The Kids Invaded the Military Camp!

One rainy afternoon, we hiked up the mountain of Alemmong where this pitiful military camp is situated. I almost cried at the sight. Is this how we treat the soldiers who guard the majestic Barlig landscape and people? My only consolation is that our town is so peaceful and quite, literally speaking. Thanks God, the men in uniforn are safe and sound!

Kiel at 9 years old tried the soldier's guitar. Come on son, show them that you're like mom who at tender age can strum the guitar. No member of the family leaves Barlig without serving in Church by playing the guitar! So so true...

The Commandant (sorry sir, I forgot your name!) of the military camp with his 2 aide d campo atop Almmong overlooking Gawana, the poblacion.

Why we went up? Ask me why? (byline barrowed frm Bro. Bo) Because we have to contact Baguio and Manila regarding my visa! So remote is our town that we have to find some place to hang our cellphones to connect to the outside world, hehehe

Overlooking Samoki

At Teng-ab, Bontoc, Mountain Province. The road through sitio Samoki is bound for Barlig, crossing first the Chico River.

Teng-ab is where the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe offices are located. The 5 buildings that housed these offices were built through the efforts of our dear Bishop Francisco Claver, SJ.

I happened to be there upon the invitation of my friend Tina who's nephew is a priest there. The panoramic view is so refreshing despite the very hot Bontoc weather!

A Friend Indeed

My financial consultant Tina Ipan and me in Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province.

How pity is the jeep that carries many peope enroute to the provincial capital, yet zigzagging the rough, long and winding road. It's not an unusual sight anyway because in our mountaineous places, everybody climbs the top of a jeep just so to reach Bontoc!

Those feathery smoke behind are not really clouds! They are the vapors of the hot springs below, yo!

My Family

Dad, Mom, Paulito, Nikki and Kiel.

They are the inspiration of my life as ever and ever. How could I live without them? God knows how I really missed them. They maybe far far away from me but the distance is not a bondage of a conquering heart.

Life is really a mystery. .. the pains, the joys, the sufferings, the love... endures forever!

Nicole and Ezekiel

My kids during the graduation of their cousin Paulito Mandia, BS Biology at Saint Louis University, Baguio City.

Nikki requested to wear the toga because she's also a graduate daw ng Grade VI. Her ambition to follow the footsteps of Ito will be granted, God willing.

Kiel as usual was in his naughty mode! Always making faces everytime he's on cam. Kakatuwa talaga sila.

Chona in Hongkong

I always say to my friend Chona that sometimes life is not fair. We have this common interest in running an internet shop. But where did it brought us? To the doom of dooms, in the crutches of debts. So, here we go to greener pastures hoping to be unburdened with our heavy loads.

I can still remember the long nights in our respective shops without enough money for taxi fare! Grabe, pero nakakapagkape naman sa Dunkin Donuts just to pass the time away evaluating daily activities. Nakakamis din ang companionship namin. Nagdadamayan ba.

My friend, be of good cheer always. Malalagpasan din natin lahat ng hirap na dinadanas natin. Let your family be your inspiration to move on and God take control of your life.

Freakish Alien in Singapore

Here’s a pic of my webmaster in his most freakish way. He’s such so so alien to my world of tranquility but not lost in the bonds of my magic wand. In his own words he said:

“Singapornication (adj:; noun; - country, another Tiny and Big city in Asia, peaceful country but take your own risk, clean city but beggars are like animals on the street when evening fall.) It is a hiding place of a lost man, a man who dreamed something big and be a big time trader someday who played a big role in US stock market by his magical gapping(japanese candle) techniques. A man who PACK his things and found another place to run , hide and escape the world full of beaurucracy and stupidity. A man who is enjoying being 30 something ...”

Thank you my friend and may you reach your dreams soonest. Godbless!

They Keep Me Alive

My family is my backbone. Without them, where could I be? Many struggles have come and gone in my life but they are always there for me. Hindi ko na talaga matatawaran ang kanilang unconditional love. My only regret is that I'm so reserve to show that I love them more than they ever know. Only God knows how I care and love them.

Our pic was taken by an American Linguist Ms. Flattery just after the Parent's Day when I was 8 years old. In the pic are dad and mom, Lourdes, Iluminada, Conrad, Grace and Asuncion.

My Reason for Living

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder." Whoever said this quotation is precisely right.

