1st of July

Happy Birthday!

15th Philippine President

May 11th this year, my country had a history when it held its first automated presidential election. In just few hours after casting of votes has been closed, it was clear already as to who will win as one takes a huge lead from other presidential candidates. It took weeks, though, to officially proclaim the new president.


A former senator, 50, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Like GMA (former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo), P-Noy, as what he would like to be called, was also born of a parent that was a former president, the late Corazon Aquino. And so, many hope that this man is the one to change everything. So, we'll see.

I never liked Noynoy even before. I didn't care of him when he was a senator. I don't like the way he speaks, the way he walks, his baldy head, and all. I don't know. Plus the fact that he holds grudge from the past, I hate it. I never liked his idea of running as a president, nor didn't I vote for him as a president. But then, I'm not pessimistic on his governance. Like most of my fellow Filipinos, I am seeing a brighter future for my country with him leading it.

A lot of people, if not all, hated GMA, but they have to see the bright side as well! I don't love GMA, but I don't hate her either. I think she was a good leader of our country. (Or, at least, she tried) It's not final goodbyes to Gloria, however. The former president ran as a Congresswoman of a district in her province, and won! After the formal turnover of the power to P-Noy earlier, GMA headed to San Fernando City to take her oath.

P-Noy and former PGMA

Final military honor to the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

...

"THE DAY YOU WENT AWAY"

Well I wonder
Could it be
When I was dreaming 'bout you baby
You were dreaming of me
Call me crazy
Call me blind
To still be suffering is stupid after all of this time

Did I lose my love to someone better
And does she love you like I do
I do, you know I really really do

Well hey
So much I need to say
Been lonely since the day
The day you went away
So sad but true
For me there is only you
Been lonely since the day
The day you went away

I remember
Date and time
September twenty-second
Sunday twenty-five after nine
In the doorway
With your case
No longer shouting at each other
There were tears on our faces

And we were letting go of something special
Something we'll never have again, I know
I guess I really really know

Well hey
So much I need to say
Been lonely since the day
The day you went away
So sad but true
For me there is only you
Been crying since the day
The day you went away

Did I lose my love to someone better
And does she love you like I do, I do
You know I really really do

Well hey
So much I need to say
Been lonely since the day
The day you went away
So sad but true, for me there's only you
Been crying since the day
The day you went away

Why do we never know what we've got 'til it's gone
How could I carry on
The day you went away
Cause I've been missing you so much I have to say
Been crying since the day
The day you went away

Happy Birthday to all the Birthday celebrants for today, the 24th.

I MISS LAILA

...also Gump, Osme and Panget. They were our last group of dogs during my early college years. Laila was the oldest. Laila was born in early nineties, 1990 or 1991, I'm not sure. Her Mum, Doggie, was the first dog I befriended when I was a kid. Not the first in the family, though. I was just, I believe, a toddler when my parents owned a white local-bred dog, also named Doggie. I didn't have much cool memories with him. He was a bit unfriendly to kids. Or, maybe it was my fault, too. I was, I think, 4 or 5 or 6, Doggie was having his meal when I decided to sit right next to him and watch him as he devour his food. Then all of a sudden he attacked me. I was then rushed to the hospital. Since then, I can't remember I ever played with him or came close to him. It was a few years after the incident when he lost, or died. I don't really know what happened to him. Then my parents owned another local dog. It was Doggie #2. This time it was brown with straight-up ears. And, a female one. And friendly. Very! It didn't take too long and Doggie got pregnant and gave birth to nine puppies! It is clear to my memory that her first batch of puppies was 9!:) Laila was one of them. Others were given to relatives and friends.

Doggie continued to get pregnant, and same goes with the first one, 1 to 2 were left and the rest were given away. Doggie later died. Natural death. She was old enough, they said. Like Doggie, Laila gave birth many times. 7 to 9 puppies per batch. I witnessed how caring Laila was to her puppies, which she acquired from Doggie. Even when Laila's puppies grew up already, she would still clean them, licks their ears, finds lice for them, and all. It was a sweet moment to see Laila doing those stuff.

