Day Before

The past few days, I have been left home (in Naga) while my husband went around doing GK work in other areas of Bicol.  I couldn't go along with them because of different reasons.  

Sunday morning, Jay went with Luis, Mari, Tito Boy and Eric to the turnover of houses at GK Pinyasan in Daet, Camarines Norte.   I had to stay behind to fix the logistics for the Bayani Assembly that afternoon.

Monday - the entire day - Jay, Luis, Tito Boy, Tito Johnny and Eric went to Albay to meet with the CFC Council/GK Board as well as visit the Energy II GK Site in Manito.  They had no more space for me in the car.  It was a crucial meeting with the CFC Council because of the recent change of GK Head and the necessary turnover of resources and projects.  I stayed home, caught up with sleep and had a haircut.  It was a holiday anyway...

Today, Jay left with Tito Hayee to meet with the barangay officials of Tagongtong in Goa, Camarines Sur.  There seems to be some misunderstanding between the barangay and GK there which they needed to iron out.  Jay said I need not come -- maybe the wife of the RC has no place there.  Maybe if I wasn't pregnant I could pass of as Jay's EA and my presence would not be contentious.  Tomorrow, we are leaving for Manila and I told myself I could follow-up on certain things at the office before our departure.

Being at the sites and joining in on the meetings, well -- I really do not contribute much (sometimes I do, but not so often).  It's good exposure for me just the same as I get to understand the challenges on the ground, get to see the dynamics we have with different partners and different types of people and get to appreciate the spirit of the work on ground.

I don't know what awaits me in Manila - probably the same responsibilities which I had left behind.  The work there is made up of a lot of different things to do everyday -- tick boxes you have to check-off leaving you facing the computer the entire day.  There is also a lot of talking to different people to manage things but sometimes I don't get to do that because people come and go and have their own tick boxes to check-off.

Here in Bicol, I learned a lot, I wrote a lot, I lived a lot.  I'm not sure I actually accomplished a lot.  (Wry smile)  When the Manila people were here for the Bayani Assembly and we needed to set up the program that Sunday afternoon, I automatically shifted to robot-mode and processed what was needed -- (dzzzt... dzzzt... - sound of a computer processor) there was immediate output.  I wasn't able to take pictures though... or take it in all heart and soul.

I don't know how God wants me to operate.  Almost two months here and I don't know if this is where I should be.  Am I dense or is it that things are still unfolding???

Notes on Bicol Region Bayani Assembly

Just sharing here my notes from last April 6 Bicol Regionwide Bayani Assembly -- for those who were unable to attend.

Goal for GK in 2008 : Build 2,000 new communities

Current count = 1,500 communities 

Ending count for 2008 = 3,500 communities

Key deliverables for Bicol in 2008

1. Finish all pending commitments by August (2008)
   
2. Start-up new GK communities in all municipalities of your province

Triangle Offense Strategy to Grow GK in Bicol

1. Secure the LAND
2. Establish the KAPITBAHAYAN in the community
3. Build a strong CARETAKER TEAM

Secure the LAND

1. Preferably free (GK need not pay for any legal fees) and immediate transfer from donor (no pending issues of ownership)
2. Optimum land characteristics  : Flat plain (or at the most, slightly rolling); near main road with right of way; and, has accessible water supply (easy to install a water pump or near waterworks or other water source)

Establish the KAPITBAHAYAN in the community

1. Relocate beneficiaries immediately to the GK site (at least 8-10 families)
2. Initiate values formation
3. Start planting for food sufficiency

Build a strong CARETAKER TEAM

1. Has a champion's heart (passionate, inspires others, allows everyone to join in)
2. At the onset, should have a Project Director, Community Organizer (Kapitbahayan Values Formation), Shelter or Tatag Head

Conduct Regular Bayani Assembly in the Province

1. Bi-monthly of quarterly
2. Province-wide or sector-wide (depending on the scale of GK in your province)
3. Serves as a regular meeting of all GK stakeholders (caretaker teams, kapitbahayan officers, partners from the LGU, schools, corporations, families, civic organizations, land donors)

Objective of Bayani Assembly

1. Sharing of directions, news or updates from GK National or Regional
2. Honoring of heroism
3. Sharing of best practice within your area

Program Contents

1. National Anthem
2. Opening Prayer
3. Welcome Address
4. Talk One : The Vision for 2008 (Video support : "Decent Homes. Decent Lives."; Talk Proper; and, Sharings from the Audience)
5. Intermission number (showcasing a GK community performance)
6. Talk Two : The Caretaker Team's Pivotal Role (Video support : "Soseng/PMG of Hitaob"; Talk Proper; and, Sharings from the Audience)
7. Closing number (showcasing a GK community performance)
8. Closing prayer

 (talk topics to change after initial cascade of Regional Bayani Assembly)

My notes end here.  :)

Bicol Regionwide BAYANI ASSEMBLY

April 6, 2008

Sunday

Today from about 2-5pm, we held the 1st Bicol regionwide Bayani Assembly.  Our venue was at the Champagne Garden at Naga City and we had invited primarily our caretaker teams and kapitbahayan officers from all over the region to this afternoon's activity.  We also opened the invitation to partners (like the LGU) but bulk of who we were expecting were the caretaker teams. 

Being the host province, of course more than 60% of the audience were from CamSur.  But besides their caretaker teams, there were others from CFC (not serving in GK) who were there.  Today was likewise the Mission Core assembly of some sectors -- and the council thought it would be a good idea to have the Bayani Assembly as Mission Core Assembly as one.  This is a blessing in disguise... as we hope to have inspired other CFC members to take part in GK and become caretaker teams.

Besides CamSur, the greatest number of attendees came from CamNorte.  In order of GK sites, they likewise come second to CamSur and so it makes sense that they had a fair share of attendees.  Plus Luis, Mari, Tito Boy (our special guests from the national office) swung by their area earlier that day for the GK Pinyasan Site's (at Bibirao, Daet) turnover.

I guess the even more impressive group was the team from Masbate.  There were probably just over ten of them but the distance they traveled makes their presence very valuable (and they even brought with them an LGU partner -- o, say nyo!).  They arrived yesterday and went to visit a couple of the showcase GK sites of CamSur -- Iriga and Libmanan -- to make their trip even more worthwhile.  I believe there are 3 GK sites set-up in Masbate and we hope that with this team of gung-ho CFC, more will be built within the coming year.

Only a few from the Albay team was there because their entire council joined the YFC ILC in Tagaytay... plus Luis will be having a separate meeting with them tomorrow.  I plan to write up they key messages of today and send it out to the provinces so they can share with those who were unable to come.

