tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104364722012-01-28T00:30:02.016+10:00On life's journey, faith is nourishment,virtuous deeds are a shelter,wisdom is the light by day, and right mindfulness is the protection by night.GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comBlogger1301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-12773383140973172842012-01-28T00:30:00.000+10:002012-01-28T00:30:02.058+10:00

"Help will always be given to those who ask...." (Albus Dumbledore) Episode 05a: The Fiendish Elephant (click here for the web summary) Episode 05b: The Dream of the Two Columns  (click here for the printed version, an excerpt from E.M. Brown's Dreams, Visions and Prophecies of Don Bosco, Don Bosco Publications, New Rochelle, 1986)

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-6536346799118098512012-01-27T00:30:00.000+10:002012-01-27T00:30:03.830+10:00

 After John had seen the insides of hell, the guide said: "You must tell them all the truth. But before you go back,  touch this wall." John could not muster enough courage and tried to get away, but the guide held him back. " Look at this wall! There are a thousand walls between this and the real fire of Hell." When he said this, John instinctively pulled back, but the guide seized John's hand

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-12118148120280022962012-01-26T00:30:00.000+10:002012-01-26T00:30:05.318+10:00

In this dream, Don Bosco shows us that the devil works in our hearts and minds trying to lead us away from the Holy Eucharist. Episode 03: Devils in the Church Our supplementary media for today is this video clip which is fondly called:  "The Movie Trailer of the Eucharist" What the archdiocese of St. Louis wanted to accomplish was for the viewer to have an emotional response to what it

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-44232313183833246752012-01-25T00:30:00.000+10:002012-01-25T00:30:04.605+10:00

Shortly before flying in rage, the monster spoke to Don Bosco saying this: "See how much good boys draw from confession. If you want to know whether or not I hold them in leash, see if they are becoming better."  Let's listen to the narration of this dream. Episode 02: "The Deadly Nooses"... The question for each of us is as we receive the sacraments, are we becoming better? Or are the vices

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-28109899356676149712012-01-24T00:30:00.000+10:002012-01-24T21:49:04.191+10:00

Here is the narration and podcast of "The Dreams of Don Bosco" (from radix.com) Episode 01: Introduction and First Dream (Dream at Nine): Here is another version from  "34 heart warming stories to inspire children":

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-3329994471876025452012-01-23T16:16:00.003+10:002012-01-25T08:32:31.217+10:00

For the next days in preparation for St John Bosco's feastday, you could listen to the audio narration (podcast version) of "The Dreams of Don Bosco" here. The first episode would be podcasted on St. Francis de Sales feastday (24th) tomorrow. Here's a video trailer of what's to come. Oh btw I only have the audio version to podcast for you. This following video clip is by Doug Barry on

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-20978955219538459962011-05-31T08:37:00.030+10:002012-01-23T12:00:54.678+10:00

Family: A Definition During this month of May I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to the West Coast of the United States for the first time. There I got to meet many of my first cousins (and their families of course), some of them for the first time in my life. I am very grateful for this blessing. And I thank God for them. To them I dedicate this definition of family I spliced from an

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-77555882754972736202011-05-09T04:00:00.001+10:002011-05-14T04:17:15.347+10:00

Inside Pearl Harbor... The Battleship USS Missouri Memorial Inside USS Missouri.... overlooking the famed burial ship USS Arizona... Inside the USS Arizona is this tomb marker honoring those soldiers underneath.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-26694096168926140742011-04-25T21:30:00.010+10:002011-04-25T22:17:37.388+10:00

To see these mechanical wonders in flight make me see the Easter message more clearly....My spirits were uplifted and they made my soul soar higher.In a way I should be like these planes whose goal is to be able to fly....fly up to where I am destined.I bet you all know where that leads to. "In the Lord I put my trust... Go in flight like a bird to the mountain" Psalm 11:1(photos courtesy of

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-57584909707445389852011-04-25T21:04:00.012+10:002011-04-25T22:20:48.718+10:00

The planes I saw on the ground up close....And about to fly.....

