Project Pearls Summer Program (May 17,2015)

Project Pearls
Summer Program
May 17, 2015

The usual meeting place is on LRT 2- Recto Station, in front of Isetann Mall. I reached the meeting place at 6:45 in the morning and by exactly 7, we were on our way to Helping Land in Tondo, Manila.
I was quiet surprise with the number of kids that attended the summer program today. Habang binabagtas namin ang daan papasok ng Helping Land, medyo nagtataka kami dahil walang masyadong bata ang nasa kalye na naghihintay sa aming pagdating. When we reached the covered area, there were there, already lined up and they were almost 300 kids! The usual number of students that were attending the summer class programs is only 150 but today, it was doubled because of a feeding program that will be held.

Together with my volunteer teacher partner, we handled 14 kids.
The first part of today’s activity is the prayer then followed by a sing and dance that was always lead by Ms. Jedda.
The whole class was divided into 14 teams composing of more than ten kids per team. The teams were named after cartoon or movie characters. Our team was named Team Elsa of Frozen. We also created a short cheer. “Go for the win, Team Elsa. Who’s gonna win? Team Elsa.”

After the cheer presentation, while some volunteers were still preparing for the food, a talent portion was the next in line. Any kids who will volunteer can come in front and may show their talent.
One of my students sang. Proud teacher here!



More selfie more fun! :)

Then the feeding of kids was the next activity. We gave them a rice and dish food together with a juice in a small plastic cup.
After the feeding, it is storytelling time! My favorite subject! I chose a book entitled, “Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Lola.” I read it for my seven students.
The story is about how a woman can be brave like our female heroes in the Philippine history. One of those was Grabiela Silang.
During a big disaster, women empowerment can also be felt.
After the storytelling, it’s art time. The subject is Character Analysis wherein the kids will have to draw the main character and will also state the character’s physical and emotional traits.
Physical traits will be written or expressed on the outside while emotional traits will be on the inside of the clothes of the main character.



After the given time, each team will be called to present it on front then will have a class picture. After the class picture, each kid will fall in line to get a gift from the sponsors.

cto: Project Pearls facebook page. The picture on the right lower part is my student. :)

At eleven a.m. we were already done and were ready to go home.
It has been a very tiring day since the number of kids was doubled but still the enjoyment, joy and fun that we felt every time we serve these kids were still there.
You may join us every Saturday or Sunday mornings from 6:30 until 11 a.m.
The kids need you.
Let’s serve God, by serving our fellow people wholeheartedly and voluntarily. This is a must and wonderful experience and I would never regret doing this for my entire life. Unconditional love will always be felt every time I’m with these not so fortunate kids. They needed our love and care.

Visit www.projectpearls.org

Project Pearls Summer Program (May 10,2015)

Project Pearls (Summer Program)
May 10, 2015

Happy Mother's Day! :)


Math Lesson as well as Art class for the celebration of Mother's Day today.

I went to Project Pearls today with my friends or co-writers again.

We were thankful enough that Helping Land is not that much muddy even though it rained hard the night before.
The volunteers were fewer this time compare to last time but still we were able to handle all the kids.

I took four kinder students. Three girls and one boy. Most of them has been my students before so they knew me already. They were Jolemae, Crisel and Ruel John.

After the song and dance activity, we tackled about Math. I taught them the number figures of one to thirty. Then also single digit of addition and subtraction.
I also tried to teach them how to read the clock since it was indicated on the syllabus but I can feel that they were not ready yet to learn about it.



"Ate, selfie po tayo," the kids asked me and I was gladly sure to grant their request.

After our Math lesson, we created greeting cards for their moms in celebration of Mother's Day today.

Another worthful Sunday again has been spent with these kids (and also friends) and I'll be sure to get back next week to meet and teach them again.

To join Project Pearls or to donate, this is their website: www.projectpearls.org/
And this is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPEARLS1
Or simply coordinate with Ms. Jedda Punzalan at this number:  09051443012
Ivolunteer website: (to look for other organizations that you can join) http://ivolunteer.com.ph/

"Mom, I'm Home!” (A short story)

She hates me and I hate her more!

