Kang Laon Alert Level 2

It was an ordinary day which tended to close extra-ordinarily. 

While I was preparing for my nightly reading, I came across a question in one of my work group chats asking a colleague how she was doing. I was completely clueless. My...Kanlaon spewed a 5km high plume at 6:51 followed by a fiery cough.

The realization was slow to come that by the time I thought of filling water containers, it was too late already. I only managed to fill one.

It's 10:15 PM now and the pungent smell of sulfur permeates the night air. The southern skies rumbles with impending rain which may arrest the flight of ash in our direction. 

Mask in place, the vigil continues on. 

Marites

 After administering the last exam for the day, I caught up with Emily on the first floor. It has been ages since we saw each other last. After what I thought was a short exchange, I panicked when the clock said 7:15 PM at the guard house. It was already late, so getting a trike to the city would be difficult. Outside, I saw more than a handful of students cramming to get in a white van. I ran towards it but it revved when I opened the back door. Having sensed the door slam shut, the van slowed down and stopped. I ran towards it and got in. The driver went out and checked if the door was secure.

Inside, the passengers were laughing at the mire that we were in. Apparently, it was a van that delivered dressed chicken. The smell told us so. Nevertheless, it was a short sacrifice compared to having to wait a long time in the dark street of Masville to get a ride home.

Coffee 101

 What makes a good cup of coffee?

This was the question that Coffee 101 attempted to answer in a two-day seminar that the Department of Trade and Industry – La Carlota conducted for coffee growers, coffee shop operators, and coffee enthusiasts (such as I) bon July 21 and 22 at the Function Room of the La Carlota City Hall.

According to resource speaker Christian Marc Romay, “A good coffee is the one you love to drink. But there is more to coffee than just “lasaw” or “isog”. A good coffee should be sustainable, farmer-oriented, and fairly traded
from crop to cup”.

With the growing coffee culture in the local and national scenes, the coffee industry is seen to regain its lost glory from a not-so-distant past which will only materialize should the farmers and consumers work together by having a common understanding of what good coffee is.

Day one was full of eureka moments. We were oriented with the status of the coffee industry in the Philippines. We have always regarded Negros as a sugar hub. But historically, the Island also used to export an average of 1500MT coffee beans annually from coffee farms that extend from Pontevedra, La Carlota, La Castellana to Canlaon. Its growth is hampered by mislabeling, lack of farming and post-harvest technologies, plant stocks,  growing conditions, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest treatments and how these variables factor in on the taste, sugar, and caffeine content of the bean. 

Day two was dedicated to the art and science of brewing coffee which is the highlight of the seminar for the enthusiasts. We get to experience and differentiate Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica coffee varieties prepared using the pour-over technique. I made thousands of cups of coffee at home yet while demonstrating, my hands shook while pouring hot water over the grounds. Hahaha!

Nevertheless, this is one seminar which I enjoyed a lot

Truth be told, a good coffee for me is the one I love to drink: strong but not bitter and milky.

 

 

My COVID Tale

It's been three weeks since  I've been out with friends and coming home barely minutes before curfew starts. And I have no plans if doing the same in the nearest future. 

I had the greatest scare of my life after hearing the news that bff was was scheduled for a swab test. She was closely exposed to a friend who died of Covid on the day that we got together one night for dinner. 

The thoughts of the consequences that my carelessness kept me awake most nights until news of a (-) result came out three days later. Though I did not bother checking my blood pressure, I could tell it was higher than normal. What the survivors say is true. COVID may not kill a person but anxiety will. Sigh... 

In my prayers, I always ask God to spare my life for so many earthly, selfish reasons. But hey, I'm just human. 

My First Bonsai

It's the sixth week of the quarantine. Two of our sewing machines expired from overwork and my craft stash has ran out of white thread. Hmmm, how do I kill time?

Since mother's episode at the hospital three days ago, I looked after her plants, watering them everyday after our afternoon snack.  Her garden is a cornucopia of plant varieties. There is no marked theme. She has cactus, succulents, roses, orchids mounted on palms (only a feet apart from each other), crotons (a number of varieties), sampaguita, rosal, bougainvillea, and scores of other which names escape me all in one row.