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-80133066262985617782011-04-25T20:47:00.003+10:002011-04-25T21:03:52.773+10:00

As I was driving toward the Chapel, on my left (in the picture, the road is on the right most side)I saw some huge airplanes probably C-130's. I couldn't stop lest I hold up traffic nor could I pull over for it was not allowed.I thought they were the only ones... but farther on that field I saw some more smaller planes... I believe they are fighter planes.But later I was more surprised by those

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-16638940975721864102011-04-25T20:34:00.004+10:002011-04-25T20:45:29.606+10:00

Last week I was invited by the Air Force Chaplain to join him in the Easter Triduum celebrations at Andersen Air Force Base. It's actually my third time to go there but I always forget to take pictures. This time I took some with my cell camera (just wait for the other pix in the next post which I didn't take).The Captain (chaplain) brought me to see "The Lighthouse" - it's a kind of recreational

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-67581773657483757012011-03-13T09:19:00.006+10:002011-03-13T10:07:25.800+10:00

In our breakfast conversation this morning we griped about how the world's attention span is immediately drawn to the fleeting "sparkles" and flashy "fireworks" rather than to those things that are real and that really matter.Thus the way we present ourselves and how we are seen immediately- causes more impact than who and what we really are.It's because the world is so impatient to stay long

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-73346591995595888622011-02-15T18:00:00.005+10:002011-02-16T22:39:57.811+10:00

A few days back I got to watch the movie: "The King's Speech."It tells about how Prince Albert (father of Queen Elizabeth and Margaret) and his stammering speeches had unsettled thousands of his listeners. Prince "Berty" was a stutterer. Many have tried to treat his speech defect and have failed or better yet the Prince had given up trying. Until an Australian speech therapist, Logue, convinced

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-275247508851235422011-01-13T15:56:00.006+10:002011-01-31T16:25:08.157+10:00

Today I managed to enter the military telecommunications facility for the first time here in Guam. I was accompanied by two Air Force chaplains with ranks of captain. How lucky I was!Here is what I saw: (Hundreds of golf balls)The all look like giant golf balls at a distance. But if you come closer you will notice their intricate patterns.... some are formed like soccer balls, others like

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-49703309034444537332010-11-20T00:11:00.003+10:002010-11-20T00:29:26.342+10:00

Last Saturday, my friends and I went to Shang Cinemaplex to see an indie film. We intentionally wanted to watch one at the 5:30 pm schedule but the tickets were sold out so we went for the next one: "Layang Bilanggo."This movie touches on the issue of "prisoners for hire" (assassins). It centers on the life of one inmate who does this task so as to protect the daughter he left behind some twenty

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-49677407277139458362010-03-13T16:08:00.002+10:002010-03-13T16:30:24.265+10:00

We Salesians are almost a year (around ten months) here now in Guam helping out in Father Duenas Memorial School. We called our residence (part of an old small structure near the school) Bosco Hall. It's our refuge after a long day's work in the hustle and bustle of an all boy's High school and everything that comes with it... It is a place where we could rest and relax, eat and pray together,

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-45161531707671441832010-01-02T00:13:00.011+10:002010-01-16T00:53:04.261+10:00

The year end brought me exploring two cities in Mindanao- Dapitan and Dipolog.Dapitan is a sleeply town which has deep historical roots since this was the place where Dr Jose Rizal was exiled and did his last works prior to being sent back to Manila for his martyrdom.Rizal made a map of Mindanao outside the Cathedral of St James. This church has a unique ceiling.Dipolog is the commercial city

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-15515525592748861112009-08-17T19:36:00.002+10:002009-08-17T19:52:28.639+10:00

My Salesian companion, Fr Chito, (we're two in the island) got into the TV news today. Ironically we couldn't watch it live since we do not have tv nor cable. But hey, we can still google right.So here's news about the Salesians of Don Bosco's new presence in the island of Guam. Meet FD's New Principal (the video)Father Duenas Memorial School (FD or FDMS) is an all male Catholic Preparatory High

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-79566284002592583902009-08-04T15:57:00.001+10:002009-08-04T15:59:24.489+10:00

This is where I belong.... Find more videos like this on Salesians of Don Bosco

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-50174135950167428032009-06-18T19:38:00.004+10:002009-06-20T19:49:00.323+10:00

