August 7, 2026 

As scheduled, Fr Sen, Claire, Noah and Zion arrived before 5 am on August 7, 2026 (Friday) to travel to San Pablo for the Diocesan Assembly. Inside the vehicle is Dcn Rey Andaya of Bulan Mission to travel with us. Only Fr Sen knows how to drive the vehicle so we traveled slowly but safely.   

Fr Dado decided not to go to the Assembly because he will be attending the Priest Retreat in Samal Island in Davao Region.Fr Angelo planned to go with us but decided to travel by bus. (He and Dcn Gabriel did not attend.) Bp Robert, Fr JD and Dcn Ron of St Timothy Naga mission will be travelling separately. 

We only had one stop in Jollibee branch in Gumaca for a brunch. We arrived in San Pablo at past 5 pm and went directly to the house of Fr. JM where we will stay for the duration of the assembly. Sister Sonia and Dcn Francis were so elated to welcome us, together with Sister Janice the wife of Fr. JM and their kids-Gabriel and their daughter, Ella. 

Due to travel exhaustion, we slept early.

August 8, 2026

In the morning we attempted to practice the pantomina but we got lost in the movement. in the afternoon, we proceeded to the assembly venue, Farmko Resort. The venue was a huge tentlike area but its airconditioned. When we entered the venue, JJ was surprised-no, shocked- to see a lot of ministers-dancers, mimers, acolytes, choirs and music ministers (band). 

I saw a lot of familiar faces, the old generation of clergy and ministers but the new generation are strangers to me. When Fr Jun Alba saw me, he approached me and hugged me silently. He lost his wife, Sis Tess,  a few months ago and he saw his grief in me-the pain of losing a wife.

The ministers-dancers, mimers, acolytes-practiced their parts in the Eucharist. JJ was just looking at the credence table where there a lot of thuribles and boats and chalices. He wondered what will be his role for tomorrow. 

We attempted to practice the Pantomina at the venue but were asked to relocate because of the place being slippery. 

We returned to San Pablo but we visited first Claire's mother-in law, the second wife of  his father who died 4 years ago. We passed by a cemetery where his father was buried. We had a great conversation with Bro. Jun the former leader of movement ministry in  CSJD. He also took a leave of absence from the ministry for almost 4 years due to personal issues, but the brethren welcomed him with open arms.   

    

 July 5, 2026

The scheduled visitation of the CEC Primate of Asia Bp. Ariel Cornelius Santos, Rector of the Cathedral of the King Manila was a milestone in the history of the growing deanery of the Bicol Region. The preparation started after Bp. Robert, the Auxiliary Bp of Bicol Region announced the visit last April, 2026. He clarified the details of the visit during the Deanery meeting in Masbate last March and reiterated it last June 13. 2026  in Sorsogon City. 

The venue of the visit will be at the cathedral site in Guinlajon, Sorsogon City. There is still nothing in the sihte except for concrete posts and walls. There is no roof and altar yet. We have to rent the seats and a provisionary CR has to be improvised too.  But Bp Ariel has decided  to proceed with his visit to the deanery. 

He arrived at about 2:20 pm at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, with Bp Robert and his wife and Jude welcoming them. They decided to visit the Cagsawa Ruins for some sightseeing before proceeding to MBC, the billeting hotel in Guinlajon. Unlike some Bps who travelled with their units or entourage, he travelled alone and with only one luggage in tow. 

To prepare the mass site, Fr Sen, Fr Dado, Jude, JJ and I decided to fix some wire matting for the trapal which will serve as the temporary roof. We finished at about 4 pm and we have to go home to prepare also for the dinner fellowship with Bp Ariel at MELAD Hotel in Cabid-an, Sorsogon City.  Aside from Bp. Ariel and Bp Robert with his wife Sis Malou, present also were Fr. Senen with his wife Claire, Fr Angelo Bongon, Fr. Diosdado with his wife Estela, Fr. JD of St Timothy Church in Naga City, fr Audio of Masbate City, Deacon Rey Andaya of Bulan Mission and his wife Ruth, Dcn. Gabriel, Jude and I were there to have time with the Primate. After the meal, he encouraged us to continue with the good work God is doing in us in Bicol Region. He also shared his experience in their journey from a theater in Makati to the Cathedral now in Paranaque. He said God is faithful and he knows the plan He has for the church in Biol. 

During the mass celebrated by Bp Ariel, the assisting clergy included Bp Robert, Fr. Angelo, Fr Dado, fr Audio, Fr JD nad Fr Sen. The deacons present were Dcn Rey, Ed, Gabriel and Ron Mora. U serve as the Deacon of the Mass, Dcn Ron as Subdeacon and Fr Sen as the Chaplain. There were brethren from Naga City, Masbate, and Bula joining the Church in Sorsogon City. 

After the mass the boys of Sorsogon City presented a modern dance while the girls of Bulan demonstrated a folkdance using fan. A sumptous  meal followed and everyone was inspired to see the Primate and the different brethren from other local churches. The Primate went home at about 3:00 pm. 

The next activity will be the Diocesan assembly in August at Quezon Province. 

