LATE IN SCHOOL

It is really not easy bringing your child to school, especially when you are not prepared. When your kid is now in school, parents must prepare everything. From school bag to books and even shoes. Now I just realized that when I am the one bringing and fetching my daughter in school. 

This morning, I was totally lost with the time. I bathe her and prepared her things that she will be needing when in school. In her school time, she must be inside her classroom by 10:30 am. I arrived in the school almost 10:40 am. Luckily another teacher was waiting outside and assisted me and my daughter as she enters the classroom.

After this day, I promised never to be late again. I will prepare her things early so that she can be in school on time. I will there is a school transport service that fetch my daughter in school. There are many transport service already offering this kind of service in their school. Maybe it's about time that I ask about this transport service. 

GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL

Tomorrow, I will be going to the garden City of Samal to check a grocery store that I approved last year to have a credit line. I was informed by our salesman that the subject has already changed ownership. it used to be called Fernandez Store before. But now, the ownership of the grocery was already transferred to a Korean national, who is residing in The Garden City of Samal.

Before going there, I will first report in the office to get some things that I will be needing for tomorrow's trip to Samal. Just a piece of thought about the place. Samal Island is known here in Davao City as the place where beaches are abundant. The famous Pearl Farm and the always visited, Paradise Resort are just two of the many resorts situated in Samal Island. Tourism is the main source of earning for the Garden City of Samal. Aside from the beaches, there are also other agricultural products that Samal is known for. Like the coconuts or copra, mangoes, and hardwood.

I need to prepare everything that I will be needing since I will making a report after the trip. I will be canceling the credit line that I extended to the entity to prevent future loss for the company.

A TOWN FEAST

This afternoon, I was in Padada Davao Del Sur to do my regular routine field work. I was surprised to noticed that the public utility vehicle did not enter the public market area. It was strange for me to see that. I thought that it was just a market day for the town. But a fellow told me that it was their town feast.

In the market area, many stores and sidewalk vendors occupy the grounds. Movement was limited because of the people celebrating the town feast. I tried my best to squeeze my way into the crowd and finally I reached my first destination. I cannot see the pharmacy's signage because of the crowd. I have been in Padada several times already and maneuvering in the town was not a problem for me, only this time.

Most local residents of Padada Davao Del Sur would prepare food in their houses and welcome guests to their homes. This is like the traditional feast in Bohol. According to my customer, there are many strangers visit their house and they will offer them food as thanks giving for the bountiful harvest of the town.

Other residents of nearby towns like Sulop, Malalag, Digos City and Malita would go to Padada just to celebrate the town feast. In Padada, Crime rate is very small and usually crimes committed are petty. Nobody goes to jail in the town. If only I knew that it was their town feast, I should have rescheduled my trip their. I saw also many drunk men in the highway. The bottles of liquor are scattered anywhere. This what I call A town feast.

ITS GOOD TO BE BACK AGAIN

Hello guy! Did you miss me?I'm just thankful to be back again in our house. I've been away for quite sometime and I really miss my blogging job. I was not able to update my post for about 7, lonely, long days. I was in the province and as you all know, internet connection is really a big problem when you are in the province.

Last week, I was in some areas in Sarangani Province and several areas in South Cotabato and in Sultan Kudarat. Life living away from your house has some pros and cons. The pros are, You get to feel living alone and surviving in the environment that you are a stranger. You meet new friends along the way and build your image, when nobody knows who you are. The cons are, you feel lonely and sad since you are far from your love ones. You feel like you are alone and nobody will come to rescue you when you are in a problem. There are others more, but I just don't want to talk about it anymore. I am just happy to be blogging once again in my comfort zone, my house.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO

Now I know what to do for our first year anniversary this coming October 11. We are thinking of having a trip to Pearl farm in Samal Island and will be staying at one of the hotels here in Davao City. I cannot think better than that. My wife will be booking our staying maybe by tomorrow or the end of September. I don't want to mess anything when it comes to planning for the anniversary because she is good in that. But I am more concern with the financial of the scheduled activity for our anniversary.

