June 1

And yes, 5 more days and it's time to fix kids' breakfast, school needs, baon, prepare school uniforms, wake them up before time, assignments and the list goes on.

There's a lot of things you can do when in June. It may regarded as one of the busiest months of the year aside from December. But thank God for June, it reminds me that kids are growing up. A grade 5 and a Kinder 2, how cool can that be?

So, what's special with June? Nothing. Except that you will be driven crazy by all the things included in the list i mentioned and it will, one way or another, exhaust you.

Are you ready for June? Because I think I am ... NOT!

And migraine visits on the first day of June, gah!

Everything Noodles

I have always loved pasta. Aside from the fact that my kids and husband love spaghetti, I binge myself when faced with a bowl of lasagna and carbonara. Anything with white sauce is a big welcome, and I always find myself not resisting an invitation to pancit canton, pancit lomi and my ever favorite pancit malabon or palabok.

Some men just couldn't understand why we girls have to work our way in cooking pasta. There's a lot to prepare, and sometimes, even if he is excited with the eating, my husband seems to be too bored in the kitchen when waiting for the spaghetti to be cooked.

I still love spaghetti and everything noodles. Sometimes, this gets to be my only meal as this is already carbo-filled. If I want a carbo-overload, I sacrifice a little time, starve a little until my pasta is cooked.


I love pasta. My kids love spaghetti. My favorite though is anything with white sauce. But I just want to share to you that this bowl was done last Black Saturday, and left the dining table empty after breakfast. The four of us gorged into this for breakfast, and even asked for more.

So I did reveal that my favorite is carbonara, what's your favorite pasta?

11 Years

Today's morning conversation with the husband:

Me: 11 years na tayo, 11 years na tayong nagbobolahan, nagtitiisan. 11 years and wala pa rin tayong pera. *laughs at self*

Rs Dee : Di ba nga, 11 years na tayo. Siguro kung marami tayong pera, baka di tayo umabot sa 11 years.

Happy 11th Year Anniversary to me and my one and only.

The First Ever Traditional B'laan Wedding Ritual I Witnessed

It was a beautiful Saturday morning when we visited Kinilis, in Polomolok. I was with Nanards and two visiting friends from Davao City, Emi, and her American husband, Joshua. They wanted to go see the kafe balos because it has been very famous now, and they wanted to invest into the business.

Sir Fred mentioned there was a tribal wedding that very day so it was a fortunate day for us to witness something different, a customary tribal wedding rite.

We went inside the house for they explained to us that the traditional B'laan wedding is being held inside the house of the bride where the couple has to sit on a mat and surrounded by relatives and witnesses.

The bride was very beautiful that day, she was adorned with T'nalak inspired accessories, and her hair was placed with a beautiful headdress made of brass. Her hips was surrounded by a brass belt where hundreds of small bells were making noise each time she moves. And she was fully clothed in a colorful B'laan attire, and some shawl to depict marriage in transition that time. The groom was also wearing a B'laan hat and wore white with a little T'nalak inspired accessories as well.

The ritual already started when we arrived, and it was the concluding part that we witnessed, the chieftain asked the parents on what advice they will give the new couple, and the representative from the local civil registry was there to document the wedding in the book of registry he was holding formalized by the signing of the marriage contract.

It was my 4th visit to the place and I was surprised when they called on me to sign on the papers to witness the wedding of the couple. I guess it was because they already knew me that well. So I happily obliged, and was made instant ninang (godmother) to the new B'laan couple.

Signing my name on the marriage contract

Prayers were given by the two pastors right after the ceremony. The B'laan ritual was done before we arrived and the concluding prayers were given by Pastor Fred and the officiating minister (if you call it that).

After the wedding, there was jubilation outside where this old lady danced the B'laan traditional dance. She was very graceful to the tempo of the paglong, an instrument they played while the wedding was going on.

Congratulations to Weng and Cristy! May your tribe increase.


Customs and tradition, one thing we are very rich with as a country. I am proud that least, in my lifetime, I am able to witness such wedding, and I hope and pray that the people will continue preserving the culture and the heritage that is truly Filipino, despite the modernization that's slowly eating our patronage, and even our passion for what is anciently good.

For the Kids in Kinilis

It was only last year when we have experienced Kinilis and the beauty of its nature, and the people there, and everything about them. We have witnessed how passionate they are in serving nature and in helping each other build better lives. We, together with the Rotary Club of Polomolok, went back there last December to share our Christmas love and the children were very happy.

I am awed at their love for each other, and their want for education that I and some friends have planned on giving something for the Kinilis children this coming schoolyear.

Note: Please read related stories on link provided.

And this time, the thought is becoming a reality.

South Cotabato Tambayan has donated 50 sets of these school supplies, and there's a lot more pouring in. We will be sending them off before June comes.

If you want to help us in sending these kids to school, kindly let us know by emailing me at sdumalay[at]yahoo[dot]com.

This is for the children in Kinilis...

Tips to Shedding Off the Pounds

Gosh, I want to have a body like her's.
Impossible?
NOT!

