Aight, this will be such a long story.
Monday, April 17th, I went to Banco de Oro to get some amount of money. I spent so much this past few weeks, and that I need to get some amount out of my savings. Ugh! I’m such a spender!!! Anyways, I also dropped by at Kashmir to buy roti canay. Then I went to the office and work from 4pm to 9pm. Great that my boss allowed me to take vacation leave for a week. So I went home and get all my stuff packed. Ate dinner at home, because I haven’t had any meal the whole day, I was extremely starving. Then Anis and I were accompanied by JJ to Kingswood. Anis and I had an overnight at Niar’s place, along with Johana too… so that we would go all together to Santiago. The purpose of our trip to Santiago city, Isabela is that, the Mayor, Hon. Amelita S. Navarro sent a request letter to the Indonesian embassy and invited some dance instructors to teach Indonesian dances for their Indonesian Summer Dance Workshop.
left: @ Kingswood
right: @ Indonesian Embassy, minutes before the departureTuesday, April 18th, we went to the Indonesian Embassy, there were 2 vans and 4 people who fetched us, including Kuya Moro (The mayor’s assistant and he was the first person from the Philippines who were given a scholarship by the Indonesian government to study topeng in Jogja) and Xyza (a college student and a pianist). We still needed sometime to prepare the costumes and then we bought some snacks from koperasi, then we left the embassy at around 11.30 am.
upper left: lunch @ KFC along the high way
upper right: picture in the CR ;p -> Niar, Anis, Sari, Jo, Xyza
middle left: the view out side the window
middle right: looking at the view outside the window
lower left: mirienda @ Jolibee San Jose
lower right: @ the bus stop -> Niar, Sari, kuya MoroWe dropped by Kentucky Fried Chicken along the high way for lunch, took some pictures and then continue the long journey. I didn’t have enough sleep, but I wasn’t also able to sleep on the way. So I was taking pictures of the view outside. Around late afternoon, we dropped by again to eat at Jolibee in San Jose. And another stop was in a bus station, we stopped for a comfort room. It was such a long trip, we arrived after 12 hours. We were given free accommodation in Mayor’s Punta Amelita Resort. As soon as we arrived, we checked out the room, put our baggage inside and met mayor Amelita Navarro, Dr. Navarro and some of the officials at the dining area. After that short meeting, we all went back to the room. Jo and I suddenly felt so hungry… so we were thinking of making Indomie that we brought. We went to the dining area and got some hot water from the dispenser. We made the noodles but because it wasn’t boiled, the noodle was very hard to chew, it tasted more like a rubber. So what can we do? Hahaha… I just finished the soup and eat it with kacang garuda instead. Then Jo, Niar and I had a short practice for our dance lesson the next day.
upper: Balay na Santiago
lower: the welcome bannerWednesday, April 19th, we woke up early, took a shower and had another practice. Had a breakfast then went to Balay na Santiago, it’s like 30 minutes away from the resort. We arrived 9 in the morning. We found out that they made us a welcome banner, with our full names printed on it. It was really nice. We were so welcome on our arrival. Then we go directly to meet the participants, they all were already sitting nicely.
upper: the warming up
lower: monitoring the saman dance practiceWe introduced ourselves, I led the warming up and then we also demonstrated the dances that we are about to teach. The participants were from as young as grade school up to teachers/ faculty members. They were like around a hundred, and all came from different schools, and different towns as well. Ms. Mila, the head of the tourism of Santiago said that she was actually expecting for around 30 participants, but boom! It’s more than expected, but we can still accommodate them, of course. The participants were divided into four groups. I was assigned to handle all male participants and teach them Saman dance. Niar handled the female kids and teach them Tempurung dance, a dance with a coconut shell, which is really meant for kids. Anis was assigned to teach Puspanjali dance to the female teenagers. And Johana was assigned to teach Indang dance to all of the women participants. The dance practice went pretty smooth. Even though it was my first time to teach Indonesian dance, esp. to Filipinos, I was able to manage myself in handling them, I can just feel it, and I was enjoying my time. My Saman students were like around 30 people. All of them were very kind and I wasn’t really having a hard time teaching, they were all fast learner and they can adapt the dance easily. I, myself practiced the dance for several months before I master it. But the participants here only have 2 days before their performance on Friday. And oh! I also tried to practice one of the Philippine dances, Tinikling. We ended up the practice around 5-6 pm. Ms. Bauzon was kind enough to fetch us back to the resort. Along with her, was her son, Carlo, a fresh graduate of University of Santo Tomas, we were then being introduced to Carlo by his Mom. We dropped by somewhere for a short while and Carlo’s mom bought some pandesals, and we ate it on the way back to the resort.
