#Things to Do in Tanauan Leyte

[shellwanders]

How to Get to Payag ni Lolo Iri Farm Resort + Travel Guide

How to Get to Payag ni Lolo Iri Farm Resort + Travel Guide

 “Payag ni Lolo Iri”, is a haven of serenity, simplicity, and relaxation. Payag ni Lolo Iri is an organic farm with resort amenities in the heart of Tanauan, Leyte. Traveling to Payag ni Lolo Iri Farm Resort for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to navigate your way inside, save money, and maximize your time. View this post on Instagram A post…

[chericaxlorenze]

Now who's Lorenjeu?

Before you read, I'm already telling you this. This is pretty long! Enjoy!

Cherica Lorenze “Lorenjeu” C. Padullo was born on September 18, 1999. She was baptized at San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel, Barangay Magay, Tanauan Leyte ten days after she was born. She got the name ‘Cherica’ from the combination of her parents’ names which are Cheryl and Erico (‘Che’ plus ‘Ric’ and added ‘a’ equals Cherica) and ‘Lorenze’ from the name of the Saint Lorenzo Ruiz. Cherica, or commonly known for her nickname as ‘Chika’. She started schooling when she turned five, at Barangay Buntay Daycare Center. When she was in Kinder 1, she was loved and cherished by her classmates because she was such a jolly, talkative and talented child. She started singing and dancing even before she started her pre-school education. She also joined dancing and drawing competitions when she was in Kinder 2 at Barangay Licod Daycare Center and developed her talents as she went her journey in elementary education. At seven years old when she was in first grade in Tanauan I Central School, her teacher discovered her skill in speaking and in delivery because she was also one of the fast-learners and fast-readers in her class. With that, her teacher trained her to compete for a declamation contest. With her joining, she was also recommended by her teacher in first grade and let her join again in second grade. In all her six years of elementary education, she was part of the English Month celebration by joining declamations and verse choirs. She was not just good in English but also, she was a consistent part of the Balagtasan during Buwan Ng Wika celebration from grades three to six. When she was just ten years old, she was the emcee of their school’s recognition rights 2011. Cherica proved that even how small she looks and how poor they are in financial aspects, she was a consistent honor student from kinder until her she grasped elementary graduation with flying colors. In such a young age, Cherica was used to be exposed in front of a big crowd because of those presentations and competitions. It had molded her self-confidence and competence that she used and carried until she reached junior high school. As the pioneer of the k-12 education, she was introduced to a kind of curriculum that was very new to her. She had made great adjustments however she was able to successfully cope with the different environment and teachings in Tanauan National High School. During her junior high school years that started in the year 2012 and ended in 2016, she didn’t stop dancing and was always part of the cultural show during the annual fiesta celebration of her town. She had experienced dancing to a festival, to playground demonstrations, hip-hop, cheer dance, interpretative dances, modern dances and of course, to k-pop dances. The stage was a big part of her junior high school years. She was also a debater and a spelling quiz bee participant. She was also always in charge of leading and preparing for verse choir competitions, choreographing dances and creating songs. On the other hand, she never sung to a singing competition but she lets her classmates hear her sing inside their classroom. She had never had a confidence to singing in a contest individually because she thinks her voice isn’t appropriate for things like that. However, she joins jingle competitions and jazz chants because it comprises several people. In terms of relationships between others,

