“Big Ate Kuya” Day

Christmas is for children, as the saying goes. A simple gift will bring a smile on the children’s faces, and even more, spending a day with them and letting them feel the happiness that is Christmas.

So it was the day for the Big Ate Kuya Project. We have to be the big brothers and sisters to the kids as we spend time with them at the mall and make them happy to the extent of our efforts.

It was 8:30 a.m. and we were waiting for the jeep to arrive.

Let's have a little posing while waiting for the jeep.. with Kakai, Deza and Juan

The kids that we brought to the mall are the children from the CRC day care and Paradise Day care center.

Fetching the kids from the two day care centers.

We brought the kids to Festival Supermall at Alabang. I even asked these little girls with me if they have been to the mall, and they answered that they haven’t. I told them that they will enjoy the rides, and also ‘wag ilabas ang kamay sa jeep, okay?’

On the way to the mall

When we arrived at the mall, we went to Pixie Forest. We placed name tags on them so we’ll be able to know them and us too.

Introducing the Ate and Kuya for the day (Sir Mhon, Deza, Kakai and Me)

Also with us are the Rotarians. Ate Lala, Ate Kaye, and Sir Mhon with his friend Ate Dhang.

The Rotarians. Ate Lala, Ate Kaye, Ate Dhang and Sir Mhon

Of course, we held games for the delight of the children. One of those is the super all new, Trip to Jerusalem. ahehe >_<

Trip to Jerusalem

After that, they have been given badges for the rides at Pixie Forest.

The kids as they receive their badges for the rides

Picture taking first before lunch

Rotaractors Ate and Kuya (Arvin, Noeme, Toyo, Jho, Dhenise, Kakai, Deza, Me, Mitch, Juan and Dan)

Rotarians Ate Kaye, Sir Mhon Ate Dhang, Ate Lala and guest. (hehe, can't remember the name)

And where did we eat lunch? Of course, Jollibee! Kids love their spaghetti and chicken joy, and the sight of that happy bee.

1.Kuya Toyo & Arjohn 2. Kuya Dhenise & Luigi 3. Ate Jho & Anthony 4. Noeme helping the kids wth their food.

I invited my other friends too. Michelle and Jhepoi.

Mitch and Jhepoi.

The day won’t be complete without the gifts.

Distribution of gifts

Danilo: "Batang Ama" ahihi This girl really wants to be with Dan.

Before going to the rides

And we accompanied them to the rides.

Deza and the kids at the carousel

Waiting in line for the airplane ride

The kids at the airplane ride

These two are enjoying the ride

My “alaga” for that day was Kevin.

That's Kevin, my kid during the day.

Would you believe that ALL the kids fit in there in their excitement?

After a day of walking and talking and roaming around, the kids were accompanied on their way home.

On their way home, the children were tired and sleepy. (borlogs!)

I find it amusing that the children want to wear their party hats through the entire strolling. Until they went home, they were still wearing those.

Wow, Dan and Juan are still all smiles.

After that, we felt tired, because of all the walking. But then we know we had fun. And it was an extraordinary feeling to see the smile on the children’s faces that they will remember, and that we were part of the reason for their smiles. Thank God for the wonderful day.

The Big Ate Kuya Project is a joint project of the Rotary Club of San Pedro East and Rotaract Club of San Pedro East.

My Hectic December 17: Gift Giving and SBA

It was a Saturday, December 17. I had a very tiring, hectic day. Going from one place to another..  it was fun! And since it’s vacation already, I know that my time would be more useful for service to other people.

I started the day at 7:00 a.m. We were to visit three day care centers for the gift giving project. I was with our student volunteers.  The place (San Vicente) was kinda far and since we were tight on budget, we rented a jeep. We paid only P10 pesos each. The students were like sardines inside.

Students inside the jeepney.

I was sitting beside my good friend and co-Rotaractor Kakai. This girl sure is a dedicated person to what she does. She helps me every time I am to plan a community project.

Kakai and me.

First stop, day care center number 1. CRC Day care center. We gave gifts and also slippers for the kids.

Deza while preparing the gifts and the slippers.

The kids with their gifts.

Stop number two. Paradise Day Care Center. So I told you in my previous post of the 15 minute walk going to the center, and the loads of mud you have to cross (A Step up Day), before, I wore my new shoes, this time, I was ready with my slippers.

I was ready with my slippers!

On the way to the day care center.