left: Sari and Niar infront of the souvenir shop
right: dinner @ Punta Amelita resortWe were supposed to go out in the evening, but I guess kuya Moro was too busy at that time. So we just spent the evening in the dining area, having dinner and sing karaoke. I then had this interesting conversation with kuya Romel, he is also a guest of the resort. He is an architect and he was there to take care of his project I guess… it’s the 2nd swimming pool that he is doing. So I had this long conversation, told him that I really want to own a monkey. So there, I started to have new friends. Carlo was also there… maybe listening but definitely, busy texting. ;p
upper: with the Puspanjali dancers
lower: with Ate vic and Ms. Bauzon in the resortThursday, April 20th, it was the 2nd day of the workshop. It was brown out, but that didn’t make us stop practicing. We have both of the tape working using batteries. We started just like the first day. On this day, I also handled the female kids of Tempurung dance whenever Niar is busy. So I also got close and got along well with the kids. They were so nice and they followed me everywhere hehehe… I love their spirits and how they want to keep on practicing. So I assigned 2 leaders from Saman group to take care of their own practice while I’m away with the kids. Of course I never forget to take pictures of all the events that went on. I just like to keep every single memory of those heartwarming events for my remembrance. So I could reminisce those times.
Swimming with Niar, Carlo and kuya Romel (the picture taker man)Went back home to the resort after the practice, had dinner and again, sing along. After that, kuya Romel, Carlo, and Niar asked me to join them swimming. It was already mid night. Ate Vicky, the caretaker of the resort accompanied us as well. It was pretty fun, then we were done around 2 in the morning. I took a bath and went to bed.
upper: Niar, Sari, Anis, Jo in Indonesian costumes @ the resort
middle: wreath laying @ Mabini Apolinarion monument
lower: interview with local ABS-CBN @ the mayor's office
Friday, April 21st, this is the day of wreath laying @ Apolinario Mabini monument. They put Indonesian flags around the Monument. After that, we went to City Hall for a courtesy call and we were being introduced to the officials there. The four of us, had a courtesy call with the head of the Barangays. I’ve been acting as an ambassador for Indonesia through dances for several times, but this one is the best. In city hall, we met lots of mothers, who were there for their kids’ health care (I guess) and took some pictures with them. We then went to the office of the mayor and stayed there, we were supposed to meet the mayor but she had something urgent to do. Then the local ABS-CBN TV station came over to do some interviews.
upper left: w/ Jo, Niar and Mayor Amie
upper right: speech from the mayor
lower left: me awarding the best participants
lower right: with mayor and Dr. Navarro @ Balay na SantiagoAfter all that, we all went to Balay for the final dance rehearsal. I was so tired after all that, not to mention that it’s also sizzling hot in Santiago. In the evening, we were all fully prepared for the big night!
upper & middle: my Saman students for the Friendship Night performance
lower: my Saman students on their closing ceremony performance The performance of the participants was divided into 2 parts. The first part is for the closing ceremony of the workshop and the second part is for the PHILIPPINES-INDONESIA FRIENDSHIP NIGHT. Because of the limited costumes that the Indonesian embassy has, only those performing for the friendship night were given the chance to wear on the costumes.
