Adventures in Life

Gawad Kalinga: Walang Iwanan Bayani Challenge

2014-03-09T21:42:00.000+08:00

2013 indeed is a year with unforgettable experiences and memories to many of the Filipinos. Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) last November 2013, Zamboanga conflict, earthquake in Bohol – all these have affected thousands and millions of families, relationships, businesses, heritage sites and so on. However, these are the events that would remind us that we have to stand up again. Thus, the WALANG IWANAN (relationships that refuse to leave each other behind) was brought into place.

We invite you to join us to join the Bayani Challenge 2014; wherein, we gather 1 million volunteers to rebuild Pilipinas (Philippines) through participating in a 5-day volunteer immersion in selected sites. Schedule as follows:

Week 1: Apr 12 - 16

Week 2: Apr 23 - 27

Week 3: Apr 30 - May 4

Week 4: May 7 - 11

Week 5: May 14 - 18

Week 6: May 21 - 25

Week 7: May 28 - Jun 1

Week 8: Jun 4 - 8

Week 9: Jun 8 - 12

Tentative schedule from Days 1-5:

DAY 0

Arrival of Participants

On-ground Registration

House Rules

Briefing of Team Leaders

DAY 1

6:00 AM : Breakfast

7:30 AM : Welcome Program

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Build Activities

12:00 PM : Lunch

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM : Build Actvities

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM : Special Events

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM : Freshen Up / Dinner

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM : Kalinga Night / Session

11:00 PM : Lights Out

DAYS 2-4

6:00 AM : Breakfast

7:30 AM : Departure for Build Site

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Build Activities

12:00 PM : Lunch

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM : Build Actvities

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM : Special Events

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM : Freshen Up / Dinner

7:30 PM - 10:00 PM : Kalinga Night / Session

11:00 PM : Lights Out

DAY 5:

6:00 AM : Breakfast

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Mass

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM : Thanksgiving Program / Send off

1:00 PM - 3:30 PM : Build Actvities

10:30 AM - 12: 00 PM : Boodle Lunch

1:00 PM : Departure from Site

* Program is subject to change without prior notice.

Depending on the needs of the area, the local secretariat may assign your team to the following activities illustrated.

Source : Bayani Challenge

For other volunteer opportunities, please visit iVolunteer website.

Volunteer NOW! "When one teaches, two learn"

2014-02-22T21:20:00.001+08:00

Join us in nurturing children from the urban challenged community - Looban. Each volunteer will be assigned 1 child to read with.

"Life on the streets is living a life with an uncertain future. Many who are left to themselves turn to their friends who are also searching for meaning with their existence and some turn to drugs and crime." Thus, HE CARES FOUNDATION is a beacon of hope for these children with the support and help of the volunteers in embedding hope for the future, value for education to them.

What is more important is to encourage them and for them to understand that there is still a brighter future ahead of what they currently have. A simple friendship and care from us can change their world.

Date: March 1, 2014 (Saturday)
Time: 1 to 3pm
Venue: 3rd Floor, Brgy. Bungad, near Baler St. & West Ave. Quezon City.

Other schedules (normally 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly)
March 1 & 15
April 5 & 19
May 3 & 17
June 7 & 21
July 5 & 19
August 2 & 16
September 6 & 20
October 4 & 18
November 15
December 6 (Christmas Party)

Note: Schedule may change. It would be best to coordinate with HE CARES FOUNDATION &/or iVolunteer for updates.

For more details, please click the iVolunteer or you may contact Ms. Christina Alejandro (Volunteer Coordinator) at 0919-2234936.

Friends in Korea: Support Typhoon Haiyan Victims

2013-11-17T12:57:00.001+08:00

PIKO - Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea is the official Filipino Scholars organization in Korea. In Lieu of the recent calamity caused by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan, PIKO is having their relief operations to be sent to the affected victims who are in need of food, shelter as well as to rebuild their communities.

Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO) is also accepting relief goods to be given to the affected areas.

List of Recommended Relief Items:
1. Ready to eat food (Biscuits, Cookies, Crackers, Canned Goods)
**As for noodles, there might not be enough water there, so please avoid it
**Avoid spicy canned goods
**High Energy Bars/Biscuits are most helpful..easy to eat and ready to eat

2. Flashlights and batteries / battery-operated lamps
**No electricity still until the next coming weeks

3. Blankets

4. Diapers for babies

5. Sanitary napkins for women

6. Used Tarpaulins (big banners used in schools, etc.) / foldable tents
**These can be made into temporary shelters/make-shift shelters)

7. Baby or kids' clothes
**It is actually discouraged to give clothes, but if you have clothes for babies or children, please bring them. Also take note that winter clothes are not needed.

***Please limit your donations to these items.
-----
SUNDAY RELIEF COLLECTION

We will gather these items this Sunday, November 17 from 14:30-17:00. Please bring the items to Hyehwa Catholic Church.(We'll put up a sign so that you'll know where to drop them off).

How to get to Hyehwa Church? Hyehwa Station (Line 4, light blue line) exit 1 and go straight. You'll find the church.

If you have concerns on that day, please contact Ms. Judee Nemeno, a Filipino scholar from Konkuk University (010-8609-3186) - she will lead the initiative for the collection on Sunday for Pinoy Iskolars sa Korea (PIKO)

***We also need more volunteers, if interested, please let us know.
PS: Packing the items will be from 17:00-19:00 at the "Kainan sa Hyehwa" Restaurant in Hyehwa. How to get there? From Hyehwa Catholic Church, cross the nearest pedestrian lane and you'll see a police station, "Kainan sa Hyehwa" is near there. The shipping of goods will be shouldered by Pusong Pinoy Korea, a Filipino organization in Korea.

