Postcards from Mt. Ulap

Patar, Bolinao taken May 2018 There's this point in our life where we kinda want to escape "adulting" and just be away from all the buzzes of work life. If we are from Benguet, a few hours drive to the tip of Pangasinan would be very ideal. Here's where Bolinao steals the limelight. It says in the internet, Bolinao is North's Boracay, aside from Pagudpod in Ilocos Norte. I remember visiting this place back in the 90's. Everywhere you set your eyes on, you'd just say, "Wow!". Mangroves or bakawan were all over the place. You'd see different colored fish swimming around your feet in the shallow waters. The sands looked like night sky with all the starfish and shells scattered. Early morning was like a dream; with all the bio-luminiscent planktons that made the shore glow. It was enchanting. So, fast forward to May 2018. It was an exciting long drive to Patar. When I strolled to the shore, it was- disappointing. I wanted to email DENR Se

Last night, January 22, 2018, as were driving home to Philex Mines, we witnessed this wildfire along the Sta. Fe Ridge, right below the famous Mt. Ulap.  8:00 p.m. when the Philex Safety was at the road cautioning the upcoming vehicles. The Philex Fire Truck also went to the site. Kudos to you guys!!! "For information, this is the report received by the Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera: Initial info on the fire incident at Ampucao, Itogon: -Responders from Philex Mining Corp-Fire Department received a phone call from Itogon PNP at around 6pm. -Fire (started near road) was located near the bridge at Sta. Fe -No casualties reported -Declared fire out on or about 9pm -Report from Philex-Fire Dep to follow upon approval of the Security Manager" (a very informative message from Ms. Lou Gepuela of Agos-eBayanihan NDRRMC Emergency Telecoms Cluster Here's our dashcam footage of the fire at Sta. Fe. This is sad because Mt. Pulag also caught fire :

Every day is the best day to climb Mt. Ulap, they say. But for me, the perfect months to climb is from November to February. Yup, Mt. Ulap is more fun from November to February. Here are a few of my reasonable reasons why: 1. There's less rain. Less rain means the pathways are easier to climb. You are less likely to slip. You can sit on the grasses when you want a few walking breaks.  Mt. Ulap trail (Image from Google) 2. There's less clouds. Well, it won't be called Mt. Ulap if not for its clouds, but, hey, More clouds means you won't be able to enjoy the views around you. There's one part where you can see the Sto. Tomas Ridge. There's another part where you can overlook Pangasinan and part of San Roque Dam. One can also view from there, Pangasinan/La Union coast and Kennon Area below. There's also an open view of the Philex Mine Site.  Overlooking Ampucao (Image from Google) 3. The skies are bluer. Believe me. I grew up here. La

The number of homeschooling families in the Philippines is growing fast. It is no doubt that Filipino families value their homes as crucial part in the learning process of their children. Not only does it promote core values of the child, but it also helps in nation building (it starts at home). The following are Homeschool providers that are DepEd accredited.: 1. Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA) • Founded by author, entrepreneur and preacher Bo Sanchez • Follows the DepEd school calendar (June-March) • Offers classes and activities for kids (open to non-CFA enrollees, too) • Mainly uses local textbooks, but also offers Singapore Math and curriculum selections from Catholic Heritage Curricula • Fees range from P23,000 to 25,000, plus books depending on grade level • Located at Obispado de Cubao, 41 Lantana Street, Cubao, Quezon City. Call (02) 721-1088 for details 2. Homeschool Global (TMA Homeschool) • Has activity co-ops or groups that your kids can join • Allows for

What is Homeschooling? Homeschooling is the traditional way of teaching your children. I say it is traditional, because, kids literally learn basic skills at home. When you teach your child to clean up his mess after playing, that is basic education. When you tell your child to respect the elders, that is homeschooling. Kids usually learn how to count at home. They learn good grooming in their early years at home. It is homeschooling. image from Google What is "Independent Homeschooling"? Independent homeschoolers provide their own curriculum for the child. They usually base the list of books from DepEd. The parents teach the child. How will the child know its grade level? There is an annual assessment by the DepEd. It is called PEPT (Philippine Educational Placement Test). It is a testing done to the child under the equivalency and accreditation program. DepEd validates the knowledge and skills of the child through informal knowledge, which is- independent home

  Image from Google   [INTRO] G [VERSE] G Em I found a love for me C D Darling just dive right in, and follow my lead G Em Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet C D I never knew you were the someone waiting for me [PRE-CHORUS] G Cause we were just kids when we fell in love Em C G D Not knowing what it was, I will not give you up this ti-ime G Em But darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own C D And in your eyes you’re holding mine [CHORUS] Em C G D Em Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms C G D Em Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song C