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 It's already crowded and I withdrawn.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. :)

Things to do this Summer

April is almost passing. Have you figured out ways to enjoy Summer?  

Read on...

[Note: You may have done doing some of these tips but it may be worth reading.]

On the beach/resorts..

  Never miss out on bringing fruits and lots of water [to stay hydrated] whenever you go swimming. Fruits like sliced pineapple, apples, banana and watermelon. Help retain your skin's moisture.

  Whenever my family or my friends goes to the beach, I see to it that I have everything in place. Thanks to my checklist! It includes the list of clothes for bathing, changing, essentials until the utensils that should be brought. And oh, a piece of advise. Don't ever forget to bring plastic bags for your wet clothes, leftover foods and trash [as they say, bring your garbage back]. 

  Have your camera batteries charged the night before for planned trip. You wouldn't want to miss out to capture each moment. But if the group makes an on-the-spot decision to go to the beach, bring along its camera charger.  

Outside home..

  Summer is an opportunity for some students to generate income. How?

Get a summer job. Municipalities or some establishments post summer job offering as early as January so if you have plans of making your summer productive, enlist yourself ahead of time and accomplish the required documents.  

If you want to manage your own time and got the skill of tutoring a kid, on gardening, babysitting, pet care and/or food and beverage services, why not advertise your service for a minimal fee? Have your friends or family members be your coordinator.  Spread out your calling cards and posters or use the power of texting.

  

At home..

  While most students feels miserable staying home counting their relatively small amount of money, they are left with no choice but to stay foot. 

Mission Organization. Try to arrange your stuffs. Clothes, shoes, books, CDs, school supplies, essentials. Spare your mom from cleaning your room this time. Believe me, she would even prepare your favorite snack once she sees your room clutter-free.

Check your email. Got an internet connection? Allot some time to check on your emails. Delete those unneeded files, empty your trash box and maximize the space of your inbox. 

Play board games. Give your cellphones and your thumb a time to rest this summer. Call in younger or older siblings and play your family's favorite board game. It's a perfect bonding for the whole family, enjoying life's simple pleasures. 

Movie Marathon. Now is the chance to open your box of movie collections again, whether its a DVD/VCD/VHS tapes. Make a list of movies you want to watch and arrange its cases in order so you'll know what to pick next. Invite your friends to come over and have the popcorn, chips and beverage ready.  

Write.  It may be a song, a poem, a letter or a composition.  Take a look around and find your inspiration.  Sometimes great songs comes in hum-ble beginnings.

Read. Were u given a book as a present? Try to open or continue reading its content since school books is having its vacation.  

Sort. Go over those piles of photocopies you have for the entire school year. Be aware it imposes risk of fire hazards. Separate the copies that stays and goes. Make sure you have the trash bin beside you to conserve time and energy. 

Kitchen companion. It's about time to help Mom in the kitchen. Offer your help and cook meals together. You can also find good recipes online. 

Be an entrepreneur. Invest on something profitable this Summer. What do people want? Something sweet, something cold, something thirst-quenching, something delicious. A lot can be done. You can sell ice candies, ice water, ice, softdrinks, juices or if you have the desire to earn bigger, sell halo-halo. Us at home, we continually sell ice water and ice and it helps us earn a bit, something for the electricity and water bill, while staying at home. Just don't forget to place a sign board outside your gate.

Actually, there are tons of things you can do this "summer" besides strolling to the mall, going out of town, nature tripping or camping. You can even add or make your own list. And remember this, do what makes you happy and enjoy every minute of it so by the time you go back to school this June and your teacher, your friend would ask, you could answer "I had a great summer", with a smile on your face. 

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!!

WELCOME BACK to PASSIG ISLET!!

bernzhere sets foot again on Davao del Sur's very own version of White sand BORACAY Resort. To my good friend Novie, thank you for the treat. Congratulations on your Regular appointment. I'm sure your dad would be more proud of you. Keep up the good work and stay humble, as always. 

(Note: Click on photos for a larger view)

On our way, we passed this stall along the Highway that adorns clumping Mangosteens! 

Picnic white umbrellas gives an ample shade to bakasyonistas!! 

Was amaze when I saw the improvements of the ISLET. After logging in our names [for security purposes, I guess], I ask the attendant what's that on-going construction. She responded, it's a Cconference Hall. Wow, a conference hall in the middle of an ocean. 

These are some of the Islets huts 

Smiles despite the scorching heat

Bangkero's way of living

Their very own PAGODA

Far view of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Two places separated by blue green waters of the ocean

Looks like a backdraft but a picturesque of Mt. Apo

We were informed there would be a slight delay on the arrival of the sailboat man. He ran some errand pa daw kasi.  Dusk enveloped the whole place.  So dark. Could barely see your folks, not unless your friend smiles, hehehe. While waiting, I opened my Digi and viewed our pictures. Wow, another batch to add in my gazillion photographs. I'm running out of photo albums. Donations, anyone? [chuckles]

6:13pm Finally, the sailboat man has come. We were assisted one by one and when settled, he switch on its engine. Was pretty amaze of the flying fishes. The locals call it "isaw".

I had a good time with my friends and to our new acquaintances Elyn and Doris although Sheila wasn't there. Wish you were with us but I hope your S.O. gets well soon. We understand. Miss you, she.

Asked if I got any remembrance. I do, my arms had sunburns. The lotion I brought with SPF 15 did not beat the UV rays. [rolls eyes].