Me, dancing rantakElse than them performing, we, teachers also perform in the friendship night. I performed solo for Rantak dance, Niar performed solo for Blantek dance, Anis performed Puspanjali along with her students for the closing ceremony and Johanna became the camerawoman for a night. For the closing ceremony, the participants and all people involved were given certificates for joining the workshop. Maan, One of the students of Tempurung dance even cried on the graduation day. Maybe because the workshop is over and that she’ll miss us. Hmm… how sweet. and us, the teachers were also given certificates of appreciation. It says…
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
SANTIAGO CITY
Presents this
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
to
HAPPYTASARI CHAIRULIn grateful recognition of her invaluable services rendered to Santiago City
as
Resource Dance Teacher
during the
INDONESIAN SUMMER DANCE WORKSHOPHeld on April 19-21, 2006 at the Balay na Santiago. Her expertise and devotion to cultural arts through dance which she shared to the people of Santiago set off a higher level and more passionate appreciation of Asian Culture to the participants
Given this 21st day of April 2006 at Balay na Santiago, Calao West, Santiago City, Philippines.
AMELITA S. NAVARROCity Mayor
Went back home, tired. While waiting for the rest to use the bathroom, I went up to the dining area, and had a little chit chat with kuya Romel and Carlo. Then like 10 minutes later, Jo came up to get some water, stayed a while, then we went back to the room, then I took a bath and sleep.
the beatiful scenes in QuirinoMr. Afiado is in redSaturday April, 22nd, was the next wonderful day during my stay in Santiago. My friends and I woke up in the morning and prepared ourselves to go to the river in Quirino and to Aglipay cave. We were supposed to go to Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the wonders of the world, and also to the waterfalls, but we didn’t have enough time to do so. We had breakfast, and headed towards the headquarters. I need to buy sleepers so I went out with Niar, Jo and Allan to the market and department store nearby. We ended up buying lots of items. Went back to the headquarters and drive towards Quirino, because they have one of the best rivers in the Philiippines. It took us like one hour drive, and as soon as we arrived on the spot, no kidding!!! It was such a wonderful place! The water is clear, beautiful scene! I haven’t been to such a nice river like this.
Playing water in the riverToo bad that I couldn’t get myself wet, because I was having my *m. We had lunch, and took lots of pictures… the scenes and moments were just too precious to let go without any evidence. I also have this long conversation with Mr. Afiado, one of the highest officials in Santiago. I consulted him also that I want to own a monkey. Btw, he used to won a monkey also. So he said that he’ll find a way. That was the best words during my stay in Santiago (hehehe…). I told him that I’m really serious in wanting to adopt a monkey. Speaking of adopting, we then had this conversation, about my intentions of wanting to send an unfortunate child to school. I had this plan after Niar just got a child from Marawi that she’ll be supporting financially for her schooling. Mr. Afiado then offer me if I would like to help out the unfortunate children in Santiago and send them to school. We were also discussing about the cost, which cost lower and I agree to support, hopefully 10 children. I’ll send them to school and I will pay their tuition fee for a year and buy them school supplies myself. I want all girls of grade 1. I am a feminist, so I want to make those unfortunate girls educated. I would be buying school supplies as soon as possible and I’ll be sending it along with their school fund before the start of the new school year which is on June. I hope this dreams will come true. I was really thinking… instead of spending it on my shopping, it would be much better if I spend it to help people. Mr. Afiado would be my contact person, so I would keep in touch with him thru Marlon, his son, one of the guys I met in Santiago.
upper: in the cave
lower: the "duck walk inside the cave"So… After having a great time in the river, we headed towards Aglipay cave. Anis and I, together with the girls and guys explored the cave, along with 2 guides. Wow! Amazing! Speechless… I don’t think so I’ve been to a cave before. And guess what!
