It's an affirmation that we exist and that we care.
Of the various kinds of love, we come across with romantic
love.
Oftentimes, this poses a challenge to the parties concerned
especially to the one who feels that it's an unrequited love.
No matter how pain seems to intrude, we cling on the joy
loving brings, hoping that everything is well.
Until we realize that there are some imperfections in the
manner we love - worldly, selfish and full of expectations.
It is only then that we learn to accept, to let go and to
move on.
In the end, its the lessons we learn that matters – giving us
the courage to face the reality – continually hoping that somewhere down the
road, we meet the person destined for us to share the best parts of our lives
with…
I was seated on a stone under the tree – contemplating some challenges in life,
breathing fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature when a group of visitors
walked through the lush grasses. Without a second thought, one of them must be
Japan's Ambassador to our country - the idea came because of the welcome
signage posted at the entrance of Antonio Isidro Hall.
The picturesque view of the golf course I enjoyed watching.
The welcome signage
I set my eyes to the whole
entourage trying to guess who among them was the ambassador because there were
a number of them being photographed and assisted. I dared to get closer until
one of his staff brought answers to my questions.
The ambassador and company approaching
She affirmed that Ambassador
Toshinao Urabe wears a white long-sleeve. Accordingly, the ambassador wanted to
take a glimpse of the Lanao Province, the very place when his father- the late
ambassador to the Philippines was abducted. The conversation was cut short
because the woman got busy taking photos and everyone had to catch up the set
appointment at 11:00AM for the courtesy call to the Mindanao State University
System President Macapado A. Muslim.
They're getting closer to the trees.
Gladness filled my heart as
the ambassador and company braved to set foot on a “horrid place” (a stigma
some people used to describe Mindanao). I can see in their faces the appreciation on the lush environment, the picturesque Lanao Lake and the fresh
air.
The Ambassador Toshinao Urabe looking at the photo
With fellow Japanese men
That encounter, that moment to see them, that opportunity to observe them may be very short but it had a lasting impact on me. First, Mindanao like any
other place is worth a visit, worth an immersion and worth an experience. It is
only when you have an actual / real experience that your biases and prejudices will
be challenged – and yes, you will realize that the place is not that horrific
than what you thought it to be.
Second, on the personal
level, I realize that life is not all about being affected, being challenged by
problems and being pushed to the limit. Rather, life is an opportunity to
cherish the moment, a chance to become more receptive on the solutions to the
problem and a blessing to share it to others. Thank you so much... Hope to see you again one day... God bless...
Receiving a Leadership Award is indeed an extra blessing.
For students venturing into graduate education, getting a degree is of primary
concern. The long years of drudgery in itself is enough for a graduate student to
finish his/her chosen degree and receive a diploma.
Few days before the College of Business Administration and Accountancy’sPre-commencement and Recognition Ceremonies, we had our rehearsals at the IIT
gymnasium. Prof. Stephen Fajardo, Assistant Dean of CBAA, then announced the
graduates with extra-curricular and co-curricular achievements. I heard him say
my name for the Leadership Awardees of the College which surprised me because I least expected it, considering that I was taking up a masteral
degree.
Then the Pre-commencement Exercises happened.
The Program
Prof. Fajardo called me up and upon receiving the medal and
the certificate made me feel grateful and proud. I thank the Master in Business
Management Department/Office/Program for recognizing my contributions to the
studentry and the program. Being the President of MBM Student Board from 2010
to 2012 was a bit challenging not to mention the diverse personalities of
professionals I was dealing with. One thing I am grateful though is that
everyone was just as excited as I was to have general orientation, get-together
party, enhancement seminar, outreach program and of course the educational tour
a.k.a. laag-laag :D But truly, we learned a lot from all those educational
trips especially the laughter, laughter and laughter all throughout the trip :D
This among others makes me nostalgic of my MBM journey because of the moments
shared together. You can read my post on my MBM Journey here.
The Certificate
With Vanessa, Ma'am Abeth and my fellow MBM graduates
The award I received will always remind me to be humble no
matter what; to have the desire and passion to lead; to be compassionate with
others; to do conscientiously the plans even if it meant a sacrifice; and to
never stop learning lessons even beyond the four corners of the classroom.
