I was always on the sideline – watching, observing, helping when needed and asked, supporting, and sustaining. For 20 years that was my role as wife to a local church leader. I saw how he dedicated his life to his call. It was, for him, not just a Sunday responsibility – it was a 24/7 thing, one that required the best from him (and us as a family).

From the very first moment he was given a calling, we were both interviewed and were made to understand that calls to serve comes with a corresponding “expiration date” – a release will be called in due time. All those years we knew and were prepared that time will come when a release will be in order, and it came after 20 years of what seemed like a full time church service, for him and for all of us.

Ed, Romel, and Norman

Were we prepared? Yes! But I have to be honest too, that in my mind I was a bit worried about what will happen next, not so much to me or to my children, but to my beloved sweetheart. All those years he was involved in practically all the activities of the stake; he was “on top” of things. He was close to almost all the members of the stake. He knew their circumstances, and their problems were his problems; their joys his joys. One of the things I learned in all the years he served was that he carried more the problems of the members than our own, not because we did not have any, but because it was his duty, and he attended to them to the best of his ability.

He was known to be very strict to the youth – a disciplinarian. But that was because he loved all of them. He treated all the young men and young women as his own sons and daughters – hurting when someone was hurt; happy when someone was happy. He wanted all of them to succeed, just like his want and desire for his own children to succeed.

The Young Women of the Stake then ...

I never thought I’d see him cry, but he did, on the very Sunday he was released. As we went out the meeting house at the end of the Stake Conference on that beautiful Sunday afternoon, I saw how sad he felt; I saw the tears forming in his eyes and I knew he was struggling to fight off the tears.  At that moment I looked back on the 20 years when we were almost always the first ones in the Chapel on activity days and Sundays and the last ones out on those occasions too! I said to myself that things will never be the same again. I wonder what will fill our Sunday afternoons? Will he be given another calling in the Stake?

Stake Temple Trip at the Philippines Manila Temple

And so here we are, almost three years after his release. We managed, and have adjusted well. Nothing much really has changed. He still attends meetings on Sunday afternoons when invited. When there are no meetings, we all stay home and savor the peace and quite of the Sabbath day.

Today, however, we were reminded of the “things past”…

The youth, with two of our youngest children, just came home from their annual summer temple trip, something that we were deeply involved in the last 20 years of our membership.

As we were driving to pick them up in the port, we talked about what we did together in the past – all the annual temple trips in Manila … the numerous visits to the Manila Zoo and the American Cemetery.  We talked about the sacrifices we had to make just so we can go to the temple every year. We talked about the kindness and generosity of Tatay (the owner of Karilagan Forwarders) who sent his drivers and vans just to pick us from the port and brought us and our things to the Patron House. Our kids (who were in the back seat listening to our discussions) laughed when we reminisced those times because it was far from the ideal – but it was the best we could offer back then.

Then we talked about the young men and young women during those years who are now married. Some of them are still living here but most have moved on with their adult lives somewhere else.  Many now have their own families and are church leaders themselves. Many of them still active in the church, and a few needs rescuing …

He was silent as he was maneuvering the car, and I saw him smile. I knew he was thinking of the wonderful memories we’ve had then. Of course we miss the times when we were part of almost everything interesting and exciting in the Church; when we did not have to ask to be invited to join an activity or affair. But then again one thing is clear – there is always a time and place for everything.  I guess we were just experiencing again our “empty-nest syndrome” …

I smiled; I know the sad feeling will not last.

And so today, we’re father and mother to 3 single adults; one young woman and one young man. We’re happy; we’re doing good; and we’re excited as ever for what’s in store ahead of us. No regrets – maybe a few “if only’s”, but I guess they’re just but natural. The Gospel that was taught to us never said we won’t go through the emotions of sadness – because we will! The Gospel promises us though that we’ll have the understanding and the control to get over the feelings fast, and the will power to move on; to be good; and to do good continually!

The Youth: Having Fun at the Manila Zoo!

Stake Tour to Fort Santiago

Funny Memories on our First Ride with the LRT hahaha!

The young women before ...

Waiting for our "sundo" ...

Before our Temple Session

CSP at the Patron House: Folding Linens and Bedsheets

Economy Accommodation - but happy!