In Sorsogon - there was only Tony (and he's a full-time worker from the region, so actually... he doesn't count but it WAS heroic of him to raise his hand and claim the province of Sorsogon for himself!).   He said that the province of Sorsogon was conducting an MER (marriage enrichment retreat) and since there are a few CFC in Sorsogon -- that means all of them need to be in the service team.  It's a shame though... because Sorsogon is promising in terms of growth in GK.  The LGU is answering the call and the teams are getting confident.  It's just that there really are a few CFC there so you're like working with a few potential workers in the vineyard.  There is also, unfortunately, one challenging case (in one GK site) that may have caused some strain in the momentum of GK Sorsogon.....  But I will lift that up to God because I believe it has gone beyond our control.  In fact, human intervention would probably make matters worse.  So God... you be the captain (as you always are)!

It was an inspiring afternoon.  Goals were presented to a group of people who mostly have been slaving it out for a year, some 2 years, some 3 years.  As I went around GK sites this past month -- or seen the Titos and Titas who pass by at the office -- you see a few who are brimming with excitement and enthusiasm... and you see some who are strained and drained.  Facing up to definite deliverables considering the challenges they have been encountering since day one may be a difficult thing to do.  In their minds they might have thought "Not again..." but I guess this afternoon, everyone was reminded of why we all started this out.

We had videos testifying to people's personal calvary -- and yet, despite this, gaining the overwhelming feeling of a glorious resurrection.  Mari's ironic greeting of condolence and congratulations to anyone who takes on the role of Project Director is very apt.  "Condolence sa 'yo" because you have to die to yourself and take up your own cross... but "Congratulations rin!" because the experience will raise you up and give glory to our God.

I was too hungry after the activity and I stayed by the front gobbling up the left-over serving of bihon that I was unable to mingle with the exiting crowd to get the feel of them.  But I did see them the entire time... listening raptly and connecting to the speakers... the sharers and the videos.  You need things like this as an adrenaline shot to those who have given up so much already and still... so much more needs to be done.

The work these people do in GK is very challenging and can be overwhelming.  The everyday many little things can beat you and weigh you down if you lose sight of the goal -- and if you lose sight of what brought you here in the first place.  More than anyone else, all GK workers have to constantly arm themselves with God's protection and inspiration.  Let God be your defender.  Let God be your driver.  And let all workers in the vineyard remain faithful to the call -- because God is faithful to us.  He is building His Kingdom here on earth.

Pasacao, Camarines Norte : Mang Andoy dela Torre

Pasacao - the summer capital of Camarines Sur - claims the almost finished welcome arc we drove by.  It is the the most accessible beach to residents of Naga City .  The waters are quiet and the greyish sand is grainy -- something definitely better than rocky.  When we visited the beach yesterday at noontime the resorts we passed by were filled with inebriated youth celebrating the end of another school year.

About a five minute walk away -- there was another type of revelry happening.  At the Purificacion Ziga GK site, about two hundred guests were celebrating the birthday of land donor Tita Nelly Ziga and the second turnover of another fifteen houses to the eager families of Pasacao.  Tita Nelly heard about GK a while back and was interested in donating this piece of land to build homes for the poor who lived in vulnerable areas.  Ateneo de Manila funded the first 10 houses while the next partner who came in was DSWD.  All in all, 25 houses are now standing.  The site can accommodate a hundred homes. With the continued help of the partners and the LGU who has provided skilled workers to hasten the construction, more of our poor brethren in Pasacao will join this happy community.

The sun was high up and hot that day and Jay and I were invited by Mang Andoy and Aling Myrna to take relief from the heat as the blessing of the other houses were being done.  Mang Andoy's family lives at the second house by the entrance of the village.  All in all, he has eleven children, four of whom live on their own already -- being either married or working away from home.  We tease them about going for their twelfth but they both protested.  Mang Andoy is already 57 and Aling Myrna 47 years old.  Their youngest was a 4 year old boy.

Their family used to live by the shoreline of Pasacao.  I've always had a romantic notion about living by the beach but apparently it has been an unbearable burden for this man of the house.

Apat na beses nagtayo ako ng bahay... apat na beses rin bumagsak.  Hindi naman kami talaga dun sa tabi ng tubig.  May mga ibang bahay pa na nandun sa harap.  Sa medyo malayo yung tinayuan ko ng bahay. Hindi naman kami naaabutan ng tubig... mauuna pa muna yung mga nasa harap.

But a breakwater was built, and to their surprise, when high tide hit, the sea crashed into their home and swept away all the debris of their humble shanty and along with it their few prized possessions.  That was the first time they lost their house.  They managed to collect some scrap material, asking for plywood and GI sheets from Aling Myrna's brother and rebuilt their home by the shoreline.

A series of disasters hit them soon after.  There was Typhoon Milenyo and then right after Typhoon Reming in November - the super typhoons of 2006.  Each time thereafter, Mang Andoy's family would rebuild another frail structure to shelter his family -- from scraps of material he would beg from the barangay captain, his neighbors - and still right by the shoreline, forever vulnerable to the wrath of nature.  

Wala naman kaming lupa.  Yung pinanggalingan namin noon, hindi amin.  Nakitira rin kami sa mga magulang niya (gesturing toward Aling Myrna) pero hindi rin permanente yun... kaya dyan kami sa may tabing dagat puedeng magtayo ng aming sariling bahay.

The last straw was when the waves once again swallowed up their home in July 2007 and to make matters worse, they lost the few belongings they had left in a temporary shelter the barangay had provided for displaced families.

Muntik na akong sumuko nun.

He choked back his tears.  It was difficult for him to accept the cruelty of fate.  It wasn't for lack of trying to be a responsible member of mankind.  Mang Andoy said he used to be barumbado, during his youth.  He would get into all sorts of trouble.  But things had to change when he started a family.  He married Aling Myrna when he was 28 and she was 18.  Eleven children after, their faces are lined and weathered.  Even if nature had miraculously spared their home... even if they had found a place to squat somewhere upland away from danger zones... day to day living was a constant struggle for Mang Andoy.  

Magdidilihensya ako sa dagat.  He was no fisherman but he would help sell fish that the fishermen brought in from the sea.  Labor lang ako.  Mga isang daang piso rin ang nakukuha ko.  Sometimes, from a day's work, he is able to take with him some fish for his family to eat.  From what he earns he buys rice, other goods and enough left over for his children's school expenses.

Minsan walang pangbili ng bigas, pupunta ako sa barangay (to the barangay captain or someone equally dependable) sasabihin ko... wala akong pangbili ng bigas - puede ba akong umutang?  Pinapautang naman nila ako.  Kung kelangan ng pera para sa school ang anak ko -- humihingi ako ng isda para mabenta ako.  Binibigyan naman nila ako.

Not all of their kids are in school.  Some have to stop for one year - kung kaya na, eh di pasok uli.  Desperate measures would call for Aling Myrna visiting the one daughter who works as a cook/helper in Naga.  Mag-advance kami sa sahod niya.  

These are all familiar lamentations.  I hear it as passed on stories from our household help in Manila when they plead to advance their next salary from my tita... or from the Filipino movies and dramas I see on TV.  Yes, we know it as a reality, but it is someone else's reality that we feel we cannot really do anything about.