 During the Brigada Eskwela Division Kick-off at Sorsogon National High School Covered Court, as I entered the venue a colleague of mine who I considered to be a friend, approach me. He asked me, if I am willing, in the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan of Brigada Eskwela, if I will allow him as a volunteer to clean one of the water tanks in the school. I did not speak a single word. I just  move my head sideways to express my disapproval. Then he asked a follow-up question- "Habo mo?" I nodded my head. Then I proceeded to the other side of the aisle. 

I am done talking to him. After all the things he did to me, he does not deserve a minute of my time. As long as I am in service I will never collaborate with him. Im done. 

 

 May 15, 2026

Instead of having our WFH schedule, all NT personnel of PNHS were present for the Regional Orientation about Learning Reforms policy to be implemented this school year 2026-2027. These reforms include the three-terms School calendar, the new grading system, education in Emergencies, Award system, Work Immersion, Strengthened SHS etc. 

Mam Marilyn invited PNHS to join their watch party at Villa Isabel Hotel to host the teachers. We just have to shell out 7500 for the venue and pay the hotel for the catering (2 snacks and 1 lunch) for 600 pesos. However, because the day coincided with the Barangay Fiesta of San Isidro, the neighboring barangay of Pnlayaan and some teachers (Mam Helen, Mam Ana Rose, Mam Eya and Sir Tophe) invited the teachers to join them during lunch. 

Originally the venue was the SHS social Hall but because of poor Internet signal we transferred to Room 4, the room of Mam Leny Joy. Majority of teachers attended the orientation. We were accommodated  via MS TEams at about 9 am. and the orientation proceeded smoothly until lunch break. 

We proceeded to Mam Helen's place and enjoyed the food and the company. We also went to ANa Rose's house which was blessed by the Parish priest of Guinlajon. 

At about 1 pm we went back to school for the resumption of the orientation. The watch party ended at about 4:30 pm. 

 

 February 12, 2026

I am assigned as one of the observers for classroom observation indicators for the Tabuena teachers for the ECP reclass applicants. For my team, I had Mam Jovita as my partner observer while Mam Lelia teamed up with Mam Jenny. 

There were 9 teachers assigned to us. We started at 8:00 am observing, taking notes, providing TAs to teachers after their demo lesson. They signed the Inter- observer Agreement form, indicating that they agreed to the rating they received.  We finished about 11:30 am then the Office of the Provincial Governor  ordered the suspension/cancellation of classes in the afternoon. 

I immediately informed the OIC of the school and asked him to monitor the orderly dismissal of classes after the last period. 

After lunch, I decided not to go back to school since the order also affects all Non-teaching personnel assigned at schools. 

I slept for about 2 hours then proceeded to the flower shop to order a bouquet of flowers for Jinky PB. then I I had a haircut at Calle Nueva. 

At about 7 pm, i went to City Village to ask Mam Macel to give a bouquet of roses I ordered online to mam Jinky. Together with it is a card with a pop-up rose. Of course there is a long heartfelt letter in it expressing my gratitude for her love and patience to me. I know that my efforts might not be reciprocated but who cares-Im happy when she's happy. No matter what happens, my heart will always be with her. 

 

 

 July 2, 2025

I took a leave of absence because it's Bhing's birthday. It's her 54th bday but her 5th in heaven.  At 8 am I went to LTO to renew the registration of our tricycle. It has expired last Monday having 6 as its last digit. It was a quick 30-minute drive through, starting with the checking of the headlights, signal lights brakelights, and the horn. Then it was subjected to a smoketest. I paid about 600 for it. Then another 580 pesos for the registration renewal. 

I passed by Sorsogon Cathedral to sponsor a mass for Bhing and paid 100 for it.  I enetered the Cathedral for a few minutes and pray silently. 

I proceeded back home but bought baguio green paint for the roof and black paint for the tricycle. As I arrived home, I watched WNBA with fever battling it out against Minnesota Lynx for the Commisioners Cup Final. Even without Caitlin Clark, the fever clobbered the Lynx. Great fight indeed. Natasha Howard was declared the MVP of the Cup. Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull delivered. 

After lunch I proceeded to the SSS at Guinlajon to apply for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners. To declare that I am still breathing and kicking. Then after 30-45 minutes Im done.  Back home, I prepared for our plan to visit Bhing at the cemetery. We passed by Flowers con Dahon to buy bouquet for Mama. We went to the Sorsogon catholic cemetery and lighted some candles, offered prayers and had some compulsary picture taking.   

At 5 pm, we went to the Cathedral and attended the Wednesday mass. After the mass, we proceeded to Janes fastfood and have our early dinner. 

Back home, Gillian and I spray painted the trike with the paint we bought from DIY. 

It was a very productive day indeed. Thank you Lord. 

June 21, 2025

I went to the school Panlayaan National High School for the opening of the second year implementation of Open High School Program. It was held at the room of Grade 8- Harmony. The room was ready with the speaker and microphone.  This year we have about 37 enrolees, a significant increase from 29 last year. Maybe we have made a good impression from the community and they are more receptive of the program. But whatever the reasons are, what/s important is that we are reaching out to those who are about to fade away from the education system. I hope we can sustain the same enthusiasm as last year and have a better retention and transition rate this year. May the Lord Jesus be with us.