Heaven' s Bliss

JTSCES: Public Grade School

2008-01-06T23:47:00.000-08:00

Jose Timbol Sr Central Elementary School, my grade school – the home of my childhood memories. I graduated from the school in 1995, and for 6 long years I’ve been playing, running and jumping in the playground as if there is nothing in the world but it. It’s been so many years since I set foot on the school ground, but for that long years – nothing change. Well, maybe some gardening and structure were mended but it isn’t enough to say that the school had a big leap.

So, this is the flag pole – the flag pole in the same old spot. Believe it or not, the old flag pole looks better than the new one. I have no idea why they had to change it and make it smaller. The old one have a small stage where the conductress/conductor used to stand everytime we had a flag ceremony. Well, whatever it is – perhaps they thought it would be better to change it – ok fine.

The playground. The school holds about more or less 2000 pupils and at my time, the playground is not enough for us. Why? Because we used to play ‘tigso’, jumping rope, ‘siyatong’, ‘birus’, chinese garter, ‘luksong tinik’, and etchetera – and these games needs a bigger space. So if everyone plays the same game, that’s when ‘territory’ took place. I always thought bullying does not exist in my childhood days, but now I can see it more clearly than I should – it does! Funny cos it was easy for me to acquire ‘my’ territory and no one ever dared to get into my way – perhaps I am one worst kid in school. LOL

The gym. Ok, this one is new, as in not in my time. We used to have this ‘Pavilion’ which I haven’t taken some pictures. The gym is located next to the Pavilion, and since I’m so lazy to walk just to take pictures of the Pavilion, I thought the gym’s picture was enough – now I regret it cos the gym can never replace our Pavilion.

The school river. Amazingly, we have this small river at school where we used to get water for our gardening. One thing I hate about public school – the gardening! We have this lot where we have to plant some vegetables and take care of it. Well, the school administrator deserves my praise for making and keeping this river clean and beautiful.

See the fresh water? But no, it is not advisable for drinking. A slaughter house is nearby the river, so most likely some of the wastes are thrown out to the river. Oh please, don’t hate the owner cos we own the slaughter house. <_<

How can I forget the bridge? Haha, I think I was too childish to start my love affair at that infamous school bridge. It is the same old bridge, nothing change.

The hallway to my third and fourth grade. The fourth door was my third grade class room, and the last door (which you can’t see in the picture) was my fourth grade class room. Oh my, everything is still the same and I don’t want to take picture of the exact class room cos I might see in them the craziness I did when I was younger. Yes indeed, the vandals and all that. LOL

So that’s my old elementary school. Though I have too much to say against it, I am not ashamed to tell the world that I came from that school. I’m proud to be a graduate of that school – Yes, I am.

Welcome to Little Boracay

2007-09-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

^picture above is courtesy of Bob Martin of www.liveinthephilippines.com

One of the finest beaches in my town was named after the famous Boracay in Aklan. Little Boracay, as we called it, is a small replica of what Boracay is. The white sand, the coconut trees, the beautiful stones, the lovely corals, the amazing sea urchins, the star fishes and many more, are something more than you can imagine.

The resort is equipped with cottages, from ‘Nipa’ hut, small cottages to one-bedroom air-conditioned cottage. It also caters seminar and training at the resort’s convention hall which can accommodate up to 100 persons. The entry fee is only 10php and 20php, kids and adults respectively and additional 10php for overnight fee per person. Cottage price ranges from 50php, 100php and 1000php.

Little Boracay maintains a tourism spot of Santa Maria. You are always welcome to visit. If you’re looking for a good place to relax, with the aura of a real boracay, come and chill in Little Boracay.

Sneak peek of the beautiful resort:

View From The Top

2007-08-12T23:23:00.001-07:00

I went home to my everdearest home town. As my ‘pasalubong’ to everyone, I took a video of the town from the top.

I talked to some residents of the town about the island we saw at the center of the beautifully carved sea; however, I can’t find fact that will allow me to visit the island. Well, I’m not hopeless; I will surely find a way to go to that island.

If you're at the top (thru-cut between Malalag and Sta Maria), you will see the breathtaking view of my town. It's green, grassy, rich and magnificent.

Need fresh air, visit my town.

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Discover the Wonders

2007-07-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Not knowing to people, my hometown is a nice place to live. We’ve got several extravagant beach resorts, breathtaking views from up hill, quality schools, recreation spots and good people.

Santa Maria is a municipality in the Province of Davao del Sur. It’s a 2 hours drive from the heart of Davao City. The municipality is very accessible since we have 3 bus companies lined up to accommodate the residents and the visitors as well.

Santa Maria is divided into 22 Barangays.

Poblacion (This is where I reside)

Down South:
Basiawan 7.5km

Left West:
San Isidro 3km
Pongpong 4.5km
Cadaatan 6km
Santo Rosario 7.5km
Santo Niño 7.8km
San Roque 8km
Kidadan 9.5km
Buca 9.5km
Datu Daligasao - 13km
San Antonio 21km
San Pedro 29km
Datu Intan 33km
Kinilidan 37km
San Juan 38km

Right East:
Mamacao 6km
San Agustin 7km
Tanglad 7.5km
Malalag Tubig 9km
Kisulad 9.5km
Ogpao 12km

*Barangays are arranged according to the distance away from Poblacion.

The people of Santa Maria speak several languages. These includes Tagacaulo(Kinaulo), Cebuana (Bisaya), Ilokano, Tagalog and Chavakano.

Travel Tips:
On the way to Santa Maria from Davao City, you are expected to pass through the Municipality Santa Cruz, Digos, Sulop, Padada, and Malalag before you reach Santa Maria.

Come and join me as I reminisce, travel and discover the hidden beauty of Santa Maria.

* photos are courtesy of Bob Martin of www.mindanao.com and www.liveinthephilippines.com, thank you.

Traveler’s Compliment

2007-07-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

I’m so moved to read something about my hometown. It’s really been a pleasure to me in behalf of my fellow residents of Santa Maria to be praise for something our town have. Just like an ordinary day, I once again asked my friend Google to provide me information about my town and my friend redirected me to several sites.

Read the articles from the following sites below:
Santa Maria Davao del Sur http://www.mindanao.com/blog/?p=1262
Family Fun at Little Boracay http://mindanao.com/blog/?p=2044
How About a Little Fun? http://liveinthephilippines.com/blog/?p=169

The feeling of recognition for my beloved Santa Maria paved deep into my heart. I am so happy to hear that my town (once again) received its glory.

My Technorati Account

2007-07-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, i just started using my technorati account. I'm new and yeah ignorant with it. hehe
Please have a look at my Technorati Profile and hopefully you'll put in your favorites.

Thank you so much for your kindness. =)