We have to many plans this coming days and I am very excited of these activities. My plans for the upcoming months are very rigid and I need my best concentration for this matter. My office mate keeps on inviting me to join his weights session at Matina Crossing. I still need to think about it because with the body that I had, I don't need to go to the gym and work things out for my body. But that is not yet final for me. if I think that I really need a gym session, then I will go to the gym and enroll myself for their session.

THINKING OF ANOTHER VACATION

I just realized that me and my wife, will be celebrating our first year anniversary this October 11. Time really moves fast and few more days to go and that big day is finally here. I really don't know how to celebrate it. But I guess traveling would be a good idea. The last time I had a long vacation was when we went to Hong Kong for our honeymoon. But I am still considering traveling this anniversary celebration as we turn One.

I am thinking about going to Cebu City or Kalibo for the celebration. I just have to determine where really I want to go. My wife really wanted to go to Manila and proceed to Laguna for the Enchanted Kingdom. But will only materialized when the airplane fare is affordable. I was informed that commercial airlines are lowering the fare rate by the end of September and by that, we just need to wait for that.

I really needed a long vacation this time for me to unwind myself and relieve my body from the stress of working in the office. My wife also needed that for her to unwind too. When the final place will be final on where we will be going, I will just keep you updated always.

GRANDMOTHER'S LAST DAY, FAREWELL LOLA GOYANG

I was in Mati Davao Oriental last Saturday to attend the last day of my grandmother before she will be brought to the public cemetery in the province. Upon arrival , me and my mother, were greeted warmly by relative and friends in the place. We thought that the burial would be at 1 o' clock. But we were told that the burial would be by 2 pm in the afternoon.

I was the one driving our car going to the place. We left Davao City around 7 am and reached Tagum City at 8:25 am. My wife was with us since she was working in Tagum City. We proceeded to our apartment and took some time to rest before we go to Mati. The road to Davao oriental is under construction still right now. I would say it is not ideal for travel when using a car going there. SUV and trucks are ideal for travel to Davao Oriental.

I was told that the remains will be taken to the cathedral central in Mati Davao Oriental. I really don't have any idea where it was but I just thought I would rather follow the procession of cars and not to deviate from it, that I usually do. In the cathedral, the farewell mass was held and after that pictures were taken. I noticed that many of my cousins were crying and even my aunts and uncles too. I would admit that my eyes were teary but it never fell down. After the mass, we proceeded immediately to the cemetery. It was a 80 degrees climb and has a narrow road that only pedicabs can access. I was scared that I may not make it to climb that type of road condition. I must control my pedals very well or else I might bump the car behind me if my car falls back. I was just happy to make it that kind of drive. Even the exit was very difficult because the road was going down and it was a rough road, composed of soil and some loose gravels.

After the burial, we went back to the house of my aunt and ate some food. Rice grains were thrown to the people. It was a sign of thanks for the people who accompany my grandmother to her last day. We were also told to wash our hands in the basin with water and some plants floating on in. After those rituals, it was food time again. I ate some food that were being served and bid my farewell to my aunt. We have to leave because the poor condition of the road makes it harder to travel at night. For you cannot see the holes on the road. The burial was organized properly by my cousin. It was a solemn and simple burial for my grandmother. May she rest in peace in the hands of our Lord. Fare well Lola Goyang, we will miss you.

BACK TO BARRACKS

I am finally home from my wake vigil in Mati Davao Oriental. The road going to Mati is really not ideal for travel, especially those using cars. There are roads that are being constructed right now. Usually, the travel to Mati City would take around 2 hours only from Tagum City. That's the most already. But our trip from Tagum City to Mati lasted almost 3 hours because of the poor road condition.

