My Plant Collection

My interest in ornamental plants and herbs started when I decided to convert an area outside our house into a garden or something like it.  It was way back in 2011, when my wife and I procured some plants from a sidewalk vendor along Ilustre St. in Davao.  We bought eugenia(s), pandakaki(s), and a golden ficus, though back then, I wasn't really paying attention to the vendor telling us the plant name.  It was just recently that I got the interest to know them.

I had previously made a post about the work that I've done for the area that I'm talking about, and you may find it here: Working on Labor Day.  Here you can actually compare the improvements I made (if you can consider them as one... hehehe).  I had collected some of the plants in my list now (some were even rare as others say), but still looking for a cheap place to buy for those I still wanted to have.

Having and collecting plants as a hobby was a good stress reliever for me.  From the process of propagating them... planting, cultivating, watering... it was quite fulfilling watching them grow each day.  It was really a good test on how green my thumb is, and well, basing on the ratio of those I planted and survived, I may say, my thumbs pretty green... hahaha.  It's really different when you're the one who grow the plant from seed or a stem from its mother plant, it's something you actually call your own.

My therapy...

My wife also loves plants, in fact, she was the one who convinced me before to buy plants or plant one for her.  Why am I the one planting?  Aside from the reason that she's the boss... hehehe... planting really was not her thing.  She told me that even by simply touching the plant, its probability to live is lessen, much more if she's the one who planted it.  Know what, I believed her.  Now, if it's to trick me to the work, well it definitely worked, but doesn't really matter, I love her and I love doing it for her.

In the olden days, even some Filipinos until now, are discriminatively associating ornamental plants to women.  And that's a thing of the past, we are fighting for equality here for both sexes (hahaha).  Kidding aside, my friend (who shared the same hobby) and I observed in places where the plants were sold, almost all buyers were men.  And though having different reason and purpose, it emerged that it's actually a good source of extra income... aha, so there it is... LOL.

For me, it's a hobby and fun to do.  My wife and I loved how our garden look now... But hey, I'm open to opportunities... hahaha.  Yahweh bless, everyone.

My PMA Cadet Years (Cow Year) - Leading A Squad

April 1997

This would be the first of the last few posts as part of my second class cadet experience in the academy.  I was one of the lucky few who were able to survive that far considering many got a hard time with the yearling subjects.  But as I've said, my cadetship story is nearing it's end, for the Lord had a different purpose in my life.  Hope you guys enjoy reading and learn something from my life as a PMA cadet.

1- Given a normal condition, the new class entering PMA is always scheduled to begin on the first day of April.  The acceptance of new recruits in the academy is called  the "reception".  As to the arrival of the class of 2001, our class was officially elevated to the 2nd class rank.  And we took the role of handling the plebes' (new recruits) "summer camp".  I was designated as squad leader of 6 plebes (namely: Cdts. Angeles, Enriquez, Estrada, Panerio, Rodriguez, and Rosete) and 3 yearlings (Cdts. Melo, Suarez and Arojo) back then.  I've given it in detail to make it obvious that I have kept a journal and was not relying in my memory alone.

2- Usually, if you got carried away with the shouting in the reception, you lose your voice.  That's what happened to me, got no voice the whole day.  Good thing no one messed up in my squad that day.  Also, my squad showed good potential in their stamina in running... everyone conquered the preliminary 3 rounds Borromeo field run without breaking a sweat (idiomatically speaking).

5- In the Saturday Inspection, cadets should be at their best: properly shined metal parts and shoes, clean and well-ironed uniform, well shaved, in good posture and condition... in short and simple language: snappy overall.  And the upperclassmen (the squad leaders and their assistants) should be the role model... for in leading, how can you tell your men to do something properly if you can't do it yourself?  Well, most of the time, the plebes got the corrections from the officers inspecting the ranks.  We took notes of their violations and taught them the proper ways, so they would do better next time.  One's squad performance reflects what kind of leadership they have.

