MY ADVOCACIES

The activities that I have participated and organized that are in line with my advocacies...

TRAININGS I'VE ATTENDED

The trainings, summits, conferences and other activities that I have attended...;

MY ADVENTURES

The places that I have been to, foods that I have tasted and things that I have discovered ...

MEETING PEOPLE

Very important people that I have met in conferences, summits, and other activities that I have joined in ...

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Archive for 2011

Written by oyyvernie in


Japanese Roads

Konichiwa Nihon!

It's my second time in Japan. And i've noticed more things than I have during my last year's sojourn in the land of the rising sun. I'll be blogging my observations from time to time.

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Silent, clean, organized--these words describe the roads in Japan.
Blowing of horns are seldom heard; free of pollution; very clean (i haven't seen even a small candy wrapper in the streets); there's NO TRAFFIC; and their road signs are amazing (see photos).


They have bicycle lanes and speed limit signs. (and i guess the lowest circle means "no stopping", im not that sure, I haven't confirmed it yet)

That sign probably means "no jaywalking" (not sure HEHE). We also have that in the Philippines but some of us don't bother following it, except when there's a CITOM officer around who's going to ask fees from those people who are not following traffice rules.
They can park their bicycles in a certain place. Do we have this at home? Probably not because majority of us ride jeepney in going to our places of destination.

In almost every corner of the streets, there are mirrors so that the driver who's going to pass the intersection will know if there's a car approaching.


They have smoking spots. Many of us smoke everywhere (except in Davao where smoking is prohibited). XD

I don't know if they're repairing the road or what. I just find it amazing to see Japanese people working (with machines making their work easier)



That's it for now. More observations will be posted soon. :)

Written by oyyvernie in


Blogging 101: Introduction & Opportunities

Written by oyyvernie in


Philippine National Academy Cadet Admission Test

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          About twenty-one thousand aspiring policemen took the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Cadet Examination Test (CAT) yesterday, October 30, 2011 at the different testing centers all over the country.

            I was one of those who took the exam. We were required to be at the Apas National High School, the testing center for Cebu Province, at 7AM. On my way to the testing center, I have met another girl who’s also going to take the exam. When she said she brought all the requirements, I was a little worried. The applicants were to bring 2X2 picture, a black ballpen, a Mongol 2 pencil, a self-stamped window envelope and any proof of identification. I only knew about the requirements the night before the exam on facebook. I became a member of the PNPA facebook group page just the day before the exam.  It was not posted on the PNPA website, but the requirements were stated in the Notice of Examination. I have not received any NOE. What’s posted on the PNPA website is if we can see our names in the master list and we haven’t received any NOE, we should go to the testing center at 7AM on the examination day. So, I only brought the requirements that I can secure (2x2 picture, ballpen and pencil). 

When we arrived at the testing center, I found out that there were a lot of applicants who have no self-stamped envelope. After my NOE was given, my newly-found friend and I looked for a store that sells window envelopes and we found one. I bought five window envelopes (without stamps, they are only bought at the post office) and gave the extra four to those who have not bought. 

            Before an aspiring cadet can take the exam, PNPA cadets would measure his or her height. Sadly, those aspirants who have not reached the standard height [5’2” for females and 5’4” for males] were not allowed to enter the examination rooms. I was one of them, damn. We were instructed to wait for the Chief proctor. We waited for like an hour before they allowed us to enter. Pity.

The examination lasted for 3 hours; we started at 9:15AM and ended at 12:15PM. The exam tested our communication skills, logical and reasoning ability, knowledge in Math and Sciences, and in general information and current events, and our values and aptitude for the service. 

After the exam, I went directly to McDo to eat lunch. There, I took a little time to reflect.  Yes, they let me took the exam. But if I passed, I still have to undergo the medical examination where my height will be measured again. And I think I’m just 5’1”, so, apparently, I won’t be admitted to the academy.