The Medal
With Rolly and Brian. Thank you so much for coming over. Thank you sab Kyong :-)
These I thank you my MBM Family. As of this writing, I am
already teary eyed… Hope to always connect with you guys… Thank you thank you
thank you… Thank God…
Thank you so much my MBM Family
With my nephew JR, Tatay, Nanay, Rolly, Lloyd and Brian. Salamat much :-)
With Sir Adrian, Ma'am Narido and fellow MBM graduates
With the ever supportive CBAA Graduate Program Coordinator Prof. Narido. Thank you so much Ma'am :-)
Located along the coastline of Surigao del Sur, the Municipality of Cagwait
boasts to house the ever-charming Cagwait White Beach - attracting a number of
visitors during summer and Feast of St. John the Baptist every June. With the
popularity of the white beach, tourists and locals alike choose to go there to
relax and enjoy what the beach offers.
The welcome view of Puting Buhangin
Unknown to many is this one of a kind beach in the same
municipality, a beach that is unspoiled, untouched and pristine that one could
find it romantic, dreamy and mesmerizing.
A stretch of white sand :-)
As a proud native of Cagwait, I gladly welcome you all to
the Puting Buhangin Beach!!!
A picturesque view of Puting Buhangin
Puting Buhangin Beach is located at Bitaugan East, one of
the 11 barangays of the Municipality of Cagwait. It is a 30-minute drive away from
Barangay Aras-asan terminal – one of the entry points to Bitaugan East. The
beach is so named Puting Buhangin because in Bitaugan, it is the only beach
with a sand color closer to white. As seen on the photos, the sand is actually brownish,
giving the viewers a room for inquiry why it is called Puting Buhangin (White
Sand). Nevertheless, this beach among others is more than just the white sand,
it’s the soothing feeling, a sparkle of appreciation and a magic of love that it
gives its visitors.
A walk to remember :-)
Oh, I must have fallen in love with the beach because of the romantic atmosphere it sets. A walk through its soft sand leaves remarkable footprints – one thing that I really enjoyed there. A dip in the beach with cute little waves is also revitalizing and what a great way to just lie down the seashore enjoying the fresh sea water touching my body.
Just want to lie down for a long time...
A grateful pose :-)
Sitting on a driftwood along the shoreline :-)
My high school batchmate Mae Grace
Truly, Puting Buhangin
is perfect for anyone to have self-reflection, for lovers to have a date and
for groups to enjoy each other’s company. How I love to stay there…
enjoying fresh air, taking a barefoot walk on the sand, swimming, relaxing,
meditating and appreciating the beauty of nature. Thank God for such a
paradise!!!
Getting There:
From Butuan City, Bislig City and Davao City
Ride a bus going to Tandag City and tell the bus conductor that you are going
to Barangay Aras-asan. Alight at the Aras-asan Terminal. The bus driver and the
conductor usually announce that you have arrived in the said barangay. From
there, habal-habals (motor vehicles) are available for hire. Tell the driver you are
heading to Puting Buhangin, Bitaugan East. Fare is Php 25.00 per person.
If the road is not muddy, you will be sent directly to the shore of the
beach. Since we went there last December, we walked a few meters to reach the
beach.
A view before reaching the beach
From Tandag City
You can ride a bus heading to Butuan, Davao or Bislig City and tell the bus
conductor that you will alight at the Aras-asan Terminal. There are also
jeepneys and vans from Tandag as options for you to reach Aras-asan.
Where to stay
To date, there are no resorts in the area offering accommodations to
visitors. I suggest that you go there in the morning and go back to Barangay Aras-asan
or proceed to Cagwait White Beach where there a number of resorts. Click here.
Note:
Bring some food for snacks or lunch as well as your preferred beverage because
there are no stores near the beach.
Blessed with verdant forests, pristine beaches, and exquisite flora and fauna,
Surigao del Sur is truly a potential tourism hub in the Philippines. A number
of breathtaking places is yet to be explored, discovered and experienced in the
said province – giving avenues for explorers and travelers to find out these
gems of nature.
Being born in Surigao del Sur is a wonderful opportunity for me to visit the gifts of nature but I must admit that I have only visited few.
“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!” is a challenge that I face and will
conquer soon… Starting off in my hometown, the Municipality of Cagwait.
