Tête-à-Tête with Sr. Maria Rosa Medina, RA - At Assumption Iloilo, Iloilo City, August 11, 2010

With Sr. Maria Rosa Medina of the Religious of the Assumption ( RA ) during the Centennial Celebration of Assumption-Iloilo. Sr. Maria Rosa is now based in Thailand.

We Do Crazy Things in Class; But I've Got Some Good Photos Here -- With My Classmates in 'Foundations of Education' Class of Dr. Aurora Fe Bautista, UP Visayas, August 28, 2010

With Marie Cris Ponsaran. Too bad, Marie Cris quit Graduate School. I just missed her. By the way, she's an Assumption 'old girl' which explains her English.

Oh, it's Anthony and Glenn here. Anthony had his 'UP Sablay' last year, while Glenn quit as well. Wherever they are now, I wish them all the best life has to offer.

My Head's Spinning, My Eyes Are Drooping -- At Dr. Aurora Fe Bautista's 'Psychological and Philosophical Foundations of Education' Class, UP Visayas

Those who have been under Dr. Bautista's class kept on saying one thing about her- the Frankena Model. It's like a 'don't-go-home-without-it' thing for her and her Foundations of Education class. It's her trademark, her 'tatak'. Well, she's successful in that aspect because hundreds of her graduate students throughout the years have equated the name Aurora Fe Bautista with the Frankena Model.

I'm not sure how old Dr. Bautista is but I know that she retired from service as a UP professor more than five years ago. She must be pushing 70 or beyond 70. The old woman has weathered every rack as an educator and still tirelessly goes to school every Saturday to teach. She might have some 'senior moments' in the classroom but her 'psychologies and philosophies' are still beyond compare. Research shows that a higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age. This is so true of Dr. Bautista.

Dinner at the Peña's --At Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, June 2010

Circling Monte Rosa's Rotunda -- At Monte Rosa Subdivision, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, June 26, 2010

Recently, gated communities have been mushrooming around our place in Hibao-an, a quiet barangay which is part of the District of Mandurriao, Iloilo City. One of such communities is Monte Rosa, a 57-hectare subdivision across from Hibao-an Elementary School.It is owned by Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. in partnership with La Filipina Uy Gongco  Corporation.

One landmark in Monte Rosa that catches everybody's attention is its 'Rotunda'. In architecture, a rotunda is a large circular structure having a dome. Monte Rosa's 'Rotunda' is very prominent because it is located in the center of the subdivision's ring road that leads to all its major streets. Interestingly, the streets of Monte Rosa are named after some of the world's famous cities like London, Rome, Berlin, Athens, and Buenos Aires.

Remembering Alex and Sr. Ma. Paz - At the High School Growth Community Office, Assumption Iloilo, June 2010

Me, Sr. Maria Paz Moreta, RA, High School Unit Coordinator, and 
Alexander Romero. Song long, Sr. Ma. Paz and Alex!

While Waiting for Our Prof - At the Graduate and Continuing Education Building ( GCEB ), University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City Campus, June 2010

Rat de Bibliothèque -- With Alexander Romero, Jeremiah Bibliotheque, Assumption Iloilo, June 2010

"A library implies an act of faith."  -- Victor Hugo, French poet, novelist, and dramatist 

"Your library is your paradise." -- Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch Renaissance humanist

Cogito Ergo Sum -- At the UP Art Exhibit, GCEB Lobby, UP Visayas-Iloilo City Campus, June 2010

'Cogito Ergo Sum' is a philosophical Latin statement used by Rene Descartes, which became a fundamental element in Western philosophy. It's translation in English is 'I Think, therefore I am.' The statement is written in the painting in the background.

First Faculty Room Snaps --At the High School Growth Community Office, Assumption-Iloilo, June 2010

With Sr. Maria Paz Moreta, RA, High School Unit Coordinator, Mildred Bernadas, and Chinky Clement

With the Science Team -- Mildred Bernadas ( Science Area Head ), Chinky Clement, and Rajhni Faith Escare

Malling with My Nephew, Vince - At Bibo, SM City - Iloilo, December 12, 2010

Vince couldn't just put that ice-cream cone down. His fave, eh! Not even the flashes from the camera could destruct him from having that sweet sweet thing. 

