Relax and Unwind

As much as I wanted to stay home, my foot is eager to go somewhere. I received an invitation from Van and her students to go with them at Claire John Resort located at Punta Biao, Cogon Digos City. Its a secured pool resort near the beach so visitors has the option to breeze-in through the ocean waters. The weather is somewhat inviting and so with the heat from the sun. Sunblocks are a must!!

Mapi feel mo na Summer is already here...

Checked on the things to bring and off we go. I was dropped off at the Resort by my sister and her bf. On our way to the Resort, sige mi agik-ik ug katawa tingalig mangahulog ang lukay sa lubi sa amoa mao na sige mi hangad...hahahaha!!

And the road going there? oh my, you were like riding an off-road vehicle, up and down a hill.

Entrance ranges from P10-20 only. Yes, that cheap. They took the biggest cottage and when I asked and looked for the students, some of them were already swimming looking like kids [smiles]. Found out also our amegah [friend] is coming and on his way. I convinced him kasi super stressed din si amegah. This is gonna be fun!

I was really planning to swim but I was having doubts plunging looking at the pool water. It's already crowded and I withdrawn. Anyways, I'll just feast my eyes on the joyful moments of our students. It will make me feel good though.

I brought along my camera and partner tripod. Yen opted to be the photographer that day. My tripod gave him a big help, he gets to be with group including us during picture taking.

When Jopay arrived, the tres mujeres [3 women] had a pictorial again and seize the moments eating pinipig. The food they prepared was good. Thank you so much for inviting us over. We, your teachers really need this.

I did have a good time. The calming breeze of the water alleviated some stressor(s) around me. No worries bothers me anymore 'cause GOD never left me and I'm still blessed because He lead me to the path where I should be going. God bless to us all. :)

Learning more about the Lola's

Today is the Graduating Class' Recollection at San Isidro Church. Graduation is forthcoming next Wednesday. I dropped by at School first before heading to church. Had to meet up with the Registrar concerning the academic standing of one of our students.

At the church, the Graduating class officers handed in the remembrance T-shirts with an Adviser printed at the back. Thank you, guyz! :) Lunch time came, we started distributing the foods for each student. It was a good experience. Na happy jud ko. :) Jopet, Van and I had a short talk may our students learn the value of this whole day event and instill in their minds the moral lessons people from the church imparted. I do pray also for the reconciliation of someone very close to me. May our minds be enlightened! You Take care always. Keep safe :)

At 2:30pm, we headed to the Shelter for the Elderly. Our students interaction with the Elderly's at the Camillian continues. People there including Sister Minda were glad to have us back since most of the Lola's [tagalog term for Elderly's] has seen quite improvement most especially their human relations. We, the Faculty from HCS Department is thankful also to the Camillian Sisters for gracing us the time to spend with the Lola's.

Truly, you became our extended family. Caring for the Elderly is not that easy. Sometimes, you feel sorry and pity towards them knowing some of their family members still exist. But no matter what, we're here for you Lola's and we'll continue to visit you often times. We love you so.

One of the jolly Lola in the Shelter is Lola Lila. She has a sharp memory. She could remember ones identity by means of holding on to her palms. I was touched when one instance I introduced myself to her and told her that I am one of the Instructors of the trainees who were taking care of them. She uttered my fullname and my designation when I hold on to her palms. She was about to tell me something but that time, dinner is served for them. Yup, as early as 5pm kasi they had to go to bed early also. Don't worry Lola Lila, we'll be back on Monday. I am missing you already.

While waiting for our students to finished doing after care, I continued conversing with Sister Minda. She handed me this clear book and I was surprised to see an array of the Blessed Virgin Mary's photos. It became her hobby of collecting pictures of the Sacred Our lady from all over the world. She had an extraordinary collection. Now, she began collecting photos of different churches and she related she'll start with the ancient ones. Told her am gonna take pictures of churches in Luzon or where ever may pagkalaagan takes me..hehehe! When I get the chance to have a short vacation.

We never went back to San Isidro 'cause we thought they finished as scheduled. We headed home instead. My day was not put to waste. :) Thank God for the guidance and for leading me to the good side as what You always do to people who believe in You.

Tsunami alerts cancelled

Last night, pass 1am, I chance upon Ate Che's post about a Tsunami that is expected to hit Philippines today at 1:27pm. I couldn't sleep. I thought of a lot of things. I was the only person who was still awake at that time [which usually happens, hehe]. I came across online news and found a link on the shattering 8.8 magnitude quake that hit CHILE around 3:34am Saturday. Shocking images of the tragedy left a terrible remembrance. The once sturdy buildings turned into splinters in a snap. Not long after the Haiti quake, here comes another devastating catastrophe.

