Ronalds' e-Mail

good morning guys! with his permission to have this piece posted here....

read on...

(yung mga follower dyan magpa-member na rin kasi kayo para makapag comment)

27 july 2009

Hi guys!

We were at the airport at 11:00 am last july 26, 2009. I was anticipating the usual traffic in imus. cavite all the way to coastal road due to road repairs so sa takot na ma late, I asked lerma we come early rather than late. Our flight was scheduled at 4:00 pm. We were the first people to check-in with 9 boxes and 1 suitcase. Luckily our baggage averaged at 22.6 kilos each. the limit is 23 kilos for each box. The packing of things took about 2 and a half weeks and we were packing an unpacking till the last hour of july 26. in addition, we had 5 carry-on bags, one lap top, jackets na bitbit namin and 3 paper bags containing Pringles, chocolates and other food items. Takot kasi magutom sa byahe.

After we checked in our baggage, I asked lerma and the kids to go out and meet her relatives for the last time. Noon pa lang, nagiiyakan na ang mga bata parang nag sinked in na talagang paalis na kami for good. During our light moments while waiting for our flight nag comment ang youngest son ko bakit daw ganoon, basta na lang daw tumutulo luha nya sabi ko na lang ganoon talaga kasi malungkot siya at aalis na kami. Actually nag emote din ako the night before parang eto na nga. Maiiwan ko na ang pilipinas ang mga mhal ko sa buhay hehehehe. During the time nga na nag uusap kami ng son ko parang may nakapasak sa lalamunan ko hehehehe, tahmik na lang syempre hehehehe ako ang tatay tapos ako ang nag iiyak sa huli hahahaha. It also dawned on me na totoo na pala ito. Parang nakalutang lang ako sa ulap and going with the flow.

The flight to Vancouver was very smooth except for some lubak lubak hehehe. I was praying na hindi maging traumatic experience sa mga anak ko ang flight to Vancouver . Puro pinoy ang sakay going to Vancouver and yung mga bumaba sa Vancouver e puro new immigrant families sa Canada . Maganda sa Vancouver pero mainit, malaki ang airport and as usual una na naman kami nag check in after going through the immigration.

From the Philippines to Vancouver , harassed ako sa dami ng boxes, may game plan pa like si lerma doon, yung eldest ko dito yung other kids watching over yung other things. Kaya pagod na pagod ako, imagine yung boxes na bubuhatin yung takot, kaba at the prospect na ma disqualify ng immigration officer naghalo halo na. pinagtatawanan nga ako ng pamilya ko hehehehe.

Actually I was the second family who went through the immigration process sa Vancouver airport. Mga 30 filipono families kami. I was asked to sit down after some questioning then when my name was called again the officer asked me paulit ulit kung married daw ba kami ni lerma, common law ba? Yun pala may certificate of permanent resident stated na single ako hehehehe. Then I was asked how much money I have with me and yun na tapos na. wala naman mga nakakapanindig balahino na queries. Sa vancouver pa lang nagulat na ako kasi ang daming pinoy, chinese, Indian at iba pang lahi. Sino ba talaga mga Canadian dito kasi even sa airport personnel kung hindi chinese, pilipino e indian pati immigration officers.

Nakatulog kaming mag anak sa bench ng B12 for Edmonton . Nung malimpungatan ako, haba na pala pila at narinig ko na only about 50 passengers will be accommodated daw. Hala natakot ako at pila agad, imagine baka kami makasama doon sa excluded passengers e saan kami matutulog - sa airport? Mahal yata accommodation doon. Doon ko na realized e business class kami (promo na nakuha namin). Kaya lang inside the plane may hassle na naman kasi there was this guy who was occupying my seat. I was asked to take another seat at the back of lerma and my son kasi hiwa hiwalay kami ng upuan. Smooth din ang ride to Edmonton . We were given 3 kinds of cheese, two packed crackers, grapes and walnuts. I asked for water na lang to down the cheese na masarap pala. Yung sa pal nga parang ako ang umubos ng pagkain ng mga anak ko lumabas na naman ang scavenger instinct ko.

