Leslie’s Restaurant - Tagaytay

For the first time, my whole family stayed overnight out of town. We stayed in the same hotel, now Lake Garden Hotel, where I stayed 5 years ago. We came to Tagaytay a bit late, around 830pm. Originally, we wanted to be in the mountain city by 4pm, but on our way to my grandmother’s house, the hospital called and a patient showed up; and this patient wouldn’t want to see any resident – she only wanted to see my wife. So after dropping by my gradma’s house in Paranaque, off we go to Welcome-Rotonda.

After taking a few minutes rest in the hotel, we went out to hunt for dinner. First we dropped by this Greek resto along the road but found the menu too expensive for our taste (I would say that Cyma, in Eastwood, is more effective looking at the size of the serving). We decided to check out restos in the National Road going to Nasugbu; since I am not familiar with the place, we took the beaten path – the resto strip. We were too tired, that we just wanted to grab something to bite and we were also worried that our daughter was starving (apparently not, we found out later). So we found Leslie’s, which is the same resto that my wife and I visited several years back.


We were seated near the entrance of the resto since there were no available seats on the other end. The place was full of customers, and mostly were composed of groups of friends or family (this should’ve given us a hint how big the servings are). We ordered Bulalo, a local specialty in the area, Calamares, Fried Kangong, and strawberry milkshake for my kid and my wife. The price is around PHP360, which is reasonable for a big serving. We also asked the crew if we could order sunny side-up for our daughter – after checking with the kitchen, she told us that this is possible.

While waiting for the food that we ordered, I noticed that my daughter is restless. I brought her at the other end of the resto, overlooking the Tagaytay ridge. We could see the lights in Talisay (lakeside town of Batangas). I noticed that there’s no enough security barrier to prevent kids from falling into the edge. I was careful enough to ensure that Caitlin doesn’t go near that place – she wouldn’t actually. CAitlin just ran around the open area, and she also checked the souvenir shop.

When the orders came, my wife and I immediately realized that it’s for a group of 5 or so. The fried Kangkong was crispy and went well with mayo dip (which was really for the Calamares); it also had toppings of 3 big pieces of Lechon Kawali. I started with this, savoring the taste of the veggie and the mayo dip, and you could hear the crackling sound of the Kangkong leaves. Just the way I like it. Suddenly, this food item goes to my bucket list. The serving was huge that I realized I had to stop eating it since it’s occupying part of my stomach that was reserved for the Bulalo and the Calamares.


The Bulalo beef was tender and easy to eat, and the veggies that came with it were not overcooked. The fat, though not too many, easily came off. It was a bit salty but not too much to overcome the taste of the beef and the veggies – I would say, it was cooked appropriately for my taste. The soup was excellent considering it was a bit cold that night, though, it cooled quicker than expected – it might be the altitude. I had fun pouring the soup on my steamed rice, just like the way I would do it back home.

The Calamares was also tender and went well with the mayo dip. I would’ve preferred more creative dips, but this is a Pinoy resto. My wife and I almost ate half of the servings. My daughter also tried one piece, but didn’t finish all of it; she wasn’t able to finish her egg, instead wanted to go around and play with the large Santa behind us.
What is peculiar about this dinner was I never missed having a bottle of beer. I was staring at the place where they serve the beer from, and I never craved for my usual shot of alcohol (wine is a different story). And for that, I am happier than ever.

We were only half-way of what we ordered when we had to call it a night (later on while driving back to the hotel, I realized that my BP was hitting the roof). I think it was more of gluttony than any thing else. My wife felt a bit guilty on what we ordered. So we diced to take the left over with us. She also planned to have the beef for breakfast.


Later when we got to the hotel, I gave the fried kangkong to the hotel crew (there were only 2 of them). Later the next morning, when we had our breakfast in Jollibee, I ensured that my wife ordered mayo for the Calamares. Unfortunately, the beef had to go.

I noticed that Leslie’s has still additional seats at the edge and 4 or 5 cottages on the other end of the resto. The former is not lighted, perhaps it’s for big occasions. Furthermore, the open area on the 2nd floor is not well maintained (or perhaps it was dark) and I think it’s only a view deck. This area is connected by a short hanging bridge connected to the car park (which, in my experience, I never ran out of every time I drop by Tagaytay).