I had a conversation with some of the exam takers in the afternoon. I had a chance to chat with a PNPA cadet who hid his identity on facebook [but I know his real name] as Anne Known because he wanted himself to be unknown to the members of the PNPA facebook page. 

his name speaks daw for the unknown



future underclass daw sabi nya..
aantayin mo 'ko sir? baka hindi tayo magkita. underheight ako eh. hahaha




my tagalog speaking skills unleashed!! hahaahah

 He said he was one of the proctors and that in their testing center, the papers of those who are underheight were marked DQ or disqualified. Harsh. Why did they let them take the exam when in the first place, they’re already disqualified? They’re just giving false hopes.

sakit!
In the exam, we were asked about our primary reason of entering into the academy, and my answer was TO MAKE MY FAMILY PROUD. Well, I took the exam to sate my brothers’ wants. I actually never planned to take it. 

Serving others has always been a passion, but I know I can serve my fellowmen in other ways; not solely by becoming a police officer. I’ve seen myself working in an NGO and initiating or participating programs for the betterment of the masses. Also, I’ve seen myself working in a law firm assisting a lawyer/s in defending the oppressed. I’m a girl with a noble character and a soft heart, they say. HAHAHA

sooo me :D

The examination results will be posted on the PNPA Website two or three months from now. Perchance, December or January. Whatever the result is, I will be happy. 

Written by oyyvernie in


personal blog post: unexpectedly unexpected

1:30AM Here I am again, unintentionally waking up at dawn...

Yesterday, many unexpected things have happened.


ECON

We checked our papers for the midterm exams in class. I really felt ashamed because I knew that I will get a very low score. I studied the theories, not the formulas, and most of the items needs to be solved! It’s a 40-item test and I expected my score to be 10 since there were only more or less 10 theories. 

Miss Abellana called me and handed me my test paper. POOOOF! When I saw my score, I was like “is this my test paper????? O.O” I got 31/40. Unbelievable, isn’t it? I wasn’t sure of my answers jud. waaaaaaa. Thank you, Lord.


POL SCI

Because I got the highest score last premidterm exams, everyone’s calling me “topnotcher”. I’m not used to it. HAHAHA.  And, I don’t want to be called that way because I don’t want others to expect highly of me. Our teacher calls us names perhaps because he still can’t memorize all our family names. Before, I was called “Powerpuff Girl”. AWWWW.

At the start of the class, Sir Rejene said, “Naraja, Patrocenio, Domasis and Uy, see me after class.” I asked, “unsa naman pud among nabuhat sir?” 

After the class. BANG. We were assigned to facilitate the activities for Wednesday and Friday since Sir Rejene will be absent. He will be taking his exams for his masters on Wednesday and Thursday. WAA. O.o It’s weird that he assigned the tasks to LGM MAJORS when it is a POLSCI subject. He should’ve assigned those to the POLSCI majors, ayt? HMMMM.

ABAKADA

After my Pol Sci class, I headed directly to UP high to watch the much awaited opening of the Lingo ng Wika. To witness the ABAKADA of Chatch’s batch was the main reason why I went there. I love their batch. They were first years when I was in fourth year. =D

The two senior sections BOCOBO and GONZALEZ will be competing for the awards: best production, best direction, best in props, best actresses and actors.

I really liked the concept of Gonza. They started with a scene wherein Shanelle, who played the role of a young modern Filipina girl, was dreaming that there was a big book of History (the book was made of back drafts made creatively). She opened the book, and everything that happened in our history came to life: the Spanish, Japanese and American colonization and the time when these colonizers have not set foot in our archipelago!

Bocobo’s concept, on the other hand, started with Malakas and Maganda coming out of a Bamboo. They lived as Katutubos until the colonizers came, changed their religion, took away their freedom and abused them. Though they were harsher than Gonza’s actors, their ending was a good one: the Katutubos revenged and got their freedom. It was more or less the same as ours back in high school. =D

During the announcement of winners, Aljohn and I seated with the seniors. Of course, I wanted to know what the results are because I want to celebrate with them! (oooyyy, nakikisawsaw) Although Aljon insisted that we go to the Guidance room to eat, I forced him to stay. FORCED, really.

