Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas Season 2008
1. In school, there were plentiful of extra curricular activities such as the Parents Day celebration on December 7, four weeks of Kris Kringler exchange, students inter-classroom caroling, pupils Christmas party, faculty dance contest (where we ended second to the last place, although I sincerely believe our group could have been first or second placer) and faculty Christmas party.
2. 9 days of early dawn masses.
3. "The Latest Fashion" ballroom dancing party on December 20 at my residence.
4. Brother-in-law Antonio Yu illness got worse sometimes after December 15. Visited him and sister Jeannette at the Notre Dame Hospital. Tony got worse and his family brought him to Davao for better medical attention. I acted as laison person, keeping in touch with his daughter Dessa and reporting his condition to my other siblings in Manila and finally Tony Yu succumbed to the big C and his demise on the 21st of December.
5. Kept vigil with my sister and her family during their hours of sorrow on December 22.
6. My husband and I left Cotabato for Manila to be with our children on the 23rd of December.
7. Christmas Dinner with Uncle Fernando and his family on the 24th.
8. Family day on the 25th
9. I left Manila for Cotabato with Lucas and sis Theng and brother Jun on the 26th.
10. We attended the last wake and the interment of Tony Yu on the 27th
11. Left Cotabato again for Manila with Lucas and Theng and Jun on December 27th.
12. My brother Wilson's birthday in San Juan, Manila on December 27th.
13. New Year's Eve family party at my second home in Quezon City with Jun and Len and Boy and our respective families. (Ollie and Solan in San Francisco, Imelda celebrating with the Yaos and Jeannette together with her children in Cotabato.)
Christmas and New Year's pictures to follow when I return to Cotabato soon.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sister Jeannette
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas decors
My other Christmas decors are also gift items from kins:
The snowman candle though, I bought from Unimart, Greenhills
One of the stain glass angels was gift from sister Helen during our trip to Atlanta, Georgia; the other one I bought for myself.
Pinecorns I picked from Atlanta, Georgia
Candle Christmas tree, I bought from Home, SM
Sunday, December 21, 2008
my Christmas tree "conversation pieces"
Saturday, December 20, 2008
"the latest fashion" ballroom dancing 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dawn masses
At first I was thinking of foregoing the masses this year due to the physical strain of waking up very early, and I am feeling tiresome after work from school; but I have many things to thank for this year, most specially the advancements and achievements of my children in schools and careers, and the good health of the entire family. And I still have many things to petition for....for continuous blessings from the Lord.....for our good health, safety, peace and happiness. Merry Christmas to all!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
PTA chorals
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Yuletide' 08
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tired
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
an earthquake story
I myself experienced a big quake in Cotabato City on August 16, 1976 just few minutes past midnight. The harrowing experience was vivid because I was a victim of that earthquake. That fateful day, our house com store and residence LCT #1 collapsed carrying my eldest son Roy who was exactly 1 year, one month and one day old inside the rubbles. Infact there were several other persons inside that collapsed building. There were a 90 year old grandmother, my mother-in-law, Johnny- a young male relative, my son and his yaya and 4 househelps.( 9 people in all ) My room didn't collapse with the rest of the house though. When the big and long quakes finally stopped and my husband and I realized that half of the house went down, for a moment we thought that everybody died including my infant son. My husband Lucas could not see a thing with his contact lenses thrown away in a case and all darkness consumed the night. The only thing I could think and do was pray. I prayed the " Lord's Prayer " out loud, once, twice and on and on while groping for a way out of the room and the building. The Almighty God was merciful though. He saw to it that nobody died that night. Johnny, the male relative somehow was able to climb up from the rubble together with the househelps. The main stairway was not destroyed enabling my husband and I to go down to the street. The street was empty and strewn with broken glasses. I cried for help. "Saklolo, saklolo, tulungan ninyo kami dito". Roy's yaya heard my call and responded. Thank God, Roy was safe in her arms. I begged Johnny to go in through the broken windows and get them out. Soon, all of them including my mother-in-law and the old grandmother were rescued by Johnny Tan. Everybody was saved including a maid who was pinned down by a building block. Yet a part of my youth died that year, after going through that devastation night and surviving 6 months of rebuilding back our normal lives.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Refrain
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we can not see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love and care for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Monday, November 10, 2008
Nov. 10, 2008
At 57, I maybe older but wiser?! hehehe. Uglier ?! ( of course with wrinkles and all ) but even though, I know in my heart that I am well respected and loved by my children, family members and close friends. Now adays, I cry more easily, laugh loudly and speak unsolicitously. I teach, I dance, I do taichi, I love to sing and I take care of my husband and he does me. I hope to see all my children successful in their careers and undertakings. I hope to see them all married to good spouses and bear healthy children. I plan to retire in the near future and hope to go around the world (hehehe) It is my dream to go to Lourdes, France among other places. But most specially I want to spend my daily life in peace and quiet without fear and anxiety for myself, my husband, my children, love ones and all.
