On passing the Civil Service Exam

**Disclaimer: Some may be annoyed with me when reading this post. Dont get me wrong. I am grateful I passed the test. Not everyone did. but....**
I took my Career Service Examination (Professional/Second level) last November 15, 2009.
When I found out about the results, I was happy and relieved though a tiny part of me wished I got a better score. As I was looking at the top scores from the past civil service examinations, I feel a bit frustrated.  During my batch, the highest score was 88.44%. I was less than 3 points short. Two more points and I would have been in the top 4. I only needed 1.76 more points and I would have made it to the top 10. Oh well, regrets. Should have studied harder if I wanted that recognition.  I'm not really competitive when it comes to this things.  And  don't study hard enough to deserve it.  Sometimes I wish I do.If I took the exams in October 2010, my current grade would have landed me the top 1 spot.  Of course, their exam may have been harder than ours. idk. I'm just saying.Lesson learned: study really really hard and do my best if i want results that I'm satisfied with.
x

Pet Peeves

Pet Peeve Rants

On Being Busy


* a busy person hates hearing another busy person say they're too busy to accomplish a 5-minute task. 

* busy people tend to think what they do is a lot more important than other people just because they cant afford to squeeze in a simple task that could be done in 5 minutes. It doesn't make your work more important. It just makes u incompetent and a douche for belittling other people's work. 

Tagum City, Davao del Norte - A brief glance

Visit to Tagum City

Stayed in Tagum City for two nights durng the 13th PSS National Cave Congress held last April 8-12, 2013 (See my post re this this event >>  )

It was raining hard as we were traveling to Tagum City

It was sunny in Davao City when we arrived but it started to rain really hard on our way to Tagum City.  We can barely see the road.

We arrived at the congress venue past 3PM. Went straight to the inn after dinner.

Sir Den from DOT 11, Ms. Leni and Alessa from DOT OPRD, Brent from DOT 8

The following day, we decided to 'explore' a bit after the congress program. We went to Gaisano Mall of Tagum to look around.  If I'm not mistaken, there's 3 or 4 Gaisano Malls in the city in addition to the Davao Central Warehouse -Tagum Branch, New City Commercial Center (NCCC)  Mall and Tagum 168 Mall.

Ms. Leni and I at the back of a Tagum tricycle.

I always try to make it a point to try the local public transport whenever I travel. Throughout the country, tricycles and pedicabs around the country never look the same. My favorite, however, have got to be the Pagadian tricycle. the front is so elevated that you're practically lying on your back when you ride them. hehe

Tagum City Hall at dawn

We also dropped by the famed city hall. It's one of the grandest city hall I've seen so far. Unfortunately, we didnt get to see the tourist attractions in the area. It seems that Tagum City is more like a service center where all tourism facilities are available. Most of the attractions in the province may be situated in nearby towns and cities. We were told that a lot of events and festivals are held in Tagum though.  Hope I get to visit the place again and look around. :)


The next day we were off to the Municipality of New Corella.

<to be continued>

13th PSS National Cave Congress (2013)

The 13th Philippine Speleological Society National Cave Congress was held in Tagum City and New Corella, Davao del Norte last April 8-12, 2013.  My boss was invited to present in behalf of the DOT.  Originally, I was just supposed to assist him on his scheduled presentation.  Luckily he allowed me (with the help of Ms Leni) to finish the whole congress so I can also learn about caving and take part in the caving workshops. :)

L-R: Attendees from DOT - Sir Denden from DOT Reg.11,
Ms. Leni from DOT-OPRD, me, Brent from DOT Reg.8

Over 230 participants from the non-government and non-profit organizations, LGUs and PSS member caving associations and caving enthusiasts attended the 13th National Cave Congress in Davao del Norte.



Highlights 

The National Cave Congress plenary and workshops aims to explore different approaches in developing quality cave management plans, conduct a workshop to create a template for developing quality cave management plans and conduct an exercise to develop a simulated quality cave management plan using the agreed template. The expected output comprise a simple but effective template for developing quality cave management plans and a quality cave management plan for the target cave which will be given to the LGU as reference for their cave development plan.

