Today is the start of Munato Festival

Dear Blog,

I was awaken by the alarm of my phone at 5:45am. That's what I set to meet the time of our parade - 7:00am. Huh! Dexter, my new friend and boardmate was not around. He was so kind to share with me his clean restroom for take taking a bath and uh, daily elimination of body waste. So, this morning I had to use the common toilet for the boarders. I had to survive the stench of human waste. I took a bath in an open area where there's a faucet. I just borrowed a pail and dipper from Sheila, my former boardmate in Gen. Santos. It was cold.

At 6:45am I was ready to go to our assembly area, in the "bibingkahan" near the capitol area. We did not go to the Municipal Hall where the parade started because it was far and tiring. We still have work after the parade. When the parade reached us where we waited, we just inserted and joined the stretch of people.

We did not attend the program where Noli de Castro, the Vice President, was the speaker. We went immediately went to the office and had our free breakfast and went to work.

Though it takes certain degree of effort to start a day, I'm still amused to think that it's Munato Festival, a time to relax and enjoy. If not for work, I would visit the fair booths and check what are being offered. The program might be interesting to attend to. I want to listen to the Vice President and see him in person. But my stay here is for a different purpose. It's business first before pleasure. Anyway, there's still tomorrow.

'Til the next...

Alabel’s Munato Festival

Wow! Another event to really watch-out is Alabel's Munato Festival. That will be on November 26-28, 2008 in celebration of the Province of Sarangani's foundation anniversary. I have read from billboards that Freestyle band and Joey Ayala will be coming here for a concert to be held at Alabel's gymnasium.

All of us in the branch had practiced already for the field demonstration on Friday. This will be participated by different offices and government agencies. This particular number is a 12-minute dance where all the participants will simultaneously move to the rhythm. I was assigned to choreograph the said number for our unit and it made me sweat profusely. What a way to exercise after a day's work! It really feels good. There will be a parade from the Municipality of Alabel to the capitol grounds of Sarangani Province on November 28, 2008.

Lots of events have been prepared and organized by the Department of Tourism. So, I'm inviting you all to come and experience the unique celebration here in Alabel as they showcase their bounty as well as the warmth and hospitality of its people. This will be a very good occasion to visit the place. See you around ka-berks!

 

My First Day in Alabel Branch

It was wonderful! I could not believe that I had made my first day in my new assignment. God provided everything for me. I was happy that I was sent by our pick-up in Gen. Santos. Edwin had a schedule to pick-up our boss so I hopped in and join the ride. Due to a different route, our driver dropped me in crossing makar and without any problem, a tricycle delivered me to Lagao Public Market where the terminal to Alabel is located. I never knew about it. I inquired from the driver how to go there and he showed me the way. Due to time constraint I decided to ride 'habal-habal', a motorcycle for hire operating without permit just to arrive immediately to my new post. Thanks God, I was safe.

I went to Ma'am Beth for briefing and some instructions. I was happy to see her because she was my boss then in 1999-2000 when I was assigned in Area Lending Center. It was indeed a small world.

I was introduced to Edna who further explained to me what I'm going to do. She was very amiable and accommodating. We ate lunch together.

One by one, I tried to familiarize my tasks. Actually, it was not new to me. I was the bookkeeper then in Koronadal Morales but since I was assigned to a different position, I forgot the details of CASA.

At 18:05pm we went home. Sir John offered a ride to us. I ate dinner in Jollibee highway, the most convenient spot i know to take my meal.

I informed Toto, my very good friend that I'm going to stay in his boarding house for the moment. Since he had some appointment, I stopped and waited for him until he came at Taps and Mix, a wifi hot spot where I'm doing this blog right now... it's cool here. Here's our pic... more news next time!