This is my birthday wish, hope and prayer today. I love you all!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friends
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Bonding with my sister Helen
1. massage and foot spa
2. snacks
3. Wednesday afternoon mass at Mt. Carmel
4. supper at Terriyaki Boy
5. Helen's haircut at Promanade
6. a nice movie entitled "City of Ember"
7. (next day) Pilgrimage to Sto. Domingo, also with sister-in-law Dianne and her circle group
8. lunch at peri-peri
9. Helen's birthday celebration on October 31 at brother Jun's place
10. All Saint's Day vigil and visitations at Manila Memorial
11. stroll at Rockwell Center
12. and a movie show at rockwell center
Come to think of it, the "Tuesday night Baclaran Church visitation" or "wednesday meeting" that we the siblings used to observe, all started from the two of us (Helen and I).
While she was still residing in Cotabato, Helen and I would go out every Wednesday for the intention of lighting candles and/ or a novena at the Cathedral. I would fetch her from her home, together we would go to VIP House to chat with sister Jeannette and then snacked. We met regularly on Wednesday for it was sister Helen's free day of the week. It started with the two of us and eventually Jeannette joined us. Later Jeannette insisted that we met regularly in Manila too since most of the siblings were there already.
This time, I said..."Let's continue with what we have started even if it remains the two of us who have time for one another." We had fun time bonding as sisters. Infact we always enjoy each other's company.
Monday, October 27, 2008
to gateway, cubao
Thursday, October 23, 2008
global economic crisis
To the big spenders who are really hit hard, this is the time for us to reflect deeply... long time ago, a baby was born and his mother laid him in a manger......
Monday, October 13, 2008
October
October is an important month for the Chinese. China celebrates its founding day on October 1st and Taiwan on October 10.
Of course school semestral break falls in October too! hehehe
And since I was a kid, I have always looked forward to celebrating my sister Helen's birthday on October 31. It was and is always a special event for me.
The month of October has set in and parties are beginning to roll. I just came home form a friend's birthday celebratiopn. I am full to the brim. I love eeating and the crispy Cotabato lechon is simply too delicious. Yummy!
Friday, October 10, 2008
tv programs
What do I watch? Sadly I can't even share with most of my friends my favorite programs. They are quite disinteresting to them.I tuned in to:
1. ANC for business news and World Tonight,
2. CNN for international news,
3. AXN for Amazing Race Asia,
4. StarWorld for Monk, also American Idol and Smarter Than A Fifth Grader which are not in season now,
5. Lifestyle for Iron Chef America,
6. and Bloomberg.
I tell you, the news on Bloomberg these days is so exciting and frustrating. It's not for the weak of heart. When I couldn't stand the bad news no longer, I quickly switch it off. That's the last program I usually watch before I go to sleep.
hohum!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
connection down
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Back to war torn and flooded cotabato
What? Flooded again? What happened to the dredging project?
Is there no respite to this infamous place? It's one bad news after the other and its either one or the others: bombing, fighting, killing, earthquake, war, kidnapping, flood etc....
Why do we still come home to this forsaken land? Because life here is simple and cheap, friends have become like family members.... and because we have been here too long and too rooted that we do not know how to live and survive elsewhere anymore. What a paradox!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
man playing God
Honestly, I was scared at the onset of DNA cloning. I told my husband "Wouldn't this make God angry?" Who knows we might be creating our own monsters afterall.
Now, this recent atomic colllider has promises of scientific revelations but again, aren't we trying to beat God again?
I am on one hand happy at the thought that maybe one day my dream of traveling through a space tunnel would come true, but then what if we turn into nothingness instead.