meeting my baby for the 1st time, ADAU SANTIAGOThis is the most exciting part. As soon as we’re done caving, Mr. Afiado brought me a monkey!!! I was extremely happy when I met my newly adopted baby that day. He said that he has a name already, ADAU. I was too excited… I just can’t describe the feelings. I wanted a monkey so badly ever since grade school, and now I have the chance to own one. I gave him fruittella that I chew first before I gave it to Adau. So that he’ll obey me. Adau likes fruittella very much. On the way back home, Niar told me to add Santiago on Adau’s name. Oh yea… why not, that will serve as his surename, since he came from Santiago. So his full name is ADAU SANTIAGO. My cutie little baby. I love him at the first sight =) After that, we went to the peak of the mountain in the evening and saw a great view from the top. Before we went back home, we dropped by to Mr. Afiado’s house. Stayed for a while and went back to the resort.
In the evening, the Balinese students asked us to go out for gimmick, which was already planned since the day. So Anis, Niar and I joined their gimmick. Gary fetched at the resort. Before we left, Jo, kuya Romel and Carlo were there in the dining area. So we excused ourselves before we left. It came to my surprise when Carlo voluntarily lent his jacket to me. He said that it’s cold outside. So I was like… hmm… thoughtful? I got his jacket, thanked him and left. It was like 30 minutes drive then we met Lai, Ria, Lala and Allan. We were supposed to go to Bistro, but too bad, it was already closed. It was actually still 1 in the morning. Hmpf! Why did they close so soon?! So we had to drive around to find open bars, and most of it has already closed. But we were lucky enough to find an open karaoke bar. So we spent time there, I wasn’t able to join them singing because I lost my voice since the day before, because I kept on shouting during the practices. (hey! I wasn’t shouting because I was mad, but because of the counting and that I had too many students to take care of… I just gave my best). Lala has a nice voice, she was our entertainer for the night. I had fun with them.
the gimmick nightSunday, April, 23rd, We went back to the resort at around 3 in the morning. I was supposed to pack up my things as soon as I arrived. But then Carlo texted me asking if I already got back. I said yes, and told him I would return his jacket, just incase we’ll not go back to Manila together. He then said that he’ll come over to my room. So I met him outside, he was looking at Adau when I came out from the room. He then sat at the stairs. I was still wearing his jacket, so instead of returning it right away, I sat down next to him. We started to have a nice conversation, starting from when he saw me the first time, in Balay, when I was learning, Tinikling. We also talked about what we are doing in Santiago, family, school up to our past relationships. I also found out that he is being true to himself and the most important thing is he is also being true to others. It’s amazing how I felt so comfortable talking to him and opening up my past stories to someone new like him. We talked from dawn till the sun rises. Told him that time went on so fast, I’m still enjoying my stay in Santiago, and that I haven’t even got the chance to see the other new swimming pool and I also haven’t climb the mountain. Then Carlo told me that he would be willing to accompany me looking around the resort. So we went strolling around the resort, stopped at the kiddie park, played the swing and look around the resort houses nearby. Carlo said that climbing the mountain would not cost that much time, so we were just planning to go half way. When we were there, I thought that we still have much time to go to the peak. So we went all the way to the peak of the mountain. I wasn’t prepared, so I didn’t bring any water, and I was damn thirsty on the way up. But once we reached the top of the mountain, just like Carlo said, all the exhaust and thirst will go away. That’s true… once we both were on top of the mountain, the view of the landscape threw it all away… I was amazed up there… beautiful! I just couldn’t put it in words. The green land, the blue sky, and the wind blowing… How could I ask for a better place?
upper: We were on that mountain
lower: the view from the top of the mountain
Sari & Carlo The great thing is that, I was with Carlo, a guy that I’ve just met for 5 days, but through our initial conversations, it feels like I’ve known him for years. He is thoughtful, sincere and polite. I could say that he is not just an average guy. I could feel that. He respects me too. He has a pleasing personality and also sweet, and that could really swept off your feet. I’m glad that I was given the chance to know someone true like him. I just enjoyed the time we had, in such a lovely place. We walked down the mountain. It took us like 1 hr to go back and forth. As soon as we reached back the resort, I went right away to shower, and got ready, packing for our trip back to Manila. We went to Balay na Santiago first to get the costumes. And back to the resort to have lunch. I stayed in one van with kuya Santi, ate, and Carlo, along with the costumes and the baggage, including Adau. I had to take care of Adau on the way. Anis, Niar, and Jo were on the other car, along with kuya Romel driving. There we go… time for a long road.
