Visiting Bacolod

Bacolod here I am!

The last time I was in the island of Negros was in September just this year. Just like most of my travels, it was something unplanned. We just went to DepEd VI office to present something and when we asked how we can get in touch with the different schools division faster, we got invited to join in their management committee meeting in Campuestohan, Talisay. It was an opportunity too good to let go. What else do we do but to go.

Signpost Philippines to Conduct an Advocacy Poster-Making Contest

Signpost Philippines Inc. (formerly Signpost International, Inc.) is an independent NGO that works hand in hand with the people and empowers them to take an active role in the transformation and development of their respective communities. To help create an awareness regarding various social concerns, we will have an on-the-spot advocacy poster making contest on August 19, 2014 at the Activity Center of SM City, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. There will be three different categories namely Elementary, High School and Open Categories. The selected entries will be used as advocacy posters that will be utilized as information and education materials in the community. 

On-the-Spot Advocacy Poster Making Contest Mechanics

Signpost Philippines Recognizes Excellent Student Beneficiaries

Some of the Awardees with Ms. Noemi Oranio, Community Development Worker for San Juan

Hard work deserves to be rewarded. That is exactly what happened when Signpost Philippines, Inc. gave recognition to their sponsored children who just graduated from their respective schools and those who excelled in their studies. The Recognition Program for school year 2013-2014 was held last June 21, 2014 in Brgy. San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City.

Signpost’s`Rain for Growth Project Soon to Be Launched in Brgy. San Juan, Iloilo

Photo taken in one of the initial visits of Signpost Intl. representatives. Courtesy of  Signpost Philippines.

Signpost Philippines Inc. will soon implement another project for the people in Brgy. San Juan in the district of Molo, Iloilo City. Dubbed as Rain for Growth in San Juan, Philippines, it will be funded by the Big Lottery International Communities Fund of UK and will be launched in the latter part of July 2014. This partnership was facilitated by Signpost International which is also based in UK.

Signpost Community Federation Officers Visit Calajunan Recycling Project

Charcoal briquettes made of recycled paper, saw dust and rice chaff.

June 27, 2014 was a special day for the thirteen leaders of the two organizations under Signpost Philippines, Inc. – the San Juan Hugpong PPEA and the North Baluarte Pagla-um Community Association. The two groups together with Ms. Noemi Oranio and Ms Loryjane Barrocamo, Signpost community development

North Baluarte and San Juan Kids Benefit from Free Dental Checkup

Volunteer dentists from the Philippine Dental Association with a Signpost sponsored child.
(Photos courtesy of Signpost Philippines Inc.)

Iloilo City, Philippines. A total of 80 people from Barangays San Juan and North Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City benefited from the free dental check-up held last May 23, 2014 at the San Juan Health Center.  

Volunteer dentists from the Philippines Dental Association prepped a patient prior to tooth extraction.
(Photos courtesy of Signpost Philippines Inc.)

The patients who took part in this annual event conducted by Signpost Philippines, Inc. (formerly Signpost International, Inc.) were the sponsored children of the organization and some of their parents. The services rendered by the volunteer dentists from the Philippine Dental Association, a partner of the organization in the

Thanks to You, Light of Peace Volunteers

(Courtesy of Claire Jasmine Jeongco)

Iloilo has a new record. It would not have happened if not for all of those who worked really hard for it. The organizers, the volunteers, the sponsors and the thousands of people who believe that world peace can be achieved through inner peace made it happen. Personally, I would like to thank those who heeded the call to volunteer. I may not be able to thank all of you personally or may even miss your name/org/institution but it does not mean that your contributions aren't appreciated. Thanks,Ruben Magan Gamala, for inviting us to volunteer or should I say, volunteering Maita G Magalong, DMCG and iSERVE. The people of VOICE are always ready to volunteer. Thanks also to iSERVE (Raymond Salvilla, Raji Jimenea Alvarado, Dhay Centino etc.), YVG (Charles Gallo

Light of Peace - Where to Get an Event Pass

Courtesy of  https://www.facebook.com/lightofpeaceevent

The event day is fast approaching. The excitement can already be felt all over the City and Province of Iloilo. The  question is where to get the event pass. Though the volunteers can get in and out of the event area without it, the participants are required to have an event pass. This is quite important because the pass will determine the number of people who will attend the event. This will be monitored closely since it will be used by the organizers and the Guinness Book of World Records.

Be a Part of the Light of Peace 2014

T-shirt Design for the Volunteers
photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/lightofpeaceevent

It's possible that you were there personally in Miag-ao for the Lantern of Peace event last year or it might be that you only heard about it or saw it on TV and the internet news. This time around there are tidbits of information for another undertaking and that is the Light of Peace 2014. You are interested but might not really know the details. So here it goes.

There are two ways in which you can be a part of the event.

Light of Peace 2014 - A Gathering of Thousands for Peace

Please click on these links for the video of a live interview Part 1 and Part 2 in Angtanay sa Katin-aran in the CPU Channel. The video clips are courtesy of Ven. Pisut Thanasudtho.

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As we go around  to invite people to join the Light of Peace 2014 event many questions were raised. Some were as easy as those just asking for the venue or the date  but there were also those who would like to get to know more than that. They wanted to find out what exactly motivated the main organizers as well as their partners to hold such a grand event.

Let's Dance for Peace @ Robinson's Mall Iloilo

(Courtesy of  https://www.facebook.com/lightofpeaceevent)

Things are heating up. We don't have much time left since the event will be next week already. There are still many people who might want to know more about Light of Peace event but there's no need to worry. Volunteers from Thailand and Philippines will be at the Robinson's Mall Iloilo this evening (April 6 @ 6pm) will be most happy to share information about it. Actually, they will even share their talent in dancing to make it even more interesting.