At the American Cemetery

At the American Cemetery

After the Temple Session

On our way to Camiguin

We were all very excited to finally be able to visit Camiguin. You see, in our kitchen window, we can see the silhouette of the island and for a very long time we have wondered about the beauty of the so-called paradise island. Besides, my sister-in-law’s husband is from Camiguin, and we have heard wonderful stories about the pristine white sands in Camiguin’s White Island.

So just like the typical traveler in today’s high-tech world, I eagerly went online to do some research on the island. First on the list was to find out about hotels or inns in the area – most especially finding the best deal there is. My goal was to look for the best accommodation that I can afford with my budget. So I “opened” Google and began my research. Well, I found a few hotels, resorts with cottages, and Inns. I came up with a short list; the considerations were as follows: distance to the tourist spots, whether there was a swimming pool; free wi fi or internet access; air condition; own toilet and bath; number of occupants per room; fee per extra bed; and of course the room rate. My plan was to visit the ones I have shortlisted when we arrive in Camiguin and make the final decision only when I have seen all of them.

Much to my dismay, the things that were written in the blogs and websites were not exactly what I saw when I visited the hotels, inns, cottages, and resorts in Camiguin. The fees were actually higher than what was posted in their websites. There were no swimming pools in two of the places/hotels/inns/cottages/resorts which posted that they have swimming pools. And one more thing, some of the owners and operators of the cottages we went to, were very poor in terms of customer service.

We were hot and tired as it was high noon already, and we decided to have one more look at one more resort. We stopped just beside Paras Beach Resort when we noticed this new building that looked more like an apartment than a hotel – but a hotel or Lodge it was! It was new and nice looking, and we unanimously agreed it was probably an expensive place, something that was most likely “out of our league”. My husband however, probably because he was already tired from driving all the way from Cagayan de Oro, suggested we inquire inside, and so we did. Boy how glad I am that we did!

Chumz Travel Lodge

The place, called Chumz Travel Lodge, is nice, new, lovely, classy and elegant, clean, and surprisingly affordable! To think it’s located just beside the most expensive hotel in Camiguin – Paras beach Resort!

So we checked in at Chumz Travel Lodge. We got one of the rooms in the second floor which had an amazing view of Mt Hibok Hibok in its back terrace. The room was clean; there were two beds; they had wi fi connection; the shower room/comfort room was nice and clean; the floors were clean; the curtains were clean; there was cable TV; and they had a convenience store downstairs. We also found out that it was just a few steps away from the terminal to the White Island. That was an added bonus!

Now here’s one plus factor: the lady in charge of the hotel was very accommodating, helpful and kind; and the hotel owner, Mrs Tess Salcedo, is also a very remarkable person. I enjoyed talking to them both, most especially Ma’am Tess.

I asked her why her hotel or lodge is not in the Internet, and she told me why. I promised her that I will write about her place in my blog. I am hoping to help her get more clients and guests, but more than that, I’d like to help those who will be visiting Camiguin find a good place to stay.

Chumz Travel Lodge in Camiguin

So if you’re visiting Camiguin and want to stay in a good place that’s affordable, clean, new, and with excellent customer service, go to Chumz Travel Lodge. It’s right beside Paras Beach Resort.

(* This is not a paid advertisement)

Camiguin Island as seen from the White Island

15 days more and the summer season will be finally over. Have you gone to the beach this summer? If not, here’s my recommendation: go and enjoy the beach!

My family and I went to Camiguin for our family vacation a few weeks ago. Well, it was actually a blend of work-and-vacation for us, but we had a great time!

the White Island in Camiguin

Camiguin is an island in Mindanao. It is near Cagayan de Oro City and Gingoog City.  From Cagayan de Oro one can go direct to Camiguin via the Paras SeaCat, which will take approximately 2 hours, or one can opt to travel first to Balingoan some hour and a half drive towards Gingoog  and then take the 1 hour ferry trip from Balingoan Port to Benoni Port in Camiguin.

I’ll write more about Camiguin next, but suffice it to say at this point that if you’re looking for a “huling hirit” escapade for your Summer 2012, consider going to Camiguin!

Writer's Block

It has been quite some time since I last wrote something here. I often refer to this as my “writer’s block” moment. It’s not really that I do not have anything to write about, it is more on “I just do not want to write anything – period”.

