The CPU Handbell Ringers at Maya Playgarden!

I am a fan of the CPU Handbell Ringers. I mean, who wouldn't? From the first time I heard them ring their bells at the CPU University Church a long time ago, I knew that at some point in my busy life our paths would cross again. 

And cross it did. Years back I heard them again at the benefit concert for Mga Kaibigan ng Kabataang may Kanser (KKK). Still at the University Church, it has once again delighted me!

This year, I had hoped to catch their performance in one of the cultural presentations for APEC Iloilo but, notwithstanding my role as Delegation Coordinator/Liaison Officer in the local APEC hosting, I just couldn't find the time because I would go straight home to be with my son.

Now, they are gracing Maya Playgarden with their awe-inspiring presence! And not only will it inspire me and my son, they will be heard by families! 

The CPU Handbell Ringers, also known as the CPU Handbell Choir, is a religious cultural group from Central Philippine University (CPU). If I'm not mistaken, they're the only handbell ringers or bell choir in Panay Island. Christmas is usually made magical because of their musical bells ringing!

Should you want to catch them at Maya Playgarden, you may do so with a minimal contribution of Php 100.00/adult. Children are welcome to attend for free!

For more updates, you may check us out at facebook.com/MayaPlaygarden. 

I Havs!

It's not often that I get something like this delivered to me! Oh, joy!

I am so grateful to fellow blogger Kathy Purr (Kathy Villalon) for including me in the list of very grateful recipients of Havaianas' Flat Style flip flops.

The Havaianas Flat range is "bound to revolutionize the look of flip-flops" as it showcases a "more feminine silhouette and shorter straps."

I immediately donned my new Havs flats and apart from that unmistakable Havaianas' comfort, I really felt lady-like and all ready to unleash the animal in me! Who could resist those color-popping animal prints? Never mind that I should've gone to a nail salon first before taking a photo. Hehehe

Nevertheless, I have been wearing my pair for almost three weeks now. Don't be misled by its dainty-looking design; I survived wearing it around my 3-year-old son and everything is still in place!

Do check out other designs to your liking at HavaianasPhilippines on Facebook and @havaianasphils on Twitter and Instagram.

Madamo guid nga salamat, Havaianas!

Life is Still Beautiful!

A recent suicide by a celebrity teenager in the country has got all the netizens talking about it and everybody gave their two cents worth of advice to other teeners who are probably contemplating it as well. 

This brings me back to an unpublished post I made months back, when the recent Bar Exam results came out. Although already not a teenager when I started my fascination with failing the Bar Exams, (of course, I am describing it in jest!:), I still find my post relevant to the topic of the town. After all, these were no ordinary failures. But I survived.

Bar Exams Memories

I failed the Bar not just once, not twice, not even thrice...I failed it four times. Yes sirree! Four. But I hope I stop counting there! (Either because I will not take it anymore so I would peg my number at 4 or because in the event that I attempt to take it again, I will pass it!)

Sigh. The thing with having taken it several times is that you get jaded. I think I have a calloused heart already. I can proudly say that it does not affect me. No way at all! And it's really true! I am happy where I am now and life has since redirected my course towards a different path. 

But I can relate to most of you who failed the Bar Exams for the first time. The first time cuts your heart out. It sucks the breath out of you. It wells you up and you wonder if you still have more tears to shed. Sleepless nights and anxiety. How you wished you could sue the Supreme Court for damages! 

I can still recall how difficult it was mustering the courage to pick up the phone and call your parents and tell them yourselves that you didn't make it. I was surprised I was even audible on the phone. It was early in the morning when the results came out. My former boss even opened a bottle of wine in anticipatory celebration. Alas, not everything happens according to plan. I was around 24 at that time and I was hoping to be a lawyer before turning 25. It was in my list of 25 things to do before I die. I eventually comforted myself that I shall live longer instead! 

I thought long and hard about why I failed and pointed towards a failed love life as synonymous to a failed Bar exam. Oops.

And then I took it again. Funny, all I could recall during this time was my frequent visits to the nail salon. I think I had my toenails painted in different colors every other week! If I'm not mistaken, this was the year I watched Julia Fordham's concert!

