Balik Eskwela '08 - The Return

I’ve been gushing about how significant to me the place of Sagada is, particularly the people of Barangay Ankileng.

And here’s another successful event I’m proud to label as “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED”. The recent Balik Eskwela ’08 project of the Rotaract Club of Sampiro was another remarkable experience to share.

Despite the bad weather forecasts, the rotaractors and some volunteers still pushed through with the trip. Not minding what would be the exact weather condition there, I am happy to say that the group arrived unscathed. Weather was fine enough to explore the incredible hanging coffins and the breathtaking Sumaguing Cave. Added to these, the aroma of hot tarragon tea, the pleasant taste of brown rice and freshly picked veggies were all at hand away. All these covered our long travel time and effort of bringing the donations to the young ones.

It was 8pm then when we left our foster parent’s house and started the almost one hour walk to the distribution venue. The rain never feared the group considering we had to cross a hanging bridge and walk on the pilapil down to their multi purpose hall. It’s good that our foster parent asked three of their people to carry those weighty boxes loaded with school presents. Likewise, a brilliant idea that we covered those boxes with black garbage bag before it was travelled from Makati.

Our walk-in-the-rain experience was paid off during the turnover of donations. Thou the number of kids have doubled, we managed to give them equally. Not a single penny can buy the smile on each kid’s face as they performed their talents in front of us. With the success of this project, we have surely increased the number of happy childen in our own Rotaract way. It was a joy beyond compare. Yours truly and the rest of the rotaractors and volunteers would like to acknowledge the altruistic and philanthropic act of our sponsors. – ROTARY CLUB OF MAKATI-POBLACION, POWERLINK INC., PS2.COM, JOLLiBEE, KRISPY KREME, Ms. Mennie Margate, Mr. Gerry Limlingan and the Staff of Urban Development Department (City Government of Makati). Huge thanks for making this project an achievable one. We will be sending you our feedback and pictures as well. We hope to work with you again and better if you’ll be with us on our next Sagada trip for our gift giving project scheduled on December.


For the snapshots, my great pleasure not to deprive you of those. *wink

Ooops! what's inside the black bags are not trash but our surprises for the kids of Sagada.(our own way of preventing it from getting wet).

It was dark.. It rained half of our way..but these never bothered us - A walk of commitment

Their first taste of original glazed doughnut of Krispy Kreme

These are just three of the many kids who benefited the project

So yeah. Those are some of the pix I personally picked. 'Till our next club project..

Making Friends

Responding to Wena's tag.

Start Copy Here:

Rule:
1. Copy from ::Start Copy Here:: through ::End Copy Here::.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.
3. Tag other online friends you know.You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.
4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list.That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!5. Come back once in a while to get the master list! Let’s see how this makes our Technorati and PR goes up!
6. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida,paper by Catrine.

1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6.Because Life Is Fun 7. Piece o’Kaje 8. Mon a Bric 9. Celebrate Life 10.My Journey11. Deeply In Love 12. Pink and Brown Diaries 13. Happyheart 14. Wilstop 15. FunFierceFab 16. Nita’s Random Thoughts 17. Nita’s Corner 18. Thomas Web Links 19. Thomas Travel Tales 20. Make Money Online 21. Great Finds and Deals 22. PRC Board Exam Results 24. My Wandering Thoughts 25. Nita’s Ramblings 26. Just Me.. Eds 27. Etc Atbp 28. When Silence Speaks 29. Juliana’s Lair 30. Juliana’s World 31. Juliana’s Library 32. Blessed Chic 33. Can of Thoughts 34. Hailey’s Domain 35. Hailey’s Beats and Bits 36. ISL family 37. Arbitrary Thoughts 38. D’ Cooking Mudra 39. My Big Picture 40. Dancing in Midlife Tune 41. Blessings In Life 42. My Colorful World 43. Dare to Blog 44. Life Realities 45. WebGeek Journal DotNet 46. WebGeek Journal 47. Let’s Travel Philippines 49. MY DAILY THOUGHTS AND MOODS 50. A Sweet Taste Of Life 51. My Life in this Wonderful World! 52. Denz Techtronics 53. Denz Recreational 54. Surviving Deplyoment 55. Ester’s Raptured Dreams 56. Nipa Hut 57.Picture Clusters 58. My Wanderings 59.Maiylah’s Snippets 60. EuLehKulit 61. Life Quest 61.Being a wife. Being a Mom. 62. MoMie SPace 63.Woman Xplore 64. PinayWAHM 65. Agring’s Simply Digital 66. Agring’s Home & Garden 67. Agring’s Homecooking & Baking 68. Agring’s Electronics & Entertainments 69. Scrap Addict Sundays 70. Mommy Talks 71. Aggie Scraps 72.Teacher’s Corner 73. My Drift 74. lancernews 75. My so called Life 76. See Me for what You Will… 77. kathycot.com 78. buhaymisis.com 79. All about Mye life 80. Everything has a Reason 81. Life’s Impression 82. Some Thoughts I have 83. Life’s Lessons 84. Conciously Think 85. Geekyology 86. Sprawt 87. Swanportraits 88. Rumination Under the Clouds 89. Busynessworld 90. Gandacious 91. Uncomplicated 92. My Life with... 93. Blueaficionado