--

For monetary donations:
Account Number: Shinhan Bank 110-364-143-623
Account Name: Dulos Maria Cristina (PIKO Treasurer)

Donations will go to Philippine Red Cross (for Tacloban) and Association of Social and Health Development Advocates (ASHDA) (for Coron, Palawan). ASHDA will provide procurement of medicines (For transparency purposes, they will show how many bottles/tablets of medicines and the cost)

Announcement from ASHDA in the Philippines:

Typhoon Haian/ Yolanda left the Philippine Visayas Regions in devastation. At least 4 million people were affected from the super typhoon across 36 provinces and are currently seeking for shelter. Let us help those who are confined in secluded areas such as Coron (Region 4B) who is getting little assistance with medical supplies/healthcare needs. The Association of Social and Health Development Advocates, Inc. (ASHDA) is a non-profit organization who aims to provide efficient healthcare delivery to deprived communities by working hand-in-hand with the Philippine Department of Health (DOH).

Repost from PIKO Facebook.

Tulong Na! Tabang Na! Tayo Na!

2013-11-17T10:56:00.000+08:00

ABS-CBN Yolanda Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na T-shirt (White)

Tulong Na = Let's Help in Filipino

Tabang Na = Let's Help in Visayan dialect

Tayo Na = Let's do it! referring to the first 2 phrases!

We are one with the Filipino people in these trying times.

Lazada Philippines, with Sagip Kapamilya, ABS-CBN provides Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na T-shirts! This is a way to support the devastated victims by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan.

In an effort to raise funds to support the victims from the Typhoon Yolanda/ Haiyan, 100% of the sales from the T-shirts will be given to the relief efforts via Sagip Kapamilya to help the victims rebuilt their life. With a minimal amount of P250, you would be able to take part in this drive to support the victims as well as have your own tangible symbol of your support.

Other ways to reach out

Donation and Relief Efforts

For those who want to donate or ask for rescue and relief efforts, please call Sagip Kapamilya Telethon hotlines, 411-0013, 411-0014, 411-0015, 411-0182 and 411-0183; DZMM Helpline 461-6300 or text DZMM(space)REACT(space) and send to 2366. For volunteers who want to help in re-packing goods, kindly call 411-4995.

In Kind Donations And Drop-Off Area

For those interested in sending their in-kind donations, please bring them to the Sagip Kapamilya Warehouse at #13 Examiner St., West Triangle, Quezon City, opens every Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

You may also send their donations to regional drop-off centers:

ABS-CBN Cebu- North Road, Jagobiao, Mandaue City
ABS-CBN Bacolod-26 Lacson St., Barangay 1, Bacolod City
ABS-CBN Iloilo, Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City
ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro, Greenhills Road, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City
ABS-CBN Davao, Broadcast Avenue, Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City.

Original Post from Lazada

Thinking of ways how to help Typhoon Yolanda Victims?

2013-11-16T17:14:00.002+08:00

If you wanted to help but do not know where and how to help. This would be very much informative to you...

As JB Tan, Assistant Executive Director of iVolunteer stated: Don't be disheartened. The possibilities are endless!

Below are some points or ways to help Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan Victims from Mr. JB Tan.

1. Raise fund

2. Donation drive

3. Build awareness

4. Visit the affected areas

5. Provide support to local businesses or establishments

6. Define the future

7. Lastly, MAKE IT FUN!

To read more about how to help, please visit iVolunteer Philippines.

Help the Cancer Children!

2013-11-10T13:44:00.000+08:00

Help and let children with cancer have fun!

Date: November 23, 2013, 1pm.

Venue: National Children's Hospital (264 E. Rodriguez Sr. Quezon City, Beside Walter Mart)

Each of the volunteers will be partnered with kids for the afternoon. There would be mixture of activities, learning and fun!

How to join: Register now in iVolunteer site. Click here.

Sponsor Fee: P250, for students P150. This is inclusive of your registration, ID, food, materials and gifts.

Attire: White shirt

Other materials to bring: extra shirt, pen, water

There will be an orientation 30 minutes prior to the event. You may contact 0917-8874278.

For more details, please go to iVolunteer site.

Inha University Scholarship for International Student - Spring 2014

2013-10-13T10:37:00.001+08:00

Repost: Admission Guideline for International Students for Spring Semester in 2014 ◆

1. Schedule of Admission Process
1) Application Period
- Online application : October 18(Fri) 09:00 ~ October 31(Thu) 17:00
- Documents submission : October 18(Fri) 09:00 ~ November 4(Mon) 17:00
2) Evaluation in each department : November 26(Tue) ~ December 5(Thu)
- There will be an interview by face to face or by e-mail or by phone after checking application documents.
- Each department will decide the way of interview.
3) Result notification : December 20(Fri)
- Both Admission and Scholarship Evaluation Result will be notified.
- Evaluation scores for admission will not be disclosed.

2. How to apply
※ All applicants must complete both online application(Internet upload of application form) and documents submission within the designated period.