In my third attempt, I distinctly remembered not telling any of my dorm mates that I was actually going to audition in Miss Saigon. I didn't get the part and I didn't pass the Bar either! So much for hitting two birds with one stone.

Alas, I had to take a refresher course. My former classmate was one of my teachers! I studied well this time around. I was serious. Maybe because I have come of age. And this time around I was really bent in passing, if not acing, the Bar.  Actually, I had high scores. I have to credit Atty Elizan for this, but my highest score was in Political Law. But then...I am not much a stickler for processes so i messed up my Remedial Law. It brought me down.

After four botched attempts...four review centers...four dormitories...four batches of reviewees...four failures....I am still gunning for it...not now, though.

I am not sure if I am plain stupid or I just have faith in myself that I will eventually pass it. And it's not even for me. The honor and the glory of having an Atty before my name will be for my Nanay and Tatay, who after all these years, still believe that I can make it! They, who never gave up on me when I already gave up on myself. They, who would always reassure me that they still love me despite my failures. They, who moved heaven and earth and gave out their all-out support to see me through.

I am and forever be proud of my parents for inspiring me always to persevere, no matter what. 

Off to the Islands of the Giants!

Have you ever had that surreal feeling of being in a place where you've always imagined yourself to be and then when you're actually there you would like to pinch yourself so hard and ask yourself: what took me so long?!

Well, at least that's what I felt when I finally went to the Islands of the Giants or Islas de Gigantes, Carles located in the northernmost part of Iloilo. 

Legend has it that the islands were named as such because they looked like sleeping giants.It was actually a joy looking at the contours of the islands and pinpoint where the face of the "giant" is. 

Anyway, there was always that plan to go to Gigantes but it never materialized until that one fateful day when Wewin's basketball team, Sara Warriors, won the championship in a basketball tournament sponsored by Mayor Ike Patricio of Pilar, Capiz. The team owners, who included the Vice Mayor of Sara, Wangyu Salcedo, and Atty. Balsomo, invited all the basketball players for a free, all-expense paid vacation to Gigantes!  It was a three-day, 2-night vacation but since I came from a team building in Adhara Hotel in Anhawan, Oton, Iloilo on the scheduled first day, we arrived on the second day and stayed there overnight. Notwithstanding, definitely no regrets!

Getting there from Iloilo City

My husband and I, together with our sleeping 3-year-old son, left La Paz, Iloilo City at 4:30 AM via private transportation. We arrived at the Port of Estancia around 6:30 AM and it was such a sight (and smell!) to see all kinds of fish being hauled and ready for delivery to all the wet markets. We were going to be picked up by a private boat owned by our host. When our boat arrived, they had to re-stock some supplies needed in the island first so we had to wait until around 9:00 AM before we finally departed. We parked our car in one of the vacant parking lots within the port after our boatman asked permission from the security guard. I don't know about entrance fees and permits because everything was already arranged for us but I noted that there was a passenger terminal that apparently looked like a ticket booth but when we went there to inquire, it was a sari-sari store! We were advised that the terminal opens at 9:00 AM.

From the Port of Estancia to Rosewood Resort, Brgy. Granada, Gigantes Norte, Carles

It took us approximately an hour and a half to our resort owned by the family of the Vice Mayor of Sara. After getting on that trip, I realized that truly the best time to go there is during April-May. If it's rainy, it's going to be a rough trip and either you will get to your destination in two hours or you won't be allowed to cross the islands anymore. The trip going to Gigantes actually reminded me of my previous trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River from Sabang. If it were not for the calm water, I would probably have fainted!

(Anyway, if you are a mother and curious as to how I managed my son during this time, he actually slept the entire time! Although I was disappointed that he failed to witness seeing the marvelous sights of the many islands on our way to our resort, I was quite thankful that I was given that quiet time to be in awe by nature.)

Rosewood Resort

Our resort is a quaint one managed by a family so it had a homey atmosphere. The accommodations reminded me of the old Boracay of the 80s - charming. At some point in our preparation for the trip, I was actually tempted to bring a rechargeable fan because I heard there's no electricity at night but we were advised that we will be staying at an air-conditioned room. Further inquiry actually informed us that there was a standby generator.