I have gained weight, and I am just so mad at myself for eating so much. I was just 40 kilos, ten years ago, and now, I am 15 kilos heavier. Darn!

The husband ain't got plans of changing my wardrobe. He said I must work my way into getting back to the old shape, or at least going back to 110 lbs or lesser. This means I have to get back to doing sit ups, and a few more exercises, and worst, I have to cut down on my eating.

But it's just so nice to eat, right? Especially when you feel like wanting to gobble up something, the craving won't keep away from you like it's some devil inviting you for free dinner. Ugh.

Here are some tips I have read that took my interest. I hope to follow these tips and try if it works in making me shed off some weight.

1. Start with soup. This is the Japanese's best way of treating weight-loss. The soup fills you up fast that you eat least during the meal.

2. Lunch should be your main meal. According to some research, we digest more effectively during 10am to 2pm, thus, lunch should be our main meal and not breakfast.

3. Think healthy and quality, not quantity. So if you want some steak, and there's also a choice of veggies, think twice on the steak. It's healthier to eat veggies, and I guess, a lot cheaper. Think twice and thrice if you really want that Coke, remember, it ain't healthy.

4. Eat right. When you eat, do it on the table and not on anywhere else. Pay attention to what you eat. Do not mind the TV. Now, this is kind of difficult for us, but it sure is a fast way to finish what you are gobbling up.

5. Enjoy eating regular meals. Three times a day, and stick with just three times a day. Aha! Easier said than done?

6. Eat only when you are hungry. This may be a contradiction to number 5 but here's how it works. You cannot make food or eating the solution to your boredom. Some people eat just because they crave, or some eat because they are invited to a meal or for some food. Remember that we eat because our body needs to. We cannot make food the solution to every issue in our lives and expect ourselves to be thin and sexy. But for the sake of choices, if you eat because you are bored, find a hobby. If you eat because you are stressed, learn yoga. They are the better choices.

7. Move it. Last Saturday, I walked four rounds of brisk walking around Robinson's Place. That's basically 4 kilometers or so. And I plan to do it more often. People in France and in the Mediterranean are slimmer than any other people, their secret: They walk.

So there, I hope you learn what I have learned too. It might help you in your quest for getting back to the old shape. And hopefully it helps me get back to my old nice clothes that are becoming more clingy now. Teeheee!

Fifth Mountain of B'lakayo Adventure Park - Adventure You Shouldn't Miss

After the Sunday-Monday job fair we held in a huge mall here in our place, I was already making reports on Tuesday, trying to finish what could be a report needed by the officials for reporting to the media.

I was so stressed that I could not keep myself from staying put in a place, thus, the report seemed endless to make. Add that to the fact that my mind was actually racing for where I could bring our visiting relatives in order to enjoy General Santos City.

So that Wednesday morning when I announced that the husband will bring them to try the zipline of the nearest barangay, the guests were ecstatic. And I was booking their trip to the venue, but my mind was on the report. Until I finally gave up on thinking about the report and decided to join them.

stairway up the Fifth Mountain

We went riding Ric's cousin's Tamaraw FX, until we reached a part where our vehicle cannot make it anymore. 4x4 vehicles can climb up the top but in case you don't have one, there are plenty of habal-habal in Conel which you can pay for a fee and will deliver you going up Fifth Mountain. Trek is actually 30 or more minutes for a fast trekker.

The road is actually steep and rocky, but you will enjoy the cool breeze of the wind and the conversation along the way.

From the Fifth Mountain headquarters, the crew will place harness and other safety gears on you, then you will be directed to another steep hill which is about 7-10 minutes of hike.

the hike to the zipline platform no. 1

inverted zip, bat style

From the platform, the crew will instruct you on what to do and what not to do. It's actually a nice feeling to be told of their adherence to safety standards that you won't feel any fright in taking the zip. Someone from their group will be the first to try the zip and do the demo. This one's an inverted zip which I wanted to try but was not possible because of certain considerations they had.

Take a look at the zipline. This is the actual length of the zip you will be enjoying and the view down below. There are two zips for the cost of P250. The first one measures about 800 meters going to the platform of the second zip, and from the second platform which measures 400 meters, the zip will bring you back to the hill where the headquarters is located.

That's me on the first zip! And what nice greenery down below.

Yhing was a bit nervous as this was his first try, all of them first timers for the zipline. They were a bit reluctant at doing it but they could feel so much pressure from us, convincing them to try. It was a nice feeling having to conquer acrophobia, the fear of heights and astrophobia, the fear of space.

Nong Mario, 50-ish, marine chief engineer, successfully conquering space after all of our badgering. He was careful not to show how frightful he was of heights. Haha.

And on the second zip, Yhing was already smiling.

It was a nice feeling. The zip ride took us less than thirty seconds but it was the most enjoyable thirty seconds up in the air. Our guests were fascinated and they will sure be back to bring their whole family to try this adventure.

After the zip ride, the stress I have felt earlier seemed to have vanished. And when I got back to work that afternoon, there I was, pressing my brain again for the report. Easier, this time.