An inspiration struck as I spied the unruly growth of bougainvilleas. I watched a couple of videos on how to make a bonsai and started with it yesterday despite being unsure still if I understood the whole process or not.

Looking around the house perimeter, I found everything I needed: plant, pot, wires, pruning shear and pliers. I set to work right after breakfast. Whew, it was more difficult than I thought. I broke a lot of branches while wiring them and couldn't seem to bend them to where I want them to go. So, I called it a day and leave the rest of training in the next days. Hope, my plant survives the abuse.

Bonsai, Take 2

What could  be more urgent than delivering a wired Australian beach cherry at midday on the 29th day of the Community Quarantine?

After being out in the garden all morning on top of sanitizing the living area and the kitchen, the prospects of a lengthy bath was very enticing. It was an idea I did not dare delay once my body temperature has normalized.

Just after dispensing off my soiled work clothes, I heard a car pulled over and it sounded like it was just outside our gate. Thinking that nanay did not hear that, I wrapped a towel around me and tiptoed towards the screen door for a quick peek. I thought it would be the baranggay employees again who realized that we, too, might be eligible for SAP, hahaha! I was at first confused at finding out that it was bessie and it dawned on me that this day might be it, when my Australian Beach Cherry bonsai (in training) would come home. I was right, happy about it but a little put out at the timing. I mean, how difficult was it to key in a message to say that "we're coming".

So, I went back to the bath despite nanay telling me I have visitors and deliberately missed the opportunity to thank my donor personally.

When I was done with my excuse, I promptly went out to see the newcomer. As opposed to our (donor and myself) conversation, the fruit that came with the tree was ripe but was off it. I washed
it thoroughly and bit into it. The seed filled up most of the fruit but whatever little flesh (yellow in color) it has tasted soft and sweet. I ate only half of it and looked for a small pot where I can germinate it in. I would really love to have a fruiting, colorful hedge  in two or three years time. It is going to be a long wait. God, give me the patience to get through it :D

Two Scores and Six

Together with three sisters from different mothers, we planned to spend my birthday in South Korea and watch the cherry tree bloom along the river Han but apparently God has a different plan. Instead, I had the whole day spent at my sister's (all the way next door, hahaha).

It took the whole morning preparing "alupe" (a native dessert made of  steamed shaved tapioca root mixed with brown sugar and coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves). As to the proportion, I have no idea as "papi" (my brother-in-law) took care of it. He left the wrapping with Summer and myself.

The experience of doing things together with the little ones which actually teaches them something practical is a joy. I can feel Summer's sense of pride and accomplishment at doing something for me on my birthday.

Handmade Washable Masks, anyone?

I quit my day job to concentrate on research and writing the paper on it after COVID -19 was declared a pandemic. The timing couldn't be worse as just two days after it, classes and exams were cancelled so I was left with nothing to do. While passing time at the neighbor's watching the news, the fact that stores have already ran out alcohol and face masks (thank you hoarders!!!) stood out. I thought out loud, "Why don't we sew washable masks and sell them?"

Sis took out her sewing machine (and I helped a little in setting it up) and her stash of fabrics from the loft. She took charge of cutting and left me with the sewing. When two prototypes were done, took a photo of them which I sent to our group chat to see if there will be takers. It was no surprise at all that there is definitely a market for it but I wasn't ready for the overwhelming number of orders we received and I doubted if we can finish everything through the night given that I was still on practice mode.

So sew I did until midnight and my right arm felt sore.

I woke up early the next day to make the quota. We made it but it was already 4PM.  Later that night, I received another message. It was from a friend who has a pharmacy and she ordered 50 pieces. This time, we didn't only work until our arms were sore but stopped only when our eyes couldn't be helped from involuntarily closing from drowsiness.

Mind, we are into this not purely on a business sense. Despite our regular sources of income suspended, we still have it better than most and did share whatever little (masks) we have to our dear frontliners: one for the city public information officer, three for the checkpoint volunteer (plus books), three for the ECQ pass holder down at phase 1 and two for my cousin who lives a few blocks away from our house.

Rafflessia speciosa

          Finally, after two attempts, I was able to behold the largest flower in the world (albeit in an unhappy circumstance).