When I'm far away from my kids, I can feel that I miss them so much. There's that abundant love stuck in my heart which I'm possesively holding. I can feel that they love me too.

It really hurts when you're with them, embracing, hugging and kissing them but apparently an invisible wall is present to iluminate that LOVE with one another. So it's also true that my kids are so near and yet so far. I know why but still resist to understand maybe because of a deeper sense of protecting their future as much as I could. I should be reserved, strong and brave.

Whatever I would say would not justify the distance apart in the eyes of my kids. I just hope and pray that very soon we'll be together as one family. And I know deep in my heart that they will understand and forgive me. My family is the love of my life and the reason for my leaving and living!

(The 2 cogon houses are the only ones left in my hometown, Barlig, Mountain Province, Philippines. Something should be done to preserve them. Take note my kababayans: What will we do? Will we allow these houses to just vanish?)

Megaworld in My Hand

When I was back home, I tried realty with full of enthusiasm. But the lackluster support from the people behind the projects snatched away that feeling. I failed right there and then. Can I blame myself? Partly yes. I could have strive to succeed but chosen not.

And now in Korea, I will try again. Who knows, with the full support of Megaworld and my friend Dinah, could I go wrong once again? This remains to be seen. What matters is that I have this chance to become a realtor with the right people, the right company, the right time and most of all my right attitude!

This pic was taken at the Hamilton Hotel during the launching of Megaworld Corp. in Korea last February 10, 2007. Philippine Ambasadress Castrense with Filipino aspiring realtors.

CBO 12th Anniversary

The Cordillera Brotherhood Organization in Korea which boosts the biggest number of members among Filipino organizations here celebrated their 12th Foundation Anniversary at the Itaewon Hotel last February 10, 2007.

Consul Jed who gave the inspirational message has stressed that Cordillerans are known to be independent but interdependent. Whatever others may perceived, he's ablsolutey right. However, we still believe that no man is an island.

Being one of the advisers of said organization for quite sometime, I'm proud to say that we have overcome the test of time in Korea. Kudos to our past presidents like Jimmy Lim and Libby Cabaradilla who with all bravery survived the various crackdowns of illegal workers. And of course to all the members. Keep up the good works. Only God will reward you of your selfless service to others.

I believe the present officers led by Pres. Basan Biligen have seen, heard and felt the challenge of their lives as leaders of the CBO. Just be good always and God will give you the courage and strength to lead.

English Craze

These Korean kids are joining the craze to learn the English language! What the heck about it? I could tutor them the best I could but they're having much difficulties. Their parents like them to cram a series of books without knowing first the basics! Poor little ones.

I observed that our Filipino authored English books are excelent in comparison with the foreign books I'm using to teach these kids.

With regards to the english craze, Korean housewives are nuts in requiring Filipinas to be nannies, housekeepers and babysitters with university diplomas and fluent in english (and lol, with American or British accents!) Very funny and pitiful that's why they are being rediculed online.

The EMCEEs

This is the 4th time that I've been one of the emcees of such celebration. I feel elated siyempre. Thanks to Doc Emely for the opportunity, ako'ng naging immediate substitute. And it seems nothing have changed with the way we have handled the task. It's a mess. There was no preparation. It's my first time to meet the good priest from Columbia who was task to interpret in Korean and Spanish. Naubos ata ang English ko! With me is Fr. Pablo and Roger Amboy of the Hyehwadong Choir.

International Migrants' Day

SOLAL is the Korean word for the Chinese New Year. It's timely too for the International Migrants' Day Celebration every year at the Dongsong auditorium. This yearly event is sponsored by the International Migrants' Center under the auspicies of the Archdiocese of Seoul in cooperation with the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community. A program was held wherein a singing contest with big prizes were at stake. Contestants from Bolivia, China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines have given their bests. And of course and as usual, Filipinos won. Snacks and gifts were also distributed! How blessed we are!

In the pic are Fr. Jack of the Migrants Center, Fr. Andrew of the Pastoral Labor Community and Fr. Glen of Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community. (February 11, 2007)

The Challenge Remains

It's a great pleasure to be with the company of two distinguish people in Korea, Consul and Second Secretary Juan E. Dayang Jr. and Sr OWWA Elizabeth Estrada at a French Restaurant in Itaewon. Although my stomach was not "full to the brim" (sorry consul kasi I'm not used to eating such delicacies eh, yummmy!) my mind was "full with info".

