Time Flies!

How fast time flies? I really couldn't believe that my kid, Isaiah Joaquine, will be graduating at day care center here in Manila. From a dissappointing sickness during his birth at the Chinese General Hospital look at him now - a very smart kid with captivating smile.

Congrats Totoy!

Table Tennis Practice at Ampitheater

Had a chance to touch my table tennis racket again after 3 long years. Aizzzttt. I could still remember the time wherein I managed to play almost every night at Okinawa International Center playroom and twice at Tokyo International Center Gymnasium. Oh...I almost forgot, I joined the Couples for Christ (CFC) Tournament at Quezon City in which I got eliminated early though I was the champion in the Team Badminton Tournament (see my previous post).

The catch was, though I am not really good at playing table tennis, I was able to practice every now and then and was able to get acquianted with DepEd officials and friends. I could also make myself physically fit.

Thanks to my buddies Eric and Rey for making me achieve those hard-earned lessons and perspiration as well.

Nonito Donaire Dit it Again

Another boxing hero from the Philippines emerged as Nonito Donaire outclassed and outpunched co-champion Fernando Montiel of Mexico. If you had seen the show Montiel, after throwing right cross to the face of Donaire, received a "by the book" punch from the latter that made the former hit the canvass. What made the game interesting was that Donaire's opponent came from the boxing rich fighters from Mexico. Hail to the Philippines boxing hero!

Living life without honor is a tragedy bigger than death itself – Angie Reyes

Living life without honor is a tragedy bigger than death itself – Angie Reyes

“Honor, truth, justice. Honor above all else. Pride goes with it, self-respect, sense of legacy. This is very, very important to me. Sometimes, I am accused of being arrogant. I like to have plenty – a healthy sense – of self-esteem. I react to affronts on this.

There are two options available: to stonewall/fight the legal battle, or to come clean and make my own contribution to cleanse the system.

Stonewalling, I am told, would result in a long, protracted legal battle. However, past cases are not being resolved either way, kept in state of limbo. People’s memories are short and all this will eventually fade into public disinterest, and eventually oblivion. So, not to worry.

Coming clean, on the other hand, cannot be done without giving up something. I have decided to come clean, bare my heart and speak the truth. The truth can cut two ways: 1. If you are guiltless, you can embrace the truth and hope that it will protect you; 2. If you are not guiltless, speak the truth and it shall set you free.

I speak the truth not to whistle-blow or to seek neither immunity nor protection nor to escape from any form of liability. As a matter of fact, I speak the truth to accept responsibility for whatever liability I may have.

Honor is above all else. More valuable than freedom or even life itself. Therefore, honor must be guarded/defended with your life.

Living life without honor is a tragedy bigger than death itself.

Stonewalling would mean I would have to go on every day of my life or at least a large part of it under a cloud of public suspicion, at least until the case is resolved. Every day as you continue to live with the lie, you lose a little of your self-respect. And every day, as people look at you, you can read from their minds that they find you dishonorable, and you die a little. So if you stonewall – and you have the connections, resources and power to sustain it, and perhaps the thick face to endure it – that would be the preferred option. I have none of these, and so I choose the path of honor.

My honor has been attacked and damaged. I still have a lot of pride and self-respect, and I’d like to come clean to preserve whatever honor is left.

We see plenty of people walking around who have been clearly disgraced in the eyes of the people, and I do not want to join their ranks.

I think if you want to cleanse the system and for there to be justice, it should be applied equally and well. Our experience has shown that those with position and power, support and connection invariably go scot-free. I don’t have any of these.

It is unfortunate that we have a huge canvas here of which, I admit, I have been a part; unfortunately, people are now inclined to make me the face of that problem for their own various reasons.

When I participated in EDSA II, even then I anticipated that something like this would happen when I made enemies both on a personal and official level. In my long years of service, I knew that I would have to come to terms with this enmity some day.


I might not be guiltless/faultless, but I am not as evil as some would like to portray.

