Hear No Evil. See No Evil. Say No Evil.

Picture is worth a thousand words. I guess, it's a good compliment to a picture. However, some people may have nothing much to do! They can only see evil in it.

It's disappointing and sad to learn that people may think and could say bad things out of the picture without knowing the facts.

It's best to keep away from these people once we knew them!

You can find the link in here as stated in my FB. Just figure it out!

Setting the Bar Up or Down?

Walang Iwanan (Leave No one) and helping batchmates, who need help, send their kids to school. Two reasons on embarking our project.

85% maintaining grade to avail the scholarships being sponsored is a good idea! However, I would agree with Yumyum that it's too high.

I would suggest the following criteria:
1. Obviously, financial capability of the parents sending their kids to school.

2. Set maintaining grade for each individual by looking at the average grade for each candidate.

85% or any grade to be set is just a number. What if, most of the candidates are below that bar being set? Either we lower that percentage, or the candidate can't avail the scholarship.

As Yumyum stated, our main purpose is to help these kids get an education.

Theme Song: I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

The beat and lyrics are the usual things that people like about a song. And sometimes, each individual's mood is the factor that some one likes a particular song.

As the time goes by, it will be just a thing in the past, forgotten!

But when the song is associated to a once in a lifetime and memorable celebration, those moments, events and certainly the great feelings would be relived and cherished!

Enjoy the sound of our silver jubilee theme song, I Gotta Feeling.

AHC Day 5: Going Back to Reality

Mon 6AM: Woke up to pack up and have breakfast! Had some discussion with Tatay before leaving home.

730AM: Tatay sent me to the bus terminal, but we had to detour to visit a good friend to say hello and goodbye. And while waiting for the friend, I informed Aileen and Jinggoy that I was "already" in the terminal waiting for them.

I lost the time and we just chit-chat wherein hello was quite long. Supposedly it's only hello and goodbye. Aileen already called up saying that the van was leaving soon. We went straight to the terminal and within minutes the van left, 830AM!

I left Maasin with a heavy heart! I missed everyone!

1130AM: We reached Ormoc City, and needed to get Jinggoy's ferry ticket at Rommel's office. Then we raced to Gina's place for lunch.

1230PM: On the way to the ferry terminal for Cebu City. And we posed for picture-taking for the farewell group.

0200PM: Supercat left the port.

At around 330PM: The boat stopped/stalled! Propeller had some problems??? I asked DV if we can reach Cebu on time coz I had a flight to catch up.

0430PM: Supercat arrived port. I've asked Jinggoy to send me to Ayala and meet up with May for a coffee.

We arrived at Ayala past 5PM. We ordered some coffee, and talked summarizing long years of not seeing each other the shortest possible time. Posed for a picture, and again time to leave... :(

0600PM: Jinggoy sent me to the international airport, and we arrived around 7PM enough for me to check-in and clear immigration.

Upon reaching the holding area, "The Long and Winding Road" played (piano version) while I was taking picture of the flight number and destination! How appropriate! I'm on the way back to reality!

I reached home almost midnight exhausted and missing everyone back in the home town! But I felt very happy, indeed!

AHC Day 4: Family Day

Sun 1030: Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dennis.

Then we proceeded to Christine's place. Having lunch there, then some parlor games for adults and children.

Though we're at the beach, seems like no one wanted to take a dip. I went for a swim with Alma, Haydee and her children. Manuel also took a dip, and there's another one whose name I forgot. :(

Anyway the games and dance went until dark, then we ate our dinner before going to the next venue.

We brought drinks and food to Joy's place and had a party!

But everybody knew that all good things has to last!

Past midnight, Manila group had to leave first going straight to the bus terminal to catch up with their early flight in Tacloban City. They were sent by our batchmates. But when they left, tears somehow fell! The group grew so quite that you can noticed that's it's already wee hours of the morning!

Those left behind went back in, and became quite for a while trying to recover that odd feeling. Then we continue dancing and singing, storytelling a little bit until past 2AM!

We took a picture for the night owl party-goers to wrap up the celebration! Then off we went!

I reached home around 3AM!

As usual, coffee before sleeping and chit-chat a little bit!

AHC Day 3: Parade & Coronation Night

0530AM: Breakfast time!

0620AM: I went to the plaza and found the place seemed so deserted! I saw two people nd wearing the color of our shirt from where I stood. They were walking towards the gym. They won't hear me even if I shout! Upon reaching the monument, I just sat waiting for people to turn up! I was the early bird and forgotten that this is Maasin! It can't be that early, though they told me assembly time was 6AM!

Irma came, and we chat a little bit but she too went to the gym! Somehow I just want to stay outside to see the environment. Then Anggo showed up asking where the people were. I told him I saw a few went inside the gym, and we followed.

Almost 7Am and lots of people started to arrive. Dancers were around and picture taking started. Then the parade started! We just followed the parade, and seems like we just walk for few meters away and we're already inside the gym!

Mass was celebrated headed by Fr. Dennis.

It's followed with the dance contest with five participants including our batch!