Paradise Day Care Center

Stop number 3, Birthright daycare in San Vicente. We just have to walk from one center to another. The kids interacted with our student volunteers in the games and gift giving. I was happy to see them realize also the joy of making other children happy.

The Volunteens dancing with the kids.

Pres. Mhon of Rotary San Pedro East with the kids.

After three day care centers, we still have to donate toys for the “Maaga ang Pasko sa Jollibee.” And I really like the bear toy I am holding. It’s really cute. I used to hold that in our office and I tried to steal it! (hehe) But I know a kid will be happier when this bear reaches him/her.

The cute bear to be donated. That's Deza at the center, singit. >_<

We were about to go home and we instructed the students to ride in fives in one tricycle. But then, there was a pick up truck which offered the students a free ride going back to San Pedro town proper. God is good. I know these students have tight budgets as well. And they were ready to ride it!

The students on the truck.

Good luck at the ride!

On our way to Jollibee. With Juan and Deza.

At Jollibee United. The bear, along with other toys, was donated to Jollibee’s “Maaga ang Pasko.”

Goodbye Teddy, make a kid happy..

After that, I had lunch and I got gifts to be brought to our district gift giving of the Rotaract Clubs of District 3820. And where is my destination? Lucena, QUEZON!

On my way to Lucena.

So there. At 12 noon, I was at the bus in Alabang and I even had the chance to watch the Jose Manalo parody of Willie in Eat Bulaga. That was really funny. I asked the conductor of the bus, about the number of travel hours, and he said four hours! Huwat??

The call time for the gift giving was 1 p.m. Gosh, will I ever get there?

I have waited in the bus. After two Jason Statham movies, which were good by the way, I finally reached Lucena at 4:30 p.m. I have to ride a jeepney and a tricycle going to the Dalahican Fish port. (Hong layo!) I arrived at the location around 5 p.m.

It was raining kinda hard in Lucena.

Define five hours of travel gosh! After five hours, I finally reached the Dalahican port. The gift giving was over but my gifts are still good for the kids there because they told me that other kids were not given gifts. I also paid for the club contribution for the shirts and slippers that were given to the kids too. Special thanks to IPDRR Roy Casipit and DRR Jaypee Ursua of RID 3820.

with District Rotaract Representative Jaypee.

And I didn’t stay there for long. I took a picture of SM Lucena. I was waiting for the bus that time.

SM City Lucena

I planned to ride a bus going to Alabang. But there’s something else. I want to go to the Saranggola Blog Awards. So I rode a bus going to Cubao instead. The bus stopped at Sariaya and I ate my dinner there. It was 7:00 p.m. This is a do or die.

Adobo at Sariaya Quezon

After two movies again, and four hours of travel. I finally got to Mandaluyong City at Tivoli Gaardens Residences for the Saranggola Blog Awards 2011. It was almost 11:oo p.m. I made it!

Me at the SBA.

I was able to meet other bloggers that I admire and others whom I just met. I was really star struck that time. I didn’t know that the SBA would be overwhelming for a newbie like me. I haven’t felt the tiredness of the whole day travel I took. I guess I’m just glad that I was there.

Sarangola Blog Awards. Image from John Michael's Fb account. www.kumagcow.com

I arrived home at 3 a.m. Kinda late, but the day was meaningful and fun packed for me. I thank God for a wonderful day.

A “Step-up” Day

One Saturday afternoon, me and my other co-Rotaractors went to Paradise Day Care in San Pedro. We conducted the “Step-Up” Project in which we donated slippers to the children who live in the former dumpsite.

With the slippers and food, we rode in two tricycles going there. It cost us almost a hundred pesos. So it’s kinda far from the civilization. And look at the road that we crossed…

The view of the road from the tricycle I'm riding.

So as we got off at the gate, we have to walk a little longer and face the challenges that the mud has spared on us. It has rained for several days, and going there is not that easy. A 15-minute walk is on the way.

Daan number 1: trails with banana trees.

Daan number 2: Carl tries to get to the other side of the "mudway"

Daan number 3

Daan number 4

It’s like a different challenge, and we’re taking it level by level. And when we got there, I looked at my new rubber shoes. It’s now embellished with mud! I didn’t care much about it anyway. I can just wash my shoes.

My new rubber shoes.

I am glad I didn't slip in the mud. >_<

One of the things that community service has made me realize is how lucky I am. This time, making me realize that I have my own shoes and slippers at home, and these kids don’t have any.

