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

Casa Benessere Beckons You

Imagine a high ceilinged  two- storey abode that sits right smack in the middle of the tropical isle of Panglao, Bohol, Philippines 

  

 

The wide ceilings and the verandas at the second floor assures house guests of an airy and homey feel and one that blends comfort  and simple pleasures

Welcome to Casa Benessere which is Italian for House of Wellness & Easy Living

From the very moment that I laid my weary bones on its comfortable and huge bed, I felt like I was in Seventh Heaven.

I had the most relaxed sleep ever after getting a soothing massage and sipping the best Italian tea

 Casa Benessere has two masters’ bedrooms and two double rooms at very affordable rates. 

Aside from a sun- drenched patio where one can worship the sun in utmost privacy, it is an unpretentious bed & breakfast that offers services like a soothing massage. 

Countryside tours, diving expeditions & island hopping can also be arranged with the staff 

Rates include breakfast of your choice. Guests can also use the spacious and modern kitchen to cook or prepare their favorite meals

A winding staircase leads to the second floor and the veranda

Owned & managed by Berdeth Piquero- Ciccioni, guests are assured of great pampering and the best customer service.

By the way, the whole casa can be rented exclusively for a maximum of 10 guests

Contact this blogger for details and reservations

Photo Credits: BJ Enerio

Berdeth Gives Back for Bohol's Future

REACHING OUT

It was a meaningful birthday celebration for Italy- based Boholana Berdeth Piquero when she celebrated her natal day with a visit to Pangangan Elementary School located in Pangangan Island, Calape, Bohol last Thursday November 21 to share her blessings with the school's teachers and 452 pupils

She was joined by your blogger and her high school classmate and good friend Lyndon Boiser who incidentally, is marking his golden year today

Good friends Lyndon & Berdeth with Bohol's future
 

CLASSES IN A TENT CITY 

Both were immediately drawn to the innocent faces of the young pupils who were oblivious to the makeshift tent and bamboo structure that has been their classroom for the past few weeks after an earthquake devastated their school and houses

During our visit, we found out that several of the teachers and the pupils have fallen ill because of the not so conducive ventilation from the nylon tarpaulin that turn the makeshift classrooms into ovens when the sun comes out during the day

It was an eye- opener for my companions who witnessed the deplorable surroundings. 

After the visit and the distribution of the school supplies, both Berdeth and Lyndon thanked me for the opportunity to reach out to the kids. 

I said "Don't thank me for I'm just an instrument" 

Before she flew back for Italy this morning, Ate Berdeth promised to initiate a fundraiser so that the community's dream for their kids to have a sturdier classroom will be fulfilled

Cheers to you both Berdeth & Lyndon!

If you want to help rebuild Bohol's school buildings and classrooms that were either totally destroyed or partially damaged by the October 15 temblor, please visit the FB Link below:

Bohol Friends Forever - Rebuilding Schools

Photo Credits: Raul Phillip Gatal & Berdeth Piquero