The lunch, courtesy of Consul JED, was supposed to be a meeting with regards to plans of creating a website for the embassy and POLO but more issues and concerns were raised. Nakaka-challenge! Same old perennial story with elusive solutions? Why is it so? Ask me and I'll tell you bluntly!

The Noksapyeong Station

In my background is the top of a 4 story subway station I used to commute almost everyday from work to home. And mind you, the most beautiful architectural designed subway station I've seen in Korea. It's just at the foot of Itaewon Road, the commercial district for foreigners and walking distance to the Philippine Embassy.

Ironic but true. Itaewon Road is like Session Road in Baguio City, Philippines. Mas maganda nga lang ang Session Road sa totoo lang!

Healthy or Unhealthy?

Take a look, it's very deceiving talaga! And I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Sa dami ba naman ng pagkain sa hapag kainan eh. Who would dare reject the delicious foods? Definitely not me in fairness to the birthday celebrant, Edgar, inside our humble abode in Itaewon 2-dong, Seoul. I won't even like to hear matataba to describe us, mas ok pa ang malulusog!

Whom you're kidding, girl! Aminin mo ng matakaw ka!! Grabe !!! Disiplina lang ang kailangan.

(Me, Doc Emely, Edgar and OWWA Cynthia)

Just the Best of Friends?

No doubt about that! But please correct me if I'm wrong hehehe... Whom can I turn to in time of distress in a foreign land kung hindi sa kanila di ba? Jojo and Edgar are my friends since then binded by our common compassion to do the weekly Sambayanan Newsletter and do voluntary works in the community.
The pic was taken in Shindaebang, Seoul while waiting for a marathon interview with one prospect employer who's seemingly confused with his business. Up to this writing, wala pang development sa interview. I'll just hope and pray that he'll succeed.

Korea Once Again

Now here I come Korea! Pic was shot at the Inchon International Airport last January 5, 2007 after 3 years of hibernation in our Bayang Magiliw. With me is Ptr. Victor de Ocampo who is instrumental in my journey back. (Thanks a lot Pastor for not failing me. Rest assured that I'll be of help in whatever means I could by the grace of God.)

By coming back, there's that unthinkable purpose I must understand with all humility. Please help me find what is it for my life is too short to live.

True Blue Son of Amway in Manila!

The 9th Amway Anniversary held at the Hotel Philippines Plaza last Oct 14, 2006 has its special guest, Doug De Vos, the President of Alticor. He's dad and Van Andel's legacy lives on up to the present times.

His presence is electrifying that I can't resist to push myself to the aisle and have a pic with him sana but my niece Chirit who's close beside me was so slow to get the shot! Kaya ako na lang ang kumuha ng pic na ito at close range.

Kerygma's Bo Sanchez

I just happened to pass by a hardware store along Session Rd. and there I saw this poster announcing Keryma's anniversay at the Baguio Convention Center (Oct. 13). I'm not so familiar with Kerygma but with Bo Sanchez? He's a GEM.

I'm a Kapamilya that's why I don't know he has a program at Channel 9. What interest me is his poscript in the book Think Rich, Pinoy!

While the program was going on, I texted my friend jojo in Manila whom I know got inspired by Bo Sanchez. So there I find myself taking a pic with the man to show jo that I was not joking when I said that I'm with his idol face to face.

Rare Chance Photo Op

Last October 8 and 7, 2006 we had this rare chance to have a pic with our upline Diamond Ali at the UP Theater, Diliman, Quezon City. That was my 2nd time to attend a Weekend Seminar by Network 21. I professed then to renew my earnest desire to go diamond ASAP!

With us is Noelle who's so excited since it was her first time to attend the WES. So new to the N21, she's shown that much enthusiasm to fulfill a dream.

Ezekiel's favorite color is red

Ezekiel's clothes are hands-me-down from cousins (I can't afford to buy new ones!). It's very obvious that his favorite color is indeed red. I've noticed that long time ago. He's a fighter with fist like that of his idol Paquiao.

The pic was taken during the reception of his uncle Owel Mataag's wedding at the BSU gym. Nakakaloka dahil he always make a scene!

My Son w/ Mom

Irresistable Jolibee! Through the eyes of my son, Ezekiel, Jolibee is the place to be whenever they come to Baguio City. Courtesy of his Tita Cion, we went there. He maybe at times naughty and nuts, yet he's the apple of our eyes.