Cherica had a large number of friends and acquaintances even though lots of people identify her as a ‘scary’, ‘moody’ and ‘intimidating’ one. She was such a serious person and most of the time, her classmates fear her especially when she was already the one speaking with authority. Despite the deep, scary and authoritative voice she had, she maintained having best buds and supportive classmates. Besides, being part of the special science class that had an elimination didn’t hinder them from creating good memories, camaraderie, and common understandings. Back when the super typhoon Haiyan smashed the entire Tanauan, the aftermath caused a lot of headaches to the townsmen because of the casualties it brought and how devastated the town was, especially our house that was no longer rebuilt until now. A month passed after the super typhoon, the Republic of Korea Army, Navy, and Marine, which was called the Araw Contingent at that time, helped our town rebuild our schools, police station, and other government properties. Aside from that, Cherica being an ultimate k-pop fan, she was able to have a lot of Korean friends and most specially, she was given the privilege of studying Korean Language at their basecamp in Palo, Leyte at the age of fourteen and took the TOPIK (Test On Proficiency In Korean) in Leyte Normal University for the first time. She always had that guts of learning new things, especially language, aside from English. When she had her moving up ceremony during junior high school, she was also an honor student. At summer 2016, Cherica started having her summer job, and the municipality of her town also the DOLE RO8 office, was the offices who took charge of giving them salaries. After that, she continued her senior high school education at Asian Development Foundation College. On that institution, that was where she found great friends. She enrolled in an academic track which was Humanities and Social Sciences and she never expected that she would experience a lot of crazy and various things she never thought of before. Her friends whom she called also as ‘family’ taught her different realizations in life. There, she thought of herself as already a mature person because of the experiences and involvements she had with those kinds of friends and classmates. Aside from improving and sharing her skills and talents, she was able to express herself and let others know what she wanted them to know. Cherica was again an honor student when she graduated her senior high school at the year 2018. In addition, Cherica had summer jobs starting from the years 2016 to 2018. After graduating from senior high school, Cherica got into Leyte Normal University and enrolled Bachelor in Secondary Education then took English as her major. Her first semester was such a pain in the neck because of the full loads given to them. Anyway, she also had time to study and learn Korean Language and be part of the Intermediate Class at Tacloban Korean Methodist Church. Most importantly, Cherica also became an Army ROTC Cadet Officer and graduated last November 18, 2018 also having an award as the rank 2 among 80 cadet officer graduates. When the second semester started, Cherica was given the opportunity again of showing her talents in singing and acting as she was part of the casts in their musical play adaptation of Tim Burton’s ‘The Corpse Bride”. Many people, even during their rehearsals, were cheering and praising her. She made those as her inspiration in always doing her best and always stayed humble. Now March 2019, Cherica is still facing the wrath of the second semester in her first year as a college student. Cherica is studying Korean Language again and is now in the Advance Class. She is also pressured as she is part of the SUT (Small Unit Tactics) in preparation of the coming tactical inspection of Army ROTC Unit of Leyte Normal University. Fingers crossed, Cherica is aiming to pass on her first year as a college student and be free from regrets and dismay. By the way, “Lorenjeu” is how Koreans speak her name Lorenze!

[allewritesanything-blog]

Wildflower in a City

I am Allera Mae Maceda. I am a wildflower and I am not the only one.

"Bloom like a wildflower", that is what the Korean drama series "My Strange Hero" taught her. No matter how many times a wildflower is stepped on, it will always bloom. This statement became her motivation to prove to herself that she is capable. She is a nineteen-year-old only child of Mr. Juan O. Maceda, a farmer, and Mrs. Alminda M. Maceda, a businesswoman. I was born on January 03, 2000 in Tanauan, Leyte. When she was younger, her kindergarten teacher asked her class what were their dreams in life and as far as she can remember, she would copy what her seatmate's dream. She never had a dream in life at that stage of her life. She only wanted to go to school because that was what her parents told her and basically, her playmates were in school. She just enjoyed herself wherever her parents bring her at that time. But her mindset changed when a big storm struck their little home. Her parents had to separate and things went going down for her. She was deeply hurt to see the parents that she loves both going their own separate ways then, shell be left alone forced to decide, at the age of seven, whom to go with. It was heartbreaking but she stayed with her aunt in Tacloban City. Her parents just visited her, following a schedule agreement. For her it was not a normal setting for a family. It was not like her classmates' nor her playmates'. It had taken a part of her childhood eventually, a part of my life. After 3 years, her mother took her to live with her. However, she noticed that during those years that she was with her relatives, it made her pity herself. It made her question herself. It made her not to believe herself and always doubt her capabilities. It made her not interested in studies anymore. It made her feel that it was just her own journey already though her parents were there. Yes, it changed her but then, she realized that her parents are not still dead. They are still alive who were also hurt just as her. All she had to do was to acknowledge their existence and reciprocate their love ever since they adopted her from her aunt, who is her biological mother and the person whom she took her refuge in the times of sorrow. She already knew that fact but she did not care because technically, she is still close with them since her biological mother and the mother who adopted her are siblings. Then, she started to work hard for them. She studies for them. She gradually starts believing herself again. She regained back her confidence. She started to socialize to wider groups of people. She decided to step out of mediocrity and trust the self that God made her even though there are people who tries to pull her down. I already decided not be stuck in the past. When she entered my Junior High School, she started to be on the honor roll until she finished her Senior High.