End Copy Here

Note from the creator of this tag: Please NOTE that you are not allowed to change the “HERE” in number 4 to your own blog url. I am making this so that everyone can enjoy the benefit of higher technorati rank and who knows more PR!

I'm tagging those will visit my cyber home.

Cast your vote now!

Just this morning, my officemate asked me If I was able to cast my vote on the Philippines' entries to the New Seven Wonders of the World. And I just said "How can I vote ba?". Albeit she answered me back, I can't remember what she said coz it was already my time to do my frontdesk schedule.

It's good that Wena tagged me. Now I can avail my right to vote.

{Start Copy Here}

Started by Aeirin

Rules:1) Copy from {Start Copy Here} to {End Copy Here}.2) Vote the Philippines for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.3) Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.4) Tag other online friends you know. You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.5) Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment here. I will add you to the master list. That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!6) Lastly, come back and copy the master list back to your site, often. This will allow the new comers to achieve equal benefits as the late comers do.Last July 7, 2007, The New 7 Wonders of the World were announced. Now, the New7Wonders Foundation are looking for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. So many breathtakingly beautiful, natural places are still quite unknown to many. From waterfalls to fjords, rainforests to mountain peaks, freshwater lakes to salt flats, we are discovering together the incredible beauty and variety of our planet.”Call for Official Supported Nominees!Nominations can be submitted for the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign until December 31, 2008. Check the world map now to ensure that your favorite natural site has been suggested, then get in touch with local authorities to make sure they form an Official Supporting Committee for the nominee.

Vote for the PHILIPPINES

Vote now for Chocolate Hills The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills, all about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 sq km The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them the name ”Chocolate Hills.”

Vote now for Mayon Volcano Mayon Volcano is an active volcano on the Filipino island of Luzo, 15 km northwest of Legazpi City.It is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano). Its symmetric cone was formed through alternate pyroclastic and lava flows. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past 400 years, and is apart of what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Vote now for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world’s longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Vote now for Tubbataha Reef Tubbataha Reef is an atoll coral reef in the Sulu Sea that belongs to the Philippines. It is a marine sanctuary protected as Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is composed of two atolls, North and South Reefs. Each reef has a single small islet that protrudes from the water. The atolls are separated by a deep channel 8 kilometers wide.Over one thousand species, including many that are endangered, can be found at on the reef. These include manta rays, lionfish, tortoises, clownfish and sharks.
For more infomation, please visit: http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/

Masterlist
1. Aeirin’s Collection 2. Gelestrada 3. When Silence Speaks, 4. Crissy's Haven 5. Uncomplicated 6. blueaficionado

{End Copy Here}


I'm tagging Girlie. Go girl!

Got Tags

20 Questions Tag

I've been tagged for the first time. Thanks KCee!

Here are the Rules for this tag : Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight (8) people on your list. List them out at the end of this post.

1. At what age do/did you wish to marry?

35. Hahahaha. Still not sure if he's the one. Peace dada.

2. What was your happiest moment when you were a child?

Eating morning snack while playing scrabble with my siblings in our small nipa hut right in front of our house.