Gump and Panget were included in Laila's second-to-the-last batch of puppies. Gump was named after Forest Gump, and Panget is the Tagalog term of "ugly". Both were males. Osme was one of the last batch of puppies Laila had. Osme is short for Osmenia. A former Senator here. Laila, Gump, Panget and Osme were our dogs when we moved in to another place.



- - - M I S S I N G L A I L A - - -

It is Mum who named Laila. I don't why and where she got it, though. Laila was brown too, like Doggie. For me, Laila was the sweetest dog my family has ever owned. She was not the aggressive type, but barked wildly. Laila was friendly, anti-burglar type. She would let people get inside our house, but makes sure they wouldn't get or hold anything while in the house or going out. It was okay to her to let people walk around the house, as long as they wouldn't hold or even touch anything, or else, she would bark crazily, or worst would bite them. Laila was generous, too. Gump was the greedy type. The four of them were being fed fairly. What Gump would do was eat fast, then transfer to Laila then to another then to another. Laila wouldn't mind Gump doing that. She'd just let him do it, and would just sit afar. Unlike other dogs, they would fight back.

Laila was thoughtful. In our then community, tricycle (a three-wheeled motorcycle)rarely passes around. We need to get to the village's main road to get one. It is the mode of transportation inside the village. From our house, we need to have a five-minute walk to the main road, with a few turns. Whenever I go to school back then, as early as 5 in the morning, Mum, together with Laila, they would walk me up to the main road. The moment of seeing them walk back home as my tricycle goes on was a touching one. Sometimes whenever I would go somewhere alone, Laila and the other dogs would walk me the main road. Most often they would wait with me for the tricycle, they would sit as I sit at the waiting shed, until I get a ride. Then when they made sure that the tricycle moves away, the lovely dogs would walk back home. I swear, tears stream as I write this. Man, I miss them! They were like Mums walking their kids up to the bus station.


- - - T H E D O G S' R U T H L E S S F A T E - - -

In our then village, mosquitoes were everywhere, and were even bigger than the usual, and would bite more stinging and itchy. The dogs sleep at the garage, and are more prone to the stinging insects. A several months later, a year maybe, the scratches resulted into wounds. Laila and Panget acquired more wounds than Gump and Osme. After months of noticing the two poor dogs condition, my good parents decided to abandon them, one at a time. Panget was first. It didn't hurt that much when my parents explained why they have to desert the 'ugly' dog. Maybe because it was well-explained, plus his condition was really worst, also he was then being rude to his Mum, Laila, and we couldn't control him anymore.

When Panget was gone, I then started missing him. I wouldn't know what to do if they'd do the same to Laila. So, I started giving more attention to her. This is despite my busyness on school stuff. I washed Laila every week, I tried to clean her wounds. But after a few months of doing so, I hated it, but it didn't pay off. My parents dumped her :'( They failed at first. Using my family's tricycle, my father drove it down to a far place from our village. Mum was inside the three-wheeled vehicle with Laila. They did the thing early in the morning while me and my dear brother were still sleeping. They abandoned Laila to that far place outside our village. Just when they thought they have succeeded, they were surprised to see Laila home wagging her tail, welcoming them back. When they confided to us (me and my dear bro) that they failed to forsake Laila, my heart was celebrating. But then I was distressed. I kept on hugging and patting Laila and telling her how great she is that she escaped her fate. Since that night, I let her slept in my room, always locked her in. But after a few weeks, my parents did the thing again, and this time they were success :@ At first I didn't know that Laila was gone, until my parents came home, and asked where Laila was. I was, like, "no way"! I immediately checked her in my room, in my brother's room, in my parents' room and its bathroom, in our general bathroom, I went around the community calling her name, but no one came out. "Shit, they did it!". I then locked myself in my room, crying, hoping Laila to come home like she did the first time around. That day, Mum cooked the family's favourite Sunday lunch dish, to make up maybe, but it didn't work out to me. I didn't talk to them for a week, they were explaining things to me, but I couldn't understand anything. I hated them! I kept on waiting for Laila to come home for a month, but she wouldn't :'(

I was not recovered yet with my first heart break, when after a month of Laila's lost, it was Gump's turn. Gump was given to somebody from our old community with me and Mum unaware. Gump was slaughtered, my brother reported. Mum couldn't accept the fact, and neither did I. The deal was just Panget and Laila to dump, but my sucky father broke it! My parents then fight, and I got in the way once in a while. I was raging. I hated him!