For Mama

(For the celebration of Mother’s Day)

She’s my enemy.  My number one basher (grabe manlait yan) and ranter. My ultimate personal nagger.  My alarm clock in the morning. That’s Mama. Madalas may world war 3 sa bahay lalo na kapag complete attendance kaming tatlo.
But despite of all our endless quarrels, misunderstandings, differences and petty fights, I do believe that we so much love each other.
Patunay diyan ang pag-pi-prepare niya ng baon ko every Monday morning (dormer kasi ako kaya every Monday night to Thurday night, may ibang bahay akong inuuwian. Hahaha), pagluluto ng breakfast (actually wala siyang tiwala sa luto ko. Bitter truth.), yung tipong paggising ko handa na lahat.  (Huwaw, Prinsesita si Cielo!), paglalaba niya ng mga damit ko (sige na, ako na talaga ang tamad), pag-aayos ng room ko, pag-iispoil sa akin sa mga gamit na kulay Orange (very supportive sa paborito kong kulay. Try mo pasukin ang room ko, mauumay ka dahil puro Orange lahat. Hahaha). That’s my Mama. 

When my heart got its major heartbreak, believe it or not, siya ang unang taong natuwa. Finally (parang Ariel lang) daw ay natauhan na ako. Na yung matagal na niyang dinadasal kay Papa, at last ay natupad na. “Daddy, sa wakas, natauhan na yung panganay mo. Nakawala na si Ate doon sa boyfriend niyang sa tuwing makikita ko ay kumukulo ang dugo ko.” Minsang sabi niya. Ever supportive parent siya noh?

Pero kahit naman ako sobrang natuwa rin kay Mama when she re-arranged my room. New look, new life begins yata ang peg na nais niyang iparating sa akin. Ganyan magmahal ang mama ko. Hindi siya expressive or vocal pero mararamdaman mo sa mga acts niya. And usually, sa text lang kami nagkakaroon ng mga heart to heart talk at usapang matino. Haha. Weird, right.

Aaminin ko na hindi ako lumaking close sa kanya. I was very distant with my family when I was younger.  I have my own world and even planet (Planet Imaginations. Haha. Maipasok lang.) All my thoughts, stories that I wanted to share, my feelings, my rants, grievances, my problems, I kept it all to myself.
Then when I started to gain group of friends, mas naging comfortable at open ako sa kanila compare sa sarili kong pamilya. Mas gusto ko silang makasama then I had a split personality. (Huwaw, bipolar lang ang peg. -___-) Kapag nasa bahay, sobrang tahimik lang ako. Pero kapag kasama ko ang mga kaibigan ko ay sobrang ingay ko. (Baliw po talaga si Cielo, maniwala kayo.)

When Papa died seven years ago as of this writing (May 2015), syempre tatlo nalang kami ang natira sa pamilya. Mama, younger brother and I. Kailangan naming magtulungan para makaraos ang pang-araw araw na pamumuhay. I was already a working student back then kaya wala ng problema sa studies ko. Mama has to work harded para pambayad ng utang and para sa food namin and iba pang mga gastusin.  Then yung studies ni younger brother, naghahati kami doon.
As a daughter, I did my best para makatapos ng pag-aaral on time and finally ay makahanap ng magandang trabaho.
Eh kaso dumating si Pag-ibig. Na-inlove ang lola niyo.
When my ex (now) entered the scene, mas naging madalas ang mga pagtatalo namin ni Mama. She was really against it. Umpisa palang, ayaw na talaga ni Mama sa kanya due to some unknown and unexplainable reasons. Ayaw talaga niya dito para sa akin.  (And now I know that Moms really know best). Pero ipinilit ko pa rin. Ipinaglaban ko pa rin. Tanga eh. Nabulag. Nabingi. Haha.

Pinatunayan ko nalang sa kanya na hindi ko pababayaan ang studies ko. Na makakatapos pa rin ako despite of having a boyfriend. She then let me stay with that relationshit, I mean relationship. Hahaha. (bitter na bitter lang ang peg. Hehe)

Para sa akin, mas naging close kami ni Mama these days. Lalo pa’t kaming dalawa nalang ang nagtutulungan para maitaguyod ang aming pamilya.  Kahit pa living independently na ako (well most likely, sort of. At least four times a week), she still care for me. Nagtetext siya sa akin ng madalas  para kumustahin ako at para na rin humingi ng pambayad sa mga dapat at kung anu-anong mga bayarin. Hehe.

My family will always be on top of my priority list. They are also included on my everyday prayers for I love them so much. Kung wala sila, wala rin ako.

