Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Tragic Death of a Young Boholano

Today, the year 2014 draws to a close. I will be devoting my blog to an unforgettable young man who was at the cusp of manhood when his life was snuffed out.

Ezekiel at the summer of his life
Here's a song for you Kiel

Today would have been the 19th birthday of Ezekiel Germaine Sarmiento Quibir whose frail heart simply gave up one eventful day last December 8. Ekil or Kikil as friends and family call him is my cousin Catherine Sarmiento’s eldest son of three kids with the late Lito Quibir.

Ezekiel with Nikki, his brother's girlfriend
Ezekiel with younger brother Amik

Today at the Quibir household, there will be deafening silence instead of boisterous laughter & unbridled merrymaking. I cannot imagine how Cathy would survive and hurdle today’s celebrations as the New Year is welcomed. Misery and pain, as they say, are acutely exacerbated when contrasted with a joyous occasion.

Ezekiel with his mom Cathy & younger brother Amik
Ezekiel  with his friends

If there’s any consolation for those left behind by Ekil, there is comfort in knowing that he is already freed from physical pain and he is now up there with his Papa Lito in the Great Beyond where there is eternal sunshine and laughter.


Here are some photos that I took of him barely a month before he passed away. These were the test shots for a possible photographic modeling assignment. Who would have thought that these photos would turn out to be his funeral photographs?


Here’s some thoughts to ponder on as we remember Ekil on his birthday today
He Is Gone 
by David Harkin 
You can shed tears that he is gone Or you can smile because he has lived 
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left 
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him Or you can be full of the love that you shared  
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday 
You can remember him and only that he is gone Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on  
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Flooding in Loboc, Bohol

The beautiful town of Loboc, Bohol which is renowned all over for its floating restaurants is badly in need of your help after tropical storm Seniang caused its river to overflow and inundate the whole place.

Loboc has been submerged in water since yesterday and townsfolk there are in need of dry clothes, ready- to- eat food and drinking water.

Latest word from Michael Yu’s FB post says that Loboc’s Sta. Clara Power Plant in (Tontonan, Gotozon, Loboc) has been opened as an evacuation center and as a drop off center for ready-to-eat food and clothes. If you want to help out, look for the call or text the manager, Raul Borlaza (09173242235). Tagbilaran City drop off area is Elegant Design, Cabagnot residence near Sweet Home Cafe. Info from Anna Maris Igpit II and Darlene Bustrillos






Loboc Plaza kiosk 


basketball net juts out amidst the murky waters




the Buzz Cafe in shambles


the town's cultural center is half- submerged




 Photo Credits: Marion Sarigumba

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Berdeth's Birthday Cheers

Last year after a devastating quake struck Bohol, we took Italy- based Berdeth Piquero of Candijay, Bohol to Panggangan Island,Calape, one of the hardest hit towns of the province. She saw for herself how the school children were the most affected when their school building collapsed. 


This year, as a way of sharing her blessings on her 50th birthday, we went back to Panggangan to distribute slippers and other stuff together with close friend since high school days Engr. Necie "Oua" Pepito- Yu, wife of Calape Vice Mayor Nelson Yu &  Ate Lourdes Pepito


It was a sunny sunny day that was warmed further by the excitement & radiant smiles that beamed from the children's faces

Philippine Christmas lanterns peek out from the windows








Berdeth shows what caring & sharing is all about



Berdeth & Necie take a break with the head teacher & pupils
Your Blogger mugs for the camera
Photo Credits: raulgatal & berdethpiquero

Extra Special Blog Feature

Part 1: The Tragic Story of Amparo Munoz

  no fairy tale ending SPAIN CONQUERED THE PHILIPPINES AGAIN. Whenever discussions and debates center on who is considered as the ...