Rain Clouds and Silver Linings - Guest Post Sunday

Queue, Dasmariñas City

I will set the tone for this photo. This was taken during ECQ at a popular mall in Dasmariñas. Time: 8:40 AM. The supermarket opens at 9 AM. Everybody arrives separately - some by foot, some by cars, and some by bikes. The gates aren't open yet so you are directed to go to the end of an already long line. You step on the assigned markers, placed 1 meter apart. No one knows each other. But then you catch the eye of the person beside you. She smiles. You smile. She shrugs and tells you, "Ang haba ng pila. Ang hirap no? Pero kaya yan." Three feet apart, yet you've never felt closer to another human being. You see yourself through her eyes. At that precise moment, no one understands what you are going through more than her - and the people around you.

This is not an isolated case. I've heard of communities getting together to help each other during this time. I’ve seen mothers helping novice buyers select the right kind of vegetables on their shopping list (Pechay? Parsley? Kinchay? It's not easy!). I've joined a Facebook group of "Quarantine Tributes" where people post random stuff, thoughts, questions and I find that there is no negativity - just people helping other people. Again, hundreds of miles apart, yet we've never been closer.

Shared trauma binds us. It can solidify relationships, mend old wounds, and establish new relationships. The right heart always chooses compassion. I believe we have that. Look beyond what you can see. What if this time meant to force us apart, actually made us closer?

E. Loreto

Dasmariñas , Cavite

Eunice works for one of the country's biggest media networks. She has read hundreds of books and writes on her leisure time, with some of her works featured at thoughtcatalog.com!

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Cavite Daily Photo is inviting Caviteño authors who would like to share their stories and experiences about life and living in the province we call home, Cavite! If you are interested to write and share your best photo, email me at stevensonque@gmail.com

Darkness for Light

DLSU-D Grandstand, Dasmariñas

We can only appreciate the beauty of light and the colors that are visible through it to the highest extent only if we have experienced darkness as well. 

Just as what we are experiencing right now, the lonely, the hungry, the sick - we can only help each other to survive this situation with hope. All of us are in one or two or all of these negative phases, but once we get through this, together, we'll appreciate the simple things a lot more, in a light we have never seen before this nightmare visited our lifetime. May this pandemic be a lesson of love, of unity, of solidarity, of strength, and of community. Darkness shall pass, light will prevail.

Thank you so much again to my professor Miss Sheryl, who shared this photo from my Alma Mater for all of us to see and enjoy. She took this just before the enhanced community quarantine was imposed mid-March. Stay Safe everyone and never let that spark fade out.

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This post is part of Skywatch Friday that features different views of the sky around the world. Visit Skywatch and go on tour around the globe seeing sunrises, sunsets and so much more than the sky that you know at http://skyley.blogspot.in/

Dark Green Shade

De La Salle University, Dasmariñas

Summertime has officially opened here in the Philippines two weeks ago and it's a season that I hate the most, especially for people who can't find a nearby pool or beach to swim at to cool down. But lucky are the places who grew trees and took care of them because they become natural shades that protect whichever is below it from the excruciating Philippine summer heat from the sun and the wind.

I once remember what my Auntie Neneng said to me when I was a kid. Her teacher once told them, "Planting a single tree is like owning a thousand fans". I cannot agree more!

Grocery Regulation

Savemore, Dasmariñas

Today marks the third week of the Enhanced Community Quarantine or easily referred by many Filipinos as Lockdown. But of course, it's not strictly imposed, depending on the local government unit. It's a good thing that the private stores are the ones giving their own regulations and rules not just for social distancing of their customers but also to prevent panic buying which diminishes the supply that could have been for more families.

Aside from Sardines, coffee products, alcohol, and so much more essentials are being regulated by groceries as to ensure stability in supply to meet the demands of the whole population, especially here in Cavite where cities are densely populated.

Empty Streets, Empty Junctions

Pala-Pala Junction, Dasmarinas

Never in my life have I seen this Pala-Pala Junction as clean as it is these days. This is one of the busiest intersections in whole of Cavite due to its location in the middle of a hilly portion that connects the lowland cities of Bacoor, Imus, and Metro Manila to the upland part of Cavite which passes through Silang and Tagaytay City.

