Mount Pinatubo Crater

Over the years, since it’s eruption in 1991, Mount Pinatubo gradually change its features and turned into a beautiful tourist attraction. It never fails to amaze tourists from different corners of the world  by its Majestic Beauty.

The photos below are taken during our numerous expeditions. We are covering each tour and web albums are created for each group of clients. These photos are uploaded in a paid storage of our Picasa Account. Every Month of each year, we noticed that the crater lake gradually change it color. At times it is muddy, murky green then will turn into turquoise after several rains. According to Philvocs which usually conducts a routine check in the area, this color change is weather dependent. We are posting some photos from our gallery of Trips and this  will show us how Mount Pinatubo Cater Lake changes its color and feature over the years.

JULY 2011

JUNE 2011

MAY 2011

 
APRIL 2011

MARCH 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

JANUARY 2011

DECEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

AUGUST 2010

JULY 2010

JUNE 2010

MAY 2010

APRIL 2010

MARCH 2010

FEBRUARY 2010

JANUARY 2010

DECEMBER 2009

NOVEMBER 2009

AUGUST 2009

JULY 2009

JUNE 2009

MAY 2009

APRIL 2009

MARCH 2009

FEBRUARY 2009

DECEMBER 2008

For inquiries, send your email to julietcorpuz@gmail.com

or text/call: 

Globe:  (+63)927.255.2206

Smart:  (+63)930.508.8494

Sun:      (+63)922.885.6103

LandLine:

(045) 324 0193 – Office

(045) 806 4544 – Residence

Yahoo ID: pinaykeypoint 

T H E  P I N A Y K E Y P O I N T   T E A M

All rights reserved. 2007-2011

http://www.pinaykeypoint.org

Pasko at New Year sa Pinas 2008

JANUARY 8, 2009

I had a long break before and after Christmas season and I never had the chance to post our Christmas celebration. My kids and nieces are rallying and demanding me to post the Christmas photos and other activities so this would be a long post guys 🙂

Filipinos usually starts welcoming Christmas at the knock of “Ber” months. As early as September, you will hear Christmas songs played on the radios and I myself started to decorate our house with Christmas Tree last October.

Of course my daughters did all the decorating stuff while I was pre-occupied with a lot of work and issues here and now as am staring at my blog, I realized that I never post a single article about Christmas [sigh 😦 ]

But it’s better late than never, so I have to post all the activities we had before Christmas time and after New year.

My youngest and only son Robin Jr. (Nonoy)

My third daughter Rajisha

My 2nd daughter Sabrina

Jessica & Nonoy

My niece Jane

Yours Truly 🙂

Simbang Gabi at San Sebastian Cathedral, Tarlac City

Dec 16 – Misa de Gallo

We’re off to church for the Misa de Gallo where we have to attend the early mass at 4am. Morning masses lasted for 9 days and it is believed and also part of Filipino traditions that a person who completed 9 days mass will have their wishes.

Some church celebrates mass before the break of dawn at 4 o’ clock in the morning while other celebrates mass at 7, 8 or 9 o’ clock in the evening.

It is also a common tradition for Pinoys to buy native Filipino foods such as malagkit, suman, bibingka, ibos, puto etc… after the morning mass.

Native Filipino Foods

Belenismo – The art of making Belen

It’s one of the project of our present local officials. This was conceptualized by Tarlac Heritage Foundation President Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay aiming to make the province of Tarlac as  “Belen capital” of the Philippines. It was launched in 2007 and since then, it becomes a yearly activity for Tarlaquenos which is actively participated by different Barangays, municipalities, institutions and local organization from different sectors and local businesess of Tarlac.

ASIATEN

Max’s Luisita

San Sebastian Cathedral inspired Belen

16 Belens won from different categories out of 78 entries. Categories includes personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

Tarlac Police Office Belen of Barangay Salapungan received the first award followed by Asiaten Hotel and Coconut Grill as third. Winners were personally awarded by Senator Loren Legarda

Zone ABC DEMOLITION CAMPAIGN

Demolition Poster at Barangay Entrance

The Nolcom authorities temporarily stopped their daily demolition rounds campaign, maybe for the sake of Christmas but nailed this poster at our Barangay main entrance. At present, they never resume the usual rounds of military jeep anouncing demolition. The last update was prior to Christmas, Zone President announced that we will expect the release of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on January 27, 2009 and we are hopeful that it would be released earlier.

Inter Barangay Basketball League

There were many activities in the city. Barangay Basketball league, was participated by different basketball teams from different Barangays. Hub coaches one of the basketball team. The overall winner was Barangay Texas.