           At about the same time last year, nanay and I took a trip to her hometown to join the annual revelry in honor of the baranggay's patron saint and to attend her elementary school homecoming. Besides the fact that nobody from my kin knows where the jump off point is, the peace situation in the area was not favorable at the time, it being an election year and the military was on red alert. So as not to tempt fate, I conceded and decided that I would go some other time.
          This year, we had no plans of going at all. It is most unfortunate though that nanay's oldest sibling passed suddenly and we felt we should pay our last respect and so we prepared for the trip.
          Mornings are actually slow. Even the member of the family who lives nearby were out and about with their daily routine so I took the chance of asking who wanted to take the hike with me. My invitation was met with a lot of oppositions like Villa Valderrama is in ruins, the slope too steep or the climb would be too arduous for me. Two went with me, a cousin and a niece both my junior.
          Though we've frequented Tigmamale in our toddler years, I haven't been to the town yet. But it wasn't hard to reach. We simply took a trike which deposited us at the Gas station where the skylab and their drivers await for visitors. No haggling transpired. They were quite trusting. They agreed that we pay when they come back for us after the hike. Just like my last hike, we forgot to bring water and food (we only had coffee and bread back at the house) so we had to go back and buy for provisions from the market below.
          To my surprise, the motorcycle ride wasn't as scary as my Bugnay experience. There is a 2-lane concrete road connecting the village to Villa Valderrama. Some parts of it are still under construction but it looks like it's going to be done by the middle of the year. Most of the road is bare and the 9 am sun was unrelenting. It only began to feel cool as we entered the canopy of mahogany trees that signaled we have arrived at the resort.
        
The funny thing is that once we walked our way up to reception, Diotay greeted two of the employees. Imagine that and she had no idea what I was talking about since the last time I mentioned about the hike. Hahaha! 
         Waiting for our guide took only a few minutes, just enough time to answer the call of nature. We were told, the hike would only take 30 minutes. At my pace, we had to multiply it by three. The hike was mostly assault interrupted only by a few meters of flat surface and two stony streams. The trail was slippery from the dried leaves that carpeted it. Falling flat on our fannies was inevitable. It started with Byuti (who had it on a ravine, my heart nearly jumped out of its ribcage), followed by Diotay. I was last, just when the pool where we started the hike is on plain sight already.

       
        I have no idea how far up we went for the water break in the cold spring. Spotted on the area were the wilted remains of the rafflesia. They must have bloomed a week ago. Up ahead was a small area cordoned to signal the presence of buds. So this particular species lives on the alupidan vine (Tetrastigma harmandii).
        It's difficult not to feel disappointed about our timing. I just console myself with the fact that the trek can be replicated in the future and that I was not beset by nasty leg cramps during our 3-hr walk.

Travel Cost:
Bagtason to Valderrama Proper                                    : P100 (trike single trip)
Valderrama Proper (Gas Station) to Villa Valderrama : P50 per head (Skylab aka habalhabal)
Registration Fee                                                            : P20 for locals and P50 for the out-of-towners
Guide                                                                             : P400 (3-hour hike to rafflesia site and back)
Villa Vaderrama to Bagtason (to avoid waiting)           : P100 per head (Skylab aka habalhabal)

Needless Heartache

           I came home a little after noon from my graduate school class last Saturday. After a quick lunch, I took Coco out from her house to play. When I turned her around to rub her tummy, a ghastly gash on her right thigh stared meanly back at me. The area was spotless which only meant, she hurt herself a few hours ago. Panic gripped me as I gathered my stuff to go to the vet.

           The vet was out. The attendants took photos of the injury and sent it to the vet who recommended suture. The problem was, we had to bring Choco to Silay for the procedure. So I have decided to bring her to Hinagaran as we have more options when it comes to transportation.

           Since Choco is turning 9 this year, the doctor wanted to make sure that she's up, physically, for the anesthetic and other medicines before the operation. I gave my consent before leaving the hospital with a heavy heart.

           We got Choco from this clinic but has ceased taking the trip for consultations around five years ago when AlphaVet started to operate. It was both a happy and sad reunion. The good doctor never failed to impress me with her customer service skills. She still remember Shifu and Sis by name. She commended me about my being a good fur mom.