Best production, Best Direction, and Best in Props: these awards UNEXPECTEDLY went to Bocobo. All of us were thinking that Gonzales would win! I even told one student from Gonza after they performed “Daog namo.” BUT I WAS WROOOONG!

However, Best in Actress (Shaera Rosales), Best Supporting Actress (Shiprah Belonguel), Best Actor (Cadao), and Best Supporting Actor(Loiue) went to Gonzales.

KUDOS SENIORS! 

Here are some of my photos during "OUR" ABAKADA:

sakit bai! it hurts!

kalupitan ng mga español


pananakop ng amerikano


pang best actress ou!

KALAYAAAAAAN!!!

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Waaa! A day full of unexpected happenings.

Written by oyyvernie in


Pnoy’s SONA: A Testimony of Promises? or a Testimony of Hope?

Our Political Science teacher required us to write about our comments regarding President Noynoy Aquino's second State of the Nation Address (SONA). The points that he missed and my opinions regarding some important things are as follows:


PNoy started off with the decrease in the self-rated hunger of the Filipinos from 20.5% to 15.1%--- that’s 5.4% for this year alone. If that will continue, by 2014 the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which is to “eradicate poverty and hunger” will be realized. If not, we only have 3 years and a few months to achieve it.

He pointed out the need to improve education but failed to mention about the increasing tuition fees in state colleges and universities [which resulted to rallies of different student organizations across the country].

He mentioned the Certificate of Entitlement to Lot Allocation for the military and the policemen. Has he thought about housing plans for the poor especially those living in congested places like Manila? If he has not, should they all rely on Gawad Kalinga then?

According to PNoy, security enhances our national pride. But he did not talk about the security of the journalists who, because of the nature of their jobs, are very prone to abuses, kidnappings, etc. How is the government going to protect them?

Also, he did not present the ways on how he would negotiate with the 6 countries who are claiming that the Spratly group of islands is theirs. I believe they are doing whatever they can regarding this dispute but for the sake of transparency, the president should have mentioned it.

Furthermore, he failed to mention about the CARP, a reform present even when his mom was still in office.  

He also failed to discuss about the growing unemployment rate of the country and the widespread labor outsourcing of some companies. And, he emphasized more about attracting foreign investors when it is also important to attract the local ones.

He mentioned the irregular spending on calamity funds but failed to present his ways of going after those who are responsible. Would he let them indemnify for the damages that they have caused? 

Regarding his plans of compensating the informal settlers for taking care of the plants that were planted in the mountains, has he thought of giving them a formal settlement?

Inventions made by Filipino scientists were also mentioned but i guess he failed to realize that most of our scientists (even our teachers and other well-trained professionals) are going abroad. Foreigners are the ones who benefit from most of their inventions, not us. He must have thought of ways on how to encourage our great talents to stay and serve the country who needs them most.

Before he ended his SONA, he said that he wants us to put an end to our crab mentality. Isn’t it so hard to change a culture that has been there since Rizal’s time?

Our president is but human. He has lapses, of course. But he should bear in mind that there are a lot of counter elite in our political system who are watching his every move. It’s a challenge for our president to put his plans to actions, do what he says and practice whatever his advocacies are. I presume that you have read the SONA. With the criticisms presented above, the question now is: is the SONA just a testimony of promises or a testimony of hope? You be the judge.

Written by oyyvernie in


Dayon 2011: Hello Carolinians!

CAROLINIANS!
Have you heard about DAYON 2011? It’s a week long activity organized by the USC Supreme Student Council that welcomes Carolinians back to the University of San Carlos.

The USC SSC is inviting you to join the following events:

Opening Mass on June 13, 2011 at the Chapel- Main Campus
Battle of Wits on June 15, 2011 at the Engineering Lobby – Talamban Campus
Variety Show on June 16, 2011 - Talamban Campus
HELLO FLAIRE @ THE TENT, HELLO CONCERT and HELLO PARTY AT THE TENT on June 17, 2011 – Talamban Campus

There will be different booths at the Engineering Lobby in Talamban Campus and Wrocklage Yard in the Main Campus.


