Singapore Sunshine: Meet-ups and Reunions

Apart from an enjoyable workshop in Singapore last week, meeting new friends, visiting libraries and conversing with librarians from different International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in the Asia Pacific, I had a wonderful time meeting storytellers and a Filipino Librarian there. Plus, I got lost and found myself being adopted by a Filipino family for 30 minutes.

Here is how it all went.

Sheila Wee of the Singapore Association of Storytellers couldn't make it to our meet up in her place. I was supposed to visit her and join in the weekly story circle of the group hosted by a member. But, she set-up Panna Kintalil and Swee Yean to meet me. We had dinner at a mall in Tong Baru and for an hour and a half, touched based, shared life stories and compared notes on the status of storytelling in our respective countries.

I was impressed at the political will and the effort that the association has taken in promoting and advocating storytelling. They have professionalized the art form and defined that reading aloud is not storytelling. Definitely, I will be back in Singapore to join them in another storytelling event or festival. This I promised myself.

I planned to meet a librarian friend who works in the National Gallery, but our schedules just did not allow it. Instead, I found myself en route to the National Gallery on my last night in Singapore to have dinner with Von Totanes, the Filipino Librarian. Von is on leave and having a good time. Who would have thought we would meet in Singapore in all places? Apparently, the country holds a special place in our hearts but, for different reasons.

An hour early, before meeting Von, I actually got off on the wrong bus stop. The family waiting at the same stop I got off at went up to me and asked if I am a Filipino. I said yes and I knew they were too. Glorian and Miguel, with their daughter helped me find my way to the correct train station. We had a good chat about life back home, the high cost of living in Singapore and reasons to go back and visit the country and the motherland once in a while. We were the only ones talking in loud voices in the bus. Of course, they brought me to Orchard Road where I could get good bargains for pasalubongs and sent me off to the right train station. 

Some plans do not always go as expected. But the journey turned out to be insightful and life affirming as well.

Pilgrim's Pit Stop: What's Love Got To Do With It?

Exactly ten years ago, I wrote an essay about love for the February issue of the Magis Deo Newsletter.  Back then, we were able to churn out monthly issues. Ten years after, a lot of things have changed but the love remains.

I have an archive of the articles and essays I have written in a private

online journal so I recalled what I wrote about love in that issue.

This is the advantage of keeping soft copies of works and written articles

in this age of digital media. Going back to memory lane is easier and

more accessible.

Reading the article, one paragraph struck me because, to this day, I still believe

in the words I professed. I wrote, “when we realise its (love’s) presence

in our lives, we are moved to do greater things beyond our known capacity.

In our all too human eyes, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

A painful experience transforms into something beautiful. The old is seen as

fresh and new, even ageless. With love, time and space do not matter at all.

In love, we’re diminished but we surface more enriched and fulfilled.

When we love we become fearless. We endure. We persevere… We grow.”

I think about how these lofty beliefs and ideals on love are made real in my life

in the decade that passed. I was only thirty four when I gave up a work and

a position I enjoyed doing over truth, fairness and humility. Ten years ago,

I witnessed how estranged family members helped us survive Ondoy

in its aftermath. I was gifted with the kindness from friends when I least

expected it. I received the generosity of communities I belong to

so I can revive my hope and faith in humanity. There are days when I pray

for a humbled heart to continue acknowledging this grace

because, I feel I do not deserve it all.

As a wife and mother, my heart has been broken several times over. Yet, I go on

loving and living because I am surprised that I am capable of devotion

and faithfulness. For this, I thank my husband and my children.

At the ripe old age of forty four, these I know. True love allows us to accept loss.

Things will never be the same again in parting and in leave taking, but it is alright.

And, when it is time to set free the people I hold dear, it is a way of

loving myself as well.  

May you find love and may love continuously find you! Happy Valentine’s day!

The Lighthouse Diary Entry 2: Desires, Passions and the World's Greatest Need

No PPT slides. It was trad. But it worked!

