barefoot

The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th of December

2011-12-10T00:38:00.000-08:00

Photo grabbed from the net. I have chosen a photo that looked absolutely similar to what I saw :)

Tonight I have seen a marvelous event in my life - the Lunar Eclipse. As I glance through my memories, I have never witnessed something so magical. What my naked eyes could see right now is inconceivable and I am so proud that during my stay on this planet earth I was rewarded with this rare opportunity.

It was on the weekend news that I've learned about the coming of the Lunar Eclipse. At first I wasn't really excited though I must admit that I really want to see it. When it was 10:00 o'clock in the evening I went to our lawn to look up the sky, all of a sudden I found myself staring on the earth as it casts it's shadow on the moon. Yes, I've seen it and it was oh so clear! For the past days of December it has been raining hard here in our area but this day was just perfect, no rains and no dark clouds which pave the way to the twinkling stars and the full moon. At about 11:00 o'clock I was shouting with merriment as the earth's shadow covered the entire moon. It was like a round lantern for me, from a yellow moon it became orange. I couldn't stop myself from watching as the nature took it's own course. I know that not all countries had this opportunity and so I felt really bless this day!

As I was writing this entire article now the Lunar Eclipse is about to end but I will forever treasure this day - 10th of December 2011 at Brgy. 1 San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

Solitude

2011-12-04T08:42:00.001-08:00

I was always positive with my work, whatever it is, I always give it my best shot. I always give what I could give, I even pushed myself to its limits and extend extra hours if necessary. My first month came so swiftly, I was able to mingle with various people and most of them were professionals and were heads of their own department. I didn't paid much thought that I was slowly being bombarded with great responsibilities. Everyday became a day of continuous learning and adaptation, every task became a constant challenge and every mistake became a bit of frustration. Am I straining myself?

Boredom became my greatest enemy during my entire stay in a place I haven't considered my home. I was able to endure boredom for quiet sometime now but I was slowly sensing defeat. I had thought of giving up and just let this go, I want to have life!

For a hundred times I convinced myself of holding on and just continue to watch my guard until the last bell rings. I know I could have done better if I was not stuck in this profession, I could have done something worthwhile in my life right now if I hadn't chosen nursing. I could have enjoyed the things that the world has to offer if I wasn't here - writing all my sentiments.

I know that everyone of us has our own share of difficulties, frustrations and tragedies. Indeed this are all bitter ingredients of life. I wanted to shout and burst in disappointments. I wanted to blame other people and hate somebody. I wanted to turn away from everyone who dismays me. I wanted but I just couldn't do it, though I am already a carnal man, I still believe that somewhere out there there's that person who carries even greater burdens for me. He haven't surrendered yet so why should I?

A Private Get Away to Isla MelSol

2011-11-06T04:20:00.000-08:00

On a Sunday Morning a text from a friend named Thea just buzz me saying "we will be going to the Island please tell Clark and Maureen". The first word that wrapped my mind was "WOW", I really need a breath of fresh air right now from weeks of hard work. I don't have any idea where we were going or what we well be doing. As long as its for free and I get to see the sea, its fine for me :)

Our time of departure wasn't really certain so I cared less of the things to bring and I was just having a time of my life. But things quickly turned into a mess when I heard Thea's car halted in front of our door. All of a sudden I felt a surge of blood creeping into my body. I aimlessly picked up all the necessary things needed for this short trip. I haven't brushed my teeth nor took a bath and even if I hate the thought of it I am not in the position to keep those people in the car waiting. I couldn't imagine how terrible I look after leaving our house grrrrrrrr. The same thing happened to my friends Clark and Maureen, we were being kidnapped by Thea. Our hiding place was Isla MelSol, a private Island owned by Thea's parents. It is located in the remote areas of Surigao del Sur, a privately owned Island towering in the middle of the sea, what could be more majestic than that?