Sari & Anis, buying pasalubongWe stopped by Sta. Fey to buy pasalubong. Dropped by in Chowking for dinner, dropped by in Starbucks Luisita Center for coffee. And Anis got Adau milk from starbucks, he liked it very much. I spent most of the time sleeping, because I didn’t have any rest, and that I was also exhausted because of the mountain climbing, but it’s worth the fun though. We dropped Jo at her place, dropped Carlo at his place and went to the last stop, Indonesian embassy. Kuya Romel was kind enough to bring Niar, Anis and me home. arrived home 4am in the morning.
It was such a lovely summer vacation trip. I guess this is one of the best summer vacations I’ve ever had in my life… =)
Sunday, May 7th, Yehey… another VIP ticket to watch AF3. So there… right after we finished watching Mission Impossible 3 @ Greenbelt, Seto and I planned to have an overnight in Niar’s house, because we have to be in the embassy 2 hrs later. So we got a cab and went to Seto’s house to get his stuff, and went to my place to get mine, then we went to Niar’s house. As soon as we arrived there, Seto and I starved to death… hehehe… Then we asked Niar what is available in her ref. So Seto and I heated some foods and eat it like 5 in the morning. Niar was slightly asleep by that time, I guess. Psssttt… I even finished whoever’s rempeyek there… yummy!!! ;p
Together with Niar, Seto, Pia, Nelmer and Clarissa, we headed towards the embassy, and arrived @ 6am. The bus was already waiting. And so… we left Manila around 6.30 am. Then I spent the whole journey sleeping, so I would have enough energy to support the racers. Before the race, I was already able to have some pictures with Moreno Soeprapto, Satrio and Bagoes Hermanto. 
Saturday, May 6th, I went to the Indonesian Embassy to meet some fellas, because we planned to watch Mission Impossible 3 all together. There was this Easter celebration in the main lobby at that time. And some of my friends were playing the band. So I just sat at the back with Anis, Niar and cutie little Tasha. We were taking pictures instead. Don’t you think Tasha would be a model someday? She's so into posing... (And oh! before I went to the embassy, I met Niar, Kuya Romel, Ate Maki and Rachelle at Banana Leaf, and then kuya dropped me and Niar in the embassy) =D
Right after, we went to Oakwood, Danny and Ita’s place. We then met the other fellas right there. And wow!!! surprisingly, we were 20. Me, Anis, JJ, Wandy, Ido, Danny, Ita, Sandhi, Reyda, Shabun, Seto, Yogi, Kemal, Takur, LaiLai, Felix, Chandra, Yuchin, Niar, and Anton. We all then headed towards Greenbelt 3. Stayed at Global Café for some drinks and then watched the midnight film show. It was around 1.30 in the morning, and finished around 4 am. Guess where I went after that… just see my next post… hehehe…
Seto: For the Danzon’s Almonds, Hazelnuts, Raisins coated with dairy milk chocolate, that he gave me as a pasalubong from Kuala Lumpur. Superduperlicious!!!
Aya: For the t-shirt from Kuala Lumpur. A pasalubong from her vacation.
My dear gurls: I'll be sending some school supplies for 10 unfortunate children in Santiago city. I've bought some of it and the rest will follow. I'm doing a charity, I would send grade 1 students to school, I would fund their tuition fee as well. I hope my goodwill mission will mean something to them.
I saw this cute t-shirt in bench. I just like what is written on it. It is sooo Adau. Hehehe… I’ll wear that if I’ll hangout with Adau somewhere.
I also bought this cap from bench… well… I am sometimes a tomboy, so I like wearing caps. And navy blue is one of my favorite colors.