9 to 26-  Plebes' Training.  We used exaggeration in molding our plebes back then.  Head up, chin in, brace up, stomach in, march higher and faster than the usual pace, use peripheral vision, fixing things like an OC (Obsessive-Compulsive) person in the fastest way, memorizing lots of things (names, menus, and other plebe knowleges), and the never ending "masi-masi" (physical exercises conducted by an upperclassman)... apart from their basic military training course, were just part of plebes usual day.   These were not made just for inconvenience purposes.  It helped develop cadet's good posture even in a relaxed stage, sharper mind, stronger body and keener senses.

A pose before "commence exercise...".

Foot March.  Through my years in the academy, the series of foot marches might still  be of the same destinations but each time was a unique experience. For at that moment, we were the ones leading the troops and directly responsible for their welfare.

Tired but all smiles for the shot...

The ones smiling were upper class cadets.

Having lunch with my squad.

Birthday.  I celebrated my birthday in the academy the third time.  We had this tradition of plebes (or the lowest ranking in the corps) carrying upperclassmen during victories and celebrations (such as birthdays, graduations, etc.) to the rooms of his mistah(s) or classmates, where the latter could do anything (from tickling to putting shaving cream in your face, etc.) as greeting for such event.  Then the plebes proceed in dunking  the celebrator to a drum filled with water or fountain (for 1st class cadets).  It was a very uncomfortable experience... but tradition is tradition... hehehe.

27- Turnover Ceremony.  I belonged to the first plebe detail (Navy-Air Force group).  It was our turn then to have our hands on training for our chosen branch of service.  And it's the Army's group turn to handle the plebes.

28- It was the start of our Southern Cruise.  It was sort of an on-the-job training for second class cadets.  We met the FOIC (Flag Officer in Command) in the Headquarters of the Philippine Navy (PN) at Roxas Boulevard.  Then went to Cavite, aboard PF11 Raja Humabon (PN ship), where our lectures were held.

29- First time that we wore our working khaki in a field duty.  It was something we don't usually wear as cadets.  The uniforms were specifically designed for cadets who's joining the Philippine Navy.  We were always been mistaken as commissioned officers by enlisted personnel since the only difference we had with them were our PMA insignias.

30- We were given our first "liberty" and spent it with the company of some mistah(s).  It was really an advantage that where ever we go, there was always a mistah (classmate) living nearby, serving as our guide in the place and if lucky enough, a home to stay for the night.  Yahweh bless.

Recent Related Post: Combative Subjects

Measure Of Success

A very close person shared to me about her friend's dilemma.  She was in her mid year as a resident doctor and she wanted to stop temporarily for her family, especially for her child.  Her colleagues were telling her to continue since it won't be long before they finished their residency.  But due to her busy schedule, she isn't able to give enough attention to her kids and is beginning to have problems in school.  Now, she is torn  between prioritizing her family over her profession and being a failure in the eyes of her colleagues.

If you're in such situation, the choice might be difficult to see.  But people outside the box can think more clearly.  Simple words of advice and insight was uttered, "it won't be a failure, if you choose family over anything else"  and for as long as someone in the family is capable enough to still provide for  their needs then things wont be as bad as it would seem. 

I remembered an office mate shared to me something he read from a book, it goes: we work so hard for our family, for our children, that we oftentimes couldn't see that we almost don't or can't spend even a quality hour with them anymore.  By the time you retired from work and already paid off all bills and obligations (assuming you worked in a well-off company with a very generous retirement package) and ready to spend your remaining moments with them, you realize, they are already used to not having you around anymore.

We have just a lifetime to live in this world.  Whether we like it or not, we can't finish all endeavors and all the things we wanted to do in life.  We might differ on how we look at success, but for me, if I created wonderful memories with the people I treasure most... that I can just provide enough for my family... that my wife and children can proudly say how wonderful a husband and father I am to them... that I can say someday that I lived a full and meaningful life... that would be success for me.  Yahweh bless.

Dad's Day, Her Day

We had a perfect Sunday with our family.  There was a lot of reason to celebrate, it's father's day and the birthday of the most lovely, caring and loving woman in the whole universe... and I am lucky enough to have her as my wife.  So when we went to church, I thank our Heavenly Father for bringing her to our lives, apart from the many blessings my family received... from our jobs and personal improvements, to the welfare and health of our family,  He has been good to us. 