May the Almighty God enlighten the minds and the works of these scientists, for after all He still has the final say.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sunday in Manila
1.Lucas and I attended an 8:30 AM mass.
2. Then together with the kids, we went to Max's Restaurant for a grandnephew birthday party.
3. At the party, we met a lot of Cotabateneos: some old friends and many former students. I talked about Cotabato and CCI particulary.
4. Around 3 PM, my siblings Theng and Ollie picked me up to visit my parents graves at the Manila Memorial Park. We lighted candles and joss sticks, offered flowers and recited the rosary.
5. We went to Makati.
6. Took a little snacks at Manyann Restaurant.
7. Brought Theng home.
8. and Home Sweet Home
In another week, I'll be back in cotabato.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Don't lose hope
Monday, August 25, 2008
among many other things
But I was also paying attention to the latest MILF atrocities war news here in Cotabato. My printer's representatives from Davao fearful of the battles in Pikit, Aleosan and Midsayap cancelled all their trips to Cotabato City, that my St. Martha School, 15th year commemorative yearbook final proofing has been delayed.
I was also conducting first quarter examinations, evaluating and computing grades for 4 kiddie classes in CCI.
At the same time teaching the kids a field demonstration number for their participation in the school foundation day...
And continuing lessons for the 2nd quarter, as I am about to go to Manila for a check-up. Until then.....
If all of these weren't busy enough.......
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Father Caroff has gone home to his Maker
This morning, we learned that Father Caroff had passed away. He died yesterday. He has now gone home to his Maker.
Friday, August 8, 2008
magnificent
The parade of the nation's athletes was always grand but whereas, it used to be stiff and boring, last night parade was joyous, friendly, cheery and gay. Congratulations China! Hep hep hurrah!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Long weekends
I would be a hypocrite though to say that I wasn't happy about the holidays. For one thing, I can wake up a little later tomorrow and stay home to watch the olympic opening ceremony on tv (yehey). I can also finish preparing my last test paper without hurry. Maybe I can finish reading the book "Memoirs of a Geisha" of which I just started this week. It had been gathering dust on my shelf for a long long time. hehe. Most specially I can rest my voice for 4 straight days now. Then I can get better and start talking to my family members. hahaha!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Weekend
Saturday morning, I get up late and do some personal chores. At home, I play my old piano pieces, rearrange some home decors and surf the internet. I do things leisurely slow on Saturday morning. These days, I look forward to reading the Saturday columns of Father Reuter and Ms. Barbara Gonzales. Of all evenings, I love going to party on Saturday night, more for the chika than the food. I used to host dance session at home but my voice these few months is so strained from teaching that I have to rest it for awhile. I have been missing the eating and tsismis sessions that go with the dance too. hehehe..I have to quickly get myself back!
Friday, July 18, 2008
A quick update
There was this occasion where the children of Luna all came home to cotabato to surprise Tina on her birthday. It was a happy event for the family. The surprise homecoming made everybody very happy including me since we literally live in one building.
Last Saturday had me busy preparing for Lucas birthday. We invited intimate friends and relatives to celebrate with us. Food was catered by Tony (former cook of Peach Garden) and sweets from Le Sorelle. Everybody enjoyed the food, the drinks and the comaraderie. The ladies had red wine and they were laughing louder than the men. Infact the guests were happy that the party was more or less more exclusive and enjoyable. I do really prefer a more intimate gathering. The celebrant was happy, as well as the guests.
Last night, Lucas and I attended the grand 80th birthday of Mr. Perfecto Uy. His children and grand children, all from Canada, General Santos and Cotabato City gave him a big bash at South Sea's ballroom. They also brought over Eva, a versatile lady emcee from Manila to entertain the guests. There were plenty of bring home items. Lucas and I brought two mini cakes home and also two pots of well arranged flowers.
And tomorrow night will be the birthday of Mr. Albert Uy, the owner of south sea's mall. People are requested to come in retro attire. We heard there will be plenty of games and prizes during the party. There will be a lot of people too for sure. But I don't have any retro clothes anymore....hehehe... Anyway.......