Dear Mama, kung mabasa mo man itong blog post ko for you (which I doubt. Haha.) I just want you to know that  I so much love you. Hindi ko man siya sinasabi sa’yo personally eh sana nararamdaman mo naman iyon. Sobra ko ring naaapreciate lahat ng mga maliliit na bagay na ginagawa mo para sa akin at para kay younger brother. You’re the best mom in the world for me!
Buti hindi ka na nag-asawa ulit after Papa? Hehe. Well, ayoko namang magsalita ng patapos but you’ve proven me much the real meaning of the world, Loyalty.
I love you, Mama. Please live longer pa. Wala ka pang mga apo mula sa akin. Haha.
Being your forever daughter, I will be here for you doing all the best that  I can for our family.  Sorry sa mga kagagahan, katangahan at pagkakamali na nagawa ko dati at patuloy pa rin na ginagawa, at gagawin pa sa future (sana lesser na). Thank you also for the acceptance and understanding that you always give to me.
Every day is Mother’s Day since the very moment that I had you as my Mama.
 Thank you for loving me unconditionally.   : )


Forever your Darling,
Cielo
May 10, 2015

P.S. Happy Mother’s Day! Bilhan kita cake! Hehe.

A Tribute for Papa

A Tribute for Papa
 (For the celebration of Father’s Day)


Strict, masungit, parang palaging galit, malutong magmura, nakakatakot. That’s how I will describe Papa. And I miss him so much.
It's been seven years since he left us and be with our Lord God. He was not a perfect father but I am beyond grateful for having him as my Papa.

Aaminin ko na lumaki akong hindi close sa kanya. Akala mo kasi lagi siyang galit.  At nung bata pa ako, lagi talaga akong nakakatikim ng palo mula sa kanya.

He's been a very strict dad. Siguro dahil na rin sa only child ako until I was nine years old. Then when my younger brother came and I started to grow up, mas laso siyang naging mahigpit siya sa akin. Bawal akong lumabas ng bahay para maglaro, bawal ang hindi gumagawa ng assignment, bawal ang hindi nauubos ang pagkain, basta maraming bawal!
He burned my pocketbooks and crushed my tamagotchi kasi naadik ako sa mga iyon. Buti nalang yung mga writings ko noon like essays, short stories and poems na nababasa niya sa mga scratch papers at likod ng notebooks ko ay hindi niya pinupunit. Maybe because naisip niya na medyo may sense naman ang mga iyon. Haha.

When I started having crushes kasi nga lumalaki na ako, yari na!
Madalas mo nang maririnig sa kanya, "Bakit, may ipapalamon na ba sa'yo yan? Wala pa ngang sariling trabaho yan."
Sabi ko nga, Pa. Highschool students palang kami, malamang wala pa talagang trabaho bukod sa mag-aral.
-____-
When I entered college, he's always checking my  class schedule but since I'm like BDO, I find ways to still make gala. haha.

Masarap sa pakiramdam na wala ka sa bahay , na hindi ka nasasakal and whenever I'm with my friends, I feel so alive. Mas nakaka-pag open up ako sa kanila at mas masaya ako.
I even came to think of graduating the soonest para makapag-trabaho na at umalis na ng bahay namin. He was against my initial desicion of taking up a two year course (sabik nga kasi akong maka-graduate kaagad.haha).
In the end, I realized that he was right, mas maganda pa rin ang bachelor's degree so I went for it.
Because of being a working student during that time, mas konti na ang oras ko sa bahay. Hindi ko na siya masiyadong  nakikita at nakakausap. Mas iwas sa mga sermon at galit niya. Mas masaya!
When I was in second year college, he  started to get sick. Labas pasok na siya ng ospital and I didn't had time para magbantay sa kanya kasi nga nag-aaral ako and at the same time ay nagtatrabaho rin. Usually si mama ang kasama niya.

One of the best things that he did for me, even though may sakit na siya at malaki na ang nagagastos sa hospital, was when he still let me have a debut party.
He was acting strong that time and mingled with my friends and with our relatives. By the way, he has diabetes and kidney malfunction.
Two months after my birthday, he was back in hospital, actually, maraming beses talaga siyang labas pasok ng hospital.
 It was three in the morning when my mom called me and crying. Pumunta daw ako ng hospital ngayon na! Because Papa is looking for me and they can feel that this would be his last day here on Earth.
Actually, may work ako ng five a.m. that day but I've decided not to attend my work schedule.
At four in the morning, ay tinatahak ko na ang kahabaan ng EDSA while praying that Papa is still okay.
I reached the hospital before five a.m., I saw Mama with swollen eyes while holding Papa's hand. Marami ng aparato ang nakakabit kay Papa. He can't speak because of a tube in his mouth and Mama said that he can't see anymore even though his eyes were open.
Gusto kong umiyak but I decided not to. I held back my tears and held his hand.
"Pa, nandito na si Cielo." Mama then whispered at Papa's ears.
"Papa, andito na ako." I then said. Tumango si Papa and slightly raised his hand as if acknowledging my presence.
Then a straight line appeared in the monitor on my front.
The doctor then announced Papa's expiration or time of death.