Since delayed ang flight namin for Edmonton , we reached the city at 10:30 pm pero parang 6 pm lang. sa Vancouver nama 6 pm na pero akala mo 3 pm pa lang e taas kasi araw.

Sinundo kami ng friend ko si ruel with his two friends after getting our baggage alis na kami, nandun nga sila sa loob ng terminal helping us get our boxes hehehe parang wala akong security officer na nakita sa loob ng airport.

Finally gabi na nga sa edmonton at 10:30 pm kaya lang pang mga 7 pm pa lang. malaki ang buwan na last quarter, malalaki ang kalsadaat mabibilang mo lang ang mga cars along the highway, walang traffic, mabango ang hangin at malamig. Lam mo yun yung expectations mo e tama lahat. Then kamustahan with ruel and alma , inuman ng beer update ng mga news back home and prospects of getting a new home and job.

It so happened that the house beside ruel was under renovation kasi kaaalis pa lang ng tenant. So doon muna kay ruel nag stay. I woke up at 5 am pero tirik na ang araw parang 8 am na. labas ako ng bahay kasi I saw alma ’s father outside. Balik agad ako kasi ang lamig pang baguio sa umaga. Pero summer pa ditto ha. After breakfast, ruel accompanied us sa mga basic institutions we have to connect. We got our SIN, medical insurance, application for child tax benefit (parang pension na binibigay sa mga bata) to be mailed later and opened an account in one day parang half day nga lang kasi nag ikot na rin kami. The people behind the counter were very efficient, systematic at willing and ready to serve with a smile parang na culture shock ako after going thru with our pag-ibig funds and other government documents/papers before leaving the philippines . Hayyy, plus factor kasi parang up to this time iniisip ko tama ba na umalis ako ng pinas at ipagpalit ko buhay ko para sa canada . Sa bangko naman walang security guard/ parang tulad ng kumukuha ako ng health insurance pila lang then if its your turn batiin ka ng hello? how are you? Syempre Canadian way ang sagot ko, I’m good, thank you (narinig nyo accent ko?)

Pagbalik namin after we opened an account, akala ko artista yung officer discussing with us yung mga savings and checking account kasi hollowoodish ang dating, we went sa townhouse management officer and gave us the unit beside ruel kaya lang it is still under renovation nga inaalis ang carpet, pintura - the works. So most likely mga august 15 na kami makakalipat pero maganda naman ang offer nya kasi September na lang babayaran namin at CAD$1,099.00 exclusive of utilities with ref, oven at washing machine and dryer at dish dryer. May basement the same size as the flor area above and three bedrooms. May dining area at mga compartments for the clothes and other mga gamit. May provision for cable and internet. Maganda ang location namin near the bus stop, yung biggest mall daw in Canada at sa schools. Trabaho na lang ang kulang. Nakakita si lerma sa hospital ng opening and she plans to go there sometime this week sabi ko nga sige, you should look for a job now para sa bahay na lang ako hehehehe.

Then yung surroundings nga pala walang basura, ang linis, walang usok ng tambutso, walang traffic, 3 cars na magkakadikit traffic na daw. Nasa west kami ng Edmonton so pinakamaganda daw ito, city sya pero hindi congested. Layo layo bahay beside sa katabi naming bahay sa isang unit with four dwelling units ang susunod na unit malalayo parang 100 to 200 meters. Magsalit ka nga sa labas nag e echo kakagulat e ito pa kayang boses ko kaya nga ayoko humalakhak at baka magpadala ng ambulance ang 911. yung biggest mall nila, parang magallanes center sa makati ditto, ay ang tanda na baka walang maka relate, hehehe papasukin ko pa kung ano nasa loob. Magkwento ako. So far wala pa akong kapalpakan na nagawa except sa minsan hindi ko maintindihan sinasabi e kasi nga bingi naman talaga ako ano? Hehehe secret po yan, bingi ako hahahahaha, mahusay lang magdala hehehehe.