1) Online Application
- After Internet upload of application form, you should print out the application form, leave your signature on it,
and submit it to the graduate school office with other application documents.
- You should prepare your photo file (JPG form) for internet upload of application form.
- During the designated online application period, you can reach the webpage of on-line application
through the main page of our homepage(http://grad.inha.ac.kr).
* Graduate School’s Homepage(Korean version) > 03 입학안내 > 외국인 전형 > 원서접수/합격자조회
https://grad.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030202.aspx
* Graduate School’s Homepage(English version) > Admission > Admission Guidelines
http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030201.aspx

2) Documents submission
- Submit all of application documents including printed form of online application to the graduate school office
on time.
- For the list of application documents, visit http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030201.aspx
- All of application documents must be submitted by November 4th(Mon) 17:00.
- Address where you submit your application documents :
"Graduate School Office(Main building #317), Inha University,
100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon, South Korea, [Postal Code : 402-751]"

※ There is no application fee for international students.

3. Application documents : 13~19 Documents based on nationality
* Graduate School’s Homepage(English version) > Admission > Admission Guidelines
http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030201.aspx
1) Applicants cannot change application records after the application deadline.
(Changes of degree program or department are strictly prohibited.)
2) Applicants are not allowed to apply for two or more departments simultaneously.
3) If application records are not true or there is a missing document, applicants must take responsibilities
for them and admission will be canceled.
4) Submit a copy of your alien registration ID card, If you stay in Korea.
5) If you had been admitted into the third year of Bachelor degree program, you have to submit additionally
your enrollment and GPA records from your previous university.
6) Transcripts must contain credits and obtained scores(marks) of each subject, GPA or percentage of
applicant"s total grade, and cumulative score of the whole course or CGPA(cumulative grade point average).
Original transcripts with converted scores from WES(World Education Services, http://www.wes.org) are
accepted for C.G.P.A. calculation. Please submit them additionally with official transcripts issued by the
university.
7) If you are a prospective graduate, submit enrollment certificate or verification of statement of anticipated
degree instead of the certificate of degree. Submit the official certificate of degree and graduation
to the graduate school office at least before the date of entrance. If you fail to submit it,
your admission will be canceled.
8) All documents that are not in Korean or English must be translated and notarized.
Documents should be issued or notarized within the last one year.
9) If it is needed, Graduate School can ask applicants to submit additional documents and further
explanation related to admission process.
10) Submitted documents will not be copied or returned to the applicants.
11) Check the expiry date of Korean or English language proficiency test certificate before submitting it.
The test date should be before the deadline of online application and the original certificate must arrive
at the graduate school office until the deadline of document submission.
(The certificate of language proficiency test is usually valid for two years.)
12) To achieve Jungseok International Scholarship for the first semester, it is strongly recommended to submit
the certificate for Korean or English language proficiency(TOPIK, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, TEPS).
If you have both Korean and English language proficiency scores, submit all of them.
13) Submission of the original bank certificate is mandatory for all applicants, even though they apply for
Jungseok International Scholarship. Korean Government(Immigration Office) set min. USD 10,000
for the certificate of bank balance and Inha University must check applicants’ financial condition
during admission evaluation.
※ (From May 1, 2013) According to the new regulation of Korean Government, international students
from 21 countries must prepare one of three types of documents below about the certificate of
(Bachelor or Master"s) degree for graduate admission and Korea visa issuance/extension.
[21 Countries] People"s Republic of China, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Nigeria,
Ghana, Egypt, Peru
[Type of the certificate of degree for Korean visa issuance/extension]
Submission of one of three is required.
① Apostille documents about the certificate of degree
* List of Countries-Apostille Service : Mongolia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Peru
② The certificate of degree notarized by Korean consulates in foreign countries or Foreign consulates
in Korea
③ Only for Chinese applicants : Official documents like "Online Verification Report of HEQC"
from http://www.chsi.com.cn, and "Credentials Report of China Academic Degrees & Graduate
Education Development Center" from http://www.chinadegrees.cn

4. Programs and Eligibility
1) Programs : 56 departments and 113 majors
2) Eligiblity
[Nationality] The applicant and his or her parents are not citizens of Korea.
[Degree]
- For Master"s or Integrated degree program : The applicant must have (or will achieve before the date of
entrance) a Bachelor degree (4-year program) or a diploma that is equivalent to or higher than a
Bachelor degree.
- For Doctoral degree program : The applicant must have (or will achieve before the date of entrance) a
Master"s degree or a diploma that is equivalent to or higher than a Master"s degree.
[TOPIK ] It is mandatory to submit level 3 or above of TOPIK for some departments and majors.
Please check the requirement first before submitting applications. (Admission Guideline)

