Taking a Plunge at Manila Ocean Park

Because my friends and I saw the Manila Ocean Park when we had our MV Logos Hope adventure, we decided to explore it next. Manila Ocean Park is located at Manila Bay, just behind Quirino Grandstand. It is said to be the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines. As marine lovers that we [...]

Learning to be a Mother

A 12-year-old did it. She is the youngest mother I personally know, beating the record of the 14-year-old one. She was just another young, pregnant, unwed, and confused teenager among the many who come to the shelter for help. She was probably among the women who have been ostracized by their ultra-conservative village, because she got [...]

Magalawa Island, Palauig, Zambales (Part 2)

ACCOMODATIONS Magalawa Island is a good place for backpackers and tour groups. When we got there, there were many tents put up at the beach front. Tourists and guests can avail tents offered by the Armada Regent Resort as well as their air-conditioned rooms and nipa huts. We opted for a nipa hut, but since [...]

Lezz Go Magalawa, Zamba! (Part 1)

My friends said: “Pag pinaplano, di natutuloy.” That’s why we went to Zambales out of the blue. Well, it isn’t actually sudden, because we got the package one week before. But it’s unusual, because most of our trips are well-planned even to the tiniest detail. For this one, my friend who has a house in [...]

En Route!

I don’t usually take a cab. But everytime I do, I meet interesting taxi drivers. I’ve met a taxi driver who talked about politics, ranting why the Philippines is still an underdeveloped country, in terms of economic status and financial stability. I’ve met a taxi driver who bragged about his newly-bought and amped aircon jeepney [...]

Beyond the Birds and the Bees (Part 2 of 2)

Let’s Talk About Sex… in Schools, Households, and in Malacañang We, teachers, can give them the proper and basic education using books and forms of mass media. In schools, we can teach them how to read, write, and count. But what teenagers really need are lessons on reproductive and sexual health, responsible relationships, family planning, [...]

Amazing Grace

I can’t believe it has been three months. Only three months? It feels like forever.  I’ve been going to the shelter, exhausted from my 9-to-6 corporate job on Tuesdays and going home more renewed and inspired, for three months now.  I’ve been teaching English to the 14 pregnant mothers and playing with the 16 babies since October and [...]

It’s a Grace to be Born

On my way home, I frowned upon three teenage girls wearing short shorts and thick make-up chatting loudly in the jeep. Of course, I overheard them talking about courtship as if they know what love is and how to handle a relationship at age 14. I want to tell them: they have a bad fashion [...]

We Cared at He Cares

The birthday of my friend Dynki was fast approaching when she asked me for a foundation where she can spend her 24th. As a volunteer in some outreach activities, I told her about this one place I have wanted to go to ever since my church mates talked about it. My church mates have volunteered [...]

Bohol Adventure Day 3-4 (Sept. 24-25, 2011)

We had to wake up early on the third day of our stay in Bohol, because we would go island hopping and dolphin watching. Our tourist guide/boatman knocked on our door at exactly 6 in the morning. We did not have our breakfast yet, but the good thing was Kuya JR, who works at Tierra [...]