The rest of the week siguro puro trabaho ang hahanapin ko, will try to get Canadian work experience muna then look for jobs that match my skills (skills daw o). kausapin ko muna si ruel regarding financial sharing while staying sa house nya, kakahiya din kasi, limang bibig kami na gagamit ng mga utilities nya. By the way nasa basement muna kami ngayon. Ang lamig, sarap matulog. Yung mga bata excited pa rin pero yung youngest ko parang magkakaproblema ako e kasi mas gusto nya raw sa pilipinas, kaya nga hinahayaan ko lang mag internet at para malibang.

9 pm na dito pero parang 4 pm pa lang. another day tomorrow another discovery siguro and anticipating what Canada and its opportunities will offer to me. In the meantime, enjoy muna ang mga pleasant things that go with first timers like me.

O siya, dito na lang po at magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.

ronald

DEXTER ALPIS

Baka naman sinasadya ng mamang ito na deadma-hin ang Batch 1..
Wuh hu hu hu...Marami pa naman ang nag e-expect na makaka pag San Miguel by the BAY tayo....sige titigan na lang natin itong picture....

Message

Since most of us is not available on Saturday, August 1, to Lourdes house, I suggest we just set another date so we can all go there (kahit walang may bday, ok lang nmn diba?).. para mas masaya kung sama sama....Malungkot naman kung si Edmond lang ang available, tapos siya lang ang pupunta di ba?

To All of You

July 16, is really a memorable day to me, 1st it's MRTC-ITOP anniverasy 2nd, that same day i'd shared to you my story... We first dine at IGMAAN Restaurant with lots of mouth watering food, (yung iba dyan nilibre na nga nagtake out pa..) JOKE Lang! then we change venue (walang gustong umuwi kahit bumabagyo na) So we went to one of the restaurant at san miguel by the bay ano nga name ng resto na yun jossel? we are just listening to edmund's sentiments to one of our classmate, sharing thougths etc. etc and finally my turn and that's how started it.

I'am very thankful guys, that you listened to me that nigth somehow it ease the pain in my heart. You know my character, I don't openly share my personal life, but thats night it's different you saw a different side of me. Siguro na lasing ako sa san mig light (kahit di ko inimon) or maybe sa ambiance ng resto or yung weathe malamig kasi bumabagyo....

but guys, i really appreciate it. from the bottom of my heart i thank you all for listening to me. pasencya na naging senti tuloy ang aniversary celebration natin. I't really nice to have a true friends like you...

August Celebrant

August 6 - James
August 8 - Elcid (ewan lang kung magparamdam ito!)
August 24 - Vher

Sana magblow out sila...

July 16 Celebrant

We are waiting for your treat!
Venue Suggestion: San Miguel by the Bay (sa likod ng MOA)

We are just waiting for your advise - - hope you did not forget !
:-)

wHat's oN mY miNd toDay

i read a few responses from the last two blogs (mine & ms admins)..and also got some response via ym. just a clarification though, i mean no harm nor i intend to FORCE anybody to always be in our meetings, gathering and all coz that ain't right. we have our families, jobs, other social matters to attend to for that matter. what am i trying to imply with what i said (posted) is let us enrich our CAMARADERIE in its purest essence - lets just be straight forward sa reasons natin, for sure maiintindihan naman yun whatever it is. we're old enough to understand. to the point that when we get to have a chance to have a small get-together for whatever reason and purpose it may be, is that we go there because we are really looking forward in spending time with our classmates to nurture our friendships. this helps us to grow as a person. we learn from one another. isang simpleng kwentuhan of what is happening to our lives (di ba cons? i appreciate the thought of you sharing your own experience. we will always be here to listen if not readily help you) or maybe even kwento of somebody elses life (hindi tsismis)...we get something out of it di ba. we learn from others experiences. that in time we face the same or similar situations we could always look back and we're not at total lost in dealing with it.

but one of the more important thing is that we learn to listen with our hearts...

the thing is we laugh with one another, we laugh because of one another, we laugh at ourselves...but the thing is we laugh with a sense of purpose....and never forget to say -- JOKE LANG....


ano daw? di ko rin ma-gets pinagsasabi ko. basta yun na yun!

gandang araw ladies and gents.


p.s 1
isang pahabol, any updates with regards sa sinabi ni DEX?

p.s.2
another thing - its 9 days before yung invitation ni lourdes i would suggest we better start planning (although definitely i wont be present)....

p.s.3
pasensya na po kung nagiging inglesero. dulot lang po ng silakbo ng damdamin subalit datapwat ngunit sa kaibuturan ng aking puso ako'y isang karaniwang tao lamang.