But as I see Mang Andoy call his children to hurry and join in the family picture we were going to take in front of his new home -- I know that someone else's reality has made a turn for the better because people out there believed there was something that can be done.  Maybe that person continues to just watch other people's dramas on the Filipino channel in the safety of their comfortable home in the US... maybe that person has actually been to a GK village one week a month or every week... maybe that person has left everything behind to do this work for the poor... or maybe they just simply signed a check to indulge a persistent fund-raising friend... when I see people like Mang Andoy beaming at the turn of his fate, the whys and the hows seem to fade in the background.

Palapit na ng palapit ang swerte.

Yes Mang Andoy... we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. :)

Pinya Country : Camarines Norte

When I was a kid, pineapples meant Del Monte, which meant the pineapple fields in Bukidnon.  I remember a visual of a vast pineapple field, the funky Del Monte man with the hawaiian shirt and his American English slang holding a pineapple fruit and inserting a faucet into it.  He turns the faucet and out comes Del Monte pineapple juice.

I didn't know until I got into GK that there were fields of pineapples in some place closer to Manila -- Camarines Norte.  If you travel towards the Bicol region from Manila you will notice, once you get out of the Quirino highway going to Naga, rows and rows of pineapple stands.  Before you hit Libmanan though -- they disappear.  All the pineapple being sold there are from the towns of Camarines Norte (the province before CamSur).

During a visit to GK sites in Camarines Norte, working through the bumpy roads of fourth and fifth class municipalities... we chanced upon a group of men loading newly harvested pineapples.  We parked by the side of the road and got out of the car.  I was excited to ambush a truck of pineapples!!!  As we neared the truck, the delicious scent of ripe pineapples assaulted us.  Yumyum...  

Huge mounds of pineapple lay at the clearing by the side of the road.  Men were loading the pineapples into straw baskets and carrying them to the truck where another group of men took them out of the baskets one at a time, piling them up - bottom alternating with the heads in a quick, steady rhythm.  One-two.  One-two.  One-two.

One of the titos we were with bought us half a basket.  P7 for each pineapple.  And P5 for the butterball.  Butterballs are supposedly rejects -- because they are tiny, dwarfed in size -- considered underdeveloped.  But Jay says butterballs are sweeter.  They still get sold in the market just the same.  I was hoping to have a taste of the butterball but it seems like the Tito did not want us to take home rejects (but I love rejects!!!).

We had enough for ourselves and still enough to give away to the full-time workers at the office.  The next few days, we enjoyed sweet pineapple for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Added fiber to our daily diet plus all that Vitamin C and Phytothingamajigs promised by the Del Monte man.

That's a lot of bonuses from going around visiting GK villages.  It is true that the best things in life are free (well, specially when you're with GK).  ;)

Panicuason Hot Springs, Naga City (March 19, 2008)

Yesterday was "Day Out" for the GK Bicol regional team.  We met up at the office (supposedly at 8:30 am) and was able to round up just about everyone by 10:30 am to leave for the Bicol Mini Hydro (a.k.a. Panicuason Hot Springs Resort) for the day.

Roll-call

Jay and me.  Eric, Choi, Angel, Tony Cardenas, Tito Moli, Charm and her boyfriend, Leslie and the new girl.  Tito Johnny, Tita Minda and their daughter Jaena (Jay-na).  Tito Hayee, Tita Weeh-lee, Camille and her yaya, Aileen followed pretty soon.

Menu for the day

Regular pancit guisado with yummy meatballs (Choi ordered

 from somewhere), pancit palabok with tinapa and chicharon (would you believe it - made by Charm's boyfriend), inasal

 na tilapia (c/o Leslie), pork chop (marinated and to be grilled, bought by Eric), laing, ensaladang kamatis (with bits of onion and ginger) and rice.  Drinks were Coke Zero, Sprite and bottled water.  Tita Weeh-lee brought with them a box of KFC along with so many other goodies (chips, Nestea, egg sandwich mix, kropek). 

Mystical beliefs about the place 

The day before, a Tita warned me specifically not to go with the group to this place.  She said,

maraming malalaking puno dun

And I was like... ok, what's with the trees (in my mind of course)

Basta, makinig ka na lang... (she said sweetly)

With some consultation, we decided I could go 

but with some precautions.  I had around my neck besides the scapular I usually wear -- the medal of St. Benedict.  I had in my backpocket, the prayer of St. Benedict.  The night before and that morning (and the entire time going), we stormed God with prayers for protection - for me and Tala (I included Jay in my prayers).  I also made a special prayer to my guardian angel.  Finally, we were supposed to not go deep and far into the place and I shouldn't be walking around alone.  And of course, the usual whispered

 chant of "tabi tabi po nuno" while you're going around.

What to expect

The Panicuason Hot Springs Resort is set by the slopes of Mt. Isarog - just about 20-30 minutes drive from the centro of Naga.  There is an entrance fee of Php 150 per adult and Php 70 for kids.  After passing through and paying the admission fee at the entrance, a narrow road, always bounded by a treeline on either side, winds up and down and up again until you find yourself at a mini clearing with mossy trees all around and pools of springs right ahead of you.

There are 3 hot springs with varying depths (max of 4 ft I believe) and temperature (39 degrees being the hottest) and 2 cold springs (deepest at 5 ft and coldest at 25 degrees).  There are two more pools at the bottom but they are probably just for design -- as no one was swimming in them -- plus it is where water from the previous pools pass through.

Cutting through the middle is a natural (and rocky) stream.  The water here is cold (brrr....) and there are portions with strong enough current to make you tip over -- but not enough to pull you downstream.  Plus it is shallow all over so really -- no great danger, unless you're super small or super young and unsupervised.

Open cottages are available for rent for the day at varying prices.  The cottage we stayed at was by the entrance (we consciously shied away from the farthest ones) which was priced at Php 300.  It was a bit small for our big group but we managed.  The other cottages were located nearer the springs (must cost Php 400 per cottage but don't quote me on that) -- as in, right beside, but when we got there at close to noon, these cottages were already occupied. 

There are separate shower/comfort/dressing rooms for the men and the women.  They are relatively clean and well-lit but no tissue paper.

The place has limited staff -- you hardly see them but they do keep the order and make sure you've paid for the cottages.  Signs are everywhere reminding guests to make personal safety their business -- and warnings that the establishment takes no responsibility for any danger or loss within the premises.

Recommended attire

The usual swim attire in the province is followed here : shirts or tank tops with shorts.  There were a number in real swimsuits and a few even in a two-piece ensemble.  Long pants (and pajamas, specifically) are not allowed.

How long you can stay

An entire day definitely would be recommended -- to just lie around and relax with family and friends.  They said people could even stay overnight (Really?  I didn't spot any place to sleep in).  Some are happy with just staying for half a day - from morning until lunch time and there were even groups who just came in at 3pm.  Our titos and titas however preferred to leave before dark, so we were out of there before 5 pm.