5. Jungseok International Scholarship
* Graduate School’s Homepage(English version) > Admission > Scholarships
http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030301.aspx
1) Full or half tuition fee waive.
2) The amount of scholarship for the first semester will be decided according to the evaluation of admission.
From the second semester it can be changed based on scholarship evaluation.
3) Graduate School can cease International Scholarship or reduce the amount of it according to the result
of scholarship evaluation every semester.
4) Factors of Scholarship Evaluation :
① Fulfillment of the original study plan
② GPA
③ Language ability (Korean / English)
④ Dissertation accomplishment and research participation
5) Duration of Scholarship :
- Up to the 4th semester for Master’s Program
- Up to the 6th semester for Doctoral Program
- Up to the 10th semester for Integrated Program
6) Requirements for scholarship application : Applicants should meet (1) or (2).
(1) Obtain a grade point average(G.P.A.) above 80 points out of 100 in the previous degree program
(2) Have at least one of Language Proficiency Certificates.
* Minimum score of official certificates for Language Proficiency
- (English) TOEFL : PBT 540 or above, CBT 207 or above, IBT 76 or above
- (English) TOEIC 700 or above
- (English) TEPS 600 or above
- (English) IELTS 5.5 or above
- (Korean) TOPIK level 3 or above
7) You can get specific information of scholarship evaluation from the website
(http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030301.aspx).
8) Available number of scholarship for admitted students in Spring & Fall semester, 2014
- Full Scholarship : Max. 80 students
- Half Scholarship : Max. 60 students
9) Part-time students(job holders) cannot receive any scholarship from the graduate school.
10) Priority for selection of Jungseok International Scholarship(Full tuition fee)
① Select max. 10 scholars among professors or lecturers who work at the esteemed university
in foreign country ⇒ Submit a letter of recommendation from the president or the dean of
the university, an original certificate of working position(employment), and a letter of recommendation
from a professor at Inha University.
② Select max. 10 scholars among those who get recommendation from a professor at Inha University.
(One professor is allowed to recommend only one applicant for Full Jungseok International Scholarship.)
⇒ Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor at Inha University. There is no designated form,
but it should include application number, recommendee"s personal information, reason of
recommendation and excellence.

※ Other Scholarship Program
① Scholarship for Laboratory Assistant : 1~2 million KRW / a semester
② Scholarship for Teaching Assistant : 1~1.45 million KRW / a semester
③ Scholarship for Office Assistant : 500,000 KRW / a month (For 6 months)
* Requirement : Recommendation from your adviser professor after entrance
* Assistantship can be awarded in addition to the Jungseok International scholarship.

※ If you take part in a certain project, you can get a research stipend(private expenses) from it.
Please, talk to your adviser professor about this.


6. For detailed information about admission guideline, open the attached file and read carefully.

◈ For e-mail assistance regarding "Application procedures" from Inha Student Ambassadors,
check "Student Ambassadorship".
- Graduate School’s Homepage(Korean version) > 03 입학안내 > 외국인전형 > 외국인 홍보대사 제도
http://grad.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030203.aspx
- Graduate School’s Homepage(English version) > 03 Admission > Student Ambassadorship
http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/entrance/ent_030401.aspx

◈ Please check the menu of FAQ (http://gradeng.inha.ac.kr/data/data_070301.aspx) before sending an e-mail or making a call.

※ Contact Information : Ms. Kim, Ji-hee
(TEL) +82-32-860-8389
(E-mail) graduate@inha.ac.kr or jiffy@inha.ac.kr

Click here for the application documents.

Tree Planting for the Mother Nature !

2013-10-05T21:07:00.002+08:00

If you love nature and have the passion for volunteerism, join us in the MMDA Tree Planting Activity!

The nature would be as nice as the photo below if it would be well taken cared of (or even nicer than this). Unfortunately, with the human intervention, our mother nature has been suffering. Thus, MMDA is organizing a Tree Planting Activity in San Mateo this coming ~~October 13, 2013~~ October 27, 2013.

When: October 27, 2013
Time: 5:30am - 12:30pm
Where: San Mateo

Schedule:
5:30 am Assembly at MMDA, Guadalupe in EDSA
6:00 am Depart for San Mateo

There would be a bus provided but limited seats on the bus so better to arrive earlier.

7:00 am Arrive San Mateo
7:30 am Tree Planting Proper
12:00 nn Back in Makati

Water would be provided for the volunteers. It is recommended to bring boots (for the mud), towel, plastic gloves and clothes to change.

For more info or how to join, please visit iVolunteer website. Click this link.

Should your schedule not fit the current one, there are also other volunteer dates:
November 10, 2013
November 24, 2013
December 7, 2013

Davao Adventure: White Water Rafting (Day 4)

2013-09-29T11:25:00.002+08:00

White Water Rafting does not have a white colored water. What makes it white is when the water hits the rocks - the water splashes are white.

Each raft requires minimum of 5 participants + the guide. Otherwise, it would be too light.

Reservation would be needed for such activity and of course briefing on what to do and not to do.

Raechelle, I and Abby getting ready for the splashes

Another important thing is cooperation and teamwork. Each of the participant must be willing to make their own share in the activity especially when there are rocks coming on the way.

We had our briefing on what to do, what key instructions will be given for us to execute which acts. We had to do our trial off the raft drill as well. We intentionally dropped ourselves out of the raft.

When out of the raft, this should be the position of the legs, slightly bent.

The legs must be the one in front of you following the flow of the water. You must not go against the water flow. The legs serve as your support when there are rocks in front of you.

The guide would ask whether the team would be up for more exciting white water adventure or just a still ride. When the team is up for it, everyone has to work for it.

Some of the falls in the river

When the guide said paddle, everyone has to paddle. Otherwise, there might be a possibility of capsizing. The excitement of the experience all depends on the team.

Our team!

And I am thankful for my team! =)

Our life saver saving another participant and the paddle fell off from his hands.

Since our team has always been up to the challenge, whenever there were other rafts capsizing or participants felling off from the raft, we were the ones helping out reaching out for the floating paddles, etc.

We almost fell off many times but were able to balance it out. However, it seems like there is no fun when you don't get to fall... (at least my opinion). We wanted to go further.

We survived! =)

Not until the last wave, when our raft went on top of the rocks and the weight was all on me. I freed up my feet and intentionally made myself fell off the raft. Although once you get to the water, you don't get to control anything anymore.

After the drop. You get your partners out of the water.

I know we would be safe with the life vest and helmet. However, after my fall, it seems like it took so long for me to float! And I just realized the raft is on top of me.... :) That explains it.