On the early morning of a Thursday, the 18th of June, Philippine Airlines Flight PR 110 touched down at Guam's airport. The rector of the Cathedral fetched me and brought me to my temporary home - the Archbishop's residence. There and there I was welcomed by Archbishop Anthony and his dog, Koa. Here is my temporary domicile as I await the other two which will complete the team to help run

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-41095564277661591902009-05-29T20:04:00.002+10:002009-06-11T20:22:55.929+10:00

I went up to La Trinidad Valley last May 19-21 to help one of my UPOU colleagues give a workshop seminar on Course Module Preparation for Distance Learning. We were invited by the Open University Department of Benguet State University. In the welcome tarp, they even got my title wrong, but hey, that's a felix culpa (happy fault). I was really excited since this was my first time to give an

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-63586006711145238502009-04-03T11:34:00.006+10:002009-04-03T11:55:26.516+10:00

The last time I had bonding time with my nieces and nephew was ages. I used to bring my three nieces (they were still grade school students) to the cinema with all three clinging to me so that we could cross the street safely. Then inside the movie house the youngest (then aged 4) would cry: "I'm dying of hunger already. Haven't eaten in two days" when in reality she just finished her breakfast.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-90645391220091495752009-03-28T11:49:00.002+10:002009-03-28T12:05:01.400+10:00

Looks like I might have to put this blog journey in this area on hold.I'm on an extended vacation right now. I originally intended to go for a study leave but then maybe the One up there has other plans. I needed a long vacation to attend to some important family matters that have to be solved. I thought I would need six months or a year to work on this pressing legal matters in the family. And I

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-52813894947722480152008-10-25T23:02:00.000+10:002008-11-03T23:14:24.686+10:00

I'm headed back to the Philippines for a kind of long sabbatical.I'm really gonna miss Cambodia and Thailand.I saw this picture at the airport as I was about to board the plane. It's very much what I think in spite of what I feel. As Dag H. would put it:For all that has been - "Thanks"For all that will be - " Yes"

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-29607709488114840812008-10-15T20:59:00.003+10:002008-10-15T21:47:50.089+10:00

(Khmer Soldiers- Reuters Photo/ Thai artillery - AFP News)A few weeks back, I have been given my marching orders for a sabbatical... means I get to go back to my country for a year or so.But the funny this is today I'm supposed to be packing to cross the eastern border to Thailand within a day or two... all of a sudden early this afternoon fighting and shooting erupts in the northern border (

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-81288974131431732912008-09-17T20:51:00.008+10:002008-09-17T21:19:34.093+10:00

A genuine sign of a great ham radio operator is if he could broadcast very far with very minimal equipment (I used to love amateur radio!). A real sign of a true-blue computer technician is if he could do everyday computing tasks with minimum hardware requirements inside his computer.I've been using a "silly" Asus Nova Lite computer which runs on a Mobile Celeron 900 (like that used in the Eee pc

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-69489848172347749172008-08-07T17:25:00.005+10:002008-08-07T17:34:39.486+10:00

Just came from a medical check-up in Bangkok. Here's how their bus station looks like.After around three to four I hours, I reach the border and cross the border (my home) - Poipet. And here's what the bus station looks like: Does it look like the contrast of Order vs Chaos? Have's vs Have-not's? Not only a Digital but an Economic Divide.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-418400913894146472008-06-26T12:46:00.005+10:002008-11-13T19:20:50.789+10:00

For the past year I've been helping out the University of the Philippines Open University as a tutor in various masteral subjects. They're all online so I don't need to leave Cambodia to do this.This semester the faculty-in-charge of IS 201 who lives in Denmark is expecting her second child. She asked me to pitch in for her. So this semester I get to teach "Computer Ethics" as

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-78711199570748722082008-05-24T13:57:00.003+10:002008-05-30T14:07:15.621+10:00

My Tribute to Papa Those moments we shared I shall always keep,They’re lessons which always made my heart to leap.They made the roots of my tree to sink so deep.I shall always cherish you as my book of life to reap. Say hello to Mama for meand thank you for being my father, my mentor, and my friend.(My Father passed away last week on the first hour of the 17th of May at the ripe old age of

