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