Water Must Be Accessible to All School!

By: Jan Irvin D. Kis-ing

Teacher I

Colalo Elementary School

Mankayan, Benguet – Din danum et Biyag, siya di katagoan ya managtago endatako. (Water is Life, for it nurtures us by making us healthy and supports our livelihood) This dictum is always found on Cordilleran chants and stories. It outlines how the Cordilleran survived for centuries in these majestic mountains.

 Colalo Elementary School resonate this Cordilleran Aphorism by establishing its water management program that implemented Php 133,838.00 for ensuring a continuous supply of water that was successfully completed last January 12, 2016. The amount is used in the purchase of six (6) kilometers of hosepipe and labor.

 The fund is a part of the gain of the Search for Little Mr. and Miss Colalo 2015. 

As most Cordilleran community, Brgy Colalo gets its household and agricultural water supply in creeks and rivers.  As pristine as it get  or as polluted as it is, this water sources keeps the agricultural industry growing and evolving, but it also supplies the growing household and other industries resulting to depletion of water supply. On situations like this, schools are left behind with less than a drop of water.

A school with scarce water supply is faced with many challenges like health, hygiene and sanitation issues, non-implementation of Dep.Ed programs like the promotion of oral health and hand washing, gulayan sa paaralan, school re-greening activities, among others. Water shortage in the school also hampers academic undertakings such as cooking, gardening, and experimenting.

At the moment, the school is producing fresh and organic vegetables and establishes a fruit tree nursery that will be used for tree planting activities during rainy season. Learners can now enjoy their EPP activities like cooking and food processing and science experiments. Further, the clean comfort rooms and the vivid implementation of the hand-washing and tooth brushing activities draws attention from health workers. The school water supply supplements the depleted Brgy water source by sharing its overflow to the community.  All of this is due to the steady supply of water in the school without thinking of the water bill. 

***END***

Jan Irvin has been teaching at Colalo Elementary School and has worked a lot in developing the school's library through his initiative they are able to build a library from a scratch. The Project Mountain Alphabet has helped them in some ways in support to a teachers initiative to make his school better and to have a better learning experience of his student..

Here's the story.

It all Started with a Giraffe.

Building a Library From the Kindness of Strangers

My Fair Share of Descrimination

There are millions in the planet who are in many way descriminated in any forms. Some got fired because they are transexual, others because of their origin, race, culture and a lot more. I too had a fair share of being descriminated in the work place.

So here's the story: I applied in one of the BPO company here at Cavite. I went on with the process from examination to final interview. Everything went well. Knowing that I have Rheumatic Heart Disease I disclose it awaiting for them to tell me to get a doctors clearance or a fit to work in case i get hired.

I learned on that same day that I made it and I was so happy as it was already my third month of being unemployed. The lady who is assisting me and was very helpful gave me a ton of list of all the documents that I need to provide.

In the days after nearing my training date, I went back and I learned that she wasnt there and that I have to wait for the other 2 guys to help me with my concern. I waited for more than 3 hours in the waiting area. Then finally, the lady who has been helping me came and got my papers and told me that I have one full month to furnish the rest.

I already spent my money furnishing the documents needed, but again I am still happy because at last I am going to start working again and I will start from the bottom and planned to climb up the ladder.

Then the dreaded day came, 26 hours before my supposed first day of training I recieved a text message coming from the recruiters team. I am already expecting it I told myself they may be wanting me to get a doctors fit to work since I have this Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). So I went to meet them.

I was endorsed to the clinic and I told the doctor there that I have RHD and I declared it. I also told the doctor that during my physical/medical exam I also declared it. So the doctor said she will endorse me to HR for the final decision.

An HR personnel asked me and handed me a TERMINATION PAPER stating that I violated their rule and that I am a risk to the company and to the employee. So in my defense I told the HR personnel that I had been working graveyard for the past 10 years and I havent encountered any problem at all. I told her that I can get a fit to work from my cardiologist as well if it is necessary.

She went out the room and then after few minutes she came and told me that they are not pushing through my application since they cant hire me because I AM SICK. She also told me they have even an instance where a normal person, who is not sick, just collapsed and died.

