IT’S BEEN sooooo looooong since I last posted here because I took my vacation seriously. And I tell you, my summer was one of my most memorable.

Just what did I do this summer of 2009?

After my students’ graduation day, I wanted to make my family feel that I am really LIVING WITH THEM, I spent a few days at home, did the cooking, played with my nephews and nieces (there’s abunch of them), and, you know, just lingered around. In the afternoon, I would bike, and at times, jog to the beach to get rid of the fats I have accumulated from graduation treats and birthday parties. On the beach, I would watch the sun as it sets down the horizon and the sea waves as they rush to the shore.

Biking to Ladol Beach, Alabel, Sarangani Province

Sunset at Ladol Beach

After the Holy Week, I started taking part of the Sarangani Big Brother Program by facilitating the SBB Volunteer Training and Leadership Camp. It was a great experience–meeting new friends, going to many places, and, of course, somehow being part of social transformation. I went to Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum. Alongside facilitating trainings, we had a great time snorkeling in Maasim’s beautiful beaches.

A small-group session youth volunteers in Maasim, Sarangani Province

I was not able to join the SBB Facilitators in other municipalities because I had to attend the Training for Physical Science Teachers of Regional Science High School at the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP-NISMED) in Diliman, Quezon City.

With the Director UP-NISMED and one of our Facilitators

After the training, I spent a few days to meet my friends who are now working in Metro Manila. I feel nostalgic looking at our pictures. And oh, I was able to use my TimeZone Powercard at last (Geesh, I can’t remember how much I had spent at TZ).

Before going back to Mindanao, I paid my Ate Edna and Ate Marissa a visit in Bulacan where they now work.

With Pathways Friends at the MOA

When I returned here, I was sent to another training on the Teacher Induction Program at the Notre Dame of Marbel University.  It was another great experience, where I met nice fellow participants who treated me like their younger brother. I also met with my old friends in Marbel and had our usual bowling session.

After a few days, I attended another training at Lun Padidu National High School, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on Improvization of Laboratory Equipment with Concept Integration where I learned how to saw, solder, and, well, utilize recyclables to build instructional materials for my classes.

In between these activities, I had target shooting with Board Member Aniceto Lopez III, swimming with Mayor Lopez, eyeballs with GenSan and South Cotabato Uzzapers (haha), bowling and drinking sessions with yuppie friends, and long hours of sleep.

It was one great summer, don’t you think?