Each of us were assigned a partner. So we get to save ourselves in case anyone fell off. And yes, it was a challenge to bring out someone from the water. You carry the weight of the person plus the water.

But to sum everything up, it was a great challenge and adventure! =)

This occurred in Davao River. It took us around 3 hours for the whole stretch of 12km. But it seems like just few minutes of your life.

From the city, you will go to the White Water Rafting area with your White Water Rafting Coordinator along with other participants through a jeep hired by the coordinator. The travel from the city to the area would be around 1 hour.

It would be best to use rash guard for your top and a short that would not be absorbing water. During the 3 hours, it would be hot, and it would really be nice to dip in the water! =)

Fee for this activity would be P1,500 per participant inclusive of the gears, guide, transportation to and fro the city and the activity area, life saver, photos.

For more information about the activity, feel free to drop me a message.

Davao Adventure: Eden Nature Park (Day 2)

2013-09-22T18:04:00.002+08:00

Continuation from Day 1: Samal Island Trip...

Sleeping really sound that we did not noticed its morning already. We overslept for our itinerary but managed to do Eden Nature Park. This is literally 1 more adventure day for us. We took the jeep going to SM Turil and got off from the intersection of Chow King Turil. We were asking around for tricycle going up the Eden Nature Park and had a couple of different prices such as P150 per pax, P100 per pax, etc. We did not felt at ease with the prices being offered so we walked around and tried asking for more. As we pass more people, the barker (dispatches jeeps, taxi and tricycle) found us looking around for tricycle. I was about to cross the street to ask the other group of tricycle across the street when the barker walked towards me.

Barker: "Hey hey you!"

Me: Turned my head towards the barker...

Barker: "Hey you, miss, where are you going?"

Me: remained silent for a while... then said: "Eden"

Barker: "How much you pay?"

Me: paused... I was thinking how to answer back to get a good deal as well as not destroying his hyper mood in asking a tourist like us where we are about to go... then I said: "Magkano ba, kuya?" (How much is it, brother?)

Barker: Raised his right hand for a high five! Surprised that I could speak Filipino! =) Then he said: "You know how to speak in Filipino!"

Note that we are almost in the middle of the street when the high five occurred! Raechelle and Abby were wondering what happened and why we were doing high five! haha!

Anyway, going back, we were able to get a tricycle going up Eden Nature Park at P250. The air is refreshingly cool going up the hill and as we approach the higher slopes, we can see some fruit stands selling their harvest. I shouted and asked how much are the Mangosteen... The seller answered back with P40/kg. I was surprised as it was so cheap. Last July when I went to Davao, it was P120/kg in the market. So I decided to buy on our way back down to the city.

Hiking up the slope after the tricycle gave up on us. No fuel.

We are getting closer to Eden Nature Park when I figured out that the tricycle driver is having a hard time going up the hill. I offered him if he wanted me to get down of the tricycle so it would be easier for him to go up with lesser weight. He did not answered back (probably shy to say yes) but I went down, along with Raechelle and Abby. I yelled, do not leave us alone here! =) He is kind enough not to leave us alone in the sloping hill. When he reached an even ground, he let us in the tricycle again and drove for a few meters when he said, "Sorry, Ma'am, my tricycle cannot go further anymore", he ran out of fuel. So we had no choice but to walk. He said, its near already. So we walked and passed by some public elementary and high schools with some fruit stands where we asked for directions. They gave us free taste of Mangosteen and decided to buy from them on our way back down, of course, with cheaper per kg prices!

After few more meters of hike, we finally arrived at the entrance of Eden Nature Park! Right across the entrance were a number of tricycle waiting for passengers to go down. I asked how much is the rate. He said P60/pax which is relatively cheaper than the ones we asked on our way up. But it makes sense still since fuel needed to go up the slopes are a lot more than going down.

Indiana Jones

We registered in the guard house of Eden Nature Park and asked how far would it take for us to arrive in the main entrance of the Park. The guard said around 200 meters. 200 meters was manageable. But when a truck entered Eden Nature Park delivering some fish and vegetables, I took the liberty to ask if we can hitch a ride going to the center. He agreed so we climbed up the back part of the truck and rested for a while (of course with some photos taken as well)

Fishing Village

Entrance Fee with buffet is P520 per pax.

We headed for lunch buffet. Ate till the restaurant closes. Walked around and played like kindergarten children! =) Relaxed in the nipa hut near the fishing village. Then we thought that we wanted to do zipline but Abby and I challenged ourself for Skycycle (P200) instead. Skycycle is biking in the same rope as the one for zipline. It has been opened for just a month since we tried it.

Either you bike or not, this Skycycle is doable. But of course, you have to manage your fear for heights too.

We had to bike round trip, the first trip was really a challenge. We just shouted and laughed a lot because we were scared. I even asked the coordinator if I could just do zip line going back when I was about to reach the other end, unfortunately, the equipments for zipline should be with the person doing it, so since I took the Skycycle, I do not have the equipments necessary for zipline so I do not have a choice but to Skycycle back!

Slow skycycling...

Going back was literally easier. I think the slope of the rope also helped a lot! The coordinator asked us to pause and let go of the handle. And I was like... uhhmm.. are you serious?!?! and yes he was serious. We let go and the purpose was picture taking! haha! =)

Yes, it was overwhelming. Other tourists even stayed to watch us Skycycle.