This is the 5th day of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the whole province of Cavite. Some city units within the province have declared their own community quarantines earlier than Tuesday and at the moment, a number of cities have fortified this through a total lockdown.

Since most of us are not allowed to go outside our houses and moreover our own cities, I thank my friend Mr. Mark Luis for sending me this photo that I can share with everyone. Stay Safe Cavite, Lord, Heal the World.

Together as One

Grandstand, DLSU Dasmariñas

Today is Day 3 of the Lockdown and I would like to share this shot I took last AniMosaic event at my Alma Mater, De La Salle University - Dasmariñas. It is an event organized by the university but made possible by every single La Sallian student, alumni, faculty, and guests that are present on that day.

Just like this event, what we need now is cooperation and unity. We have limited knowledge on how to kill the virus, but we can do our part to not let it spread further. Without the small sacrifices that we did for that event such as waiting for hours under the sun, the mosaic will never be possible. If we learn to help each other and cooperate in this lockdown by complying to the rules and staying at home as much as possible, we can stop the spread of the virus and emerge victorious in this fight against the pandemic. 

Please continue to pray for every single Caviteño on this lockdown, as we also pray for every single person in this planet. We are all in this together, and we can only fight this if we are together as one.

Serenity at Lake La Salle

Shot earlier at noon showing a man serenely paddling along the waters of the University Lagoon, or as most of us call it, Lake La Salle, in DLSU-Dasmariñas.

The Lagoon at the Heart of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas has truly been one of the landmarks of the institution. Just like most places around the Campus, the Lagoon has been featured in so many Soap Operas in Philippine Television. It gives a great setting to any romantic scenes that lightens up any dialog between the actors.

But for the people of De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, this has been a symbol of being a part of the LaSallian Community. A lot of memories have been shared with these waters and truly gives a lighter mood to anyone that passes by this lake.

Lechon Kawali

Lechon Kawali is another Filipino Favorite. Made up of deep fried Pork Belly, which makes it very delicious as it is yet very very high in Cholesterol. This is different from the Philippine National Food, Lechon which is Roasted Whole Pig because this one is usually made from just the Belly of the Pork and it is Deep-Pan Fried.

Dipping Lechon Kawali in a Special Commercialized Gravy Brand Mag Tomas will make any Lechon Kawali a Kitchen Wonder. This one is also by Lola Idang's Pancit Malabon Restaurant at Dasmariñas.

Lumpiang Shanghai

The Lumpiang Shanghai or Spring Rolls in English is a Filipino Delicacy that came from the Chinese. It is made up of ground pork, carrots, onions, leeks and all other yummy ingredients rolled into very thin pastry and then deep fried into perfection. It can be dipped in a variety of sauces such as Ketchup, Mayo and Sweet Chili Sauce, just like the ones shown above.

If you would like to know, the Lumpiang Shanghai is truly one of my Favorite foods Ever! Filipinos like me enjoy it over rice for dinner and some would even have them as is. The Lumpia above is served at Lola Idang's at Dasmariñas

Pancit Malabon

Pancit Malabon is one of the Philippine Delicacies that is truly a favorite in every Event and Celebration. As it signifies Long Life in the Chinese and Filipino culture, the Pancit or Noodles are truly a magnificent symbol in any occasion.

Pancit Malabon is composed of thick noodles with a thick spread of shrimp paste sauce. Filled with yummy treats like squid, shrimps, leafy greens and boiled eggs. But my favorite part of it is when you pinch the Calamansi (Native Citrus) as it gives a soury, tangy goodness in every spoonful. This was taken from one of the Best Pancit Malabon Makers I have ever tasted, Lola Idang's Pancit Malabon in Dasmariñas City, Cavite

This is my first Food Post in a long time since my first food posts are not that successful, that is why I asked my cousin Caren first if this was a good shot and she said Yes. Hope you guys like it as well and then I'll bring you more filling treats from Cavite!