Unlce Iroh, one of my favorite characters in the hit cartoon show, The Avatar, the Last Airbender, quotes in one episode, "Follow your passion and life will reward you!" It sounds so simple yet so true. For when we know what we are truly passionate about and when we pursue it, life gives back a hundred fold. I suppose this is a natural law of the universe for it calls to each and everyone to do good. However, knowing one's passion is another quest in the journey of living a meaningful life. And yes, how one pursues this passion is another story.

Two weeks ago, on a Friday, the weekend before the Academy opened its doors to its Griffins, new and returning, the faculty was fortunate to have Mr. Robert "Bobbit" Suntay for an inspirational talk. Mr. Suntay is one of the members of the Board of Trustees and it is not often that we see him on campus. He would visit, once in a while for BOT purposes and that's it. So, his brief but engaging talk was a welcome surprise to many. Like Uncle Iroh, he talked about one's search for happiness, the heart's truest desire, the journey of finding it and what happens when this inner desire is affirmed and actualized. Happiness is achieved because, this deepest desire meets the world's greatest need.

Aren't we all a part of a bigger something? Don't we all need to belong in some greater scheme? Even the traditional introvert searches for an endeavor that would make him whole.

That Friday, my materials for Library Orientation were all prepared. Our bulletin boards have been set up, usernames and passwords of our online subscriptions have been updated, and brochures and library bookmarks were all sorted out. My assistant, Flynn, and I were ready for the opening of of Academic Year 2017-2018. However, Mr. Suntay's talk left a dent in my heart and in my mind that over the weekend, I reviewed my plans and changed it entirely.

I thought of going for what I am truly passionate about. Books. Reading. Media and Information Literacy. Working with Students. Helping teachers. Bridging gaps. Going the extra mile even when it hurts. These are the things that matter to me. And these were the things I shared with our Griffins last Monday, July 31st, the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The birth date of Harry Potter, the boy who lived.

Four classes on MIL last week! YAY!

It was the first time I got a round of applause from the seniors (probably because there is no Book Quota this year?). The juniors tried their best to behave and to listen given the number of new students in the batch. The year 10s jumped in the task given to them right away. No qualms. They were ready to engage despite themselves. And the year 9s, what a frisky bunch!

During the in-service, HOS (head of school) reminded us of our thrust for this academic year. Back to teaching. I think, with Mr. Suntay's sharing of his life journey, I need to go back to my passions that has kept me all these years working in a school alongside teachers and school leaders and helping students find their own path. Operations and administrative work will always be important. Then again, the head and the hand will not function well if the heart isn't in it.

It was an amazing first week. There will be peaks and valleys but I hold on to my passions because, I am positive, as I have seen it happen before, these will all turn into my life's mission.

So, Life, let's do this!

A Year After My Stroke of Luck

Finding inner peace can be a struggle.

When I was a still a school librarian in Xavier School, a classroom teacher became one of my assistants. She came from a long leave of absence after a minor stroke that rendered her insecure and fearful. While she tried her best to work alongside the healthier staff of the library, her moods and temperament swung from left to right. She couldn’t keep up with the entire demands and energy of the preschool community thus, the work assigned to her were few and light. Hoping this would give her the time and the pace to recoup, gather up her strength and go back to full time teaching for the next school year, she wallowed in self pity. It affected her work output and productivity. She became a burden to many on days when she was down.

It had not been easy for all of us, most especially for me as I was the librarian-in-charge of that library located in the early childhood education unit of the school. One day, she told me of her desire to go back to classroom teaching because, she utterly felt useless in the library. She believed she was meant to teach. Her health has stabilised somewhat according to her doctor. To go back in the classroom would renew her self confidence and vigor.

Who was I to prevent her? The next school year, she was moved back to the Grade School department to the relief of the staff and the teachers who endured her for one academic year.

