Today is Labor Day in the Philippines. In line with the holiday,  job fairs are visible at the malls.Job hunters took the chance and tried their luck in searching for  new and greener pastures.This is definitely a nice act at this point in time as many people are looking for vacant job positions in the city.

It’s school break and no job for most people.However, I’m not one of  them who enjoyed their Friday! I have to report and meet my students this summer.While I was strolling  I noticed the unusual quietness on the road.I thought that perhaps people are at the beach or traveling to far places.Families will surely have a great weekend! They can go somewhere outside the perimeter of the  city and be back on Sunday.I took a leave for ten days since I was joining a very unique camp so it’s unfair if I’m going to take absences for now.

My sister, together with his boyfriend and friends spent their day at Samal Island.She’d never been to Hagimit Falls and this was her perfect time to see it by herself! I want her freed herself today and enjoy the holiday.I had wonderful times during the camp so I let her out when she asked me to look after the kids when I get back home from work.

I’m one of the million Filipinos who feel a sudden relief after hearing the news that Mary Jean Lacaba of Red Cross is finally released! Prayers are answered and this is a good sign that the bandits will also give the freedom of Andreas Notter and Eugenio Vagni.

After 78 days, Mary Jean can now be with her family.She was freed yesterday and is currently undergoing a critical stress debriefing.This is the doctor’s advice for her to get rid of traumas and bad experiences during her stay at the jungle.

A request was forwarded to the government which is to pull out the military forces specifically not in Sulu but in some areas only. That is to give way to safe and sound negotiations that will happen between two parties.The talk will be probably about the release of two remaining kidnap victims.

In my opinion, the Philippine Army Forces will not give it away.How can they prepare themselves for possible ignition of battles if they’re not on their posts!How can they stop those people from getting more victims if the country’s forces will do a retreat!?

Mary Jean’s family members are definitely happy of seeing her again.Finally, they’re reunited after more than two months of staying with the Abbu Sayyaf.The news article says that Mary Jean’s co-workers, relatives and friends are praising God for her release.

Though one of the kidnap victims  has been released by the  Abbu Sayyaf, International Red Cross cannot fully celebrate  since bandits still have the remaining RCY volunteers.

In this event,the names of  Senator Dick Gordon and Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla are the most heard ones.

While I was updating my profile in kamppagasa.com I recalled the experiences that I had with fellow volunteers and dear campers.I uploaded all the photos that I had taken during that time.As I was putting captions I remember my camper.His name is Albert.A nine-year old boy with down syndrome.We attended a 2-day seminar to give fore knowledge about the children’s physical and emotional conditions before the day of the camp came.We were told that a child with  down syndrome can develop a strong bond with a person who takes care of him.When he feels that he’s cared and loved he shows public affection.

In 8 days that I was with Albert, I found out that it’s really true.He hugs and kisses me.The most funny thing that he had done was when he says “Mahal,mahal na kita!”.In English it means “I Love You So Much”. Every time he utters these words I’d say I Love you too.My groupmates are aware of it and they call us both “Mahal“.

As of now, I don’t know where Albert is.If he’s joining this year I’d be happy to see him again.

The capture of three Red Cross Officers  few months ago added to the bad impression gained by the places in the Southern part of the country.Until now, military forces are having their operation.Their main goal is the safety release of the victims without damaging the lives and properties of civillians. There were recorded soldiers killed and casualties from the other troupe during battles and attacks.

As of now Andreas Notter (Swiss),Eugenio Vagni (Italian), and Marie Jean Lacaba (Filipina) are held by the Abbu Sayyaf Group.There is no news of ASG’s request in the government in exchange of the freedom of these innocent victims.

3 Red Cross Workers Kidnapped in Sulu

I’m living in Mindanao but Davao City is not close to Sulu.A friend of mine who hasn’t visited Philippines ever said that I’m living in a dangerous and war zone area.I laughed at her because the war that’s happening in my city doesn’t involve guns and armaments!

I don’t know when will the kidnapping in Sulu,Zamboanga and nearby cities end.The family of the victims are probably worried about  them.Their love ones may usually think how they sleep, what they eat and how safe they are with people who have gotten guns.I can imagine how the foreign workers stay in a remote area with complete strangers guarding  and dictating them to do what they want.Living in an unusual place will make an individual feel sick.As result, his immune systems slows down and his physical body is now prone to infections/diseases. Depression, too much stress, and everyday fear are the things being fought by every kidnap victim.

I am praying for their immediate release. These people are giving services to the people worldwide. My sister is a member of this organization.She donates blood to them regularly.Though it’s a small way, it can somehow save a dying life.I’ve known people who dedicate their lives and pure services for Red Cross and I felt sorrow and lament after knowing the news last January.

I had the chance to work with Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao or commonly known as BEAM.It is an Aus-aid program devoted to help the public schools in entire Mindanao by enriching/enhancing teachers’ abilities and providing financial assistance to effectively achieve the learning goals. I was hired by a former Pre-service adviser name Yvonne Zeegers and while I was working in their office I noticed very unique and well- chosen banner stands australia that fitted to their  projects which is distance learning.

During our break time I read some of their annual activities, reports and accomplishments that are printed and placed in a systematic and balanced brochure stand australia .It first caught my attention.A brilliant idea came along then.I keep in mind that proper selection of materials needed in presentation and promotion will definitely make a certain project successful.Moreover, great taste in preferences along with harmony will guarantee lasting investment.I belong in the field of Education and the experiences and things that I learned in that place are worth-keeping.I am always thankful with their help/assistance given in behalf of every student in Mindanao for their support and will to make the Educational syten in this big island  to become better and more aligned with the needs of every learning institution.