Durian eating after all the adventure for today. First time to try Durian for Raechelle and Abby. Glad they liked it. We bought this for P40.

The cute little cub scout we met when we were buying our fruits...

Other related posts:

Day 1: Samal Island
Day 3: Bangkerohan
Day 4: White Water Rafting

To be continued....

Davao Adventure: Samal Island (Day 1)

2013-09-22T15:33:00.000+08:00

September 12-15, 2013

Davao Adventure: Samal Island (Day 1)

I have always wanted to go to Davao decade ago but it never materialized till now.

Day 1: took the early dawn flight which departed Manila at 4:35am. Since we did not get to sleep the night before, we were all sleeping in the plane and arrived 6:10am in Davao. We took the cab to our hotel - Green Windows Dormitel - paid around P150. We immediately changed to our beach wear. We went to Samal Island right after. This trip was really a do your own, find your own way trip. We took the jeep in Quirino going to Sasa for P15 per pax for around 40minutes. Then ferry from Sasa Wharf to Samal Island for P10 per pax.

There are 2 ways in going around Samal Island as a tourist. If you are more adventurous, you can ride on a Singles which is motorcycle. 1 motorcycle can fit 2 to 3 passengers depending also on the number of baggages you have. Or another option would be tricycle. We got the tricycle since we have baggages and as well safer than the motorcycles. The driver offered to tour us around before going to the beach for P900. Make sure to negotiate for a good deal. Do not settle with what they offer you especially when they know you are a tourist.

We went to the Monfort Bat Sanctuary wherein hailed as Guinness World Record most number of single specie of bats.

We also went to Hagimit Falls and hang around in the refreshing falls. Its a bit rocky though so be careful when you get in the falls. This was my first time in the falls and little did I realize that it is quite deep where the falls fall. As a law of science I would think, as the water falls harder each day, the bottom rock would be carved and smoothen further which makes it deeper rather than those areas with flowing water only.

Last destination for the day was Paradise Island, a resort, not a stand alone island, wherein white fine sand fills in the beachfront. It was high noon time when we went there. So we took the chance to relax and have lunch first. I was expecting more fresh seafood since its in the seashore but only crabs and catfish are fresh, others are bought in the market. Although still fresh enough because my allergies did not reacted. Soon, we headed to the beach and enjoyed the fresh water, sun and air. We experimented on the underwater camera I borrowed from a friend, I think we enjoyed the most on that. It was a challenge to take a good photo of the subject. To top it all, Avocado Shake after the dip in the beach!

We had to wrap up by 4pm because the last ferry leaves Paradise Island by 5pm for P15 per pax. If ever we do not get to ride that ferry, another option would be the ferry to Sasa Wharf which runs 24 hours.

We headed back to the City and went to Jack's Ridge for dinner. We took the jeep going to Ponciano, another jeep to the Shrine then a taxi going up the hill to Jack's Ridge. The whole Davao City can be seen from Jack's Ridge but there are mosquitos! Nevertheless, its part of nature.

It rained really hard that night. We were weary that it would be hard to go home - hotel. Good enough, the rain stopped after a while. We went home really tired, physically since we did not get to sleep but it was exhilirating!
We were literally knocked out after we arrived the hotel.

To be continued....

Volunteer: 2013 International Coastal Cleanup: September 21, 2013

2013-09-05T23:10:00.000+08:00

Are you longing to belong to a better and greener environment and country - Philippines?!

Join us on September 21, 2013 in Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila in the 2013 International Coastal Cleanup!

Where: Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila

When: September 21, 2013, 5:00am-12:00pm

Organization: International Coastal Cleanup 2013

How to Register?
1. Create an iVolunteer account in iVolunteer website.
2. Go to ICC 2013.
3. Click COUNT ME IN in the right column.

If you want to join as a group, please send the list of volunteers to christinejoychiombon@gmail.com.

Specific Assemby Area: TBA

Things needed:
1. Sack
2. Rubber gloves
3. Pen & data card (download them at New 2013 ICC Data Card for Volunteer)
4. Hygiene Kit (i.e. sunblock, alcohol, wipes)
5. Bottled water
6. Snack and pack lunch to share
7. Hat / cap / umbrella / face mask / extra clothes

To know more about the volunteer activity, please click link.

Repost: Scholarship: Yeungnam University

2013-08-25T16:52:00.001+08:00

Scholarship Opening:

Greetings from the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), Yeungnam University.

Yeungnam University was founded by PARK Chung Hee, forrmer President of Republic of Korea and has been one of the leading private universities in Korea since its founding in 1947. We have established the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul to offer insight to President Park’s leadership and major policies and to educate global leaders. It is our aim that these leaders will substantially contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for poverty and the co-prosperity of the global community based on the analysis of and reflection on the miraculous economic development of Korea.

The PSPS offers Master’s degrees in Saemaul Theory and Practice, International Development Cooperation, Forest Resources and Ecological Restoration through the Department of Saemaul and Public Policy and Leadership through the Department of Public Policy and Leadership. The programs are taught by an outstanding academic faculty with specialized research competence and hands-on experience in ideal learning conditions. The PSPS will welcome students from all over the world and international students are eligible for full tuition scholarship, including a monthly stipend (approximately US $900 per month) for one year and priority consideration for on-campus housing: It depends on the Scholarships.

The PSPS is hoping to have many applicants from among those who want to play pivotal roles in eradicating global poverty, improve the quality of life globally, and develop increased dedication to global co-prosperity and care for humanity.