Hotel del Oriente - College of International Hospitality Management

Hotel del Oriente is the very first hotel in the Philippines. It is the subject and the main concept of the College of International Hospitality Management Building at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas in Dasmariñas, Cavite. It is currently the newest Building in the University and is home to the Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management Departments.

This Building has been featured on several TV Shows and Advertisements and is currently one of the symbols of DLSU-D. It features an open Square in the center where most events of the College are being held and a large number of Air-Conditioned Classrooms that houses hundreds of Students each and every day.

As you enter the massive entrance, it would really feel like you are entering not just the building but being warped to the Philippine Spanish Era. Future Plans for the Building includes a Cruise Ship Room and an Airline Room.

This post is actually in line with what the country is Celebrating right now. It is the Philippine's National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal's 150 Birthday! The man that is responsible for ending the Spanish Rule in the Country together with other Heroes. Thank you so much Rizal for doing everything for the sake of our Country! I hope we can continue living your dream for the Philippines.

Election 2010

The photo above was shot last February 5, 2010 on DLSU-D, my Alma Mater. I'm the one on the Left and together with me is Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon, Presidential Candidate for the May 10 Philippine Elections.
Just like me, Senator Gordon's Roots were Traced from the Historical Province of CAVITE. He was part of the 1971 Constitutional Convention where he was the youngest delegate, still a student he represented the 1st District of Zambales. He became the Mayor of Olongapo City for 3 terms, 1980 - 1993. After that, he established the SBMA or the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority that became one of the Best Economic Zones not just during those times but up until now.
But on 1998, He was forcibly removed by Former President Joseph Estrada (Who was convicted, pardoned and is running AGAIN for the presidency) because of personal issues, one being Richard Gordon as his fierce critic. Then after participating on the second People Power Revolution that led to the impeachment of President Estrada, He was appointed as the New Secretary of Tourism. This is when I truly became a fan of Senator Gordon. I was barely 12 that time but I am very aware of all his works. With his experience with Procter and Gamble and SBMA, He placed the Philippines in the Tourism Map by his WOW Philippines Campaign.
2004 He ran for the Senate and despite the Surveys that placed him 29th during the Pre-elections, He placed 5th in the Final Official Tally garnering more than 12 million votes. The Veteran's Bill, National Tourism Act of 2009 and the Election Automations are just a small part of his records as a Senator.
And when he declared his plans for running as the President. I did not even think twice that I will not just give him my vote but I have been campaigning for him and persuaded almost hundreds to vote for him. Now, I am persuading you! We all have the free right to Suffrage but If you're going to ask me, DICK GORDON deserves all our votes. Votes for the REAL CHANGE that the country needs! All his works are just inspiring much more are his plans for our Nation! He has proven a lot than those stinky Surveys.
To the Filipino People, I assure you, GORDON's Victory will be Triumph for each and every Filipino! I am so excited to regain the respect that our country has lost from the past decades. I even texted him earlier tried if he'll reply since he gave us his number during his visit to our University. And He did, I'm very sure it was him! I'm leaving you all with his words, part of his long reply to my message. This May 10, 2010, Proudly with my head held high, My Vote is for RICHARD "DICK" GORDON!!!
"Steven, i hope that you campaign for me even if im not there. Appreciate your efforts. It's high time we change this country and I welcome your support. Today is the last day of the campaign and we have to work double time. I hope u and your friends can spread the word today. There is a country to be won. Let's win it together. This s Dick Gordon"

Congratulations!

Shot at Bahay Pag-Asa, DLSU-D last March 26, 2010

Photo Features me and my Classmates who managed to succeed all the requirements of the Four Years of our Degree. We were Fourteen on our Class out of almost 80 Graduates from the Computer Science Major. All other Classes were shot officially by a Photographer but the announcement failed to reach us so we just did our own Class Pictures officiated by none other than yours truly.