A lot of things has happened since my last entry here. I have been to places; been through a lot; read a lot of reading materials – books, hand-outs, magazines, newspapers, product leaflets, promo materials, tarps, even receipts; I have visited and browsed a lot of blogs and websites; I have watched so many movies and videos in 3D and HD – in movies houses, in my desktop computer, in my lap top, in the TV;  I have listened to many songs – on FM stations, on live streaming, in the car ; and I have seen many people! All these used to inspire me to write; triggered buttons in my brain … But now … still nothing. So I guess I’ll wait some more … maybe, who knows … I might just come across something soon, something that would take my fancy … and help jumpstart my brain and my fingers into writing something again.

Delicious and Spicy Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 boneless & skinless chicken breast (or you can use 3 boneless & skinless chicken drumsticks)
• 3 tablespoons roasted peanuts
• 8-12 dried red chilies – seeds removed and cut into halves
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 5 slices peeled fresh ginger
• 2 gloves garlic – sliced diagonally
• 1 stalk scallion or spring onions – chopped

Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon oil

Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon corn starch

How to Cook:

Cut the chicken meat into small cubes, rinse in water, pat dry and then marinate for 30 minutes;

Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside;

Heat up a wok with one tablespoon cooking oil and stir-fry the marinated chicken until they are almost done;

Remove from wok and set aside;

Clean the wok and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil until its very hot;

Add in the ginger and garlic slices and do a quick stir before adding in the dried red chilies;

Stir fry the dried red chilies until you can smell the spicy smell, then add in the chicken meat;

Do a quick stir then add the roasted peanuts and continue to stir;

Add in the sauce and stir continuously until the chicken meat is nicely coated with the sauce;

Add in the scallions and stir;

Serve hot as topping or with hot steamed white rice.

Beef Broccoli 

Ingredients:

•  8 oz (250 g) beef tenderloin, flank steak or flap meat, cut into pieces
• 6 oz (175 g) broccoli florets
• Water, for boiling
• 2 ½ tablespoons oil
• 2-in (5 cm) ginger, peeled and sliced

 Marinade

• ½ tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice wine or sherry
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• White pepper
• 1 tablespoon corn starch

 Sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• 4 tablespoons water

How to Cook:

1. Mix the marinade and marinate the beef for about 15 minutes;
2. In a pot, bring the water to boil and add a few drops of oil. Blanch the broccoli for about 10 seconds. Remove the broccoli immediately with a strainer or slotted spoon, drain the excess water, and transfer to a bowl with iced water. Do this to stop the cooking process and to retain the fresh color of the broccoli. Remove from cold water and set aside;
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef until almost cooked. Dish out and set aside.
4. Heat the remaining oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the ginger and stir-fry until aromatic. Add again the beef into the wok with the ginger and stir-fry until the beef is cooked through and the center of the meat is no longer pink. Do this for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add the broccoli and then the sauce. Stir to combine the ingredients well;
5. As soon as the sauce thickens, dish out and serve immediately.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

吃的開心！

Yesterday I came across an article in a magazine that posed a challenge about counting our blessings. The author raised a Gratitude Challenge which entails writing a list of the100 things we are thankful for. I accepted the challenge, and here’s my list. I hope you, too, will do yours.

Trust me, when you’re done writing your 100, you will realize, as I did, that the list can actually go on and on and on …