Enrolling in a school located in a city and living away from her mother are both her decision. She believes that being here in Leyte Normal University will taught her how to become an independent person. It will also help her grow in the profession that she had chosen. She wants to become a teacher because she wants to share the learnings that she had learned in life. She wants the youth in the next generation to have dreams for themselves that will help them to learn to love themselves so that they will not lose it as time passes by. She wants them to be the best versions of themselves.

No matter how many shortcomings that may try to discourage her, she will always be a wildflower who blooms. She knows she is not the only flower. Somebody out there is just like her, too. So, if they can do it, why should she hesitate to push herself?

[seecourtneytravel]

September 19, 2018

Tabontabon Rural Health Clinic

I woke up (shocking I know) at like 0600 to make sure I was out of the house by 7am. I felt like one hour should be good enough to go to the Tabontabon Rural Health Clinic for my first real day at the location. I’m currently scheduled to arrive at this clinic Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 12pm. And then at the Leyte Provincial Hospital Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am to 12pm. Four hours a day for 5 days a week. Plus the commute time for just today going to the clinic is at least 1 hour… so I thought..

I arrived almost an hour late. Here’s how. I did my usual transportation from “Escina Bliss” to the Tanauan farmers market (30 minutes on jeepney). Once arrived there, I hopped on a tricycle to take me to the rest of the way to Tabontabon. The tricycle refused to leave until it had more passengers. Across from me was a friendly woman that was talkative even though she was not confident in her English. She held a baby in her hands that looked less than a year old and appeared to have been delayed. The baby was calm, not fussy, was okay being in his mom's arms for long periods of time. His eyes had nystagmus and his right arm was contorted with a constant fist. The Mother was so high spirited, patient, and calm. Nobody moved for over 40 minutes. Even they’re being a baby on board waiting to get to their home and out of the heat, the tricycle would still not budge.

Filipino Moms

I notice all moms here are resilient. They have their child 100% natural and would carry them probably until they can finally walk. My house sister, Arlyn is 25 with a 6 month old a 4 year old. Being here for a week, I have not once see her upset or impatient with her kids. She is always holding and rocking her 6 month old without tire. The baby never cries but just has smiles and then bigger smiles. It’s another amazement to see a house with two kids but no toys. No bouncers or a high chair. No iPad or endless entertainment for the 4 year old. The mothers and their children are simply resilient.

After another passenger boarded we finally made our way to Tabontabon. The next passenger was an 18 year old that looked 13. Her english was also also on the so so side but she smiled and conversed with me as much as she could. Again, always with a smile.

I was on the motorised tricycle for thirty minutes. My back was against a metal bar that was vibrating like crazy during the ride making it itch. I couldn’t keep my head on the inside of the domed portion as I sat in the back, because I was too tall. The tricycles are a lot of fun for short rides, not really ideal for my commute but there was no other way unless I wanted to pay triple the cost and grab a ride from a motorcycle.

I walked into the clinic on my own and was ushered into the back room by a staff memeber. I walked in on a meeting and their were about 20 or 30 people crammed into a small room. They sat me in a chair in the center and the head doctor asked me a ton of questions to answer in front of all the staff in the clinic. The basic questions and curiouslities like: Where are you from? Where do you work? How long? Almost like an interview. They always ask if I’m married and I have to break the news that I would need to have a boyfriend first for that. They all gasp in shock, giggled and Ooo-ed. I made a few jokes to make an ice breaker saying I was looking for my 90 day fiancé because I’m not getting any younger. Everyone laughed.

