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Monday, March 21, 2011
Musings on an Early Morning Beachwalk
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So, I resolved to walk this morning - woke up early with great plans to watch the sunrise at the beach but did not make it - could not decide whether to go to early mass before going to the sea shoreHad my cup of coffee, a piece of Blueberry Crumble, a piece of fish and off I went.
I think the beach in Catmon is one of the hidden and most neglected treasures of the community. I grew up with freedom to walk on the beach front from Flores Zone to Bawo during my elementary school days. Alas, those days are over, as more and more people owning beach front property have privatized most of the shoreline - the result has spoiled the attraction of the beach. Only a small portion is left for public enjoyment and use!
I say that this portion is the most neglected treasures of Catmon - if only everyone would take pride and responsibility in cleaning and grooming the public areas. As a little girl, I used to be able to walk for what it felt like miles unencumbered by debris - disposable diapers, all kinds of plastic, all kinds of ragged clothing strips, sanitary pads and other refuse can be found all over the place - some of which is ever so close to the so-called municipal park.
I was very surprised to see a lot of coconut debris - in my day, this was gathered and dried and used to build fires to cook with. Although the beach front by "kanipahan" is now crowded with houses belonging to indigenous subsistence fishermen (I imagine) - no one seem to be paying attention to cleaning the beach itself.
It will take a proud highly motivated and highly mobilize population to clear clean this treasure, which could easily become a tourism focal point. It is a cause of embarrassment and shame for the whole community that such potential to draw revenue to the town is wasted. I tend to think of lost opportunity and lost revenue. The town need proactive leadership to have a sustainable development of its treasures.
So, I resolved to walk this morning - woke up early with great plans to watch the sunrise at the beach but did not make it - could not decide whether to go to early mass before going to the sea shoreHad my cup of coffee, a piece of Blueberry Crumble, a piece of fish and off I went.
I think the beach in Catmon is one of the hidden and most neglected treasures of the community. I grew up with freedom to walk on the beach front from Flores Zone to Bawo during my elementary school days. Alas, those days are over, as more and more people owning beach front property have privatized most of the shoreline - the result has spoiled the attraction of the beach. Only a small portion is left for public enjoyment and use!
I say that this portion is the most neglected treasures of Catmon - if only everyone would take pride and responsibility in cleaning and grooming the public areas. As a little girl, I used to be able to walk for what it felt like miles unencumbered by debris - disposable diapers, all kinds of plastic, all kinds of ragged clothing strips, sanitary pads and other refuse can be found all over the place - some of which is ever so close to the so-called municipal park.
I was very surprised to see a lot of coconut debris - in my day, this was gathered and dried and used to build fires to cook with. Although the beach front by "kanipahan" is now crowded with houses belonging to indigenous subsistence fishermen (I imagine) - no one seem to be paying attention to cleaning the beach itself.
It will take a proud highly motivated and highly mobilize population to clear clean this treasure, which could easily become a tourism focal point. It is a cause of embarrassment and shame for the whole community that such potential to draw revenue to the town is wasted. I tend to think of lost opportunity and lost revenue. The town need proactive leadership to have a sustainable development of its treasures.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Thinking of Catmon and Catmonanons!
Just can not believe how long it has been since I last posted. Have written a lot but not posted them.
To get the idea of having this blog, the reader will need to read older posts - have tried to clean up the blog but am not done yet.
The purpose of the blog is to introduce folks to my beloved birthtown and hometown: Catmon,Cebu.
I have come very far in time and place, have lived in may places - towns, cities and countries and visited countless more places giving me a complex life and a multifaceted perspective.
Just the same, the thought of being a Catmonanon keeps me grounded. Although I have no plans to live there again, Catmon and the people continue to live in my heart as my family, friends and students will tell you.
I know that most of you who are "connected" worldwide are a couple of generations behind me. I hope that the stories I share will encourage you to connect with the older generation to help keep you grounded.
Perhaps you can start an ongoing dialogue with your Lolas and Titas and Tias. No offense to the men but my experience have shown me that the ladies seem to keep the memories and stories closer to the heart than men do.
I learned a lot from mostly women - the Lolas - Lola Bette, Lola Milyang, Lola Vidad, Lola Sayong, Lola Ilyang, Lola Conching, Lola Ibing, Lola Sana, Lola Ciana, Uray Tilde, Lola Piyang, Nanang Ipay, Lola Mere, Lola Espec Ceniza, Tia Ason Estenzo, Tita Uping Menchavez, Nana Pising Roldan, Mana Pilar Nuneza, Mana Titang Pontillas, Mana Paz Rojas, Mommy Flor Iway and countless others who were generous enough to "mother me" including the mothers of school friends when I was growing up.