Monday, July 7, 2008
flooding in Cotabato
Those who know cotabato city well.....NDU is flooded, notre dame village is flooded, Manuel Tan housing along Gutierez st. is flooded, Matampay bridge river bank has high water that overflowed into the Uy's agri drier along Matampay. Last night water went up to Dr. Manuel Chua internet cafe. Water also seeped into Citizen Bazaar and Oro Cotabato.This morning the principal suspended classes at cci for fear of the rising water that was seeping through the walls from the Buan Street. This afternoon though flood has subsided a little. It's a good thing that it has not rained tonight or people are starting to get frighten. Hopefully tomorrow it may get better.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
surviving :)
I thought I wouldn't survive the first week .... I had colds, sore throat and I lost my voice.(after all I am not young anymore) My household help left me too for schooling and I was swarmed with home and work loads.
But I talked my problems out loud and the school principal saw my dire needs and provided my department with extra aides. We were tackling a lot of kids and parents from all walks of life, but upon my insistence, by the second week.... slowly, the dotting grandparents, the over protective parents and hardheaded yayas began to leave the kindergarten premise.
At school, despite the improvement, I am still frustrated because I can not give my 100% efficiency best because there are still some exceptiional cases that are hard to solve. It will take some time for all of us to adjust. I will just have to try.
Yes and thank God that 2 days ago, I was able to hire a new househelp. I really need this one. I hope to be strong in body and mind to tackle this new job. hehehe and I hope and pray too that all my children dispersed are doing good, so that I can focus on my present job and tackle it well. Until then.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father Caroff going to Manila
Father Caroff is going to Manila for more or less a long stay anytime this June. We may not be able to see him for awhile but we hope to visit him when we are there. I was comforted to learn though that his nurse here will be going with him to Manila too. Bon voyage Father, Our prayers are with you.
Friday, June 6, 2008
teacher's conference done
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
adjusting to new employment
Anyway, I was so hyper yesterday.....I was not used to doing things one week before the opening. I was in a panic like a manic but I got to finish a lot of things at my own insistence and persistence. I sweated liked a peon by running here and there but at the end of the day, I got lots of things done, fixed and scheduled and assigned.
After following up classroom arrangements today, I now sit down to prepare for a pre-school meeting. I need to conduct a pre-school faculty conference before the opening. I am preparing hard for it for I want to consolidate our works and efforts together as a team. I need a whole day with the kiddie teachers but the principal though seems to be resisting my request. She thinks I can just do it in few minutes time, as she is using them all for 4 days of school enrollment. I have to try very hard to get things done. I'll have it done anyway. I just have to do it...until then.....
Monday, May 26, 2008
vacation almost over
So while waiting for my work assignments, I am here spending the remaining days of May, eating and sleeping at my home in Manila. hehehe.
Marion has graduated last March and is already employed by Citibank. She eagerly goes to work early everyday. While she is at work, Martha and I would go window shopping and eat out. Last Saturday, I went jogging with my girls at the Ateneo Moro oval. At night, we watched the pyro display competition of Italy and Venezuela at Moa. Yesterday, we attended the grand wedding of Ginger and Jowell. Fine dining nuptial reception was held at Le Pavillon.
Today though, Martha begins her classes in La Salle. She will be extremely busy as she will be simultaneously doing her MS while finishing her BS Industrial Engineering course. While marion goes to work and martha goes to school, I am thereby left at home to play with my grandson Dylan.( Tom and Angel are working parents) I am enjoying this vacation extremely and I hate to see the school sale in all Natiinal Bookstores because this reminds me of my job to which I have to eventually tackle and of which I knew I would love. I just hate to end my vacation so soon yet. hehehe so long...........
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
pics of class 68 reunion in tagaytay
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Batch 68 reunion in Tagaytay
CCI batch 68 meet every four years, more specifically every leap year during the year of the olympic games hahaha. We are not young anymore, so our main event was primary marathon eating. hahaha!
Our reunion started with a welcome supper on May 9 at Mannang's Restaurant in SM megamall basement. We were all very happy to see each other and like little kids, excited to embark on our excursion to Tagaytay the next day.
