Voyager-3

Scholars Leading Scholars

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:16:00 +0000

Nerissa and I are so thankful that on a day that neither of us were present, our two college scholars stepped up to lead our high school scholars' huddle and tutorial.

Marben taught Math during tutorial and Jovy helped facilitate the huddle and handle the week's reimbursements.

I had to leave immediately after our fellowship so I could catch up with the Albay Art Foundation's mentally invigorating Meet, Greet and Talk Back with museum curator Marian Pastor-Roces.

Then we fetched Nerissa at the airport. She was arriving early evening from helping facilitate an inclusive mental health and psychosocial services capacity building training for typhoon Tino survivors in Cebu.

We wouldn't have managed that day without our two college scholars' help. These two are already practice teaching and will graduate this school year. So, it's been 4 years since we took the step of faith to commit supporting them through college.

Our scholarship program with GAiN-Tiwala is for high school scholars only. When the two graduated from Senior High School, Nerissa and I wanted to help them through college even with our meager resources. Then God amazingly led a friend to commit to help these two through four years in college. And here they are now, paying it forward. We have also been using other financial help from other friends to help one third year college student.

We will have more high school graduates soon and there are still other members of our fellowship who are now in college whom we earnestly want to help. If you want to be a part of giving deserving young people a better future, you may message me or Nerissa for more details.

Thank you and may God continue to richly bless and keep you!

Here Without You... Brad Arnold, Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

Thank you for the music, brother.

Sad that you left us Here Without You... but happy to know you're Home now.

We Do Have a Large Problem with Congress, But Federalism is Not the Answer

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:50:00 +0000

I agree with a lot of what Greco Belgica does and says, but I don't agree to a federal solution. I still believe we are not a culture and a nation ready for federalism. Our leaders and our people will still find a way to defile lofty ideals and structures.

A federal form of government will benefit us when our people, right down to the lowest levels of governance, learn to become critical thinkers--not mere benefactors and beneficiaries of patronage/transactional politics.

I say this because a federal form of government will give more powers to local governments. Look at how lawmakers and contractors in Bicol plundered our national budget. Give corrupt local leaders more powers and autonomy over the budget and over the execution of projects, couple that with an electorate that does not question leaders as long as they are given free rice and ham, and you will have a government running wild with all sorts of flood control and other construction projects.

I do agree that we have a massive problem with the Philippine Congress, but federalism is not a fix. It might even exacerbate the problem because local leaders will have more freedom to rule over their federal government units without oversight and criticism from Filipinos elsewhere in the country.

Just think of the damage that Bicol politicians have done in recent years. Without a national outcry, without interest, exposes, and investigative journalism from nationwide media outlets, we would still have one of our lawmakers freely enjoying his wealth with impunity, instead of him hiding and wasting away in a foreign land.

So keep going Mr. Belgica. I’m just still unconvinced with a federal form of government. The same is true for a shift to a parliamentary form of government.

The problem is not the structure of government, the problem is who holds power within it.

Get Your Fuzzy Wire Flowers and Support a Former Student

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:47:00 +0000

Several things help her stand out among my former community college students.

Her name. It’s spelled “Maria=Laarni” based on her birth certificate, she said during first day of class. So that’s how I called her when she recited, Maria equals Laarni.

She has the distinction of being the editor-in-chief of the school paper when I was still its adviser. She led the school paper when they participated (for the first and last time) in the Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference. They were blessed enough to win a few awards in the group and individual categories.

Her personality. Maria equals Laarni is one of the most independent and optimistic young women I know. She would probably register a High-I in the DISC personality assessment tool. Influencer-- always optimistic, always laughing, always saying yes to new opportunities. She's probably the reason why she and her classmates composed a majority of the membership of the community newspaper we used to publish.

After graduating, Maria equals Laarni, along with everybody else, moved out of town and worked in Manila. Later, she would quit work, go back home in the province, and start undergoing dialysis three times a week. She spent about month confined at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) last November to December 2025 because there was a problem with her fistula. We visited her again.

As usual, she never broke. More than two years not being to work, she keeps taking what life throws at her. Still talks non-stop. Ever fighting, ever laughing.

Maria equals Laarni currently crafts and sells fuzzy wire flowers. She even gave Nerissa a pink bonsai-looking plant on a pot. They are really beautiful and are cheaper than I expected.