Day 1 - April 8, 2013

The Cave Congress, held at the Provincial Cooperative Union Function Hall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte opened with a brief program and press conference.  

The Plenary Session followed in the afternoon.  With this year’s theme, “Planning for sustainability”, the resource speakers from the different government agencies, non-government organizations and the academe shared their expertise to the attendees.  Their presentations are as follows:

• Carlos M.  Libosada, Jr.
Asst. Professor/Director, Research and Extension – UP-AIT
University of the Philippines Diliman 
Cave Management

• Dir. Theresa Mundita S. Lim
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau
DENR
DENR’s Approach to Planning and Sustainable Development of Caves

• Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos
National Museum
Limestone Karst Formations: Importance to Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Philippine Amphibians and Reptiles

Speleo Davao President Dorina Ararao presenting Sir Warner
a token and certificate of appreciation

• Mr. Warner Andrada
Chief, Office of Product Research and Development
Department of Tourism
DOT’s Approach to Planning and Sustainable Development

Alessa assisting Mr. Andrada in his presentation (clicker ang peg)

PPSNP PA Superintendent James Albert Mendoza during his presentation 

• Mr. James Albert A. Mendoza
Protected Area Superintendent
Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park
Puerto Princesa Underground River History and Tourism Initiatives


The speakers entertained queries and comments after their presentations. certificates of appreciation and tokens were awarded to the speakers.  

Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario giving a speech

Day 1 concluded at 7:00PM and the Provincial Governor Rodolfo del Rosario hosted a Welcome Reception with live entertainment for the guests and participants.  Originally set-up outside, they had to move the performances and activities inside the hall because of the rain.


Day 2 – April 9, 2013

The 2nd Day of the Congress started at 8:00AM.  The following cases and presentations were discussed:

Dr. Dave Waldien and Dr. Nina Ingle presenting on Bat Conservation

• Dr. Dave Waldien
Bat Conservation International
Cavers – Champions of Philippine Cave Bats!


• Dr. Neil Aldrin D. Mallari
Fauna and Flora International 
Cementing Biodiversity

Ms Norma Monfort of Monfort Bat Sanctuary, "Bat Mama" 

• Ms. Norma Monfort 
Proprietor, Monfort Bat Sanctuary
Monfort Cave: History and Development Initiatives


• Atty. Alton Durban
Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau 
Caves within Private Lands

PSS President Jason Garrido

• Mr. Jason Garrido
PSS President
Caves and Tourism

One of the participants asking a question

In between the presentations, the attendees were given opportunity to convey any questions, comments or clarifications. Awarding of certificates and photo-taking sessions with the presenters took place.

Workshop on Cave Management Planning which is facilitated by the PSS followed.

Day 3 - April 10, 2013

The Congress continued at New Corella Central Elem. School

The congress continues with practical application, skills enhancement and simultaneous on-site trainings for beginner, intermediate (single rope technique, surveying, mapping, rigging, anchoring etc) and cave management planning. The participants transferred from Tagum City to New Corella, Davao del Norte.

Basic Caving Workshop

Intermediate Caving Workshop

In the afternoon, participants with intermediate skills were ferried to Barangay Del Monte were the caves are located.  

Dr. Dave Walden with Mickey :)

An exciting ride at the back of a dump truck :)
Front L-R: Dr. Nina, Brent; Back L-R: Alessa, Ms. Leni, Sir

The wooden chair gave up on us so we ended up sitting on the floor.

Arriving at Brgy. Del Monte

The participants (except for the Beginners group) were divided into several groups entering the Borja Cave by batch.  

Cave Management Group with the Barangay Council

Cave Management Group (plus me)

The Cave Management group composed to technical experts from the DENR, LGU and other agencies or organizations were divided into several sub-groups.  They conducted surveys and collected information within the Barangay.  A focused group discussion was also conducted.  The data gathered were used as basis for recommendation and cave management plan for New Corella.