I am disheartened. I am also concern because this is discrimination in the work place. There is no equality. So I said my Thank You's for accomodating me shake her hand and left the office with a heavy heart. In my mind does this mean that we are not allowed to work in this company because simply we are sick?

Though I am disheartened by the turn of events. Though I pity those people who are willing to work for this company even though they recieve a little less compared to working in Metro Manila. I just realized that this is not the culture of the company I want to work with. I am for equality and I am for fairness. I am sharing my experience because I wanted to let everyone know that being treated unequal is a blessing from God. When you knock into someones house and they closed their door to you it simply means you have to leave. Say a little prayer so that God will touch their heart before you finally take your first step.

It is what it is. We are living in the world full of injustice and biasness. But if we stick on the Golden Rule to Love Everyone including your enemy can make a difference in making this world a better place to breath in.

Love Wins no matter what. My experience has thought me to be more humble despite being under fire. Despite circumstances we still should stand and pick up where we have left and move forward. I encourage everyone who was descriminated to stand up and pray those who descriminated you so that God will touch their lives and their hearts to be more compasionate. People who are sick should also be given the equal opportunity to work. The opportunity for them to earn something so that they can buy their medicine and help feed their family as well. Above all, I encourage everyone who are mistreated to humble down and be more forgiving. This is what this whole situation has thought me.

Goodbye is not Forever

There will be a time when we say "Hello" but there will also be the time to say "GOODBYE". When we say goodbye it only means moving on leaving all the past behind and moving forward to what the future will hold.

When we say "Hello" definitely it is the best time and as time goes by we gain surprises, learning new things, discovering what we can do and what we cannot and definitely we will be put in a challenges to make the relationship better or break it as it is not meant to be.

For me I had my own Hello. It was such a beautiful five years and six months. Years of pondering my own strength. It was such a great time of learning, laughing and creating opportunities. Years of beautiful memories and meeting good people along the way. I will always remember the good times and make each bad times an inspiration to be better.

The last five years is the birth of Project Mountain Alphabet. I will take this with me and I hope you would continue being part of this project.

Here's the story of the project:

It Started with a Giraffe 
Project Mountain Alphabet: Building Library from a Kindness of a Stranger

"Goodbye is not Forever" rather I will say "see you on the crossroads!" 

I wish each in everyone success!

Over the years, I have gained friends that I will cherish as I move forward to my professional quest. There were people who inspired me to become better. For this is the moment for me to leave the bad mornings behind and continue my the journey, my quest in discover what the future holds.

As Walt Disney said, "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

To move forward is to grow as I am curious as to what would my future holds and offer. New obstacle to conquer and new challenges to nail down.

Calubcub Bay Resort - Batangas

Every summer, I am looking forward to where the annual company outing would be. Sometimes, I am delighted at times I am not (hehe). This year, I had the chance to join and had fun with my colleagues. It is nice to be with the people whom you know, friends with because of work, and or mingle with the other team.

Aside from that, my personal goal is to take good photo's of sunset or other subjects that interest me. This year, I used my phone (Samsung Note 3) to take photo's and here's the beautiful result.

Taking Photo's Against the Sun (Sunrise)

The Resort in as it registered in my Camera Phone

Me and the Others

My Experience

The Summer Heat is definitely a challenge when we first arrive at Calubcub Resort. I wanted to stay in my room, however, our room has 3 double deck beds that can accommodate 2 person per deck. The air conditioner is set at its coolest but may be the heat is simply just too much that even the air conditioning unit cannot bear it. It definitely made a good job in keeping the room slightly above the normal room temperature during day time.

I needed that rest simply because I work at night and after I badge out I simply went straight to the bus taking us to the place.

So instead of staying in my room, I just went out and stretched my energy up and enjoyed the fun filled activity prepared by our Employee Engagement Team who worked tirelessly to make the Summer Outing a blast! I had so much fun with my purple team and the whole activity was all worth it.

If you are looking for a sunset view you'd be disappointed as the place is not situated at the west but you'd definitely be amazed to a beautiful sunrise by the bay. A kiss of sunrise and a cool warm sea breeze is definitely worth it.