Carolers were everywhere, kids, teens, adults & beggars. Some houses who don’t have an extra money for carolers will just put off their lights early. But since I am running a gaming homebiz (PC & Video), and most of my customers are children and teens, I have to allocate coins for them but the good thing about it is that it would go back in my pocket as they would be back playing the next day.

Prior to Christmas time, my kids were busy preparing for their school Christmas party and exchange gifts so as a mom, I have so many things to do which makes me so busy such as buying clothes, gifts, school projects etc… etc… not to mention my printing jobs which requires most of my time.

Dec 24, 2008 – Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas!!

Noche Buena

My day starts and ends at the kitchen lolz!

I have to cook for our Noche Buena. Macaroni Salad, Spaghetti, Crispy Pata, hotdogs, pan bread with cheese and a lot of candies for the kids. Gift giving… And a lot of Christmas Photos …

Mommy and Rajisha

Daddy and Sabrina

Juliet and Hub

December 25

Mano po Ninong/Ninang!!

Kids visited their Ninongs & Ninangs (Godparents) to ask for blessings and gifts. We call it “pagmamano”, another Filipino tradition where kids and teens are visiting their Godparents, these were the people who sponsored our children during baptism and acts as second parents to our kids. They usually prepare gifts or money for their Godchildren. My kids want to extend their sincere thanks to Ninong Atty. Jojo Batalla, Ninang Ressie Reyes, Ninang Myrna Sapasap, Ninong Edgar Uy, Ninong Bong Gallo, Ninang Luz Corpuz, Tita Sally & Ate Cherry for the money and gifts. And I also want to thank my daughters for their gifts for us. I love  you Jek, Sab, Ish, nonoy & ate den…

Dec 27, 2008 – Happy Christening Baby Jed!!

Jed’s clothing and accesories

Jed’s Christening

Location: San Miguel Church Time: 11:00 a.m. Reception: Max’s Restaurant

Cherry’s firstborn was finally baptized before new year. We were all invited at the reception but we can’t leave the house so I stayed home to entertain some expected visitors while my entire family attended baby Jed’s christening. Welcome to the Christian World baby Jed 🙂 I hope you grow up to be a God-fearing boy with wisdom and kindness 🙂

Baby Jed’s cake

Reception: Max’s Restaurant – Luisita

Baby Jed’s Candles, Token & invitation

Mommy Che & Baby Jed

My kids; Jessica, Sabrina, Rajisha, Nonoy and my niece Jane

Corpuz Family

December 31 – New Year Celebration 🙂

Once again, our day starts and ends at the kitchen but this time Hub did most of the cooking 🙂 Another Filipino tradition, we have to prepare 12 fruits on our table, 1 bowl of rice, salt and water and malagkit with egg on top. My mother in-law is doing this yearly and now that she’s gone, we decided to follow her tradition. We were roaming the market to complete the list of fruits. We had grapes, apple, watermelon, melon fruit, oranges, kaimito, pineapple, banana, pears, chico, ponkan and buko (young coconut). Hub added garlic and onions this time.

Media Noche

Yummy desserts 🙂 Kainan na!!

For safety, we never use any firecracker this year. It’s also part of saving our budget so instead of firecrackers, we played Christmas songs and videoke. Childrens are playing videos till dawn and we gave it for free until the next day.

Happy New Year!! it’s chow time 🙂

We’re all full lolz!! 🙂 look at the tummy haha!!

Final Pose 🙂 Happy New Year to all of you!!

The magic of “Ber” has passed and now we’re welcoming the New year with hope & gladness in our hearts. Happy New Year to all of you guys. May this year brings more blessings to all of us. Cheers!!

Juliet & Family 🙂

Mount Pinatubo Trek

Due to overwhelming response of my readers to my Mt. Pinatubo Post, which also becomes my no. 1 post since I started blogging, we added another service in our homebase business. This is Tour Guiding Services

My hub and I has particular task in running the business. With IT related works, I am in-charge of the internet, design and documentations while hub is doing the field work. But when the need arises, I also assist hub with field work activities.

Recently, I have many inquiries in my inbox particularly Mount Pinatubo Trek. I used to have a computer shop at Capas Tarlac and Tarlac Municipal Tourism had been one of our clients. I designed and created the Identification cards for Mt. Pinatubo Tour guides and most of them are Aetas. I also designed banners, flyers and brochures.

Last week, 2 clients from the internet hired our service thru this blog, Greg and Wisnu. Greg arrived last week but he went to Puerto Galera first and he scheduled trekking on Saturday, Dec. 13. Wisnu Wijaya, an Indonesian based in Malaysia arrived last Dec. 9 at 5:30pm. Hub meet him at the airport. They arrived home at almost 10pm. Although we had an agreement that we will book him in a hotel but because we were so excited sharing each others’ experiences, he decided to stay with us. Our house suddenly turned into a transient home.