The Paradise Day Care is a day care center located in an isolated small village in Barangay San Vicente, San Pedro, Laguna. (You saw how isolated it was.)

The children at the Paradise Day Care.

So we started giving the slippers and let them chose which fits them and what they like.

Me and Jho guiding the kids in choosing their slippers.

Deza aiding this little guy.

This is one pair of cute slippers, angry bird-leaf style!

Who says we can only see this in Rated K?

And now, they have new sets of slippers. I know their slippers wouldn’t last as much as we expect. But I know that this will be a big help for feet protection as they walk in the village.

The kids with their new sets of slippers!

On our way back, we had fun in crossing the mud as most of us are “madaldal” by nature.

On our way back.

Carl, Grace, Juan, Jhoane, Chard and Deza.

It has been a long journey going there and back, but I would describe it as a worthwhile experience. The deeds may be simple but we know that we left the children with smile on their faces, and that goes the same for us. I thank God for the wonderful day.

(The STEP-UP project is a project of the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East and RC San Pedro East.)

Congrats RACSPE for “Greenvironment”

The award from the Rotary International

This award was given to our club, the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East (RACSPE) 3820 for the Most Outstanding Project in the Asia Pacific Region by the Rotary International for the project “Greenvironment.”

Greenvironment

Greenvironment is a project that targeted to inform and disseminate information and awareness of the environmental problems and the ways on preserving the environment.

With the support of our sponsoring Rotary Club, San Pedro East, the members, and the community had joint efforts to make the project a reality. It was a series of projects composed of walks for a cause, clean up drives, environmental contests and symposiums. I am proud to say that the authors of the project documentation are Zyra (Past President of RACSPE) and Me. ♥

Some of Greenvironment's action pics

Green Party

And because of the project’s success, we celebrated of course. (Who wouldn’t?) And we called it the “Green Party.”

RACSPE at our "Green Party" (And I was not wearing green! >_<)

The Award

This project has come a long way and we treasure the awards and recognition from the other clubs and districts from the country and other countries from the Asia Pacific and even from the Rotary International.

The award was given at New Orleans. Who received the award? None of us did but a Rotaractor from another district, PDRR Joannie Sitoy, received it for us.

PDRR Joannie Sitoy received the award at New Orleans in behalf of the club.

Months have passed after the award finally got into our hands. The award is very simple. But it is very meaningful to us.

It was handed to me when I attended the  Asia Pacific Rotaract Regional Conference (APRRC) held in Subic, Olongapo City, Philippines. And it finally ended up on our hands.

I remember telling Zyra, “Hey, if the award is already with us, we’ll be taking a lot of pictures with it!” And so we did.

The award with Zy and Zen. This was taken during the meeting of our sponsoring Rotary Club.

The award with Zen and Zy again.. (Sawa na ba kayo?) This was taken during the Induction of our sponsoring Rotary Club, RC San Pedro East.

With Immediate Past President (IPP) Francis. It was during his term when the project was done.

With President Anthony. He is the president of RACSPE for Rotary year 2011-2012.

Danilo and Juan. Two of our members that I would say are really helpful and kind.

With the members of the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East (Juan, Jester, Dan, Khit, IPP Francis, Pres. Thony, Sec. Zen, PE Toyo, Jho, Chard)

We thank the people who have made this project possible. We thank God for giving us the knowledge, talent, skills and wisdom to share and do what we can to help the environment and other people as well.

The journey to solve environmental problems doesn’t stop here. It has just begun.

There you go. Cheers to the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East! ♥

Backless ^_^

So why backless?

Well, it was my first time to ever wear a dress that is, well, backless. I had this dress for quite some time, but I was not that confident to wear it. Until I had the guts to do it. (Yes!) And I would say that the dress didn’t fail me.

Zyra is very supportive.. ahihihi.. ♥

I attended a Rotary event with the other members of our club. I hosted the event as well. My friends told me that I might get “pulmonya” because of what I’m wearing. >_<

They were probably not used to me wearing something like that. I was also not used to it at first, but I was glad to be at the event.

RACSPE with the Rotarian dignitaries of 3820 (Super formal pic!)

I love ‘me’ during that evening. It’s just a matter of confidence with a combination of a happy mood.

Wacky shot. Me and the members of the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East.

I will prepare a new dress for me for the coming induction of our club on November. I’m excited!

Calling Card Made by Zyra ♥

I have no calling card and never had one but…

My pretty pretty and talented friend Zyra (who is a graphic designer) made me this wonderful and awesome calling card that I will bring to an international conference.