3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?

London

4. Which part of you do you hate the most?

Uhm.. can't tell. I love everything about me. Lol.

5. When you encounter a sad moment, what do you do?

Go to a place where I can only be me and utter a silent prayer.

6. What are you afraid to lose the most?

My loved ones of course.

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?

Donate some to our adopted barangay in Sagada. Share it with my loved ones. Travel abroad and save for the future.

8. What do you love the most about last year (2007)?
I was able to visit my lolo's place in Masbate after (16) sixteen long years.

9. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you:

Friendly, kind and pretty.

10. How do you cope with boredom?

Play ear defeaning music. Amuse myself with "icey" by browsing stacks of my pix and play games after.

11. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?

No regrets. I have learned so much from those experiences.

12. What type of person do you hate the most?

Backstabber.

13. What is your ambition?

To be a doctor? Lol.

14. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?

A family free from any sickness.

15. How did you celebrate New Year?

Watching fireworks while eating with my family.

16. What has been the craziest thing you've ever done in your whole life?

I accidentally used an iodized salt to my mom's coffee. I've mistaken it as salt.

17. What do you look forward to in 2008?

To finally own our house we loaned from PAGIBIG

18. If your life is a song, what title best fits it?

Gloria Gaynor's "I will Survive"!

19. What is your inspiration in life?

My family I dearly love.

20. Here's my out of the box question. How would you sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo?

Since it's freezing cold there, I would suggest him to use it as his cabinet instead. Lol.

Lakbayan Meme

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

So how much of the Philippines have you travelled? Add your links here:

1) mind bubbles, 2) may 3) VANITY KIT 4) SOMETHING PURPLE 5.) A DETOUR 6) Big Eyed Gal 7) The Chronic Shopper 8) My Inner Thoughts Revealed 9.) DeCaFFeiNaTed 10.) BaReFooTeD Me 11.) blueaficionado

I got C!. No doubt since most of the places I've been were from part of Luzon only.

I havent got (8) eight people on my list yet, but I'm tagiing my best bud who's in Japan now. Go Anna. Mishoo!

Just contemplating

Musing over the waves of China Sea

Have you ever felt your significance? How about someone’s rebuffing it? Has anybody asked of your capability and expertise over a certain thing and receive nothing in any way after the favor has been done? It's indeed unscrupulous.

I myself not trying to emphasize I became an essential part of getting their things done. Likewise, let them feel that I became an element of the success of a group. This is not all about monetary reward for the accomplished task but being thankful is of great way of returning the act of kindness. I consider that when things are appreciated it’s freely-given.

Albeit the two-word “Thank you!” is just simple expression, the manner of how you express it creates a great impact to anyone who will heed it. It does not matter how big or small the favor was, but the verity that she/he became indispensable reinforcement deserves a gratitude you need to return. I guess that by doing so, this will help you develop a more concrete relationship towards individual when it comes to soliciting a favor.

Before I put an end to this, I am taking this chance to say “thank you” to the peeps I met along my journey; for providing me opportunities to know the real me; for making me realize my purpose on earth; for believing in my capacity to handle things which are sometimes uncontainable. All of you made me feel me that a big load has been taken off my neck. My sincere gratitude for letting God used you as a huge blessing to me.

For the peeps who made me feel bad and hurt me in any way.. I won’t fail to remember to utter the same words: Thank you!. I consider all of you as my life critics that will always remind me how to live right.

Eskwelang Kwela '07

This was a triumphant activity that ought to have a space here: As part of the collaborative campaign to ensure the smooth opening of classes for school year 2007 - 2008, The Rotaract Club of Sampiro conducted a project entitled Eskwelang Kwela: A Balik Eskwela Program for the Children of Barangay Ankileng, Sagada Mountain Province last May 18-20, 2007. The project aims to extend material assistance to those identified children willing to continue with their studies but lack of financial support. The club has been extending to the said barangay facilities and knowledge with regard to the fast changing era of computers. Our club was able to teach the people the basic use of computer during our first leg visit and donated computers for their actual application. Furthermore, they benefited clothes, books, maps, medicines and goodies courtesy of our generous sponsors on our second visit.