The next day hub included Wisnu in the group of trekkers bound to Mount. Pinatubo.

Hub (in white shirt) with Wisnu and Mt. Pinatubo trekkers

Hub during the actual trek

Weee! Samson or Hercules?

Natural and Fresh Spring Water from Mt. Pinatubo

Mt. Pinatubo Crater

Mt. Pinatubo Crater Boating

Have fun, experience swimming at Mt. Pinatubo crater

4 x 4 wheel drive, the only transport system that would survive rocks and boulders

After a tiring day, sooth your muscles and enjoy full massage spa

Spa comes in different packages; mud spa, volcanic ash spa and many more.

What are you waiting for? experience a once in a lifetime trekking adventure at Mt. Pinatubo Philippines. You can come in group or you can trek alone with native tour guide.

For more inquiries, leave your comment here or email me pinaykeypoint@yahoo.com

Update 2/8/2009

Please click the link to see our recent Mount Pinatubo Trek last February 6 & 7, 2009

For further inquiries, detailed info, trek schedules and itineraries please visit my other blog:

HTTP://PINATUBOTREK.BLOGSPOT.COM/

POST UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 14, 2012

WE ARE NOW ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED TEAM IN THIS FIELD.

THANKS GOD FOR MY BLOG AND FOR THIS POST;)

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

First week of November was a busy week for us, after the preparation and celebration of Undas (All Saint’s Day), our niece Cherry delivered her first born, a handsome baby boy at 2:30pm of Friday, November 7, 2008.

Cherry is very dear to us as she’s almost my eldest daughter. I’m very fond of her, I helped her with her assignments, I turned her hate for Algebra into love and explained to her the basics so she can cope up with her mathematics.

I watched her growing from her teens to a full grown woman. I laugh with her, cried with her and I had been a listener to her laughter and sobs. She almost acquired my activist’s point of views and had been a very idealistic person.

Born to a military family, she had taken the same path. At 26, she’s now a chief investigator of CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), Camp Macabulos, Tarlac City. I am closely following her career and hoping the best of everything for her and her family.

Welcome to the Christian World Baby Jed 🙂

Baby Jed

Baby Jed

The new member of the family

See how cute he is… hmmm, she looks like her mommy che 🙂

The tired mommy Cherry… sleeping beauty 🙂

…and the visitors Ate Evelyn (Che’s mom), Ate Luz & Beth and yours truly in the red shirt 🙂

Robinson and Demolition

OCTOBER 27, 2008

Okay sa title rhyme diba? 🙂

Robinson Supermarket’s Opening

To my fellow Tarlaqueños and Tarlaqueñas, opening of Robinson Supermarket will be on October 30, 2008 kaya mejo ihanda nyo na yang mga budget nyo for grocery.

Hay naku maganda lang to sa maraming pera hehehe…

I mean this is good to those who have extra budget but to us, who are living each day at a time and sometimes can’t even make both ends meet, maybe we’ll just walk in for window shopping lol! 🙂

Zone ABC Demolition Issue: Updates

Robinson’s opening will not stop my fellow barangays from worrying with the serious threat of demolition. I wrote this issue in my previous post and the last time that NOLCOM officers attended a dialogue with us last week, they lay down a “Take it or Leave it” offer. It means, we signed the MOA or not, its up to us. But one thing is clear, they will pursue with their plan.

What ironic in this meeting is that, our association’s officers are speaking in behalf of the officers when in fact, the NOLCOM officers are there and they should be the one answering the questions raised by the membership.

Leadership means leading and representing your people and members, and for this clear definition, we were expecting that our association officers shall mediate and collect the questions and raised it during the meeting, giving the opportunity to NOLCOM officers to explain their side but it’s the other way around.

This is indeed a serious threat to our property and security. The content of the MOA clearly defines a voluntary turn-over of your property, not only the lot per se where our house were erected but our house itself. The MOA also stated that they can conduct an inspection anytime they pleases which is a clear manifestation of harassment. They think we are all idiots and stupids and with an armed men around, threatening us with this “Take it or Leave it” connotation.

It’s really sad to see these people going beyond the rights of many people. This is one of the reason why GMA’s strong republic is never realized and will remain a dream until the end of her administration.

They are all like wolves under the mask of a lamb.

Brgy. Maliwalo, Tarlac City, Philippines

Hello Janet, This post is for you 🙂

I had a request from my regular reader who used to live in Tarlac but relocated now in Davao City. She want me to post pictures of Barangay Maliwalo and Maliwalo High School. Her last look on this place was in 1989, whoa! Almost 2 decades!