I remember her now because today is the first year anniversary of my Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). How easy it had been for me to dismiss faith and belief to someone who survived a stroke. Indeed, putting one’s self in the shoes of another is very different from experiencing a life changing event. The emotional and psychological recovery takes time. I remember her now with the realization of how fragile our bodies are, more so, our feelings and state of mind.

Now I know how it is to be insecure and afraid. To lie in bed, begging for sleep to come but worry hovers and keeps me awake for hours; to cling and to seek friends who would patiently listen to my complaints. The irrepressible Zarah Gagatiga is no more but a vulnerable woman afraid to die at any moment. There are days when, after a productive day at work, fear would gnaw at my insides and it would leave me exhausted until either of my kids or my husband assures and pacifies me. Telling me and reminding me of my worth. That I am loved. That I am not alone. I doubted myself a lot since the stroke. My prayer to God had been a litany of endurance and survival. Nahihiya na nga na ako sa Dios because, there are instances when I have become blind to the graces, the mercy and the blessings that came my way since the TIA.

At Nuvali on Easter, 2017

Yet, God’s love is stronger than my fears. Walang hangan ang kanyang pasensya. Walang katapusan ang kanyang pagmamahal.

Everyday, He continues to give me the grace to see the kindness in people and to bask in the glory and the goodness of His creation.

Despite myself, I pray for humility and a forgiving heart.

I wish I had been kinder to that former colleague of mine. No one knows if I will see her again. But, I resolve to live life one day at a time; to be simply grateful for every breath and for every waking moment; to be kind and to do goodness for as long as I live.

The Rise of Facebook & Mark Zuckerberg

The Busy Librarian's post about Facebook is one piece I wish I'd have written. Interesting insights!

Zuckerberg's invention has been phenomenal. Then again, there are skeptics who say that Zuckerberg's rise to online power may soon find its demise. As all things are, what goes up will eventually go down. But we're having fun, are we not? We find old friends in Facebook and connect with distant relatives abroad. I, for one, get my invitations to do workshops and lectures in Facebook. I get the news from TV and the internet, but flooding in Australia takes on a more human and realistic view when a friend set her profile at how Brisbane floods rivaled ours. A breakfast cereal eaten in the morning sounds very trivial, but I want to try it for its nutritional value. I buy my clothes from friends in Facebook now. That saves me the hassle of going to the malls. I tag photos of friends and family and somehow, we're closer sharing something in common no matter how mundane it is.

Facebook is not just a tool to connect people anymore. It's an environment that has to be managed and a community that fosters interaction.

Deal with it.

Picture! Picture!

SLIA's Unforgettable Posts of 2009

2009 was a breakthrough year for me as a blogger. After four years of blogging, SLIA finally earned revenues! It's not so big that I could afford quitting work. At the end of a blogging day, it's the content that matters really. The earning is icing on the cake.

So here's a list of some unforgettable posts I made in 2009. Note that the choices are all mine and it does not make the BESTs of the year. That would be harder to decide on so I'm giving myself time for that. Meanwhile, let's journey back to SLIA's 2009.

January
The QuestVon and Peachy were in town for a brief homecoming. It was also the month when Von joined Deal or No Deal and won some big cash!

February
The Butterfly Award SLIA's second blog award! Another one came around in September of 2008 where SLIA won an honest 2nd place.

March
Write An Essay Get a Gift CheckSLIA's first writing contest as inspired by a talk I had at the UP FLIPP congress.

April
SLIA Essay Writing Contest WinnerAnd yes, there was a winner! Thanks to Arnold Zafra for sponsoring the prize.

May
All In The Name of ReadingThe Great Book Blockade of 2009 began as an email bomb. Like wild fire it spread through Pinoy blogosphere and beyond. The result of which was a lifting of book duties.

June
Aklatan ni MikaMy first storytelling session in a halfway house for kids afflicted with cancer. This experience has to be the most unforgettable so far.

July
PBBY Luncheon for South African StorytellerGcina Mhlope-Becker is a miracle on two legs! Her visit and performances were truly amazing!