The verdict

A great get-away for the day.  The hot pools are said to be therapeutic.  They were too hot for pregnant me (and I just dipped my heels) so my preference was for the cold pools.  Jay felt very lethargic at the hot pools so I suggested that he jump in to wake up at the cold pools.  He was at first hesitant to switch from cold to hot but I told him it was safe -- that they do this sort of therapy at spas.  It's supposed to stimulate circulation.  So he cooled-off and felt ok.  

Another thing I enjoyed was my husband's grilling.  I've been bugging him to try out being a master griller.  This time, he manned the grill -- in charge of the pork chops.  Good job for a first-timer - I think he's gotten the hang of it - looking out for when one side gets charred.  For this place, you have to bring your own grill though (ours was c/o Tito Johnny) and charcoal (none to buy around here).

If you want some music, just bring your own boombox.  One other group brought their own and blasted it really loud, so we had to go along with their choice of music.  I could just imagine if everyone had their own -- it would probably drive off (or annoy) the mystical beings who lived close by.

Bring cards, a book, the paper of the day if you do just want to relax on your own -- specially for the down times during the day (once you've had enough of the springs).  If you're with your friends, I'm sure you'll find so many things to amuse yourself with.  We sure did.

UNEP at GK Character Village (Brgy. Perpetual Help, Iriga City)

March 17, Sunday

It was Palm Sunday.  It was also Pacquiao Sunday.  And being female, I scheduled a GK1MB meeting with the UNEP (University of NorthEastern Phils.) group for 10:00 am at the GK Iriga Village.  Coach, the GK1MB guy from the Manila office had to go and miss the Pacquiao match.

We got to the site at 9:30 am.  A huge tent was already set-up (used previously that week for the SIBOL graduation) and the caretaker team arrived full force.  We were impressed and surprised because it showed their real commitment to the village.  The KB's were invited to come down and join the activity.  The UNEP students were arriving at 10:00 am so we had time to brief the caretaker team and the KB's on what was going to happen.

Background

Last week, on March 8-9, a group of UNEP students accompanied by some faculty immersed themselves in the GK Character Village in Iriga in compliance of their CWTS subject for their freshmen year.  We had met later on that week (March 13) with the Head of Student Affairs and GK Champion Bong Candido in order to build up the GK1MB base in UNEP.  In that meeting, Sir Bong shared with us what had transpired the previous weekend and we thought it was best to do an immediate follow-up that following weekend.  

The students, Sir Bong said, felt bitin and wanted to stay longer.  They didn't participate in any build that weekend but simply lived in with the residents -- just like being part of their family.  Three students to one family.  And many were touched by how the families shared whatever they had left for themselves with the student visitors.  A surprising thing for these kids because they went there expecting to be the ones to share of themselves to these families.

Luckily, the UNEP students were to return to that area the following Sunday (March 16) for a tree-planting activity within the vicinity (as part of their CWTS completion once again).  So we invited Sir Bong to bring the same students back to GK Iriga for a short 1-hour session with us.  He happily agreed.

Setting up GK1MB in UNEP

We thought it best to grow GK1MB in UNEP through this initial batch of students -- only because of their recent experience in GK Iriga.  We could have gone and targeted talking to the Student Council and heads of organizations but... it was already the end of the school year (the last week, in fact).  Most of them have their heads in exams and have no experience whatsoever with GK.  This group of CWTS students -- although in their freshmen year -- had great potential just the same.  First, they already had an inspiring and powerful GK experience to latch on and second, they came from different colleges : nursing, HRM, social sciences, etc.  It would be a good army within the school to start with -- and they could spread the GK virus althroughout the university.

Coach gave an inspiring talk about GK1MB.  He spoke of the growing movement, focusing on the schools and the youth all over the country.  Coach's personal testimony as a La Salle student who put aside his dreams of becoming a doctor in the meantime so he could join in rebuilding his country in the here and now probably made a lot of them think hard about their own plans in their lives.  He also spoke about how he got bitten by the GK bug during his first La Salle GK camp (just like their GK immersion) in Baseco.

There were a hundred students who arrived that morning.  They were tired from the couple of hours of tree-planting and most of them were really just there because it was required by their teacher.  But many were listening intently to what we were sharing -- and they were also fascinated about what they were seeing happening in other parts of the country through the videos we showed them.

Our goal that day was to "recruit" a handful to serve as the GK1MB core group in UNEP.  Sir Bong Candido was already a GK champion but we needed to cinch the deal by getting a group of worker students to proper the movement with him in the various colleges and orgs.  When we called for students who wished to be part of the core group, about 10 students (boys and girls) stood up!  They were enough to get this thing going.  They promised their commitment to meet with us after holy week.

Another goal we had was to get the students to mobilize a Team UNEP for the Bayani Challenge in Mindanao.  There was visible interest and excitement among them -- specially once we said that we would help them find people to "sponsor" their transpo (hopefully we can ask help from the LGU).  They agreed that they could take care of their food and bring their "camp" stuff.  We just need to do a follow-up for this in their school.  Maybe by just working with the core team -- it would be easy to set this up.

We end a bit past 12 noon (the students arrived at 11 am instead of 10am) very optimistic about the UNEP GK1MB Chapter.  :)  We completely miss the live telecast of Pacquiao's fight - which he won.  We had our own win in this part of the world.

Toasted Siopao from 3N Bakery

BREAKTIME!

Another Bicol specialty that one should try is the toasted siopao.  They just call it toasted siopao but it's not really made the same way as siopao.  It's like stuffed monay.  Stuffed with pork asado and bits of egg (it's the egg that makes it even yummier).  They're little monay balls (you can close your fist on) that are baked, not steamed.  It costs seven pesos per piece and you can only find it at 3N Bakery in Libmanan, Sipocot (along the highway) and Naga (near the bus terminal).  We usually make a stop for it on our way to Daet from Naga.  It makes great company when you're traveling with a not-so-empty stomach.

It's really masiramon! (super sarap!)  You can eat it one after another - although it does weigh heavy in the tummy.

Manito, Albay (Visit of March 6, 2008) GK Energy Village II

My husband didn't really want to take me to Manito, Albay.  It was a far drive through some rough roads because of recent landslides.  But he took me just the same.

We picked up Tito Bogs (the new GK Head of Albay) in Legazpi and we took two vehicles up.  Along with us in the Pajero was Tito Johnny.  Eric rode with Tito Bogs and his wife.  From Legazpi, we took the Taysan road which went winding up,up, up.  The road was cemented the entire way.  Apparently, at the end of this long road is a geo-thermal plant from which a number of energy

 companies benefit including PNOC and Petron, our partners for this GK village.  But because of previous weeks' heavy raining, multiple landslides have covered the road -- just recently it has been cleared away of debris... heavy soil, huge rocks and spattering of tree logs.  One part of the road has collapsed, the heavy downpour of rocks destroyed the concrete and broke it apart.  In its place is a small concrete bridge.  There is a gaping hole from the mountain and the landslide thundered down just about missing a crowd of shanties by the road.  I think there may have been a house or two that have been bull-dozed down, but am not quite sure...

