IEC Days: Nothing To Do During a Long Break Between Classes, Hence This Snap -- With My ESL Student, Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2006

"A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away." - Eudora Welty

IEC Days: Do You Believe that Food is the Ultimate Bonding Tool? - With Erlyn Sumagaysay Christiansen at Kong Kee Restaurant, Iloilo City, December 2005

I don't take advantage of the people in my life whom I consider my friends. I take advantage of the moments that I get to spend with them.

IEC Days: Antedating the Selfie Phenomenon - At the Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2007

Just being myself..letting people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that I am

IEC Days: When Imikimi Was 'The In Thing' - With Grace Espulgar at Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2006

Staying in touch...because my job will not take care of me when I am sick. My friend Grace will. 

IEC Days: For Posterity's Sake - At the Iloilo English Center Receiving Area, Overton Building, Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City, 2006

" There are no bad pictures; that is just how your face 
looks sometimes." -- Abraham Lincoln

IEC Days: Iloilo English Center Christmas Party 2005

Dinner at Imay's Restaurant, Boardwalk, Iloilo City. With Erlyn Sumagaysay-Christiansen, Cylin Manzano, Melanie Peroja, Arthur Jablo, Joanne Espulgar, Pearl Abraham, and Raul.

With Erlyn Sumagaysay-Christiansen at Pirate's Bar and Restaurant, Smallville Complex, Iloilo City

Still at Pirate's Bar and Restaurant with Cylin Manzano. Thanks for the wonderful conversation, girl!

Pirate's Bar and Restaurant that night was full of character -- welcoming staff, lively guests, and awesome friends. With Cylin Manzano and Kretzyl Labrador.

This time at MO2 Bar and Restaurant also within Smallville Complex. With Joanne Espulgar, Pearl Abraham, and Melanie Peroja.

They're just the right people to be with. Thanks for the amazing night with you all!

Looking Through an Old Photo, Getting All Sentimental: Family Trip to San Joaquin, Iloilo -- March 19, 1994

Wow! This photo was taken 20 years ago! This was during our family trip to San Joaquin, Iloilo, Lola's hometown. 

Table of Brotherhood- All Colors Represent! - At Saldana Apartment, Tabucan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, March 8, 2003

Everybody's here! Indian-Canadian urban planner, Filipino ESL teachers, and Korean students

EME Days: Dinner at Soo's Place, Ledesco City Homes, La Paz, Iloilo City, July 10, 2004

With Krizia Penalosa, Korean students Jinnie and Anne, and Soo Kang's friends

Holding 'Piglet', Winnie the Pooh's bestfriend. Piglet may be small in size but he has the biggest heart in the Hundred Acre Wood. 

With fellow ESL tutors Candy Lorilla and Milky Clavel and Korean students Jinnie, and Kate

EME Days: During One of the Group Classes -- At EME International Language Center, Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2004

Explaining what a verb is. It's good to know that Sky and Jinnie were listening intently. But where's Kate? And Anne, too?

With my Korean students Sky and Jinnie, EME International Language Center, Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City

EME Days: Guimaras Summer Outing, 2005

With Joy and her boyfriend on the pumpboat going to Alubihod, Guimaras

EME Days: No One Else but..Me! - At EME Language Center, Ledesco Village La Paz, Iloilo City, 2004

I will never change my originality for the sake of others. Because no one can play my role better than me. I am me. Myself. I am the best.

Hate me. Love me. It doesn't matter to me. I am myself.

 

EME Days: Cubicle Fun Snaps -- At EME Language Center, Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2004

With my friend Karen Tendencia and student Jo Young. I'm looking forward to seeing you again, girls!

EME Days: Hanging Out With My ESL Student -- MO2 Bar and Restaurant, Smallville Complex, Iloilo City, 2004

This girl is from Korea but she and her family live in Vladivostok, Russia. I can't remember her English name but she knows that I miss her.

EME Days: With Archie Arenga and the Gang - At EME International Language Center, Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2004

With Betty ( Ajuma, I miss you! ),Archie Arenga, Venus Alegria, and Henry ( You, too! )

EME Days: With My Friend Krizia Penalosa -- At Soo's House, Ledesco City Homes, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2003

KP and I first met at a summer writing workshop of Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada in UP-Visayas in 1995. Then we became co-workers at EME-International Language Center in La Paz in 2003.

Missing Vicky! - At Soo's House, Ledesco City Homes, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2003

With R-Dee Gargason ( now Mrs. Roche ) -- At Saldana Residence, Tabucan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 2003

I first met R-Dee at West Visayas State University when we became English student tutors to Korean students at the University Language Center in 1999. We were among the pioneer tutors of the Language Center. R-Dee then was taking up Biological Sciences. We had the same set of students and we became close friends. We also had private classes together around Iloilo City. Sometimes, our students would invite us together for dinner. After college, I had never heard anything about her until recently when I found her on Facebook. She's now based in New Zealand and is happily married. 

