The Chapel, Trappist Monastery, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines --- December 2010

The chapel of the monastery is very spacious. It has a simple facade yet very functional. It is located quite far  from the entrance. It's easy to locate because of the well-cemented walkway lined by trees and bushes. There are a lot of pine trees around the chapel area.

Getting inside, my attention was caught by the ceiling design highlighted by its sleek reddish brown color. The chapel boasts beautiful tall ceilings. The modern lighting and clean, shiny floors give the wooden ceilings an updated look.

Adjacent to the chapel are the houses of the monks. These structures sit on a lushly carpeted yard accented by proud conifers. I was told that we're not allowed to enter that area but we disobeyed. Bena and I ventured a little bit for some camera clicks. Fortunately, I had already taken more than 10 shots when we saw a monk in brown robe coming. We managed to get back to the chapel just in time.

Guesthouse, Trappist Monastery, Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines --- December 2010

During our retreat in December of 2010, we stayed at the monastery's guesthouse. It's a newly-constructed structure good enough for me to have a comfortable stay. It has a friendly receiving area with a mini-altar, a big television set and a comfortable white sofa. It was Fr. Bruno, the guesthouse master, who welcomed us to the place.

The guesthouse has more than 10 rooms which can accommodate two occupants each. I shared room with Rene Secular, Assumption-Iloilo's Christian Living Education ( CLE ) facilitator. Our room was near the steel door towards the monastery's mini-chapel. It was a fan room with its own toilet and bathroom.

My stay in the guesthouse was generally okay. Its simplicity helped me in a way to take a few steps back from the ordinary in order to see my lifepath anew.

Trappist Monastery in Jordan, Guimaras Will Tell You, 'Welcome to Guimaras'

Among Assumption-Iloilo personnel, December used to be the 'retreat' month. Well, we're always excited about the 'retreat' because it's the only time for us to somehow get a different perspective on life and on our chosen path. But for me, at least, it's my 'lagaw ( read: gala )' time. Oh please, don't take my concept of 'lagaw' as something negative. Lagaw for me is purposeful. I don't just go to places and let loose. I wander. I observe. I appreciate. I learn.

For two straight years, 2010 and 2011, our annual 'Faculty and Staff Retreat' was held in Trappist Monastery in Jordan, Guimaras. The exact name of the place is 'The Abbey of the Philippines' and is run by the Monks of the Cistercian Order.

The Cistercians, who were founded in France, live a life dedicated to the contemplative search for God. Cistercian monasteries are located in solitary places in the country for the sake of living more quiet and hidden lives in simplicity.

The monastery in Guimaras was founded by the United States Region in 1972 and is the only men's monastery of the Order in the Philippines. The whole place is vast with a rather large church built in 1997 and a modern guesthouse with private facilities. They welcome those who wish to spend some days with them in prayer and meditation, joining in prayer at the office and mass along with the monastic community.

How to Go There

In Iloilo City, the pumpboat terminal going to Jordan Wharf is in Brgy. Ortiz near the University of Iloilo. The pumpboat leaves as soon as all its seats are occupied. Fare is less than Php15. Travel time is around 15-20 minutes.

From Jordan Wharf, you can either take a jeepney or hire a tricycle which costs not more than Php100. In our case, we had pre-arranged transportation because there were more than 50 of us.

On the pumpboat crossing the Iloilo Strait going to the island-province of Guimaras

Pizzaro, Your Ultimate Pizza House in Iloilo City

The first ever Christmas get-together of the English Department of Assumption Iloilo took place in Pizzaro Fastfood and Pizza along Jalandoni St., Iloilo City. It was Cecile Adrias, our Coordinator, who prepared everything. We were actually clueless about what Cecile had planned for us. When the waiter came to bring our food, our eyes widened. It's a fiesta of pizza! We had several delectable varieties of healthy pizzas on our table! It was definitely a treat for mouths like me who have a big appetite for pizzas. 

Post Script:

Pizzaro Fastfood and Pizza is just across from the University of San Agustin Gymnasium along Jalandoni St., Iloilo City. La Paz, Mandurriao, Jaro Liko NFA, and SM City-Ungka jeepneys pass by the area.

Pizza choices include Quadro Formaggio ( 4-Cheeses ), Neapolitan ( Marguerite ), Formagio El Agio ( Garlic and Cheese ), Ham and Cheese, Vegetarian, Hawaiian D'Lite, Pepperoni, Greekiza, Casa Alfredo's, Seafood D'Lite, Kevin's Favorito ( Triple Sausage ), Ben Kor's, All Meattier, and Eccezionale - The Works.

They also serve appetizers, pasta dishes, soup, salads, burger, and main courses.

Jeremiah Bibliotheque, Assumption Iloilo, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines

The Intermediate Grades library of Assumption Iloilo is called 'Jeremiah Bibliotheque'. It is located on the second floor of the ARC Building.

Assumption Iloilo has hired a new librarian to take care of the Jeremiah Bibliotheque. She is Ms. Margielyn Macalalag, a licensed librarian who finished her degree in Library Science from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City. Ms. Macalalag replaced Ms. Ruvilyn Devalucos.

Assumption Iloilo's Jeremiah Bibliotheque is fully-airconditioned and is properly ventilated. The books are arranged according to different fields. It is conducive for learning because it is very spacious.

The library is open from Monday to Friday during school days, 8 AM to 5:30 PM. As part of the Assumption Iloilo curriculum, the library offers a regular Library Instruction Program ( LAP ) to all Assumption Iloilo learners.