100 Things I Am Thankful For!

1. That I can write and that I can write well;
2. That I can speak, and that I can speak in front of people with confidence;
3. That I can dance, and I can dance well, even if I am overweight =) ;
4. That I can sing, and I can sing well;
5. That I can read, and my reading comprehension is good;
6. That I can walk;
7. That I can see, and I can see well enough to be able to appreciate beauty;
8. That I am an optimist;
9. That I can hear, and hear well;
10. That I look okay – not beautiful, but not also ugly;
11. I am grateful that we have a comfortable home;
12.  That we have a small car that we can use;
13. That I have computers which helps me in my work and in my hobbies;
14. That I have mobile phones which makes communication possible;
15.  That I have soft pillows which makes sleeping very restful;
16. That I have blankets that keeps me warm on cold nights;
17. That I have a bed that allows me to sleep soundly at night;
18.  That we have a bathroom that allows me to take pleasurable showers;
19.  I am grateful that I have work;
20. I am grateful for inexpensive but still fashionable clothes;
21. I am grateful for my hubby – he is a good father and a good husband;
22. I am grateful for my children – Myco, Ella, April, Sarah, and Tonton – they help me grow and they give meaning to my life;
23. I am grateful for my Father who has always been very supportive and helpful and I am grateful for my Mother who is my example for patience and love;
24. I am grateful for my sisters Charry and Carla;
25. I am grateful for my Niece Eda and her children Nate and Lucas; and for my nephew Nico;
26. I am grateful for my Mother-in-Law who is my best example for hard work, humility, and patience. She has taught me what motherhood is all about;
27. I am grateful for Sue – for her good influence;
28. I am grateful for Maxi – for his exemplary leadership;
29. I am grateful for my friends Joel and Chang;
30. I am grateful for Merolyn;
31. I am grateful for Papa Rody – for his good example of hard work;
32. I am grateful for my Lolo Emon
33. For my Lola Epang – I remember well her Chicken Fricassee
34. For my Lolo Pedro
35. For my Lola Ceferina
36. For Ate Marites
37. For Nat Nat – He will always be loved and remembered. I remember when he was still in his mom’s womb, my sister asked me what will be a good name for a baby boy, and I told her Nathaniel. Why Nathaniel? Because in the scriptures, in John 1:47, Jesus referred to Nathaniel as one without guile…
38. For Tito Dots
39. For Dave
40. My friend Sister Fuentes – for her example;
41.  For rainbows and its beauty and the promise it brings …
42.  For trees – for cleaning the air, for the oxygen they provide, for the fruits they bear, for the shade they bring; keeping the soil in its place; for providing watershed; for the logs they provide; for being a raw material for paper making; and for many other things …
43.  For rivers – for the water they bring which allows people to swim and fish and wash their laundry; for being a good alternative transportation route; and for adding beauty into a place …
44.  For beaches – for being a great destination for families to rest, relax, enjoy, and make memories together …
45.  For flowers – for the beauty they bring …
46.  For rain that cools the environment and quenches the thirst of the plants, the animals, and the soil …
47.  For the sun – its warmth; and its light; for drying my laundry; for helping nourish all the living things on this wonderful earth …
48.  For brooks and streams;
49. For bridges that connects lands and people;
50. For hills and mountains;
51. Today I am grateful that I was able to wake up healthy and happy;
52. I am grateful that I was able to do my tasks;
53. I am grateful that the sun was up the whole day;
54. I am grateful that although I suffered from severe headache earlier in the day, it was gone not long after I took my medicine;
55. I am grateful that I was able to do my groceries;
56. I am grateful that Sue and I talked about work;
57. I am grateful that I was able to read the scripture with my family;
58. I am grateful that we enjoyed dinner together as a family;
59. I am grateful that I came across this wonderful challenge and I’m working on this right now;
60. I am grateful that we’re all at home; that my kids are safe; and that we’re getting ready to go to bed;
61.  I am grateful for the home I am sharing with my family;
62. I am grateful for my hometown – a beautiful place high in the mountains;
63.  I am grateful for the Manila Temple where I was sealed to my husband and my children;
64. I am grateful for the Cebu Temple because its nearer to us and its very accessible;
65. I am grateful for my home in Malaybalay – the place where my parents raised me and the place I shared with my siblings;
66. I am grateful for my Alma Mater – the school where I learned so much and where I also shared what I know to my students;
67. I am grateful that I was able to visit Subic and saw there that motorist discipline as well as pedestrian discipline is possible;
68. I am grateful that I was able to visit Bohol and got to meet kind and beautiful Dr Cora and her family;
69. I am grateful for Vigan in Ilocos Sur and for the knowledge that my ancestors are from there;
70. I am grateful for theSaltLakeTemple. I hope someday soon I can visit the place with my family;
71. I am grateful for computers;
72. I am grateful for mobile phones;
73. I am grateful for refrigerators;
74. I am grateful for washing machines;
75. I am grateful for irons;
76. I am grateful for motor vehicles;
77. I am grateful for microwaves ovens;
78. I am grateful for printers;
79. I am grateful for airplanes;
80. I am grateful for cooking ranges;
81.  I am grateful for vegetables;
82. I am grateful for all types of meat;
83. I am grateful for fish;
84. I am grateful for dairy products;
85. I am grateful for ice cream;
86. I am grateful for pizza;
87. I am grateful for burgers and fries;
88. I am grateful for pasta like spaghetti and carbonara;
89. I am grateful for Fresh Lumpia;
90. I am grateful for Cakes!
91. I am grateful for the Plan of Happiness;
92. I am grateful for prophets;
93. I am grateful for the scriptures;
94. I am grateful for Sabbath Days;
95. I am grateful for Family Home Evenings;
96. I am grateful for church callings;
97. I am grateful for the priesthood that righteous men of the church hold which blesses the lives of families;
98. I am grateful for church leaders who serve and help;
99. I am grateful for temples and the ordinances performed therein;
100. I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ, for His atoning sacrifice, and His example.