I was excused from the room as they finished their meeting. I changed clothes and started shadowing a clinic nurse. It felt like a high speed clinic or urgent care. She would get the vital signs, weight, and complaint. They would have their charts that would be clustered together by family name. The nurses write on a blank sheet of paper the date and complaint almost like it was a scrap paper but it was part of the charts. They would chart in English and communicate to the patients in waray- waray. I was advised by the head doctor to just observe today.

The community in tabontabon could not speak English and were typically too inland for schools and the atmosphere to have it in their curriculum. The patient population is super high in pregnant woman, babies, and kids.

One of the patients seen first by the nurse was a 1 year old with a fever. This was the first time I could see the nurse was allowed to act before having a doctors order. Whereas in the hospital was a little different. The nurse said to me? “We are advised to give paracetamol when a child comes in with high fever.” I looked at the box and didn’t recognise it but apparently it was their Tylenol. I was trying to do the math with the nurse to figure out dose calculation. I’m not sure why I couldn’t wrap my head around it but I couldn’t figure out why and how she got her numbers. I’m so used to setting up a math problem in a cross division sort of way, but apparently I have to hit the dose calculation books again because I felt pretty slow at this point. The box read 250mg/5ml, then it only gave the recommended dosing for age groups. The nurse explained to me that the patient weighs 7kg and the constant is 15. I was sitting there wondering.. (what the hell is a constant…. it’s not written on the bottle..). I tried the equation my cross division way and couldn’t get the answer. I asked her why 15? She just said because it’s the constant. I figured I would return to this problem when I have down time because I was obviously over thinking. Maybe it’s like the number 9 in our Tpa formula..

Anyways- she took the baby and mom to the front of the line with a basin of ice water for the mom to help cool the baby down. I said, “that’s a good idea, we typically don’t do that.” I think some of my side comments made America’s practice seem a little lazy in a way, but they were just general comments. Some responses I would get a gasping “really!” with eyebrows raised. But I was trying my best to internalise my own expressions with some differences I noticed in their practice. Now I’ll probably add cool wash clothes to my febrile baby patients. Sounds easy, but at times the little things can be overlooked. I’m so used to putting cold packs to the armpit or groin to an elderly patient. But babies are not my forte.

From initial assessment we headed to exam area. Here, I sat in the exam room where two medical residents took patients as they came. Both doctors were woman in their 30’s but looked like they were in their 20’s. They assessed, examines, and wrote prescriptions as if it was the triage nurses and PA’s would in triage at our home hospitals in the U.S. One baby came in with crackles. The doctor advised she should be placed on oxygen and have a breathing treatment. The doctor did a lot of the manual work and treatments in the room with a midwife assist. Equipment was scarce but they made due with the supplies they had to treat the baby to an improved condition.

I asked about why I was seeing so many midwives. I have not heard of any nurse practitioner here thus far as well so I feel as if their are different levels of care. I have seen nurses, midwives and doctors only. In the U.S., I believe being a nurse practitioner and then deciding to be a medical doctor is a very long path. The Philippines are required to be either a midwife or nurse first before being a doctor. This is all information that I’ve gathered being here during lunch room small talk and can have some inaccuracy.

The day was long as I sat there and heard constant convos in Waray-waray. It became the afternoon and I had lunch with the two residents. They reminded me of my American Filipino friends back home but they have never been to the U.S.. I talked with them asking how I could help or make a difference here because it seemed over staffed. I stated my concerns, stating that I thought my “hands on” experience won’t be used as much here. I also haven’t had a chance to explore the community with the staff as well. They go out into the community and teach preventive medicine and give vaccines. I also asked what supplies they needed because I noticed that was also an issue. Especially at the hospital, where it appeared to be dramatically under supplied and staffed.