The pool is simply welcoming. I love it.

The distance of the main entrance to the resort villas is quite far. Though its far, you'd be passing under the coconut trees so its quite a view as well.

The place is currently being developed I suppose because of the lacking landscape but it definitely is a place worth a visit.

Thank you NASDAQ for a wonderful Summer Outing 2015 Experience

Ilo-ilo Islas de Gigantes a Paradise worth Visiting

Islas de Gigantes is definitely a worthy place to indulge with nature and savor its beauty. Unlike Boracay, it (Islas de Gigantes) luscious sea foods, mystical caves, pristine white sand beaches and a breath taking sunset view.

Have fun and relax while experiencing the true beauty of nature.

From Metro Manila, book your ticket to Roxas. That's a more accessible and cheaper route. Then from Roxas airport, there are van going to Estancia. You can look for hotels or inns in Estancia. Then from Estancia, it will be a beautiful boat joy ride and island hoping to Islas de Gigantes.

Have you seen or touch a really beautiful starfish? I am dying to have a picture with it.

 FARE

Manila To Roxas - Wait for PISO SALE for your airfare :)
ROXAS to ESTANCIA - Php 75 per head

Captivating Sunset at the bay! Isn't that romantic?

 GIGANTES DAY TOUR offers the best and most reasonable price. You can rent the whole boat for only Php 3000 per day and it is already good for 10 to 12 person. Expect to have at least Php 75 to Php 50 Environmental Fee and Entrance Fee.

The enchanting Lagoon in the middle of the island. I believe this is where the giants cools down during summer.

Have a break!

It serves as a pathway to the next Island?

You want a tour guide/boat ride as well? Here's a contact number you can reach at: 09271336973 or message them on their Facebook Page: CLICK HERE 

Your experience is their main concern. Their boat is bigger meaning it is better and definitely faster. I don't recommend you to have the smaller boat. You can ask them to prepare you for a lunch am sure they will say YES!

After visiting Gigantes let me know your experience. Contact them now as I am excited to hear from you!

The Balinese Spa and what they Offer

Balinese Spa is situated at the Second Floor of Festival Mall beside Figaro and Right side of Starbucks. When visiting Spa, I only really wanted to feel relaxed and definitely wanted to drain all those stress in one time. Basically, I wanted to relaxed those tangled muscles due to a month long working.

Most often than not, I am always disappointed with how I am being handled.

Going to Balinese Spa makes it a little different.

The moment I enter the spa when they signal that they are open. I wasn't greeted by the reception so I went ahead to the counter and ask. The receptionist as well did not inform me the best seller Balinese Spa has to offer. On a good note though, she is very friendly and definitely answers my questions politely which is a good thing. The receptionist ask me to wait politely. Aside from the reception I am also very vigilant to the cleanliness of the receiving area, which is definitely passes my standard. I also like the idea that they offer my candy from their candy jar while I am waiting for my turn.

As they call me and guide me through my room. I love the design idea of the hall way. It is quite dim, the candles lights up the hallway and I am not smelling dust.

I am ready to see my room. Again I am not suppose to expect anything so as not to disappoint me. One of their good point is they have your robe, towel and towelette ready for you and that is a very good sign already for me.

The pillows smells like fabric conditioner so as the towels and the robe. The room are also very spacious and they have a cabinet where you could put your stuff and lock it. Another good point for Balinese it shows a good sign that the management also takes care of your belonging and gives their customer like me confidence that my belongings are safe and that it is clean.

Before the  massage therapist started her massage session, she asked me if I wanted to take a warm bath and a sauna. I asked if there is additional fee, and she said its part of the service they offer and part of the package as well. THAT WAS FANTASTIC! Who doesn't love FREE. So I went ahead and made took advantage of the SAUNA which I love. The sauna is clean. The shower room is OK.

After the massage, my aching muscle are relaxed. I am even more relaxed when they offered me a tea after the massage.

I would recommend BALINESE Spa because everything is clean. Respectful therapist. I just recommend a male therapist though since I am sure there are other customer who are more comfortable with male therapist.