Food served was all produce of the islands - fish, crabs, and wasay-wasay (ax-shaped oysters). 

Jetski and Banana Boat!

After settling in our room and lunch, we prepared for our afternoon activity: jetski and banana boat at Antonia Island. The great thing about our host is that they actually manage the outdoor activities in the islands so...we had unlimited jetskiing and banana boat riding! (I only tried the jet ski, though. Traumatic experience in Boracay riding the banana boat!)

Swimming, Spelunking, and Playing!

For my son, who shuns the beaches of Iloilo City because according to him it looks like flood, the moment he saw the waters of Antonia Island, he was spellbound! The clear waters must have reminded him of the swimming pools of inland resorts and he really enjoyed it and truly basked under the sun. He was also attracted to the different limestone formations in the island that before we knew it, he was already climbing big rocks! He was also wanted to enter the cave but they retreated because the ladder going there was quite steep for Wewin to handle him well. Of course, when he got tired of the water, there was always the sand and the shells to play with!

Sunset at Gigantes

My description of this moment? Just sit still, be quiet, and be thankful for the beauty that lies before you.

We went home just in time to catch the sunset while we were still on the boat. Amazing.

We had a long day and Trey and I eventually slept early but Wewin spent time with his teammates doing the videoke and drinking. Well, island bliss, they call it! ;)

Sunrise at Gigantes

I was up early but I missed the sunrise. But I still experienced the stillness of the morning where only the sound of the birds and the rolling of waves can be heard. And the occasional whirring sound of the motorboats. Peace. It was drizzling and there were overcast skies and at some point I was thinking whether we would be allowed to cross the islands should the rains pour. And, I actually thought to myself that I wouldn't really mind staying there for another night!:)

Cabugao Gamay and Tangke

We had a last-minute expedition to popular sites around the islands before we headed back to the Estancia port.

Have you seen that ubiquitous photo of Islas de Gigantes posted all over Facebook and other social media sites that heralds that you've actually been to the islands? Well, that's in Cabugao Gamay. Wewin wouldn't really pass it because according to him you haven't been to Islas if you haven't been there. So, he trekked up for that desired photo op while Trey and I just cheered him on from below, especially when he took selfies! Mind you, there was an entrance fee when you get there!

Just before we headed back to the port of Estancia, we passed by Tangke. It's a beautiful natural pool inside a cave! I took a dip and if you stay afloat and look at the wonderful stone formations around you, you will just wish you can stay there forever. (But everything beautiful will be marred by the chaos that awaits you outside because all the other tourists were scrambling to get in and there was no proper "parking" of boats outside the area.)

Estancia

Before we knew it. we were already at the port of Estancia. The team's vacation didn't end there. We were still billeted at the Paon Beach Club of Estancia where we had our lunch. Service was very slow but the view was quite spectacular. 

Finally, Wewin and I made our last stop at the Estancia public market where he bought dried fish and squid rings for pasalubong.

And all's well that ends well. It was such a great end to a summer and an exciting herald to another school year!

 

Maya Playgarden is Ready!

Maya Playgarden and Daycare Center will officially open for enrolment for School Year 2015-2016 on June 8! 

Maya Playgarden is located in Ticud, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Visit Maya Playgarden's page here!

The Call of Motherhood

My son's yaya of nine months went abroad to seek greener pastures. This was in April when I was at the height of losing my mind due to stress working on my thesis dissertation for my Masters in early childhood education. 

Breathe in.

A replacement yaya came and I resumed my work although it took time for the adjustments to be made plus the requisite training of the new yaya.

Breathe out.

The husband of the new yaya came storming to our house around 12 midnight, drunk, demanding to see his wife and wanting to make sure that his wife goes home to their town to take care of their sick child. Yaya went home. Thesis work stalled.

Breathe in.

A week later a new yaya was presented. She was only 17 and I was hesitant so I took my time to observe how she deals with my son. Not really ideal but she was kind-hearted so I thought to myself that she's trainable. I resumed work.