Puwede na ba ako?

Just take a look at the pics kung puwede ba akong mag-DH, nanny or caregiver kaya sa ibang bansa? Help me look for a job naman abroad please? I tried doing business dito sa atin pero parang wa epek eh. Di kaya ng powers ko, grabe! Sinubukan ko na rin ang insurance, traditional business at pati MLM!

The TRIO of www.sambayanan-korea.net

The humble beginnings of the sambayanan-korea.net is worth remembering. It always put a smile on my lips, a glow on my face and a live spirit in my heart. The friendship born out of the website of Jun Torrano, Arlene Tolentino and yours truely is meant to be forever! And it is.

The pic was taken during one consultation meeting at POPEYE, Hyehwadong, Seoul Korea sometime in year 2002. (Medyo payat pa ako nun! hehehe)

Nicole

My daughter Nikki during her First Holy Communion at the St. Michaels Parish. She's apparently grown-up at 11 years old. Born in Korea iyan. Beauty like mom ba?

The church was newly renovated, evolved to this amazing place of worship strategically situated in the heart of Barlig, Mountain Province. It was made possible courtesy of a 2M donation of one Barligian nurse in the USA- from the ever loving Chaluyan family.

The Untiring Priest w/ the Golden Heart

Yes he is! Ask everyone in Korea and they'll point you to the same man, the Priest of All Season. No one can never deny his unconditional love in spreading the Good News. OFWs, especially the TNT's are so blessed to have him in their midst. I strongly attest to the truth of it as having been one of the church volunteers in Hyehwadong, Korea under his care. Saludo lahat sa iyo padre, be in the best of health to continue God's mission!

Thanks, I could access to the revived Sambayanan Online once again. Congratulations to the new Sambayanan Online Development Team, may you find more passion and determination to keep up the SODT Spirit alive.

The Consul In Action

So youthful as you can see yet he's now the Vice Consul and Third Secretary at the Philippine Embassy in Korea. He's a model, an icon in his own right! And I'm much privilege that he considers me a friend.

I firmly believe that his ultimate dream as Consul is to uplift the living situation of OFWs in Korea especially the TNTs. More power and Godbless sir!

A Taste of Rockwell thru Amway

Cocktail Party at Rockwell where the supposedly elites usually go. But not anymore, either you're Poor Dad or Rich Dad, the likes of Rockwell is your place to be too. How? Ask me.

My niece Clarisse is with me. She's lucky that night to be rubbing elbows with aspiring Diamonds. Her first step to Manila was indeed memorable. Inspired so to speak!

ALL GOING DIAMOND

If you have a Dream, you can't just resist the idea of going Diamond! So what about you? Join ka na sa amin.

See these batch of aspiring Diamonds? They have a lot to share with you, better listen to them and don't miss the opportunity to earn passive income while HELPING OTHERS LIVE BETTER LIVES! (It's AMWAY with NETWORK 21, Richie!)

SILVER, GOLD,EMERALD and others?

Silver and Gold have I none, neither is Emerald nor Diamond but I have dreams to fulfill ... and I'm going there in due time ... in God's time!

Amway leaders to follow: Silver Garry, Emerald Nixon, Gold Mark, Power Leg Leader Ben and others (that's me and my niece, huh!). All at Rockwell during the Night with Diamond Ali Ghanadan.

ALI sets it ALL in the Philippines

I could not just imagine how a foreigner, least an Iranian-American, would set the standard to Filipino Amway IBOs in our very own land in reaching the Diamond level!

Ali Ghanadan was conferred the Diamondship trophy at Rockwell Hotel last April 22, 2006. He is indeed an ultimate leader who has the heart for Filipinos. Dare to challenge him? Join us!

Trying my luck in Real State

With me are Eriq of OFW Land Inc., Shelby of Prime Peak and a friend. Would a field trip to one Prime Peak property along Marcos Hi-way entice me to join the bandwagon of realtors? The book Think Rich, Pinoy by Larry Gamboa inspired me to have a look at this kind of entrepreneurship. Let's see...

LT Farmland

This is supposed to be the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad but hey, we see flowers around! With me are Batanguena beauties all the way from Batangas one super summer day in March 2006. It was a privilege to be their host as I was able to visit most tourist spots in Baguio in a day! The day was so hot and tiring yet the beauties enjoyed their quick visit to the City of Pines!