The soon-to-be-residents of the Manito GK Village are families from Brgy. Malobago who live along a cliff-side prone to landslides, already identified by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) as a permanent danger zone.  100 families will be relocated to the 2.178 hectare GK village in Brgy. Manumbalay.

Getting there

This Manito site is in partnership with Petron and PNOC (and other energy companies) and the LGU of Manito, Albay (who provided the land).  When we get to the side entrance to the site there is a billboard that calls it the Energy Village and a whole list of energy companies listed down in two columns.  The road going into the site is very narrow (it's as if it's just been made to gain access to the site) with thin stick fences on both sides - impassable to trucks that would need to deliver the construction materials.  The team has been counting on the LGU to establish a wider road.  

Just as we arrive, a truck is waiting outside by the main highway.  It was there to deliver bags of cement.  The truck might be able to force its way through only to a certain distance.  From there, people would have to form a bayanihan chain to bring the contents of the truck into the site -- or able-bodied men could just carry the bags on their shoulders, one bag at a time.

A Beautiful Vision

At this point, there are four duplexes on its way up -- almost done with all four walls up.  The site faces the sea and at the far left, 

without the hazy cloud cover, should be a beautiful view of Mount Mayon.  It promises to be quite a beautiful and peaceful place to live in.  Jay and the boys, on a second visit, walked straight down into the shore and said that beach cottages could be put up for 

visitors.  There are great plans for this GK village.  Petron will likewise fund a 500 sqm reed-bed system for better wastewater management.  The GK Manito Site is poised to becoming the first eco-tourism village in Bicol.

Some Challenges

The GK Manito village has a tight timeline to follow.  100 houses up by June is the target.  There is an urgent need for the team to step up.  It has faced a lot of challenges in the first two months of this year - a long wait for the right of way to be established for delivery trucks to come in, some internal issues in the team and in processes and the most major thing... the heavy rains in February that caused major landslides making the site unreachable for a couple of weeks.  But things have started to look up this March - especially once the roads were cleared.

Two representatives from the partner's side visited the site last February and they are aware of the difficulties.  Because of the timeline given by the partners, they have provided budget for skilled workers to augment the usual bayanihan component from the would-be GK residents.  When we got there last March 6, there were a handful of Kapitbahayans, a handful of CFC caretakers and a handful of skilled workers.  Most of the KB around were women.  We chided them to encourage more men in their community to take part.  We pointed out the amount and quality of work needed. Definitely, at this stage -- this ain't a woman's job.

The GK Miracle

There is a lot to do - and GREAT CHALLENGES  can only be taken on with GREAT FAITH.  The new team in Albay is definitely up to it.  They will be our miracle makers, having to bring out the best of the Filipino spirit from the Kapitbahayan and the LGU partners -- the necessary stakeholders on the ground to making this work in the most dramatic way you can only imagine.  But that's what makes great and inspiring GK stories -- the extraordinary rising up from the ordinary.  

When that happens, the beauty and magic of this GK village would be the pot of gold waiting at the very end of the rainbow.

Cabusao, Camarines Sur (Family of Reynaldo Pingol)

Reynaldo Pingol had tears in his eyes when we entered his home and congratulated him for being a new homeowner.   The parish priest had just come by to bless their just turned-over GK house and had gone on to the next one. Reynaldo's new home was bare of any furniture except for a small altar in one corner.  He wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes and motioned to his wife to look for his two daughters so we could take a family picture.

They used to live in Paranaque City, Manila.  Reynaldo, 39 years old, used to be employed in a workshop doing paintjobs on cars while moonlighting as a cook in a motel chain.  But life, he said, was so difficult for his family there.  They were renting a room in a cramped area.  His take home pay could barely cover for their everyday family expenses.  When their family relocated to Cabusao, Camarines Sur and he learned about the GK village that was being built in partnership with NDCC and DWSD, he had to make a hard decision for his family.

"Kailangan tumigil ako sa trabaho para makatrabaho dito... nagsakripisyo ako, kahit mahirapan kami... kelangan eh, para matapos ang trabaho dito..."  (I needed to stop working just so I could do the job here... I had to sacrifice, even if it was difficult for our family... I had to, just so we can finish the work here.)  Reynaldo remembers how it broke his heart to make his family suffer with him because of this decision.  

Having a home of their own here in this beautiful village however has made it worth it.  He is secure bringing up his two young daughters, Ica and Isabel, in this community.  Ever since construction started, the people here have become more than just neighbors to him -- they are part of his family.  Today, from their house, Reynaldo and his wife, Francine, are in charge of distributing the lunch meals for all the families in their row.  Spirits are up as they pass out bags of cooked rice, meat and vegetable portions.  In a little while, Reynaldo leaves the group to join the other men grilling the tilapias for the rest of their invited guests.  Today it is fiesta time in their community and a lot of people have come by.  Each family invites the visitors to come in and partake of their humble feast.

Reynaldo says he has found a job at the town center twice a week as a cook.  He is doubtful if the pay he will take home will be enough for his small family but he is hopeful that life will become better.  With the other programs of Gawad Kalinga coming in, 

he knows he can guarantee his family a better quality of life here. There will be vegetables to pick from their backyard to add to their daily meal.  Ica at 5 years and Isabel the youngest at 2 years, will benefit from the Sibol program this June.  Francine will rest at ease knowing her children are in a safe community surrounded by other kids.  She finds joy in sharing community tasks with the other mothers here.  With God's continued guidance, Reynaldo knows his family will pull through.

Vinzons, Camarines Norte

Bumpy, bumpy road.  

A third-class road is a very narrow road (fits one vehicle but you can squeeze in another tricycle -- or sometimes another small vehicle, as long as both vehicles are overstepping the boundaries of the road, rolling onto the grassy sides) that is crunchy-sounding beneath your tires, long ago sparsely laden with gravel, now full of pot holes -- and after a bout of rainfall, will take you on a head-bumping and rolling ride IF it doesn't get your wheels sinking in mud.

It was a short ride to Vinzons from Daet, Camarines Norte -- but a bumpy ride just the same to get to the town.  But, surprisingly, there was a different atmosphere to this town.  It felt more pleasant and quaint.  :)  There were quite a number of newly built homes supposedly for vacationing families that have already migrated outside of the Philippines.  It makes you think it's a good place to relocate -- if it wasn't so far away...

We passed by the munisipyo to pick-up the Project Director of the GK site in Brgy. Calangkawan.  Tito Francis Obusan is an elderly man in his late fifties probably, very stately in bearing.  He could pass of as a small-time lawyer or a respected CPA of the town.  I believe he works in the municipal hall.  Another man, Tito Domeng, waved to us from a distance, motioning that he would be riding his motorbike to the site.  Tito Francis squeezes into the back of our 3-door Pajero (last space filled-up) and just a few more minutes... a shorter bumpy ride and finally crossing through what seemed like a swampy area (apparently receding flooded area) the road leads up to a clearing with fields beyond that end in hills in the distance.