My calling card.. I love it! ♥

She designed this for me. I really love it. It’s cute and reflects my personality. She just did this for one hour! (May kasama pang kain yun at chikahan! )

If you also want to have a nice business card for a reasonable price, you can email Zyra at blessedzyra@gmail.com (Timing-an niyo po kung good mood siya)

For Zyra’s portfolio, click here. (Super promote ito friend! )

Have a nice day!

My Torn Slippers! (at the RACSPE La Mesa Tree Planting)

I woke up on a Saturday morning at 6:00 and that’s when I realized I don’t have my slippers! It’s raining! And we are going to go tree planting! Well, I left it at school.

Anyway, I have this other pair of slippers and I know it will not last. I planned to buy a new one but the stores are still closed. Fortunately, my friend Toyo has one paperclip, so I used it for a while. You think it survived?

My slipper, with a paperclip... (wawa naman)

We had taken like four hours to get to the La Mesa place. There was heavy traffic in C5. It also rained hard. But I didn’t sleep. I took the time to look at the window and observe the places. (And of course, take pictures!)

On the way to Quezon City.. It was raining hard and we were sleepy..

RCSPE / RACSPE Tree Planting at La Mesa Watershed

The Rotary Club of San Pedro East (headed by Pres. Mhon Brazas) and the Rotaract Club of San Pedro East (headed by Anthony Jasareno) travelled from San Pedro to Quezon city on a rainy Saturday of August 27 to donate and plant trees to the La Mesa Watershed. Rotarians and Rotaractors were oriented of the beginnings of the La Mesa Ecopark and Watershed, how important it is to preserve the environment, and of course, how to plant seedlings the proper way.

"Manong" (left) was the one who oriented us. And Sir Mhon (right) talked of the essence of the project.

On the way to the garden

We were taught how to plant seedlings properly.

The Rotarians with Pres. Mhon Brazas (Far left)

The Rotaractors with Pres. Anthony (holding the certificate)

You would think its hard to walk with those slippers in mind. But anyway, I enjoyed the project all in all. In fact, I think I didn’t mind the slippers at all.

And finally we were on our way home.

On our way home...

On a More Personal Note ^^

I have planted a tree once, that was in Subic like four years ago. I don’t know if that tree was able to grow or even survive. But, what the heck, we can always plant a new one!

I found fulfillment in the project. (Being a nature lover and part time environmentalist)

But aside from that, I enjoyed the pics as well. Here are some of them.

The comfort rooms at La Mesa Ecopark were indeed nice. (Hey, Ry! What ya doin' there?!)

As always...

Fail. This is so like the perfect shot! (Ryan!!)

Mr. President, are you using our banner as body cover??

I don't know what I'm doin' here...(I hope my slipper won't give in)

Bulate Girl Jho She can hold the earthworm, I can't!

It was indeed a day dedicated to unity, friendship, environment and others. (Well, there are many.) I can say it was fruitful. Going back to my slippers…

and it did survive!

After walking to wet and dry trails of earth and cement, I didn’t have to buy a new one. hehe.

Thanks for reading.

Intramuros and MOA Side Trip

I had a tiring Saturday evening, but I have to wake up early the next day because the president of our sponsoring Rotary Club (Sir Mhon) needed our assistance to accompany the group study exchange members from the United States.

The GSE members (Christine, Aimee, Cecilia and Ellen) with Pres. Mhon of Rotary Club of San Pedro East

The members of the Group Study Exchange program of the Rotary are from California. A day before they go home, we brought them to Manila and roamed them through the streets of Intramuros. It seems that I enjoyed the places as much as our visitors did!

It’s my first time to see the Manila Cathedral. I want to get in because it is believed that if it’s the first time for you to enter a different church; you can say a short prayer and make a wish. There was a mass at that time, so “no can do”. However, I enjoyed looking at it since this is one of the famous churches in the country.

Manila Cathedral.

The tower at Manila Cathedral. I love my shot.

At Palacio Del Gobernador (I'm really sorry po Sir C.. ♥)

The next stop was at Fort Santiago. I am still fascinated to go there even if I had countless of trips there when I was in elementary. I have a lot of respect for Jose Rizal, and I can feel his greatness when I go there.

Me at Fort Santiago

Me at the Calesa..

Me, tracing at the last "trails" of Rizal..