I was relocated in Tarlac in May 1991 prior to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. So you’re already gone before I even set my foot in this place Janet. Well, there were big changes from then on. I still remember the first time I saw this place, OMG, I whispered to myself, I don’t think I will survive here… lol! I just arrived from Japan then, from a company training at Sumitomo Wiring Systems, one of the biggest company in Japan. We were sent by Kawasaki Company for further training and in return, I need to be transferred here so I can also share my knowledge to newly hired workers of IWSPC- International Wiring Systems Philippines Corp. – the company where I used to work)

Can you imagine, I am a party goer, we were spending nights in bars and discos and suddenly I will live in a barrio lol! The only recreation I can find here then was the old bowling lane at Jecson (It’s a Hospital now). I remember the first time I tried to watch movie here, I was not able to finish the film because I can’t take it anymore, the movie theater was so mapanghe haha 🙂 and that was my first and last visit to that theater, and The Mandarin and Marco Polo. Those where the places where we used to spend our Saturday night after 5 days of tiring work at IWS but those are all gone now. Tarlac is already invaded by Mc dos, Jollibees, Max’s, Chowkings, Malls etc…

So as promised, because I will be paying my water bill at Tarlac Water District, I brought my cam to give you a shot of the place.Eto na yung junction na papasok sa Maliwalo, yung way sa left, palabas yan ng Metro Town, yung sa rignt, palabas ng Osias College.Eto naman yung pinaka downtown ng Maliwalo ngayun, Maayos na syaTarlac Water District Building. O, say mo, sosyal yung building ng TWD ngayun 🙂

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish ChurchMaliwalo Barangay Hall Globe Telecom – Tarlac Maliwalo Elementary School Eto na ang Maliwalo High Shool ngayun, donated ng Japan Gov yang building na yan kaya me flag ng Japan

At siyempre sinama ko na din to. Alangan namng puro new buildings lang ang makita mo 🙂

Ayan yung Post office. Antique na ha 🙂 Sana mapalitan na din ito

So that’s Maliwalo now. Parang Nostalgia trip ha, madami ka sigurong naalala ano? Pareho lang tayo. Na mi miss ko na din ang aking homeland Bikolandia. Pero talagang ganun, maraming reason kung bakit nandito tayo sa lugar kung saan tayo nakatira ngayun.

In my case, I’m just making the most out of it. I had my share of struggles and happy moments here and there but I always bear in mind that wherever we live, we’re just underneath the grace of God. Just pause, look up and feel His presence no matter where you are 🙂

Thoughts on Parenting

Before September ends, we attended a General PTA meeting for my eldest daughter Jessica. It was a whole day affair. The morning activity includes a Parenting seminar hosted by TSU Lab School’s Office of the Students Affairs Guidance and Placement Unit. The speaker of that seminar was Mr.  Raffy Paredes, brother of APO group singer Jim Paredes from CEFAM – Center for Family Ministries – Ateneo De Manila University. The seminar focused primarily on teen’s behavioral changes. I am discussing parenting and even teaching it when I was still active in community organizations but this is different as I am sitting there as an audience and absorbing all the necessary inputs so I can fully understand my daughter’s behavior.

I am a mother of four kids and parenting is one of the hardest work any person can have in his entire life. It takes a lot of patience or I may say sacrifice, dedication, finance, time and of course love. Parenting means growing a person and guiding them to be a responsible member of society. This is the perfect goal for each parent but we all know that during this process, a lot of struggle may sets in. This struggles may lead to worst misunderstanding and most of the time, if not handled with proper attention will end up in a big mess.

Generation Gap. This is one of the culprits of misunderstanding. Parents are having a hard time coping up with their children especially when “technology” sets in. I have my share of unhappy memories as well.

I was born to a disciplinarian family. My dad is an army officer and so he marked a big “D” on my forehead. That big D stands for discipline. Every mistake will earn me a good spanking. I had so many tearful thoughts on that lol! But I never take it against my dad, I love him so much and thankful that he made me for what I am now.

But of course those experiences served as my guidelines. I need to understand that discipline is an important part of parenting. Though, I made some modifications. Being an activist plays an important factor too. Hub and I imposed a regular meeting in the family. We are discussing rules, tasks, targets and output and of course rewards. I don’t want to be a perfect parent but I dream to be the best mom for my kids.

To cope up with my kids, I see to it that I set my foot in the computer world first before they do. I was the one who taught them their first lessons in windows. This will narrow the generation gap as they know that you know what they know.

But this is not enough. There goes the bad moods and peculiar behaviors. Have you experience talking with your teens, and they would just turn to you with puzzled look?

In front of the dining table, we are sharing some funny incidents in a days work and I turned to my daughter. I asked her something about her project and she said “ha?” I repeated the word 3 times and she replied with “ha?” 3 times too. I was irritated because she was just in front of me so I asked her “what’s the matter with you? Have you cleaned your ears lately?” and she replied again with “hah? OMG! You’re possessed or maybe your spirit is traveling to Norway.