Papa wherever you are, I think you already know that I love you. Hindi man ako naging ganun ka-showy by telling it directly to you, at least, by being an obedient daughter, a responsible ate, a good student na laging may top sa klase, at hindi nagrebelde o naglayas even though I have reasons to do it, sana naramdaman mo na mahal na mahal kita.
Seven years has been swiftly passed by and there were times that I will visit his grave and will weep there because I feel so hopeless, frustrated and problematic.
I will stay there until I can feel that I am okay again. Parang yun na rin yung bonding naming mag-ama. Haha.

This article is for you. Happy Father's Day, Papa.
Thank you for being a good provider when you were still alive and until now for guiding me. Madalas kitang mapanaginipan na pinapagalitan mo ako because of some decisions that I made. Please continue guiding us and protecting our family. We love you, Papa.

Project Pearls ( May 3,2015)

Volunteer’s Journal
Project Pearls Summer Program (May 3, 2015)

I may say that I really enjoyed this day.
Aside from being with the kids, I’m with y friends also. They volunteered by their own will. Walang pwersahang naganap. Hahaha.
At six thirty in the morning, nasa meeting place na kami at doon na rin kami nag-breakfast. Tinapay courtesy of Julie’s Bakeshop.
Miss Jeddah is not present today so as her proxy, it’s Miss Aa.
The road of Helping Land has been so muddy that is worse than the other time I went there.
As for the first part, we had a story telling care of Kuya Aman. The story is about the Legend of Bitterguard (Alamat ng Ampalaya)
It’s Art’s day with the kids. Today is the fight of Manny Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather so the kids have a coloring activity. To show support, they colored a black and white drawing of Manny putting a cheer or slogan on the side.

I had five students today and one of them made me cry today. Out of nowhere while we were having a coloring activity, Rochel opened up her life’s story. Her parents separated and she was left on the care of her father together with her younger brother. She wants to go to her mom but her mom doesn’t want to take care of her and her mom has already a new partner that is engaged with illegal drugs.
Her mom promised to buy her new clothes but she never got one and her simple dream is to eat at Jollibee because she has been there yet.
This made me realized once again that I am so much lucky financially and for having good parents for this life time. She’s telling her story while crying and I haven’t escaped myself for being teary eyed also.
Ang bigat sa dibdib, haha.
I just told her to study harder and never stop dreaming to have a better life someday.  She’s thirteen years old but according to the teacher, she has to go back to grade one because she a poor reading skill in English.
We’ve got the chance to read a story book in English and I can see that she is so eager to learn the English language. If only there’s much time, I would love to teach her more. 

At past 11 a.m. we’re ready to leave the place and will be so sure to come back again.


To join Project Pearls or to donate, this is their website: www.projectpearls.org/
And this is their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPEARLS1
Or simply coordinate with Ms. Jedda Punzalan at this number:  09051443012
Ivolunteer website: (to look for other organizations that you can join) http://ivolunteer.com.ph/

To Heal a Broken Heart at Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre Resort, Tanay Rizal

March 14, 2015

Where do broken hearts go?
Sa Sagada lang ba pwede?
What if one day mo lang pwedeng ipagluksa ang basag mong puso at nasa Metro Manila ka, saan ka pupunta?

Ako, I went to Sierra Madre. :)

 A friend accompanied me here. The day after my heart was broken by a stupid man, a friend approached me and I told her the story.
"Tara beb, gusto mo, punta tayong Sierra Madre. Para siyamg Sagada. Pwede kang sumigawa, magwala, umiyak doon." Then she send me the pictures of the place.

"Sige beb. Tara."

Sierra Madre Resort is located in Tanay Rizal.
From Cubao, ride a jeep going to Cogeo. From Cogeo, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc,Tanay. Tell the driver to drop you off at Sierra Madre Resort.

We paid 200.00 for the entrance fee including the fee for swimming.
We then went to Spring Resort.
After a short swim, sinimulan ko na ang pag-ngawa sa harap ni Jam since kaming dalawa lang ang tao sa resort. It was just a perfect timing for me. haha. Para siyang naging private resort in an instant. It's just the two of us with my agony.
Actually the place is so wonderful, beautiful and so majestic to spoil it. But I have to breath out my sorrow kaya hinayaan ko nalang ang mga luha ko na malayang kumawala mula sa aking mga mata.
I told her my whole story and she was listening to all my dramas attentively.In times like this, a friend who's more than willing to listen is beyond enough.
A great place plus a great friend can really lessen up the pain.
Parang ang sarap tumira sa lugar na kagaya nito. With green mountains, fresh and cold air even though it's summer and peaceful, this is a little piece of heaven here on earth. Nakakawala ng problema.
I told her my initial (then later on realized that it was so senseless) plans and she adviced me to think about it more. Baka nabibigla lang daw ako and I have to think and consider things over. And she's right. Siguro kung ginawa ko kagad lahat ng nauna kong plano ay baka pinagsisisihan ko na lahat ng iyon ngayon.
Now that I've totally moved on, I want to go back to that place and appreciate it more. I went there with dark sky above my head, now I want to see it more clearly.