Maybe you can help her by ordering and messaging her directly. Below is the link to her account. Even if you’re not within the Legazpi City area, I’m sure Maria equals Laarni will find a way to ship them to you.

May we all keep encouraging others, especially those who, like Laarni, keep finding a reason to laugh and live while trying to help themselves.

--------------------

Maria Laarni Lovendino Dajac

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17twEYmP41/

I was surprised last week when Maria equals Laarni's mother brought this gift for Nerissa. Isn't that pretty?

Why Punish Them When We're Encroaching in their Habitat?

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:59:00 +0000

Bakit sila ang kailangang hulihin at saktan? Tayo ang sumasakop sa matagal na nilang tirahan.

I think the comment from Eira Jade Sebastian makes the most sense:

"Let’s be clear—ang bakawan is a protected natural habitat, at matagal na itong tirahan ng mga buwaya bago pa may pumasok na tao. Hindi sila biglang “sumulpot” lang; we moved into their space. Kaya unfair na sila ang hulihin o sisihin kapag may nakita sa lugar na malinaw namang wildlife zone.

Totoo, importante ang safety ng tao, pero dapat balance ang safety at environmental responsibility. Hindi pwedeng laging ang solusyon ay capture o displacement ng hayop, lalo na kung wala namang malinaw na threat at ang tao ang kusang pumasok sa area.

Ang mas dapat tanungin: bakit may activities at tirahan ng tao sa mga lugar na alam nating natural ecosystem ng wildlife? Development should not mean destroying or removing nature para lang umangkop sa atin.

Kung gusto talaga ng long-term solution, dapat may proper zoning, awareness, at conservation programs. Respect nature, because we are the ones adjusting—not them."

Follow Me cover

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 08:26:00 +0000

I took you from the comfort of the big city, the warmth of your friends, and the loving care of your family, to all sorts of discomfort and uncertainty. You followed me from up north to down south. You willingly welcomed the things and people that are dear to me--my goals, my friends, my family and relatives. You valued them the way I value them. By following me, you have embraced all my faults, weaknesses, and failures. But here you are, still following me after 17 years. In live performances, John Denver ended the song with "take my hand and... I will follow too..." You know I am not used to following, but as you continue to take my hand, I will follow too. Happy Anniversary.

Doing Magic with Acrylic Polymer

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:57:00 +0000

I only shifted to acrylic gloss polymer from spray varnish last year. The quality of the finish seemed the same as traditional acrylic varnish. But this time I had to remove the finish because specks of dirt stuck to the surface. The dirt came from bird nests on our ceiling. I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to remove the layers of gloss polymer. What started out scary turned out weirdly satisfying. The coat peeling off the surface and rolling with my fingers as a single rubbery film felt like magic. Blessed Sunday!

Last Generation to See Fireflies?

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:33:00 +0000

Post from Garden Tips and Tricks

It was late night in a remote barrio of Baggao, Cagayan, when we were on our way home from showing the JESUS film when I saw the most spectacular firefly display.

As the jeepney sped (the place was still an insurgency hotspot), we passed by a glowing tree in the middle of almost complete darkness. The entire tree was lit by thousands of fireflies. It was like looking at a giant greenish neon light bulb.

There is a tree beside the bridge in our barangay which had a lot of fireflies also, although not nearly as numerous as the one I saw in Baggao. It seems that the fireflies there too are gone. Might be because of the flood control/river dike that was constructed along the Kamanitohan river a few years ago.

The other night, while talking to our neighbor outside our house, she pointed at a solitary firefly. I hardly noticed it. I rarely see these amazing creatures now.

This post reminds me to keep native plants around and resist the urge of creating a completely manicured lawn.

Education and Journalism: the Prevention and Cure for Social Gangrene

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:15:00 +0000

I've had the privilege of teaching all categories of journalism since June this year.

Thanks to school-based press conferences at the Auxillary Academy in Bulacan, Manito Central School and Cawayan High School, and the District Press Con (elementary) here in Manito last week.

All these efforts come with the hope that somehow, our young learners would imbibe the power and honor that the pen holds, especially when wielded by conscience-driven heroes like our own Dr. Jose Rizal.