We greatly appreciate your on-going support of this important academic initiative and hope that you will be able to recommend exemplary government officers, professors, students, community leaders and politicians from your country to apply for our programs.

Sincerely,
PARK Seung Woo, Ph. D.
Dean
The Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul
Yeungnam University

PS: The document is a huge file. If interested, please leave your email.

Help out the Maring & Habagat victims 2013

2013-08-22T23:22:00.001+08:00

RedCross says with typhoons hitting us left and right, we need more blood ! Come one, come all... 8-11am, AUG25 KAISA HERITAGE CENTER, Intramuros. donate blood now!

Kaisa also calls 4 voluntary donation in cash or in kind to Maring relief ops.

Relief packing & Bloodletting 8-11am
lunch 12nn
Triple booklaunch 2-330pm. 1bk by TASee, 1bk TAS as country editor. 1bk by richard chu.

Confirm for any event at 09228901357. See you sunday!!

Sejong University is recruiting

2013-08-18T12:44:00.001+08:00

Repost:

Notice of Job Availability: Contract Employees, CISS, Sejong University
August 2, 2013

1. Description
a. Employment type: Contract employees for Sejong University
b. Number of employees to be recruited: 5 (Central Asia 1; 1 Southeast Asia 1; Southwest Asia 1;
China 1; and Middle East 1)
c. Area: Global marketing
d. Department: Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS)
e. Qualifications: A qualified candidate must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree;
- Have a good command of English; and
- Have lived in the country (or the region) and have a network of people that can be contacted.
- A candidate who has experience in a university in Korea will get preference.
f. Job description
- Recruiting international students.
2. Application Process
a. Application submission period: Monday, August 12 through Friday, August 30 (5:00PM).
b. Please submit your application by postal mail to:
Room 220, Office of International Affairs, Jip Hyeon Gwan
Sejong University
98 GunJa-dong, GwangJin-gu, Seoul
c. Required documents:
- Certificate of graduation from the last school attended;
- Transcripts from the last school attended;
- Resume; and
- Any certificate/license that shows the candidate’s qualifications for the position (copy)
d. Inquiry: If you have any questions, please send an email to intadmission@sejong.ac.kr.
3. Selection Process & Criteria:
a. 1st round – document-based selection: The selected candidates will be individually notified on
Friday, September 6, 2013
b. 2nd round - interview: Will be individually notified
4. Important Notes
a. An employment decision will be revoked if the application and/or any of the documents
submitted prove to be falsified and/or include untrue statements;
b. The annual salary will be determined in accordance with the University regulations;
c. The contract period will be one year, and the matter of the renewal will be considered toward the
end of the first contract period;
d. All the required documents (above) must be submitted with the application.

The End.

President, Sejong University

Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management Scholarship

2013-08-18T12:42:00.000+08:00

Repost:

Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management Scholarship

Greetings from the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management, in Korea! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the KDI School’s advanced academic programs and full scholarship opportunities offered for outstanding potential candidates.

The KDI School of Public Policy and Management was established in 1997 in partnership with the KDI, Korea’s leading think tank. KDI has been rated by the Economist as one of the most influential and best connected research institutions in the World. The KDI was founded in 1971 as a think tank that researches economic policy issues concerning Korea in both systematic and applicable ways, and assists the government in formulating the "Five-year Economic Development Plans" and related policies.

The KDI School is an international graduate school offering Master’s and PhD programs in two specialized areas - Public Policy and Development Policy. Since its foundation in 1997, the KDI School has recruited more than 53% of the student body from over 100 different countries. More than 95% of the international students receive full scholarship including tuition and monthly stipend (a round-trip airfare depending on the scholarship). Each program is conducted in English by renowned faculty with established credentials in both the public and private sector. The KDI School blends their wealth of expertise and experiences to provide a curriculum that optimizes academic theory and real world relevance.

The KDI School is currently seeking even greater representation from your country this year and it would be greatly appreciated if you could kindly consider cooperating in the candidate recommendation and/or scholarship promotion in ministries, universities, and relevant institutions in your country.

The application deadline for the Spring 2014 Admissions is October 25th, 2013 and please feel free to distribute this information as well as the attached documents to any potential candidates.

I deeply appreciate your support and cooperation in advance and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Sang Woo Nam
Dean

JOB OPENING : EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

2013-07-20T10:50:00.000+08:00

REPOSTING
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Executive Assistant for the Political Section

Work Hours: Full-Time; 45 hours/week
Salary: Php 237,600.00 / annum
Other Benefits: Ten (10) Paid Annual Vacation Leaves, Ten (10) Paid Sick Leaves, Paid Holidays, 13th Month Pay, and Health Care

Qualifications:

• A degree in International Studies, Communication, or an equivalent social science course is required for this position
• Experience working in an executive assistant role is an advantage
• Must possess excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills
• Has working knowledge of diplomatic office procedures
• Ability to make a report on certain political-related issues

Please send your cover letter and curriculum vitae/resume no later than July 26, 2013 to the Administrative Section: 122 Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City at Tel: 856-9210 (local 576) or Email: rokphil@yahoo.com.

The successful candidate must be willing to start on August 5, 2013.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be processed. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Volunteer with BayaNiHan sa BayaNiJuan

2013-07-20T10:32:00.002+08:00

BayaNiHan sa BayaNiJuan is a relief operation service project of the Rotaract Club of Makati Legazpi. The group is looking for volunteers as well as donations such as used clothing, food, toiletries and cash donations.