Vehicle drop-off. About 5-10 minute trek to reach the cave opening

L-R: Ms. Leni and Alessa

Borja Cave. A vertical drop. Definitely not entering through this one!lol

Where we were supposed to enter.

Unfortunately, the bats were already agitated. We didn't want to disturb them further so the group opted not to go in anymore. Too bad for me. We were scheduled to leave the following morning so I wont be able to enter the other caves. Next time though. :)

We took photos instead :)

Ms. Leni and Alessa with the DavNor PDRRC Team

Ms. Leni and Alessa with the DavNor PDRRC Team and Brgy. Councilor

We trekked back to the jump off.

Another group photo with DENR, LGU, etc

We hitched a ride with the DavNor PDRRC truck :)

Night time:

The LGU prepared a special feast and entertainment for the congress participants.  Teachers and students prepared songs and dances. I even ended up dancing onstage during "Ryzza's Cha-cha- Dance".lol 

Teachers and students of New Corella Central Elem School

Great performance by the Next Generation Band. These kids made it to the semi-finals of PGT

Dr. Nina Ingle was given an honorary membership to PSS

Day 4 - April 11, 2013

The trainings continued in New Corella Central Elementary School (NCCES). After series of exercises and meetings, the Intermediate and Cave Management group proceeded back to Barangay Del Monte to inspect Paradise Cave. Further discussions were made after the inspection.  Draft outputs will be presented the following day.

Ms. Leni and I proceeded to Davao City.  To save money, we stayed at the DENR Staff House which is like a dorm type accommodation.  We shared the room with other DENR-Bicol reps who attended the congress.  

Day 5 – April 12, 2013

Ms. Pajarillo and Ms Lopez left Davao at 9:10AM and arrived in Manila at 11:00AM.

More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.490290131026440.1073741831.100001363718600&type=3


Sidetrip >> Davao del Norte - Tagum City and New Corella

Side trip >> Davao City 

A Wake-up Call

while randomly browsing through magazines in a bookstore shelf, I've come across an article featuring an old colleague back in college. this is like the third article I've read about him in the past year. with all his accomplishments, i cant help but look back at what I've been doing in the past 5 years since i graduates college. i had a timeline which i delayed to give way to other possibilities. i wanted to see all of my options before heading to whichever career path I am to take. I said I'd give myself a year or two to decide.its been 5 years but im still in the same place. Of course I sort of had a rough sketch of my life in the next 5 years or so but that included someone who i really wanted to be with but it didnt work out so... now I'm back to square one with still, so many options, most of which pose a lot of more uncertainties and hardwork than before...

***   Whenever I hear of people I grew up with or met during my 'younger'Wyears, I feel happy that they are accomplishing a lot.I feel happy for them. It really is true what they said during my first week in UP. Looking around the classroom, I was probably sitting next to the class Valedictorians or the future legislators and maybe even the country's next president.  Here I am again feeling bad wishing i did more in the past. I felt exactly like I did during graduation in HS and in college when I wish I could have presented my parents with more than just a diploma (if only I wasnt so lazy.. if only i wasnt a brat.. if only...) But now, i really cant afford to procrastinate. I'll be 30 soon and many opportunities are just passing by. Most of the time, I feel like I'm making the most of my time. I mean Im learning a lot and taking part in so many projects. I'm also meeting a lot of people. I love my job but the uncertainty and undercompensation is becoming a problem. If I do get a regular post, I'd have to live with the fact that career growth will be slower than the melting of the ice in Antartica. My sense of fulfillment will rest solely on developing and implementing sustainable projects that will (hopefully) benefit the communities and organizations we work with and pushing through my advocacies. For now, I think I should pursue my Masters and PhD. But which area? and where? My resources are very limited so I cant afford to aim that high. Have i really decided to not work in the hospitality biz? That window of opportunity is slowly closing in.. *Sigh* the thought of living in an island,where people spend a lot of money just stay for a few days is temping..  I could go diving everyday f i want to...

But I know I'll miss the work that I do now.. The 'creative' freedom.. The sense of accomplishment when you finish a task.. Meeting industry experts and inspiring people..

What to do... what to do...