From the port of Barobo, Surigao del Sur we were being transferred to a boat with a maximum of eight occupants. From the port it would take about 20 minutes of boat riding in order to reach the Island. 20 minutes of sight seeing, 20 minutes of solitude and 20 minutes of picture taking! hehehehe After reaching the Island we were all dazzled by the land escape. Indeed its a perfect spot for a private get away! Lambay (local term for big crabs) was immediately served on out table. What more could I ask for from that certain point in time...sigh watta life!

We spent the entire hours chatting and strolling the place. I was really eager to go for a dive but the time is really not enough to fully satisfy me so I've decided to just watch the view and and enjoy the solemnity. At about 5:00 pm we all bid farewell to Isla MelSol, just in time for the sunset. Our journey was more of an inspection rather than a vacation :) Till next time :P

The Captives and the Kidnapper

Boat riding

The Rock House

The owner and the evaluators

A vinta?

The Turtle Island

Isla MelSol from afar

The Lambays and Me!

The View

When Love Fails

2011-10-23T09:12:00.000-07:00


This picture was taken in Talikod Island

I am frequently asked about my love life and I don't know why they bother themselves with such curiosity. As much as possible I ran away from these topics but still it keeps on reappearing which leave me with no choice but to state my grounds. Ever since my last break-up I had close my doors for relationships, commitments and boys. I do not wish to be a snob but I prefer to be one if this is the only reason I could hide myself from guys.

I am not afraid to love again and I think there is no wrong with loving again and again. What I am afraid of are separations. Separation is the most hurtful event that ever happened to me and I would never allow myself to experience it again. Loving could be very easy and it could come naturally but with separation - I doubt it.

I have seen other people suffer and grieve because of their fear for separation. These people are good and beautiful individuals but they are crashed by their emotions which leave them as victims of love.

Separation is my weakness yet it is my only armor so I could protect myself from experiencing another tragic event. You might not understand why I am thinking this way, yes it is hard to decipher but think of it as a lesson learned when love fails. ^^

Faith, Hope, Love

2011-10-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Photo grabbed from the net

In the eyes of a man…

Faith is when he pursues a girl without thinking of being broken.

Hope is when he believes that all his effort would not be put to waste.

Love is when he does everything to satisfy the girl.

In the eyes of a woman…

Faith is falling in love without knowing the reasons why.

Hope is praying for a happy ending.

Love is saying the three magical words – I Love You.

In the eyes of a new pair…

Faith is when they engage in sex without minding the consequences.

Hope is wishing to see a single line in a pregnancy kit.

Love is taking all the responsibilities of their previous action.

This is the common story of our time.

This is reality.

These are the battles most teenagers experience.

The Faith, Hope and Love of their time.

This poem was inspired by Charmie Grace P. Quipit, RN. She titled her poem "A Journey of Faith, Hope and Love", which was published by Healthbeat, the official publication of DOH on May-June 2011. She coined the words beautifully and showed us the reality in an even fascinating way.

Tomorrow's Another Day

2011-09-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Photo grabbed from the internet

For almost a month I've been emotionally troubled because I was carried away with Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind". During my free time I always make it a point to read this book and finally after several weeks of battling against fiction and reality - I ended up coming into my senses. Before, I so wanted to read through this book because of mere interest but as I was uncovering the life of Scarlett O'hara I was becoming furious of what might be the next scenario. I always felt that I am like Scarlett and Scarlett was like me, a woman with principles, headstrong, capable of adjusting to life's miseries, practical, unsatisfied and generous to the family.

The novel depicts history, war, love, lost and money. History, the novel tells us about the Negros as slaves and how are they discriminated in the earlier days. War, the first part of the story showcases the battle between the Yankees and the Southerners and how their lives where change due to the devastating effect of it. Love, a love to their children, a love to their land, a love to their family, a love to one’s self and a love blossomed only to one’s fantasies. Lost, during the entire life of Scarlett he had endured bitter losses from the death of her most admired mother and father to the deathbed of her only friend, Melanie Wilkes. Money is the main reason why the main character, Scarlett, has grown from a woman rooted with religion to a woman of practicality.