The interment will be on Saturday, September 5. I will be on leave to attend the burial of my grandmother on that day. When we arrived in Mati City, we immediately went to the town proper and got a room for our stay. It was very necessary because we drove almost 6 hours total and wee need a place to stay and sleep to recover from the tiring trip to Mati City. We dined at Rambohan, a local barbecue eatery that offers with range of barbecues to all it's customers. Around 7 pm, we proceeded to the house of our aunt where the body of my grandmother lies. We stayed there until 1 am and went straight to Beatrice Hotel to sleep.

Early morning, we had our breakfast at the local dinner at the ground floor of the hotel. Our meal cost 460 pesos only for 7 people. The bill was paid by mommy, as she volunteered herself to pay for the meal. Our stay for one night cost 1,160, includes an additional bed on the floor. Mom stayed there.

There were so many revelations during our stay in the house and that I will share to you all later on. But now, I really need to have a good sleep for my legs are aching due to the long rough drive from Mati City to Davao City

GRANDMA IS GONE AT 94

Yesterday was a sad day for the Rojas Clan. Our grandmother, Lola Goyang passed away at 94 years old. My brother called me up earlier in the morning informing me that our grandmother was admitted in the hospital and was in the intensive care unit. According to my brother, our grandmother was unconscious and the doctors said that it was a bad condition for our 94 year old grandmother. At exactly around 3-4 pm yesterday, I received a text message from my brother and he informed me that our grandmother passed away already. It is so sad because I remember just last May 14, we were there in her birthday. I introduced to her my wife and her apo or grandchild, Cloi and Nicole.

By Sunday, we will be going there in full force. You know, I never miss her birthday. According to my cousin, lola was calling names and they believed that she was calling the name of my mother. I think it was her last bid to say goodbye to all of us.

I had a dream last night and I was telling my lola not to blow my ears for we will be there by Sunday. It was just a dream and yet it was so real. I have to prepare all the things that we will be bringing by Sunday. My wife will be waiting in Tagum City and we have to leave early morning so that we can achieve many things when we get to Mati City.

READY TO GO

Right now, I am preparing my things for my trip this Wednesday. I will be going to North Cotabato again to do some field work. My trip won't be that long and I just allocated 3 days and I have to come back by Saturday and do again another field work in Compostela Valley Province.

I have to leave the house in an early hour to make some field work fast. I have to go some places that I never had been before. Many would ask me if I am scared every time I go to the provinces. I would say yes. I am scared oftentimes when I go to the provinces. But I just pray and always keep myself safe always.

THE PERFECT FAMILY VACATION

I really give importance to family. Giving family quality time and spending time with each other is the most important thing of all. The other week, I personally organized a family outing. Last year, we went to the hills of Eden. I want it this time to be more fun and thrill-filled adventure. I decided to make the beach as our family vacation place.

When it comes to beach, nothing beats the Riviera Maya beaches. The location is known for their white sand beaches and has so many resorts to accommodate us. I personally selected Azul Beach Hotel, one of the Karisma Hotels that can be found in Riviera Maya. The hotel was the venue for the stay. The good thing about Riviera Maya is that the beach is so beautiful that no time will be boring for one's stay.

Our family vacation was for about 7 days and hose seven days were filled with fun memory and my cousins wanted the next family vacation be in Riviera Maya again. They will never forget the place forever.

HOME SWEET HOME

Last night, we went to Tagum City with my mom. I drove the car and the travel time from Davao City to Tagum City is about 1 hour and half and sometime even more depending on the traffic condition and road condition. We left Davo City around 7 pm and arrived in Tagum City around 9 pm.

Driving at night is very difficult since you cannot go fast as you wanted because there are several road blocks and constructions going on right now in the are. No wonder many people would prefer to take the bus, especially when traveling at night. When we arrived in Tagum City, we immediately went to our boarding house for dinner. I was already very hungry that time. My wife bought a whole roasted chicken at Elena's lecheon Manok. After in the boarding house, we went to the house of my brother. Mom immediately hugged her apos, Nicole and Chloi. After a couple of minutes of talking, we said goodbye to them.