It sucks that Gump was brutally killed when he escaped his death twice. In our old community, he was ran over by an SUV. I didn't witness it, but they said he rolled his body under the moving vehicle. The second was with a closed van. This time, I witnessed everything! He was crossing the road, when this van passed, with normal speed. People were telling the driver that there was a dog under, he then slowed down. Gump then started groaning. I almost cried, I didn't want to see him full of blood, but that's how I thought I'd see him, with intestines out. Thank God I was wrong. After the van ran over him, he immediately ran to our house without wounds, no broken bones! He escaped his death for the second time. Everyone was surprised and impressed!

It hurts that whenever I go to the main road for the tricycle, it was just Osme alone walking with me. The used-to-be four dogs, now only one.

It didn't take too long when we moved in to a new house once again. We brought Osme in. In our first old house, my family used to own up to 11 dogs, now it's just one left. I'm not used to have only one dog around, when I grew up with dogs everywhere. But then, I couldn't do anything. Our new house is smaller than the first two, plus houses were clustered. And, so, they wouldn't allow too many dogs.

It sucks that in this community, we have a neighbor that is hungry, very much hungry for dog meat. He is actually a dog meat lover! OMG! He raises dogs just to slaughter them and eat them. How nice! When he saw Osme around, he asked for him. Of course, as new to the neighborhood, my friendly father gave Osme to the pioneer, the dog meat eater!

I can remember how I hated my parents back then. How they made their decision of sending the dogs away to dispatch was so unfair! The dogs, especially Laila, showed loyalty to them, to us, but despite that they dumped them! I wanted to sue them for animal cruelty, but I couldn't. I didn't know how and who to speak with to sue them. Until now as I remember the poor dogs, I remember the hatred that I've been holding in. I'm praying that my lovely parents are forgiven by the wonderful dogs. I'm praying too, that if ever the re-incarnation of dogs' souls exists, man, it'd be a pleasure to meet them in their second life.

(Photos soon)

Happy Birthday, Thel!

It's Mum. It is Thelma her name. During good times, I simply call her Thel :)

Thel turns 57 today.



Also my dear bro, who turns 24.

Mum had a twin bro, but she lost him seven years ago.

Mum has an aunt who also was born on the 8th day of October.

Well, just wanna send a Happy Birthday greeting to the four of them :) *cheers*

Something To Be Thankful For

Just like a typical typhoon day, the coldness of the night made me extend my sleep up to past 1 in the afternoon last September 26. My sleep would have been longer if the noisy sounds of the heavy rain pouring on roofs didn't occur. I was having my late lunch when the power died due to the heavy rain with a little wind. After three hours of not having anything, TV, radio, my fone was dead, and mosquitoes were everywhere, I started complaining. "It was just a heavy rain, and they cut the electricity?!"

We didn't hear any news since then up to the next 27 hours. When the power went back, it was only then when my family learned how devastating the typhoon was. It's not that we didn't feel the typhoon, it's just we thought it was just a typical one since we didn't have any flood around my community.

Upon turning the TV on as the power went back, news about the typhoon was everywhere. Every local channel was having their special 'typhoon' coverage, which seldom happens.

Almost half the country, including the city where I live, were affected by the flood. Many establishments and houses were submerged in the six feet flood, some were even under the ten feet water. Many houses in exclusive villages were also struck by the rain water. Small houses that built nearby sea, river and creek were washed away by the strong flash flood.Cars were on top of each other after suffering from swept of the flood current. I even saw a refrigerator hanging on a bundle of electric cable that is about 15-20 feet high. National roads and major thoroughfares suddenly became a sea. And, of course, the shocking number of death that reached almost 300, and many are still missing.