Random Thoughts ni Jossel

Jossel is right!
And let's be thankful that we have another chance to meet again (after 19 years!) and again...
So let's make the most out of it...later on who knows? we might need each other..
As the saying goes..."no man is an island".
For those others who 'maybe' forgotten where they'd started, - - so be it - - what can we do?but for us who treasures and remembers it, let's just continue what we have now...
I maybe a sentimental also, but looking back, sa totoo lang (magpakatotoo po tayo) MRTC (ITOP) was a big part of our lives...whether we like it or not...
I just hope and pray for those others (and to all we haven't located yet) that they realize how important MRTC was.....And we are happy for whatever we might be doing now (wag sana silang makulitan - -especially for some who's bugging them (ako yata un?!) just to attend in our scheduled meetings/events..)..di ba?

Random Thoughts

Yes, i thought this would happen again - a long silence after an event.

Looking back for the past months, starting from our first meeting last march 25 till today - i was asking what have we learned, what have we gained, our realizations. And i see a lot of things. But have we really asked ourselves the purpose of why do we do this things - the meetings, dinners, catch-up kwentuhan, texting and all those stuff. Being sentimental is a big part - for some, perhaps maybe for all of us. But have you ever really wondered why and what is that deeper purpose?

if you asked me this is my response. MRTC played a huge role of who i am and what i have become. More than economical status but rather, what have i become as a person remember that i was at MRTC during that transition period from teenager to young adult. Young adult even though i was still a teen since i've matured with all the knowledge i gathered from hanging out with all of you. I learned more about life, i was exposed to a lot of realities in life...

i could go on and on and on and on...but i would make a pause for others to contemplate and then share their thoughts...

but let this be clear though - we should stick together no matter what, we should continue our communications, we should continue what we have started....cause we'll never know when one would need someone else's HELP....that hopefully we'll all be there to hear out that person in need. As for me there is far more greater reasons than just hanging out and enjoying one anothers' company, enjoying the food and all, and sharing the laugh but rather the opportunity to give back not to our sponsors but rather give back to our GROUP - "The" ITOP Batch 1.

(despite that i was supposed to be doing my quarterly review and business plan...i have to get this thing out of my mind)

Pictures

I uploaded pictures in our Friendster account, for all of you to view.
1 - July 5, 2009 visit to Sir Ronald's house
2 - July 16, 2009 - anniversary dinner (na 6 lang ang umattend! + Peter)

Sana lang next time (sa 20th year natin) e marami na tayo, kahit man lang kalahati ng original Batch 1 . . .

Pwede ba mag-take 2 sa July 16????

Batch One - URGENT MESSAGE

Since no one seems to be interested in tonight's supposedly our anniversary dinner (except for Connie & Ghay), we have no choice but to cancel it.
If no one will post comment or text after this blog is posted, it's definitely CANCELLED!!
I also texted many of you since the other day pa, and up to this date, I haven't received any reply or comments..

Trivia

Did you know that "July 16" really a Significant Date?

The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the Moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of Project Apollo and the third human voyage to the Moon. It was also the second all-veteran crew in manned spaceflight history. Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried Mission Commander Neil Alden Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Eugene 'Buzz' Aldrin, Jr.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11

Final Venue - July 16, 2009

"Batch One's 19th Anniversary Special"
Where: Dampa, Macapagal Boulevard (Bahala na si Connie sa atin kung saan don!)
Time: Can't finalize yet but probably assembly time starts @ 6:00PM ??!? (Ako 4:00PM out ko, so from 4:00 available na ako!)