Saturday Nightout, Club Plazo, Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City, 2003

Right after college I got addicted to partying. I didn't go to raging parties, though. Iloilo City had a boring nightlife then. There were only about five party places around the metro.Who could ever forget the popular Barracks Bar and Restaurant beside SM City Iloilo? Calzada, of course. There's Club Metro inside River Queen Hotel along Bonifacio Drive. For the yuppies ( young, urban, and professional ), they chose between Club Bwana in Sarabia or Club Plazo in Hotel del Rio.By the way, I forgot to mention Vega Bar famed for their weekly tequila body shots. These clubs were spread out all over downtown Iloilo so barhopping was sort of difficult, unless you have wheels, of course.

Of these, Club Plazo was my favorite. Dancing the night away at Iloilo's most intimate yet energetic night club  was a fun idea, at least for me.Regular patrons of Club Plazo ranged from chic to not-so-relaxing to be with. The club set the formula for nightclub success in Iloilo - top-notch customer service, good music, sumptuous food, and plenty of going-clientele nearby. These were Club Plazo's winning elements!

Photo Credit: panaybulletin.weebly.com

Freelance ESL ( English as a Second Language ) Tutor Days, 2003

With my Korean students Jamee and Violet, LJ Ledesma ( Pag-ibig ) Subdivision, Jaro, Iloilo City, 2003  -- I remember these two Koreans students I had way back 2003. Violet lived with the Inayans while Jamee stayed with Tom's foster parents. Of the two, Violet was more advanced in terms of English proficiency. She wanted to be a flight stewardess. Jamee, on the other hand, had grammar lessons with me. Unfortunately, I haven't had any contact with them since they left.

At My Younger Bro's Elementary Graduation -- Hibao-an Elementary School, March 2001

College Graduation, Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in English, West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City, March 2003

This is one of the happiest moments of my life - hearing my name being called by Dr. Henry J. Andora, the Dean of the College of Education and receiving my diploma from Dr. Lourdes C. Aranador, the University President of West Visayas State University.

A degree in Secondary Education majoring in English was all I wanted then. When I finally earned that degree, I wished for another one - a master's degree in English as a Second Language.

SILAK Staffers and Adviser, School Year 2000-2001 -- At Museo Iloilo

Taken during my incumbency as Editor-in-Chief of SILAK, the Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

My Official High School Yearbook Photo, MARCH 1998

"It matters not how straight the gate, 

How charged with punishments the scroll. 

I am the master of my fate. 

I am the captain of my soul."

Another Year of Bountiful Harvest -- Commencement Exercises 1997, Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral

Receiving my 3rd Year HS medal from Manang Gerlyn. Also seen in the photo is Rev. Msgr. Jose Palma, a member of our school's Board of Trustees. He is currently the Archbishop of Cebu.

High School JS PROM, Fine Rock Hotel, Iloilo City, February 1998

With my classmates - Marc Anthony Ortiz, Brian Dumaran, Yolanda Ramos, Rona Salmorin, Anthony Justin Ledesma, and Reagan Joy Biclar

The Emerald Team! - INTRAMURALS 1996, Pius XII Institute, Jaro, Iloilo City

At the Nipa Hut with my team mates and classmates, the 3rd Year students of Pius XII Institute -- My high school preparation was a solid one. I just did not lock myself inside the library and study the whole day. I also joined sports events that nourished my physical side. I got involved into a lot of school activities, got exposed to a variety of things, and got to know myself better.

Way to Go, Paul! -- At the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, March 1996

Receiving my medal from Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Reyes, the School Director -- I have always been a good student. I believe that whatever I have invested in my studies will clearly determine my future and my career path. 

Linggo ng Wika 1995, Pius XII Institute, Jaro, Iloilo City -- August 1995

I was in 2nd Year High School here during our school's 'Linggo ng Wika' celebration, August 1995. If my memory serves me right, this was 'Sabayang Awit' contest. When I was in High School, we observed the 'Philippine National Language Week' seriously. Different activities were organized by the Kamag-Fil to promote the beauty of Filipino to all learners. 

First Year High School Recognition Program, Pius XII Institute, Jaro, Iloilo City, March 1995

With Tatay, Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Reyes, School Director , and Ms. Ma. Luisa Onday, my Class Adviser

Elementary Graduation, Hibao-an Elementary School, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, March 1994

With Tatay - "There's a good reason they call these ceremonies 'commencement exercises'. Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning."

Recognition Program, Hibao-an Elementary School, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, March 1994

Graduating at the top of the class did come in easy. It was a product of sleepless nights and lots of sacrifices. Yes, it was an honor yet it was also a responsibility.