As soon as the power went back that day, I immediately recharged my fone, and messages from friends started coming in, asking if I was affected by the devastating flood, and stuff. I then started calling our relatives that live in the affected areas, but we couldn't reach anyone. Mum started to worry, so on Monday, as the thoroughfares went passable, we went to one of her nieces to check-up. On our way there, we saw an area under a bridge that used to have number of houses, but now, nothing left. Affected cars were on the side street, a lot residents were full of mud on their skin that made me think, "you're not cool if you don't have mud on". Some were asking for money, food, clothes to the motorists. I pity them. I felt so helpless inside the cab. Luckily, it was just gooey mud that we saw as we arrived in the area. My cousin's house was doing better as Mum and I came in, it was after suffering from a waist-deep flood. They were just cleaning up the mess when we came. Mud was sticking everywhere, on every stuff of my lovely cousin, velvety couches, cabinets, drawers, furnitures, even the crisper of her fridge was full of nice-colored mud. It seemed there was mocha that spilled all all over the refrigerator.

The first time, and hopefully the last, flood I experience was when I was a little kid. Can't recall when, maybe I was 6 or 7. It was not that alarming. The flood that came in our house was just an ankle-deep, or not even. By then, as a kid, I hated the task of wading the water out. It sucks, I thought. But with what just happened to most of my countrymen, they wouldn't complain or lose hope, but instead be thankful that they are still alive. It was just flood that would subside, and their cars and other valuable stuff, they could earn and have another of them, they said.

There was just a little percentage of the areas in Metro Manila that were not affected, and luckily, it includes the community I live in. It was just then when I realized how fortunate my family is. It was the whole day blackout that I was complaining about when most were in danger. I was pissed out that I would miss my favourite TV show, when many lost their homes, some lost their lives. I guess that's something to be thankful for. Thanks to the Big Guy that my family was not affected by the flood, and so my other relatives, also some of my friends.

P.S. I wanna send a salute to the volunteers that considered as the modern heroes, who helped the typhoon victims. Also those who donated cash and goods. Hats off :)

Photos grabbed at:
http://www.timesnewsnetwork.com
http://www.nowpublic.com


When you get caught in the rain with no where to run
When you're distraught and in pain without anyone
When you keep cryin out to be saved but nobody comes
And you feel so far away that you just can't find your way home
You can get there alone
It's ok, won't you say

I can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again on my own and I know that I'm strong enough
to mend
And every time I feel afraid
I hold tighter to my faith and I live one more day and I make it
through the rain

And if you keep falling down, don't you dare give in
You will arise safe and sound, so keep pressing on steadfastly and
you'll find what you need to prevail
What you say


And when the wind blows
And shadows grow close
Don't be afraid
There's nothing you can't face
And should they tell you, you'll never pull through

Training + Pleasure

Since I've mentioned about it, why not share my experience in that island and the whole trip. I'm talking about the on-board training that I recently had.

The training would be one of the coolest things I liked the most in my summer training, not just because I slightly overcome my fears, but also because of the whole experience itself.

I couldn't calm myself down as the big date was approaching. Two things. As I’ve mentioned before; excitement and nervousness. Excitement because, it would be my first-time of everything; First-time to take a vessel trip, and my first-time to be in Coron, our island destination. And, having a “first-time thing” is always exciting. Then there’s this ‘nervousness’. It is simply because, as I told you, I fear sea and ships! I fear everything found on a ship, or at least the most important part of it; anchor, propeller, huge ropes, enormous chains, derricks, smoke cylinder (or whatever they call it) the sound of its engine, and the alarming sound of its horn! “Can I make it?”, the big question to myself. By the way, my objectives? To gain knowledge and to have an unforgettable memory on that island. And, also to conquer my FEAR! Then the 22nd of May came.

As my group arrived at the port, I was not surprised with how my heart reacted. I wanted to go home! The ship is called M/V Our Lady of Good Voyage. After, about, 30 minutes at the waiting area, the group was finally called to go onboard. Oh my GOD! My knees were trembling crazily as I made my first step on the gangplank! I wanted to back out, but that was impossible. “I have my objectives!”, I reminded myself.