The place is very promising even if there are no houses up yet.  

It is late afternoon and a steady breeze passes through.  Months

 ago, when word came around that ANCOP Canada would build a village here, Tito Francis' team along with the LGU and the Kapitbahayan worked to clear out the piece of land, uprooting coconut trees and leveling the ground.  Its been quite some time ago and there has been healthy re-growth of grass and a portion 

has become a singkamas plot.

Tiny bulbs of the white fruit were peeping out of the ground.  Tito Domeng warned us not to pick out the fruit exposed to the sun -- it would give us a stomach ache.  A petite young woman had come out of a nearby hut and assured us that there were still fruit left safe for us to eat.  With a small bolo in hand she started to prod out and pull handfuls of singkamas out of the ground.  She offered us a clump.  The other titos taught us how to skin the singkamas with our bare fingers -- fresh soil still clinging to its roots.  Careful not to slurp in bits of soil...

 we take small bites into the juicy fruit.

Weenay has lived in this place ever since she was a kid.  She raises the clump of singkamas in hand saying, 

This put me through school.  

The last harvest, she said, gave her mother seven thousand pesos.  (I couldn't believe so much money could come from such a simple-looking fruit).  

She rattles on about other vegetables that could be planted in this plot of land and how much investment each needed (planting ampalaya would cost fifteen thousand pesos!).  We had an

 agricultural expert right before our eyes.  She smiled shyly at us.

I enter her little kubo to find that she has a son who was quiet and shy himself.  Not much people come here so Jonel is not used to strangers.  Weena is only 23.  Her husband works in town -- 

Sa waterworks sya.  Sya nga ang gumawa ng poso dyan.

The poso outside is quite an impressive piece of work.  Not the usual poso negro I am used to seeing in these places with just the pumping mechanism and the spout.  Weena's husband built an extension cement storage to keep the water in small batches before releasing with a separate faucet.  It looks neater and must dispense water with less wastage.

Their little nipa is probably less than 20 sqm, they have a receiving area (where I am seated) with a small papag (for them to relax on during the day), then it turns at a right angle towards their dining area.  At another right angle, a door opens to their bedroom (not within view).  I ask for the CR and she says they do not have one.  They go across the field to her mother's house to use the toilets.  They don't have a toilet of their own.

Dahil sa mga ahas.  (Nye!  May ahas dito??!)

Lalo na nung walang tigil ang ulan.  Nababasa kasi ang mga butas nila so lumalabas sila...  Dyan sila sa taas (she points to the nipa ceiling, between the wooden partitions -- inside the house!).

Apparently, they slither quietly inside without anyone noticing and just lodge themselves in the ceiling.

Mga cobra pa naman yan.  (I think she is just scaring me...)  

Once, she said, she was surprised to hear heavy snoring coming from outside their house.  It was a big snake outside.  But they never caught it.  

So it's still there somewhere...

Her husband had tried to build them a toilet once.  He dug a hole deep in the ground and just lodged nipa walls around it.  But they got scared when they realized that there was a snake that made its nest in it -- again, after a time of heavy rain.  They immediately covered it up.  She didn't want her butt getting bitten by a snake while trying to take a dump.  But, once we build them  the GK houses with the toilets inside -- snakes won't have to threaten their toilet rituals ever again.

I hope to come back here again -- probably after I give birth.  They said the Canada funds are coming.  The GK village WILL BE BUILT!  :)

Bicol Street Food : Kinalas

I've heard about this Kinalas from the boys who get off the bus from Bicol.  I thought at first it was like some isau thing - barbecue pork and chicken intestines - or some skewered part of the pig or chicken grilled on sidestreets.  I was wrong.  They say it's like the Bicolano local batchoy.  I heard about it sometime in 2006 I think.  Took quite a long time before I could finally try it.

Apparently, it's not always available anytime of the day (unless the guys are just pulling my leg, not wanting to take me out to eat).  They say you can't have it for dinner -- cause it runs out by then.  Can you then eat it like in the morning, before lunch?  Not sure.  But when they finally took me there, we had to rush to get out as it was already past 5 (maybe what they said about it running out before dinner time is true).  

They were debating which sidestreet karinderia to take me to and when someone suggested the place where Congressman Dato Arroyo (yes, the president's son) eats, I said I guess that should be a safe and clean enough place  (and yes the place had a picture of the cook/owner with the Dato guy).

The place was Enting's and it was a small nipa hut on a row of other small nipa huts along a major highway where buses and trucks pass.  It would be just about a meter or so from the road but I didn't really feel like the exhaust fumes or the dust from the road was smothering me.  When we get in, I notice smaller groups of men seated (generally quietly) with heads bowed down forking up the noodles from the sabaw.  It was the end of the day and the place was comfortably filled up with blue collared workers getting their end of the day fill.  Other than our table there was another one with a female and a guy friend just finishing up.

Much like batchoy, it has the same yellowish, medium-sized flat noodles.  The bowl is filled up near the brim with some tinted broth, topped with green onions and shredded soft meat from the pig's face.  A drizzle of thick soy was also plunked down in the center for added flavoring.  Apparently this yummy local dish IS only available at this time of the day because people do run out of the day's supply of pig's faces -- and maybe they are not available much earlier?  

By the way, before these bowls come around 2 plates of turon are also served.  This is another specialty of the place and people order it along with their bowl of kinalas.

As soon as the bowls are set in front of us the boys started seasoning it.  Most of them squeeze in some kalamansi, some add suka, some toyo or patis, and still some add this sili concoction (just a little bit because it is pure sili).  I didn't add anything first, just wanting to have it at its unadulterated state. 

It was yummy.  I think the magic really is in the soft flesh of meat from the pig's face...  and that drizzle of soy (whatever is mixed with it).  I don't really much like kalamansi on my meals (even on my pancit) and I don't like patis or toyo added to an already soy-based meal.  So I just added a bit of the sili concoction (crushed sili labuyo I think with some vinegar they say) and it is yummy spicy enough.  Yumyum.  You can get the regular bowl which I think costs P30 or the jumbo (which Jay and Eric are having).  There are large litro bottle of softdrinks you can order to share with everyone.

Concept Boards : GK Mabuhay Destinations in CamSur

Here are the concept boards we prepared for the project with Gov LRay.  

This first one is for the restaurant-bus stop project for LRay GK Village in Del Gallego.

This second batch are for the Bed & Breakfast model in GK Character Village, Iriga City.  The positioning here would tend towards nature-tripping and light adventure.

The last batch of boards are for

 Libmanan.  A bit different from the 

Iriga model - and also

 because there is still a lot of room for "building up" the community - we offer simple community living... with a lot of activities in the GK programs that are mostly at start-up stage.

And finally, the visitor facilities offered by our Bed & Breakfast houses.

Oh and by the way, all these designed by our very own Architect Jomari Badilla.