Our nation needs science and technology, no doubt. But without the heart and soul of the liberal arts, we would merely be producing politicians and professionals like engineers and contractors who only live for luxury and power -- bringing with them a deluge of all possible national ills.

Education should prevent social malaise while journalism should be the antibiotic that the gangrene whenever it is found.

Solar System for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 23:53:00 +0000

Mga kababayan.

Huwag po tayong mababahala sa korapsyon ng flood control. Matagal na tayong ibinebenta ng mga politiko (mula barangay pataas), contractor, at suppliers.

Maglaway at mamangha na lang tayo sa "inspirational" na buhay nila from rags to riches.

Heto nga binebenta ang solar system, ni hindi nakapalag ang US at UN. Mabahala na lang tayo pag buong kalawakan na ang binebenta nila.

Ipagpatuloy na lang nating tanggapin ang ilang kilong bigas at ham kapalit ng boto natin. Tapos kapag nakaupo na sila, palakpakan lang natin sila at tawaging "honorable" dahil for them there is no such thing as "beyond the commerce of men".
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1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." ESV

Luke 12:15: "And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' ESV

Remembering Vinzons in the Wake of Flood Control

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 22:16:00 +0000

Photo and original post in Facebook

We have no lack of great heroes like Vinzons, and yet our people continue to bow to leaders from barangay leaders to high officials who have no sense of honor. And our people keep voting them to office.

Ang daming opisyal ang hindi raw makapaniwala sa tindi ng korapsyon ng flood control, samantalang halos lahat naman alam na ang kalakarang ganito ay hindi bago.

Wala raw "ebidensya". That is the mentality of even the lowest level politicians in the country. You can steal rebars and gravel and sand from infrastructure projects as long as there is no evidence and you deliver them at night.

Ang daming namatay para sa bayan. Sabi pa ni Ninoy, the Filipino is worth dying for. Ang hirap paniwalaan, pero kapag hindi tayo maniwala at manindigan, wala talagang kahihinatnan ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani. Binura na sila sa papel na pera, patuloy pang nabubulag ang mga kababayan nila sa pera.

From Flood Control Corruption to Plato's Noble Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:19:00 +0000

From Sumbong sa Pangulo website.

These are the flood control projects in our town of Manito in Albay for the years 2023 and 2024.

The reporting website is a great initiative from PBBM. Try it to find projects in your area.

This site/service should be expanded to cover other infrastructure projects because the top 15 contractors in the President's list are most probably also the top contractors in road and bridge projects. The site/service should also be expanded to cover those undertaken in the Barangay level so citizens can report unfinished/substandard works and other corrupt practices. It is no secret that a lot of people want positions in government so they can cash in on "SOPs" from projects like basketball courts, barangay roads, and other similar projects.

This is why Plato's myth of metals still intrigues me. What if we can implement some modified form of the "noble lie" -- a socio-political structure that can make people in positions believe they are made of gold so they would no longer hunger for gold and everything related to power and wealth?

Could we really raise philosopher-kings -- philosopher-mayors, philosopher-kapitans, philosopher-kagawads, philosopher-representatives... who only live to lead in excellence and nothing more?

Would our current barangay councilors and higher ranking leaders who only want power and wealth be convinced to be "simply" merchants, farmers, and artisans? And would this make our military, police and all those in the uniformed services concern themselves only with matters of the State's security and the public's safety instead of accumulating wealth through online gambling, e-sabong, kotong, moonlighting as body guards, and planting evidence to meet quotas?

I believe that Biblical Christianity is, in a way, some form of this myth or noble lie, because sincere adherents would not think of this as a lie but something they are truly convinced in. However, Plato's idea will only work if everyone in society subscribe to the myth and play within their roles.

And that is the problem. Because true Christianity cannot be imposed by force, by subjugation, or by some form of manipulation. Add to this the irony that those who are competent and sincere do not want anything to do with government and politics, while the incompetent, greedy, and power hungry are the ones who covet the titles "Honorable" and "His/Her Excellency".

Wouldn't it be even better if we wouldn't even need the noble lie? What if we could all just be noble, without the lie?