Surprisingly, the shaking vanished when I got inside the ship. It was cozy inside. The smiles of the crew were relaxing as they welcomed us. I felt more relaxed when my group went to our assigned bunks. By the way, we were accommodated at the Tourist Class, perfect for backpackers. Several minutes later, the group was called for the final briefings, assignments of duties, and a vessel tour. The group was divided into three. In our first duties, two groups were assigned at the Food and Beverage department. The ship has two dining areas; Horizon, a first-class dining restaurant, and Island Fiesta, a 24-hour cafeteria for Economy and Tourist passengers. The other group, where I belong to, was assigned at the MegaValue Class, an Economy Class that is fully air-conditioned.

The ship was not moving yet when we started our first duties. About the first duty, I had no problem with it, except that I wanted more assignments! I wanted to clean the bathroom, scrub the toilet, throw the garbage to the disposing area, and all dirty stuff, but my superior didn't allow me, or any of my group mates. My primary duty was to maintain the cleanliness with the MegaValue area, but, there were times that I reached the SuperValue's (an open-air Economy Class) hallway, maintaining its cleanliness :) That's how excited I was. And, that's how industrious Mandaluyong Manpower Development Center students are ;) Sometimes, I assisted guests covering their bunks. In the middle of my duty, while enjoying my assigned job, I noticed that the ship was finally sailing. I noticed it, but I didn't feel it. “Maybe it's a good sign that I could overcome my fear”, I thought. The next assignment was to do a survey to the guests. Interview some, ask them how they feel about the service, any thoughts or comments, and all, and, then write them on a paper. It was a nice assignment since we were able to get to hear guests' views. (Too bad I can't provide you photos while we were on duty.)

The group's time to relax after several hours of duty.

Early morning the next day, as we woke up, we were already somewhere in Coron. We then immediately went to the bridge to witness the sunset and of course, the wonderful sights.It was great views everywhere! Green mountains, jagged edges rock formations enclosing with limestone, and clear water! Oh my God! What an awesome way to start the day. From then alone, I could say that what we paid for worth it! “There's a lot more once we reached our destination”, our class instructor Miss Mercy, reminded us.

We arrived at the Coron Pier at around 7AM. From there we were transferred to the island where we were gonna stay, Dive Link Resort, a 10-minute boat ride from the port. A hearty breakfast awaited us as we reached the resort. I wasn't surprised with how the people at the resort took care of us. It was heart-warming as the beauty of Coron. Not to mention the people we get encountered with around the province. People there were so friendly. And, they speak Tagalog! :)

Coron Island is located in Northern Palawan in the Philippines. The entire island and associated offshore waters have been designated as Ancestral Domain. It offers a variety of sporting and leisure activites and is popular for snorkeling and diving. There are islands with white sandy beaches, fresh water and tropical vegetation and fantastic coral reefs for diving.

The class has two reasons of joining this trip. "Training" being the main, and "pleasure" seconds it. But, with all the wonderful beaches, sights, and all? "Pleasure ruled!

Our first stop was the Kayangan Lake. Named as the country's cleanest lake, and one of the cleanest in the South East Asia. Before we reached the said lake, we had to have a short trek over a slippery hill. It was a exhausting trek up and down the hill, but when we plunged ourselves into the clear water, wow, it's worth the tiring hike!

The lunch for the day was set-up at the CYC Island. A white-sand beach with clear water. Where coral reefs are visible in the shallow area! But, of course, we had to be careful with sea urchins. “The spikey black creatures are everywhere”, the tour guide warned us.

As the sun was about to set, the group was also set to go back to the resort. Dive Link Resort is where we were gonna stay for two days. The resort is facing the Coron Bay, which is a nice view to relax after a long day of island hopping. The rooms were awesome, too. It was air-conditioned, that can accommodate six people. Six single beds, with toilet and shower, separately.