Fostering awareness, i posted a link on my facebook account regarding the quake and the tsunami which is to hit the Pacific coast within 24hours after the quake.

My friend Gracey who is based in Hawaii received a surprised rather a panicking call from her Mom informing her of the approaching major wave to hit the island of Hawaii at an expected time. Glad to know through her post after several hours that everyone there now is safe.

excerpts from online news:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning. In an interview on ABS-CBN, Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said that if the Chile earthquake did generate tsunami waves powerful enough to cross the Pacific, they may be expected to hit Philippine coastlines sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Let us all PRAY...

Noon time, I received a text message from 2 of my student who lives near the shore in Sta. Cruz informing me that they are evacuating and will be heading up to the hills where their relatives resides. In that way also, they could observe changes on the quiet ocean.

Afternoon came, alert pa rin kami. Thank God, it passed the expected time. Our television is still on CNN, awaiting updates while helping Papa pack his stuffs. Since my father has to report for work tomorrow, I drove and dropped him off at the Bus terminal. God Bless his travel.

Late in the afternoon, another text message was sent by the same student telling me they'll go back to their home sweet home.

Tsunami alerts may have been cancelled but we people should still pay attention and stay alert on what may have happen. As I am typing this, I am trying to observe the nature around me and at the same time, praying. We live around 750 meters away from the nearby coastal areas. Oh my, oh my, It's windy outside. We never know. That giant wave might strike while people were asleep. And sometimes, an unusual weather signals something. I am trying to be positive and my Faith makes me more stronger.

Let us continue to pray for the survival of those who are still trapped in their homes and other establishments. And pray for the repose of the soul of those whose lives were taken.

We thank you, dear Lord for the continued guidance and for keeping us all safe. God knows what's best for us. I always believe in that phrase that's why He never leaves our side.

B for Busy

Thank GOD, its weekend but tomorrow would be a busy day once again. Seminar by PNRC to our students, review of some trainees for the Assessment, meet up with new batch of Scholars..oh boy!! Add to that the modules that we have to produced for the School Auditing next week. And Finals is next week, too! Had to make questionnaires, quizzes and criteria for the role play, plus computation and submission of grades. arrrgh!!! This week made me raise my stress level but I was able to cope up, though.

On the lighter side, I am sooooo excited for the visit to a farm on one of our student next Sunday. What an adventure for the semestral break! I really need that. Thanks for the invite, Criscel. I could now get to experience REAL FARMING. Humanda yang strawberries, cabbage and carrots niyo..hehehe. This blogger got hooked on FARMING [Facebook mode] 2 months ago when Jopay oriented and taught me the basics, off to the World of Virtual Farming. And the rest is history. Now, I am repaying what i've learned to some of the newbies of this very popular game in town. Well actually, at this moment, I was waiting for my students to go online, to have my pineapples harvested. wink! wink! ;-) Otherwise, I'd hire someone else in the market.

EVERYONE. Goodnight to my honeybunch (",)

long yet productive day

"Home", uttered myself when i stepped on the premises of our place.  I missed everybody, my sister, our dogs, people back home.  As if I was away for days though its just quite a while. 

Our pets were in their houses already but they saw me entered the gate. 

Today is the last day of our 1 week TM-AM Seminar conducted by TESDA. Our Assessment day for the two methodology course, as well. Unfortunately, due to limited Assessors who will supposedly conduct the assessment for the day, only 4 of us were assessed. Three from UM-Matina and me from PITS, each from different trade areas.  Luckily, we all passed. Thank you to Engr. S.C., the person who assessed us. 

When asked to describe how did it go, i said "nerve-wracking". My co-participants patiently waited for their turns but since the time runs in a flash, they cut-off the time. The 2 assessors still has to go back to their work, training another batch of participants for the seminar. I'd say their job is very demanding, but as they say they love what they were doing and its their passion: TEACHING. Thumbs up to them. I admire their dedication. 

We were told the assessment will continue on the 22nd and 23rd at KORPHIL, somewhere in Tibungco. The group decided that we should all meet up infront of the ADDU. Text brigade na lang. I have learned a lot from these people. Was able to find new acquaintance, as well. 

As a photo fanatic, I won't end the day without pictures so our group has remembrance. Ma'am Cheery informed us they would post some videos in YOUTUBE..char! She has brought her Digicam on Day 5. I had all of them signed my manual and was flooded with signatories and contact informations, the future  assessors of TESDA. [chuckles]

Pass 4pm, we all parted ways. Ma'am Anne and I took a tricykad [a bicycle with a side car] hanggang kanto ng Magsaysay, her going to Joji Ilagan and I going to NCCC to meet up with Reina, I shared with her the good news while enjoying our snack. 