After a lifelong hardwork, patience and waiting, the day has finally arrived, My College Graduation! Dreaming of wearing my Black Toga, Tassel still on the left longing to go to the other side and on queue with my fellow Graduates has been a part of Yesterday now. It was truly a proud yet humbling experience for every graduate, parent and University Staff along the premises of the Commencement. No words can describe the feeling we have been in during the whole Ceremony! All the Learnings and Values imparted by the school will be brought by us, the Graduates, Forever. but the best thing I can bring for the next volume of my life's novel are the Characters which are my College Classmates who have proven their love, respect and appreciation to me and will forever be protagonists of my Journey!

If you wish to see more Photos from the Graduation Day, Just Click Captain Stevenson and be directed to my Personal Blog

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2010! We Made It!

It's Hard to say Goodbye

De La Salle University - Dasmariñas of Dasmariñas, Cavite, my home for the past four years of College. Whew! It was truly a breeze, College Life? But every step of it was truly a learning experience for every student that will enter these gates and experience the 'home' away from home environment that DLSU-D offers. Unlike other colleges, DLSU-D truly gave a carefree environment that students from different Provinces here at the Philippines enjoyed and went hand in hand with the quality education it offers.
A member Institution of De La Salle Philippines Inc., One of only three 'Dark Green' Schools in the Republic accredited by the 'Dark Green Schools' Accreditation, an Environmental Accreditation Body for Colleges and Universities across the Nation. PAASCU Accredited Level III and an Autonomous University as granted by CHED. The list goes on and on but the most important honor it had is having students like me who are truly proud of the University that 'created possibilities' towards our very own success.
I will truly be proud to be a part of this institution and forever honored to be an Alumnus of DLSU-D, my University. While the Wise and Beautiful Trees bid goodbye to us Seniors as we march out of its gates and into the world, all of the memories of Green and White will always be in all of our hearts, continuously playing like a film without sound. But as for me, Will it really be Goodbye to DLSU-D?
HAIL DLSU-D BATCH 2010! HAIL TO DE LA SALLE!

Worried about Money

On my ride to the University, I was very lucky to have ridden this Jeepney that has this sign just behind the Driver's seat. It says everything that I really feel for tough times as now and I wish everybody on this earth would. I am very happy that there are still people willing to Spread the Word of God in their very own possible way.

"Do you want to be truly Rich? You already are if you're happy and good. After all, we didn't bring any money with us when we came into the world, and we can't carry away a single penny when we die. So we should be well satisfied without money if we have enough food or clothing. But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong thing to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil minded and finally send them to hell itself. For the love of money is the first step towards ALL kinds of sins. Some people even turned away from God because of their love for it, and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows"

The Passage tells us not to avoid money because of course, we do need it. But desiring for more and becoming greedy is when it becomes bad. It's not wrong to have a lot of money, unless you are doing your actions to share your blessings with other people and not using it for Power or the likes, then you really deserve all the blessings from God. Have a Great Week ahead!

DLSU-D Presidential Forum

Photos were taken Yesterday at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, My Beloved Alma Mater. Featuring Presidentiables Former National Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro and Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon. Out of all the 8 Candidates, only the two of them were brave enough and allotted their time to meet us LaSallians.

Gibo Teodoroarrived first, the entourage was wearing all green including the Whole Local Government of Dasmariñas, Congressman Pidi Barzaga and her wife Mayor Jenny Barzaga, plus their Whole Sangguniang Bayan. Then his time started. He is a great speaker, straight to the point and very professional but confident in his manner. After his Hour, He left with his Entourage with the crowd cheering and applauding, and somestudents had their photos taken with him until he got out of Ugnayang La Salle(Our Gymnasium).

But the crowd went wilder when a shorter guy came inside the ULS, it was Senator Dick Gordon. It was quite a while when he arrived in front and he was very enthusiatic climbing the stage and unlike Gibo, he was more laid back and very very comfortable talking us all. Every statement he gives, the crowd roars with applause and laughter. And after his whole time, students were running up the stage (Including Yours Truly) to shake his hand and take pictures with him. I was very very lucky to have my picture with him! I look upon him even when he was still the Department of Tourism Secretary from 2001 until being a Senator from 2004 until the Present.

