RYLA

Niki recently attended the 2007 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

It is an Annual activity of Rotary International and is a leadership training program to prepare community youth leaders.

The Rotary Club of Cotabato City-South hosted this year's event for Rotary District 3870 and brought together youth representatives from different cities and municipalities of Mindanao namely Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, Tacurong, Kidapawan, Isulan, Midsayap, and the host City- Cotabato.

The 3 day live-in seminar took place on November 23 to 25, 2007 at the St. Joseph Retreat House, DOS, Province of Shariff Kabunsuan.

Niki together with her classmates Joy, Charmaine, Allaizah, and Queenee represented their school, Cotabato City Institute.

As Vice-chairman of the event, I was also tasked to give the invocation.

Various lectures and workshops were given to enlighten the participating youth of their leadership potential.

Listening to a lecture- A practical approach to time management.

Under time pressure, they were given a task to gather different things found in the garden.

Stress management using the Zen technique

Niki- feeling relaxed while listening to the topic 'Peace and Conflict Resolution'

After two days, Kate and Todd can't wait to see their sister.

Well, hoping the purpose of the seminar would really materialize to bring out their leadership potentials.

Tree Planting

Niki and Todd participated in a Rotary sponsored Tree Planting Project.

The project was a joint effort of the Rotary Club of Cotabato City South, the Philippine Councilors' League- Cotabato City, and the 6th Infantry Division and the 54th Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army.

The aim of the project is for water preservation as well as for the protection of the crab industry.

The activity took place during the hosting by the Rotary Club of Cotabato City-South of the annual Rotary International's RYLA.

Since it was a joint project with the 6th ID, the vehicles used to transport the RYLA participants were three 6x6. Obviously, Todd was so thrilled with his first ride in a military vehicle.

And so were Niki and her friends.

The tree planting took place in Barangay Tamontaka, Cotabato City- about 3 kilometers from the City proper.

Well, they can have fun even during civic projects!

Obedient Puggley Wuggley!

Here's Puggley tasting her first steak-bone.

And here's Puggley waiting for the command to EAT.

Oooh that Puggley Wuggley. Isn't she ADORABLE and SMART?

Piano Recital

Niki and Kate once again participated in Cotabato City's Keyboard Fest 2007-

an annual piano recital from the students ofEvelyn C. Rosal Music Studio.

Kate is currently Level Three and played "Powerhouse" by J. W. Shaum

Niki belongs to the Advanced Level and played a 10 minute piece "Invitation to Dance" by C. Von weber

Kate with Ryssa Delosa playing "Polka Rag"

Kate was adjudged Outstanding Performer for Level Three.

Niki took the Outstanding Performer Award for the Advanced Level.

Here'e a clip of Kate's "Powerhouse" by J. W. Shaum

Since Niki's piece was more than ten minutes, here's an excerpt.

Sembreak!

After serving a client for almost 18 straight hours in the last election, and the kids were really expecting to spend some time away from home during the semestral break, here are some pics from Davao City.

Trick or treat at SM Davao

Can't get enough of Sushi and Sashimi!

Still the best, Apo View Hotel

Despite the long weekend and being fully booked,

we practically had the pool to ourselves.

Oh well, during our malling, Todd spotted TIMEZONE!

A pic with Agent 47.

Some funny pics.

After Halloween, Christmas is just around the corner.