Frozen Christmas In The Mall

For the year-end celebration this year, it takes a lot of preparation in buying presents to people closed to us. The popularity of Frozen film created a big impact to the crowd form different nations. They seem united and enjoyed to talk about the success story of Anna and Elsa. In SM Baguio, you cannot roll your eyes of not seeing the motif; it is in the middle foundation of the mall. As compared from the previous years, the security is so tight. The limitations in taking photos in the area seem overrated. I can't wait to bring my little niece to have her photos with the cast of Frozen. I am sure. Wide-open eyes will be the next thing to happen.

Inspection and Mud Surpise

Field visit and local immersion are a must when one is involved in community development, as staying in the office doing the paperwork is not sufficient. This is to ensure that the blueprint and the actual work coincide as planned. In addition, making sure that everyone who is part of the development process is helping hand in hand and aware of the project as it progresses.    

The mountainous province of Kalinga is the one of the select areas among the Cordillera region that highly benefits to the development projects implemented by the national government and partnership with some international NGO.  The area where I'm working as a CF (Community Facilitator) is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. The locals were able to utilize the natural resources that they had to to their advantage.  Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main source of livelihood in communities. In relation to that, projects in irrigation system and improvement of farm to market road were the focal point of the development work.

My colleagues and I went to visit one of the irrigation site we were handling to see if the project plan was properly executed. A long trek was needed to reach the site passing one mountain to another, jumping and hopping riverbank to the next, and painstakingly crossing narrow dirt and muddy pathway. Always an adventure for everyone. Work and play were never this thrilling. 

While we were descending the place after the inspection visit, the heaven was about to cry that I decided to walk fast downhill, my colleagues were not able to catch up on me and, eventually, I got off the track. The trek was getting too wet and muddy that I was caught off guard and slid while making my way down. My pants and shirt splashed with chocolate-colored mud and unfortunately suffered some bruise which left a mile-long scar on my arms.  Nevertheless, the experience that I had with my job would never be replaced as it molded and expanded my horizon in the field of community development and natural resources rehabilitation.  

   

a good view of the community with the rainbow

 beaming across the mountain mist 

Nice backdrop for photo ops

found shelter to rest and to breathe in this little hut

bundles of rice stalks ready for milling or manual pounding 

with the use of large wood-made mortar and pestle

trekking in between greens

passing through almost covered pathway 

the walking continues...

a quick stop for a pose 

...and again.

picture taking even if it's hot

got mud?

I had a lot!

In the end, it's not the destination which highly plays in your journey, but the challenges you were able to conquer. On how you play despite the difficulties and still displays the smile after.

Some Farm Friends

Animals live together with humans for millions of years now, proof were the ancient arts found on the cave walls and even fossilized animals along with remains of human in many archaeological sites in the world. As time goes by, the relationship between human and animal becomes more sophisticated and mutually beneficial as both work hand in hand to survive.

The dog which is typically labeled as man's best friend is considered the first domesticated animal. These canine companions serve as guardian and could even fight and sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their master. A noble act significantly one of the best characteristics of dogs.

Along with dogs, some species of  animals like horse and pig are also domesticated to provide assistance in the farm life. In Tinglayan, where I used to work as a CF (Community Facilitator) for a community development, dogs are can be found everywhere together with other farm animals.

 a native dog in Barangay Sunadel 2

a dog with zebra-like pattern coat in the mountain side of Barangay Sumadel 1

horses going to Poblacion of Tinglayan

a carabao along the road to Barangay Tulgao East and West

a native pig from the mountain known as "jersey"

It is said that native pigs taste better compared to commercially-fed counterparts.

horse leaving his chocolate drops on the road going to Barangay Ambato-Legleg 

which can be utilized as an organic fertilizer in the plowing fields.

Ultimate dog's handsome best friend (Hehe)

The Historical Book of Jose Rizal

Our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal had contributed a lot of his writings and read by the students in the Philippines. The book "Noli Me Tangere" is one of my favorite to read when I was in secondary level. The insights and learnings are so remarkable to ponder, as described Filipino's lives during the Spanish colonization of our country. Luckily, we didn't read it in Spanish context as the original publication. Though it is transcribed in Filipino or in English language, the book is still part of the curriculum in schools. Looking back the time of reading this in high school, I ponder every words and realizing the real culture and tradition of my country.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Paris

Arc de Triumphe

Arc de Triumphe

Paris

Ring the Bells on Christmas

                Yuletide season made the people to find the ways of decorating their own establishments. Prior to cascading the area, I had seen a big bell hanging. It is really surprisingly to have the decor in the second week of November 2012.

                 In the Philippines, it is a tradition to start celebrating Christmas earlier than the other country. It starts in the month of September onwards. The overwhelming old-fashion way is seen in different emotions of Filipino people. 

The Greatest Mom

              The sacrifices for the love to her children can never be measured or taken away from being a mother. She will do all the support to let the connection in every members of the family be intact.

              As I cruise around in Las Pinas, the statue in an establishment was so inviting to see a mother's statue. The inscription of her story was briefly written along with monument-base. The remarkable she had done with her family made me inspired. That's the reason why this monument gave her an attributes, to let other people know her good deeds.