Where: Brgy. Tejeros, Makati City

When: July 8 - 28, 2013, 12nn-6pm

Organization: Rotaract Club, Makati Legaspi

For donations, please contact

President Migs - 0917-8351692 / 0947-8966230

Director French - 0916-8560003

Treasurer Zea - 0927-4516460

To volunteer, please click the link

Promoting the Culture of PEACE, Volunteer NOW!

2013-06-16T10:45:00.001+08:00

Project EDSA: Journey of PEACE

Lakbay Para sa Kapayapaan sa EDSA

The Making of the World's Longest Peace Mural

"This project aims to promote the peace building process and at the same time to show how every Filipino can contribute to peace and development of the country through simple actions everyday." - Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Country Director of ASIA AMERICA INITIATIVE Philippines.

Come join us in iVolunteer in promoting the Culture of PEACE! Regardless of race, religion, nationality, status! Show the world the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan!

When: June 29, 2013, July 6, 2013
Where: Camp Aguinaldo, Gate 1 (Along Bonny Serrano)
Time: 6am-6pm

Learn how to be a Volunteer Painter or be part of the Secretariat Committee!

Photo by Maurize Angeles Peralta from Project EDSA

To join the July 6, 2013 Project EDSA, click here.

EDSA is an iconic venue for peace revolution back in February 1986 in the Philippines. EDSA Revolution or People Power Revolution was a campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. It was a nonviolent revolution and led to the restoration of the country's democracy. (Source: Wikipedia)

EDSA MURAL PAINTING Volunteers Needed

2013-05-19T17:39:00.002+08:00

EDSA MURAL PAINTING Volunteers needed in cooperation with Project Edsa/ Journey of Peace in EDSA, a project of AAI, AFP, DLF & MMDA. This is to build the culture of Peace in Edsa and in Metro Manila.

Photo by: Maurize Angeles Peralta from Project EDSA

Different Committees are available depending on your interests:

1. Food Committee
2. Paint Committee
3. Registration Committee
Other committee: photographer, videographer, documenter, etc.

Organization involved is Asia America Initiative
Venue: EDSA People Power Monument, Gate 1 Camp Aguinaldo
Time: 6:00am-6:00pm
Date: June 8 & June 15 & June 22

Paint and lunch will be provided but volunteers would be bringing their own snacks and paint brushes.

For more details on how to volunteer, please click this link: iVolunteer June 8 & iVolunteer June 15 & iVolunteer June 22

Volunteers for Feeding & Brain Booster Outreach Needed

2013-04-21T10:03:00.001+08:00

Join our feeding and brain booster outreach day on April 27 in Ulingan, Tondo, Manila. We will be providing nutritious meal to hundreds of malnourished children.

If you are busy and are not able to join on the day of the outreach, you may also help by sponsoring Php2,000.

After feeding, our volunteers would be helping the children with their homeworks, teach them basic English, Math, Spelling, Reading, Arts & Crafts, story telling, games and etc.

Where: Ulingan, Tondo, Manila

When: April 27, 2013 7:00am-12:00nn

Organization: Project Pearls

For more details on Project Pearls or to join, please visit iVolunteer

Volunteers for the Mission Climb Needed

2013-04-21T09:55:00.000+08:00

Are you an adventurous good samaritan? Join us with Climbing for Christ (C4C)'s Mission Climb Evangelical Outreaches.

The mission of C4C this year is to provide the people in Kibungan - Bibles in their own dialect - which is Kankanaey. These are ethnic tribes in the Mountain Province of the Philippines.

If you are in the medical field and is willing to do the climb, there would also be medical missions.

In order to join the mission climb, you have to be a veteran climber or join us in 2 training climbs.

When: September 19, 2013 5:00am - September 24, 2013 5:00pm

For more details, please visit iVolunteer

Volunteers Needed: Summer Musical with UNO Kids

2013-04-21T09:40:00.000+08:00

Are you in to music or are you just a good samaritan wanting to help?

2 Kinds of Volunteers needed for the Summer Musical of the UNO Kids.

1. Volunteers helping with the talents
2. Volunteers managing the kids

Sign up fee: PhP 300.

Workshop on April 6, 13, 20, 27 9:00am-1:00pm at Bahay Tuluyan in 2218 Leveriza St. Malate.

Recital on May 11, 2013 10:00am at Kinect & Acting Games in CCF Makati 3rd Fl. A-Venue Mall, Makati Avenue.

To know more about the activity, please clink the link of iVolunteer

See you there!

Tree Planting Volunteers Needed

2013-04-20T13:22:00.000+08:00

Green Earth Heritage Foundation is reviving a ravaged land from decades of illegal deforestation. Clearing, cleaning, staking the tree planting sites would be one of the first steps prior to tree planting aiming to re-flourish the forest.

Volunteers are needed to raise funds for every tree to accomplish the goal of this project.

Where: Sitio Malapad na Parang, Barangay Sibul Springs, San Miguel, Bulacan

When: April 20 - 26, 2013, 9:00am-3:00pm

Clink link to learn more of the activity and how to join : iVolunteer

Volunteers Needed: Marketing of Organic Farming

2013-04-20T12:16:00.001+08:00

iVolunteer in partnership with GreenEarth needs volunteers who would be promoting organic products of their farmer beneficiaries.

To know more about the opportunity and joining, please click link of iVolunteer

Where: Sitio Malapad na Parang, Barangay Sibul Springs, San Miguel

When: April 20-26, 2013, 9:00am-3:00pm