My Friend's Wife and Kid

Renz, the cute boy, was inside her mother's womb when we parted ways in Korea sometime late 2002. Her mom (glenne) said he's a look-a-like of his dad (jojo) but I don't think so!

What a surprise when they texted me that they are right here in Baguio City, at sa Cathedral pa! So I have to rush and cancel some of my appointments to meet them. Wowwow what a feeling!

Class 76

It's very rare that Grade VI Klasmytes are meeting for the first time in such a long long time, say 30 years? And this was realized only last January 7, 2006! What a transformation in faces, for the better ha? hehehe

(Saroy, Bonjing, Precy, Erin, Mencia, Nida, Bardin, Gillay & Chusi)

Look At Them!

That's exactly what I was talking about in my previous postings. Aren't the igorot customs pleasing to the eyes worn by children?

This pic was taken during the 24th Barlig Family Annual Anniversary at Freedom Park, Baguio City last January 7, 2006.

Waw-wang as in Wow-wang!

This waw-wang (river), Ekep, is just a small part of the Tanudan river in Barlig. There exist a big rock at the upper portion of the river then when we used it as diving board. I almost break my head because I don't know how to dive! That's my first and last attempt to dive!

Ekep then was so clean where we spent most of our swimming days especially during summer time. So don't wonder why every Barligian knows how to swim! The exotic Eels also exist before.

And now? Very disgusting, ekep is so dirty that no one can even wash clothes there. I was informed that DOH is not doing anything! The re-greening program is in vain either. There's lack of guidelines to the people and no visible personnel to impliment the rules. Can we just turn a blind eye to what's transpiring?

The "Penet"

This is a rare classification of the strawberry family called in Barlig as "penet". They are sweet when ripe but unsavory when green. They are considered wild as they grow anywhere. This picture was taken along a ricefield paddy.

After taking the picture, I picked up the red ones and eat as we usually did when we were kids!

Planting Rice in December

So cold was the weather just after Christmas, Dec. 26, 2005, but folks must have to plant the fields. It's only the second day of fair weather after a month long rainy days in Barlig.

The background is the majestic front portion of the 3rd highest mountain in the country, Mt. Amuyao!

I was amaze that many mountaineers from various parts of the world and even locally are hiking the mountain. Congratulations to the newly formed eco-tourism organization that keeps promoting the site. (Kudos Alex Cotaran and Company!)

The Cogon House in Extinction

It's a pity that these types of houses are in extinction! Perhaps if some cause-oriented groups or the government will do something to preserve them. We might be lossing our great heritage wide awake!!

My kids and their cousins taking a pose after visiting their lola at Pet-ag, Latang, Mountain Province.

My Family

This pic was taken the night before I left home for Baguio, December 28, 2005 at our humble sala in Barlig, Mountain Province. It was so cold but I only worn t-shirt! (you can't see because I was the photographer then, huh!)

Dad, Mom, cousin Donna, my daughter Nikki, niece Diane and my son Kiel.

Who's she?

Let me see if you can compare the two pic.

When I went home for the Christmas Holiday, I found these pictures in a bulk of many inside a box. I got them because they still look great to my eyes and I would like them to share with you.

What can you say?

Cordilove In the Office

I do love to pose for pics anytime, anywhere ... does it show?

Why? Because they say I smile a lot that wins anyone! hahaha (how conceited, tho I'm really not!)

The Grepalife-Baguio Family

Things couldn't just go wrong if you're with Grepalife-Baguio! Look at these faces, they're the faces that will brighten your future if you're willing to let them. It could be done!

Handycraft Model?

I'm just trying the igorot crafts if it fits me, huh! It would be my great privilege if I would be given the chance to model them. Any offers anywhere?

My Klasmyts 2

They are my LPN classmates with our very beautiful Ms. Jovi, our reviewer.

First pic was taken in front of the Santo Nino Hospital, Baguio City just after lunch kaya makikita ninyo na busog na busog kami, di ba?

Second pic, with the other classmates at Dencio's Resto, Camp John Hay, courtesy of Dr. Manuel as a treat to us especially to mam Jovi because it's our last day of review.

Woven Baskets, Carved Spoons & Forks

Here are just samples of our ethnic products which up to these date are being used. One could taste the food on the table to the fullest by using them! Yummmmy...