrative aide at the Division of City Schools, Manila and because I have government eligibilities I got promoted twice.  I then transferred to the Department of Education Central Office as a Creative Arts Specialist I.  It was then that I was able to use my teacher’s certificate for I got promoted to Education Program Specialist II position.

My greatest fear is talking in front of people that I really don’t know.  While my greatest achievement so far, was in years 2007-2008 wherein I got an scholarship grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by way of Okinawa International Centre, Okinawa Japan and my course was “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.”  My experiences in Okinawa widened my horizons and I learned and gained international perspectives.

I consider my wife and two kids to be my greatest award.  They are the ones who tap my shoulder in my moment of pity as if to say “We are ready to help you, can’t you see?”

Well that’s me, Joselito Asi, a Manila Bay Toastmasters Club’s newbie.

Allow me to end my speech by stating my favorite quotation, “Good better best, never let it rest, ‘til your good becomes better and your better best!”

Fellow toastmasters, good evening.

Lightning Strikes Twice!

I, for the 2nd time, attended the toastmasters meeting (as guest) at the Casino Espanol de Manila and I was assigned a table topic, "Good wine needs no bush," a statement made by William Shakespeare.  Like in my previous recital I self-destruct.  I couldn't say longer sentences but a simple, "I can compare wine to purity..." I couldn't see the relevance of the statement I just chided.  Then, followed it up with, "The wine gets better as it is tested by time..." then a prolong stop... Why? o Why I was assigned a difficult task wherein I can't regroup words.  I felt that I have been universally mocked for my statements.  As a newbie, I just hope that Manila Bay Toastmasters club members won't disown me due to my fear of talking in front of people that I really don't know.

Twice I was tested and twice I failed.
  

Baptism of Fire!

I told you earlier, guys, that I was planning to upgrade due to recent boo-boos I've committed at the office.  Well, I started finding clubs to join wherein I can mingle with people who are motivated and pro-active - and I found one.  While browsing the internet and key-in the word "toastmaster," I was directed by a link to its club directory.  What I did was, I chose a place where I would be convenient on going in after office hours.  I picked Manila Bay Toastmasters Club at which point the membership was open to everyone.  I immediately called the club official (Sir Meo) and he presented me, verbally, on what to expect and what they were doing at the club.  Cool.

Last Thursday (January 5), @ 7 p.m. I entered the Casino Espanol de Manila (the venue) a place where I am very familiar with, since I visited this place before in one of my trainings for JICA.  I promised myself to create a good impression so that I would give an immediate impact.  As I entered the room I was greeted by Sir Meo who gave me a seat on the west side of the room, a couple of seats away from the rostrum. I was just right on time for the invocation, singing of national anthem and of the club hymn.

I enthusiastically observed every participant and some of them were eating already or were having some orders, I was approached by my seatmate Shey from the Central Bank, if I were briefed by Sir Meo regarding matters on ordering of food, etc.  I learned that if you want to eat you will just make an order to the waiter and pay it later.  Ahh... ok.  I thought it was free at first.

The first part of the the session was done by introducing himself or herself and since it was the start of the year  the participant should say his or her New Year's resolution.  I gave mine of course and the rest of the group and the method of doing the task was done clockwise.  I giggled as I heard the first speaker Dr. Ben for he said that he will change his wife.  Ha.ha.ha. I knew he was joking.   Others told that they will minimize the use of their credit cards and I shared that I will try to be the best that I can be in the coming days.

After that, the word of the night was given by Dr. Ben - INSIPID.  Insipid is an adjective and a word that means uninteresting, dull, flavorless, and tasteless.  Everyone was asked to use it in a sentence to which few people obliged.

Then, speakers were called for their 4th s, 5th, and 8th speech - I been wondering why.  I learned it later that I will do the same thing in the future should I become member, as well.  I couldn't help but smile as I looked at them, some of them were very confident, others have prolong stop, and few talked while on a sideward position while giving their prepared speech.  I told myself that if I my name will be called I would give a better performance.

And so, the next session was the giving of the table topics.  A timer was set and a set of criteria was given. The first quotation was assigned - "If I speak I am condemned, If I stay silent I am damned," from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables.  I am so impressed with the first speaker (I forgot his name) but believed me I saw him on T.V. one time.  Then an unexpected thing happened.  My name was called.  I sweated profusely.  I didn't know what to do.  The quotation was announced publicly -  "Life is a banquet and everyone is starving to death." I understood that this made me a conundrum and I couldn't help myself. To be honest I am really puzzled on how to start but I am not a quitter so I rushed to the podium. But it was really difficult to link what you were saying to the group of professionals (lawyers, doctors, bankers, etc.) and students. I felt the butterflies on my stomach, I couldn't say a word.  I felt that the more words I would say the more mistakes I would commit.

Where was the promised I made for myself that I would create a good impression?  I am simply stupid.  I failed, and I failed miserably!

2012, What Else to Delve?

Well, the 4th quarter of 2011 brought me financial woes.  I suffered miserably in all aspects of life.  I wasn't able to get what I want to achieve.

I am still eyeing for an scholarship or short training abroad.  Perhaps, I should try to impress my superiors first for me to be allowed another opportunity to go to another country to study.

Though I was the 2011 Chess Champion at the Department of Education, Central Office, my performance on  other tournaments were not as impressive or should I say forgettable, especially during my December tournament at the Victory Mall in Monumento, Caloocan, Philippines.  I just scored 4 out of 8 games in a non-master chess tournament.  By golly, I could have performed better but I was not able to convert 2 drawing positions to victories.

Professionally, all things were going well smoothly, however, month of December was not as cooperative as that of the other months.  I didn't realize that I made a very big mistake of not seeing a very basic mistake in a book that I have been keeping for a very long time.  I was so thwarted not to see the error in one of its pages - 'Texbook' instead of 'Textbook'.  Although, I commented the mistake earlier it was not implemented by the supposed party.  Lesson, not be too confident and too trusting.  Just rely on yourself.  No one is to blame but myself..

So, I am planning to expand my horizon by joining a group called toastmaster to help me grow personally and professionally.

I am wishing that 2012 with give me better breaks and not freaks!  Happy holidays to all.

Chess Struggle, All the Way!

I participated in the Paragua sponsored chess tournament held at the Victory Mall, Monumento, Kalookan City. The prize is very huge for a non-master tournament.  Would you believe it?  It is a whooping P15,000 for the Champion only.  So, upon hearing the news that the games will be held this day, I immediately went to the chess venue and registered.  I was entered as unrated (with no rating at all) and what do you expect, I was paired with the best - my first round was really a struggle since my opponent was  former chess champion from Bicol and my second game, though I drew it, was against the top unrated player during the tournament.  To summarize my games, I have never been beaten as white (4 games) but I only won once with black (4 games).  It was really a disappointing day for me.  Hope fully I will fare better on my next tournament.

Amazing DepEd -IMCS Palaro Pictures

It is nice to see kids and parents playing.  I have been so happy to see my kids and friends playing...

IMCS ETD Christmas Party

Well, well, well.  I had a great time with my colleagues at DepEd IMCS.  We celebrated the festivities @ Aileen's residence. I hope you'll like the pictures.