Then we proceed to the nearby mall to treat the family to a simple meal in celebrating my wife's birthday... and coincidentally, father's day.  We knew that it would be tough to find a decent place to eat considering there was an occasion, but what we were not prepared of is that a famous TV personality had a guest appearance in the mall, making it more crowded.  It was still too early for dinner and wanted to just roam around the mall than to stay to the activity area where the crowd was, but my daughter was a fan of the fella, so I end up joining the crowd and carrying her in my shoulders.

Whew!!! wasn't I'm glad when the show was finally over.  Good thing we made an early reservations to a restaurant just within the mall, that we just waited for the time we set for the food to be served.  Or else we would still be looking for a place to dine or be in the waiting list.  It was a bountiful meal, we just didn't thought it would be that plenty, as we just ordered food good for 10 persons (less than 10 adults and a couple of children).  But hey, whose complaining?  At least everyone had enough, and we still had some to bring home.

We had a pleasant evening with the rest of the clan. I knew my wife did... with that familiar smile in her face, and it's enough for me to see that I made her day.  And to see and hear the laughter of our children... seeing them enjoying the moment with us, was already a fulfillment for me.  I could say, "this is what celebrating Father's Day is all about". 

The June celebrants... our wives.

To my beloved wife, my Enoi... happy, happy birthday.  May our Lord bless you with good health as always.  Looking forward to spend a hundred more with you.

As a dad:  I would carry my children in my shoulders... in my back... in my arms... as long as I can.  So I won't regret someday when I can no longer carry them anymore.  Happy Father's Day to all.  Yahweh bless.

Gardens Of Eden

In the Bible, the "Garden of Eden" was said to be the place where Adam and Eve (the first people) lived until they disobeyed our Father in heaven.  Today, there were gardens resorts and places named after it, and I was lucky enough to visit two of them here in Davao City.

Eden Nature Park and Resort

A week ago, we had our company summer outing in the place.  With the cool breeze (maybe because of being situated at the feet of Mount Talomo) and wide activity area, it was somehow perfect for huge gatherings, seminars, reunions and alike.  It wasn't my first time there, but I just can never had enough of places especially those surrounded by nature... very appealing and relaxing to the senses.

We had some parlor games just to loosen up and enjoy the company of fellow employees, had our buffet meals, roamed a little bit and had the guided tour around the place... all expense shouldered by our company. That's just how generous our company to it's workforce. No wonder why it's so blessed and loved.

Eden also had amenities and facilities like their cottages (for overnight stay), playground, zip lines, mountain trail (for trekking), fishing village, etc.  I hadn't tried them all due to time constraint (beside the fact that it wasn't included in the freebies, hehehe).  For more info about the place, you can always visit their website.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ's Covenant Mountain and Prayer Center- Garden of Eden (Restored)

Just this Thursday,  we joined a seminar conducted in the place.  Never been there and heard a lot of good things about it, I was somewhat eager and expecting a lot.  Well, I was not disappointed.

I am a nature lover.  I find plants and trees, especially if nicely landscaped, appealing and soothing to my eyes.  And the place was what I imagined it to be.  There's no really extra-ordinary with the place, but what I admired most was its being clean and well maintained.  From the roads and pathways, to the plants and their arrangement, even to the tiny details as that of the stepping stone edges... very tidy, well trimmed.  Maybe because the members of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (religious founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ) give respect to their sacred place and/or they are just that disciplined.

By the way, it's open to the public.  Based on the information we got from our tour guide, if you wanted to visit their place, you can go at their ticketing office (visit their website) or go directly to their place located at Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City and pay there.  They don't accommodate overnights except for members and special guests only.  It's a religious ground, so don't expect to find things as that of a resort.

So, what can one do?  Well, we roamed around the place and enjoyed the scenery (there were just some restricted areas).  We also used a function room in their restaurant for a seminar (though the tour guide told us, they don't cater wedding reception, birthdays and similar occasions). One can also dine inside in their cafe and restaurants (I heard they had corkage on food and drinks brought inside the compound).  And they have a nursery of ornamental plants (just about everything they had in their garden), for sale.

So, which do I recommend?  Both.  There's really nothing much to compare about the places.  Since one is a resort and the other one is a religious place.  It really depends on one's preference.  But if it's a nature trip you want to have, I highly recommend you see both of them.  Yahweh bless.