We won the dance contest, and second for the float contest!

Lunch was in Kinamot!

By the time lunch was finished, seems like people were very tired after the parade and dance contest. There's a basketball game scheduled around 3PM. We still sat around, then teasing each other. Well, I'm the recipient of the tease, and it's fine. I was just riding on... :D

The group decided to visit Kuting reef and see around. We took some pictures and reminisced.. :D And teasing still continued... whew!!! Then, we went home to rest for the coronation night.

7PM: Arrived at Gunfrida Covered Court, and lots of our batchmates were present. We asked if we can start the dinner coz it's going to be a long night. The caterer said it's up to us to decide when to start, so we took our plates and started to queue for food!

As the canvassing started, our stomach were already full. Someone gave me a beer (can't remember who) and I just accepted it. :D Though we have our reservations coz we thought alcoholic drinks were not allowed in the program. But it seems no one cared!

Our muse came up third runner up!

After the program, dancing followed! Dance, dance, dance....

We danced and drink until 3AM in the morning! We never thought that we still had such energy even with our age.. :D

AHC Day 2: Welcome Party

Fri 10AM: I woke up and feeling refreshed!

Time for breakfast! I had a chit-chat with Tatay while having breakfast! Need to catch up with all the things... :D

Then, I discussed my cousin's thesis which she told me her group found difficulty in finishing it up! After which, she told me that they may need my help to pursue it. I told her to discuss it with their group coz my schedule was quite tight...

Time gone by and fast, and it's lunch time!

Next schedule was alumni kid's time! I decided to stay at home, had some chit-chat with Tatay. Then we played chess until almost 6PM! I hated to stop, but there's another activity 7PM approaching fast!

Time to change, and go to the party!

I dropped by Aileen's house so we can go together to the venue. It's better to have companion arriving otherwise I felt a little bit weird showing up after 25 years! Well, it's just my feeling!

We needed to register, I think that was for alumni membership and parade the following day, and so we did!

I don't know how to describe the feeling, but it really feels great seeing the teachers and classmates after 25 years! All people wore wide smiles and never stopped smiling! Picture taking everywhere, and you just want to be part of it!

I can't recognize some faces and even names. I remember some names, but the faces somehow didn't much. Lots of changes to each person! Yeah, but still feeling great!

Welcoming everyone and acknowledging the working committee and groups from different places. Honoring and acknowledging the teachers present followed!

T-shirts were distributed for the parade the following day!

And... more picture-taking and hi's and hellos and drinking that seemed never end!

When it's time to call it a day, some decided to go somewhere else to party!

Well, I decided exit with few others to take a rest for the next long day ahead!

I reached home, and surprised that a group of students waiting for me even at midnight. :( Well, I still spent more than an hour with them to give them some pointers on what to do, but told them to do it themselves.

I had enough drinks and didn't like to think too much! All I wanted was to take a rest!

AHC Day 1: The Longest Journey Going Back Home

Wed 9PM: I left home to the airport. The flight schedule was past midnight, and I should be able to check-in within 1.5 hours by taking train including bus rides.

Around 1030PM: I went straight to the check-in counter upon arriving at the airport, and realized that the flight was re-timed to 230AM (scheduled originally 12:20AM)!!! It's annoying coz I had a ferry boat to catch up by 545AM. "It's a delayed inbound flight...", stated the clerk manning the counter when asked the reason for the delay.

I checked in, anyway!

I called Aileen that my flight was delayed, and that I won't be able to join them (she's meeting up with our AHC queen) in the van going back to home town.

I tried to retrieved a book from my backpack, and found out I didn't have it inside! Four hours waiting time with nothing to do! The budget terminal doesn't have much to kill time unlike the other three terminals.

I ate MacDonalds, drank three cups of coffee and browsed the net. I took some random pictures, yet time seemed to have stopped! So, I decided to kill time inside the waiting area.

Inside, all seats were taken where you can watch TV (while closing the eyes???)! Internet terminals and tables were fully occupied. People playing, eating, drinking, reading... anything just to keep themselves busy. We're on the same boat! (Bored, sleepy and tired), I said to myself (I guess, smiling a little bit).

Thu 210AM: I was energized noting that it's almost time to go! I went to the holding area, and a bit frustrated coz I didn't see the plane on the tarmac. I thought there's more delay, and suddenly the plane appeared taxiing. I got excited and already forgotten my frustration earlier on.

230AM: Seems like everybody was on board, and we're flying off in no time!

Around 05450AM: Landed in Cebu! I thought I still can catch up the ferry boat. I briskly walked to the immigration counter anticipating to get a cab, fast! The officer checked my arrival card, and asked if I'm really from Maasin. I told him so, and he said he's from Tagnipa. Anyway, we hadn't talked much coz people were already queueing.

0630: Supercat Terminal, Cebu: I checked if the ferry boat still around, and as expected it already had left port. Sigh! All I can do was to get my refund (less 10%) and get another craft to Ormoc.