Leslie’s Restaurant Tagaytay offers a bang for the buck for groups of people who like to have variety of lutong bahay. Don’t go there if you are a couple, unless you like throwing left overs.

Rainforest with Mama and the family

Since Mama couldn't join us last June 8, we scheduled another one on June 12, together with Caitlin and Kristine. I wanted to show mama the park's garden, composed of ordinary plants and orchids, but was arranged accordingly. I also wanted her to check-out the small cactus plot.

We had our breakfast on one of the open areas, near the gym.

Cailtin was simply estatic having Zhak to join her to the park. Whatever Zhak did, she also wanted to do it. Zhak went to the slides, she wanted do the same; Zhak ran around the area, she also wanted to run on the same direction.

The highlight of the visit was the mini-zoo and the children's park where the 2 kids enjoyed a lot.

2010.June12.Pasig_Rainforest

Caitlin's own way of surviving

Recent Family Picture - March 2, 2010

The picture was taken in Capitol Park, Sorsogon City.

[Caitlin With Tita Tuy (Joy) - First Day in Sorsogon]

We arrived in Legazpi (12132009) 5 minutes earlier than scheduled. I took Caitlin out of the airport and look for Joy; she was there alright, and left Caitlin with her while I went back to the terminal to get my luggage. Except for torn handle (of an inexpensive - got it from one of Tin's seminar, courtesy of a pharma group) coat back, the trip was uneventful.


Gary, Joy's hubby, took us to Jollibee for a breakfast. From there, Gary decided to let us check their place in Daraga. Their place has several stair cases, and I was catching up with my breath taking the stairs. But the view from the top floor was magnificent. Sadly, Mayon Volcano wasn't on her mood - the view was blocked by clouds (according to the legend, when clouds are blocking the view, the volcano doesn't want to be seen by the people). Caitlin freaked out when she saw Caleb, huge dog (I cannot remember the type). You have to realize that in our compound, askal and those dogs as large as German Shepherds or Doberman are not common, let alone dogs not in a leash. Afterwards, we proceeded for Sorsogon.

Knowing Caitlin, she was trying to get the feel of Tin's house. The last time she was here, she was still an infant. When she saw stuff toys and dolls, she was overwhelmed and started saying, "wow, wow", with matching stretched arms as if trying to hug them all. She liked the doll with its panties/shorts on. Me? The first thing I did is to check the mobile signal - no difference as 2 years ago.

Caitlin didn't want to stay at the back with her Tita. So she stayed with me infront; she fell asleep on our way. When we reached Tin's place (Brgy. Capuy, approx. 8 km North of Sorsogon city proper), Papa was around to meet us.

My brother-in-law, took time out to prepare lunch for us. We had grilled pork and Chicken Curry, with a well-cooked steamed rice. My sister-in-law, April, and her hubby grilled the pork (I was out driving Papa to Castilla). Caitlin didn't want to join them; later on I found out that the dogs were sitting nearby and she's quite afraid of the dogs after the last time in Daraga.

We had a hearty lunch. Caitlin didn't have anything, though she did consume 1 bottle of milk before lunch time. Afterwards, I saw her with her Tita Joy, while holder her the doll she picked up from the shelf.

I also took a picture of Mama's orchids (pictured right) hich she started nurturing 2 years ago. It is a beautiful sight. The background is the hill where we normally camped out back in high school. When we were still kids, Mama sold different types of roses and was popular in our place. When we got married (and so was April), we got some of the flowers from Mama's garden.

Around 1pm, Caitlin took her regular nap. At 230pm, we left for Bibincahan. We are staying there until Tin arrives from Manila.

When we got to our house (in Bibincahan), Caitlin was trying to figure out again the new place (she's quite observant). In a couple of hours, she felt at home, just like in Capuy. It was rainy in the afternoon. I watched cable programs while my mom was busy playing lola to her apo.

It's nice to be back home.... But it will never be complete without Tin in tow. She will be joining us only on the 23rd of December.

Family Picture as of Dec. 6, 2009

Note: Taken by Nokia E75, set to maximum resolution.

Sierra Isobel Años Ordoña - New Member of the Laurio Clan

Today I am in Fairview visiting the new member of the Laurio clan.