In Tagum City, life is very easy and peaceful. Unlike other cities where time runs so fast and people are moving fast. What I like about Tagum City is that the commodities are very affordable. Fresh fish in the market is lower by 40% in it's price compared in Davao City. I also helped my wife in the laundry activity. I washed the wool bed sheet. it was very heavy to was. There is no washing machine in our boarding house. I have to use my hands in the laundry activity.

Now it is already 1 am and we just arrived from Tagum City. I am just glad to be blogging righ here in our house again.

HARD TO FIND AN INTERNET STATION

Please for give for not being able to update my blog as often. it is because I am right now in the province and an Internet connection is hard to find. I am just inserting little time to blog right now just to inform you guys that I am alright. By Saturday, I will be back home again. By then I will be able to update my blog posts.

You know, traveling in the provinces can be worthwhile. I get to experience the things that our grandparents did experienced before. No internet connection, limited cellular signal and the lights of the firefly lights the night sky. The air is fresh and food is cheaper than in the city dining spots. The major means of transport is the tricycle no taxis and buses. Buses are used only for city to city destination.

Living in the provinces can be very good when retiring from work. By this time, I am already through with the city living and it is time to relax and just enjoy life with nature.

COLLECTING THE DAMAGES

I will be going to Davao Oriental tomorrow. It is driver of the motorcycle that bumped my Honda City will be paying me partially for the total damage. I have to be there before 12 noon and will just inform them when I arrive there. I asked my brother if he could come with me. But he told me that today is his schedule to Davao Oriental. It means that I have to go there own my own. I have to prepare some of the paper works for the payment. All I want is the car to be repair and that's it. I could have gained more from this event but I would rather make sure that my car is fix.

I have to leave early so that I will reach there early also. The auto shop where I took my car for repair told me this evening that I need to add 2,000 pesos more as advance for the car repair. The car repair will be complete by this week. This I learn from this incident. Defensive driving is very important when you are a driver. It would be better to give way than meet an accident. In this case, I was unaware of everything. I only know that I was bumped and the party that bumped me must pay the repair.

GRANDMOTHER'S BIRTHDAY TOMORROW

Early tomorrow, we will be going to Mati City to witness and celebrate the 94th birthday of my grandmother, Gregoria Romero Rojas. From Davao City to Mati City, it would take around 4 hours to reach there, traffic is also a thing to consider. That is why we have decided to leave early morning. My other brother will also be coming with us along with his wife and children. We will meeting with them in Tagum City. We already bought the birthday cake and other things. This trip is very special because this is the first time my wife and my grandmother to meet each other in person. It is because when I got married, I only asked for her blessings without my wife with me because she was not allowed to take a leave from work. I will be checking the Honda City car that we will be using for tomorrows trip. Maybe by 6 am will be on the road already going to tagu city and towards Mati City the capital of Davao oriental.

Just a little piece of information. The first mayor of Davao Oriental was my great grand father. His statue is situated in the city hall of Davao oriental.

COMPETING AIRLINES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The best way to travel is to fly. That is the most common thing when asked to frequent travelers. Using airlines in travel is very relaxing and comfortable to a traveler. Here in the Philippines, I would say there are only two competing airlines. That is Philippine Air Lines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific. I will just give a brief description about the two airlines.

Philippine Air Lines is the national flag carrier of the Philippines. It's history is well documented as the first Airline in Asia to travel to the USA. It has huge airplanes comparable to the other air line companies abroad. Philippine Airlines serves nineteen destinations in the Philippines and twenty-four destinations in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Canada and the United States. Formerly one of the largest Asian airlines, PAL was severely affected by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. In what was believed to be one of the Philippines' biggest corporate failures, PAL was forced to downsize its international operations by completely cutting operations to Europe and eventually Southwest Asia, cutting virtually all domestic services excluding routes operated from Manila, reducing the size of its fleet and terminating the jobs of thousands of employees. The airline was placed under receivership in 1998, gradually restoring operations to many of the destinations it formerly serviced. PAL exited receivership in 2007 with ambitious plans to further restore services to its previously-serviced destinations, as well as diversify its fleet. It is the longest and running airline company in Asia, now 60 years in the business.