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-37346267667560454022008-04-26T20:23:00.005+10:002008-11-13T19:20:50.936+10:00

I had an article before which I presented in a conference in Phnom Penh (9th Socio-cultural Research Congress) way back in November, 2006.Today I received from the mail a copy of (vol.5, 2007) the Journal of the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication where they published my article entitled: "Questioning Behavior and Communication Paradigms of Cambodian Students"(click the

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-43887699211465613722008-03-15T11:52:00.012+10:002008-11-13T19:20:51.574+10:00

Last week I had to take a 400km journey back to the capital Phnom Penh in order to administer the entrance test of the University of the Philippines (Open University). I practically spent an entire day (7:30 am - 6:00 pm) in the bus. Here's what and here's why:1. My ticket reads 7:40 am and they ask you to be there a few min before so I seat at 7:35. Bus leaves at 8:15. Don't ask why, that's the

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-91299902669951124012008-02-12T19:16:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:51.917+10:00

Silethoa (morals or ethics).... this is what this class is all about. I don't really get it. We have a lot of classrooms with chairs and tables, whiteboards and projectors... and they (students and our technical director) prefer this class in the open air. It sets me thinking, this venue differs from their usual classroom or workshop environment. It's actually an environment where the buddhist

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-74930782988137836952008-01-24T23:43:00.000+10:002008-01-25T00:14:38.348+10:00

The Dream of a boy called John....

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-4190998689544685982008-01-12T11:48:00.001+10:002008-01-12T11:58:19.235+10:00

I managed to find my location using my nokia handphone using google maps software. Then I saved the satellite pics. What a pity, I couldn't use nokia maps (they do not have Cambodia in their list of countries with road maps). Even google has to bear with these old satellite photos. People might think there are no roads here in Cambodia. Not true. They just change from time to time since they

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-10799561716993279762007-12-16T15:52:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:52.084+10:00

Last night I watched this Japanese movie: “How to become myself” (ok I don't understand Japanese but they're subtitled in English).Based on a novel by Kaori Mado, this movie ‘Ashita no Watashi no Tsukurikata’ tells the story of Juri (Riko Narumi) a typical schoolgirl who acts the part expected of her – perky and cool, but lives in fear of the mask slipping and her true, unperky, uncool self

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-52967629287610011762007-12-08T20:29:00.001+10:002008-11-13T19:20:52.330+10:00

Here's a basic simple way of making brooms here in our place in Poipet.The boarders of our vocational school demonstrate this in three easy steps:Step 1- gather these "special twigs" from the farm or wildernessStep 2 - Defoliage them and allow them to dry for some timeStep 3 - Bunch them together and tie themVoila! new brooms for street sweeping.Christmas is coming. I've got to start sweeping my

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-47115902421324503892007-11-05T23:00:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:52.571+10:00

Finally after staying and working in Cambodia for the last seven years, I finally managed to come to Siem Riep and see for myself the famed Angkor Wat (and the nearby temples of course) on the 4th of November.Whenever friends or guests would come to Phnom Penh and get an occasional tour of the national museum from me. I would usually brief them with a short but tantalizing account of the

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-49916747748688636342007-10-29T22:52:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:52.717+10:00

Recuperating from fever, I reluctantly rode the bus on an eight hour journey to Phnom Penh on the 26th of October. Whether I like it or not I shall be staying there in that vicinity for around a week or more.27-28 October. I gave a seminar to the staff of CRD (Cambodian Researchers for Development) and some invited NGO researchers. The two day seminar on the English language dealt with an

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-21031782083078964282007-09-07T13:47:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:53.276+10:00

Last week the School kids celebrated Gratitude day and the grade six certificates were handed out. This day being the last day of the school year for the kids was also a day to thank everyone.The children did this through a display of talents where they showed what they learned in dancing, speech reading, and play acting.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-83031047460893627252007-08-28T23:48:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:54.516+10:00

August is the month when we at the various Don Bosco schools receive the applications for new students. A whole week is alloted for interview and it is capped by the entrance exam at the week's end. DB Poipet held its interviews from 13-17 August. Their minimum entry level is grade six. Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh had theirs the following week (19-25 August). Here the minimum entry level is at