Rose of May 2010, Brgy. Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City

The Rose of May 2010, a beauty pageant for the young girls of Airport, Mandurriao, was organized by John Erwin Pedroso. Here with Christine Segobre, Rene Secular, Sharon dela Cruz, Alexander Romero, and Erlinda Gabanes.

Having Lunch Alone - At Artine's Arrozcaldohan, Hibao-an Terminal, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 2009

Artine's serves one of the tastiest arrozcaldo in Iloilo City. It also serves lunch to customers. It is located within the premises of the Hibao-an Terminal in Brgy. Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It is owned by Mr. Arnold Bilbao, who also owns the Hibao-an Terminal. The restaurant is open daily from 7 AM until midnight.

Starting Summer Early -- Family Outing at Nes & Tats Beach Resort, Oton, Iloilo, January 30, 2010

Nes & Tats Beach Resort is located along the National Highway, Brgy. Botong, Oton, Province of Iloilo. It is approximately 25 kilometers away from Downtown Iloilo City.

Nes & Tats Beach Resort has swimming pools for both kids and adults. It also has lots of air-conditioned rooms for those who want to stay overnight. For daytrippers, the resort has around 20 beachfront shades and 3 big cottages. The entrance fee for both kids and adults is Php15.

Red Ribbon's 'Dinuguan', My Bloody Delight - At Red Ribbon-SM City Iloilo, 2010

For those who don't know, the English of 'Dinuguan' is 'pork blood stew'.

So Many Books, So Little Time - At Home, 2009

Every time I go to SM, the first store that I visit is 'Booksale'. Showing off here is my latest acquisition, the book 'Arthur' which I got for less than Php 100. It's a steal, indeed!

In the Company of Books - At the Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2007

For a bibliophile like me, I think the best way to die is that of Francesco Petrarch, the acknowledged 'Father of Humanism'. He was found dead in his library, head bent over an open book with a pen that fell from his hand to the floor.

A Celebration of Love and Life - At Cindell Tuburan's And Niel Rios' Wedding, February 16, 2008

Nothing Special. -- At Home, 2009

VEC Days: VEC ( Virtual English Center ) Christmas Get-Together -- At Rollanie Meniel's House, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 2009

With VEC friends - Rollanie Grace Meniel, Gina Marie Dumaicos and husband Prof. Mario Dumaicos of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU)

VEC Days: I love Myself. Yes, I do. Very Much. - Solo Pics From 2006 to 2010

SNS Days: Just the Color, Not the Brand -- At SNS-Fame Language Center, Molo, Iloilo City

Love yourself. Forgive yourself. Be true to yourself. How you treat yourself sets the standard for how others will treat you.

My job, my only job here in this moment, is to love myself and, by extension, to love others. My job is just to live and to realize that to live is to love.

I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.

SNS Days: Sayonara, Sarah! - At SNS-Fame Language Center, Molo, Iloilo City, 2009

With my Japanese student and friend Sarah. She had a conversation class with me for almost three months. She's from Osaka, a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu.

SNS Days: At SNS ( Sea n Sky ) - FAME Language Center This Time, 2008

I had a brief stint as head tutor at SNS ( Sea n Sky )-FAME Language Center along M.H. Del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City in 2008. I was basically hired by Mrs. Pearly Kang to set up the school's online English system. This was taken inside the center's computer room.

IEC Days: Yet Another Snap with Erlyn -- At Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2006

We can't forget the fun we've had

Laughing 'til our faces turn blue.

Talking of things only we find funny

People think we're insane-If they only knew!

IEC Days: Selena's Send-Off Party, Afriques-Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City, 2006

Be the reds! With Erlyn Sumagaysay-Christiansen, Afriques - Hotel del Rio Branch, Iloilo City

Good food and good company. With Iloilo English Center friends Grace Espulgar, Tony Kang, Weng, and Selina

IEC Days: Their Company Guarantees a Good Nightout - At Smallville Complex, Iloilo City, 2006

With Iloilo English Center friends Mary Grace Espulgar and Erlyn Sumagaysay-Christensen

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!