A lot of Catmonanons have helped shape who I am today - for that I am forever grateful!
To get the idea of having this blog, the reader will need to read older posts - have tried to clean up the blog but am not done yet.
The purpose of the blog is to introduce folks to my beloved birthtown and hometown: Catmon,Cebu.
I have come very far in time and place, have lived in may places - towns, cities and countries and visited countless more places giving me a complex life and a multifaceted perspective.
Just the same, the thought of being a Catmonanon keeps me grounded. Although I have no plans to live there again, Catmon and the people continue to live in my heart as my family, friends and students will tell you.
I know that most of you who are "connected" worldwide are a couple of generations behind me. I hope that the stories I share will encourage you to connect with the older generation to help keep you grounded.
Perhaps you can start an ongoing dialogue with your Lolas and Titas and Tias. No offense to the men but my experience have shown me that the ladies seem to keep the memories and stories closer to the heart than men do.
I learned a lot from mostly women - the Lolas - Lola Bette, Lola Milyang, Lola Vidad, Lola Sayong, Lola Ilyang, Lola Conching, Lola Ibing, Lola Sana, Lola Ciana, Uray Tilde, Lola Piyang, Nanang Ipay, Lola Mere, Lola Espec Ceniza, Tia Ason Estenzo, Tita Uping Menchavez, Nana Pising Roldan, Mana Pilar Nuneza, Mana Titang Pontillas, Mana Paz Rojas, Mommy Flor Iway and countless others who were generous enough to "mother me" including the mothers of school friends when I was growing up.
A lot of Catmonanons have helped shape who I am today - for that I am forever grateful!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Grounded
It hurts when I talk, it hurts when I laugh aaand sometimes it hurts to breath!
It is cold outside - the temperature is measured in Fahrenheit; can't remember how to convert the readings into Celsius. Freezing point is 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C -Boiling point is 212 degrees F or 100 degrees C: the conversion lesson stops here, you do the math!
The sun is shining, the skies are blue and with the wind chill factored in, it is 32 degrees below outside. The actual temperature is 7 degrees F - it is breezy, hence the wind chill factor is counted. Of course, lots of ice and snow in the ground, all around. Have to dress accordingly in layers to be comfortable in this weather.
On Thursdays, I take students and do service work at the Canticle Cafe in Detroit, serving the homeless and the hungry. Yesterday started just like any other Thursday. I went in to my office about 9:00 AM.
With the volume of donations accumulated since after Thanksgiving, have loaded the 12passenger van with donated food and clothing the day before. Of all the university vehicles, this van is my least favorite to drive. Have driven this van 16 hours + (not fun) - one way to South Carolina and back.
Nick Modelski was recruited to help. He offered to drive and I was relieved. He is the Americorps VISTA with the Office of First Year Experience.
On the way in to the city, I commented on how deceiving the day looked - blue skies, sunshine, seemingly clear expressways and roads, only 8 degrees F outside, etc.etc.etc!
After some appropriate introductions, Nick started serving coffee and morning pastries to guests. He later switched and worked at the clothing depot with students from University of Detroit Mercy.
Camilla Lumsford, had opened part of the back sections so the homeless would have some shelter from the cold to drink their coffee or tea and have a little to eat. All the food is donated and served for free!
In the donations we brought in, were restaurant size cans of tuna fish as well mayonnaise - perfect in making tuna sandwiches for lunch distribution.
We also brought in frozen fish. Another volunteer and I separated the fish in individual plastic bags to distribute in the grocery bags.
Eligible individuals and/or families come in, to receive 1 bag of groceries per week. In warm weather, they form a line outside (block length+); in cold weather, they crowd inside the lobby.
On the way back to the Madonna University campus, as Nick got ready to switch from Interstate 75 to Interstate 96, we hit a patch of black ice. The van slid and spun three lanes across, crossing the express way from the slow lane (the far right lane) to hit the concrete barrier on the fast lane (far left lane).We bounced off the concrete median wall three times facing oncoming traffic.
Vanity of vanities - all I could think of, is how to protect my face and head! Deep snow on the road side finally stopped the van. The passenger door would not open so had to get out another way. I knew right away, I was hurt but did not want to panic anyone, so proceeded to call Detroit police and Michigan State Police to report the accident.