Yung mga taga Makati, sabay sabay na lang po tayo:
Jossel, MeAnne, Ghay, Espie, Vicky

Vicky - baka pwede po si Peter, pa invite na din po...

Yung mga taga QC, sabay sabay na din sana kayo:
Edmond, Sydric, Vher, Dexter - - saka si Glo pa pala!

Bahala na si Connie, kasi maglalakad na lang yata siya papunta doon :-) he he

Sana yung mga pwd pa nating i-invite, pa help na lang po please?
Baka pwd naman pumunta si Veron-di na overnight 'to a? sana payagan na siya!
Ite text ko din uli sina Vivian & Susan (Hopefully makulitan sa akin!)

Sige po....text text na lang
;o)

Erratum

Sa Mga Nai-Text Ko This Morning...
Sorry po, July 16, 2009 - - Thursday po iyon..hindi po Wednesday..

Sorry Lang....

Venue suggestion for 16 July 2009

Guys,

aside from dun sa una kong na-mention na lugar (Gerry's Grill) we'd like to hear more of your suggestions kung san tayo pede mag celebrate ng anniversary natin. Siguro somewhere na medyo makakatipid din tayo, not unless meron gustong mag treat sa buong group hehehe..


we'll here's another suggestion from me -- Dampa (macapagal blvd). aside from i think mura we can find a place that will suit us. pwedeng may live band, pwedeng may videoke, pwedeng parang private meaning nasa isang room tayo.

for other suggestions, please post lang po.

another thing since medyo malapit na talaga yung date lets just keep our communication lines open and then yung text and call brigade lang po.

salamat.

Hi guys! I was sure glad you managed to visit me in spite of the distance. Once again, I would like to thank you for the time and the fun. It was indeed a very warm and engaging afternoon.

Now that my flight is coming near, indulge me to say a piece to all of the wonderful kids I met in 1991. Never in my dreams that someday I will witness these young kids transform to young professionals with good nice jobs, productive and happily married, at least to the majority who I knew are now blissfully married. Never mind the failures we meet along the way what is important is that we still strive to do better to become the better person that we should be. I am not aware of the struggles you had to hurdle but one thing I am sure of, that you, we, are survivors in this concrete jungle of life.

With my forthcoming departure and experience a different way of living in Canada, I can’t help but hold these mixed feelings of fear of uncertainty, excitement and loneliness. Fear of uncertainty because it will be entirely a new ball game for me and I am not sure what really lies ahead especially that I will be bringing my whole family with me. Lone because I will be leaving a life that I been used to… leave the people, places and way of life that I love but excited to the new opportunity that this new chapter in my life has to offer. Remember, failure is not a matter of falling down but being down and bot able to move on.

For this reason, I would like to share with you this most humbling thoughts that this may guide you as you take your place … your life to a new heights of certainty --- success in your chosen career……

ONE LIFE

“I have but one life and life is not but a measurement of time.

I will greet the new sun with confidence that this will be the

best day of my life. Each misfortune that I encounter will carry

in it the need of tomorrow’s good luck. I must have the night to

appreciate the day. I must fail often to succeed only once.

Each frown that I meet only prepares me for a smile to come.

I will leave each day as if it is my last; I will waste not a moment

mourning yesterday’s misfortunes, yesterday’s aches of the

heart for why should I throw good after bad?

Yesterday is buried forever and I will think of it no more.

If I waste today, I destroy the last page of my life.

Each hour of this day will I cherish for it can never return.

It can’t be banked today to be withdrawn on the morrow.

For who can trap the wind? Each minute of this day

I will fondle with love for its value is beyond price.

Yesterday’s joy will become today’s sadness.

Yet today’s sadness will grow into tomorrow’s joy.

When I am heavy with heartaches and frustrations,

I’ll console myself that these, too, shall pass.

Today is my last chance to prove my love and greatness.

Each moment of today will be more fruitful

Than hours of yesterday”

“My last must be my best”

Schedules

July 16, 2009 - Batch One's 19th Anniversary
- - - - Gusto ninyo bang mag meet? Sana wag na sa Pizza Hut Glorietta :0(

August 1 -
- - - - By the way, tuloy ba tayo kina Lourdes sa araw na ito?