About Hello Flaire @ the Tent:

Hello Flaire @ the Tent would be on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the USC Talamban Campus Covered Courts from 1-5pm. Dance Revolution, Basketball and more in store for you at the tent!


 About Hello Concert:

The Hello Concert is for FREE. It will happen in the Talamban Campus Soccer Field on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 5:30pm featuring our very own Carolinian Acoustic Bands. "EXPERIENCE OUR VERY OWN CAROLINIAN TALENTS. THE BEST WAY TO START THE YEAR..."


Hello Concert is for FREEEEEE!


About Hello Party @ the tent:

The HELLO PARTY @ THE TENT will be held at the USC Talamban Campus Covered Court on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 5pm-11pm. Gift packs from the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or IPI will be given away. Mr. and Ms. IPI will also be chosen during the event. And since IPI is one of the sponsors, Paul Jake Castillo is attending! Tickets are already available at PHP140.00 for the first 400 "CAROLINIAN PARTY PEOPLE" until June 15, 2011, 11AM. The 2nd batch of ticket would be at PHP220 each. It’s the first ever tent party in the University and in Cebu that includes games, raffles, freebies and more! Grab your tickets now! You may contact Mariejo Sevilla at 09333129125 more details.


Hello Party @ the tent tickets now available at P140.00

PRE-SHOW BANDS:

  • COUNTERPOISE MINORA
  • DROP DECAY
  • GESTALT
  • MIND FOOL
  • PURPLE KUSH
  • SHEPHERD'S PLAID
  • SHUT UP! MARIA
  • VENICE
  • DYMPHNA
MAIN BANDS:

  • POWERSPOONZ!! :)
  • DANCE WITH ME KRIS
  • ATAS ft. IAN TAYAO of QUESO
  • SHUFFLED
  • THE LINE DIVIDES

SEE YOU THERE, CAROLINIANS!

Written by oyyvernie in , ,


CYLS Babies participate in Kapamilya Tree Planting Activity

After one week, the CYLS (Cebu Young Leaders Summit) delegates, or CYLS babies as we call ourselves, met again to participate in the ABS-CBN and DYAB-Abante Pa Bisaya Kapamilya Tree Planting Activity at Cabangkalan, Jubay, Lilo-an, Cebu last June 4, 2011. The event is in cooperation with the Municipality of Lilo-an and Metropolitan Cebu Water District. Other participants were members of the Association of concerned texters, NSTP students of UC Banilad, Philippine Army, etc.

Kaming mga CYLS Babies at si Genny Lopez Jr.
 
Supposedly, those CYLS babies who live in the south of Cebu should meet in USC Main at 5:00am. Unfortunately, the bus arrived late. When we got to ABS-CBN station at Jagobiao, Mandaue, the bus which should be used to transport us to Lilo-an already left so we had to commute.
at ABS-CBN


PIOLO ASKAAAAALLLL!!!
we had to commute ;D
it's raining men! it rained when we arrived at Lilo-an

 While others were planting, I was… taking pictures :D

ang photoshoot: modern jose rizal and andres bonifacio
 
We got interviewed by Maayong Buntag Kapamilya!

nganong importante man ang kahoy, Baxs?

It’s so nice to see my co-delegates again. What’s more fulfilling is that it was not just an ordinary reunion: we did something to help mother earth. I hope the seedlings that we planted will grow as sturdy trees that would prevent flood, shelter animals, and provide life to our now bald mountains.  And, as these seedlings grow, may we, the youth, also grow as dependable individuals and be the hope of our nation.

ang mga dakilang tree growers
CYLS BABIES who were there:

Written by oyyvernie in ,


The 2nd Cebu Young Leaders Summit

Last June 27-29, I joined the 2nd Cebu Young Leaders Summit as one of the representatives of the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence. There I met youth leaders from different schools, mostly members of the Supreme Student Government, and some SK Chairpersons of different barangays in Cebu City.
The CYLS delegates with Ms. Rachelle Dangin, Mr. Chris Tio, Mr. Jules Bungcaras and Mr. Mike Lopez
 
At the summit, we met influencial people like the AYLC Director Mr. Monchito Mossesgeld, an economics teacher from USC whom I look up to and is one of my idols Mr. Miguel Antonio Garcia, the former National Youth Commissioner Mr. Mike Lopez, a successful entrepreneur who also works in the government Mr. Chris Tio, and a justice advocate who’s part of the International Justice Movement Mr. Jules Bungcaras. 
Mr. Monchito Mossesgeld gives a talk on servant-leadership

The four panelists with the moderator, Ms. Elisabeth Baumgart
Mr. Miguel Antonio Garcia talked about leadership branding
 
We listened to talks on servant-leadership, self awareness, and leadership branding. And for the first time, the CYLS delegates had the experiential learning education through Kool Adventure Camp activities (i.e. Trolley Walk, Find a Tree, Great Egg Drop, Land mines, and Initiative Wall). We, the delegates surely would not forget what we have experienced because per Aristotle “we learn by doing things”.
Through the visions that we have, we made our personal commitments.
FVC


self-awareness acitivity


LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE CEBU YOUNG LEADERS SUMMIT:
  •  Know your greatest passion; what makes you happy; and what makes you get out of bed in the morning.
  • The best tool in leadership is YOU.
  • When someone argues with you, don’t argue with him too. Instead, ask him to help you understand his point.
  • Don’t keep what you have learned to yourself- share it to others.
  • Take a stand. “If you stand on something, you won’t fall for anything.”
  • Take a breather. Stop and re-evaluate what you’re doing.
  • Learn what to do and what not to do. Learn from mistakes. Do not let your mistakes in the past ruin your future.
  • Go out. The more you keep yourself out there, the more chances of learning.
  • Level off. Encourage people yet at the same time stay grounded.
  • Go back to the basics: be a good student first before being a good leader; you can’t give what you don’t have; a lot is expected from a leader and; there’s nothing worthwhile in life that comes easy
  • Happiness= what you are good at + what challenges you + what gives you meaning
  • We learn by doing things.
  • As a leader, you should know who you are leading; as a follower, you should know who you are following
  • Learn to withdraw and let others take the lead.
  • You vision in life should be clear and specific; and you must set indicators whether you have accomplished it.
  • Leaders have the desire to serve others first before themselves.
  • Have integrity --- what you do and what you say should be one.
  • As a steward, use your power to empower.
  • Never ask someone to do something that you cannot do.
  • There is no success without a successor.
  • Keep asking “what can I do? How can I serve best?”
  • Once the fruit starts to ripen, it starts to rot; empty your cups, be open to learn new things.
  • Have a brand--How do you want to be remembered? Why did your members put you in that position? Do they really need you? What makes you different as a leader?
  • Know your skills and bank on them.
  • Go back to where it all began and keep track of your leadership growth.
  • Experience AND REFLECTION is the best teacher.
  • A leader does not need a position to serve
  • YOU are the change maker 

Leader ko Bai!

 REFLEECTIONS:

I really look up to AYLA-Bai for they are really great leaders. “Who was I compared to these people?” that was my question before the summit started. But, after the summit, I’ve realized that I can be a great leader, too. And I don’t need a position just to serve.

After bonding with fellow delegates for two and a half days, I’ve realized that I have to stop belittling myself and start thinking that I can do great things if I just believe. Also, I’ve realized that I can work with leaders whom I thought are far better than me. In the summit, I have found my voice. If felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and experiences to them because I knew they’d understand. I don’t know whether it’s the program or the people that somehow changed me and helped me grow.

And, knowing that there are still people who are willing to serve others before serving themselves inspire me to keep moving forward. 