Gone with the wind, a very intriguing title to the story…hmmp if I were to decipher its title I would say that it was so named because after all the success of the main character to achieve financial security, in the end she had no one that she can share her burdens with. “Tomorrow’s another day” was the last thing she had on her mind.

Registered Nurse HEALS

2011-09-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

For a month I wasn't able to share my thoughts online this is due to the fact that I was busy with my new work. And this time I want you guys to have an idea about what I do :) Last August I was hired as a nurse under the Registered Nurse Health Enhancement and Local Services (RN HEALS) program of the Department of Health. It is like a contractual status wherein for 1 year the government will be paying as an amount of Php 8,000.00, a better salary than being a volunteer nurse :) This program of the government was really made to address the issues regarding the overwhelming numbers of unpaid nurses here in the Philippines.

For 6 months we will be assign in the Rural Health Unit (RHU). Some of our colleagues were assigned in very far flung areas while others are deployed in isolated islands. Our role is to help deliver quality health care and monitor other programs of the government like 4Ps. I envy some of the RN HEALS who are assigned near the beaches of Surigao because they can enjoy the scenic view of the sea. Some were also bless because the municipal government counterparts for their salary which means an additional number to their Php 8,000.

After our community service, we will then be assign in the Hospital for another 6 months. In the end we will be getting a certificate and an assurance than we will be the priority if ever there are job openings..sounds good.

You are probably wondering what area I am assigned right? Fortunately, I am deployed in an urban jungle which is Butuan City. I would love to be expose to the community but nevertheless I am happy with my place now.

Me and Joann @ Dotties Place

The Regional Heads in the celebration of World TB Day

Me with my Colleagues @ Almont Convention Center during the launching of
Kalusugan Pangkalahatan

Our PhilHealth partners and their having fun!

A Hawaiian presentation by PhilHealth hotties

Our Community Exposure

2011-08-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Our Water Pump Project

Wandering the area with full get up

We are searching for a safer part of the river to

If there is one thing that I am proud of myself maybe it's the fact that for once in my life I've done something worthwhile that changed the life of others.

During my last year in college, me together with my group mates were assigned on a very far flung community which could not be reached either by electricity, water supply or even cellphone signal. "Oh my Gosh!" was the first statement that crept my mind. Our constant plea to be transferred to another community was never given any consideration.

The day finally came that we took our first step on the grounds of San Simon, the end part of Cagayan de Oro city. With our slippers we took the opportunity to conduct our ocular survey inspection. We crossed the mud colored river in order to reach the households we will be serving. Indeed our work was a bit too risky and untidy as well.

We didn't pay much attention to the burdens this assignment had caused us. Instead we enjoyed our everyday walk along the trails. We also enjoyed the abundance of fruits and vegetables in the area, some of the household would offer us coconut juices, vegetables, chickens and even goat for our lunch. I could still remember how heavy our loads are every departing time, every hands carries with them papaya or even vegetables as a bring home.

Our community exposure lasted for one month and we get the chance to see our assigned household thrice a week. And for those days that I've been wandering around their area I only saw hospitality and willingness from them. Within that span of time we were able to construct a water pump to supply almost 15 households. Before they were deprived from drinking a safe and clean water, now they could drink all they can without fear of having an amoeba or diarrhea.

Cleaning the goat for our lunch

Gold panning done by children

Mickey Mouse Fruit

Happy muddy feet

My group mates while crossing the river

Madayaw in Davao

2011-08-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Me with a street dancer

Fruits and Fruits

Kadayawan Festival is an annual event celebrated every third week of August on the streets of Davao City, Philippines. The festival is a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest, serenity of living and celebration of life.Every year during the festival various activities are lined up for the people to witness and enjoy.

I personally experienced the fun and excitement and there are a lot of good memories that the festival has instilled in me. Durian is one of the fruit that Davao has to offer, some calls this a fruit that “Smells like hell but tastes like heaven”.