Mayor Vico on PBBM's Flood Control Top 15 Contractors List

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:45:00 +0000

"(6) Pag master na ang 1-5, papasok na rin sa politika. Yung 1% ng nakaw ibibigay sa tao bilang "tulong" Para magmukha silang mabait "

Ang corruption ay "systemic". Ibig sabihin hindi lang ito nangyayari sa isang sangay ng pamahalaan o isang lebel ng namamahala, o sa Pasig lang. Nangyayari ito sa ating mga barangay, munisipalidad, lungsod, probinsya at bansa.

Patuloy nating pagtulungang buwagin ang mga maling gawain sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin, pagasasalita, at sa pag-iwas na lumahok sa mga gawaing ito.

Vacation Bible School: God Lovingly Embarrasses me Again

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Wed, 28 May 2025 12:20:00 +0000

I didn’t really encourage Nerissa to push through with this VBS using the Prayer Covenant for Children. I’m a person who is willing take on any challenge but there are times when I admit we are not equipped to pursue certain things at certain times. This was one of those times.

We we’re busy preparing for our scholars’ camp. Working with children is not really our strength. Nerissa could have a flare if she gets too tired. Ministering to children requires a lot of energy…

I tried to gently discourage Nerissa. But I knew our Lord rebuked His disciples who hindered children from coming to Him. Jesus is not only for young people and adults.

During our fellowship after the VBS graduation, all the volunteers were so happy and fulfilled even though they admitted to not particularly liking kids as well. Nerissa could not have pulled this off without our young volunteers from the scholarship program and from our fellowship who allowed themselves to be trained, and who taught, cooked their own merienda in our house every day, prepared and performed their roles most enthusiastically.

The week was just spontaneous with them since they were happy serving the Lord. Most shared that they themselves learned a lot because they had to learn the lessons before they could teach. They’ve been with our fellowship for just under a year.

One incoming grade 12 scholar tearfully testified that he remembered that when he was in elementary, he prayed for a chance to serve the Lord and he saw that serving during this VBS was God’s’ answer to that desire and prayer.

Many thanks also to Ate Carol for her prodding, cheering, and supplying of training and materials. It felt like Nerissa was in UP Diliman once again, under the leadership of Kuya Ricky and ate Carol. They were the team leaders under whom Nerissa felt most empowered.

It was also a joy to see that some of the core kids in the VBS have been with us for years now and they have been our friends already -- from the days when they just started by asking for coconuts and, malunggay, lubi-lubi, bananas, and papaya from our yard, and the days when they would just come and ask Nerissa to teach them to read or do maths.

May God be honored and pleased. May these children keep the lessons in their hearts. God has lovingly embarrassed me once again.

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When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” -- Mark 10:14-15 (NIV)

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Thank you sa video, Yeng Dajac.

2024 Top and Bottom Functional Literacy Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:16:00 +0000

Hmmm. What are the admins, teachers, students, and parents doing right in Benguet and Apayao to merit top functional literacy in the country? Is it partly because Cordillerans and those living in the Cordilleras are culturally more respectful and obedient to parents and authority as we call all adults our uncles and aunties? We are also proud of our teachers and administrators, both active and retired, who, day in and day out are just in the classrooms doing their job of teaching. Makita ta amin nga kabatch ko ket nalalaeng agbasa ken umawat. Ada met siyempre sanger ken natatangken ulo ngem sumsumrek latta.

Cavite is top 10. I wonder why. Could it be related to what we have been hearing from friends, like ranking and hiring teachers in public schools is smoother and faster there?

18.9M Filipino Grads in 2024 Functionally Illiterate

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sat, 03 May 2025 00:11:00 +0000

Konti na lang at matutupad na ang goal na "no one left behind" kasi no one is moving forward.

How about dialing the data further? Ano ang proportion ng mga with honors and high honors na functionally illiterate, if any?

Then measure the number of teachers with (or are pursuing) master's degrees, dahil ngayon mukhang ang dami na rin nila. How many will agree that we had very few teachers with master's degrees in the past but they were simply good at what they were supposed to do -- educate. Teachers were busy teaching, not doing admin tasks, not organizing activities, not pursuing further studies for promotion or regularization.

Philippine courts, not ICC must handle charges vs Duterte—Honasan

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:20:00 +0000

Click to read the Manila Bulletin article written BY Dhel Nazario

Philippine courts, not ICC must handle charges vs Duterte—Honasan

I agree. That is my humble opinion as an ordinary Filipino citizen.