I’ve got a theory with regards to my runny nose. I hate to have this! First, I can’t concentrate with my work. Second, I don’t want my students to acquire viruses from me due to my condition.Third, I don’t like taking  medicines!So I did search online about it because it usually happens to me if  rainy season is over and  summer time starts to come. I found out that using an ac with much cold and having a hot weather outside will definitely cause you to have it because our body can’t easily adapt the changes of temperature.Another one is it is highly caused by dust particles inhaled.I sometimes forget to bring my hanky and last week I’d been visiting the smokey downtown area! A registered nurse commented also that it can be seasonal asthma.So the best thing to do is to get over  the counter medications.Reading that page helped me a lot!

My mom always reminds us to change our beddings to get rid of dusty particles that might irritate our nose.My younger sister is allergic to it so we are very careful.

In Davao, the warm temperature starts to rise. Because of our topographical characteristics and geographical location my city is rarely visited by typhoons.The coolest months are from November to February with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.Wet season is over and it means that summer infections/diseases can attack us. During the peak summer months from March to May, the average temperature is  28 degrees Celsius but may rise as high as 32 degrees!

Since the calendar hits the month of March, the sun’s heat is hurting my eye! I can look outside for a long time without wearing a sun visor.I notice a great change of weather  nowadays and I need to have my umbrella all the time.Rain usually pours in the afternoon or in the evening

I’m not liking Willie Revillame but I love the kind of program which he is in.It’s not because I’m enjoying the sexy girls dancing nor the weird things that I see done by its hosts,audiences and staffs.I admit  it’s sometimes funny but I’m not really into it.In the first place I’ve got no time to watch it! The very thing that I admire is the fact that the noontime variety program is collecting and saving money for the needy Filipinos.In becoming the instrument in entertaining and reaching for less fortunate ones people love him.However, the idea that he might enter politics annoys me! I don’t want him to enter any political organization and be one of those flowery/decorative public servants.They win because they’re popular and it isn’t helping the crawling economy of the country.When will the Filipinos learn our lesson from past experiences!?

He didn’t announce/declare that he’s running in 2010 Election.It’s possible though! Other politicians might use him and he might be encourage to join them! If this thing happens I’ll stop voting during the election period! (Just kidding!)Of course I’m going to use my right as one of  the citizes in this republic.

I’m hoping that destiny won’t allow it to happen…….

See these videos about Joey vs Willie :

Joey de Leon Attacks Willie

Willie’s Comments on Joey Attacks

Vic Sotto Reacts to Willie

When you look around right now, it’s easy to get depressed. You know people who have picked up pink slips. There are houses in your area that have been foreclosed and they are just sitting there like rotting teeth in your neighborhood because no-one’s buying. And what are those guys doing up there in Washington? Well they seem to be doing nothing that’s really going to help the ordinary people of America. They are carrying on with the same old, same old arguments. Tax cuts solve all our problems. We’ve got to spend billions to rebuild America. Like tax cuts are going to help you when you’re unemployed, and planning something to build is going to make for new work opportunities tomorrow. Well, for once, there is some good news. The Stimulus Package has hundreds of pages and thousands of plans but there’s one that might turn out to be a “good thing”. Now don’t you go holding your breath because what it says in something produced by Washington may not work out on Main Street. But let’s look on the bright side for once. This one may just pay off.

If you have the cash or access to credit or you totaled your last vehicle and the insurers paid out a fair value, you’re looking for a new car or truck. Well, hold off for a few days to see how this pans out. The Stimulus Package potentially allows you to deduct sales or excise taxes if the car you buy costs less than $49,500. If confirmed, you can take advantage of this as an above-the-line deduction so long as your personal income as a single person is less than $125,000, married couples qualify when their aggregate income is less than $250,000 - that’s most of us, right? There will be no need for you to itemize to make the claim. So exactly how much will you save? Well, those eager beaver tax experts have been burning the midnight oil so here goes with an example. Suppose your state has a sales tax of 5% and you spend $40,000 to buy a vehicle, you can deduct $2,000 from your gross income. This offer is limited in time. You have to buy between the date the bill is signed into law and December 31. The hope is this will encourage you to go buy a new car sooner rather than later. Not only will you save money but it will help Detroit as well.

So, if you do take advantage of this deal, the terms of your financing package will require a new auto insurance policy, probably with comprehensive and collision included. To get the best deal, you need to hit the online sites to get the maximum number of quotes. Remember, you’re not looking for the cheapest car insurance policy on the planet, you’re looking for the best value-for-money policy on the planet that will give you the best protection for the lowest possible premium.

Yesterday people around the world celebrated Heart’s Day.A day for love and lovers. There were many offers and freebies offered to people since it’s lovers’ day.Couples went out, ate together and reminisced their past romantic experiences.I didn’t go out yesterday with my hubby. We planned to but my mom wasn’t feeling well. We preferred to stay at home.I didn’t feel bad that weren’t able to go to the mall, watch a movie or have our dinner outside.My mom’s condition is more important and I know that my hubby will do the same if he’s in my case. I wasn’t bored though that we were at home. I did a lot of things and my day was productive.Him and I decided to go out today.In fact we just got home.

Personally speaking everyday is a Valentines Day if we give love to every people regardless of our differences in life.Showing love to them daily counts than remembering  them only on February 14 each year. Letting them know that we love them through our actions will make them feel that they are loved.It’s nice to have this kind of celebration for it brings people’s relationship closer.Year after year my Valentines Day gets better and better.And the most important one is the love that I give to the Holy One.