My Birthday Letter

2011-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dear God,

My time now is exactly 11:35 pm (Pacific Time) and in a few minutes I would be turning 22. Sigh, when I recount all the blessings I had from you I could think of nothing except to thank you for all my happy days and frustrating moments.

In my 22 years of existence in this world, I had met a lot of people. Some are just mere passers, some stood by me till this time, some remained close to my heart and some I just recognize by face. I was not a friend to everyone since I also have my own floss and cruelties. I was never regarded as a good adviser for I fear to show empathy, but as far as I could recall I was a listener who listens and a friend who scolds whenever necessary. I was also insecure for I have my own issues that I keep on battling till now. I was tactless and impulsive, that I have to agree. People have lots of word to throw at me but I wouldn't mind, as long as it don't reach me (LOL). I always made mistakes, the good part was I learned from it. And even though you keep throwing me trials, there was never a time that you let me down.

Looking back on my past, I was a little disappointed for I could see that I left a lot of lapses and these lapses sometimes bothers me. There are a lot of questions from my College days that I kept unanswered, would it be better to keep it that way? Still I wouldn't know the answer. My High School life was not remarkable as others had but I cherished those memories I had. I couldn't remember much of my Elementary days but I wish I wasn't that brat though. These are the years you've given me God and I thank you for such glorious days.

Now on the grounds of falling in love and having a partner, I wouldn't pay much attention to that since I'm still working on falling in love with myself. Between intimacy and isolation, I would rather choose isolation. Am I so harsh with myself? If it comes then let it come. I would never want to be on the same boat as before..

There's a lot of things in my mind right now and one of those is that I am still not certain of the road I'm crossing and I would never want to gamble anything now for I have wasted much time and effort. I shall leave this thing to you my God and hope that I will be answered soon.

Your Child,
Barbie

Aquamarine Park - A Tropical Destination

2011-08-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Last summer we decided to head North of Mindanao, to Paypayan, Oroquieta City to be exact. It was the land where my father with his 6 siblings were born and raised. It was a long trip from our hometown and I personally don't like this idea because its too stressful for me but the thought of seeing my grandmother gave me the courage and patience to push through with this trip.

After reaching the port of Ozamis City we were welcomed by our relatives. It was kinda' awkward since we don't get along that much. We rested for a little while at a mall in Ozamis and bought some groceries because we know that it won't be available anymore in Paypayan then we headed to our destination. While on the road, we chatted and chatted and chatted just to fill up those years we skipped.

Before reaching our target area my aunt decided to take us to Aquamarine Park, it's a tourist destination in the province of Misamis Occidental. Upon our arrival, I was a little nervous because the street was flooded due to the high tide. Soon after that I found myself dazzled by the tropical resort. This park houses various animals, from monkeys to the different kinds of birds mostly native to our land. While setting foot on the park's man made path walks I was amazed by the sounds that I am hearing. I could hear the chirping of the birds and the waves of the sea.

Its another nature adventure trip for me together with my family. Hope to see more of this kind in the future!

The Flooded Street

A Native Bird

A long bay walk wherein Dolphin Island could be seen.

Man made path ways.

Five Hours Exile in Dapitan

2011-07-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Dapitan City, a city that looms on the Northern part of Zamboanga del Norte. It is also named as "The Shrine City in the Phillipines", and true to its name it serve as a place of devotion for the Rizalian (pertaining to people who glorifies Jose Rizal - Philippines National Hero).

I have always wanted to visit this place since I was a child, our historical books always mention Dapitan as a place of exile for Jose Rizal. The day finally came where my feet took step on the same grounds where our National Hero used to live. While I was roaming around the place, I couldn't stop my eyes from eyeing every portion trying to make sure not to miss any details. The place was well preserve though some of the things are just replicas, I still find it amazing.

Every details of Jose Rizal's life where recorded on every corner, from his shirts and pants to his house. I was also flabbergasted by the big rock wherein Rizal wrote the verses of his poem "Mi Retiro". It was also on this rock that Rizal and Josephine Bracken had their bonding moments together.