That's Juan and Ellen talking.. Yes, Juan may be silent, but he CAN speak the language..

There was music being played in the background and the  music are instrumental OPM songs. I love to hear them so much. I can feel the “Pinoy” feeling in the whole place.   The song that I remember being played was “Sana Maulit Muli.” It was really really nice.

We also have gone to this “I can’t remember the name” garden near the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). And then took some pictures. I haven’t seen this place before. It seems that this was one of the “tambayans” of our Rotarian president since it’s near PLM..   According to him, this was a place where soldiers stay. This is called “dungeon.”

Dungeons

That's Aimee, one of the GSE members

After the trip at the Intramuros, we went to Mall of Asia. Since this is, well, a large mall, we walked and walked and walked. But I enjoyed the sites and the talking as well.

I am super super hungry..

I thought I lost my camera here.. Juan was using it!

We reached the coastal area and again, took the liberty of taking pictures.

I don't have a LOT of pictures, do I?

Ellen, Aimee, Cecilia and Christine. ♥

We had a long day, and other things happened during the day. But I won’t tell you about that any longer. I think my GSE friends sure remember it. God is so good!

I enjoyed the trip. I really enjoy going places, and I enjoy doing it with friends. I’m sure there will be a lot of next times. Thanks for reading!

Lost Cowboys (Laguna Area Induction)

Cowboys were on the lose and were spotted at the Laguna Mass Area Induction of District 3820. RAC San Pedro East is one of the clubs which participated in the event. It was held at Villa Segovia Club House, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Different Rotaract Clubs in Laguna meet to introduce their new sets of officers and members for the Rotary year 2011-2012

RACSPE in their cowboy attire. Yeeha! (L to R standing - Elmer, Rtn. Asel, Jordan, PP Gucci, Chard, Pres. Anthony -seated- DRR Jaypee, Jeriz, Zen, Joy)

The club was headed by President Anthony and together with the officers and new members, they had taken time to pull out some stuff from their cabinets to be in line with the western theme, dressed as cowboys, cowgirls, and some unidentifiable and “in between”.

On a More Personal Note ^^

Since it was a western themed event, we ventured on taking a lot of pics during that evening.

This is a planned stolen shot.. ahehe

I really liked our name tags because, it looked like a badge that is just fit for the theme.

PP Gucci has just turned over the bell and gavel and the presidential collar to Anthony. (Thony said, it comes with a "curse"..hehe)

Hey, I am officially the secretary of our club!

Now this is a really irritating stolen shot by Ryan! But when I saw it, I smiled.

And I am the "pink" Jessie..

The year may have officially started for us. Good luck to the new set of officers and also to the new members of our club.

RACSPE Invades District Assembly 2011

Rotaract Club of San Pedro East delegates.

The Rotaract Club of San Pedro East headed by its president, Anthony Jasareno participates in this year’s District Assembly held on July 02-03,2011 at Balai Sadiaya Resort in Sariaya, Quezon. The event was  hosted by the Rotaract Clubs of Tiaong and Candelaria.

Sec. Zen, Pres. Anthony and VP Marny

As headed by the mentioned president, the club was represented by 11 members and a Rotarian from the Rotary Club of San Pedro East in the person of Asel Punzalan. The club received the “Biggest Delegation” award.

Biggest Delegation Award for RACSPE

The event was attended by the different Rotaract Clubs from District 3820 which compose of clubs from Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol area, Mindoro area, and others. Seminars and workshops have been given to the participants as they face the new Rotary year with the theme “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.”

During the Team-Building Activity

During the workshop.

My ID and Marny's

From left to right-- Dione, Noeme, Deza, Jeriz, Joanne, Zen, Anthony, Joy, Marny and Denise

On a More Personal Note ^^

There are a lot of ‘encounters’ I have braced. Hehe . But I think I’ll remember the stay there more as a bonding for the group and for meeting other people as well. Here are our other pictures.

I was super hungry here. But of course, I’ll take time to pose for pics like this.

I am super hungry and tired here.

We were having the team building activities here. The Ractors even brought the group name “Supsup” to the district event.

I don't know why this picture was like this. Anyway, Mabuhey for Thony!

I thought of this shot. They were very cooperative, well, except for these two!

Me and the guys..

And we were wearing the shirts from morning till evening. We are definitely not loyal wearing them. Ahaha.

We're still wearing the shirts til evening. Haha.

And that’s all. Thanks for reading. I’ll keep you posted on other Rotaract events.