Light of Peace 2014 - An Event Not to Be Missed

I was taking a short nap right after my morning classes when suddenly my phone started ringing. It was a good thing that the ringer was on since it is usually off whenever I have my class. A very familiar voice greeted me. I thought he called because of some business transactions but I was mistaken. He asked me if I remembered the Lantern of Peace event held last year. Though I gave him an affirmative answer I also told

Missed Opportunity...Lantern of Peace 2013

Video Courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/user/simplyiloilo

Goosebumps...touched...overwhelmed...teary-eyed. Those are just some of the things that I can remember feeling when I saw the thousands of Lanterns of Peace floating in the air last May 2013. I would have

A Summer Trip to Boracay at a Cheap Price?

                             (Photo copyright: BoracayMag, TriptoBoracay's partner magazine.)

Many people would ask whether it is possible to have a summer trip to Boracay Island at a more affordable rate. The answer to that would be a resounding YES! It was and still is a common notion that people will have to allot a big amount of money just so they can enjoy the pristine

Discovering the Foods in the Visayas

(Talaba, Backribs from Tonino's, Pata, Lechon in Tapaz)

The dictionary might define food as something that is taken to nourish the body but for me it is more than that. I have this love-hate relationship with it. I really love eating and it is really apparent even if I won't verbally declare it. That is where the hatred comes in. I hate the fact that it seems like whatever I eat would directly go to my hips. The thing is that I would rather waddle like a duck than give up all the scrumptious food that I can have.

I love foods and when I eat I can really say that I eat a lot. Eating for me is not just to appease hunger. It is an interesting experience for me. One of the things that I tend to do when I eat something new is to try to guess the ingredients and the process used in preparing the dish. There

Iloilo...My Home

Iloilo is such an interesting to live in. It has a very diverse culture and a much laid back atmosphere compared with other cities in the Philippines.

What makes Iloilo interesting?

Hhmm...It might be the Ilonggos themselves - what they do and have achieved. There are many Ilonggos who made a name for themselves and excelled in their respective fields. They can be found in almost all fields

Remembering the 90's Dunkin' Donuts Experience in Iloilo City

It was in the 90's when Dunkin Donuts first opened its doors to the Ilonggos. The first store was opened in Iznart St., Iloilo City. It was just beside a movie theater which has long been closed down. I can still remember the anticipation of the many doughnut lovers because it was the first ever doughnut shop in the city if not the whole island.

Inasal (Grilled Chicken) in Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City

Food, food and more delectable food. When an Ilonggo is asked what's good in Iloilo City, the delicious but affordable food is oftentimes mentioned. It seems like restaurants and eateries are found just about everywhere. Yes, Iloilo City and Province may just be a food haven for a lot of people. The wide array of restaurants offers just about any kind of cuisine - Chinese, Korean, Thai and of course, the all-time favorite, Pinoy (Filipino) to name a few.

In the evenings, food stalls would appear in the various streets of the city. One can then smell the heavenly scent of grilled food. These stalls are located usually near the universities and hospitals. For a measly amount, one can have a full meal. Just last week when I visited my friend, she had this craving for grilled pecho (chicken breast) from the food stall just outside the gates of St. Paul's Hospital in Gen. Luna St. It has been a

Enjoy a Budget Trip to Boracay? Yes, You Can!

Affordable Summer Treat Courtesy of www.triptoboracay.com

Most people think that going to Boracay for a holiday would entail a lot of money. I would say that it is true. It can be expensive if they book in the hotels which are considered high end. On the other hand, there are actually many hotels that are quite affordable and yet comfortable and cozy. I was actually able to visit Boracay without spending too much. I have learned to restrain myself from giving in to the lures of the attractive displays in the shops and from over-indulging in the restaurants and bars. All I needed was a comfortable place to stay and the breathtaking view of the beach. These days, a trip to Boracay is even more affordable because of the choices of  package tours that are offered. Those who are interested in basking under the sun and getting the best holiday ever in a shoestring budget can actually do it.

Breakfast Stop-over at Culasi, Antique

The trip back home from Boracay will be longer than usual since instead of going directly to Iloilo City from Caticlan, we will be taking another route. We went via Antique. We left a bit early in the morning after sending off some guests at the Caticlan Airport. We weren't able to have breakfast yet at that time so while

Reminiscing After a Trip to Boracay

After two nights spent in Boracay, I am already on my way home with some friends. While sitting in the van, I glimpsed at my red backpack and realized that for the last two months, I have actually gone to the four provinces in my island, Panay. I have been to various places which I would never have had considered as part of my trip. I experienced a lot of things both good and bad. I also got to meet locals who proved to be very interesting. I also had the chance to get to know a lot of people who showed their concern for the plight of those who were affected by the super typhoon, Yolanda or Haiyan. The trip to Boracay was not a part of the those that I had to do volunteer work. This one was business and leisure.

A New Journey

Traveling is something that I have always wanted to do. I got sidetracked though due to career and some family reasons. The new year is really timely since this time around I will be quite free to do it. To start off, I started with a trip to Boracay. The last time that I was in the island was about two years ago and that was for a trip with a cause. We had a medical mission and gift-giving activity with the Aeta community which until now is under the auspices of the Daughters of Charity. A relaxing time on the beach was a fitting activity after the hard work. It was not the first time for me and friends to be in the island for such a thing and one thing for sure is that I missed doing it. Now I am finally back in the island to jumpstart my journey to rediscover my region - Visayas.