Partnership with Gov LRay and the CamSur Provincial Office Team

Today is (technically) our fourth meeting with the Provincial Team assigned by Gov LRay to the GK CamSur Tourism Project.  I must say, the project is in the right hands.  We have a very committed and capable (excellent!) team assigned by Gov LRay.  They are all unassuming people and they do their business well.

Before I go through the events of today, I'd like to detail the previous three meetings.

1st meeting with the Provincial Team

January 30, Wednesday 10:00 AM at the CWC (Camsur Watersports Complex)

Present :

Gov. LRay present with Chie Bermeo of the Provincial Social Welfare & Development (PSWD).  Their audit guy also joined us later on.  

From GK's end were Boy Apin (CFC Prov'l Area Director CamSur), Hayee Azana (GK Head of CamSur), Johnny San Miguel (Regional Shelter), Jay Meloto (Regional Coordinator for Bicol), 

Choi Florece (PMG-Bicol), Jomari Badilla (Shelter Team from GK National assigned to Bicol)

 and moi (Mabuhay for Bicol).

Agenda 1 : Existing projects were discussed.  

1) Adequate land was being allocated by the Gov's office in municipalities without a GK village.  The process of acquisition - either there existed a provincial property that could be turned over for GK use or the prov'l team coordinates with the LGU (mayor) to acquire land.

2) Prov'l office also providing skilled workers and "food-for-work" scheme to key GK sites to facilitate quicker turn-around for the GK build projects.

Agenda 2 : Build-up of tourist potential for key GK sites

In line with the successes of the Provincial Office under the leadership of Gov LRay - primarily, the CamSur Watersports Complex (where we were meeting and was filled with foreign guests even on a Wednesday morning) and a resort/hotel currently being developed in the Caramoan Islands (Camarines Sur's best kept secret!  Beautiful paradise!) - a new project will be spearheaded by the Governor to build prime tourist facilities in key GK sites.  The Governor is one with our vision that GK is a tourist attraction.  Visitors will come far and wide to witness the miracle that is happening in the Philippines -- where the best is being given to the

 

poorest of the poor.

Project Components

1) Bed & Breakfast units in four GK sites :

a. LRay GK Village in Del Gallego (chosen because of its prime location - a start-up GK village)

b. GK Character Village in Iriga (chosen because it is a showcase village and its proximity to nature-tripping excursions)

c. Familia Dy Tiak Pon GK Village in Libmanan (chosen because it is a showcase GK village)

d. Ancop Australia GK Village in Matandang Siruma (chosen because of its proximity to the beach)

2) Restaurant Bus-Stop in LRay GK Village in Del Gallego (chosen because of its prime location -- along the bus route of Manila-Bicol)

Jomari presented a few designs for reference.  The concepts were likewise discussed. 

• A model for the bed & breakfast unit :  2 units per village will be constructed.  Each unit will have a lot area of 75 sqm and the floor area (for the house) 22 sqm (still a GK house!). 
• Each bed & breakfast unit will have convertible living spaces (living area by day converted to sleeping quarters at night), a toilet and bath with hot & cold shower, an outdoor dining area (with a barbecue pit!), trellises and a square foot garden.
• The vision for a square foot garden is to plant vegetables (for pinakbet), herbs and ornamentals.  Visitors will tend to this garden during their stay. 
• The restaurant bus-stop will be of local design and will serve lutong bahay Bicolano dishes.  There will be adequate (multiple cubicles) restrooms and a souvenir shop of GK-made products.  The structure will be high-ceilinged and screened.  The kitchen staff will be trained by Gaita Fores (high hopes!).  :)

Timeline

• Site visits within the week : Iriga, right after the meeting and on January 31, Del Gallego and Libmanan.  Siruma visit to follow (since Siruma is a couple of hours away and a bit challenging to get to).
  
• Finalize designs by week of Feb 3
  
• Construction done by end April
• Showcase by Gov LRay during GK Summit in the US in May 3rd week

(Worth noting but maybe not too relevant was the lunch we had in CWC.  Jay ordered the Laing Pizza which gets a 5 star rating from us Manila peeps. ;)  Gov LRay mentioned a Bicolano version of the Lechon - can't remember what it's called - that we promise we would try next time.)

(End of first meeting)

2nd Meeting with the Provincial Team

January 30, Wednesday 2:00 PM at GK Character Village, Iriga

Present :

Chie Bermeo and team, special mention to Chief Engineer Gerry Epres and Architect Willy Rodriguez

From GK's end were Hayee Azana, Johnny San Miguel, GK Iriga PD Benjie Gonzalez (and his Iriga city team), Jay Meloto, Choi Florece, Jom Badilla and moi.

Unfortunately, I couldn't climb the stairs up to the viewing deck where the boys met and discussed.  So I don't have the details of the meeting.  I did get to talk to the Kapitbahayan women (Mabuhay ladies themselves) and picked out some vital information in making the bed & breakfast tour packages really interesting.  :)

Here are some notes from that conversation and what I picked up from the men's discussions.

• The 2 bed & breakfast units will be constructed by the provincial team right beside the viewing deck
• Mayor Gazmen's office will do site development for the parking (enabling easy access to the bed & breakfast units)
• Water system will be developed to ensure that water reaches the b&b units
• Mt. Iriga (aka Mt. Asog), right across the GK village, can be trekked in a day.  They say it is possible for older people to join the trek.  The GK village residents can be trained to be trek guides.  I met one of the KB officers who has been up the mountain.
• An Aeta community resides within the area.

After the meeting we had merienda at the Centro of Iriga at MCM.  Everyone ordered halo-halo.  I just had a taste from Jay's as the doctor has warned me against sweets (yes but worth ordering!).  I got a tuna sandwich.

3rd meeting with the Provincial Team

January 31, Thursday

First stop : 10:00 AM 

LRay GK Village, Del Gallego

Present :

Provincial team was led by Chie's assistant, Malyn.  Architect Willy was with her.

GK team consisted of Jay, Jomari, Angel and moi.  We were joined by the Project Director Boboy Rubio.

They were able to identify the site for both the b&b units and the restaurant.  The first row of houses were still being completed and the last two units would be converted to the b&b units.  Unfortunately, we didn't have the "actual" site development plan with us.  Tito Boboy had a lay-out of the site though which used as reference.

It was agreed that the restaurant will take the space at the left-most side (orientation : facing the community) by the road, displacing the row of houses it was originally intended for.  The site lay-out will then be adjusted.  In essence, the restaurant will take up the livelihood space which was originally at the back-end of the community.

A possible break point in this project : work has temporarily been stopped (oh no!).  I am unsure why...  It has something to do with the Project Director being related to the Vice Mayor and not being aligned to the Mayor.  Actually this GK Village WAS made possible because of the alignment between Gov LRay and the Vice Mayor.  The difficulty (as I understand it) is that the cooperation of the Mayor's office is vital for the project to move.  The beneficiary selection is based on the MSWD list (which is with the Mayor's office I would think).  Without the beneficiary list there is no Kapitbahayan who will do sweat equity.  I may be wrong but... I know that Gov LRay has also supplied skilled workers as part of his commitment to GK, so ultimately, work should still be able to go on, right?  I really don't know for sure why work has stopped.  More about that later... once I get more info.