           The weekend passed in slow motion but when the doctor said they will close early yesterday, my time seemed to run out on me and again I started to panic. This time, my discomfort was more on additional expense should Choco stay another night at the hospital. I felt my blood pressure shoot especially when it took forever to transact for transport.

           I wonder who was happier, Choco or myself as we had our going -away photo taken by the medical technologist.

           The ride home was uncomfortable (which reminds me to bring some rubber matting in two weeks for check up). Often our eyes would meet and seemingly reassure each other that all is well.

           Like Max in the secret life of pets, Choco was a bit disoriented with the cone collar that she was fitted with. It made eating and moving around quite difficult. Meantime, she got settled at the kitchen while we read her lab results. The figures were indeed comforting. It did make me feel accomplished. Then we examined the medicines: antibiotic, ferrous sulfate, vitamin C, dextrose and topical disinfectants (spray and ointment).

Dear Santa,

                This came in really early this year. The imp handed me this sticker-sealed off note saying, "I know you are Santa so..."

Graveyard Shift

With everyone's consent, we scheduled a two-day graveyard shift to experience how is it like to work when everyone else is in bed. The first night was a test of mettle. My liniment was put to good use to alleviate nausea, stomach and head ache. I'm sure it wasn't the cold from the air-conditioner so the culprit must be the anticipation of the online interview .

The interview went on until an hour after "lunch". We spent the rest of the time answering situational questions using the classic STAR method. It revealed a lot about everybody's personal lives, their struggles along the way and their collection of small victories. By that time, a handful of them were already down, oblivious to our emotional exchange.

Today, we had a mock panel interview with bff Came focusing on their Communication skills, delivery, body language and knowledge. More than a handful got an A+ from her and my heart is beaming with pride at how far they have come.

To God be the glory!

A Most Pleasant Surprise

Are we there yet? Yeah, I've changed lines since Mt. Mandalagan.

At 3:00 A.M., somebody's persistent phone alarm roused me from my shallow sleep. Just outside Lloyd's room, I could hear 'Nay Lourdes bidding 'Tay Bebot to get the chicken for slaughter while getting the fire started to boil water. It has been ages since I did it myself I forgot my manners I just watched them prepare lunch.

It was already light when we left but 'twas  early enough not to get cooked in the morning sun as we passed the cane fields that separate the Esparagozas' home with that of the Aldeas'. My lack of exercise had me struggling already by the 15th minute. I had yet to know I still have 5 hours of walking ahead of me to get to our destination.

I had no idea where we were going actually. They just told me that Delfin will get us "there". Delfin is Tay Ely's son. As the latter has already retired from guarding the forest as a member of Mt. Kanlaon Green Brigade, his son took his place. We had another round of coffee.

Soon, the inevitable came: the walk that took all morning. I never thought I wouldn't make it sans breakfast. I'd walk really fast for 10 seconds and rest for 2 minutes. It was all uphill from our last pit stop. We passed by gorges which were formed by the locals and made permanent by the water that ran through them when it rains. Some were inches deep in loose earth, some were slippery with the dried leaves that cover it. The walking stick that Ivan made me helped.

On our first hour, we were in the middle of a vast coffee plantation. They were a mix of robusta and arabica, which varieties can be differentiated by the shape of their leaves. They are flowering at this time and their fragrance filled the air.

On the third hour, I was already tired and hungry and the inevitable happened. I got cramps, big ones, on both legs. The pain was blinding I saw stars. I had to catch my breath for a few minutes while Tay Bebot and Tay Moroy took one each of my legs.

When I finally caught up with the young ones, the olds shared my story so Ivan took my pack for the rest of the way.

On the fifth and sixth hour, the terrain changed. Tall laua-an trees loomed over us. As part of the government's effort to deter "kaingeros" from cutting down more trees for coal, the "bantay lasang" planted spiny palm variety of palm around them.

The boys were too impatient to wait, they went on ahead racing to the ranger station guided by a seemingly built-in GPS.