Mi Retiro Rock - a heart shaped rock in Dapitan.

We stayed at Dapitan for almost half a day, and for me it seemed like I've been on a time travel. This trip was really educational yet fun at the same time.

Mural Painting

My brother took a pose on a poster

A window on Rizal's house

A street beside Dapitan church

Reminiscing the Past with the Gallebo Siblings

2011-07-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

A pose on the bay walk

For the first time ever, Gallebo siblings are back with each others arm. This year was a year of reminiscing for the Gallebo siblings as they revisited their hometown as well as their mother, my grandmother, who is suffering from an illness. This reunion was made possible because of my grandmother's wish of seeing her 6 sons and 1 daughter before she bids farewell to this world. I just hope that God would extend some more years to my grandmother's life. The six siblings made it to Oroquieta but the only girl among them wasn't able to come because she was working abroad. Nevertheless, the fun never stops.

Every minute was a moment of laughter and story telling. We granddaughters became their audiences as they fill every queries in our minds. Those days were very momentous to each and everyone of us, I don't know how to express the feeling but it was like a magic...the connection between us as relatives and the fact that they had endured a lot from their childhood years and looking them now as grown up...I think this is what life is about, enduring and at the end laughing about all the memories.

From the top right: Efren, Arman, Grandmother, Oscar, Ramon,

and the twin Manuel and Manolo

Engraving on the Sand

Jump shot

Side Tripping at White Island and Sibadan Fish Cage with My Relatives

2011-07-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a total splash! My relatives and I had traveled long hours just to witness the exceptionally beautiful Tinuy-an Falls and the awesome Enchanted River. It was my second time to visit the place but the amazement in me grew even stronger. I have featured Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted river on my previous post.

Boat Riding

Indeed, there are a lot of more spectacular views that Surigao del Sur could offer and two of those are the White Island and the Sibadan Fish Cage. You might wanna go there someday so here's how to reach the place. The boatmen from the Enchanted River offers a ride so that you could tour these areas. It would cost you Php160 per hour, never mind the expenses because the experience you will be getting is worth spending for.

First stop is the White Island as the locals call it, it's about 15 minutes boat ride from the Enchanted river. During our ride we were dazzled by the very clear water beneath us, I've never seen such clarity in my life ever. The island is not yet fully developed but we surely enjoyed the area.

Second stop is the Sibadan Fish Cage. Another 15 minutes of boat riding is required in order to reach the area. Upon arrival we immediately headed to the fish cage wherein a lot of fishes with various colors are lodging and and the talked about marine turtle (pawikan in Tagalog). We captured one marine turtle and took a photo of it. We swam together with the fishes and what is really amazing is that we could almost touch them.

From the left: My two cousins Tetet, Ivy and Me

Marine Turtle

My cousins with their capture - the marine turtle

The Lazy Day

2011-07-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I don't feel like doing anything...hmmm I just wanna write in my blog. Don't feel like picking up my cell so just message me on Facebook. LOL.

Seriously, I feel sad of being absent today but my entire body is aching because of yesterday's trip. And since I have all the time now, I decided to explore the web then maybe I could find something new....Well that idea disappointed me a little bit. I just had the usual view like: nothing special with my facebook page, slow loading of every page I open, and nothing else. Maybe you could suggest a page guys, something that could make me laugh for a little while.

Oh before I forgot, I had a lot of tagged photos from my cousin's photo album. Thanks to her, now I can laugh at our photos from Tinuy-an and Enchanted River plus our side tripping (I'll be blogging it after this).

I wish I could insert an audio here but I don't know why...I would love to share to you the music I'm currently listening now, it's the songs from Nina's album (Nina Live) it's relaxing so I love it.

LOL

Philippines own version of Niagara Falls

2011-07-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tinuy-an Falls is the Philippines own version of Niagara Falls, it is nested on the province of Surigao del Sur. The term picturesque view, as i must say is an understatement because there is no perfect word that could describe the beauty of the place.