“We are the hope of our country” may be an overused phrase that defines the Filipino youth but, it is very true. I hope and pray that all of us will participate in nation building because the Philippines needs us. 

So, here's a short message to everyone:
Life is not just about FINDING YOUR TREE-your vision, it also about finding a way on how to get there TOGETHER. There may be landmines, but DON'T let these hinder you from finding it.
"Vision without action is a dream" per Joel Barker.

As leaders, we should know OUR EGG-ourselves. We should protect it using all the ways that we can think. We should spot our weak and strong points; develop the weak and harness the strong ones.
If you fail, don't worry; it's because of mistakes that we learn. Keep making mistakes and keep learning.

If you STAND OUT, some people may hammer you down. Never mind them. US President Obama said that “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” Keep walking. Keep doing the right thing.
Continue Effecting and Affecting change, fellow leaders.

And always remember, you just need a LITTLE EXTRA to be extraordinary.

Move forward! Be a catalyst, be a changemaker!

Sugbuanon, IKAW ang sinugdanan sa kabag-ohan!

Izza, Rhyle, Mariejo, Danica, and me--- the representatives of ALEx for CYLS
Leader ko bai :D

Written by oyyvernie in , ,


Shoebox Project: a unique way of gift giving

22 youth leaders who are part of the Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence (ALEx) gave out shoeboxes to some children from different municipalities in the north of Cebu namely Mandaue, Lilo-an, Carmen, Catmon, Sogod last June 23, 2011. Called “Shoebox Project: Kahon Pahalipay sa Sugbo- Habagatan Edition”, this project was made possible through the efforts of ALEx management council and active members. Most of the shoeboxes or the “Kahon Pahalipay” came from the Netherlands through the headship of a Dutch youth leader Sanne Pronk; some are from the USC Education 20 class, from the Young Minds Academy Season 5 scholars, and from the ALEx members.


The Adam Gennie’s Center for Special Children was the first place that was visited. A short program was held. Mr. Lee Gennie gave a welcome address. The children gave a dance presentation. Mr. Adam Gennie, an American citizen, talked about how it is to be away from home, to serve the Philippine Army and how he started the center. Shoeboxes were then given to 27 children with special needs. 
students from Adam Gennie's
ALEx members with Adam Gennie's staff

The next stop was the Municipality of Lilo-an. The event was held in front of the Municipal Hall. Since there is just a small space and 100 children were lining up and are accompanied by their parents, we just proceeded directly to the giving of shoeboxes.
ayyyy.. line para PBB?

 When we arrived at the gymnasium of the Municipality of Carmen, everything was prepared and was very organized. The program started with a prayer. The national anthem was then played. Ms. Gianne Sanchez, the former SK Federation Chair of the Municipality of Liloan and is an ALEx member, gave an introduction of how the Shoebox Project started. It was hosted by Jan Noel Canieso and Martin Misterio. 100 kids from different barangays of Carmen received shoeboxes. 
wowowie! :D
 
The children who were at the sea-side Pavilion of the Municipality of Catmon were very “noisy” when we arrived. Noisy because they were very excited to receive some gifts of joy that we were bringing. 100 shoeboxes were given to the children.
a simple thank you with a smile melted our hearts :D
 
The municipality of Sogod was our last stop. When we arrived there, we were somehow shocked because we didn’t know that we have to share the gymnasium with a basketball team who were practicing for their upcoming game. Anyway, the program continued. One hundred children from ten barangays of Carmen received shoeboxes. 
class picture??? :D

 We then headed to Ma Benita Resort in the Municipality of Borbon. We did a debriefing of the activity. After that, we had dinner. Those who had events the day after, headed home while those who didn’t have, stayed.

Vernie Naraja is busy...
group hug! :D KUDOS ALEx!
 
The event somehow did a great impact, not only to the recipients of the shoeboxes but also to the ALEx members. It is very fulfilling to see the kids smile after we hand out the shoeboxes to them. A simple thank you filled our hearts with joy. At the end of the day, despite the tiredness that I have felt, I saw myself smiling. The best question that was asked to me was “how many lives have you touched today?”