To my friends and those who have known me and believed in me, I honestly believe I did not let you down.

I want to assure the (PMA) cadet corps, current and future, that there are plenty of military professionals who have served and will continue to serve the country well. Do not be disheartened by this turn of events. Yours is a noble profession (of arms), and you should feel no shame. I have tried to live with integrity, loyalty, and courage.

In my 48 years of public service, I have tried to live up to the highest levels of professionalism and integrity. Whether it’s my assignment with the AFP-RSBS or with the Anti-Smuggling Task Force, I never received any offers of bribes; in fact, I returned them. In all my assignments, 39 years in the military and 9 years in four different Cabinet positions, I have never had any favorite supplier. Neither have I ever extorted money nor set any financial precondition for the approval of any contract. I can honestly say that I served honestly and well.

We are now in the situation where my honor and the family name are at stake. My family, my children, my grandchildren could say with a lot of truthfulness and pride that in the family, we value honor and integrity. Strength to live it and the courage to face up to the truth. This is the legacy I would like to leave with them.

Honor, truth, but there must be justice. And justice can be served if laws are applied evenly and well – not favoring the rich and powerful. I hope my case/situation will not be used as something that would bring closure to the issue of military corruption. The fight to reform the system and the entire country must continue; the sad part is that they are selectively targeting individuals and institutions.

I did not invent corruption. I walked into it. Perhaps my first fault was in having accepted aspects of it as a fact of life.

While I am familiar with finance, I must admit I had scant knowledge of military comptrollership. Personally, zero experience. Never been assigned as disbursement officer, etc., no stint. It’s a military field of specialization that I do not have.

No system is perfect. The AFP system needs a lot of systemic solutions…And the same might be true of some other institutions.

Tinyente pa ako, ganyan na ang sistema (i.e., “conversion” system, etc.)… I can perhaps be faulted for presuming regularity in a grossly imperfect system. As CS (chief of staff), a big landscape, presume regularity, convenient to ignore it, accept it as part of the system. It’s easy to say, institute reforms after the problems have erupted.

I joined EDSA II at great risk. Jumped into a void. Coming from a place that was high and comfortable. Without any regard for compensation or recognition or reward. I thought what I did – being loyal to the Flag and putting the national interest above all else – a right, but I was faulted for not being loyal to the commander-in-chief, that I should have stuck with him to the end, however that end might be. I stuck it out with the GMA administration for 9 years, not under the banner of loyalty; I could have deserted GMA, but I did not want to be branded as someone who abandoned his superiors…”

When we participated in many military campaigns, I would like to think that I showed courage…” – PCIJ, February 2011

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copied from kawani ng gobyerno

Spending the Week at Montevista Villas

I am here now in Montevista Villas located at Clark, Pampanga, Philippines with my colleagues at DepEd-IMCS. It is such a nice place and I enjoy bonding with my friends.

Today is the second day of our activity and the discussion is so heightened due to some feedback given by the employees.

Anyway, I will share to you one of our photos during the workshop. I wish you are here with me. Ciao.

For Sec. Reyes (The Warrior is a Child)

"Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears"

"They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child"

"Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet"

"They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
the warrior is a child"

"They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
'Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child"

like a child, he sought his mother to seek comfort...to unload his heart.

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taken from the internet - Kawani ng Gobyerno (Arman)

Good luck is often with the man who doesn’t include it in his plans

Whew… here I am again. Same old story, I think.

Last year, I applied for a foreign training scholarship and was one of those nominated by my department. Unfortunately, my nomination letter was signed three days late of the deadline and after I gave it to the sponsoring agency and asked one of the staff to include it in my papers I was told that my other docs were already sent to the sponsoring country. What? The most important doc (my nomination letter) was still with me and you sent my package to …. without it! Right there and then I knew I would not get that scholarship grant.

A couple of days ago I found another opportunity to apply in a foreign a training program, actually, it was my colleague who saw the details and was so kind to relay the information to me. So I called the department personnel for some pieces of information… and I was told that the program was closed ten days ago. Ahhhh. Am I destined to lose, again?