August
Three posts made it to the list for the month of August. Carlo Caparas made quite a stir accepting the award as National Artist for Visual Arts. In Qualifying the Unqualified I made a stand for what I believed was a mockery. Good thing that Philippine Chidlren's Literature is a buzz with new books being launched left and right. It got featured in One Shot while I wrote about Dr. Luis Gatmaitan's contribution to the industry in the said blog program.

By the end of the month,The Manila International Storytelling Festivalcommenced. I was enthralled. Thus I realized, as a storyteller, I have so much to learn!

September
SLIA has shown its age as it was mentioned in a news article,Good PR for Filipino Librarians", along side Von Totanes' esteemed and high brow Filipino Librarian.

October
2009 was a trying year since it gave us Ondoy to contend with. But I survived and got by with a lot of help from friendsMany Thanks to everyone who sent their prayers, financial help and moral support.

And of course, the Collaboration With Dianne de Las Casaswas a pleasant surprise! Life is indeed a roller coaster ride.

November
Two months before 2009 folded up, I came full circle. InCompleting Life CyclesI touched based with a former student and made connections with my Alma Mater.

December
To close the year, I gladly accepted PAASCU'sThe Fr. James Meany Award. One of the many things to remind me that I have done something right.

Now on to doing more!

SLIA 2009: In Review

In view of a blogging tradition, I'm posting 2009's monthly first post. This is not the blog's best of 2009 but I hope to do one right after New Year's day. It's more like a mirror or a glimpse to how my blogging life had been in the year that shall come to pass.

December
The Philippine Board On Books For Young People (PBBY) had an early Christmas party at Nina Lim-Yuson's lovely home in Makati.

November
The launching of the Crucible-KUTING Art Stories for Children series will be held on November 17, 2009, 3-5pm at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati Avenue, Makati City.

October
I would like to thank the following people for extending an arm and a leg on my call for help –

September
I've heard a lot of things about the Lopez Museum, its famed library and its collection cum vault of rare books and documents.

August
Corazon Aquino, the heart and soul of the original People Power died today at 3AM after more than a year's battle with colon cancer.

July
I have been terribly busy the past two weeks and to break this bit of news after a blogging hiatus in this blog is not very good at all. But news, good or bad, must be known to all. We are, still, in a democracy.

June
Sometime in 2006, I had a telephone conversation with Lizanne Alcazaren who runs Aklatan ni Mika, a children's library in a halfway house for children with cancer.

May
I've been running a series of teacher training seminars for the past weeks and I will fly to Donsol, Sorsogon for yet another teacher training seminar sponsored by CEMEX and Sa Aklat Sisikat this week.

April
During the celebration of National Children’s Book Day (NCBD) on July 21, 2008 in the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), after surveying hundreds of public school children all over the country (with the significant help of Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation), unveiled the 25 Best-Loved Children’s Book Characters Exhibit by Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang InK).

March
This collection of posts in this blog from 2006 is long overdue.

February
This is juicy.

Januray
For the past two years, I have been posting the monthly first posts of the past year at the beginning of the new year.

Happy New Year! Thank you so much for the love and support for this blog!

Merry Christmas From Us!

My family and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you to all who helped us see through the peaks and valleys of 2009!

Quick Post

The week began with back to back storytelling gigs. I'm on the road now to Santiago, Isabela (North of Luzon) for PAASCU accreditation in La Salette College's Grade School Department.

Will resume regular postings of scheduled entries, storytelling adventures and two book reviews as soon as possible. And I hope the resumption of posting means tonight.

Albert Gamos 1951-2009

Albert Gamos, Filipino illustrator par excellence passed away yesterday, 3 November 2009 at 10:00 in the morning. His remains lie at the Holy Mary Memorial Chapel, Rizal St., Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City Philippines.