I imagined myself going home and asking my nurse managers from the hospitals I’ve worked in to not throw away unused or expired supplies because they could have use in other areas of the world like the Philippines. We have so much waste but manage to know how to waste it (if that makes sense). I imagined If gloves were suddenly readily available in the Philippines they would either not use it based off of habits of practice or not know how to dispose of it. I imagine medical waste would end up in the street, untouched landfills I’ve see here, or even worse- in the ocean. So their was that boggling in my head.

After talking and eating with the doctors they took me back to the head doctors office so I could address my concerns. She basically asked me what my expectations were and I said to be more hands on. But that would just take away one of their staff members to watch over me or to translate for me. The resident mentioned that I thought about what items were needed to the head doctor. She said that most items get differed to the bigger hospital when donated and usually they are fine on their basic supplies at the clinic. Just another reminder of how Filipinos are resilient.

I left the office a little discerned like this may be more shadowing and I won’t be as hands on as I thought. There are nursing staff that do go out to the community to help with vaccinations and preventative medicine. I still need to see that here so there may be more to look forward to.

When I returned I asked Jude if I could maybe switch my days and maybe be at the hospital Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and only two days at the clinic. They said that would not be a problem.

[phgq]

Leyte village offers free internet, computer access for learners

#PHnews: Leyte village offers free internet, computer access for learners

TANAUAN, Leyte – As schools have moved to online platforms and adopted distance learning amid the global health crisis, a village here has opened its computer library to help students without gadgets and poor internet access at home.

The project of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Canramos was set up in June in time for the opening of classes, which was delayed months later due to the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019.

SK chairman Nikko Cesar said the library set up inside the village hall has three computer sets, a printer, and a Wi-Fi router, solely for educational use.

"It was planned and funded even before the pandemic since our community is home to four big schools in town. It is very timely that this was realized in the time that we are adapting to the new normal," he said in an interview on Friday.

To get free access, students are encouraged to donate plastic bottles that are recycled or sold to purchase additional printer ink and bond papers.

Christopher Laurence Roa, 20, is one of its regular clients since classes started this week.

"I have printed my self-learning modules and been attending my virtual classes in the computer library. I'm sincerely thankful to the youth leaders here for coming up with this project to help students with limited resources to adopt in the new normal," he said.

The freshman student, taking up Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Management at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Tanauan campus located in Canramos, said that instead of spending on printing and internet, he is able to save money for more important things.

He said this is a big help for her mother, a single parent, who earns a meager income from selling barbeque and doing laundry services to support six children.

"In fact, my mother is thankful and supportive of this project. She and my siblings also collect empty plastic bottles which I donate every time I visit the computer library," Roa said.

Driven by determination, he said he is willing to pursue education despite the health crisis in order to have a stable job in the future.

"For me, it's okay to continue education amid the pandemic as long as students are given considerations for delayed submission of school requirements," he added.

EVSU Tanauan science instructor Mary Ann Balagasay lauded the initiative of the SK council that supports education and at the same time promotes environmental protection.

She said the use of the internet and gadgets are only considered as wants before, but given the current situation, these can be considered as needs especially in education.

"Most of the unprivileged students of our society are greatly challenged with online learning. With this project, we are able to preserve mother nature and help the youth work on their dreams by pursuing education," Balagasay said.

The computer library is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Canramos SK council strictly implements health protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks, handwashing before entry, and observance of physical distancing.

They are also planning to add more computer sets next year to help more students cope with the challenge of online learning. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Leyte village offers free internet, computer access for learners." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118001 (accessed October 09, 2020 at 10:13PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Leyte village offers free internet, computer access for learners." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118001 (archived).