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-60376626008692561852007-07-02T01:00:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:54.759+10:00

Many love songs and poems have romanticized the window as a tool that encourages one to look outwards - standing by my window…I watched from my window…the world through my window…I think the window is a kind of structure which separates two worlds. Take for example your house window. A person who sits in front of it belongs to the world of the house which may perhaps be so peaceful and safe. And

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-15646004485200566072007-06-09T17:07:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:55.255+10:00

Got a chance to go home and attend my graduation at the University of the Philippines. I wasn't planning to attend but they asked me to give the speech on behalf of the graduating class of 2007. How could I refuse such an honor.The Master of Development Communication class of '07 with the Dean, Program Chair , & professors (with sash on left shoulder).UP does not use anymore the traditional "

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-51596373571891400422007-05-20T14:48:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:55.588+10:00

Today is the World Communication Day and its theme is “Children, and the challenge of education in a media world.” I was watching this 2004 Korean film “Windstruck.” The girl (Jeon Ji-hyeon of “My Sassy Girl”) asks the boy why children promise something to each other while entwining their pinkies and say: “Pinky promise.” She then tells him the story: “Long time ago there was this beautiful

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-58820397535808859022007-05-01T12:43:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:55.729+10:00

When I was in High School, I fell in love with a poem that gave me a paradigm shift in my life:"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference."Here's the full text of the Robert Frost poem "The Road Not Taken":(please click on the picture)You said it Yourself that life is like a road (Mt. 7:13-14).There are wide, flat and easy highways..

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-21127633303064479712007-04-29T16:28:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:56.325+10:00

My article got published in the East Asian Pastoral Review (volume 44, no 1, 2007). It's about the " .... Religious Blending in Cambodia."(to view its back issues and online version, click on the book cover)The EAPR is a quarterly theological journal of the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI). For more than thirty years, EAPI has provided training courses and community experiences, which

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-69037384309006048582007-04-01T15:50:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:56.801+10:00

Cambodia held its elections on the beginning of this month. It seems CPP won most seats from Sam Rainsy and Funcipec this year.Around the world, there seems to be an election fever. Qatar had at the first week. Timor voted for its President on the second week. Ecuador had a referendum. Nigeria elected its President and parliamentarians. Then there was also France and Mali for a presidential

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-75596417135790340202007-03-25T19:32:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:57.413+10:00

Andrea, an Italian magician, performed a few days ago for the kids. It was funny since most of the kids have never seen a magic act before. There was this one boy who kept asking me what he was going to do. So I jokingly said: “He’ll turn you into a goat.” And he answered: “Oh I see, but will he turn me back?” And I replied: “Uh, I don’t know. You just better watch and see.” And watch they did.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-79109022268986509832007-03-10T12:24:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:57.672+10:00

The kids didn't have classes on the 8th of March (Women's Day), and so a dozen of them decided to visit their friends who are now in the Mercy Ministry Orphanage. Just a note: a few months back we "gave" (outsourced) our 6 youngest orphans to them. They accept below 10 years of age- while we as a rule accept those above 10 for our literacy center. In short, we're starting to niche our competitive

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-68964758162964347692007-03-03T23:24:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:57.817+10:00

(click on the picture for more news details)Just arrived from Manila. I attended the 3rd National Conference on Open and Distance Learning (23-24 February) where I was given the chance to be one of the student speakers to share my experience as a distance learner.It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to address some 300 academicians from various universities in a plenary session.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-38976136644968130822007-01-21T16:13:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:58.293+10:00

A saying oft used in Vocational Training Education is: "Give a man a fish, and you give him food for another day, teach a man to fish and you give him food for a lifetime." (ok, this goes for women too!) Fr. Renato Torresan thought of giving them a net, and off they went to our backyard pond. With Chomroen heading the pack, their afternoon was rewarded with a haul of fish. Their prize catch -two

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-14802127511158375542007-01-01T12:33:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:58.916+10:00

It's amazing how we have an inner urging to update, renew, and to get what's the latest. Many kids nowadays aren't just satisfied with last years toys. They need those new computer games, AI-equipped soft toys, and other such gizmos in order to have fun.Nevertheless I found our kids here in Poipet, Cambodia happilly opening the new year with a series of old-tech games.On second thought, what