Ikaw,  “how many lives have you touched today?”

Written by oyyvernie in


personal blog post: without dad around, life's miserable

 2:27 AM, just after ABS CBN played the national anthem
April 26, 2011, the day after my birthday

I’m sleepy but I have to stay awake. My nephew and niece might wake up and cry. It’s so hard without dad around. He left for Leyte last night, gave me a birthday kiss, and left me with a big responsibility.

Tonight and for the two following nights, I have to watch over 5 kids; only two of them need utmost care, though. When these two cry, I have to do whatever I can to make them sleep: I’d tell lies, cradle them in my arms, etc.



These kids are my half sister’s children. Sadly, when her husband left her, she left the house too. She never came back after that and we don’t know where she is now. It has been months since she left. I wonder if she misses them. I wonder what the real reasons are for her leaving. Can she stand not to see her kids for years? I really don’t know. But one thing’s for sure: they may not have their parents’ support, these kids would grow up having me and my dad as their protectors.

It’s so hard to be a parent. But the feeling when you see them sleep so soundly or when they kiss you in the cheeks and say “ate Vernie!!” make you smile.

Written by oyyvernie in


personal blog post: winter, i miss you

3:09AM, April 26, 2011, coffee keeps me awake

Yesterday afternoon, we sorted out the shoeboxes and other things that Sanna Pronk sent to us. She’s a Dutch who annually sends shoeboxes (with stuffs in them) for the kids in Cebu. Usually, ALEx (Aboitiz Leaders of Excellence) members are the ones who are going to distribute them to selected barangays.

We found some winter clothes and shoes! Aaah, winter. It made me remember my stay in Japan. Oh, it has been four months since I have been there. I miss the weather. I miss our daily routine.


Every day, we had to wake up at early to help Okaasan (that’s how we call our host mother) prepare breakfast. I would prepare the utensils while Stephanie* would help Okaasan cook. We usually had ham, eggs, rice, milk or corn soup, and seaweed for breakfast. After eating, Steph and I would wash the dishes and help Okaasan do the laundry. Helping the parents do the household chores is a common trait that Japanese and Filipino people share.

After doing the chores, we’d go jogging at a park near the house. It is equipped with materials for exercise such as sit ups. It also has a playground and a big stadium where concerts in Gifu are usually held. Exercising was my only way to perspire; since the weather was so cold, my sweat glands were having their rest days. :D

Japanese streets are so silent. Whenever you take a walk, you always feel safe and at peace. The cold morning weather is negligible because of the warm greetings, bows and smiles of the people whom you meet along the road. Some passersby would greet you “Ohayou”, which means good morning, with a smile. Of course, we were expected to greet back (I think this is also practiced in the rural areas in the Philippines but seldom in the urban areas). You could also see some people biking. Trivia: Do you know that in Japan, there should only be one biker per bicycle? If it exceeds one, it’s illegal. :D wai angkas didto bai.

We’d spend the whole day out of the house and travel to some places by car or by train. Click HERE to see the places we have been.

At 6PM onwards, Steph and I would take turns to use the PC. We eat dinner at 7 or 8PM. We’d do the usual routine, I’d prepare the utensils on the table and Steph would help Okaasan cook.

Since the weather’s very cold, and perhaps because of our culture, the two of us always wanted to go to sleep 30 minutes after eating but in order to survive the cold, we need to take a hot bath.

Before sleeping, I’d use the PC again and go to sleep at 12 midnight. Since the PC is placed near the veranda, in a space between our room and my host parents’ room, there were times that Otousan goes out of their room and advises me to sleep early because we have to wake up early the next day. Japanese are day people; they sleep and wake up early. Time is very important for them: once it is wasted, it can’t be brought back.

I miss the days. I miss the cold. I wish I could go back… which is possible! HAAHAH since otousan told me that there is a very big possibility that I could go to Japan again on December! Yeey.


* the other scholar who was also given a chance to go to Japan