She's taller and way bigger than KT! Definitely mana sa ama! Si Peps tatay na tatay na!

Bing was beside the crib when I arrived. The Haber kids are in Circle, with Lea and Manay Titin; the Haber couple are in SM as of this writing.

I was supposed to bring KT with me but we realized she has colds (later on I found out that Ading or Sudi have colds according to Lalaw), and decided against bringing her to Fairview. Later on Tin told me that KT turned off the TV, pulled the plug and rolled in the floor and started to cry (while I was taking the car out of the parking lot). Naluuy man ako...

Lunchtime! Nagluto si Lalaw ng pansit!

First Haircut

Caitlin had her first hair cut. She was with her mom and my sister, Lea.

According to Tin, she almost jumped out of the chair when she saw the blower.

Caitlin's Vocabularies - Part Duex

Here's another set of Caitlin's vocabularies:

Boat - boot
Dance - daes
Elmo (of Sesame Street) - emo
Good morning - mininin
Happy Birthday - hapititi
Lipstick - thipst
Lola - umtah
Lubot - bthuth or butut
Nips (Pinoy M&M) - niths
Pencil - pitis
Peanut - meynan
Powder (any) - bati
Tita Joy - titatut
Tita Leah (improved version) - titatat

As of this writing, she talks a lot and not even her mom cannot keep up with her linguistic skills.

Here's the first part of this article.

Leah's Graduation

I am at the 2nd floor of the PICC's Plenary Hall looking down at the school officials. I am also listening to this particular speaker (she's a commissioner, but not sure where). She's harping about the important document (diploma) that their getting after years in college; she also mentioned about the effective learnings that the graduates earned in college. (Unfortunately, I have a different perspective, but it's another story for another time).


I did like what the speaker said - be the best you can be. This is what I always advise my sister.

I am just glad that my sister has hurdled through college. She's very pretty with her dress (unfortunately, I don't have a picture of her yet). I am sure she's starving now (we were here since 1130am), unlike myself and my mom who dropped by Jollibee to have lunch; Nanay also had to buy a new pair of sandals since her original pair cut through her skin.

This is the second time I've been here. The first time - it was my graduation 11 years ago.

Caitlin in Santa Cruz Church

Last September 21, I went to visit Tito Arnel in the Sta. Cruz Parish. I brought Kristine and Caitlin with me. Caitlin behaved accordingly. Afterwards, Tito Arnel treated us for snacks in the nearby Chowking fastfood.

As much as possible, any activites in the church, I want to take my family with me. This starts Caitlin's exposure to the Catholic church, at the same time, it's also a family affair even though I am the one who has the main business.

Here are some pictures:

Figure 1. Caitlin is enjoying her own chair, while Tito Arnel (not included on the picture) and myself are having a discussion.

Figure 2. Caitlin waves her hand to me while I am trying to take the picture.

Figure 3. Enjoying the trip to Sta. Cruz Parish.

Figure 4. From the eyes of a child.

Figure 5. Caitlin is curious what's happening outside the fastfood. She doesn't see that much activities in our compound.

Sleeping with Caitlin

Kristine told me while having dinner tonight that last night, Caitlin was complaining about me - from time to time, I would roll over her arms or so. She complained, "dadee, ipeet, ipeet". Then, I would roll off, and both of us will go back to sleep.

The 3 of us are sleeping on a single-sized bed. So Caitlin could barely move and she would kick around to gain some space. Or simply roll over us (yes, she could do this), pushing us on the side.

No dull moments with my daughter!

Worrying Husband - 09282009

Yesterday, i was able to call my wife - she is safe and staying in the hospital. She saw what happened to us in TV, and decided that it's too risky to go ahead and go home. When she heard Caitlin's voice, Kristine cried. And at that moment, the line worsened (this time Globe was able to connect, but the line was out of whack). I tried calling again, but failed. But I was glad that she's in the hospital. That made my day.

The water is gone when I woke up, but traces of mud can still be seen as expected. The road is deserted. I got to the office at 630m, I simply took the jeep. There was a bit of heavy traffic near the entrance of De Castro (severely hit by the flood). Also, the foot of the Ortigas bridge were made as evac centers; lots of government vehicles were parked on the bridge, allowing only 1 lane per direction. The evac tents provided by the local government seemed to be deserted; there were a couple of people inside, but I don't see it as your typical evac center.