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-15979650970076416042006-12-25T20:27:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:59.148+10:00

The Salesians, the child leaders, and the children of Don Bosco Poipet wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.On this day, we said farewell to our 20 year old German volunteer, Karin, who stayed with us for around six months watching over the girls of the center literally 24/7. It's amazing to see the commitment of young people nowadays. Youth serving youth, as they

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-26709396104589074472006-12-02T23:31:00.000+10:002006-12-05T23:45:58.651+10:00

Advent is the start of a new Church year for Christians.Every new year signifies another chance to start anew. Hence it's good to start working on a clean slate. Take a look at this clean white artboard. Go ahead click on it.ARTBOARDAnd as you move your mouse on it, clicking and dragging, you can fill it with colors and figures your heart and mind could ever desire or imagine. Until you produce

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1163841461688695842006-11-18T18:57:00.000+10:002006-11-18T19:23:09.296+10:00

I've just returned from this annual Socio-cultural Congress (14-16th November) held at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. This year, there were around 70 researches chosen for this conference. Those who presented came from 10 different countries. The theme was: "Equity, Sustainability, and Development- shaping the future of Cambodia." The researches had to relate to any of the three tracks: (a)

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1162630763720213102006-11-03T18:42:00.000+10:002006-11-04T18:59:23.730+10:00

Meet Don Bosco Poipet's streetkids: Here are some of the children I live with(got the pics from a volunteer - I'm not great in taking pictures)Aren't they cute? (don't be deceived by those innocent looks)With them there is not a minute you're not in a lookout.Once you stay with them... you'll never be able to leave them.They'll literally cling on to you so you can't go.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1161677995983497402006-10-24T18:04:00.000+10:002008-11-13T19:20:59.308+10:00

Don Bosco Poipet's new intake of Voc-tech students comes from the grade 6 entry level (Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have grade 9 as entry level). They are being introduced to the world of benchwork. This starts with long hours of filing. I could still remember our batch when we did the same many years ago in college. Boy! how we hated this gruelling and humbling exercise. Time dragged on as we

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1160728868497861382006-10-13T18:25:00.000+10:002006-10-13T18:41:08.506+10:00

Sometime ago there was this Microsoft conference in Boston. I'm not really a big die hard of this but since I do have my Microsoft certs, I always enjoyed updating myself in the things that they offer.One of the conference paper and presentation was: “Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em: Getting Good People to Stay” by Beverly Kaye and Janis L. Keeley According to Beverly: “Every leader's contribution to

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1159515961471685792006-09-24T17:40:00.000+10:002006-09-29T17:46:01.470+10:00

I had to bus back to Phnom Penh on the 21st. I met my proctor (our UPOU registrar) at my schoolmate's pad. Her husband was not at home, so we three had the place all to ourselves. We had our exams in the evening of the 22nd. Alma, my schoolmate, had to do one in Social Marketing. I had to hurdle my last UPOU exams in Socio-cultural foundations of Education. Later we three spent the night

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1159515561881247962006-09-15T17:34:00.000+10:002006-09-29T17:39:21.890+10:00

I asked my rector what time he plans to leave. He set departure time after lunch. I waited for him to pack. Finally at 4PM (hey, its still after lunch)we managed to pull out of Sihanoukville. We arrived at Phnom Penh for supper, freshened up, and had a good night's sleep. Onward to Poipet for the morrow!

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1156774469043363192006-08-28T23:47:00.000+10:002006-09-01T00:00:23.186+10:00

From the 21-25 August, Don Bosco Cambodia (Phnom Penh) hosted the East Asia- Oceania Region's Salesian Brother's Seminar (click on the link for more technical information). On the 22nd, although some of our students had to present some dances, I chose to remain in Sihanoukville, until a telephone call from one of them beckoned me to take the bus to Phnom Penh. That evening I met my good old

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1154764333399040702006-08-05T17:49:00.000+10:002006-08-05T18:09:13.933+10:00