An angel stopped to help us and took us back to the Madonna University campus in Livonia. Will write about Bruce and angels in another blog.
As soon as I got back to my office, I asked my best friend Chris Brant to take me to the hospital (St. Mary's Hospital in Livonia). With X-rays and such, fractured ribs were discovered - so now I am grounded on drugs and ordered to stay quiet!
Soo much like a "Lola Bette decree" in my childhood - I am listening and being good, because it hurts soo very much. Pray for me.
It is cold outside - the temperature is measured in Fahrenheit; can't remember how to convert the readings into Celsius. Freezing point is 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C -Boiling point is 212 degrees F or 100 degrees C: the conversion lesson stops here, you do the math!
The sun is shining, the skies are blue and with the wind chill factored in, it is 32 degrees below outside. The actual temperature is 7 degrees F - it is breezy, hence the wind chill factor is counted. Of course, lots of ice and snow in the ground, all around. Have to dress accordingly in layers to be comfortable in this weather.
On Thursdays, I take students and do service work at the Canticle Cafe in Detroit, serving the homeless and the hungry. Yesterday started just like any other Thursday. I went in to my office about 9:00 AM.
With the volume of donations accumulated since after Thanksgiving, have loaded the 12passenger van with donated food and clothing the day before. Of all the university vehicles, this van is my least favorite to drive. Have driven this van 16 hours + (not fun) - one way to South Carolina and back.
Nick Modelski was recruited to help. He offered to drive and I was relieved. He is the Americorps VISTA with the Office of First Year Experience.
On the way in to the city, I commented on how deceiving the day looked - blue skies, sunshine, seemingly clear expressways and roads, only 8 degrees F outside, etc.etc.etc!
After some appropriate introductions, Nick started serving coffee and morning pastries to guests. He later switched and worked at the clothing depot with students from University of Detroit Mercy.
Camilla Lumsford, had opened part of the back sections so the homeless would have some shelter from the cold to drink their coffee or tea and have a little to eat. All the food is donated and served for free!
In the donations we brought in, were restaurant size cans of tuna fish as well mayonnaise - perfect in making tuna sandwiches for lunch distribution.
We also brought in frozen fish. Another volunteer and I separated the fish in individual plastic bags to distribute in the grocery bags.
Eligible individuals and/or families come in, to receive 1 bag of groceries per week. In warm weather, they form a line outside (block length+); in cold weather, they crowd inside the lobby.
On the way back to the Madonna University campus, as Nick got ready to switch from Interstate 75 to Interstate 96, we hit a patch of black ice. The van slid and spun three lanes across, crossing the express way from the slow lane (the far right lane) to hit the concrete barrier on the fast lane (far left lane).We bounced off the concrete median wall three times facing oncoming traffic.
Vanity of vanities - all I could think of, is how to protect my face and head! Deep snow on the road side finally stopped the van. The passenger door would not open so had to get out another way. I knew right away, I was hurt but did not want to panic anyone, so proceeded to call Detroit police and Michigan State Police to report the accident.
An angel stopped to help us and took us back to the Madonna University campus in Livonia. Will write about Bruce and angels in another blog.
As soon as I got back to my office, I asked my best friend Chris Brant to take me to the hospital (St. Mary's Hospital in Livonia). With X-rays and such, fractured ribs were discovered - so now I am grounded on drugs and ordered to stay quiet!
Soo much like a "Lola Bette decree" in my childhood - I am listening and being good, because it hurts soo very much. Pray for me.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Phoebe's Questions aka New year Como Estas?
Are you friends with your neighbors?
Not really.
Favorite color?
Blue, red, gold
How long has it been since you've seen the Lion King?
On Stage - almost a century ago, film maybe 6 years
When was the last time you drove more than 15 minutes?
Last weekend after church, doing last minute errands
Have you ever had a crush on your friend's siblings or sibling's friends?
Can't remember much about crushes!
Have you ever gone to the beach?
Of course! I am a Catmonanon after all.
How good is your eye sight?
Well, I wear glasses mostly for driving - so I think my eye sight is good for my age - 29!
Whats the longest amount of time you've been on an airplane?
11 hours
Have you ever been out of your country?
Which country? US, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Philippines - I am out of the US at least once a year.
What's the best wedding you've been to?
Lauren and John's wedding last summer - ceremony on the beach in Traverse City
Would your parents be mad if you got arrested for fighting?
Probably!
Ever been in love?
oh yes! but not much for romance.
Do you have a Honda, Toyota or Nissan?