I brought our cellphones and chargers, just in case the situation worsens. At least we have available communication (SMART only) if this happens. I brought my office clothes since we ran out of water and the office has this expensive bathroom.

After taking a bath, I called my wife. I decided not to call her when I got to the office since I knew she's safe and I don't want to wake her up. It was just a relief that the whole family is totally safe. I am also glad that she's a doc and she can stay in the hospital.

Kristine met me at Shopwise late in the morning - we bought some supplies for the rest of the week. Luckily, my boss advised me to go to ShopWise first thing in the morning since there is panic buying since Sunday. True enough, I wasn't able to grab water for my kid; the buyers were both affected by the typhoons and those helping out the victims (buying boxes of instant mami and canned goods). It took us 2.5 hours waiting for our turn to pay for the goods!

I wasn't able to get back to the office due to the heavy traffic caused by the rescue vehicles on the De Castro area. The F. LEgazpi Street is also closed due to high water level. The normal cab fee of PHP100 per trip to our place became PHP300 - the cab driver have to go around Taytay, if he doesn't want to wait on the heavy traffic.

Whatever resentment I have yesterday, I am taking it back.... Life...

Worrying Husband - 09272009/1105H

It's 1105H, 09272009. Our cellphone batteries are dead; those that have charges cannot get signal from the provider. Only Smart has a signal. The last conversation our nanny had with Kristine was a 3 hours ago (and I was out observing our surroundings). According to the nanny, there was no indication that Tin is coming home. She did inform Tin that Caitlin's milk was running out fast.

I am worried that she might try to force her way home without considering the risks. I know she's much safer in the hospital than in the road. Besides, our place is still flooded - almost waist-deep. But the place near the second guard house must have higher water level than ours since it looks like the lowest area in our compound.

Before we had Caitlin, Tin could easily decide on tight situation. But when she became a mom, most of the time she would lose composure if Caitlin is involved. This is well understood from my side. And this is what I am worried about since she might panic and forget that there are several adults at home to take care of Caitlin.

I just hope that she gets home safe if ever she decides to.

1652H,
There's no sign of Kristine. The maids were not able to charge their phone outside, so there's no way we can contact her. I just hope she stayed in the hospital instead of trying to come home. I will know by tomorrow when I get to the office.

1716H
The maids told us that they had to walk to Ortigas bridge to find infant milk for my daughter. That's approx. 3 kilometers away from Cambridge. According to them, the country's President and Bayani Fernando were in the vicinity managing the disaster. A lot of people were crying while they were passing by.

This makes me more worried. Kristine might have forced her way in but got caught somewhere between UDMC and Cainta. My wife is not familiar with alternate routes going to our place. I just really hope that she's back in the hospital safe.

This is the only time that I resent her job that, I feel, doesn't see natural calamities as an valid reason not to report to the hospital.  Well, she had to report 2 weeks after our daughter was born due to similar practices in their department - she went through the knife and not via a natural birth process. I am sure this won't be the last of it.

Well, this is what I signed for...

Typhoon Journal - 09272009

0636H
Caitlin woke up before we did. When I woke up, she was just rolling all around, I guess, waiting for us to wake up. When I sat down, she started calling my name and her tita (Lea).

Last night, every now and then I would check the water level. But around 9pm, the water level stabilized; my reference point was the plant infront of the building on the opposite side.

Our main challenge is that all of us don't have enough battery charge and only Smart has signal; Globe's is completely out of service (their cellsite might be the one just outside our compound - it's power supply is completely submerged last night.


0751H
I just got back from checking the status of my car - based on my estimate, the water might have reached the engine but not the computer box; if this is not the case, I am sure that the flooring is all wet. The car park is relatively higher than where our unit is standing. Furthermore, the fence in the parking space was washed out.

I also took some pictures. I spent around 45 minutes talking to the same person I met last night. Apparently, he's quite experienced about this situation; he grew up in Quezon, specifically Pollillo Is.

I also checked the other side of the compound, now I could see the roof of the Alto that I was checking yesterday - the roof is barely visible under the water.