No, not this time… I told myself. I insisted that the program’s deadline would still be next month how come it was already closed? She told me to wait for she will ask her superior. So I waited… waited with a smile on my lips … anticipating for a positive response and voila! This wonderful girl told me that the deadline was extended for another day and if I have the proper documents I will be interviewed the next day. I almost fall on my sit… err… I got so excited… I faxed the docs that day and had my interview the other day.

I was speechless during the interview, if anybody would come nearer he/she would hear the sounds of my heartbeat. I was so nervous…after signing the attendance sheet I was asked to wait for a while and later I was asked to answer essay questions… what? I thought it was an interview?

So I answered essay questions that asked what the training program would do to myself and my organization. I cannot forget my answers especially the last paragraph, to wit: “Helen Keller was once asked, “What would be worst than being born blind?” she said, “Having a sight without a vision.” and I added words that the program will provide sight with vision to my department.

During the interview proper I was told to answer four major questions and some minor ones by the panel of interviewers.

After the interview I was told by the desk officer to prepare some other documents especially the nomination form. I dropped on my chair!

Tomorrow I will discuss the other details… I am so tired.

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This is a repost. I am migrating all my files from Friendster to this blog.

4th Friday at Max's through Novartis

I got prick just a minute ago and guess what my blood sugar count was? Ewwww... it's 154. Terrible!

What did I eat yesterday and this morning...grrrr...

Today is the Day!

I will share with you some details on what transpired during my morning interview at HRDS - I was then applying for an Administrative Officer V position. Three interviewers (2 from HRDS and I think 1 from the personnel dep't) subjected the 3 of us (interviewees) into Q&A portion. I am glad that I didn't feel nervous at all and I was able to convey the message clearly and I answered all the questions thrown at me. As we were about to leave the room one interviewer asked, "What will you bring with you to this company?" My answer was short and straightforward and it goes this way, "I enjoy working in an environment wherein people bounce their ideas from one another and has the flexibility to ask for help. I love give and take. That's what I will bring to this company - team work and flexibility." I am so happy with my answer.

During the evening, I attended the household meeting of Couples for Christ at the DepEd Chapel. I wasn't able to attend regularly during Thursdays but I made sure that I would never miss this day. I didn't expect to see Usec. Bacani to be there, though, I know that he's been very active during his time at the Central Office. It was during this time that the noodle's controversy was already known to all DepEd employees. I was expecting that perhaps he will state his side, etc. regarding the issue. I was wrong. Not even a single word (about the scandal)was given. I was flabbergasted to see this man coming to this little chapel telling about his health condition, sharing how his life at Innotech was and not telling or defending himself about the raps he was accused of.

I have been asking questions, why the secretary of education during that time (JAL) was not included in the preventive suspension since it was a command responsibility, and why the Office of the Ombudsman has an outright decision for DepEd's case (so fast) while other controversial issues like ZTE, Ampatuan, Gen. Garcia, etc. were left pending. What I got were more questions than answers. Tsk.tsk.tsk.

Our 11th Year Wedding Anniversary

My wife and I marked our 11th wedding anniversary in the simplest yet most meaningful way. Instead of grand gestures, we chose to celebrate where our hearts feel most at home. We dined at our favorite restaurant, AMIS in Quiapo, Manila — the place where every dish seems to carry a memory, from the comforting aroma of sizzling plates to the warm smiles of the staff who’ve come to know us over the years.After our meal, we strolled hand in hand through the lively streets, stopping by a humble fruit stall bursting with colors — golden mangoes, ruby-red apples, and bananas still warm from the afternoon sun. With our bags full and our hearts fuller, we headed home, where the real joy awaited: surprising our kids with a marathon of their favorite cable TV movies, complete with laughter echoing through the living room and the occasional pillow fight.

No fancy gifts, no glittering surprises — just pure, unfiltered fun.