For Those Who Miss the Old Assumption-Iloilo Board Room --- Assumption Iloilo, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, December 2010

One of the most important places in Assumption-Iloilo is the Board Room. Its four walls have heard countless important conferences, meetings, and talks. The members of the Board of Trustees of Assumption-Iloilo meet here at least twice a year. The place also hosts the monthly PTAmeetings, the weekly A-Team meetings, the ACCT ( a consortium of Assumption-run schools in Panay ) meetings, and even the AAA ( Assumption Alumni Association ) meetings. In other words, some of the most vital and crucial decisions about the school have been made here.

For us Assumption-Iloilo teachers, the Board Room is also a memorable place. We conduct our quarterly character deliberation here. It's a silent witness of how much we care for our students. In the course of the deliberation, we consider every single student, acknowledge his/her strengths, and offer suggestions on how he/she can cope with the demands of his/her academic life. Morever, the Board Room is also the venue of our mid-year and final student deliberations.

The Board Room is also a treasure-house of the history of the school. On its walls, you can see the images of the all the Superior Generals of the Religious of the Assumption starting from Mere Marie Eugenie until Sr. Diana Wauters. The portraits of all the Provincials of the Philippine-Thailand Province of the Religious of the Assumption are also displayed inside. Other memorabilia found in the Board Room include framed newspaper clippings and documents about Assumption-Iloilo, century-old religious icons, as well as other vintage items.

Post Script.

Just this year, the Board Room underwent a major facelift. The walls were repainted and the floor was tiled. It's like an 'old world with a modern feel' thing - a confluence of tradition and modern, that is.

Casa Santa: The House of Assumption Sisters in Iloilo --- Assumption Iloilo, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines, November 2010

The Iloilo Community of the Religious of the Assumption ( RA ) is housed in a beautiful edifice inside the Assumption Iloilo campus along the scenic Iloilo River. It is aptly called 'Casa Santa'. During school days, one can see Assumption nuns strolling around the area either on foot or on the stretcher.

My favorite place in the Casa Santa is the Adoration Chapel which I have visited three times in my four years as an Assumption-Iloilo facilitator. I remember Ms. Cecile Glorette Adrias, my Department Coordinator, bringing me to 'Casa Santa' one Friday afternoon because I was stressed working with a colleague I couldn't connect to in the workplace. I stayed there for half an hour trying to see Jesus visibly present under the appearance of a small white host. There I felt my need to foster a greater community spirit, with Jesus'presence in the Blessed Sacrament as its center.

True to its name, Assumption-Iloilo's 'Casa Santa' is indeed a 'Holy House'!

Assumption Iloilo Campus: Beautiful in More than One Way --- Assumption Iloilo, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City, Philippines, November 2010

A lot of people say that Assumption Iloilo has one of the most beautiful campuses among Iloilo schools. Last November 2010, my student Korina Segaya took photos of me around the school as part of her photography class. In this collage: the statue of St. Peter representing the Church at the Garden of Three Loves, the Assumption Iloilo Park, the Milleret Building which houses the Intermediate Grades classroom and the Administration offices, and the Centennial Marker.

Assumption Iloilo takes pride not only in its beautiful campus but also in its 'care for creation' program.  The earth-friendly school takes its commitment to the planet seriously.

Assumption Iloilo's carefully planned buildings, wide hallways, good swimming pool, functional sports complex, and a lot of more are a sweet deal. Now you have a beautiful spot to invest the next four years of study.

In Iloilo City and the rest of the island of Panay and the Western Visayas region, Assumption Iloilo offers these, and more. Despite of its high profile status in the community and its high academic reputation, extravagance and wanton display of wealth is considered the opposite of cool. Pretty as it is, what makes it more beautiful is its love of simplicity.

Assumption Iloilo Museum: Showing Assumption in the Ebb and Flow of Time --- Assumption Iloilo, Iloilo City, Philippines, August 2010

Last school year, 2013-2014, I taught World History in Year III. I don't know but I just love history. That's why if chance permits, I visit museums. I'm fascinated with how museum collections give us insights into people's lives, tastes, and environments. Unfotunately, there aren't many museums in Iloilo City.  Probably, Ilonggos have not yet reached that level where they really appreciate 'the good and the beautiful' in their history. Ilonggos are most interested in bread-and-butter issues. Well, for most of us, survival is the name of the game.

Good thing I work in Assumption Iloilo. The school has a beautiful museum which is located on the second floor of the main building. It houses evidences of the long history and fine tradition of Assumption Iloilo.

On August 15, 2010, as part of the 'Centennial Celebration' of Assumption Iloilo, the school administration opened the museum to public view. It was a well-organized museum tour which highlighted the impact of Assumption presence in Iloilo and the whole of Western Visayas. Seeing Assumption 'old girls' and 'old boys', Assumption nuns, Assumption students and their families, and Assumption teachers meeting and discussing thoughts and opinions and sharing memories was a sight to behold.

Circling Monte Rosa's Rotunda --- Monte Rosa Subdivision, Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Philippines --- June 2010

Recently, gated communities have been mushrooming around our place in Hibao-an Sur, a quiet barangay which is part of the District of Mandurriao, Iloilo City. 

One of such communities is Monte Rosa, a 57-hectare subdivision across from Hibao-an Elementary School. It is owned by Sta. Lucia Realty and Development, Inc. in partnership with La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation.

One landmark in Monte Rosa that catches everybody's attention is its 'Rotunda'. In architecture, a rotunda is a large circular structure having a dome. 

Monte Rosa's 'Rotunda' is very prominent because it is located in the center of the subdivision's ring road that leads to all its major streets. Interestingly, the streets of Monte Rosa are named after some of the world's famous cities like London, Berlin, Athens, and Buenos Aires.