One scene is the garbage (originally thrown in a water pit just outside our compound) surrounding the house, trying to get in, just like in TV about Manila's garbage problem.

I am sure the developer didn't anticipate this situation. I mean their power generator stopped earlier yesterday due to the rising water level. Oh well, this is a problem of yesteryears, I would say and it can happen again.

I pity those that are in the ground floor units. One resident told us this morning that there are only 2 of them, both ladies. They were only able to carry legal documents, otherwise, the rest were left to nature.

Time to save some water, I am not sure when the power will be back. The water may not recede until end of the day, looking at the progress. Besides, our building seems to be the lowest point of the compound and the power lines are buried on the ground.


0945H
People were shouting outside claiming that the sighted snake near the fence has been caught. From what we heard downstairs, there 2 sightings - 1 near our building (we are near the fence) and near the club house.


These people are personnel from the admin, trying to enjoy whatever is there around them. Not noticing that the water is highly polluted. This is just infront of the clubhouse.

I went out again to check the water level in the parking space, it is receding on a slow pace. But the flooring of the 626 is a bit above the water level; but I am sure inside the car is flooded. The CRVs and the other non-American SUVs were no match for the flood! But that gave me more reason that if ever I purchase a SUV, the clearance should be increased (my 626 has extra clearance due to higher humps and deeper potholes in where I lived before).


Figure 3. The black car (Mazda 626, 1994 Model), partly covered
by the crane, is my car. You can see that the water reached the
flooring level.


Figure 6. This was taken in the next day. But the highest water level I've seen, it reached the spokes of the spare tire.
The good thing is that it's sunny.

I also saw 2 people wading in the water (nearby the construction site); while a flow of, most probably, fuel or oil (if I am wrong, I am sure it's not water since it reflects rainbow color agains the sun light) from their right side crossing the stream. One of them, a lady looks like a mestiza, sporting a contemporary designed sunglasses with a leather-like lady bag (and she was wearing a pair shorts) leisurely wade on the water and seemed to be talking to her companion. In my perspective, she's a candidate for an infection or allergy of some sort since it was the second time i've seen her wading.

And this is why I discouraged the maid to go out for a cellphone recharge (all of our phones are dead, just enough time to inform Kristine that everything is alright except for Caitlin's milk that is running low).

The nanny decided to delute Caitlin's milk - it worked. But it's just a matter of time that the milk runs out completely. Hopefully, by then the water has receded enough for us not to get wet. I am planning that when the water level reaches knee-deep (relative to the road level infront of our building and not on the sidewalk level), I will check my car if it starts (I hope so since my worst experience with flood was when we were almost floating near the Kalentong area and waves from the trucks would push us to the gutter).

I am surprised how people (most probably haven't seen devastation from typhoon first hand) reacted. But then again, I lived thru hundreds of typhoons in our province. But one thing that I noticed today, everyone is smiling at me when we meet somewhere in the building - normally, ma at pa kami dito. The condo personnel who collects garbage every morning still did their chores and greeted me "good morning".

Behind the chaos, order are still being observed by some.


1649H
Lea cooked the remaining pancake powder. Caitlin had peanuts for snacks. I had to take the saucer full of peanuts away from her since she wouldn't stop.

I checked the car 30 minutes ago (the water is knee-deep when I went to the parking space), aside from the soaked interior, the engine started just fine. I waited for 3 minutes before I turned it off. But the interior is full of mud! I guess it's time for a full detailing service that I've been planning for the last 2 years.

The ground floor is all messed up with mud everywhere. It will take a day to fully clean the ground floor, not counting those that are damaged by the water in each unit.
The maid just came back from the market - they can't find milk from what I heard from the distance. They are just talking with my sister sharing their experience. I am not sure if Lactum would work with Caitlin.

We are also running out utility water. Our drinking supply is still enough until tomorrow or after.

If the situation doesn't get better tomorrow, I will bring my kid to Sun Valley and report to the office afterwards.


Figure 5. Here's the water level around 9pm on September 26. This is infront of our loft.

Note: For more pictures of the event, you can visit this public site.

Typhoon Journal - 09262009/1943H

I just got back from outside our unit - the water level is still rising fast! Some of the unit owners from the ground floor are all over the staircase with their appliances or whatever they can save from the rising water level.

