INVITATIONS IN 2010

...thank you, thank you, and thank you...

With countless invitations to mention in the past, I wondered if I have been honored or thankful for the many memories I shared with people who had me invited to their especial occasions. Mentioning the word "honored" connotes the feeling of being a special someone or a special guest. By saying so, it would mean that out of the billion people in the world, I am one of the few, if not one of the many individuals chosen to take part in their milestones. Thankful in a sense we simply appreciate their generosity and their friendship inviting us to be part of the many events they considered very important and special.

To be grateful enough, I would like to acknowledge the many invitations I have been to this year including those invitations I didn't make it to join.

Kaye and Dennis' Wedding
April 2010

The newly wed couple had already invited me way before the wedding when I visited them in Singapore. It was an exciting event to look forward to actually. But sad to say I didn't make it. It wasn't easy to fly after all. I heard it was a fabulous wedding where familiar friends came to join the celebration. I appreciated their generosity and consideration taking time to email me about their plan. And even if I wasn't there at that time, I still feel honored and blessed being invited.

I've said this already, again congratulations and God bless you in this new journey!

Judsen's 2nd Birthday
May 28th, 2010

I totally forgot. It was just timely when I arrived last month in the city (Saigon), they celebrated his second birthday. And I didn't know at all. It could be a very special occasion to attend because he is my godchild. So Ninong had to make up baby sitting Dodong Judsen the following day, taking care of him making sure not to disturb his parents during their rehearsals. Then I had to bring him to the pool and blew some bubbles, and played with him. He likes water a lot. I didn't make it to his birthday but spending time with him was more than attending his birthday. But of course this is no excuse. I have to remember his birthday the next time.

Happy Birthday Judsen. God bless you!

Lyn-Lyn Farewell Party
May 30th, 2010

Lyn has stayed in Vietnam for almost two years, and yet her contribution to the EC and even to our circle of friends meant so much. We are happy that once upon our lives she came to us. The crying lady has grown up a lot becoming more independent and more reliable. So I was happy celebrating with her at Nice Karaoke night.

Lyn we wish you all the best. Thanks for inviting me over to join you singing.

GBU!

Irish Rose Shanna's dedication
June 6th, 2010

What more a parent could ask for but a wonderful, and a healthy child. It was another baby girl God has showered Ellen. And it was a joy celebrating with Ellen and with friends rejoicing the day when Irish is being dedicated to the Creator. Another member of the family was welcomed warmly and excitedly.

My wish for you Irish is that you will grow pretty, wisely, healthy and obedient to your Mom. Make your mom always proud. And that you will come to now your Creator. Be a good girl!

US MARINES TOUCHED ULTIMATE FRISBEE DISC

"HA-HA-HA-HA... Are you kidding me?" In case one might react provocatively. But I am not kidding at all. You heard me right. They touched the disc. Well, it was more than that. They actually played the game with us.

That early morning the ground was still wet from morning dews. And before the dew drops dried up, we had our feet stood on the field, had our old-familiar warm up, enjoying the toss, while the US Marines had their own unique rituals as well.

I have been playing frisbee for five years now, countless pick ups to mention, but that day I call it as no ordinary pick up in the history of Phnom Penh Ultimate.

Just for me though!

The game came quite well. And I could see it that they had a blast. So did I and for my team mate, too. The US marines had the endurance so to speak. Of course, what would you expect from non-aficionados but a chilly game?

It was a chilly, fun game!

"Did you guys feel honored playing ultimate with the US marines?" I asked my team mate to know how they feel. As expected, I got the same answer as I had in mind.

No further question.

No more argument, then.

And the story is closed.

But I told them the reason why I felt honored. At least they heard it than trying to be silent. For saying so, I didn't mean to provoke my team mate. I was just trying to express my conviction and my personal opinion of the matter. Maybe growing up as a kid, I always had good impressions of the marines in their selfless effort to protect the country. Forget those who had not done their duty honestly and loyally. Forget those horrible stories we heard, they aren't helpful and healthy anyway. We have good soldiers in the field as well. And I can name names if I want to.

As I said, I had a blast. And I felt honored playing frisbee with them. The only thing I could say about them was that they weren't that friendly. But it's no big deal. As long as they are friendly enough to their duties. I'm looking forward to playing with them again.