A few wrong turns later (as there was no distinct trail to follow anymore), we heard a jolly banter a few paces ahead. Finally, we have reached the ranger station. That meant, I made it almost to Mt. Kanlaon crater. I was elated alright, but the adrenaline wasn't just enough to get me to the top. I just enjoyed the shared lunched, the freshly brewed home-grown coffee and a quick shut-eye before heading downhill.

(BMS -Biodiversity Monitoring System)

Sitio Pacita

Of the five who received the invite, three passed. That left only Jale and myself, as usual, to make the trip.

***

La Carlota - It was already noon and my mind strayed to my unprepared climb pack. I already took out some shirts and shorts from my closet but I haven't decided yet which ones to bring. Before going home for the day, I stopped at the grocery for a liter of mineralized water and 3 packs of chocolate-coated peanuts and that was it.

Jale was already at the terminal when I arrived. We were an hour later than the time I set with Lloyd so I was a bit worried our hosts will not be able to meet us at our stop.

***

La Castellana - While waiting for the tricycle to fill, we engaged our driver, Ali, in some small talk. He was an easy one. After hearing on the purpose of our visit, no sooner did he regale us with his own adventures at Kanlaon's summit when he was in high school. The highlight of his story was that he personally know the Esparagozas. That set my heart to rest especially that Lloyd is not part of our welcome party.

The short trip was uneventful except for one. When we were about to cross a metal bridge, the trike chains came off so we had to alight for a spell so Ali could put it back on.

Our destination was where the concrete road stopped. In front of the store waited our hostess who was hard to miss. She was the splitting image of Lloyd. I introduced myself and I think she was expecting somebody younger perhaps. She delegated us to Jessie to take us to their house as she still had to stay for their dance practice.

The walk to the house was a kind of a warm-up, with us not having any preparation at all for the climb. The dirt road is so dry, each step sends up dust in the air. It is flanked on both sides with month-old sugarcane which gave us a clear view of our goal. What a beautiful sight to behold.

***

Atop a hill stood a hut, our home for the night. It was fenced off to keep the chicken in. Inside, the man of the house welcomed us with  a pitcher of cold water. Phone signal was excellent, electricity was available, water flows freely off the black pipes and the fresh mountain air cleared my lungs. I haven't coughed since I got there.

Dinner was a bit late. We actually had it started after foraging their mini store of sardines and eggs. Jale and I ate first, then the kids and the parents ate last. When the table was cleared, the talking began over steaming mugs of coffee. It was surreal how they treated us like family who had gone overseas and just visiting for a spell.

The told us how their family witnessed the armed struggle in the 80's that claimed thousands of lives.  Of the many government programs that the government implemented,  they have benefited the most  from the agrarian reform.  It has dramatically changed their lives from being laborers to landowners which enabled them to send their children to school. They have seven (7): the eldest is a seaman, the second (Mac2) just took his criminology exam, the third (Ivan, a.k.a. Mane) works at Ayala as a welder who plans to teach in senior high in the future, the fourth (the only girl) works at Astoria in Boracay, Lloyd is the fifth, Jessis is sixth and [] is the youngest (the last two are 7 and 5-years old, respectively). Jale quizzed them about the tales of the maranhig and other mythical creatures, a topic which they took on in earnest.

I was a long night and the coffee's strength and my excitement for the next day kept me awake until it was already time to wake up.

El Tzino Resort, Cauayan

As planned we checked in at El Tzino on our second day, this time at Brgy. Elijan. The resort has the same coastline as its more famous neighbor, Punta Bulata. To get there, we passed through almost three kilometers of  interesting landscape. The road snaked through hills and valleys with exciting climbs and dips that rendered the road invisible from the passenger's vantage point. As expected, there is minimal radio signal in the area making it a perfect place to disappear for a spell.

I've been to more beautiful beaches but the resort served its purpose for Summer and Rain to have their fill of swimming. We rented the suite for the night. It was spacious but the air-conditioner was not built for it that the room was a bit warm for comfort all night. It was disappointing also  that come check-out time, we were charged extra for the kids' accommodation.

I enjoyed breakfast though. We had fish stew which tasted divine. The couple who manages the resort brought a box of fresh catch the night before.

