The Farewell by Ivy Lorraine T. Calligdong

Everything happens for a reason. Losing one of my relatives is the hardest part of life. It’s so hard to accept it especially when we experienced being happy with that person before. He was very kind, thoughtful, and a very helpful person. He was a good son to his parents, a good brother to his siblings, and a good person to everyone. He was a strong and a healthy person, that is why we were so shocked after learning that the residents in our barangay are searching for him at the sea where they went fishing the night before he disappeared. After several hours of searching for him in the middle of the sea, a cold, frozen body was found and it was my relative, Manny. We cannot accept the fact that Hod already took him with Him. We lost one of our family members and we cannot do anything else but to accept it. We believe in God and we have to accept our fate. He left us sad but we learned that we have to value everything before it turns into memories. Now, we have a strong family who supports and loves each member of the family. In any problem that e encounter every day, we should stay strong and have faith. To my cousin Manny, may you rest in peace. We will never forget each second we spent together. You may be gone in this world but you will never be gone in our hearts.

Clean Hands Raised: Global Handwashing Day 2015

                There was an air of cheer as Jawili Integrated School pupils and students started the day with the flag ceremony and raised their hands as they pledged to keep their hands clean and spread awareness on the importance of proper handwashing.

                Various contests were held for learners to showcase their talents and their knowledge and expertise on proper handwashing. There were slogan, essay writing, and poem writing contests in three languages – English, Filipino, and Akeanon. For the creative artists, there was a Hand Art Contest for kindergarten pupils, Drawing Contest for grades 1-3 pupils, and Poster Making for grades 4-6 and grades 7-10. Their arts were displayed on a wall for others to see and admire.

                Then, the learners formed their lines toward a clean and bright future as they look at their hands, washed their hands with soap and water, and smiled as they show off their clean hands. Members of the Philippine National Police also joined in the celebration and washed their hands with the learners and the teachers.

                Indeed, handwashing is for everybody and we, at Jawili Integrated School, raise our hands for hygiene!

Kopitea - My Cup of Tea!

Well, I'm more of a cold drink-person so it's more like my tall glass of milk tea. I was in Manila when I was introduced to milk teas. I remember looking forward to my after-training reward for myself everyday. Well, I had almost a year exploring different flavors of milk teas until we decided to go back to Aklan.

One day in May, we were picking up my youngest sister at the Kalibo International Airport when we received her text message saying that their flight was delayed. We have to kill about an hour. While driving around Kalibo, looking for a place where we can wait comfortably, I saw Kopitea. I just got back in Aklan so I did not know what it offers. I asked my sister about it. She haven't been there either. A believer about experience being the best teacher, I asked her to come with me inside.

It was actually love at first sight. I love the ambiance, the relaxed and cozy atmosphere inside Kopitea.

We were welcomed with smiles and courtesy. We ordered sandwiches and milk teas. Time flies when you and your tastebuds are having fun. After making some plans for the weekend, it was time to go.

I have noticed that coffee shops sprouted in almost every corner of Kalibo. However, I have always been wary about such trends. Such times are the best times to practice critical thinking, research skills, and keen observation. I always choose the one with the cleanest place. It might be something which is based on the surface but it's the easiest thing to achieve. If a shop cannot achieve that one, I wouldn't dare to think about what's going on inside the kitchen. Then comes the milk tea. Of course, the taste matters. However, there's more to a milk tea than its flavor. In this aspect, Kopitea amazed me with its naturally brewed milk teas which is absolutely free of artificial coloring and artificial flavors. The best thing about it is that their drinks are available in very competitive prices. You can enjoy your dose of Kopitea milk tea for as low as Php65.00.

I learned that they are constantly adding new drinks and dishes to their menu. 

Aside from their new offerings, I am also looking forward to their upcoming promos and contests. If you can't wait to know more and be updated with the changes and events, "like" the Kopitea Fanpage on Facebook. You can also get a free mug once you bought your 25th drink if you have their card.

Their healthy milk tea - this is just one of the reasons why I love Kopitea!

*Photos grabbed from Kopitea's FB Fanpage

Tangalan Elementary School Choir and The Centralian Flutists Perform during the 2014 Recognition Da

I am so proud that my son, Francis Albert Domingo is a member of the Tangalan Elementary School Choir and also a member of the Centralian Flutists. Here are their performances during the 2014 Recognition Day.

Lupang Hinirang by the Tangalan Elementary School Choir

Awit ng Paghahangad by the Tangalan Elementary School Choir

Aklan Hymn by the Tangalan Elementary School Choir

Tangalan Elementary School Hymn by the Tangalan Elementary School Choir

Tangalan Elementary School March by the Tangalan Elementary School Choir

Bahay Kubo and Leron-leron Sinta by the Centralian Flutists

Outing - Basang Cold Spring

Whew! Are you feeling the heat of summer? Now that summer's here, I know that there are lots of people who are planning to go swimming or go to colder places like Tagaytay or Baguio here in the Philippines.

If you would like to go swimming, I highly recommend The Wassenaar Beach Resort in Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan. You can go there then proceed to Boracay or vice versa. It's a nice place if you prefer peace and quiet compared to the busy night life in Boracay. I also recommend Basang Cold Spring which is located in Nabas, Aklan. The water is really cold that may make you forget that it's summer. It's a lot better because it gives you more satisfaction than halo-halo and ice cream minus the additional weight.

Now, that's three destinations already. So if you ever decided to come and visit Aklan, you'll know where to go. If you're adventurous and would like to maximize your vacation here, you can add Jawili Falls, Sampaguita Gardens and more to your itenerary. If you would like to know more, just post a comment. ;)

If ever you decided to go here or go outing somewhere else, here are some things that you should remember:

1. Travel light. No, you don't need to bring all of your shoes. Just bring one for comfort, one for formal parties, and one that will go with most of your clothes that you're bringing.

You also don't need to bring all your clothes. Just pick safe and comfortable ones. Bring just one or two formal dresses.

You also don't need to bring all your friends and family's and pets pictures. Just leave them at home, If you really can't do that just bring one of each.

2. Don't forget the essentials. Your make-up kit, yes, that's on top of the list. Tools for your car, first aid kit, insect repellant, Swiss knife, and your personal stuff. With the last one, make sure to kip tip number one in mind.

3. Turn the main switch of electricity of your house off if no one will be staying at home. Make sure that all the windows and the doors, and the gate is locked.

4. Bring a book or magazine or MP3 player just in case you get bored.

5. Never forget your camera and extra batteries.

Now those are just the basics. There will be a lot more tips next time. Thanks for reading and always be safe. :)