Hatred towards one man should not blind us into setting a precedent of surrendering our sovereignty. Kung problema natin si Duterte, kapwa niya Filipino ang maglitis sa kanya.

We cannot afford to surrender our sovereign judicial rights to a court in Europe inasmuch as we should not surrender our sovereign rights to our Exclusive Economic Zone over to China.

The victims of extrajudicial killings will not benefit from the ICC intervention. Who will actually benefit right now? -- The current administration and the next administration that it passes the reins to in 2028.

Sino ang kawawa? Si Duterte? Taong bayan.

Bicol Lawmakers Accused of Diverting Funds.

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:34:00 +0000

Link to news article by Rhaydz B. Barcia in the Manila Times

This is still just an accusation. Nothing has been proven yet. But what people may have been asking about in silence will now be openly discussed, as all public affairs should.

And while we're at it, will someone also "ask" why roads are being carved in our mountains in Manito, Albay?

These are roads that seem to lead nowhere, while irreparably threatening the last forest mountains this side of Bicol. We, the residents, are not even clamoring for these roads. These are not farm-to-market roads.

Ordinary laborers and backhoe operators are earning for sure, but as to what fraction of the amount the patrons and contractors gain, we do not know -- yet.

These roads will definitely offer breathtaking views of Mayon volcano across the Albay Gulf, but at the expense of irreparable loss to our already depleted forest.

This is one reason why I believe the only provision in the 1987 Constitution that needs amending is the Partylist system because, as decided by the Supreme Court, it is NOT only for marginalized sectoral representatives. Political dynasties have also been turbocharged since now, not only can a family dominate district representation, but now they can hold partylist seats at the same time -- with the added potential of holding local executive posts.

Therein lies the problem. The system has transformed a noble vision into one of the greatest modern travesties against democratic ideals. Instead of pushing our nation forward, it has in fact enlivened corruption, patronage politics, and dynasties.

What can we expect when democratic institutions are governed by businessmen and not statesmen?

So yes, an accusation is just an accusation. But it's a start, nonetheless.

Eric Gancio Performing "Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo"

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 13:12:00 +0000

Eric Gancio of Yano Performing "Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo"

1993. First year college. Sa harap ni Oble.

They have yet to conquer the Philippine airwaves and were thus unknown to our college crowd. As they started performing, hecklers shouted "Tatlo lang sila? Ano yan, Nirvanang walang drums?!"

Doubts abruptly vanished that cold Baguio City evening as they rocked us with "Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo", "Esem", "Tsinelas", "State U", “Kumusta Na?”(EDSA revolution). We were hearing Yano for the very first time!

Earlier that year, the Eraserheads broke through Philippine music.

So in one or two years -- two bands coming from the same university defined our college generation's music. The first band united us and validated our common Pinoy experiences with the melodies of "Ligaya", "Pare Ko", "Toyang", and “Shirley”; while the second brought to our consciousness the Philippine socio-political quagmire. I was even challenged and warned as a young born-again Christian -- mahalin ang bayan at ang Diyos ng hindi sa salita lamang para hindi maging katawa-tawang banal na aso.

We were able to watch the Eraserheads reunion concert live years ago. I wonder if there is a future for a Yano with Dong Abay.

Vico Sotto: Wala Kayong Utang na Loob... Lalo na sa Politiko...

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:08:00 +0000

click image for link to original Facebook post

Simple lang ang pangarap natin, na lahat tayo sa Pilipinas -- mga ordinaryong mamamayan at mga lingkod-bayan ay matuto mag-isip katulad ni Vico.

It is not uncommon for politicians to enforce patronage politics by exploiting Filipino values like "utang na loob". They also commonly "threaten" constituents that benefits and services like community colleges will cease operations if the incumbent officials are not re-elected.

Hanggang hindi ito naituturo at naitataguyod sa ating mga paaralan, simbahan, pamayanan, at tahanan, hindi mababago ang paulit-ulit na korapsyon at pagmamalabis ng mga nasa katungkulan.

SILG Remulla warns against BFP personnel selling fire extinguishers

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:31:00 +0000

SILG Remulla recently warned against BFP personnel from selling or endorsing of fire extinguishers and manufacturers, dealers or suppliers.