This is really a must see place especially if you're a nature lover.

This is their website:
www.thesierramadre.webs.com

This is their facebook page:
facebook.com/thesierramadrehotelandresort

May True Love sa Bosoboso :)

May True Love sa Bosoboso

Last May 5,2015, together with my cowriters and friends, I attended a friend's wedding at Bosoboso, Antipolo Rizal. She's also a cowriter and I truly admire her works or novels. (Fangirl here!)

Monday night ( the day before the wedding), we had a meet up at Farmers Mall Cubao. At 10 p.m. we were all ready to go to Bosoboso. Dalawang jeep ang sinakyan namin and thanks God at walang traffic. Medyo malayo pala ang Bosoboso. It's my first time to go there. At past 11 p.m. we reached the place.
We headed to the resort where the reception will also be held. The bride and the groom to be warmly welcomed us.  After having dinner, we had a night swimming and had sleep at past 2 a.m. na yata yun.  It was a girl bonding minus the bride to be dahil masyado siyang busy as a bee preparing things.
We woke up at 6 a.m. and started to prepare for the wedding.
We were 13 girls in a not so big family room so let's expect a very royal rumble. haha. Pero masaya siya! May mga in-house parlorista kami. Hairdresser, make up artist, nail artist, fashion adviser, clothes and footwear sponsor, name it all, we have it! :)
At past 10 a.m., we went to the Church namely, Simbahan ng Bosoboso.
There's a myth that when it's your first time to enter a church, you can make a wish and it will be granted so I do make one. Wala namang mawawala kung gagawin natin hindi ba? After all, it all depends on our faith with God.
While inside the church that has all the decorations stating that a wedding will be held anytime soon now, many random thoughts has been running inside my head.

Jen and her groom to be,Ab has been together for eleven years.  They both remained faithful for that very long time before settling down and decided to grow up and live together for the rest of their lives. Sa isip ko, buti pa sila. Then had a deep sigh.
She must have been so lucky to marry that kind of man. Yung lalaking hindi nagsawang mahalin siya at hindi naghanap ng iba. And I couldn't stop myself comparing her story to mine.
Kaya pala talaga through strong will and determination at posible pala iyon. Imagine, eleven years pero sila pa rin.
Yung sa akin kasi, after seven years,  na-expired ang loyalty ni ex. And all I can say to myself now is, Sayang.

Because I already imagined myself marrying him.Tapos witnesses or invited sa kasal namin ay yung mga common friends namin, yung mga relatives na pareho na naming na-meet.
Na masaya silang lahat para sa amin kasi after all those years of struggles and happiness, finally, sa kasalan pa rin pala ang kahahantungan namin.

But then all those imaginary scenes on my mind were shattered into many many pieces when he chose to break my heart. Itinapon niya ang pitong taon naming pagsasama para sa bagong pag-ibig na pinili niyang papasukin sa buhay niya.
But then I've already moved on and accepted it.
On the other hand of those panghihinayangs, I still said thanks to God and forever I will. Kasi He didn't let me marry a wrong man. Actually dapat this year, magpapakasal na kami. I mean gusto ko na. Na ready na ako.
Buti nalang talaga at hindi ako nagmadali at hindi natuloy. :)

The wedding march theme song started to play as the bridal entourage except for the bride,marched down the aisle and then the door closed.
After few minutes, the door opened again. As Jen entered the church and walked down the aisle with her parents, the song Born for You by David Pomeranz was playing as the background music.  Almost everyone was teary eyed including myself. Sobrang intimate ng moment up to the ceremony.
 I'm so happy for the newly weds. Walang halong ka-bitteran, eklavu at ka-echosan ito ha pero sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na maka-witness ng ganoong klase ng kasal.  There is really true love I witnessed in Bosoboso at nauna lang si Jen na mahanap iyon.

Wala pa man ang forever para sa akin, at least si Jen, natagpuan na niya. And it was just a start of a new life for her, with the man she loves the most .

Congrats Jen! And I'm wishing the both of you the best.
Naniniwala na ulit ako sa forever. Hahaha.

True love still does exist at nasaksihan ko iyon sa Bosoboso.  :)

Lab,
Cielo