May 10 - We all left metro manila at 8:00 AM on board a coaster. Reached Tagaytay and took our healthy lunch at Sonia's Garden. We went for a stroll after lunch, then checked in at the Tagaytay Highland's Inn at two PM. We had a little rest, then walked around the club house. Unintentionally we took part in a casino dry run at the lobby of the club house. There were slot machines and two Black Jack tables. They gave us free promotional certificates to play, so most of us played. Some of our friends won prizes of bags, car window shades, playing cards and real pot money certificates hehehe. At night, we ate supper at Leslie's Restaurant overlooking Taal volcano but unfortunately we couldn't see a thing because of the pitch black night. We ate a sumptous meal, talked about the past and we went back to the hotel at 10 pm, then to each our respective room to sleep. We were all very tired. ( A tale tell sign that we were not as young anymore :)
May 11 - We had buffet breakfast, checked out of the Inn and rode the coaster again for another day trip. First stop was to Rowena's bakeshop where we all bought boxes of tasty tarts for family pasalubong. It was Mother's Day! Hahaha. ( I was receiving a lot of sms messages from friends, family and relatives and many of my friends were likewise receiving and sending messages and calls too.) The coaster went down via Talisay Batangas to Cuan Minton's Batangas Farm where we had our real reunion party at Minton's rest house. He prepared delicious Filipino dishes for us and we all ate with our hands using banana leaves as our plates. We had plentyful supply of coconut with very tender coco meat. We had syrupy cooked banana for dessert and Barako coffee after lunch. There was karaoke singing for the frustrated singers and table for the poker players too. For those who liked outdoor life, we went on a jungle trek after lunch down the mahogany groves. There were singing and eating, talking and playing cards. The party ended before 4 pm. ( Some of the boys had to get home for Mother's Day dinner with their love ones) And so we headed back to Manila again. Reunion 2008 can be described as a close bonding trip. It was memorable as well as enjoyable.
Venue for next reunion is Palawan. See ya all again!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Hong Kong Disneyland
Friday, May 2, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hongkong adventures and misadventures part 3
In the afternoon, Lucas and Domingo went for a nap while the rest of us went to Northern Point district to shop. I bought polo shirts for Tom and emil, shorts for Lucas and me, got 20% discount for tea courtesy of my brother Chiong Bian. We didn't buy a lot of things though and decided to call it a day.
In the evening, Lucas joined us to Tsim Tsa Tsui. Together we walked slowly liked old lovers hahaha! He bought for himslef a dragon head crystal figurine. Despite his disability, at least he got to shop like the rest of us too.
April 25, 2008 - back to the Philippines.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Hongkong adventures and misadventures part 2
to be continued......
Hongkong adventures and misadventures
April 19, 2008 - Lucas, Helen (my sister), Martha, Marion and I embarked on a 7 days and 6 nights vacation to Hongkong. It was an all planned trip intented for a leisurely tour. Included in our itinerary were a half day hongkong tour, one day macau tour, meeting with Domingo and Jackie and spending some time with my Hongkong brother Uy Chiong Bian and of course a day in Disneyland. Unfortunately, our plane was not able to touch down in Hongkong due to bad weather conditiion. We were 20 minutes to landing and imagine how frustrated it was to know that we had to be diverted back to
April 20, 2008 - Arrived Honkong and billeted in Harbour Plaza Hotel Metropolis which was a really nice hotel with very courteous and hospitable staff. Met Domingo and Jackie in the same hotel and spent the afternoon sleeping due to tiredness from lack of sleep (hehehe). At night we ate a sumptuous Peking duck dinner in the
April 21, 2008 - Went to
April 22 - Half day Hongkong tour, ended the tour at Tsim Tsa Tsui, went shopping at the district. At night, my Hongkong brother Uy Chiong Bian came by to pick us up and brought us to his place in Lan Tian (BlueFarm). We had super supper with his family and went visiting their residences. Chiong Bian brought us back home at around 10 PM. The misadventure happened when we disembarked from the train to go up to Hung Hum Station where our hotel was located. As we took up the escalator, Lucas who was always staying behind us fell down. I turned my back just in time to see him staggering with his balance and lost him from my sight. I screamed his name out loud and Dr. Domingo was very quick to the rescue. He could not pull him from the front, so he went to the back and helped him get up. Lucas' fingers and elbow were pinched from the running steps. His elbow had a big open wound and we quickly called for first aid assistance at the station which they also quickly responded. But the fall had a great impact on his buttocks, he could not walk properly. He had a fretful sleep that night due to much pain despite the medicine he took.
To be conitnued.......