Thank you, Mommy, for never giving up on me. I know I have my flaws, my moments of weakness, but you’re always there — tapping my shoulder, reminding me with quiet strength that we can always do better together. Here’s to more years of love, laughter, and the kind of togetherness no luxury can buy. Hugs and kisses. ❤️

Attended the Diabetes Education at Max's sponsored by Novartis

It was my 3rd time to attend the Diabetes Education sponsored by Novartis at Max's Robinsons, Manila, Philippines. During my first attendance the speaker talked about the N - Nutrition factor, then it was followed by E - Exercise, and this day the topic was about E - Education. On February 4 the topic would be D - Drugs. As you can see, you can form the word NEED.

The seminar was so informative as the speakers showed various strategies through video presentation and lectures. After the discussion, Q and A followed. The participants were given hand-outs and kits. Sumptuous food were also served before the usual blood sugar monitoring through glucometer. My blood sugar findings were 140, 147, and 112 during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week respectively.

I was so amazed by the findings. BTW the seminar is free and every diabetic patient is invited.

See you soon guys!

Changing of Places @ the Office

Movements are inevitable at the office. I will be moving forward from the original position where I occupied.

too many loads @ work

Too many deadlines at work. Hopefully I can finish them all on time. I am planning to re-enrol @ niners for IELTS review. My English comprehension has been rusty that I need to practice again to cope up with the global standards.

I am planning to apply for an scholarship at the Netherlands or in UK to further my studies. I cannot finance my studies privately so I will try if I will be accepted conditionally or unconditionally in various prestigious universities in Europe.

If I can bring my family, better, if not haaay...

Awesome Reunion at Benilda Resort and Restaurant

Wow. We had a wonderful post Christmas reunion at Benilda Resort and Restaurant at Bancuro, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. What a beautiful place. We were treated to world class facilities and awesome structures. Surely, I will visit this place again. To my colleagues at COMEHI Batch '87, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful place.

Excited to Attend a Post-Christmas Celebration with Former Classmates

Ohhhh my, I can't wait to go home to see my former friends and classmates. I am really excited. My family will soon be riding in a bus directly going to Calapan City. I was not able to attend to my mom's 80th birthday last December, I think it is a great opportunity to visit her as well. Mama will be surprised to see the kids too.

Letting Go

I just copied it from one of the articles in the internet. It was long time ago. I can't remember the source. Enjoy!
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Imagine this. In your hand is a very precious creation, so fragile, so valuable that if you keep on holding, it would either stay or fall part. But you loved this creature so much, so much that letting it
go would be like letting go of your life as well. So much that sometimes you wished it would be there forever. So much that you tend to be selfish at times so as you could make it stay for as long as you like.

Don't we all wish something "so good" could be forever? Don't we all hope that happiness is there to stay?

One person said, never ever let your heart run your life, as much as you can, always be sensible and let your mind speak for itself. Try to listen not merely on what your feelings is invoking on you as a person but more importantly listen to reason as well.

Letting go of someone doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop loving, it only means that you allow that person to find his own happiness without expecting him to come back. Letting go is not just setting the other person free (in the real sense of it), but it is also setting yourself free from all animosity, revulsion, and resentment that was long kept in your heart. You have to let go because the bitterness often puts away the strengths and
wakens the littlest hope, making our lives more miserable than ever. Worst, presenting yourself as the "most affected one" sets the nastiest impression of all time--whatta a loser!

The trick there is...always remember that if you lose someone today, it means that someone better is coming tomorrow.

If you lose love that doesn't mean that you failed in love...right? Just regard it as another mismatch of heaven! Well, you can cry of course, or whine or shout (growl even) if you have to, but make sure that after those outbursts you have washed away the hurt and the bitterness that the past has left with you (easy said than done I know!).

We can all survive with just beautiful memories of the past but real peace and happiness come only with open acceptance of what reality is today. You really don't have to forget someone you love ('cause it's hard). What we need to learn is how to accept the verdict of reality without being bitter or sorry for what we have become. I think it's better that we give off that dedication and love to someone more deserving. Hmmm..."Who could it be" is the next
interesting question to ponder.