I checked the situation of the parking lot, the plate numbers of the cars can still be seen from the 4th floor. What caught my attention was the MB200 parked on the opposite row of where my car is parked on; I estimate that the water level is almost the same level of the flooring. I met one of the residents and we started talking of the nearby areas - we shared the same conclusion that the water must be coming from the mountains nearby (you can see the Antipolo area still lighted).

He also told me that some residents who have their parking slots infront of the building parked their car near the main entrance of the compound. However, the guy that I talked to wasn't able to start his car and decided to leave it to nature. I left with a heavy heart, I am not confident that my car would be lucky not to go under the water. I am still hoping thought that the engine won't go under (I don't care about the car interior), especially the computer box.

One CRV parked near the construction site is half-submerged with the water level reaching its spare tire at the back. How bad, the water level infront of the club house was already chest deep when I got there.

I checked again the other side of our building where the last time I saw an Isuzu Alto, I could still see the roof. Now it's gone! I compared it with some reference points, like the jeepney on another corner, it's sure is gone down under!

I pity those residents who evac from their ground floor units. I am pretty sure they bought their units thinking that it can be a better life for them. But here they are, staying on the stair case waiting for the weather to get better. It could happen to us also.

The last time I checked the water level infront of our building (before I got in our unit), it's approx. 4 feet from the road level. I almost panicked because I thought it was the 2nd level of the ground-floor unit; I realized I got down 1 level lower than ours. Whew!

When I got back, Caitlin has her normal tantrum when she's not staying on an airconditioned room. Luckily, my sister has all the patience in the world to put up with her.

The rain is also getting stronger...


The Suzuki Alto (far right) will be totally under water before the sun sets.


This scene is quite familiar around Saturday afternoon. On the far left of the picture shows (albeit vaguely) the roofs of the submerged houses. In the evening of the 26th9, the roof the jeep (on the lower right) can be barely seen.

Typhoon Journal - 09262009/1830H

I still have 3 hours and 20 minutes in my laptop battery, but otherwise, the whole residential compound is out of power since an hour ago.

Since this early morning, the rain is non-stop. The rain was pretty bad with strong winds, especially this morning. Now, it's just drizzling but the water in the compound is still rising. The last time I checked (luckily, I bought new batteries for the flashlight) 10 minutes ago, it's getting worse and it's getting inside the main entrance of the building infront of us.

This morning, I decided to bring my wife to Eastwood; from there, she can take a cab. It was raining hard; and it was one of the rarest moment that I had to set my wiper speed to the maximum. I only found out later when I got back that Manila was under Typhoon Signal No. 1 based on the feedback of the maids who bought came from the Taytay Market. I took it as "one of those days".

Figure 1 - The encircled portion is the water level around 930am.

After lunch, I took a nap and when I woke up I checked the window (out of habit). There it was, the water level was almost knee deep. I thought, "it's not that bad". Then after 30 minutes or so, I checked again, the level was rising. My kid saw it, too, and she went to her cabinet to look for her swimsuit (it took my sister a few minutes to calm Caitlin down when she was told that she couldn't swim in the water).

Figure 2. This was taken at 356PM. The sidewalks are covered by water.

Around 4pm, I decided to check the status of my own car (can be seen from the end of the building), it was okay. The parking space wasn't flooded, and the rising water was still outside the perimiter of the parking space. I checked again 30 minutes after, 1/4 of the parking space (near the main entrance) was already flooded. By this time, I decided to check the other side of the compound - there it was, the water level was chest-deep. One car was under and the roof can be seen. I could see people transferring TV from one house to another. Lea, the nanny and Caitlin joined me after I told them about it. I took some pictures. On the far left (near the riverside), I saw that several houses were already under and only roofs can be seen.

My thought was, the water came from the mountains. And since subdivisions are popping out like daisies, I suspect that natural tributaries have been buried without any alternative route for water to flow to the river (in this case, it goes to Laguna de Bay).

















Figure 4. This is infront of the club house. Those 3 cars have a single owner. From what I gathered, the owner rented 4 business areas to get 4 parking spaces (1 car is missing).


This is the first time I've seen a flashflood. I grew up in the province wherein typhoon is a part of our lives. But I've never seen such flood before (but in this place, I won't be surprised that it's a normal occurence).