Good luck to you guys!!!

...Phnom Penh Ultimate frisbee team...

...BAYTA-AN...

Few Words: the word "bayta" as a noun, is taken from the Tausug dialect which means narration or story telling. The adding of a suffix "an" now forming a verb, conveys another message then- to speak or to tell. This section in particular is where I speak my mind, and tells what's inside my heart as I mingle with different scenario and people of many cultures. Bright and colorful pictures will help explain words I cannot express. This is now officially my day-to-day- journal.


Never was there a Christmas like this in Saigon
January 17, 2010
2:02 pm, Cambodia

A decade ago, there were no sparkling lights like these. It was all silent night (except for families who have been traditionally celebrating Christmas at home). Even at the beginning of the 2oth century, a highly sophisticated and modern generation as it is known, this didn't make any impact as to decking the malls or the streets. The busy streets were seemingly sleeping, and there was no ambiance of the season to feel around, not even a hint of Christmas. It was always the same ordinary night. There was no decoration to see even for the sake of commercialism.

But few years later, changes has started to occur. Slowly, the people in Saigon are becoming accustomed with seeing decors in the streets. Year after year, elegant scenery after elegant scenery have been displayed to bring amusement and joy to the million of people all over the city, and even to foreigners visiting and also living there.

Who would have thought that Christmas in Saigon will turn out like this? It's awesome! Amidst the crowd, I really took time enjoying the scenery, and took amazing pictures, of course to also bring colors to my blog spot.

And who would have thought I would be standing here, spending my Christmas down the busy road? As I said, never was there a Christmas like this in Saigon before, but not now.

Here are few pictures to share. Enjoy!


...one of the shopping centers in the city...


....one of the busy streets along Dong Khoi...


...near the opera house...


...sidewalk, near Sheraton hotel...


...the sparkling street in Dong Khoi...


...roundabout at the narrow street of Nguyen Hue...


...the Xatax center where i always went shopping and buy groceries...


...at Saigon tower...


...look how they decorate their mall now...


...at Saigon tower shopping center...


...this is the busy street of Le Loi, but sparkled with xmas lights all over...


...see. these are like thousands of people roaming around the city just to see elegant decors. cool...



Family Talks
January 17, 2010
2:04pm, Cambodia


"Go to the world and multiply."

Unknowingly, my siblings have been obedient to this mandate. Time will come, I could no longer count with my two hands the members of my family. Soon, it will become a huge clan, as numerous as those stars in the sky.

They are not the children of my own, they are nephews and neices, now, too many to remember. Some of them I haven't even met yet, and some of them I just met few months ago. If i am not mistaken, there are at least 50 of them or even more. Who knows? You would be surprised soon as I'd show all of them. I am not done uploading yet. And these buddies are some of the many members of the clan I took picture with. My children are not counted yet (for I dont have one). Having them for a while is enough, for now I think. I still wanna see my perfect resemblance one day, however it may looks.



...Bem and Dodong Joey...


...my dodong joey and I...


...bembem and shara joy...


...my first cousin's son-Jordan...


...the nur-s, Don whom my brother fathered...


...Dodong Daryl, the policeman...


...Dodong Jan-jan and joey...


...Dodong Ezer...


...the makulits...


...another inquisitive little girl...


...our joy2, trying to smile...

GREETINGS and THANKS

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Dear friends,

Although i had a silent countdown welcoming another year, and i was stuck in my own porch along the noisy street of Mao Tse Tung in a seemingly laid back city of Phnom Penh, still i am grateful for the many things i considered beutiful and blessing. The celebration was so hush alone in my apartment, but i tried not to count it as isolation. Was i happy? Not at all! Yet, my heart was full of joy still amidst this situation. I had many things i counted eternal joy than having those material things temporarily. One more item to thank for, before the year ended, i was able to write another short story for children which i will post soon next week.

It's late though, but let me greet you a HOPEFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL.

GBU!

From my heart,

al

W.A.Y.U.T. (what are you up to?)

Dear Friends,

Howdy? I decided to keep you posted what have I been doing so you will no longer wonder. It's no big deal though, but I just want you to take part in this busyness of life.My monthly activity report, in fact.