The said Balik Eskwela was part of our continuous community project in Sagada wherein mostly pre-schoolers became our beneficiaries. Ten (10) rotaractors took the grueling 14 hours trip to Sagada carrying seven boxes carefully packed loaded with school uniform for pre-schoolers, bags, school supplies, medicines, shampoo and biscuits. All these items were handed to the kids and made possible by our bighearted sponsors: The Rotary Club Makati- Poblacion, Jollibee Taguig- Pateros, Philippine National Red Cross Rizal – Chapter, Head and Shoulders, Powelink Inc., Ms. Aleki Roshane and the staff of Urban Development Department, City Government of Makati. The group enjoyed seeing the faces of the youngsters glowing with wonder and innocence. They remind us of how important it is to remain open to whatever adventures lie just around the bend.

With the success of this endeavor, the children of Sagada taught us a new way to understand the importance of giving. It motivated each one of us to keep coming back not only because we enjoy serving but also because we can learn from them; helping us grow into caring individuals who can change the future.

The kids of Ankileng Day Care Center showing their new school uniforms , some barangay officials and rotaractors handling the banner of RC Makati Poblacion – our mother club

A surprise gift for Ms. Carmen Lipato, lone teacher of Ankileng Day Care Center (clothes, bag loaded with school supplies and teaching materials)

The little choreographer teaching the rotaractors the sagada moves

Exploring the breathtaking Sumaging Cave

Got mud dirt while catching our breath but yea, we survived!

UPDATE: The Rotaract Club of Sampiro (11 rotaractors to be exact) will be leaving for Sagada tomorrow via Victory Liner(to Baguio) for our second Balik Eskwela Project 2008.. Yipee.. . Thanks to our generous supporters (i'll reveal them on my next blog). Can't wait to witness the children of Sagada have the first taste of the popular US doughnut brand which is now in the Philippines. Yea, you've read it right. Thanks Krispy Kreme - Ayala Avenue Branch (one of our sponsors). You have such a huge heart for the kids. For those who haven't shared anything for the kids, you can still do so by saying a simple prayer for our safe and sound journey.

Time to paint a smile. So kids..brace yourself coz we are coming over for your school presents and lots of goodies - a long fourteen hours rewarding trip.

Prayer granted - It isn't my last glance

In the recent Holy week, I was able to blog of my last glance of Sagada, which I reckoned. But now, I am happy to announce that I’m going back there for another outreach program. Yippe!. For all you know, I’ve been doing this with the full support of my co-rotaractors and generous sponsors since 2006 when I became the elected president of the Rotaract Club of Sampiro – younger Rotarians as they call us. Though my term is over, I still prop up my loyalty to our club as past president. It was awe-inspiring to know that the club to be headed by the elected president, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Gonzales-Ostonal will be coming back there for another Balik Eskwela Project on May 24-25, 2008.

As of this moment, the group is in the process of gathering school supplies, books and other forms of donations to be given to the seventy (70) less fortunate kids of Barangay Ankileng in Sagada. Six (6) medical staff from Makati Medical Centerwill join the said outreach shelling out their own contributions as well. I can’t wait to see the children wearing their beaming smile as they patiently line-up to get their school presents. That unforgettable smile painted on their faces certainly the main reason that keeps the group from finding bighearted sponsors that will support our projects for the young ones.

The project is one week away. Albeit it’s another fourteen hours butt-aching trip but who cares? I would say that it’s another experience laudable to be remembered by; another absolute idyllic day for the seventy kids and a great chance for us, rotaractors to be the reason for them to smile again. The no-doubt smile that would bring each one of us the amazing feeling even a single penny can’t buy. Hay.. can’t wait to feel such experience all over again.
How about you? Do you want to paint a smile by sharing something for the kids? We’ll be delighted to see you being a part of our club - Rotaract Club of Sampiro. This coming August is our sponsorship month. Our incoming president, Ms. Ma. Cristina Espinueva (hahaha.. go..go.. Tin-Tin!) would be glad to welcome you guys as we altogether extend help to the needy ones in our own rotaract way.

Wear a smile and be the reason for others to smile. Click!.