Breathe out.

Less than a week, she asked permission to go home because she's suffering from her yearly asthma attacks. What else can you do but let her go? 

Breathe in.

The deadline came for submission for my final defense and I was beginning to act crazy. I believed I looked crazy, too. And there he was, my innocent son crying and wanting to be held and I was crying and saying, "I'm sorry, baby, later lang please. Ga work pa si Mom." I distinctly remember asking someone, " Kuha-a nyo di sya anay ho palihog kay ga obra pa ko." And I looked his way and he was crying and I really felt that he understood what my statement really meant: that he was getting in the way. It killed me but I turned away still and carried on with my work. Eventually, he started playing with his cousin but I know we were both scarred by the incident. 

During this time, I was a solo parent, too, because his Dad was out-of-town for a series of basketball tournaments. Things weren't really ideal but I know it's not an excuse to renege on one's duties to be a parent. But, it was so difficult. I couldn't even afford to cry anymore because that would mean a waste of energy which I likewise badly needed to sustain taking care of my son until bedtime. And then wake up early in the morning again before he wakes up to prepare all his things for school. Lately, because of his renewed separation anxiety, he wanted me inside the classroom, too. Likewise, I couldn't function as directress of our preschool, too. 

But I am a mother. How I wish it were a full-time job. How I wish I had more than enough money to raise my son and afford him a comfortable living without having to work or further my career. How I wish I can just spend the whole day with him without having to worry about deadlines. How I wish I was just that: a mother.

But I am more than a mother. I am a mother with a mission. I was destined to work on something that would hopefully inspire change in the mindset of parents in the way they educate their children. I cannot wrest this away from myself. I am who I am now, including the mother that I am, because of who I am as a person and what I believe in and stand for. I just  pray that my son will understand. He's three years old now and he has grown to be a loving boy. 

In retrospect, after that incident, I approached him and hugged him and said sorry. He just looked at me and hugged me back. He didn't smile because he said he wasn't ready yet. :) But then we played again and had a fun time and I finally saw that smile that brightens my day.

Breathe out.

No to Domestic Violence!

As a former Senate legislative staff officer, I had the great opportunity to not only do library work but talk to stakeholders directly concerning issues about the youth, women, and children, to include domestic violence. Focusing on children's development and education for the past years, I haven't talked about domestic violence in quite a long time until yesterday when I heard about the sad news about the senseless death of a relative of mine, who apparently used to stay with us when she was younger, in the hands of her common-law husband. She was six months pregnant and the baby died, too. It gave me chills thinking about how she was battered to death by that one person who was supposed to love her and protect her and how she was apparently hit in the abdomen so hard that their baby died in her womb as well. How could someone human do that? This prodded me to write this poem in Hiligaynon to express my indignation to such horrendous act by such a soul-less person. No woman, most especially pregnant, should be subjected to this kind of treatment, ever!

Huo, Kusog Ka Ya

Jorvelyn Jaruda-Espinosa, April 18, 2015

Written as a tribute to a relative and to all victims of domestic violence

Wala sang pangduwa-duwa

Huo, kusog ka ya.

Mataas ka kag mabukod,

Pwersado kag mabaskog.

Huo, kay kusog ka ya.

Tagahatag ka sang kwarta sa imo pamilya -

para makakaon,

para may panapton.

Huo, kay kusog ka guid ya.

Nagabaka-baka ka obra para katibawas

pero nagakakapoy man gali ang imo lawas.

Huo, pero mas kusog ka guihapon ya.

Kaya mo pa magpahubog

Kaya mo pa gani mag-droga

Kaya mo magwaldas sang kwarta

Kay man, huo, mas kusog ka guid ya.

Ti, nga-a kinanlan mo guid sakiton

ang maluya mo nga asawa?

Nga-a bugbugon sang tuman

nga bal-an mo gabusong pa?

Nga-a? Tungod mas kusog ka ya?

Huo, mas kusog ka na gani.

Ara na gani ho; lantawa.

Nahamyang ang imo asawa

kay mahina sya ya.