Monday, April 14, 2008
works getting done
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Children all dispersed
Follow-up thoughts - I couldn't help think about the day before yesterday when I was giving Marion a last minute instruction as to what to pack for her trip to Singapore. "Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses" She is at present with a group of friends on vacation.
Being a worrywart mother, I always worry unneccesarily so I resort to praying which is my only solution. Thinking about it, I really worry about them all............
1. Of Martha taking her finals and preparing for her thesis defense - Is she sleeping? Drinking lots of fluid in this hot weather? Catching up with her school work?
2. Of ever busy Emil working in Cebu....Is he happy? Is he healthy?
3. Of Tom, Angel and Dylan - Are they doing ok with work? Is Dylan eating well? Are they handling and balancing their time and finances wisely?
All these and many more.........why do I worry? because I am in Cotabato and not with anyone of my children. My family members are all dispersed and this causes me to feel paranoid regarding their health, safety, happness, education, work, undertakings, etc, etc...
A last minute thought.... Not to worry though, for God keeps us together..........pray.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Graduation
Marion was among the first 50 graduates under BS Management to receive her diploma. After walking up the stage, she came down and approached us accompanied by an usherette who was carrying her medal. Lucas and I got up. I bestowed the medal on her while Lucas took our pictures. It was most memorable. As it was with all my children, I always felt like crying during their graduations. I felt the same weakness yesterday but had to control myself. As I told my children, those who were present with me last night. "You are happy. We are also very happy. Your graduation is somehow our accomplishment too." I always feel emotional to see my children grow-up. Congratulation Marion! You make us proud
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Testimonial Dinner
Friday, March 21, 2008
Martha and Marion's birthday
Kudos also to my nephews Miguel and Martin for the bar. People at the party loved their exotic drinks. One that I drank was called the "artic" hahaha!
The guests were mostly my daughters' college friends from both schools of Ateneo and La Salle, but of course the relatives were invited too, to mingle with the young ones. Now, I am glad to have met most of their friends whom I have seen in pictures and whom they fondly and excitedly talked about. This birthday bash was like some kind of a coming out party for them. Some thing like a debut. As I jokingly said " They were too young at 18, now puede na magboyfriend." hahaha!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Visiting Father Caroff
Yesterday morning, we tried again to see him at the Provincial House but were there at the wrong time again, we decided to return late in the afternoon. We caught him outside of his room in a wheel chair. The sun was going down and it was not too glaring for him to be out in the open. He had many rashes on this forehead and was trying to scratch them with his feebled hand. I offered to send two bottles of coconut virgin oil for application on the rashes. He gladly accepted my offer and even said that I needed only but to send a small amount. Anyway we had small talk. He tried to be the perfect host asking me a lot of questions regarding my work and family. His memory, I noticed was not as keen anymore. The worst thing I observed were his feet. They were so swollen and big but he was not complaining about any discomfort. When we came to talk about prayers and micracles, he smiled and said. " It should be a cooperation between God and man."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
a new job
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Busy as bee
Luckily my other sister-in-law Conchita played her important hosting role too, but the visitors got to stay with me. I guess you can say my house is the ancestral home of the Tan family hahaha!
They stayed in Cotabato for a total of eight days. Eight days? Where in the world would they go?
day 1 - arrival
day 2 - picnic at Kusiong Beach with Lucio and Conchita
day 3 - Bibi and the girls moved and stayed at Comart. They visited old friends in Cotabato
City in the morning and went out with Peck Ngo in the afternoon.
day 4 - Visit to Datu Piang, Maguindanao, to their old home town with Lucio, Eugene and
Yoyong Bansuan who led the way.
day 5 - picnic at Kusiong Beach again with Conchita, Lucas and I in tow.
day 6 - Day tour to hot spring in Agoc, Kidapawan and a resort in Kiwani,Midsayap.
Courtesy of Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan and wife Rebecca Sacdalan. Other
parties were Peck Ngo, Peck Giok, Conchita, Lucas and I.
day 7- Morning tour to Parang and Polloc, followed by cotabato city tour. I got
to be the tourist guide.
day 8- departure
Friday, February 15, 2008
Closing jitters
I have already surrendered my business license in preparation for the closure. I have actually prepared for this 2 years ago and have had informed the parents of the possible scenario, so their children won't be misplaced. My teachers were also properly informed and they are semi ready to move on to new employments. Yet, there are many other things to do before finally closing a school chapter. Personally, I am at a dilemma as whether to retire or teach in another school..