I drive a Ford Taurus - I only drive American cars when in the US. Did own a Toyota in Japan.
What did you do this weekend?
Watched the snow on Saturday, church, grocery shopping, ate lunch at Tim Horton's on Sunday, served as Eucharistic Minister at mass, talked on the phone, read grant proposal, stopped by the office to review holiday pictures.
Do you wear contacts?
No, have no tolerance for having something in my eye!
What do you usually do first in the morning?
Make coffee
Who was the last person you went to the movies with?
Dominic - watched Tom Cruise and the Hitler assassination attempt.
Do you like where you are right now?
I love the work, I love the students and teaching - but also itching to travel!
Do you miss someone?
Lots of people in Catmon for sure!
Do you believe ex's can be friends?
Well - perhaps in a more hyphenated way - history gets in the way!
Last relationship and when?
omg! With whom - what kind - if romance perhaps 4 - 5 years ago
Been cheated on?
Betrayal is part of life so have learned to deal with them!
Have you ever been a gymnast or a cheerleader?
haha!!! fortunately, never!
Has anyone ever told you they want to spend the rest of their life with you?
Yeah, and they lied!
Has a boy/girl ever called you babe/baby?
yes...duhhhh!!!!
Will you be in a relationship in four months?
omg! I am open to surprises!
Does anyone hate you?
i would think so... it is their problem...their loss!
Anyone annoy you?
People who don't seem to know how to think things through!
What is stressing you out most right now?
Retirement - was planning to retire in 2010 at the latest;but then, the market crashed and my 401K was smashed to smitheerens.
Does anyone love you?
I hope so - as long as I love myself - the rest is a given.
Are you easily confused?
Not really - only when I am not focused on the subject and distracted by other more important stuff
Are you high maintenance?
No - lead a very simple lifestyle!
Are you happy with the way life is going?
Define happy - I have a pretty joyous life - lots of miracles all the time.
Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
I am allergic to cigarettes so yes!
Is any part of your body sore?
My back - have a touch of arthritis in my spine and winter is here, so you might say!
How do you feel about public displays of affection?
Well, I kissed a boyfriend the full length of Kokusai Street in Naha to shock Japanese and Okinawan audience once - a long, long time ago though - can't say it bothers me!
What always makes you feel better when you are upset?
Rice!
Do you like to take walks?
Love to take walks - you can see me walking in the hills around Northville.
Will your next kiss be a mistake?
Kisses are never mistakes!
Do you fight with your grandparents often?
Lola and I used to have some pretty good ones.
Where is the shirt you are wearing from?
Brown skirt (Talbot), brown turtleneck (Ralph Lauren Polo), boots!
Have you ever been in a car accident?
A few, years of driving will do that - have no control over the other guys on the road!
What bed did you sleep in last night?
I slept in the couch.
Would you rather have big or small dogs?
I like both - my last dog was a Pekingnese
Are you afraid of falling in love?
Sort of - don't want to give up my lifestyle - the thought of trade off scares me!
What are your plans for today?
Go home cook rice - review grant ideas for proposal - maybe write some stuff down.
What color do you paint your nails?
I can't understand why people paint their nails or wear lipstick?
Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
Never!
Will you move in a year?
I was hoping to; but plans changed!
When was the last time you were told you were cute?
haha!! this afternoon - one of my students said so!
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
lots of times!
Last night, did you go to sleep smiling?
No, I am too disturbed about Gaza!
Do you want to get married?
Sometimes.
Are you mean?
I can be!
Do you think relationships are even worth it?
Depends of the people - not a believer in happily ever after - I hear too much relationship drama from my students daily!
Do your parents really know you?
Never - they had their own issues to bother with me!
Would you ever get a tattoo?
No!
Are you stubborn?
one of my trademarks :P Same here!
Would you rather go to Tokyo or Paris?
I was not impressed by Tokyo (been there 2 - 3 times? for short stops) - want to see Paris but would rather go to Alexandria in Egypt
Who else is in the room with you?
no one else i can see
Not really.
Favorite color?
Blue, red, gold
How long has it been since you've seen the Lion King?
On Stage - almost a century ago, film maybe 6 years
When was the last time you drove more than 15 minutes?
Last weekend after church, doing last minute errands
Have you ever had a crush on your friend's siblings or sibling's friends?
Can't remember much about crushes!
Have you ever gone to the beach?
Of course! I am a Catmonanon after all.
How good is your eye sight?