2009

COLD JANUARY - DRIED MAY: Amidst pressures and unbearable taunt of economic demands, I was still doing those endeavors I have been doing for many years.Yet hints to move on to another track were transparent enough. All I waited was a clear signal to go.For those remainig months in Saigon, and as I was busy helping the locals in many ways I was taken advantage of, I sensed that a new thing was coming its way. All i had to do was to be sensitive about it. And I was right. I love Vietnam so much and leaving the country was a sad thing to do, yet I had to. And I did it. Well, it will always be my second home.

RAINY JUNE: Vietnam is closing doors for me right now, so i decided to move on and find opportunity in Laos.It has been my desire as well to work among this people-group.While travelling for few weeks and did surveying; crossed the longest river in south-east asia called "MEKONG RIVER",I bumped into someone who I happened to know before.The conversation ended up accepting his invitation to work back in Phnom Penh.That is why I am here...for a new commitment.It also means that working in Laos is not the right time yet.

HUMID JULY: I finally decided to settle in Phnom Penh, Cambodia looking for possible opportunity to volunteer and work as an ESL teacher.

AUGUST AGAIN: I went to Singapore for the 2009 Ultimate Frisbee Open. My team goes there every year. And at the same time I met my professor for possible courses to bring to Cambodia for my Ph.D thing. I also went home to Mindanao because of emergency.A loss of loved-one(my brother).

STORMY SEPTEMBER: I started volunteering at Conversations with Foreigners, an international volunteering spot in the city.

WET OCTOBER: Volunteer,fund-raising, and learning the language again.I was also busy crossing Vietnam for important reasons while waited for our new school to operate.

WINDY NOVEMBER: I just finished a one-term-commitment at CWF, and very busy testing and interviewing new students.I like it.I love the certificate handed last Sunday, too.

JOLLY DECEMBER: Although it's not happening still, but I would love to inform you that a new, full-time job will start very soon. I will be working under an NGO called TCFL or "The Center For Learning." We focus on adult learners. Next week will be the strat of a busy day. So I need to get ready for this.YEY!

just a note

dear readers

please bear with me for being slow to update stuff lately. been really busy.thanks.

WORTH WAKING UP EARLY MORNING

"ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong..."

The seemingly annoying sound echoed throughout my small room.I almost forgot, I actually had set my alarm clock the night before. Without reluctance, I immediately woke up and went to my bathroom for a quick shower. That was when I realized that I signed up for a teaching slot at a Conversation With Foreigners (CWF) English center here at the heart of Phnom Penh. Now, it's time to begin the week with another meaningful experience. i knew it for sure.

"Ding-dong..." it was no longer an annoying sound. As I kept hearing it every day, it helped me fulfill my commitment to serve at CWF. Although temptation to sleep like a log was strong enough,driving me lazy, but I overcame it.Now I am enjoying teaching even that early. For 11 weeks at CWF was also a learning experience.I have learned the best lessons to learn still-patience,kindness, consideration and flexibility.

Doing this stuff is not new at all. I have been doing this for more than a decade,tireless and enjoyable.But this does not mean an easy task.I was here in Cambodia year 2003 until 2004 doing the same thing. Not to mention my services in Vietnam for six-long-years.Of course in every thing is a new pace to learn.I admit, there were times I craved for a new direction yet I am always brought back to this endeavor.Amidst shaky and wavy decision to make,I am satisfied that I have stayed in doing this kind of contribution for the country. Now seeing these early birds passionately learned the said language in whatever purposes they have, the feeling is so cool and so amazing.

Wow, i can't belive that the term is almost over. I got three more days.Time really flies quick. Few weeks or two from now, another term is anticipated. I am glad that I woke up early everyday to be with these learners...

...to share wisdom, knowledge, thoughts and ideas.

...to exchange cultural experiences and orientaion.

...to establish friendship and good rapport.

...above all is to simply serve and serve without expecting anyting in return.


More power to all!

here are some photos to share:



CWF Volunteers and local staff


...receiving our certificates at the end of the term...


...one of the board of directors expressing his thanks to the volunteers and staff...


...an interview to new students...



...just a volunteer poise...

P.S. I'm in my fourth term volunteering at CWF. I can't believe days really fly quick. I hope I could be an instrument of change here continuously.