And I have yet a 15th year commemorative yearbook to make. So much tasks in so short a time. I hope to get them all done before I go to Manila. Pray for me.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
3 day visit
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Greetings of Prosperity
Peace, Good Health, Good Luck, Happiness and Prosperity to all!
Gong Xi Fa Chai !
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Arrrgh
Friday, February 1, 2008
Things getting better
Thursday, January 31, 2008
picc show
The chorus sang too many songs, the instrumental numbers played too many pieces, the local dances were too long, the solo numbers seemed to have identical tunes, even the Philippine Wushu exhibition overdid their sword play too. In the middle of the program, people started leaving, several pews infront and at the rear of us became empty. I was wanting to go home too but surprisingly my companions were very patient last night and I endured it to the last.
There were a few numbers that I liked though:
1. The song Mo Li Hua
2. The suona (wind instrument) solo - A Hundred Birds Are Paying Homage to a Phoenix
3. The wushu exhibition
4. and the piano solo.
Their costumes were very very pretty, and of course to specially mentiion that the troupe's young emcees were quite impressive; specially the youngest girl who presided in English, she stole the whole show.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
bad day
1.The ref was leaking - Tom called up the repair man.
2. The PLDT telephone unit needed to be replaced - I called for technical assistance
3. The dish dryer was not functioning - I brought it to Imarflex center.
4. The repair man for dish dryer was out, so I brought the dish dryer home.
5. The new house maid left home without prior notice. That was the biggest blow of the day. (although this might be a blessing in disguise.)
6. Talked to Mariion's doctor regarding mal-alignment hip muscle pain.
7. Lost the car park ticket.
Tom and Angel brought us all to SM to eat out, watch a movie and relax. Before the show begun, I was praying silently for all things to get better. Smile!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Davao and back
Friday, January 18, 2008
busy January
Last week had me worrying about martha getting sick. Maybe it's the allergies and maybe the flu too. What's important is, she is well now and busy attending to her school work. I wish everybody will take more steps in preventive health meeasures.
Today, we just finished our last test for the 3rd quarter examination. The results are generally good with several students getting 100% in their examinations and with high average results too. There are however isolated cases of failures, one in each class. I talked to the parents regarding our concerns for we've got to address the problem next quarter. One of the pupils concerned though is leaving for Honkong disneyland this February and its the fourth quarter grading period already, almost the end of the school year at that. The parents promised him a Hongkong trip for his birthday. I think you can guess the reason why that particular child is out of focus in school.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
January 2008
While trying to keep myself busy, I took stock of what transpired in 2007. To sum it up, 2007 was truly a good year for me and my family:
1. We had family reunions and get-togethers aplenty, whether they be in Cotabato, Manila, or USA. We got to see Lehua (Lucas sister), Domingo (Lucas brother), Grace (Lucas niece), Roy (our son), Jeremiah (Lucas nephew) as well as other relatives and friends in different time and places. Capping the event was the family homecoming last December 2007 where Tom and Angel and baby Dylan, and Martha, Marion and Emil came home to spend Christmas and New Year in Cotabato.
2. There were also promotions, salary increases, graduation, work opportunities, bonuses and good grades among members of my family.
3. Most importantly, God has generally and individually blessed us with peace, harmony and good health.
I have so much praise and thanksgiving to give to the Lord, for which I continue to pray for more graces to come. May we all have a happy outpouring of gifts and blessings this year 2008!!! Happy Epiphany to all!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Visiting Father Caroff before the New Year
After the Sunday mass on December 30, 2007, I brought my family to visit Father Caroff at the Oblates Provincial House. We took some pictures together with his caretaker Wat. Father Caroff was trying to be a good host but his mind was kind of muddled that day. The caretaker said he was sleeping a lot these few days. We brought him out of his room for a bit of fresh air and light. Chatted with him for awhile. He was happy to have visitors.
ballroom dancing party
The Saturday dance group organized a small private ballroom dancing party at Kitoks last December 26. I brought my family to enjoy the meal first. After dinner, Tom and Emil left the party early while the girls were dancing. Lucas and I taught Angel, Martha and Marion a few dancing steps. It was a fun night. The party ended at 11:30pm.