This is one of the million reasons why IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES
Brief History
Cagwait is
a coastal town located in the central part of the province of Surigao del Sur.
It straddles along the coast of Pacific Ocean and Mount Diwata. It has a total
land area of 21,410 hectares and a population of 19,899 (NSO, 2007) scattered
among its eleven (11) barangays.
Historical Origin of Cagwait
Young
sailors from Leyte, who escaped from enslaving hands of Spaniards, sailed
southward in 1840 in a boat called “veloz” and noticed they were passing
into a bay resembling a human mouth, which in vernacular, it is called “mao rag
wait.” The bay looked like an open mouth and the peninsula resembling the
esophagus. The settlers later on called the place “Cagwait.”
Thus in
July 1840, when Father Juan Engrova first baptized the people in the new
settlement, wrote the name Cagwait in his record entitled, “Libros de
Bautismos,” 1845-1860.
The
diversity of the marine and forest ecosystem facing the bay and the land along
it are fertile. It favors for growing crops that attracted more and more
settlers from other and nearby places.
The
ever-charming Cagwait Beach
The Municipality of Cagwait houses the ever-charming
Cagwait White Beach.
Oh, Cagwait Beach...
Once named as Waikiki Beach by an aviator Charles
Lindbergh because of its resemblance to the famous beach in Hawaii, Cagwait
Beach is a long stretch of white powdery sand forming a C-shape. An aerial view
shows a clamshell-like formation, truly a scene to behold. The picturesque view
of the beach from different angles makes it more attractive to tourists and
locals alike.
Clamshell-like view
The clear turquoise water of the beach is simply
irresistible, captivating and inviting –just so perfect for everyone to enjoy
swimming. One can even think of taking a plunge instantly because of its charm.
Big waves for surfing and skimboarding are readily available for the
enthusiasts, truly a beach for the adventurous visitors and the ordinary beach
lovers.
A perfect place for respite
The long shoreline welcomes everyone for a barefoot-walk and even sprint. The considerable width as well allows people to play
volleyball, parlor games and the like.
The long stretch of white sand is simply breathtaking :-)
The continuous development in Cagwait White Beach pave
way for a vibrant local tourism whereby beach goers and potential tourists can
enjoy. First is the mushrooming of private-owned resorts with affordable
accommodations. These establishments have upgraded a beach bumming experience
by offering among others, sea sports adventure such as riding a banana boat,
kayaking and jet skiing. These are really great options for the locals and
tourists alike.
A beach dancing performance
Second on the list is the annual celebration of Kaliguan
Festival held every 3rd week of June in honor of St. John the
Baptist. This gala has attracted people from neighboring places and even across
the globe to witness the colorful celebration of great harvest. Beach dancing
competition is the most unique cultural dance contest there is in the country
where the performers literally present their number along the shorelines of the
beach. Another highlight of the festival is the Perlas ng Kaliguan where lovely
candidates show wit and grace during the entire competition. The other
activities include boat racing, fluvial parade, sand art competition, pinoy
games, agri-trade fair, beach volleyball, beach party and many many more.
DEPEd teachers in their production number during Kaliguan Festival
Rolly with a huge backdrop at the floating stage
Proudly wearing buli hats during Kaliguan Festival. With me is Brian and Ondoy
With two of my bestfriends Brian and Asterio
Completing the list of BROLJ: Rolly and Lloyd :-)
Third
is the media presence of Cagwait Beach; that would mean being featured in
Living Asia, TV Patrol Weekend, GMA 7 and a number of blogs. Thanks to all for promoting
Cagwait in your most creative way.
The Cagwait White Beach is truly a blessing for the
locals who never fail to appreciate its beauty and its contribution to the
tourism development. A place for respite, batch reunion and family gatherings,
Cagwait Beach will always have a welcoming gesture to everyone. For me, I have never
missed and would never miss an opportunity to go there everytime I am home. Oh,
mentioning of going home makes me ecstatic. See you again my beloved Cagwait
Beach.
My nieces and nephew enjoying at the beach
Getting
There:
From
Butuan City, Bislig City and Davao City
Ride a bus going to Tandag City and tell the bus conductor
that you are going to Cagwait. Alight at the junction area where you can see the
welcome landmark. The bus driver and the conductor usually announce that you
have arrived in Cagwait. From there, you can hire a motorized tricycle
and tell the driver that you are heading to the Cagwait White Beach. There are
resorts along the beach for you to choose from. You can ask some questions from
the driver so you would be guided. Fare is Php 15 –Php 20.