Kaupod sang inyo tani nga mangin puya.

Ti, kay mas kusog ka ya mo!

Ikaw na lang da ah. Daog ka na.

Huo, kay mas kusog ka ya.

What To Prepare for Bucari, Leon

Bucari, Leon, Iloilo is dubbed as the "Summer Capital of Iloilo," akin to Baguio City in the North as the Summer Capital of the Philippines. They both share the blessings of cool weather, a forest of pine trees, and lush agricultural produce. For the longest time, Leon fruits and vegetables have been famous in the city for being pesticide-free and chemical-free. Their mangoes rival that of Guimaras'. They even have a rice-terraces-like plantation for their vegetables. Lately, Leon is now growing strawberries! Indeed, it has earned its monicker as our very own "Little Baguio."

If you do plan to visit Bucari during the day and experience Baguio in Iloilo, here are some tips that you may want to take heed:

1. Check the weather. If there's any hint or possibility of rain, don't go. The road going to Bucari is not only steep and narrow, it is very rough. And when I say rough, I mean very, very, very rough. The muddy and slippery road will be very dangerous and I fear the possibility of a landslide. Best time to go, summer!

2. Plan your itinerary well. Better depart the city early. It would take approximately one hour from the city to Leon and another hour going to Bucari. Our itinerary involved going to the Bucari Pine Forest campsite first where we had our lunch. Then, we proceeded to Imoy Falls. Allot some extra time on your way back because you will be sidelined by all the fresh produce that you will pass by along the road and you couldn't resist to buy! Leave Bucari before it gets dark if you have no plans of staying overnight. If you plan to stay overnight, you can do so at the Bucari Pine Forest campsite. Just bring a tent with you! When we went there, the delegates of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines were just leaving. Don't expect luxurious provisions. The bathrooms are tolerable since there was ample supply of water. If you're not into camping, check out Pineridge Resort, the same owner of Casa Fiammetta. You have to book ahead of time, though, should you wish to stay there.

3. 4x4 vehicle is a must! Oh, and a good driver. Thank goodness we rode the Mitsubishi Strada going there. And my hubby is a very meticulous and careful driver (especially since our son and I were onboard). You will realize how helpful it would be having a 4x4 should you decide to go to Brgy. Camandag where the Imoy Falls are located. Otherwise, better hire a jeepney with an experienced driver, someone who is from Leon and knows the terrain of the place. I don't have any tips if you plan on commuting. I suggest that you get in touch with the LGU of Leon so you can arrange for a transportation from the city to avoid any hassle. Although, I know that some of my companions from Tigbauan took the Tigbauan-Leon jeepney and joined us at the Leon town proper. You could probably make arrangements there as soon as you arrive.

4. Fees to prepare. Apart from your transportation fees, prepare for the following: entrance at the campsite (donation only) and Php 50 if you get a table. If you wish to venture further to the neighboring Barangay to swim at the Imoy Falls, prepare for a Php20/ person entrance fee and a tour guide fee (unfortunately, I forgot to ask!). Better check with the LGU of Leon.

5. Fruits and vegetables to check out: they have eggplants, sayote, calamansi, tomatoes, radish, pechay, cabbage, mangoes, to name a few. The Orchard Valley Farm of the Que family has the lettuce and strawberry farm but you can't go there without permission from their main office. Remember: the fruits and vegetables will be irresistible so bring extra bags or baskets to carry your pasalubong!

6. Clothing. It could get chilly so bring a light jacket with you. If you decide to go the falls, bring swimwear, aqua shoes/socks with you, and change of clothes. There's no bathroom in the falls area so a malong would be an ideal companion to cover you while getting undressed/dressed.

7. Bring food and water. In keeping with nature preservation, a boodle fight type food preparation is ideal so there's no wastage and plastic used. There's a store where you can buy some snacks but prepare to pay a little more that what you're used to paying in the city.

8. Cellphone signal is not good in some parts so prepare to be ex-communicado at some points.

9. Commune with nature. More than taking pictures, marvel at the wonderful sight before you. And may it inspire you to take good care of Mother Nature.