Attending this seminar cleared my mind. The speaker said that there is a scientific explanation about these behaviors. He shared to us some facts about it. According to him, study shows that during puberty period, the development of the brain is much slower as the physical aspects are fast developing. These explain why my smart daughter suddenly becomes forgetful and have hearing problems 🙂 But the speaker said we have to be patient because this will just pass.

The seminar lasted for almost 4 hours but it’s worth the time.

The afternoon activity was a PTA officer election and releasing of grades. I am holding my breath before I peep in my daughter’s card. Well, I smiled and hug her because she has good grades and included in top 8 students. Congratulations Baby! Keep it up 🙂

San Francisco Day Care Center

I just finished creating the blogsite for San Francisco Day Care Center. This is one of our 3 day care center projects. They have almost 70 day care students. I designed and printed their student ID cards and as you can see the number of students does not give us enough profit but we are giving them free web presence.

Giving out free IT trainings and web presence are my bid for social responsibility. I always believe that education plays a major role in nation building. For this reason, I am sharing my skill to achieve these goals. I already conducted several free IT trainings in the past and this is my contribution to bridge digital divide in my own way. I am encouraging organizations and public schools in my province to avail the advantages of having web presence which shall benefit the students, the parents & the school. It will enhance communication because the school will have a good venue to post current activities and upcoming programs.

Excerpt from San Francisco blogsite:

Social Workers are also considered as “Living Heroes” because of their unceasing effort to help and serve the community. Running and teaching a public day care center requires patience and passion. Mrs. Rebecca Manalang is one good example, she is not just teaching the kids but she’s extending motherly love as well.

The concept of daycare program is to help the working parents and prepare the children for formal education. Attending daycare center will enhance good behavior as the children learns to play within the spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Although, children are not graded academically, they still have writing and reading sessions. They are taught how to draw and create projects which improve their learning skills…. More click here…

Job Search in Tarlac

Job searches for Tarlac always goes to my landing pages. I’m sorry guys that you can’t find Job Posting in my blog because I don’t have contact with the establishments here. I’m just a typical mommy working online and homebase. Most of the events in Tarlac that I am featuring in my blog are the activities that my kids attended. They are the one who gather data and photos for those events.

 

Please check our local website at http://www.tarlaccity.gov.ph/local_employment.htm. They are also posting current events and job vacancies. But if you have writing skills and you want to work online like me, I can give you tips on how to start. Just leave a message in my comment box and we can PM.

Thanks for the regular readers of my blog, you’re always in my widget, gorgeous faces 🙂 I really appreciate it.

 

CorpuzPowerPrint Latest Projects

Aside from Martinet School and Montessori de Xevera, We also have ongoing projects with the following schools and establishments:

RECON Security Agency

I just finished the design for their ID and pictorial is ongoing. If we reach the target of at least 300 security guards, we will provide them a free web design for their local website in Tarlac Branch.

Part of our promotion, we are giving free web designs and IT training for schools and companies that will avail any of our services for at least 300 students/employees and up. We also have free computer and printer for 3 years contract. Please click this link for further details: CorpuzPowerPrint

We also have an ongoing pictorial for students’ ID at Maligaya Daycare Center, Paraiso Daycare Center and San Francisco Daycare Centers. These are Public daycare centers funded by Government under the administration of DSWD- Department of Social Workers and Development, Tarlac. I will also create a free website or blogsite for these 3 daycare centers so they can post photos of their school activities and programs.

These are my designs of their student IDs

We also closed the deal for Big 5 Fitness Gym, Mc Arthur Highway, Maligaya, Tarlac City. I designed their business card and membership card and we still have an ongoing negotiation for their ID and free website design.

And lastly, we just finished printing the stickers for TBC – Tarlac-Bamban-Capas Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Association. They are considering to hire our service for their ID to avail of free IT Training and website design.

Giving free IT training and Free Website design are part of my bid for social responsibility. I am also giving free IT trainings for the kids in our neighborhood every summer vacation and my eldest daughter Jessica is helping me out with this project. We are also planning to organize a youth IT Club in our community. I don’t have enough money to give out but we have skills to share and in our little ways, I know we are doing our share in nation building and I’m glad that my kids are joining me in realizing these goals.

Teaching and Activism

I am holding tutorials both online and offline. I am not a teacher by profession but Teaching is one of my passions. My mother is a grade school teacher and she used to tell me that teaching is a very fulfilling profession. Some of her students are already holding government positions and some have decent jobs and she’s happy everytime she meets them at the mall with their families and would stop and say hello and would acknowledge her wisdom and patience.