From
Tandag City
You can ride a bus heading to Butuan, Davao or Bislig
City and tell the bus conductor that you will alight at the intersection of
Cagwait There are also jeepneys and vans from Tandag as options for you to
reach Cagwait.
Where
to stay
If you are planning to stay overnight, here are your
options to stay at:
Tourism Inn
Lizville
Spacebar
Xtreme Beach Resort
Lolenghayaw
Cottages are also available along the beach.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I GLADLY WELCOME YOU ALL TO THE
MUNICIPALITY OF CAGWAIT AND TO THE EVER CHARMING CAGWAIT WHITE BEACH. MAY YOU
ENJOY YOUR STAY!!! GOD BLESS!!!
The Iligan Institute of Technology of the Mindanao State
University commends 1,539 graduates from the different schools and colleges of
the institute during its 43rd Commencement Exercises on April 8, 2013. MSU-IIT: Going
Beyond Borders was the class theme – urging the graduates to meet the demands and
challenges of the present time.
The Baccalaureate
Services
With over a thousand candidates for graduation, the
processional march was one of the longest lines one could ever witness during graduation.
That alone, consumed 45 minutes for everyone to endure. Well, one has to
withstand it, after all, on that same day, the candidates for graduation will
be conferred with their respective degrees :D
The Baccalaureate Ceremony
With the spiritual leaders having reached their seats on
stage signaled the MSU-IIT Octava Choral Society to render the invocation. This
was followed by the baccalaureate prayers initiated by Ustadz Aladin Saga
Deron, President of Imam League, Rev. Jonathan M. Cal of the United Church of
Christ in the Philippines and Fr. Leo A. Illah, C.S.Sp, Chaplain of the Catholic
Center Campus Ministry. Father Leo before saying a prayer encouraged everyone
to be always grateful and thankful to God the Almighty.
Daxter, William L. Gulben, BS EE, Magna Cum Laude, the class
first honorable mention led the prayer response of the candidates for
graduation. After which was the presentation of tokens and love offerings to
the spiritual leaders.
The Commencement Ceremonies
Another processional march joined by the institute
officials, the MSU System officials, the Regents of the University System, the
Chancellor, the Guest Speaker, The University President and the Colors came to
play.
The Candidates for Graduation
Dr. Sukarno D.
Tanggol, the Institute Chancellor introduced the commencement speaker to
everyone’s excitement. Citing his credentials being a physicist, a writer, a
professor, a blogger among others, the candidates for graduation couldn’t wait
for him to deliver his speech.
And so, Dr. Isagani
Cruz greeted everyone “Maayong Buntag!!!”
Starting with the interpretation of the
number 13, he assured the graduates that it is a lucky number. “You must
start working on your next dream. This is where you will need a lot more luck,”
he said.
“Chance favors the prepared mind,” he added.
Moreover, he challenged everyone by saying, “according
to economists and other experts, the “new growth pole” in the country is
Mindanao. This is where the country will rise or fall. “You are lucky because
you are in Mindanao. You are right here where the action is. You are lucky
because you studied in a school that is rooted solidly in Mindanao. You are
lucky because you graduated from a school that has never deviated from its
tradition of academic excellence in many fields, particularly science and
technology. You have been well-prepared for the task that you now face.”
He continued, “What is the task that you now
face? It is to propel Mindanao to its position of leadership. It is to be the
pilot in the ship that is the country. It is to be the leader of the almost a
hundred million Filipinos ready to become, if we will believe the foreign
press, the next Asian tiger.
The MSU System President and IIT Chancellor giving the plaque of appreciation to the commencement speaker
Everyone applauded, being grateful to the inspirational message of Dr.
Cruz.
Dr. Edgar W. Ignacio,
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs recognized the candidates for
graduation who received academic leadership and co-curricular awards.
Dr. Tanggol then presented 1,539 candidates for graduation
to the MSU System President Dr. Macapado Muslim who then conferred various
degrees to the graduates.