Let go of yesterday and love will find its way back to you. And when it does, pray hard that it may be the love that will stay and last a lifetime.

= TheRe is Life aFter The Pain... just believe.

Naujan Captures Governor’s Cup in Or. Mindoro

I saw this post in the internet accidentally. It happened long time ago
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IN a final-round rally, Naujan town shot down the leading Bongabong team to win the First Gov. Arman C. Panaligan Cup team tournament held last Sunday in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

The chess festival was held in celebration of the province’s founding anniversary.

Underdog Naujan scored 3-1 against the favored Bongabong squad, which had been leading most of the way.

Best players were Alwyn Villas on board 1, Cesar Cunanan on board 2, Joselito Asi on board 3 and Ronald Berdera on board 4.

for the link >>>

OMG My Betty is Sick!

Spent the whole night at the United Doctors Medical Center due to the fever of my daughter Betty. I and my wife were very upset because we thought it was a dengue for Betty was sick for almost 3 days. We waited for the result of the laboratory test only to find out that it was not. What a relief. Thanks God.

Betty is still sick but at least it was not a dengue.

It was also good the we have a Fortune Care Card for Betty that we did not pay a single cent.

4 Ways on Responding to Change

I would like to share the message given by my Director this morning regarding the “4 Ways on Responding to Change,” and it goes this way:
1. Feel like a victim
2. Be a Critic
3. Clueless
4. Be the Manager

Happy New Year to all and hopefully everyone will learn how to respond to change.

O Heaven, It's 2011

Professionally, the year 2010 gave me my biggest break at the Department of Education.  I got promoted from Creative Arts Specialist I to Education Program Specialist II.  My previous trainings and achievements proved to be decisive in achieving my goals.

Financially, it was awful.  I wasn't able to save much and it was horrible.  Had not for my wife we won't be able to meet ends.

One of the things I felt sorry for was that I was not able to attend Couples for Christ - SOLD meetings every Thursday due to my busy schedule or I just wanted not to be there due to some commitments.  I wasn't able to attend to my IELTS review due to my being addicted to (I will not divulge it here) a certain game.  Hopefully I will be able to attend to some sessions again this year.

Maybe you're asking me what happened last year, well, here are some of my notable achievements...

1.  I was the chess champion at 2010 DepEd - CO Tournament with a score of 12 wins out of 14 games.
2.  I been again to different places (Baguio, Tagaytay, Romblon, Palawan, etc.)
3.  I got promoted.

There were more but this space is to small for what I've got.

Will the year 2011 be better and brighter?  I am looking forward to it.

A Bountiful New Year to All

Here is wishing you the best in the coming year.  May the good Lord bless you all.

Happy 80th Birthday Mama!

I would like to greet my mom Aurora Bandelaria Asi a happy 80th birthday.  I wish you'll have a very good health and will get your wishes.  Sorry, we won't be there this Christmas and on your birthday.  We love you so much.

Feliz Navidad

I would like to take this opportunity, through this column, to greet each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New Year.  May all your wishes come true and more blessings to come.  Enjoy the holidays and have fun.

Cozy Inter-Cities Chess at Dagupan City, Philippines

Hi guys!  'been very busy lately... aiiizzzz.  'Was in Baguio a week ago... then today at Dagupan City.  Well post some details later.  It's game time.

Champion at DepEd Chess Tournament

Aizzzzzt.  I just captured the 2010 DepEd Chess Sports Olympics individual award with a score of 12 out of 14 games.  The final game was so crucial because my score is tied with another player from another team.  We both have 11 points.  Sitting at board 1, I made it sure to give my opponent a tough game, and I did.  Several exchanges ensued and after the smoke was cleared I was a piece-up and had an advantage on my time clock.  My opponent resigned after I trapped her Queen several moves later.

Thank you God for giving this victory.

Badminton Delight!