Cagayan de Oro River today (1-13-2012)

Yes it looks still and peaceful, but until when? One thing is sure about the river now – it’s too shallow!

In the background is the St. Augustine's Cathedral

At the far distance is the Cagayan de Oro City Hall

Cagayan de Oro River - upstream ...

When will the dredging start? What if a storm will hit us again? What if a tropical depression or even a low pressure area will bring too much rain again in the mountains of Bukidnon and the other nearby provinces?

I hope the dredging will start the soonest … As can be attested, walang sinasanto and baha … bata man o matanda, mayaman o mahirap, may sakit o malakas ang pangangatawan. Flood waters kill living things – people, animals, plants … and it destroys properties, without exemption!

Classes in public schools in the flash flood affected areas have resumed last January 3. The Department of Education believed that by normalizing things in the lives of the pupils, in particular letting them return to school and attending classes again, recovery will be faster, and people will be able to start and get back on their feet again.

Unfortunately, resumption to normalcy has proven to be not so easy a task for the pupils, the public school teachers, and the public school administrators. Since only the home owner victims were relocated to the “tent city”, the “renters” who also lost their “homes” remained in the evacuation centers – the public schools. As of today, these “renters” refuse to leave the evacuation centers and continue to demand from the government that they, too, be given a space in the tent city/relocation site.

The West City Central School in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City (1-13-2012)

Classroom no more ...

While all these things are going on, the pupils of the public schools and the teachers are suffering – they had to look for a place where they can have their classes again.  It’s a good thing a religious organization has allowed them to use temporarily their Chapel – the Carmelite Chapel in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

Classes are recited only 2 hours every day, so Grades 1 and 2 have theirs from 6 in the morning to 9; Grades 3 and 4 from 9 am to 11 am; Grades 5 and 6 from 11 am to 1 pm. All these classes are conducted in this Chapel, simultaneously.

I think at this point I would rather that the pictures we took tell the whole story of what is currently happening to the students and the teachers of this public school …

Visual Aids?

Smile lang gihapon =)

Test Papers?

Resourcefulness =)

25 sections all in all ...

Serving two purposes: Simbahan og Classroom =)

Tanan ga tindog teachers!

Children! Face front!

Kalisod sa kahimtang ...

Kalisod ...

Si Ma'am ...

Making the best of what they have ...

These past days, I have had the privilege of helping in the sorting and distribution of relief goods to victims of the Sendong calamity in Cagayan de Oro City. As we opened and sorted boxes of old and used clothing and shoes, I reflected on the situation many of our kababayan’s are now in. I can only imagine how difficult it is not to have anything anymore – even the very basics such as pieces of underwear.

Then I came across a very young man and his father who made very meaningful remarks. The son said: “maayo unta sige baha aron naa ta’y daghan sinina.” (I wish there will always be flood so that we’ll have plenty of  clothes). I’m sure he did not really mean it literally. I’m sure he was just overwhelmed and overjoyed at that time for receiving so many nice and branded clothes, even though they were not really new.

Then I heard the father make a similar comment: “kung wala pa ta nabahaan, dili ta kasuot og branded clothes!” (If not for the flood, we will never have the chance to wear branded clothes). I’m sure he meant well …

Today, as I prepare and wait for another batch of goods for distribution, a persistent thought that has tugged my heart for some time has surfaced again. I wonder how the non-victims feel whenever they see the victims receive relief goods? For instance, I wonder how very young children (who are non-victims) feel every time new bags, lots of notebooks and pad papers, crayons, pens and pencils are distributed to their classmates who are victims of the flood. I wonder if, in their young hearts, they really and truly feel okay about the whole thing. You see, I believe that they understand … that the victims need all the help that they can get… but then I can not help remember one young child’s remark as she was watching the other children line up to receive new bags and school supplies… “maayo pa nabahaan na lang pod ko” (I wish I’m a flood victim too!) …

I felt a lump in my throat that very moment …