The graduates, faculty members and the parents
Ms. Almera O. Manan, the class valedictorian and a Magna Cum
Laude BS Biology graduate, delivered her valedictory address. She tearfully
recalled how she went through the challenges of being a student. Spending sleepless
nights, taking endless exams and passing loads of requirements have become a routine
to her and her classmates. “This is now the fruit of our labor, the result of
all the hardships we had,” she proudly said. “Thank you to all our mentors, who
have helped us throughout our journey in IIT,” she added.
Then, the class song entitled READY TO GO BEYOND was led by
Ms. Casteelyn H. Bacera, AB English and a music awardee.
Hon. Roberto N. Lim, President of the MSU Alumni Association
and Alumni Regent led the oath-taking of the graduates; after which he jokingly
said, “Now, you can cry.”
Ms. Marie Joy L. Requiroso, a BS Bio graduate and class
salutatorian led the pledge of loyalty to the Alma Mater.
Then the singing of the Himno ng Pamantasan signaled the
finale of the Commencement Exercises.
The 43rd CBAA Pre-commencement and Recognition Ceremonies
The graduation ceremony in MSU-IIT comprises the pre-commencement
and commencement exercises. The latter is the conferment of degrees to the
graduating class while the former is the awarding of diplomas, academic,
co-curricular and extra curricular awards.
The College of Business Administration and Accountancy had
its pre-commencement exercises last April 6, 2013 at the MSU-IIT Gym. The
program started at exactly 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon with a processional
march of the candidates for graduation, the college faculty, the college dean, institute
officials and the guest of honor. Ms. Safa O. Manala-o, a colleague in MBM
hosted the ceremony and facilitated the flow of the program.
The candidates for graduation...
Prof. Julita W. Bokingo, dean of CBAA gladly welcomed
everyone to the affair and congratulated the graduating class for a job well
done. She further presented one hundred and fifty one (151) candidates for
graduation of the college; to wit: five (5) from the Master in Business Management,
fifty-one (51) from Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, sixteen (16) from BSBA
major in Business Economics and seventy-nine (79) from BSBA major in
Entrepreneurial Marketing.
Recognition of the graduates with extra-curricular,
co-curricular achievements and academic awards followed. Leading the 2013 graduating
class of CBAA is Ms. Gie Ann Mae C. Racines, a BSBA major in Entrepreneurial
Marketing graduate. The junior students with a grade point average (GPA) of
1.75 or higher were also recognized during the program.
Mr. Romeo L. Bato, CPA, MM the guest of honor inspired the
graduating class with his life-changing experiences. His message was centered
into GPS, encouraging the graduates to
go beyond borders. The first letter G stands for GOALS. Citing a quote from an
author he said, “Goals should be in writing, because if they are not written,
they remain wishes – which may not come true.” “Read your goals everyday and
you will realize you are getting closer towards reaching it because the more
you read it, the more you become conscious of where you are heading to,” he
added. The next letter P is all about preparation. Everyone was encouraged to
continue learning. The last letter S stands for Service. “Becoming rich is
within reach if you learn to serve other people,” he said. Be always willing to
be of service to your community and the more people you help, the more you
could be successful.
The hooding of graduates in the Masters Degree Program as well as the distribution of the diploma
were then made to the delight of the graduating class.
Awarding of Diplomas
With fellow MBM candidates for graduation, Van and Ma'am Abeth
Ms. Iris M. Dajao-Opiso,
MBM graduate with highest GPA moved everyone to have faith, hope and love in
everything a person does. Ms. Racines, the class valedictorian tearfully
reminisced the struggles of being a student and the friendship built along the
journey. Moreover, Ms. Shiny Rose M. Salem, the class salutatorian urged the
graduating class to be grateful to their parents, guardians, families and
relatives for the continued support. “Thank you Ma and Pa, for being our BDO’s –
someone who always find ways to give what we need through the years,” she
sincerely expressed.
A proud parent Mrs. Evangeline C. Racines, mother of the
class valedictorian also shared her experiences of being a mother and her
thanksgiving for the honor the graduates bring to their respective families.
The dignitaries...
Prof. Stephen C. Fajardo, Assistant Dean of CBAA formally
closed the ceremony leaving everyone smiling specially the graduating class who
were given the idea to become future mates :D
With Kai Darul, a blogger friend...
Photo Credit: Ma'am Iris Dajao-Opiso and Ms. Kai Darul