Just had my 1st badminton team tournament at DepEd-CO and you know what?  Our team (Orange - Mercury) won with a score of 3-2 against the blue team.  I thought, the games were a picnic because we scored easily 3-0 until our opponents rallied to win the next 2 games.  Should I say this?  I was part of the losing player from the team.  Haayyy...

Hopefully, I can perform better next time.  See you next time guys...

Dumbest Move I Saw

I watched the game of basketball at DepEd Central office between Orange team (my team) and Green team with the former having a one point lead with 4 seconds left and a ball possession.  Nelson, my buddy, made an inbound pass to his team mate who dribbled the ball away and with time expiring the receiver suddenly stopped and threw the ball up in the air... sadly, an opponent was there to catch it and hastily made a shot... boom!  Our team lost a seemingly winning game.  Whatta game!

Manny Pacquiao Wins Again

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines did it again!  He won his 8 division title and was the first boxing athlete to do so.  Kudos Manny.  You made us Filipinos great again.

Macy and Ranjie's Wedding Rites

Sorry guys, I was late in posting the pictures of Macy and Ranjie's wedding ceremony. Press this link >>>pics from the wedding<<< from facebook.  Enjoy!

Attending a Workshop at TICC

I am now attending a Regional Cluster Training Workshop for Filipino Teachers at Tagaytay City International Convention Center.  Though I am acting as a technical staff, I learned a lot of information on Filipino language.  The speakers are very smart and energetic.  Kudos to all participants from Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, and NCR.

Stalled to Another Draw

Aiiiizzzzzzzzt.  I was stalled to another draw on  my chess game yesterday.  My opponent was not that good but I was afraid to make some attack.  I don't know why?  I really don't know why??  Fear factor caught me.  I have played so many games at chesscube almost every night.  Yet, came actual game and I wasn't able to make any improvement on my position.  It was a sad day for me.  Hopefully I can make another victory this coming Friday.

My opponents were all up against me, they were trying to crush me, and they got better each game.  Oh I got so tired and sometimes so cautious of them.


Where is my killer instinct?  It is all tainted with fear.  Fear of losing...

We Missed You Matthew

My family visited our deceased first born son Matthew at Lourdes Memorial Park located at Malabon City, Philippines.  It was not crowded as it used to be during the the past years I visited the place.  Maybe because of the long vacation offered to employees (that they visited the place earlier) and the continuous rain that hit the city.   We had a long walk this afternoon due to rerouting that made the day very difficult.

Up for a Long Holiday!

Yiiiippppeeeee! Another long holiday for government employees and private workers as well.  Hiya! Everybody is filling a long exodus to the province whence to visit or pay tribute to their beloved love ones who either left them with sweet memories or unbearable sadness.

My family plans to visit Matthew (my deceased son) at Malabon City cemetery where his tomb is located.  After that, Betty and Joaqs are joining the costume party at SM San Lazaro wherein they lost last year.  Now, their dress theme for the party is much appropriate.  I feel this heebie-jeebie feelings while my kids are competing because I don't want them to lose.  But I know they will learn from their failures.  Hopefully they will get a prize this year.

I'm glad that office work is over this week and the pressures suddenly stopped.  I am looking forward to a very relaxing weekend.

Betty Got a Prize at Drawing Contest

Whew, I just heard that my beautiful daughter Betty got a prize during a contest at Robinsons Galleria sponsored by Colgate Philippines.  Though it was a minor one I am so proud of what she achieved.  Betty congratulations!

Winning a Difficult Game

I just had a sweet victory against my chess team mate at the Department of  Education.  He gave me a tough game but I won the tough game.  My total score now is 7.5 out of 8 games.

Terrific Individual Score

DepEd sponsored a chess team tournament for its employees for the months of September to November, 2010.  I joined the event of course with my colleagues at IMCS, Sir Eric and Dante.  I scored 6.5 out of 7 points to top the individual score midway the tournament.  However, my team mates were ambushed by our opponents.

We placed 4th at the meantime though I am expecting a better score next time.  See you guys on October 26, 2010.  