Visit Fifth Mountain of B'lakayo Adventure Park
Purok B'lakayo, Olympog, Gen. Santos City
0917-720-3306/0917-747-1937
or email them at: fifth.mountain@yahoo.com

A Short Visit to the Pacquiao's

That Thursday when our visitors from Iloilo arrived, my mind was already racing on how we can make them enjoy their stay. Three of them has arrived while it was the son and his wife who weren't able to visit General Santos beforehand, hence, their first time. I was thinking of the places where we could bring them, as there are a lot in General Santos and even more in neighboring towns, however, we do not have the luxury of time and the convenience since our car has gone to bonkers. So we thought of bringing them to somewhere nearer.

Our Pambansang Kamao, so to speak, is just a nearby neighbor. He's just a trike away so while he was in the US for his training in preparation for his victorious win against Mosley, we visited his mansion. There are strict security personnel in this mansion but a good friend of mine has allowed us to get inside the premises and take a peek on it.

This is the facade of Pacman's mansion. We weren't allowed to go inside the house because obviously, the rightful owners weren't around and the caretakers were the only ones inside the compound.

The very huge lawn made my eyes water. How lucky one can get. Manny's history of selling pan de sal has paid off, his being a very dedicated son and very industrious personality made him win against his family's poverty. I hope many people get to be inspired because of his story.

The Pacman mansion's wide garden is every woman's dream, lots of flowers, manicured lawn, and a large wall for the orchids they have. The mini bridge installed is nice for nighttime viewing with colored lights on the water.

A small lanais can be found on the back portion of the mansion. There inside were pictures of the champion in all his glory. A part of this, there were treadmills and health and fitness equipment where he, as a health buff, sometimes frequent, aside from his studio/gym where all his other exercise equipment were stored.

I am sure you have heard of the boxing-glove shaped pool. It was actually a small pool, but it has character. One who dips into it will surely be knocked out. Haha, just kidding.

And his cars, of course. I wasn't paying much attention to the other cars because there were actually four of them lined up. But our eyes were glued on this Hummer. Black, sleek, automatic and mouth-watering. yes, how i wish that one day, I could ride in a Hummer.

And of course the Benz.

As we toured the Pacman mansion, I could only say oooh and aaah. Manny deserves all this because of his generous heart and his respect for other people. For sure, he has a good heart, and on the morning when the Lord opened the gates of Heaven to pour down His blessings, He woke Manny first.

Congratulations, Manny! Mabuhay ka, Manny Pacquiao!

DOLE Job Fair Blues: Matuwid na Daan Tungo sa Kaunlaran Para sa Lahat

You may have wondered where I was after I posted my April 26 post. Truth is, I have been lurking and busy doing some work and chores and a lot more. Last April 28, hubby's cousin and his son and son's wife visited us here in Gensan. They came all the way from Iloilo City and it was during that time when I was so busy with the job fair and a lot more.

So there, I was really busy.

But I am available now, and will share a lot of stories for you. In fact, this will be a series of blog posts of the things I experienced during my 2 weeks hiatus from this blog.

You all know how I am as a worker. I prefer to do things perfectly, systematically and in an organized manner. But sometimes, we just don't fully get what we want, especially if there are so many teachers in just one classroom.

I was there in the venue earlier than the others were. In fact, I was still tired that very morning because prior to May 1, we had to arrange some stuffs inside the venue. That morning, we manually arranged things to get started. Some slave labor of a job, and in a while, I was called to start the program. I hosted the event, and wanted things to go perfect because it was actually my first to be emceeing in such a huge venue, with my superiors and the regional director watching. After the short program, my assignments began pouring in.

There was a huge number of people inside the venue. Unspecified count reached more than a thousand heads inside the convention center, all of them lining up in queue for their turn to be interviewed. As for the day's record, we had new registrants totaling to 900+ within the day, add that to the already pre-registered 1,313 applicants.

After a few hours of getting things done, I preferred to stay tuned to the monitoring since I was also assigned to do such. We had a schedule of 12, 3 and 5pm to report the number of applicants who were successfully hired on the spot.

With many teachers in one setting, I could say, we could never really get a perfect outcome if there are different instructions coming from different people. Do this and do that, hence, one's perfect report could never be attained, and with other people numb to the fact that we are busy, I couldn't care less. It irked me as much that there are people who can only enjoy watching how busy one can get.

But nevertheless, I have delivered. I did not allow the situation to annoy me one bit. For if I had, I couldn't have finished the report on time, and could not have come up with good enough data to satisfy their need for numbers.

Seriously, sometimes I think, this government and the people working for it need emotions. Sensitive emotions. They must be sensitive of what is happening around them, and hopefully, do what is right and proper.

The 2-day job fair ended well. Although it was a bit disappointing on my part that there were only 241 successful applicants who were hired on the spot, from out of the 2, 734, I am praying that those who were scheduled for interview and trade tests could be given chance to get to work.

And, if there is any consolation I had after that, it was when the Regional Director and I crossed paths on the first day, and she stopped to tell me, "Very good emcee." And I wanted to fly. Well, I actually hoped to shine for that day, and I think I did.