Cebu Pacific Airlines is just a new entry to the airline industry that was dominated by PAL. It is a low-cost airline based in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the Philippines. It offers scheduled flights to both domestic and international destinations. Cebu Pacific Air is currently the country's leading domestic carrier, serving the most domestic destinations with the largest number flights and routes, and equipped with the youngest fleet. Its main base is Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, with another hub at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Francisco Bangoy International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.The airline is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JG Summit Holdings, controlled by the Gokongwei family - one of the richest Filipino-Chinese families based in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific is currently headed by Lance Gokongwei, presumptive heir of John Gokongwei, the chairman emeritus of JG Summit. The company has 1,182 employees (as of March 2007).

This is the two airlines in the Philippines that travelers would prefer to fly with. Both airline companies have their own website that anybody can visit and check their rates for domestic and international flights.

PARTY WITHOUT ME

Tomorrow was supposed to be the day when we, in the office, will be going to BlueJaz Resort in Samal Island. It is a new resort in the coastal area of Samal. I already told my office mates that I will not be able to come along with them because I have a baptismal to attend to. They understand my situation. I have to priority the baptismal of my niece since this is just once in a lifetime event for her. I also don't want to miss it since I am one of the Godfather or Ninong for common term. Besides, I already saw the resort and I find it still on process of beautification. The resort has these huge and verly long slides towards the swimming pool. The resort also has an infinity pool and the glider. The entrance fee of the resort is 90 pesos and the ferry boat going to the resort is 60 pesos. from Davao City the ferry would take around 15 minutes crossing the Davao Gulf area to reach the resort. I would suggest to all of beach goers going to Bluejaz to avoid bringing foods and drinks for you will be required to pay the corkage of the resort.

BAPTISM TOMORROW OF CHLOE

Tomorrow, I will be going to Tagum City early to attend the baptismal of my niece Chloe. Tagum City is just a hour away from Davao City where I am in. I plan to drive as early as 6 am to Tagum to avoid the heavy traffic going there. I already packed and wrapped the gift that I will be giving to my niece. Along with with me is my mother and 3 aunties. I guess I have to sleep early so that I will be able to wake up early morning. The baptismal will be held at the old Christ the King church in Rizal Avenue. My wife will be waiting there since she is working in the city. I have to check every thing tonight, from the wheels to the brakes of the car. But I know every thing will be alright by tomorrow.

FEAST OF THE PATRON

Our village will be celebrating the feast of St. Joseph the worker. This is our patron saint in our village. Usually, it is in the first Sunday of the month of May. No wonder there is a tournament being held in our basketball court every night. Food preparation for the feast is not being practice here. Those who will prepare something, good. For those who will not, good also. Unlike the feast celebration in Bohol. Where everybody prepares food in their houses. Everyone is invited, even strangers. The Bohol feast is one of the most grandiose celebrations in the Philippines. I haven't experience that celebration. But in due time soon.

I NEED A NEW WALLET

I am doing my wallet clean up and I noticed that my wallet is already giving up on me. The wallet that I am using right now is chancellor. I bought this in Koronadal City, 4 hours bus trip from Davao City. The wallet is colored black and what I like about this wallet is that it is not bulky to carry. I don't put my wallet in the back pocket of my jeans because I was picked once. Since then I never put it there. I place it in my hand pockets. There it is much safe and I can easily check my pocket if my wallet is still there. I carry two wallets. One for my money and the other one for my cards and ids that I carry along with me. I went to SM the other day and checked out some of the wallet displays. I liked the MC Jim brand of wallet. I like the color brown. The price range is from 500 to 800 pesos. I might buy a new one next week.