The whole LaSallian Community of Dasmariñas, salutes the two candidates for accepting our invitation. I also want to personally thank Brother Gus, our University President and all the organizers for bringing us, registered voters to people to whom we shall give our vote. Ill leave you with a quote from Bro. Gus. It goes something like this: "DLSU-D does not endorse any Candidate, You have your own mind to choose your own. But please remember, never not give your vote to a Candidate because he/she has a poor chance of winning. If you believe in him/her, then they deserve your vote."

Forever Young - COS College Day

HIgh School Students? Nahh! Believe it or not, these are our College Professors. They are the Cute Faculty of the Computer Studies Department. As a part of the La Sallian Festival (Jan. 26 - 29, 2010) on the last day, the College of Science celebrates its College Day. During the said event, Faculty members from four Departments of the College of Science namely, Biological Sciences Department (BSD), Computer Sciences Department (CSD), Mathematical Sciences Department (MSD), and Physical Sciences Department (PSD), compete on an annual Faculty Dance Competition.
This year's theme is Asian Pop Songs. Songs from Korea, Japan and Taiwan were featured on the Professors' Presentations. As you can see, the CSD Teachers are wearing a "Boys over Flowers" inspired costume while strutting their stuff on the dance floor! It was really really fun. Our Department, CSD, finished Second to the Three year Champion PSD. But win or lose, every single professor that performed were all worthy of all our cheers and these are times when students like me feel utmost pride for our Mentors! Congratulations COS Teachers! And as we leave the University this March, You all gave us something that we can be mostly proud of, our teachers!

Biggest Human LaSallian Star Formation - Year II

Yes! We did it again! January 26, 2010, from more than 10,000 Participants last year, we exceeded the projected 12,000 Green and White Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Friends and Family. And I am very proud to say that for the second consecutive year (My Last by the way) I was a part of it. It makes me so proud that I was a part of my University's Pride. It was truly liberating to be there, that night with almost all my fellow LaSallians and be a part of a wider scope of Oneness!
Here are some Aerial Shots of the Biggest Human LaSallian Star held at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite. Credits for the Following Photos goes to Mr. Gilbert Poblete and Edikenkoy:



Taken from the Top of the University Grandstand

Taken from the College of Business Administration Building
De La Salle Alma Mater Song
Hail, Hail, Alma MaterHail to De La Salle!We'll hold your banner high and bright!A Shield of Green and White!We'll fight to keep Your Glory BrightAnd never shall we fail,Hail to thee our Alma MaterHail! Hail! Hail!

My Skywatch Comeback

Shot a few days ago at Sunset.

After my 7-month absence, this is my first ever Skywatch Friday Participation. You can see in the photo is my road home from the university. I shot this using my friend's camera, (THANKS KATHLEEN) while we are on the jeepney. The Burst of the Philippine Sunset just awes me even I see it almost every often when the sky is clear!

Though the country hasn't coped up yet with Typhoon Ondoy(Kestana), a Category 5 Storm named Pepeng is about to enter Philippine Land this evening. I know it sounds very alarming that is why I posted this earlier. I am asking for all your prayers because we will really be needing them. With the gustiness of over 240kph, It sure is the strongest in Centuries! Strong than Milenyo. Please pray for the Philippines and most of all, the Filipinos!

Oh! Currently, the rain is starting! We may be alarmed but we are not afraid because God is with us and all our prayers!

This post is a part of Skywatch Friday! Visit other Hundred Places by their views of the sky! Visit Skywatch by the Go Visit badge below:

A Very Long Weekend

Photo Shot Before going home around 5:30

First of All thank you so much to Miss Kathleen Lumandas for lending me her camera on this accidental shot. Accidental because we only saw it before going home with a big crowd of students around it. We were wondering what the fuzz is all about but then we read it saying that there will be no Classes till the 3rd of October due to the typhoon. It was quite soothing because we got the week for rest and postponements of our requirements but we dearly hope that the two coming storms will not be as harsh as typhoon Ondoy.

Let us all pray for the victims of Ondoy here in The Philippines and on Vietnam.

Check out my Personal Blog for my story on this Announcement: http://justme-nothingelse.blogspot.com/