I am helping her to fix her visual stuffs since I was in grade school and I remember that my first experience in teaching was when I was in grade 5. They had an emergency conference, she went to my room and asked me to watch her grade one class. I was very hesitant at first but she told me to just give them some task so they won’t go out of the room. She endorsed me in her class and warned them that I would record the names of the noisy students and they will be punished when she return.

When she left the room, one student raised her hand and asked me, “What is our lesson for today ma’am?” I was surprised and I stood infront of the class and told them I will be reading a short story and they must listen carefully because I will ask them afterwards. I was amazed how they listen silently until I finished the story. After that I asked them to draw the characters on the board. It was fun how they gave me their own interpretations and I really enjoyed it. After that day, my mom usually asks me to watch her class everytime there is an emergency conference. Some of my mom’s students even call me madam during recess or even outside the school.

That was a great experience and maybe you would ask me why I didn’t take her field. Well, that’s another story lol 🙂 But it seems that I was destined to teach. When I was working at Japanese Corporation, I was assigned to conduct trainings for newly hired employees, that was before I became a labor union leader. When I ran for the position of Union Vice President of our worker’s union, IWSWU (International Wiring Systems Workers Union), I gained an overwhelming votes and it was surprising because I was just a stranger in Tarlac during those time. Maybe, my church activity has helped me a lot. We had 4 thousand members then. My 5 years as union vice president were spent educating my members about their basic rights as a workers. We formed an Education Committee and we held continuous labor educations.

I was also the Chairman of the Broad Alliance of Trade Union in Tarlac then. These photos are my guests from ISA, International Solidarity Affairs. Most of them are journalists and Trade Union leaders from different countries, Germany, Australia, Indonesia and US. They usually integrate with us to learn our culture and trade union struggles. I usually narrate the actual trade union situation in the area and we usually share each other’s experiences on how we resolve issues and grievances. This is a very rewarding activity to both of us as we are able to learn from each other.

I was 7 months pregnant in this photo. I was with Japanese Trade Union Leaders and Journalists and we had a local village immersion at Hacienda Luisita. These are farm workers who are facing land issues and we gathered them after their work so we will be able to know their issues.

I had my share in grievances, court battles, rallies, walk-outs and other forms of collective struggles to stand for workers’ right both inside and outside the company premises. This has led me to the streets walking with clenched fists, shouting and asking for a change. Years of my stay as a union officer has changed me and I emerged as a fearless leader doing my speeches during rallies which is usually held in the middle of the streets and trucks serves as our stage.

Those were the years that we topple Estrada Administration. But the succeeding years after a new president was put in power, series of political killings has been exercised killing many of our allies. Most of the active leaders in different organizations which are radically fighting and stands for the call of decent wages and humane working environment were shot to death.

Some of them were tagged as terrorists when in fact they were just simple workers who are just fighting for workers’ rights. I myself was included in 10 leaders in OB Hit list in 2005 and sad to say that most on that list were already in their grave. My father who is a retired military advised me to slow down and leave my job because my life will be in great danger. I am a mother of 4 kids and in as much as I want to serve the people, I knew that my kids are waiting for me at home everyday hoping that they will see me alive.

Leaving my job which I spent half of my life and the people who are defending on my leadership was the hardest part of my life. Seeing their tearful faces while I was submitting my resignation was so hard to endure. Even the tough guys who used to accompany me were crying and I was so stunned for their love and support. It took me more than a year to recover that loss and the internet has served as my healing balm.

Some photo of my Trade Union Struggles

Now, I am teaching again. I am holding IT trainings either free or paid depending on the arrangement. Recently I conducted an IT training for Martinet faculty and that was in my previous posts.

I will be creating online tutorials here but it will be in Tagalog language. I will add another page for that. Why Tagalog, because it’s for my fellow Pinoys both here and abroad. There are already a lot of trainings here in the internet for you guys who are in foreign countries.

At para sa mga kababayan ko, gagawa ako ng mga modules para madali nyong maintindihan. Magsisimula lang muna tayo sa simple o basic IT Skill. Antayin po lamang ninyo sa mga susunod na araw at ipo post ko ang mga paunang lesson natin.

Okay guys, till here and see you in my next post. Thank you for reading.

Aro Cup – Tarlac City Philippines

August 23, 2008

Aro Cup is a one of the project of our present city mayor in Tarlac City, Genaro “Aro” Mendoza. The title has been derived from his nickname Aro. It was now a yearly activity participated by different schools and colleges of Tarlac city.

The activity has started at 1:00 p.m at Tarlac State University Gym. My 2 daughters, Jessica and Sabrina were present in this activity and I asked them to jot down some important notes, pictures and videos of the said event. I also uploaded some videos in my account at U-Tube under REDWARRIORHEART.