My day isn't over yet, I received a text from Lalai inviting me over for a dinner but the message was sent by Romy. So, I replied asking where she was and the occassion they were celebrating. Oh, I see it was a welcome back party of Marianne pala, Lalai's younger sister who worked overseas. 

After buying some home stuffs, we meet up with Ate Shine and Malyn. My friends way back in College. Haven't seen these fellas for a long time. Goodluck sa June NLE!! 

On our way to Ecoland Terminal, tawa kami ng tawa sa jeep. Si Malyn kasi eh, salamat ngapala sa libreng pamasahe ha? hehehe.  Gimingaw jud ko sa akong friends ai. 

Ate shine, reina and I took an airconditioned Holiday Bus going home. Sa pinakadulo kami at don din nilagay ang kahon ng electric fan na binili ni Reina sa NCCC. May pagkakaskasero din ang driver, para kaming nakasakay sa rollercoaster. Murag ning untol na uban pasahero sa kakusog sa iyang padagan ba. 

At one point, kami pud sa likod ning untol na pud apil ang box sa electric fan intawon natabunan kadali ang beauty ni Reina. Yes, mga friendster nadat ugan jud siya. Nakuyawan gud mi ni ate shine. May na lang nasalo namo wala nilahos sa bata na natulog sa ubos namo. Amaw jud nga driver ba, nangatawa na lang gud mi pagkahuman. 

Gisungog pa jud mi sa driver pag naog namo. Pagka na lang jud. Diretso na din ako kina Lalai, where dinner is waiting for me. hehehe.  I hold back for a while outside texting Lalai then went inside. So glad to see Romz. Greeted everybody pati na si Marianne. 

10pm..Thanks for the dinner, lai! Also, I had a good chat with my long time no see friend Romy, a College buddy. Mouli pa gud ni siya ug Padada taz duty pa siya ug 7am ugma. Ingatz kaayo!!

 

11pm..after watching CSI: NY, took a half bath.  How refreshing! 

There, turned on the PC, waited for the display to occur and began tapping the keyboards again relating my experiences the whole day.

1:30am as i check our wall clock. I just yawned. My body wants to rest na, as my mind follows. My eyes closed a bit, it's bye bye time for the meantime, dear friends.

goodnight!!

HCS program celebrates 2nd Pinning & Candle Lighting Ceremonies

DIGOS CITY (February 27) -- Forty two Health Care Services students participated in the second Pinning and Candle lighting ceremony of the Philippine International Technological School held at the Pearl Center, Digos City on February 27, 2009.

A thanksgiving mass by Rev. Fr. Cornelio B. Toraja, DCD at the Mary Mediatrix of all Graces Church. Extended his warm greetings to the newly blessed batch of Candidates for being a participant of the remarkable event. Ceremony followed at Pearl Center.

Guest speaker Mr. Patrick G. Poculan, RN discussed the role of Health Care Assistants. He stressed that the health care providers are a vital part of the health care team. Mr. Poculan explained further the importance of the Nursing Aides in rendering care to patients, "You are the direct care workers due to your role in working with patients, having to spend more contacts with them than do other members of the staff. Thus, nursing aides are the principal caregivers of the main clients of health sector. You do most of the hands-ons procedures."

A registered nurse, Mr. Poculan is presently a Nurse Volunteer at Medical Center of Digos Cooperative. An NCLEX and IELTS passer, he is also a certified Caregiver, holder of the National Certificate Level II by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

He added that "You give comfort to clients after working with them, because you have the hands of a considerate and empathetic skilled worker. Because you spend more time with patients, you develop ongoing relationships with them and interact with them in a positive, caring way."

Mr. Poculan urged the participants to be proud and work along the team with dignity, bringing along with you your stock knowledge, and preparedness to handle situations with your mastery in skills. Be tactful, patient, understanding, emotionally stable and you should have a strong desire to help people.

"You are part of the health care team; you should be able to work as a part of the team", he ended.

The ceremony was then followed by the recessional for which everybody shared sumptous meals prepared by the Catering service of the venue.

It was a successful event. To the newly blessed batch of candidates, remember that those pins were rewarded to acknowledge your commitment, skills, dedication and love for work. Till next time, on the 3rd Pinning ceremony.

Our special thanks to:

Mr. Poculan for accepting our invitation. Our profound gratitude, Sir!

Rudy's Art Photography esp. to the very accomodating Ma'am Julie. We all looked gorgeous!!

Mr. Jonathan Arendain. Thanks for understanding the situation.

To the parents, guardians, friends & relatives who witnessed this remarkably successful event.