July Celebrants

of course aside from the 19th year anniversary of ITOP (batch 1) on the 16th this month i believe meron pa magti-treat sa atin....

i'll just mention the Dates bahala na yung mga concerned people to shout out.

July 07 (that's today).
July 16 (which happens to be also our (ITOP) anniversary.

thats all i can remember but then alam ko parang meron pang July celebrant di ba ms. Admin?

Ronald's Despedida (part one)

hello guys,

i owe to do this one (since i really havent posted that much in our blogsite). so if i may....


The day started somewhat cloudy... so most of you guys (who came) would probably agree that we had a hard time deciding for our outfit hehehehe (sunglass or jackets). anyway it was a good day to start with although with some uncertainty. Mr. SSS & I met near landmark (trinoma), while Vher, Ghay, and Peter met where else siempre sa mansion ni Pete where they are served with aromatic coffee and savory breakfast?????? after Ed and I met them there @ the Mansion we decided na puntahan sina James, Veron and Espie sa Pits village. Unfortunately for us two guys who will always be a special part of our MRTC days werent available to join us - Ka Leo, and Bong, due to varying valid reasons.....

We gas-up (courtesy of the government Fund), then headed to the historic Kalaayan avenue. after pulling-up in front of james house, peter stepped out of the vehicle and ask for him. James being the superstar of the Leyte street basketball court, wasnt home and we were told of his whereabouts. coming full force (peter with his assassin-like look, edmon and vher) happen to met James on the way. He was dragged inside the Van much like to a scene of being Superstar being KIDNAPPED... though still in shock James managed to smile once inside t he van for there he sees that Ghay was inside. once everybody gets in, i hurriedly stepped on the pedal and proceeded to our next stop.


Next stop - Veron's Church. once parked near the church, we packed near a sari-sari store sipping cold drinks sponsored by the People of the Philippines Fund - through the initiative of Mr Ed hilado take note nga pala that's with matching kringles, chicharon and HOPYA. We we're discussing kung pano mapapa-labas si veron in the middle of worship. Jame seems to have a lot of ideas though - like, pagbabasag ng bote sa tapat ng church kaya lang sayang din yun bote 5 pesos din daw yun. but those ideas were after having thoughts and plans dun sa mga bayabas sa tapat nung tindahan - talagang gustong akyatin ni james e. anyway the chance came, once the service had a break. two children came rushing papuntang tindahan to buy some foods. James seems to know every people that comes his way, he immediately ask the two kids kung pwede nila palabasin si veron. the two kids were like "a si tita babes" and again they rushed inside the church to tell veron. in a few minutes, she steps out of the church and had a chat with vher, ed, guy & pip (este james) while i was doing something. after a while e dumaan yung kapatid ni espie, veron aka tita babes, ask him where espie was..all along we thought espie was already in cavite, and he told our group that espie was still home. anyway, the group was able to convinced veron to come with us instead of waiting for the service to end. by that, ghay and pip went to espie's house. only james can described what transpired during their meeting di ba james (id be expecting you to write it up mas descriptive pag ikaw magsusulat e siguro nman its the same way pag nagku-kwento ka? so after veron went to his pastor (elder), off we went to meet up with espie, guy & pip.

lets cut the story short for a while....and let the comments begin.

Im Back

Batchmates, here na me..
Medyo nag bisi bisihan last month (sigh!)
Anyway, if we're going to Sir Ronald on sunday, text text na lang po.
Sydric-ikaw na manghila kay James (as usual!) saka kay Edmundo..
Jossel - you ba driver? he he he.. pa text na din si Vher & Dex po.
Bday ni Dex sa July 16, 19th yr anniv din natin, wala bang dinner?
As usual ung mga OA, hindi syempre sasama, tulad ni:
Susan, Vivian & the likes..

Si Veron po kaya? and Lourdes? pupuwede? Si Espie na lang magtext kay Glo, pls.

I already texted Ghay, hindi nga lang nag reply :-(

Text text na lang, then see ya there!!