Mr. Gamos is a multi-awarded illustrator and an esteemed honorary member of Ang INK (Illustrador Ng Kabataan). He is known for his classical and intricate style of illustrating for children. This is evident in his recent work on Pandakotyong, one of the many books comprising the Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang series of Anvil Publishing.

When it rains it pours!

My family and I would like to continuously thank all the people who sent donations in cash and kind to lift our spirits and help us rebuild and recover. The prayers and encouraging text messages of friends from KUTING, MAGIS DEO, Vibal Foundation and my friends in the library profession are greatly appreciated. The moral support is enormous!

Right now, I'm praying for strength and wisdom as my family and I work out plans and ways to rise from our Ondoy ordeal. We are still pleasantly displaced at my in-laws. We have not gone back to Pasig since water has not subsided yet. We have accepted what has happened and with the rain coming in every week (God forbid!) we have decided to completely let go of the house. We will go back and clean up when water dries up. Whatever state the house shall be in when we see it weeks from now is something we have to brace ourselves for.

For now, life goes on.

Our call for help is still on going. Donations are very much welcome. If you can lead me to sponsors and donors for my storytelling workshops, email me at zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com or send SMS via 09209602884 / 09182293587. Thank you so much!

Many Thanks!

I would like to thank the following people for extending an arm and a leg on my call for help --

Igor Cabbab, Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, Luis Gatmaitan, Maricel Montero, Noreen Parafina, Chris Pangilinan, BCGG Mt. Olivet, Eli Prieto, Sally and Anchit Chuachiaco, Liwa Malabed, Kate Osias, Carlo Go, Carlo Chong, Mona Dy, Elyss Punsalan, Gwen Galvez, Dianne De Las Casas, Augie and Mike Rivera, Vanessa De Guzman-Natividad, Von Totanes, Louren Dacanay, Evelyn Nabus, Sally Labanda, Enoy Feriol, Vhina Dimanalata, Faye dela Cruz, Kenneth Yu and the many FB friends who made a repost of my profile for donations.

The help and concern that you have given me and my family came in various forms and in different kinds. Your sincerity is greatly appreciated. It definitely lifted my spirits and my family's too especially in this time of loss.

As of writing, I am busy planning and organizing a series of storytelling workshops to raise funds for our house repair project. My hands are full and I'm still confused and bit disorganized. There is a need to move on and continue with life. But greater is the pressure on our shoulders to rebuild and recover. Just thinking of the overwhelming response of people to reach out and help sees me through.

I know thank you is not enough. In the near future, my family and I will be able to pass this act of kindness and generosity. May God bless you and all of us who are going through this trying moment in our lives!

Call for Help

Dear Friends, Readers of this blog and concerned Citizens,

My family and I survived the disaster that was Ondoy. We are currently staying at my father in-law's house in San Pedro, Laguna. I am thankful to God for keeping my family together. It is the aftermath of this tragedy where we need the help and support of people and the community.

Our house in #56 Dahlia St. Garden Royale Villas, U. Velasco Ave., Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City was damaged by the flood. Its front door and bedroom window was broken. Water leaked from the roof and its electrical wiring got wet. When we left last Sunday for dry ground, we have no idea on the extent of the damage. It will take a few weeks for water to subside then we will know what needs to be repaired.

It is in this regard that I am seeking help from generous and philanthropic people. We could not afford another bank loan or PAGIBIG loan to finance the repair and rebuilding of our house. Your donations will be put to good use. I will issue a financial report and receipts as proof that donated cash was spent for this purpose.

Donations can be coursed via my BPI account no. 0219032579, Savings Account name Zarah C. Gagatiga. My contact numbers are 09209602884 or 09182293587. Email address is zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com. Thank you very much!

Facebook and the Great FLood

I am stranded in Quezon City while I write this. I am dry, warm and well fed. Where I am, there is electricity and wifi connection. I should not complain given my current predicament in the midst of this epic flood. But my mind wanders off to Pasig City where my husband, two kids and yaya (nanny) are. The last SMS I got from them was that the water has reached the dinning table and that they are all staying in the second floor of our house. Electricity has been cut as well as the water supply. It is going to be a long night for me.