Here are some of the list of the winning team. I lost track of the other but if you have the names and want it to be included here you can email me: redwarriorheart@yahoo.com or simply leave the names at my comment section. There are many searchers in my landing page searching about Aro cup . I tried googling it but there’s no pics and info bout this recent activity. I’m sorry guys I kept this for more than a week because of my busy schedule. I am trying to cope up  with all my works and to update my blog as well.

CHEERLEADING COMPETITION – Elementary level

Champion – Tarlac West Elementary School

2nd Place – College of the Holy Spirit (Elementary)

3rd Place – Sapang Tagalog Elementary School

4th Place – Matatalaib Bato Elementary School

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

Champion – Tarlac National High School

2nd Place – Tarlac State University Laboratory High School

3rd Place – Osias College

Martinet School IT Training

August 18, 2008

I conducted an IT Training at Martinet School Inc, a private grade school at Maligaya, Tarlac City. The training was attended by 17 participants, composed of faculty and staff of Martinet school.

Among the participants were Mrs. Josefina B. Tolentino, Martinet’s principal and Mrs. Amanda L. Reyes, School’s Board of Director.

The Training was focused on Computer Fundamentals, Internet and the World Wide Web. The faculty and staffs were actively participating in the discussions. The training started at 9am and has ended at 4pm.

I was very pleased with the warm accommodation of Mrs. Tolentino and Mrs. Reyes. They are still looking forward for continuous training in the future.

IT Training and seminar is one of my bid for social responsibility. I believe that the key to progress is to help the country in nation building, and one important factor is education.

Since, Philippines is one of the third world, the digital divide is so prominent. Most people in key cities are still left behind as far as IT is concerned.

In my experience, people are just using computers for documentation and internet is just for email, chat and research. This little knowledge goes for many years as there are so few institutions giving out free IT Training.

In this training, I gave emphasis in integrating IT in educating students. I am urging them to go out from traditional blackboard and chalk and maximize the use of computer and create interactive materials as aid in teaching.

Most of the teachers agreed to this call but they raised the problem that they need to understand and learn further the use of presentation programs.

We agreed in continuous training and support. I know this will add up to my busy schedule but I am happy to impart my knowledge and help them enhance their skill.

I just hope that someday, I can find people to support me to organize an institution wherein we can give IT training for free. We really need this in my country.

Luisita Park – Tarlac City Philippines

I am not a Tarlaquena by blood. I am here because I was relocated here by the company where I worked 18 years ago.

I am a Bicolana by blood and left my hometown to work in Manila. My 3rd job was at Kawasaki Motors Philippines and after 2 trainings in Japan, I was transferred as pioneer employee to Tarlac to train the newly hired employees. I was only 20 years old then and single, probably that was the main reason why I accepted the relocation; I have no family to worry of.

Tarlac then was a typical province, no sign of progress. The road to my company- IWSPC (Int’l wiring Systems Phils. Corp) was a rough road. IWSPC was one of the first locator at Luisita Industrial Park, it is a Special Export Processing Zone located at San Miguel, Tarlac City Philippines. In my previous post about Mt. Pinatubo, I shared my experiences regarding my first days in Tarlac. I deal with loads of ashes lol!

It’s a new adjustment and I have to deal with it. I was cut from city life, no movies, no disco, no parks and I have to walk more or less 3 kilometers to reach the highway. I lived in a dormitory provided by the company beside the company premises. Transport are all inbound. No outbound transport and you have to walk if you want to reach the nearest town.

I don’t know how I endure living here, maybe because I met my hub here lol! But Progress came to us after 5 years and the old place with tall grasses and trees turned into a beautiful park. And the pictures below will show you the progress of once a sleeping province.

This is the famous Jollibee, a pure Filipino food chain. This has many branches nationwide and already reached the tongue of different countries including America. My kids loves this place. Sabrina, Rajisha and my youngest son Nonoy celebrated birthdays here.

This is Luisita Mall. I took some pictures for souvenir. You’ll never see this building again in the coming months for it is undergoing construction. Robinson Mall will occupy the site.

These picture were taken inside Luisita Park. That building is Max’s restaurant, one of famous Filipino restaurant that specializes in fried chicken. I love that place. Rajisha and Nonoy’s baptismal party were held here.

This is Starbucks, yes we also have a branch of that famous cafe here. This is a hotspot so if you want to enjoy free unlimited internet surfing while sipping your favorite blend of coffee, this is the place to go. I bet you also love this place.

This is Pizza Hut. In case you want a delicious pizza, that is also available at LIP park and of course, there is Greenwich too but because Luisita Mall is under construction, they moved temporarily near Maligaya Variety Store beside 7 eleven, infront of Camp Servillano Aquino.