This is a very welcome and timely warning. I remember the late Jesse Robredo who, as then recently appointed secretary by PNoy, stopped another BFP scheme -- the FALAR -- that made it more difficult to comply with fire safety and inspection clearances.

I hope SILG Remulla follows through on this because we need to protect our growing number of young BFP personnel from developing corrupt practices.

-----------------------------------

Here's an excerpt from the GMA news online article shared on msn.com:

“Bawal magbenta ng fire extinguisher ang mga fire marshal at kung may ganon ireport n’yo kaagad sa akin at tatanggalin ko ‘yan on the spot,” he said.

(Fire marshals are prohibited from selling fire extinguishers and if there are personnel doing that, report it to me immediately and I will remove them on the spot.)

“Galit na galit ako doon…Kalokohan ‘yan e. Bakit mo papahirapan ang negosyo? Nagbibigay ng trabaho ‘yan tapos gusto mo pagkakitaan lang,” he added.

(I'm very angry at that... That's absurd. Why would you make business difficult? It provides work and then you just want to make money from it.)

When he was a Cavite governor, Remulla said he reprimanded some fire personnel who engaged in such illegal practices including the endorsement of contractors for fire sprinklers.

Based on BFP Memorandum Circular 2016-016, fire personnel are prohibited from engaging in the selling of fire extinguishers and endorsing of manufacturers, dealers, or suppliers of fire fighting equipment.

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** Link to the news article

** Link to a Flameguard website, with an article on fire extinguisher expiration, inspection and mention of the same 2016 BFP memorandum circular.

Belonging (Bread)

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:32:00 +0000

Happy anniversary, wife!

The song says it all. The wrong lyrics, the surrounding sounds of crickets, dogs barking, the rain, the noise, are all part of our lives. A lot of things may be beyond our control, but we live through them together. Year after year.

Wag mo na ako awayin bukas ha.

Not So Excited About Palayan Binary Geothermal Plant

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:32:00 +0000

People in town are not so excited about the new plant since we still have terribly low single-phase power that dips to as low as 42.8 volts.

[Late post: July 2024]

The inauguration of a renewable power source such as the Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant inaugurated in our town (Manito, Albay) the other day should be welcomed with great joy.

But if we look at the ABS-CBN news report's comments section, Maniteños and other Bicolanos are not at all excited because the power generated will of course be sent to the Luzon grid.

Meanwhile, we continue to live with constant brownouts, high power rates, and in our town of Manito, super low power. In my almost daily monitoring, power even dips to as low as 42.8 volts at night!

So, I guess all we can say to our energy managers and political leaders is: more power to you po.

Leadership Training in Camalig, Albay: A Win for PWDs

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:27:00 +0000

I taught two Leadership Training topics for the Federation of PWD officers in Camalig, Albay 3 weeks ago.

As always, more than the positive feedback in-training, real success can only be measured when they have applied the motivation, principles, and skills in the service of fellow PWDs in their barangays.

This training was particularly encouraging as Nerissa and I saw the local government's full support. No less than the Camalig Municipal Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo, Jr. himself and the Municipal Council's social services committee chairwoman came to address the trainees and update them on their actions and plans for PWDs.

I also heard the municipal PDAO Nineth Ognita and the Mayor mention opening space for PWD enterprises at Sumlang Lake as they rightly want to focus on livelihood projects, rather than on dole-outs.

Credit to the Albay Provincial Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office under Ma'am Let Abion for her leadership over the province's efforts to serve the PWDs, and to the Camalig PIO for two photos in this post.

No Hymn Until the Crown is Secure

noreply@blogger.com (Voyager-3) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:15:00 +0000

QMB a difference-maker as UP draws first blood vs La Salle from spin.ph

"Magre-review na ako ng UP Naming Mahal," someone at home blurted out last night.

Nope. Wag muna.

UP also drew first blood last year, but I was so afraid if they dropped game 2, they'd fall short for Season 86--which they did.

QMB's everyday-working-man attitude morphing into a 3rd quarter bull was quite a sight to see, especially as Bayla kept KQ scoreless after accumulating 18 pts. at half time.

La Salle is so tough. Phillips was so reliable last night. Pero sana, atin pa rin ang game 2. Key is defense and all maroon shirts on court playing their hearts out as the rest of us scream our lungs out.

Salamat pala sa free livestream, Pilipinas Live!