I am worried and very miserable despite the comfort afforded by friends who are stuck in the clinic too. I am kept abreast with news via online and Facebook. And if these are consolations, then I thank God for the contact to the outside world.

It's interesting to read the posts and profile of friends and contacts. Facebook has now become a support group, a prayer request room, an emergency hotline, a news room, and a venue where you can get updates from friends and family.

Mae Astrid Tobias (1979-2009)

The Philippine Children's Literature industry mourns the passing of one of its promising and prolific young writers. Mae Astrid Tobias succumbed to Lupus Sunday morning, 23 August 2009.

Her remains lie in state at the Paket Santiago Memorial Homes in San Roque, Marikina City. KUTING, the premiere organization of children's writers in the Philippines, will be in charge of the necrological services tonight. There will be a mass at 7 PM after which, the program remembering Ms. Tobias' life and works will commence. She was KUTING's President from 2004-2006.

Ms. Tobias' published works include the Palanca winning story, Bayong ng Kuting (A Basket of Kittens), Haribon's environmental stories for children and National Commission for Culture and the Arts' Hudhud Epic for children. Her latest book published by Adarna House, Bakawan (Mangrove) was launched last 21 July during the celebration of National Children's Book Day. Astrid, as her family and friends call her, left many unfinished book projects for Museo Pambata and Vibal Foundation.

She will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 26 August 2009. Prayers requested.

Beautiful Capul

The wifi connection in the island is wonky due to the weak signal I'm getting every night in my mobile phone. Pictures of this beautiful place will be posted, hopefully, by tomorrow night. It's going to be a long travel back to Manila so going online in transit is quite impossible.

This afternoon, the teachers brought us to the historic parola or lighthouse. The view took my breath away. I wished to stay for one more day and see other sites in the island, walk on the beach and comb the shore for shells, take pictures and buy some pasalabongs. But duties and obligation await me in Manila.

I will come back to Capul.

Second Day in Capul

The first day of the SAS Teacher Training Workshop here in Capul, Northern Samar folded up two hours ago. It had been a very fruitful day. The teachers of Capul are responsive and eager to learn. They're work ethic and self esteem are very high. What's more, they came wearing their yellow t-shirt that says: I'm Proud To Be A Teacher!

It's been a tiring day for me considering that I was restless last night. It was so warm. I made a mistake not to remind Cats to request for a generator. People in town depend on solar energy. Electrical power begins at 4PM and ends at 12 midnight. Now we all know better.

The venue for the training is in the newly constructed municipal hall which is just across the 16th century church built by the Jesuits. The name of the parish is St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish but is being run by the Catarman Diocese. I was amazed at the fortress like structure. According to Kagawad Marlon, the church was a "balwarte" and watch tower during the Spanish period. On September 14, the church will be instituted as a historic site by the National Historical Commission. Ambeth Ocampo will be present to grace the occasion. We hope to hear mass there tomorrow.

Another site we hope to visit before we leave for Manila is the lighthouse or parola. It was built by the Americans and was used during during World War II to help ships and the US Navy navigate its way into Leyte Gulf. There is more to Capul than meets the eye. Apart from these historic sites, its people are its real treasure. Their language is very unique to the region. An anthropological restoration is in the works. Tomorrow, I'll be conducting the session on Experience Stories. Talk about right timing!

Since yesterday, we had to contend ourselves wading in the pool tides. Not bad at all. It's very relaxing actually. Late this afternoon, Cats, Jojo and I did our debriefing by the shore. Once we're done, we hit the sea to wade in the low tide. The twilight view was magnificent.

Air, Land and Sea

The Sa Aklat Sisikat (SAS) Teacher Training Workshop (TTW) in Capul, Northern Samar has to be the most adventurous TTW yet.