Tin also sent me SMS informing me that, around early afternoon, Santolan was flooded and rubber boats were being deployed. Oh, it took her 5 hours to get to the hospital; the cab she took conked out somewhere near the TB Center. So she ended up taking a pedicab. By the time she came to the hospital, she was soaking wet since the pedicab has a lower clearance.

As of this writing, Sun and Globe signals were spotty. Globe signal was spotty early on (I already complained this in the office admin) today, I wasn't surprised.

I still have 2 hours and 50 minutes in my laptop. I will file another entry later tonight.

Figure 4. This is the cluster infront of the club house.

Note: For more pictures of the event, you can visit this public site.

Family Affair - Sta. Cruz Speaking Engagement

On September 5, I delivered a workshop to SELCHA, a catholic ministry under Sta. Cruz Parish.

The participants came from all walks of life, including senior citizens. At first it was intimidating, considering that fact that most of the participants have more wisdom than I have.

This didn't start this month, it all went back as 5 years ago before Tito Arnel left for Canada. I was just starting my management career then. We were discussing the possibility of delivering social-changing topics (he did it a couple of times when he was assigned in Bicol). Both of us shared nationalistic principles, and we just like to discuss such possibilities over a couple of San Miguel Draft pitchers in Shakey's (most of the time in Malate branch, facing the old Aristocrat resto) and a basket of fried chicken. I guess it starts with possibilities and belief that it can be done...

Earlier this year, we discussed about running a public workshop for their parishioner, which I was very open to. However, due to some changes on priorities he asked me if I could deliver a workshop for the local catholic ministry; wherein, some members are familiar to me since I would drive my uncle around, visiting her former parishioners. And I am glad to meet them again.

Two weeks before the said workshop, I reviewed the result of their own workshop and realized that they are facing the same issues what a normal organization will face - growth pains. I realized that whatever we deliver in our own corporate organization, would also help them. It all starts with self-mastery.

I had to adjust my approach, e.g. I shouldn't be technical in nature, have to adapt to their salutations ("sister", "brother"), pray when the church bells rang at exactly lunch time, etc. But their energy amazed me and it was contagious! I shared with them the Left-Hand Column, VDM and the Levels of Perspective. And they raised the same challenges that I also raised when first time I heard these stuff from our founder.

One thing that caught my mind when trying to review my notes the night before, I realized that church organization and the BPO industry, are on the same industry - service industry. And when I was sharing my thought to them, I told them that the difference is that we are in customer-service industry, catholic or christian organizations are servicing the souls. Some got my point and gave me a smile.

I introduced them to World-Cafe, especially in getting feedback from large no. of people. I also introduced them to the Check-In. There such high number of similarities in feedback that I was able to gain my trainer-confidence; I was really expecting the worst that somebody might disagree with the principle (I mean, how do you disagree with a person who walked in this world for the last 60 years, while I am still trying to prove myself??).

On the last part, Visual-Deployment Matrix, I wasn't able to have them do their organization's VDM. However, we discussed some situations and how VDM can help them. Most of the questions were about expectations settings, effective communication and the likes.

During my last leg of my presentation, I was already short of breath for some reason. I was a bit dizzy and one participant offered me a bottle of water, to my relief.

Every question they raised and I tried to answer, I would ask confirmation if I was able to answer it. Luckily, I was able to. I also felt the energy that they showed; I just felt passionate when delivering the workshop (afterwards, I felt that my knees are going to fall apart).

It was ironical because I still remember Tito Arnel challenging me to find his bag of coins when I would visit them during summer when I was still a kid. But now, it's totally different. Must be part of growing old....

The best part of the workshop, it was a family affair - I brought Kristine and Caitlin with me. Caitlin was relatively behaved, except for the fact that it was a bit warm inside the room - but when she's out, she liked to run after the cats. I was also very proud that I was able to introduce Kristine around (I realized how long it was the last time I saw some of those familiar people, I was stillsingle then when they last met me!). During breaktime, Kristine would give me some pointers as well (apparently, most of my examples at the very beginning were all about from corporate experiences).
I still have another session to run... And I am looking forward to it... And even if it won't push through, I am still glad that I was able to have such experience. It was totally different!