Yes, this is a genuine train. A century old train used at the Sugar cane Plantation owned by Cojuangcos. It now turned as one of the Park’s attraction.

Tarlac Milo Marathon Update

My kids were home before lunchtime tired & hungry. They headed to bed complaining muscle pains. I knew this lol!

I was laughing out loud hearing their stories about the Marathon. Jessica arrived at the starting point, which is infront of Tarlac City Hall. The total participants according to them were more than 12 thousand on different categories, 21k; 5k; 3k & cheerdance competition. More than 50% were students from Tarlac State University, this is where my eldest daughter Jessica and my niece Jane were studying. According to Jessica, she was at the first line because she was one of those early riser.

She was so excited, on her feet ready to take off but when she heard the big bang she hardly remember what happened. She find herself kissing the pavement lol! together with almost a hundred who were pushed by the runners behind them. She said it was like a stampede but she gather all her strength to stand up and run fast. It was her first time in this kind of activity. She has many bruises on her elbow when she got home, her jogging pants was torn on the knee part but she was laughing at herself while narrating what happened. But she said proudly that she managed to reach the finished line in 32 minutes. According to record  at nestle.com.ph she’s no. 481 out of almost 5,000 runners… Hmmm, not bad for a  starter 🙂 very good anak! Keep it up!! That was a 5 kilometer run and she handed me the certificate.  Jane had managed to reached the finished line in 40 minutes .  Tarlac State University bagged most of the prizes on different categories.

My daughter Sabrina who is in her 5th grade was more happy and proud that they won the 2nd Place in Cheerdance Competition. According to her, it was a very tight fight. I was glad seeing the lights shone in her eyes. Her everyday practice prior to that event has paid off and shes looking forward for their next competition, The Aro Cup sponsored by the Mayor of Tarlac City, Aro Mendoza. How I wish I was there to take the pictures but I have a small son to attend to, and since they are all there, I can do nothing but to stay home and wait for their news.

I am glad and proud of my kids. I am doing all I can to support their activities although life in the Philippines nowadays is very hard. We’re surviving the unstoppable Oil Price Hikes that triggers price increases in basic commodities and services making us to tighten up our belt to make both ends meet.

I just wish we can survive all these and hope that the Government will be sensitive enough for the needs of the common people.

CAMP AQUINO LEARNING CENTER ID PROJECT

Camp Aquino Learning Center (CALC) is a pre-school located inside Camp Servillano Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac City, Philippines. CALC is managed by Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Management. To date, it has 50 students and still counting, divided into 3 sections, Nursery, Kindergarten & Preparatory. CALC is closer to my heart as this is where my kids had their preparatory education. The place is cool and safe as it is situated inside a military camp. It has beautiful field and & playground surrounded by trees.

Below are some pictures I’ve taken to show the place, the camp & the school.

Camp Aquino Learning Center

If you are interested to see the beautiful spots of Camp Aquino,

please click here for a CAMP TOUR

This is my sample design of their ID. It’s not final yet and still under negotiation. NOLCOM Management has to approve the design.

This my design of CALC Logo

My Birthday:)

July 6, my natal day. I’m already 38 but I’m 10 years younger at heart lol!! With me here is Liza, my bestfriend. Of course she’s already a part of every celebration in the house .

I started the day with my pc and after finishing some of the works that needs to get done in the morning, I hurriedly went to grocery to buy something for my day. It’s so timely that my advantage card at Magic Star Mall was due and time to claim my points so most of the grocery were free of charge. Great!!

I cooked spagehetti which is my children’s favorite, macaroni salad, chocolate cake, hotdogs and pan. So that’s it and were all full.

My kids gave me a surprise gift, hmmm… Chocolates!! they told me they save their “baon” so they can buy me those sweet chocolates. My kids knows me well lol! Hub gave me a pack of chocolates too! ohh, I hope I my teeth wont ache after eating these chocolates lol!

This is my eldest daughter Jessica, busy with her spaghetti, beside her is my daughter Sabrina. Can you see the “Puto” beside her? that’s from Liza. She’s running a Homebase Puto business and she gave me 3 packs of puto in this occasion. It’s not an ordinary puto. She calls it “Puto Pao” as it has some meat inside just like “Siopao”.

This is my niece, Jane but we call her Denden. She’s been with us for the past years and she helps me with my kids and in return I am sending her to college.

Our friend Bong. He’s my hub’s bestfriend. They were friends since grade school. Like Liza, Bong has been a part of every celebration as well.

and look at me, I’m so hungry I didn’t bother to look at the cam lol! after a long day of grocery, preparing and cooking.

This is our grand daughters, KB and Honey. daughter of my hub’s nephew, cezar and niece, sharon.

This is Sabrina. pa cute di ba 🙂

That’s all folks! Till next post 😉