The team for this TTW is composed of Cats Alcaraz, Reading Coordinator, Jojo Pagsibigan, Group Facilitator, and yours truly, Master Trainer. We started out early for a flight to Catarman, Northern Samar via Cebu Pacific. I am always awed at the beauty of blue. Sky and sea. Flecks of white clouds peppered the sky and the sun loved us back. When the plane touched ground, I nearly fell on my knees in homage.

This is my first time to reach Visayan soil. Though married to a full blooded Waray, I felt strange to be in an island far away from Luzon. Hearing the dialect of my in-laws did not help the feeling of alienation. Yet, the adventurer in me surfaced when Cats asked where to have lunch. I dropped the proposal of eating in the nearest Jollibee, the most popular fast food chain in the Philippines. Yes, Von Totanes, every nook and cranny of the Philippines is littered with Jollibee. Very soon, the President might just proclaim Jollibee as the national insect of this banana republic! Hey, if Carlo Caparas is National Artist, it's not impossible for Jollibee to join him in GMA's roster of the president's national choices.

Going back to Catarman, we ate at a local restaurant named Ron-Ron. Move over Lavander Brown! We Filipinos know our nicknames to heart but we know better when to change consonants to call those we hold dear. The lunch was superb! Simple but superb! We ordered big shrimps. Hilabos swimming in buttery sauce with pepper and ginger. The fish tinola was delicious, but a film of oil layered on top of the swordfish in the soup. It stuck in the lips and around the mouth that eating it was like applying grease in the face. The swordfish was meaty and that salvaged the dish. And of course, the kinilaw na tanigue was the star of our lunch date at Ron-Ron! Ang SARAP! I suddenly missed my mother-in-law who could make the best kinilaw na tanigue in our part of the metro. Lesson learned -- when in a new town, eat the local food to experience the flavor of its culture and way of life. Ginger, pepper, onions and garlic. The Warays know how to mix these falvors well with a dose of sweetness using coconut milk or sugary butter. It shows in their disposition and life style!

The hearty meal was immediately digested an hour and half when we reached Allen, Northern Samar. The jeepney ride was long and hot that riding the boat to Capul excited the three of us. It was a relaxing experience to be out there in the open sea. The surface of the water was coated with cellophane. Mt. Mayon seem to stand like a guardian in the south. San Antonio, an island north of Capul, was a mysterious mass of land. It looked dark green from a distance. Pirate ships and galleons patrolled these waters for centuries. And here we are now, visiting Capul like missionaries of long ago.

Finally, we hit dry land in Capul. I tell you, reaching the island was not the end of the journey. The scooter ride beat out the plane, the jeepney and the boat! I was squeezed between manong driver, my luggages and Jojo Pagsibigan on the scooter going to our rented beach house. It was like riding the caterpillar at your local carnival. My last motorbike ride was with my father twenty-eight years ago. No point of comparison. Let's just say that I trust my father when it comes to driving a motorbike.

At the end of the day, we waded in the beach till twilight, enjoying the warm water and white sand at low tide. It was my first to see and touch see grass. The three of us had other interesting discoveries. I'll save them for tomorrow's post! Promise!

It's pretty late. I need to sleep or else have the electrically powered lights run out on me. There are small lamps powered by solar energy around the house, but a city slicker like myself worships the power of MERALCO. I miss the hubby. I miss the kids. Tomorrow is another day.

Live Blogging: At Terminal 3 Leaving for Catarman

No wifi connection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 3 so I'm doing this via 3G technology. The flight to Catarman will take one hour and a half plus, a jeepney ride and a boat ride to Capul. Cats Alcaraz of Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation tells me how rustic the place is. I'll take as many photos as I can.

We will be training twelve teachers and as far as my SAS experience go, this has to be the least number of teachers I will be working with. We hope to finish early on Sunday. From the photos of Capul seen in the web, it looks like there are great places to see and visit.

Will keep you posted!