If you are planning to visit the place, I suggest that you bring your private vehicle with you just to be comfortable. Since the place is in the deepest portion of the province, expect that your eyes will be filled with natures wonders.

During our trip at Tinuy-an Falls, I was really amazed with the mist that covers the entire falls. It's like a curtain that covers the majestic beauty of the falls. I had a super fun trip with my friends in high school. Every views and layers are surely worth taking a photo of.

I call this the First Layer because this is the site that welcomed us.

It is indeed very captivating.

I want to call this area "The Balcony" because you could

see the entire view from the above.

This is the tallest falls on the area and just by seeing this one makes me

think of how grateful I am for witnessing one of God's creations.

Festival of All Festivals!

2011-07-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

In this photo you can see an Agusanon wearing his spectacular
and vivid dress which is accessorized by various colorful beads.

Naliyagan Festival is said to be the Festival of all Festivals as it represents the best of Agusanon's tribe. It is held every second week of June in commemoration of the birth of Agusan del Sur, a booming province in the heart of Mindanao. It is a 1 week celebration and it offers an array of festivities showcasing their culture as well as their tradition.

The emerging Top 5 Bae Naliyagan beauties

Naliyagan Festival offers dozens of activities carefully planned by the City Government Office of Agusan del Sur. Everyday is designed to showcase the rich roots of the province. This Festival united every municipality of the province which made the a event a very successful one.

Every Festival night was designed so that the people could feel the ambiance of partying and rock en' rolling! The night air is filled with the melody of the band which made the venue a perfect place for enjoyment. Who could ever forgot the main highlight of the Festival - the 15 minute fireworks display which lighted the dark infinite sky of the province.

No one could resist the beauties of the Agusanon. A night of pure elegance and poise was dedicated especially for them. The winner gets the privilege of owning the title - Bae Naliyagan.

Cultural show presentation

I personally enjoyed the Cultural show wherein each candidate showed their lovable and charming talents. Some showed skills on singing, dancing and acting. The girls also showed great confidence while answering timely questions. This proves that Agusanons have beauty and brains!

There's a lot more that Naliyagan Festival could offer and you have to witness it first hand to really feel its essence. So prepare yourselves for next years activities!

Photography by: Alvintoi Labella

Enchanted by the River

2011-07-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Our eyes have shown us an array of beauties in this world. Each with spectacular colors and vivid images. It is indeed a great thing - seeing the world in different views and angles. And with this I would like to show you a majestic scenery, let me take you to Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur where the Enchanted River could be found.

It would take about 30 minutes from the National road to reach the Enchanted River. On our way towards the river we were captivated by the green leaves waving through us. You might be wondering why its called Enchanted River so I took the opportunity to ask some locals. According to them, many years ago many people were enchanted by the river because of its unreachable depth. So that answers all our question.

The site is great for soul searchers as this would serve as a great sanctuary for them. The place is also the best spot for the adventurers and for those who love group gatherings.

A Day with Pizza

2011-07-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

I thought that this day would be those ordinary days...sitting, eating and surfing while under the four corners of our house. But this day was different because i ate outside our house! (LOL at least there was a slight difference though) Our target food house was the Pizzerria Mania!

It is owned and managed by my cousin - Homer Joy Ventura, it is located near San Francisco bus terminal. Pizzeria Mania offers 12 different pizza flavors each with unique distinct taste!

They offer - Pizza D' mango, Pineapple Pizz, Pizzeria d' Tuna,D' only Hawaiian Pizza, Cheezy Ham Pizza, Beefy Yellow Corn Pizza, Vegetarian Pizza, Sausage and Mushrooms, Sisig Pizzeria, Cheezy Chicken Flakes, Pepperoni's Pizza and Pizzeria Over Load

What makes these pizza special is you get to enjoy it with your friends! And as a treat for you guys, I together with my friends Thea and Naldy will be experiencing its delight first hand.