If the first day was an awesome one already, what more on the second day? After a hearty breakfast at the resort, the group was out to trek Mt. Tapyas, a 700-step mountain. (I don't know much about its history, sorry. Not paying attention to the tour guide and Miss Mercy when they shared its history) People we passed by on our way to the mountain warned us. Everyone would tell us how exhausting the hike would be, and remind us to have a bottle of water with us. Seven-hundred steps? Sure! No problem! This is what we came for, in the first place. A one-of-a-kind adventure, and..body pain! I was so excited that I wanted to reach the top first, but we haven't reached the one-third of the mountain yet, when I, along with my group, started complaining. “Aren't we there yet”? It was a tiring that we stop for a rest every 10-15 steps we made. Atop, we saw what beautiful scenery Coron can offer. Like Kayangan Lake, it's worth the 700 steps! Whew! :)

View from atop mountain

After the weary activity, it was a nice time to sink ourselves into a lake named “Siete Pecados”. We were in the middle of the lake, far from beaches. The water was clear, and tiny fishes were everywhere.They were friendly that they didn't mind the visitors disturbing them. We had our lunch on a lake. Not literally, of course! Our boat was anchored in the middle of the lake, and we had the feast on the boat. Sweet, wasn't it?

Next stop was the highlight of the day' The Twin Lagoon. This is, according to Miss Mercy, a majestic, enchanting place around Uson Island. From a distance, we could already get a glimpse of the sharp-edged rock formations covered with lovely lime stones.When we finally reached the hotspot, everyone was in gape. The pristine place made everyone in serenity.

Twin Lagoon is, as the term imply, two. Two lagoons. The two lagoons are separated by a limestone mountain. Our boat was anchored on the first lagoon, and to get to the second one, we had to pass through a narrow passage. Luckily, when we were there, the tide was low, that a kayak can pass through. But, if it was a high-tide, oh my God, we would have to swim underneath just to pass through the limestone, that serves as the gate to the second lagoon, and I don't think I could do that >_<

The rocky mountains around the lakes are, I estimate, 300-500 feet, which is according to Miss Mercy, thrice of it is how deep the water is! It is “another world” underneath. Though, it frightened me when I look underneath. I fear sea, remember? I couldn't believe I was floating on a hundred-foot deep water!

The water in the second lagoon was as relaxing as the first one, but it's not salty as the other. The water was literally “cool”, and relaxing. Although we wanted to stay longer, we couldn't, since the tide could change any moment. Too bad cameras or any gadget were not allowed to bring inside the other lagoon. Nope, not by law, but for security reasons. They are certain to get wet!

Few hours before the sun sets, we went back to the resort. Several hours before our departure, we feasted on a buffet of seafood, meats, vegetables and fruits. The table set-up was special that night compared to the one when we arrived. After having the final feast and some picture-taking, it was our time to send our thank-you's to the people at the resort who welcomed us and accommodated us warmly.

Setting foot on Coron is one of the unforgettable things that happened to me. There is a lot more to explore in there, and hopefully, I could make it some other time.
The “pleasure” was over, and it was the “training”'s time to take place once again. F&B department was my group's final designation. I was assigned at the Island Fiesta. I was a bit upset that girls weren't allowed to bus out soiled dishes at the dining area. All girls had to do was to portion foods over the counter, and others, including me and Sally, my partner, had to just stand over the sandwich counter, where guests seldom check-up at. I mentioned earlier how industrious MMDC students are, and so, I wouldn't allow myself just counting minutes at the sandwich area. Waiters wouldn't allow me to bus out soiled dishes, but then I thought of things to get my bored self out of the lethargic counter area. I assisted guest find their tables, and help them on their way there. I maintained the cleanliness within the dining area. And, there were times, without the awareness of the selfish waiters, I secretly bussed out soiled dishes ;)

Surely the Superferry Training Program is essential. We were exposed to the onboard F&B and Housekeeping operation. It was a nice hands-on experience that would be very useful when we apply in any hospitality industry.

So, did I achieve my objectives? Yes! I was exposed to the on-board hotel operation, I had an unforgettable moment, and, yeah, I would say I have overcome my fears. Not completely, though :p I'd be needing more exposures to sea and ships. Hopefully HUGE ships someday :)


I'm still waiting for these papers to be useful >_<