[ptpc2-blog]

Family Ties

I am a Generation X, or people who were born from 1965 - 1979, while the Generation Y (also known as The Millennials) are those who were born from 1980 - 1994. And yet we have the newest generation, the Gen Z or Generation Z; the kids who were born from 1995 - 2015. Gen Z are currently between 3 - 23 years old. And  speaking of Gen Z, my daughter Alessandra (in the picture) was 11 years old (2017), taken on the beautiful Bislig Beach in Tanauan Leyte, some 25 Kilometers South of Tacloban City. Alessandra was with her younger cousin enjoying the beachfront of Bislig under a breathtaking sky. As an Adventurer with a little passion of photography, I have three cameras; the Nikon D5000, Coolpix Powershot and the action camera SJ4000. Everywhere I go, I should have something in my pocket ready to capture any magnificent views and all of a sudden memorable moments along my way, because I always believe that it will be worthy to have something to look at when we get older. This was year 2017 when I traveled vice-versa about 2000 Kilometers from Manila to Samar and headed Tacloban (my hometown) before going back to Manila. This was my second official Solo Adventure Ride with my motorcycle and whenever I reached home, I transformed myself into a full time Father! Spending precious time with family, and the beach is always a good place to start. I just took the opportunity to take few shots while my daughter was having fun with her cousin and the result was indeed incredible using my Nikon D5000 DLSR camera around 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The important message on this picture that I considered shareable is the simple, unique and cheerful nature of our children when they are with their parents spending time together! We may came from different time lines and generations and every generation has a considerable amount of changes and in some sort, it drifted into new trends, inclinations to newer fashion, new style, new gadgets, new technologies and even new teachings. All of these could change our children's behaviors, personalities and mind settings. But this simple photograph may remind us as parents not to forget to offer and provide enough time to be with our children, be more vigilant on what they do, supervise in each task they are doing. Let us keep showing more love, more efforts, do healthy and exciting things and show importance to their interests and hobbies regardless of what generation your children are in. Read the full article

[phgq]

Covid-19 patients' admission to aid tracing: Tacloban exec

#PHnews: Covid-19 patients' admission to aid tracing: Tacloban exec

TACLOBAN CITY – A city official here has asked coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients to have the courage to reveal their identity for faster contact tracing and prevent further spread of the virus.

“One thing we can do to help contain the spread is by divulging our identity. So that the people who have been in close contact with can be alerted and take necessary precautions or actions,” Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said in a statement.

Some officials in Eastern Visayas confirmed that they are Covid-19 patients after receiving the result of their swab test. Among them is Northern Samar 1st District Representative Paul Daza, Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy, and Catbalogan Councilor Stephany Uy.

Health workers from Catbalogan City and a confirmed patient from Tanauan, Leyte also informed the public that they are infected with the hope to help in contact tracing efforts.

As a person who is tested positive with Covid-19, Yaokasin said it is their duty and obligation to the city and for the sake of the public, and with their consent, to reveal their identity to fast track contact tracing.

“If the patient will just depend on recalling the people whom they had interaction, it might be too late for our contact tracing effort,” he added.

However, for those who will not allow their identity to be revealed by invoking their rights under the Data Privacy Act should be respected, but they must honestly and fully recall previous activities to facilitate contact tracing.

Some Covid-19 patients are afraid to reveal their identity for fear of discrimination.

“But more than the fear of discrimination, what every person should think of is the safety of others and prevention of its spread in the community that may lead to infecting more people,” Yaokasin said.

He added that those who are identified as close contacts of a confirmed patient have an obligation to isolate themselves and refrain from going outside to limit the risk of spreading the virus.

The official issued the statement as the number of fresh cases through local transmission continues to rise. From August 19 to 25 alone, 199 new cases were detected.

Since the pandemic, the city has recorded 230 cases with 146 classified as active cases as of Friday.

The city is also identified as one of the eight areas in the region with local transmission, however, the health agency clarified that the transmission in the city is contained only in few communities.

“We hope more villages can provide regular public advisories regarding Covid-19 cases in their respective places to help their constituents take precautionary measures, fact-check and avoid false information and fake news,” he said.

He also calls for everyone to practice physical distancing, limit your exposure to people, the regular wearing of face masks, avoiding social gathering, not staying in enclosed space for long hours, stay at home, and report to authorities when manifesting Covid-19 symptoms. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Covid-19 patients' admission to aid tracing: Tacloban exec." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113719 (accessed August 29, 2020 at 12:10AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Covid-19 patients' admission to aid tracing: Tacloban exec." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113719 (archived).