Lunch is at the Vice Mayor's house (who is not around at that time).  I don't remember what we ate but there sure was a lot of rice.  There was fish I remember and some stew -- could it have been adobo?  And veggies that looked like pinakbet.

3rd Meeting with the Provincial Team

January 31, Thursday

Second stop : 1:30 PM 

Familia Dy Tiak Pon GK Village, Libmanan

Still with the same teams we meet this time the Project Director of GK Libmanan -- Agoy Deomano and his team.  Good things that Raffy of the GK National Bayan Anihan team was also there as he was discussing the Shell Farm with the Libmanan team.

We came just in time since Tito Agoy (a very enthusiastic and entrepreneurial person - which is why GK Libmanan is a showcase site) was ready to construct a parking area where everyone thought the B&B units should be.  He was even halfway through building a GK guest house (oh no!) which can now be converted to a Sibol School (sigh of relief!).  After much discussion and convincing (hard to convince this visionary PD of ours!) we were able to agree that the proposed site for the parking area will be where we construct the 2 bed & breakfast units.  The b&b units would be a better frontage anyway than a parking lot.  The parking area will now be further down.

Water supply is not a problem here.  :)  And hopefully, the Shell Farm will be up and running in time for the b&b units.

I went around and the community was preparing their backyard garden (where they plant their basic veggies).  It has been raining for weeks past and it has been a few days of sun -- a signal to plant again.  Sacks of dark soil were ready for distribution and I chanced upon a Kapitbahayan woman already intent on planting.  She was elbow-deep into her task when I took her photo.  She was also 6 months on the way and will be giving birth by May -- a couple of weeks earlier than moi.

Merienda was initially a plate of sweet bread rolls.  Buti na lang nakahabol yung in-order nila na siopao bread.  It looked like monay with siopao asado filling.  Conscious of the carbs I peeled off the outer layer of bread and ate closer to the core.  My hubby apparently did the same.  I would rate this siopao bread a must-have even for the weight-conscious.  :)

4th Meeting with the Provincial Team

February 8, Friday

9:00 AM CamSur Provincial Office

Jom arrives early this morning from Manila by bus to stay only for the day.  He is set to leave for Manila tonight via the 9pm bus.  Jay is unable to join this meeting as he needs to be in the Petron GK site in Manito, Albay.  The PNOC partners are flying in from Manila to check progress in the site.

Present :

From the Provincial CamSur office : Chie Bermeo, Chief Engineer Gerry Epres and Architect Willy Rodriguez

From GK : Hayee Azana, Jomari Badilla and moi

Agenda 1 : Proposed land for GK sites

First, Chie informed us that the Mayor of Bula has committed to make the land ready by less than a month.  This piece of land is at a good location -- just a mere 100 mts. away from the highway.

Second discussed was the property for Baao.  

The initial property available had tenants on it and there were a number of tenants who required some compensation for the possible "transfer".  Both the mayors and the tenants were hesitant to propose a figure and were therefore at a deadlock.  Chie mentioned an alternative location at an area called La Medalla.  This piece of land is at a slope, quite similar to Iriga - and may pose quite a challenge in site development.  Unlike the original property it was not of prime location (i.e., close to the highway).

Both Tito Hayee and Chie agreed that the original property was better.  Tito Hayee proposed that the tenants be incorporated in the GK community.  Apparently, Chie was unaware that this was possible.  In the end, the agreement was to work on securing the original property.

Agenda 2 : Tourism Projects for GK

T

he meeting lasted for two and a half hours -- and so much was achieved.  Jom was... I don't know... very impressive.  He just kept drawing and drawing -- coming up with instant sketches, designs and suggestions for materials to be used.  Am glad we have him in this team.  :)

A. Bed & Breakfast Units

Well first-off, Chief Engineer Gerry showed us the engineering and architectural designs for the bed & breakfast units.  They looked even more beautiful!  I couldn't understand much of the other schematics but... they looked really neat, detailed and technical.  Haha.  Jom was happy.  

Basic furnishings and material were discussed.  Chief Engineer Gerry quoted initially P380 thousand for the house construction itself.  We estimated inclusion of furniture plus some adornments and the area outside-- target budget should be within P500,000 per unit -- maybe trimmed down to under.

For project tasks, we agreed that construction was really c/o the Provincial Team (up to finishing, interior and furnishings).  Prov team and GK will work together on the marketing.  Management will be c/o GK.

Timetable for the B&B:

• Feb 11 - secure Gov's approval
• End February - bidding to contractors
• 1st wk March - start of construction
• End April - end of construction
• 1st wk May - furnishings
• 2nd wk May - shoot/inauguration, preparation for presentation materials
• 3rd wk May - presentation to US GK Summit by Gov LRay

B. Restaurant Bus-Stop in LRay GK Village (Del Gallego)

Jom with Chief Engineer Gerry and Architect Willy designed (on-the-spot) the restaurant at Del Gallego.  The structure will have : 150-seating restaurant, a large enough kitchen with storage, multiple cubicle restrooms, a parking area for buses (at the rear), parking area for cars (upfront) and a souvenir kiosk.

The height of the structure is estimated to be min. of 4 mts. (at lowest point) and the floor area at 15 x 30 sqm.  Similar to the design feature of the B&B, there will be local stones as accents.

Timetable : Feb 12 (during the next Iriga meeting) - presentation of the floor plan design and perspective.  (Jay and I will not be around but Jom will be coming back to Naga for that meeting).

Another breakpoint raised was the absence of a water system in the village.  It was said that the caretaker team had already tried to tap into a water source 4 pipes down and wasn't able to raise up a supply.  The provincial team said 4 pipes down was still low and that they should still go deeper -- ensuring to go deeper than the sea water bed.  They said it was impossible that they could not tap into a water supply because Del Gallego is low-lying.

Ma'm Chie reiterated the importance of the GK Del Gallego project and imparted the Governor's intention to help in whatever way necessary to ensure the success of the project.

C. Fourth Site for B&B

Initially, the fourth B&B site was supposed to be Siruma.  However the GK team had already anticipated one key challenge -- its relative inaccessibility.  We suggested an alternative site to Ma'am Chie - the GK site in Pasacao - which is likewise near the beach and is more accessible for tourists and for those who will build the b&b.  Ma'm Chie will get Gov LRay's approval before we push ahead.

I was so sleepy and was super grateful for the coffee served to us.  They say I shouldn't be drinking coffee but... the pregnancy book says 1 to 2 cups a day is ok.  So I drank my first ever cup of coffee since the start of my pregnancy.  Yum.  I (and apparently, even the baby) had no adverse reaction, tenks God.

Post-meeting

We went around with Mr. Chief Engineer and Mr. Architect to check out the CWC accommodations.  Beautiful place.  :)