New Computer

After attending a 4-day workshop at RELC-NCR Marikina, I went back to the office to bring all the materials and documents used.  It's good that Nelson and JQ were there to assist me and Sir Eric.  I was amazed to see on the top of my table several boxes which I learned to be computer paraphernalias.  I felt so happy!  I immediately collapsed all the boxes and abrupty installed the computer.  Yeheey!!! It has a Windows 7 OS, an LCD monitor, an optical mouse and a top-of-the-line (TOTL) speaker.  I didn't check the capabilities yet but I assumed it to be fast and beneficial.  Thank you DepEd for giving me this equipment. 

Well, for your information guys, it will be my first time to use government equipment since the computer (laptop) I have been using for the last five years in the office was a personal one which I bought during my brief stint at Okinawa, Japan.

Oh I am so excited and I can't hide it.

Whatta Weekend

Spent the week with lots of expenses.  Started it with payment of credit card bills, then an unexpected expenses on water motor repair, followed by few more disbursements.  At the end of the day, I was left with only chips.

Hopefully, the coming weeks will be better, financially.

First Day at the Workshop

I'm  here at Tagaytay International Convention Center, Tagaytay City and it was the first day of our workshop wherein I am tasked to be a technical staff and a participant at the same time.  I have searched the place and I found out that there were so many amenities.  The dinosaurs were all over the place, the swimming pools were now all working as well.

The participants were late in checking in so I believe the sessions would start late.  Tsk.tsk.tsk.

One-Week Workshop on Editorial Skills

I have an scheduled workshop at Tagaytay City International Center this coming week.  Nah...I wont be going to talk but would act as technical assistant to various experts in the field of editing, book design, etc.  The title of the workshop will be "Basic Editorial Skills for Beginners".  Sounds redundant?  hehehe... Isn't basic stuff for beginners?  Anyway, some people from the DepEd Central Office will be attending this one-week activity.  Our guest speakers will be coming from University of the Philippines (UP), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), (Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), etc.    I am wishing that another worthwhile endeavor, such as this, would be repeated in the near future.  Good luck to our speakers and to our participants as well.

I am so Lucky Today!

Wow! What a wonderful day it is.  DepEd - CO has its sports activities today and you know what?  Our team gets the coveted title - yup... we are the Champion.  In 7 events we got 6 first places including the cheer leading competition in which I joined.  To my disbelief (I thought that we lost in the cheer leading competition) our team was called to be the champ.  I was praying that God would grant my prayer that our team gets 3rd place at cheer leading category since it was enough to win the championship since Violet Team, our main rival, gets only 5th place.  So it is mathematically possible that we would still get the number one award.  However, God gifted us with the 1st prize on this category.  God is so good!  He really is.

So Happy for My Wife

King and Queen

I can't stop listening to my wife's challenging experiences on her first day of teaching at Jose Abad Santos High School as a new Values Education teacher.  I can't stop laughing at her, seemingly, fairy tale stories like how she looked at her students' room only to find out that her students left already and how one of her pupils took her envelope containing her original documents only to see it outside the room.  I could imagine vividly how her reactions were...fainted...giddy...woobly...

But that was part of the plot of a teacher.  I am so touched that she was able to conquer her fear and that first day gist was over.  Ohhh...you should see the reaction of my lovely child Betty on my wife's ordeal... she laughed and I laughed too not because I thought it was funny but because I can no longer see Betty's adorable eyes while laughing.


My enthusiasm to listen to my wife's stories was further intensified by her account that teachers at Abad Santos were allowed or, should I say, offered a condo unit loan.  Hopefully she'll get this once in a lifetime opportunity so that we can have a house of our own.

I am so happy for you mommy!

An Unforgettable day at Ace Water Spa

Sorry guys, I just came from a long vacation (again) so I had to post my activities late.  I, with my family, went to Ace Water Spa at Banawe, Quezon City, Philippines to unwind.  It cost us a lot but its worth it.  We enjoyed the world class facilities including the hydro-therapy massages.