The other day I chanced upon a Korean television program (“Heart to Heart”) an interview with film maker David Grabias. His latest film (with Nicole Newnham) entitled: “Sentenced Home” touches the plight of around 1400 American-Khmers being forced to return to Cambodia. This documentary follows the heart-breaking story of three Cambodians from their birth in that homeland that starved, tortured

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1154154954729019282006-07-29T16:23:00.000+10:002006-07-30T19:04:41.323+10:00

Yesterday on my way back to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh, I missed the 7:15 bus. Since I still had half an hour of waiting time for the next one, I decided to take my breakfast in one of those open air stalls just beside the station. Just then a shoe shine boy accosted me but seeing that I was wearing rubber slippers, he quickly excused himself. I thought that if I were wearing leather shoes

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1153323284360176952006-07-20T01:21:00.000+10:002006-07-20T16:44:30.420+10:00

I’m moving to another community again. I’ve been given my new obedience (assignment) - Poipet by September. Funny, I haven’t finished unpacking and now I’ll have to pack them up again. People keep asking me how I feel about moving... Well, I think that moving can always have a significant meaning to any person. To the fearful it could be threatening because things might get worse. To the

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1151762678550691502006-07-01T23:48:00.000+10:002006-07-02T00:04:38.576+10:00

Last Christmas I took this photo of three Dominican Sisters together with some Filipinas. The picture was taken after the Mass in the makeshift church since renovations started in the main church. Today, after six months of adaptation here in Sihanoukville, I once again took their photo with the same Filipinas (with some additionals) this time in front of the newly-renovated church right after

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1151331359543914292006-06-26T23:57:00.000+10:002006-06-27T10:46:33.006+10:00

Since many of us are engrossed and excited with the ongoing Football World Cup '06 in Germany, might as well use the event as a reflection springboard.There's this nice picture and tantalizing question in the Dropping Knowledge website. (your question.org)"Can sports play a role in the development of poor nations?" I believe it can. Many years back I found myself coaching and playing football

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1151227629440683152006-06-25T18:43:00.000+10:002006-06-28T12:40:07.910+10:00

There are a number of terms which ends in "-culturation" that I've been learning in my DL module from the University of the Philippines (Open University). The course is on the "Socio-cultural foundations of Education." It might be worth sharing.Enculturation refers to the transmission of cultural traditions from one generation to the next. It is the process in which an individual from the time

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1150616495253154202006-06-16T22:19:00.000+10:002006-06-19T23:41:18.966+10:00

Twenty-five instructors/teachers from our school received their certificates from His Excellency Sabaong Sarat (governor of Sihanoukville). Mr. Keo Lay from the Ministry of Education Youth & Sports confirmed their worthiness after the teachers underwent a month-long training seminar given by the same Ministry (MOEYS). The two-hours a day hectic grind upgraded their knowledge on pedagogical

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1149143816475953292006-06-03T16:35:00.000+10:002006-06-04T21:01:23.276+10:00

I needed to go to Bangkok for a medical check-up. This time instead of taking the plane (costs more than $100 RT), I decided to take the full circle journey: "To Bangkok and Back."Monday, 29 March - took the bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh ($3)Tuesday, 30 March - took the bus from Phnom Penh to Poipet border ($7)Wednesday, 31 March - crossed the border and off to Bangkok ($7)I went for my

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1148547946584932802006-05-25T18:51:00.000+10:002006-05-25T23:36:02.693+10:00

On 24th May we celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians... the religious service like the Mass and the Procession was optional (religious tolerance and sensistivity reasons)... problem is they all like to participate. Perhaps a Marian festivity always generates much interest not because of religion but rather it personifies and celebrates motherhood - something which we all dearly adhere

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1148004959713301162006-05-19T11:55:00.000+10:002006-05-19T12:51:09.166+10:00

Cultural sensitivity is something we should really, really strive for (that means anywhere we are). I'm so used to correcting my students in terms of: "Oh that's good, that's bad. This one is correct and the other is wrong. And that one is really intelligent and the other seems stupid."Little did I realize that they were using a different set of English vocabulary from mine, like... "this

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1147399576951857982006-05-10T23:56:00.000+10:002006-05-20T18:18:48.693+10:00