Travel to the Enchanting Sagada

Sagada, my mothers hometown is always and will always be my number 1 tourist destination when I prefer adventure and nature. It will always be my number 1 not only because my roots are there but also because of the majestic views of nature. A place where I could be with nature, from its luscious green mountains to the crystal clear water of its caves.

There are 2 ways to go to Sagada. Its either you take the Manila to Bontoc then from Bontoc, you can take jeepney to Sagada. However, my usual itinerary is from Manila to Baguio route. I usually take this  route to visit Baguio first before heading further to Sagada.

Pasay to Baguio will cost you approximately Php 445 to Php 700 depending on the kind of bus you take either the DELUXE or the ordinary airconditioned bus. Then from Baguio go to Dangwa Station and take a bus going to Sagada which will cost you approximately around Php 220.

One of my favorite activity when in Sagada is Spelunking. Spelunking in general used when someone enters the cave following a trail while Caving is generally used for caving experts, creating a trail, probably measurements, looking for fossils and definitely studying the cave. This is a must try to all visitors to Sagada. I always say, you never went to Sagada if you haven't tried Spelunking. Feel the excitement, the energy rush, swimming inside the cold crystal clear water of Sumaging Cave.

The best so far is to have a very knowledgeable guide walking you through the cave, guiding you and assisting all throughout and on the side is of course discussing you the cave, history, and culture of the locals.

Let me be your guide to the Majestic Sagada!

Spelunking at its Finest

The very first thing to do before any other activity is registering and getting a TOUR GUIDE. I highly recommend SaGGAS as I can vouch for their credibility and their knowledge in handling Tourist. SaGGAS office is located just below the Sagada Municipal Hall.

Our group striking a pose with the other 2 foreigners who just finished spelunking

Our team enters the Sagada Cave ready for the adventure!

The Burial Site is either your first stop before you go inside the cave or the last one. I suggest make this your entrance when you visit the cave.

Gareth Likigan our favorite Tour Guide at SaGGAS is explaining largely on the culture and the Do'S and Dont'S while inside the cave.

When inside the famous Sumaging Cave...

1. Rock Formation

2. Extreme Activities at its Finest

Photo Credit: Anthony Arellano - This is simply just one of the most challenging part of the Spelunking. It definitely teach you how to TRUST and how to follow instruction if you don't want to slide down the very bottom

Exiting to Sumaging Cave

Hanging Coffin

The place is called the Hanging Coffins because the coffins are found at the sides of these cliffs. It only  means that people in the olden times already have the concept of burial. They mummify them and place them in a carved wood trunks and then passed along until it gets to its unique resting place.

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

Marlboro Mountain

Another great view is a wonderful plains of Marlboro Mountain. This is a perfect place for camping. Perfect place to getaway from noise pollution in the city. It offers a place to relax and unwind. Simply by being with nature. Is it not perfect to wake up and see this beautiful sea of cloud scattered along the mountain side with a kiss from the sun!

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

and what about a blue soil? Sagada has it too... (due to copper)

Photo Credit to Mr. Gareth Likigan

AYOKO NAAA!!! Sunrise Peak at Kiltepan

Ayoko Na!!! is the most popular chant if I may say so... would be the most shouted chant along the Kiltepan Sunrise View. I am sure it was from the Movie That Thing Called Tadhana as seen Angelica Panganiban shouting it in the moview.

Kiltepan Sunrise: Photo Credit to Gareth Likigan

Photo Credit to Gareth Likigan

Jeepney Ride on a TopLOAD

Jeepney ride of course is a basic transportation in the Philippines but doing it on a topload or on top of the car is definitely worth a try.

Lemon Pie

Another place is the SAGADA LEMON PIE. It is the most visited Cafe and Resto in Sagada. Known for their Luscious savoring lemon pie.

Photo Credit to Anton Arellano

For travel inquiry please send Gareth a message in FB. He is also one of the most requested Tour Guide of SAGGAS.

So, you have seen the exciting travel splurge to Sagada. Seeing it is totally different when you experience it. Leave me a message how you would like to go or if you have experienced it. Share your experience  by commenting on this article.

I wish to hear from you guys!

Here's SaGGAS Rates