The night before going to that venue (September 10) I suffered leg cramps and I thought I would die.  I was in a very difficult situation and the discomfort was getting worst.  It's good that my wife and my niece were there to help me.  Just when I thought the pain was over, I stood with haste only to be struck by deepening pain that started from my feet to both of my legs.  The feeling was terrible...had not my neighbor came to give me a much needed massage I would be dead. Thank you for the help.

That was the reason why my family went to Ace Spa wherein I have been treated to various amenities.  What a relief!

 

I found the missing document

Alas, the document that I have been searching for 2 weeks was found on the same folder where I kept it. 

Urgh...maybe it is a sign that I am getting older.  I just couldn't realize why I didn't double checked it in the first place. 

Another lesson learned.

Happy Christening to Eunice Kyle

Eunice Kyle with Ninong and Ninang

My family attended the very happy occasion of the Christening of Eunice Kyle Dacumos at Makati.  I was supposed to participate in the Barangay Wesley (BW) chess team elimination (try-out) at Robinsons Galleria, Manila but gave way to my wife's invitation to attend the special festivity of my brother-in-law's (Noel) daughter.  It was such a full-packed event attended by friends, relatives, family, and well-wishers.

Congratulations Eunice Kyle and welcome to the Christian world!

the pouring of water to Eunice Kyle

Mae, Eunice, and Noel 

cake for the soul

gifts for Eunice Kyle

What is Happening to Philippine Chess?

I got this news from facebook that my kababayan Rogelio Antonio, Jr. (he hails from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro) currently the ranked 2 player of the Philippine chess team was ousted from the team due to unknown (though there are varied conflicting reports) reasons.  Reading the items from the blog of Susan Polgar added some major controversies and problems.  If you read the comments you would probably judge what was happening.  Why did they (both parties) discuss it in public where in fact they could talk it privately to settle everything. 

Free Time

Yeheey!  I found this new activity during my free time.  I played chess tournament games at ChessCube even during wee hours.  I have been so effective during midnight too. I have beaten strong chess players and , would you believe it, some of them were accusing me of using chess programs to beat them.  Which is of course untrue.  That only means that I am improving in my game.

4-day vacation

It's a long weekend because on Monday (August 30) will be an official holiday.  During the first day, my wife and I went to a tripping to find our permanent residence, however, what we found were too expensive and not within our budget. 

We planned to go to Baguio City or somewhere else but we decided not to push through due to Helena's final review day of the MTAP,  Her education is much more important than our travel, you know.  I hope that she will be selected and be given an opportunity to be in the elite group. 

Hopefully, this afternoon or tomorrow we could go somewhere else to see different places and again experience our family bonding.  

Major Major Comments from Ms. Universe Candidate

I have been watching the Miss Universe beauty pageant and have been praying desperately that Miss Philippines would get the coveted title.  Guess what?  She got a pretty easy question from Mr. Baldwin.  But her major major answer seemed to be unusual for the judges.  You see, before going to the pageant she encountered problems on her documents, moreso, with her nationality issue which created problems (challenges) that almost caused her to being dislodged as a Philippine candidate to that prestigious event.  Isn't that a major issue? Perhaps, the judges perceived her answer, though unnatural, to be dishonest.

She had had all the chance to answer beautifully and indeed she bought time when she told one of the judges "thank you sir, blah...blah...blah...) but she blew it!

Missed opportunity for my bet.  Anyway, Ms. Raj is still young and in fact her answer is not that bad, however, in a pageant there are no wrong answers --- only good and better ones.

God is so Good

Yeheey!  I just claimed my brand new iPod nano 8gb as my prize yesterday.  I would like to thank Rexona and all its staff who are behind this promotion.  BTW, what I bought was a Rexona spray for men worth P150.00 but I got a prize worth P8,500.00 (check the price dude!)  I am so excited, and I can't hide it.  God is soooooooo good really! Here are the pictures of my latest winning...