During my brief alone time, I sat on one of the rubber tire seats and attempted at progressing beyond Chapter One of the Rule of Four.

Rhys & Eira Beach House, Cauayan

This is the second long drive that the family did together in thirteen months.

It is a vast improvement from last years like no:
1. incessant blowing of horns
2. daredevil overtaking or swerving
3. travel discomfort (sis next to bro-in-law, mom and kami in the middle seat and the kids and myself in the backseat)

I have more responsibilities beside booking for the accommodation like:
1. sit with the kids while in transit
2. feed the kids
3. keep the kids entertained off shore
4. mind the kids at the beach

Except for our last night's dinner (the cook left for Sipalay  before we realized it was dinnertime so we had reheated pork adobo from the resort's kitchen) food was excellent, consists mainly of fresh catch from the nearby mercado.

We spent out first night at the Rhys and Eira Beach House in Brgy. Bulata. The house is conveniently located just a few meters from the highway. We missed our turn because their signage was too small and obcsured by the politicians' tarpaulins. The fenced property sits just across two islands owned by the Locsins and the Ledesmas, one of which boasts of a Marine Reserve which I would like to explore someday.

The beach is not part of the property which explains why it is poorly maintained. During low tide, it is visibly littered with plastics, old clothes, cigarette butts and even broken glass. The grassy and slimy seabed is home to a host of marine animals that provide sustenance to locals. Still, that did not deter us from taking a dip under the midday sun. The morning after, it provided us with a vast playground to enjoy kite flying.

From the house, a long stretch of  white sandbar lies tempting the bum in me but my aunty responsibilities come first, without question.

We had the property for ourselves as it was back to work for the rest of the world. There were two rooms upstairs that can accommodate a rowdy bunch of 10 and a wide verandah to play cards or board games with or simply catch up.

Bong2 (brother of the property owner) entertained  us with his karaoke singing and even humored nanay's offbeat attempts (as in more than one song) at it. Except for the poor water pressure in the tap, our stay with Rhys and Eira was great.

***

On our way to the resort we stopped to stretch and enjoy a cuppa at Wouda Cafe. It is a modest structure perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking view of Cauayan coast.

***

Imbibing a steaming cup of brewed coffee is a non-negotiable day starter. When the sun was too hot to enjoy a dip, we explored the area asking the locals where we can find the magic potion. They were a friendly lot and after four inquiries, we found the coffee shop. It was a small sari-sari store with one table inside and another one outside. We chose to enjoy our cup in a shed facing the highway where the action was.

Resorts Negrense

               Swimming is one activity which people of all ages can enjoy doing together. In pursuit of going somewhere new without exhausting everyone, we celebrated sis' birthday at Resorts Negrense in Punta Taytay.

          The Resort is a kids' paradise. It has a pool and a playground (with seesaw, merry-go-round, animal rides, slides, swings, a wall for climbing). 

              For the adults, they have a lagoon for kayaking, pool slides, pool table which we haven't had the chance of using except for picture-taking and a bonsai garden to die for.

       

   We checked in after lunch and lost no time in getting wet (even before we got our wrist bands to use the pool). Testing period lasted an hour when the 'titas of  La Carlota' had no other choice but to play in the kiddie pool. Summer and Rain's gurgling laughter filled the air and the huge grins that were plastered their faces were priceless.

         When Rain retired for his afternoon milk, Summer took courage venturing into the adult pool in her "floatee". We played pirate-made-up-games going around the pool until the light waned, stopping only to refuel with mommy's spaghetti and buko salad.

          It was a day to remember despite lola's finding only 50% enjoyment in the whole event.

       

LasalteChamps Razil and Ralf

           Siblings Razil, 31 and Ralf, 25, know how it is to be wanting in material things yet remain optimistic. Born 4^th  and 5^th, respectively, in a brood of seven to a carpenter father and a vendor mother in La Castellana. Both had to quit college to help their parents and to make ends meet.

            Razil and Ralf  have always wanted to work in a call center. The idea of spending an eight-hour day in a “laid back” environment where English is the language of communication felt both stimulating and exciting. To Ralf, it was rising to the challenge of getting hired in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company after so many rejections while Razil was inspired by an educational trip to a BPO when she was still an Information Technology student at Bago City College.