Next craft schedule: RORO (roll-on-roll-off) ship was scheduled 8AM and ETA 12NN. Fast craft: 11AM and ETA 0130PM. I decided to get on the ship coz there's not much to do at the terminal, but to sit and wait.

Breakfast time, bbq with rice and coffee, while waiting to board ship.

I ate Chippy (junk food) and drink beer (again!) on the ship, and managed to get some needed sleep for the long journey ahead.

1230PM: Welcome Ormoc City! Thinking of wandering around before taking a van coz the place looked different from the last time I was here! I can't even remember the date the last time I came to this place.

Upon reaching the bus/van terminal, I found it chaotic but orderly! People near to each other shouting for passengers, mixed with vehicles and human traffic! Maybe I'm no longer used to this type of place. I felt sad, somehow.

I looked for a place for lunch, and my feet eventually brought me to Jollibee. Eating again?! Seems like I'd been eating and drinking since last night.

SMS Tatay that I would be arriving home by night time.

After lunch, I decided to look for Rommel (classmate since grade 1). I went to their pharmacy and I was informed that he's at their marketing office. Arriving at the other place, on foot, I was informed that he's out to lunch and be back at 2PM.

20 minutes had gone by, and Rommel hadn't arrived yet. I left a message to the guard for him, and headed back to the terminal.

I thought the van schedule is every hour, however, they had to wait for all seats to be taken! I had to wait until 245PM before it left for Maasin.

While on the road, Aileen informed me that they're having a practice in a Tagnipa gym. I told her I'll go straight to the place when I arrived. It took the driver more than three hours to reach Maasin. Sigh!

I went straight to the city gym!

As I went in, I felt like a total stranger! Carrying a backpack and wearing a red cap with matching long beard, nobody recognized me! Somebody asked me if it was me in the flesh, and everybody just laughed coz they're not sure!

After hellos and how-are you, everybody seemed to be just laughing, reminiscing and drinking (of course) while dancers kept on practicing.

I informed Tatay that I was already in town, but in the gym, practicing! hahahaha! He replied for me to drop my things at home and eat dinner! I just replied, OK. :D

Beer still keep coming! whew!!!

People ordered for packed foods for dinner. Discussion ensued on where to go next! It's decided to go Joy's rest house for a party!

And so, Deve sent me home, though he's driving without license! After greeting Tatay, dropping my things and washed my face, we left for the party. I was just at home for 10 minutes tops and left!

We bought food and drinks on the way to the rest house.

Eating, dancing, drinking, laughing and singing.. we all did!

It's almost 3AM in the morning and we had to stop to be ready for the days' activities.

I reached home 3AM, drank coffee and eat snacks. Tatay and I had conversation until 4AM.

What a day! It's my longest journey going back home, and I felt the activities for past 24 hours or so, only happened in an hour! Quite a short time, I guess!

All I can think of was to take a nap.

Home sweet home!

Jubileo de Plata

I don't commit for I hesitate.
There's a reason, I don't mean.
But people & places that I've missed,
I can't afford to miss.
So I decided to be in the place
where things/peoples/events I couldn't miss.
But for now, my heart is just longing
for what I've missed.

The Final Countdown: 8 days to Silver

Silver celebration starts with 8 days to go!!!


"We're leaving together. But still it's farewell. And maybe we'll come back. To earth, who can tell? I guess there is no one to blame. We're leaving ground. Will things ever be the same again?" ~song lyrics

Moderators are Privileged!

We were skeptical/reluctant the first time we were assigned as moderators for our yahoo group. This is due to responsibilities behind it especially making things in order as expected. But since we're online most of the time, we don't mind being moderators.

At the onset of the assignment, we discussed if we need to moderate and ask everyone to exercise tact. But anyway, we didn't tell everyone and we just hope that each one of us is responsible. So far so good except that there were few things we thought we should do something but eventually let things be. As the time goes by, we just enjoy doing things coz there's nothing much to do anyway except approving and adding yahoo addresses as members to our yg.

Today, we have another perspective being moderators. We are privileged! (We may know things we haven't known yet.)


REMINDER TO EVERYONE! Our YG is meant for HS batch 85, hence posting and pictures are kept private to the group. Though I think we need to change the postings settings to private coz it still can be read without logging in to the group (will consult our creator).

REMINDER TO MODERATORS! Identify the person requesting for membership prior to approval.


**************

AN INSIGHT!

Moderators add members if known yahoo accounts and requested by one of our batchmates (or respective person himself), or approve membership requests.

For membership requests, we usually send email and check if it's a legitimate yahoo account. However, today I was asked who the new requesting party was. I didn't know the answer and became curious. Well, after considering different options to identify the person I decided to chat with him. To make it short, I managed to know him.

He's a friend of one of our batchmates. He's quite friendly and very open. After formally introducing ourselves, he voluntary told me to just delete his account from our yahoo group in case it's a big deal to us.

In the process of checking, the other party may give out some information that we don't know yet. We may get surprised.

For us moderators, we just try to establish if the person requesting for membership is our batchmate. The rest of the conversation will be just between the two communicating parties.

So folks, better tell your friends that our YG is a closed-group.