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.

2014 Google Teacher Academy Application

Hello guys!

It's been a long while since I last posted here, right?  Well it was because I was too busy with my current task at the office.  It was about the emergency purchase of textbooks for the Typhoon Yolanda hit victims.

Well, today, I will share with you my interest in joining the 2014 Google Teacher Academy application.

Two weeks ago, I accidentally saw a link from one of my friends at Facebook where a big event will be hosted by Google in Manila this year.  I got curious and my enthusiasm incredibly increased as the topic was about teacher - a Google teacher - specifically.  I hastily applied and filled out online information on the link given to me.  There was one challenge though, I have to submit a 1-minute video presentation about a certain topic to qualify.  Since, I was too busy with my current load I just finished the video this morning at 2:30 a.m.  With no special equipment and tools at hand I just dig on my arsenal and edited my work.

Hopefully, I will get a nod from the 2014 GTA judges.

See and enjoy my work guys!

You can also see this video in YouTube by clicking this GTA link.

Whatta Headache!

'been experiencing too much headache after the IELTS examination.  Reading had been my problem since the start of the review.  Hopefully, with Lord's grace, I will pass the test.  To God be the glory!

Birthday Challenges!

Just experienced tremendous challenges during my birthday celebration.  Firstly, a super typhoon devastated some parts of Numancia Residences where I live.  No water, no electriciy, and no food since everything happened so fast.

After the typhoon, my family and I was able to go outside and we went to the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila.  I immediately got my Shakeys card inside my wallet, of course to get my free birthday pizza, only to be told that they were offline.  I am so upset.

We just went to another store "Karate Kid" after that, we spent the rest of the day at the mall.

Keep safe guys!