            They had very little information on how a call center works or what it takes to be an agent then. It was through their brother’s mother-in-law who works in Brgy. Haguimit that they learned about TESDA and its free training for aspitring call center agents.

            They both wistfully recalled having very little sleep during the training period. After spending the night at the training center, they still helped their mother sell “singkamas” and indian mango to provide food for the table and save some for their transportation to and from the training center. Dealing with hardships on a daily basis only strengthened their resolve to make the most of the 100 hours Finishing Course for Call Center Agents and redesign their future.

            Short as the training may seem but the language skills they imbibed lent them the fire and confidence to go through the rigors of getting hired in a call center.

            Working at PanAsiatic has dramatically changed lives. They were modest about their contribution to the family but their older brother, Ryan, proudly shared how they provided for the needs of their parents as the first two gainfully wage earners in the family.  He also added that their lives became living testimonies that being poor is not an obstacle to becoming financially viable and reaching your dreams. Ralf and Razil have inspired many of their young neighbors to work in the BPO industry too with the same end in mind.

            Ralf bought a DSLR camera with his savings. He often volunteered to cover the company events until his works got noticed. Bookings for weddings, birthdays and other occasions started to pour in and he now has a sizable portfolio of customers and offers.

            Education is still foremost in his mind that he is now in his 2^nd year at La Consolacion College under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing Management. He plans to put up his own studio someday. He is presently working at iQor after five rewarding years at Panasiatic.

            Razil, on the other hand, took an indefinite hiatus and invested her earnings into backyard hog raising. She is biding her time immersing in experiential learning exploring places around the region, honing her photography skills and meeting people. She does clearly know what she wants and that includes going back to extending customer service over the phone in the foreseeable future.

In Search for a Success Story

The bus just left when I got out of the door. It was after thirty more minutes when another one passed by. I sat in the middle of a three-seater and was glad that the man across the aisle alit somewhere in Haguimit. The trip was short or so it seemed.

The municipal hall was dominated by bright red and yellow colors. One of the staff was organizing a throng of men and women in the manner which suggested they are going to welcome visitors.

While wandering up and down the balcony, a local approached me. It was Felipa, an alumnus of the school. She gave me an insider's info. Bong Revilla was due to arrive that afternoon. With no certainty of getting a close encounter with the mayor, I left my letter for later and went to meet my subject for the long overdue interview.

Protected by the jacket Razil loaned me, off we went to that coffee "tambayan" up the boondocks, me with Ralf and Razil on their Kuya Ryan's bike. That must be my longest and uphill motorbike ride. It was exciting. The view took my breath away more than my fear of us flying off the cliff.


We had coffee, batchoy and arroz caldo. Ryan filled in the stories his little brother and sister chose not to mention for modesty's sake. He also got himself a tour-guiding job to do when the Palawan cherry blossom and rafflesia bloom comes.

Coffee Culture

Sometimes businessmen tell tall tales just to make a sale.

On one corner of the Good Year building where Alijis-bound PUJs stop to collect passengers, we asked amiably if walking to where the next 711 is, is doable. The barker said that taking a jeep would be a sound option for US (me and Carmela). He went on to add that there was once this girl, our size, who walked to get to this place and was found a little later on the pavement, unconscious from the heat of the sun. We intended to have a good time so we just agreed with him.

It was funny really as no sooner after the jeep left the stop that we found ourselves at 711 already. When we alit, we could still see the stoplight where we took the ride. Hahaha! Apparently, we've been had.

The Coffee Culture is located just before 711. It had me at first whiff!

I ordered cappuccino and allowed Carmela to surprise me with the bites options. When our orders came, it was an assortment of half of everything that the store had on display at the counter: revel bar, adobo and chorizo empanaditas, apple cinnamon (was it cake or pie???) and kalamansi-bundt cake. Finishing them off bide us time while waiting for our customer to pick up her order. I am not a fan of cinnamon so I sampled all but the pie and I wanted more. Maybe next time.



People came and went, especially the foreigners. However, the locals (like us)  stayed for business meeting /paperwork/ picture-taking...lol.