Well, I wear glasses mostly for driving - so I think my eye sight is good for my age - 29!
Whats the longest amount of time you've been on an airplane?
11 hours
Have you ever been out of your country?
Which country? US, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Philippines - I am out of the US at least once a year.
What's the best wedding you've been to?
Lauren and John's wedding last summer - ceremony on the beach in Traverse City
Would your parents be mad if you got arrested for fighting?
Probably!
Ever been in love?
oh yes! but not much for romance.
Do you have a Honda, Toyota or Nissan?
I drive a Ford Taurus - I only drive American cars when in the US. Did own a Toyota in Japan.
What did you do this weekend?
Watched the snow on Saturday, church, grocery shopping, ate lunch at Tim Horton's on Sunday, served as Eucharistic Minister at mass, talked on the phone, read grant proposal, stopped by the office to review holiday pictures.
Do you wear contacts?
No, have no tolerance for having something in my eye!
What do you usually do first in the morning?
Make coffee
Who was the last person you went to the movies with?
Dominic - watched Tom Cruise and the Hitler assassination attempt.
Do you like where you are right now?
I love the work, I love the students and teaching - but also itching to travel!
Do you miss someone?
Lots of people in Catmon for sure!
Do you believe ex's can be friends?
Well - perhaps in a more hyphenated way - history gets in the way!
Last relationship and when?
omg! With whom - what kind - if romance perhaps 4 - 5 years ago
Been cheated on?
Betrayal is part of life so have learned to deal with them!
Have you ever been a gymnast or a cheerleader?
haha!!! fortunately, never!
Has anyone ever told you they want to spend the rest of their life with you?
Yeah, and they lied!
Has a boy/girl ever called you babe/baby?
yes...duhhhh!!!!
Will you be in a relationship in four months?
omg! I am open to surprises!
Does anyone hate you?
i would think so... it is their problem...their loss!
Anyone annoy you?
People who don't seem to know how to think things through!
What is stressing you out most right now?
Retirement - was planning to retire in 2010 at the latest;but then, the market crashed and my 401K was smashed to smitheerens.
Does anyone love you?
I hope so - as long as I love myself - the rest is a given.
Are you easily confused?
Not really - only when I am not focused on the subject and distracted by other more important stuff
Are you high maintenance?
No - lead a very simple lifestyle!
Are you happy with the way life is going?
Define happy - I have a pretty joyous life - lots of miracles all the time.
Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
I am allergic to cigarettes so yes!
Is any part of your body sore?
My back - have a touch of arthritis in my spine and winter is here, so you might say!
How do you feel about public displays of affection?
Well, I kissed a boyfriend the full length of Kokusai Street in Naha to shock Japanese and Okinawan audience once - a long, long time ago though - can't say it bothers me!
What always makes you feel better when you are upset?
Rice!
Do you like to take walks?
Love to take walks - you can see me walking in the hills around Northville.
Will your next kiss be a mistake?
Kisses are never mistakes!
Do you fight with your grandparents often?
Lola and I used to have some pretty good ones.
Where is the shirt you are wearing from?
Brown skirt (Talbot), brown turtleneck (Ralph Lauren Polo), boots!
Have you ever been in a car accident?
A few, years of driving will do that - have no control over the other guys on the road!
What bed did you sleep in last night?
I slept in the couch.
Would you rather have big or small dogs?
I like both - my last dog was a Pekingnese
Are you afraid of falling in love?
Sort of - don't want to give up my lifestyle - the thought of trade off scares me!
What are your plans for today?
Go home cook rice - review grant ideas for proposal - maybe write some stuff down.
What color do you paint your nails?
I can't understand why people paint their nails or wear lipstick?
Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced?
Never!
Will you move in a year?
I was hoping to; but plans changed!
When was the last time you were told you were cute?
haha!! this afternoon - one of my students said so!
Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
lots of times!
Last night, did you go to sleep smiling?
No, I am too disturbed about Gaza!
Do you want to get married?
Sometimes.
Are you mean?
I can be!
Do you think relationships are even worth it?
Depends of the people - not a believer in happily ever after - I hear too much relationship drama from my students daily!
Do your parents really know you?
Never - they had their own issues to bother with me!
Would you ever get a tattoo?
No!
Are you stubborn?
one of my trademarks :P Same here!
Would you rather go to Tokyo or Paris?
I was not impressed by Tokyo (been there 2 - 3 times? for short stops) - want to see Paris but would rather go to Alexandria in Egypt
Who else is in the room with you?
no one else i can see
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