Today I picked up from our school my much-awaited and long-overdue MBA diploma and transcript. It took longer than usual because they have added documentary requirements like High School diploma/document (Form 137 in the Philippines). Problem is… the high school I went to is now buried in lahar together with all the documents. The irony was that I couldn’t prove that I studied and finished my

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1145890800623717632006-04-25T00:57:00.000+10:002006-04-25T10:49:48.780+10:00

Many things could happen to a ship in its last voyage: for the luxury steamship Titanic it was tragedy; for Blackbeard the pirate’s Queen Anne’s Revenge it was notoriety; for the slave schooner Amistad it was freedom; for Cook’s exploratory ship Bark Endeavor and Columbus’ Santa Maria it was glory. What future awaits Coco Explorer II?Last week, on the 16th of April, I celebrated Easter Sunday

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1145071207491747622006-04-15T12:41:00.001+10:002006-04-20T14:44:38.663+10:00

The Khmer New year technically lasts for three days (although celebrating this festival usually lasts for a week - we closed school on the 11th and we'll resume on the 19th).The first day of New Year is called as Moha Sangkran, and it when the New Angels (Thevada) come to take charge of the world for a one-year period. This year Moha Sangkran of the New Year will begin on April 13th. People have

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1144683630308841552006-04-10T01:27:00.000+10:002006-04-11T16:15:04.736+10:00

Palm Sunday marks the opening of the much revered Holy Week for Christians. Of interest is the fact that this year's Good Friday will coincide with Khmer New Year (same as Thai New Year). And so for pastoral reasons, fasting will be on Wednesday instead of Friday, so as to join the entire nation in its most important celebration which lasts for a week.Today as I watched the people (me included)

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1143772270626779312006-03-31T11:54:00.000+10:002006-03-31T12:31:10.653+10:00

I am living now in a culture where the teacher is held in high respect and as in the olden days, the one with unrefutable knowledge and the answer to all questions, and where many times his ways are unquestioned. Something like: "No student can be greater than the teacher."But surprisingly one student of mine asked me: "How can I be better and more clever than you are?" I said: "Simple, read more

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1142217152301143982006-03-13T12:24:00.000+10:002006-04-11T14:21:42.080+10:00

Way back in the 2nd of February, 2006 the local khmer newspaper published this article about us here at Don Bosco Sihanoukville (original in Khmer):More than 40 out of 400 students of the DonBosco Technical School a Non Government Organization located in Ou Pram Sihanoukville are facing the danger of being sent out of school and thereby preventing them to continue their skills program. This

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1141714133436065812006-03-07T16:30:00.000+10:002006-03-07T16:48:53.446+10:00

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Christian Lenten Period of 40 days marked with prayer and fasting. Here in Cambodia this rite is done in the First Sunday of Lent so that more people could participate and be aware of its significance.Interestingly, this period of purification of oneself is also present in the Islam religion. They have the Ramadan in the ninth month of the Muslim year. Even

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1141371738043067472006-03-03T17:19:00.000+10:002006-03-03T17:55:28.303+10:00

It's examination time once again. Here in Cambodia they have a funny saying:An exams without a cheatsheet is like a city without electricity.ការប្រលងអត់មានព្រីយ៉ុង​ដូចទីក្រុងអត់មានអគ្គីសនី​​If we analyze this closely it could be because there never is any attention paid to high or low grades attained by a student. You're no 1? so what? you don't get a scholarship or medal like in other countries.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1140703577034530452006-02-23T22:54:00.000+10:002006-02-24T00:06:17.070+10:00

Today is the birthday of our retired Bishop Yves Ramousse. He was born in 1928 in Sambadel, France. He joined the Parish Foreign Missions Society and finished his studies at the Gregorian University in Rome and at the Catholic University in Paris. He was ordained priest on April 4, 1953, and consecrated bishop and given care of Phnom Penh in Cambodia as Apostolic vicar on February 24, 1963.He was

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1140259720806007392006-02-18T20:35:00.000+10:002006-02-24T00:38:07.983+10:00

Here's news from Vietnam(09-02-2006)."At least 30,000 students and 1,000 teachers remain puzzled by the closure of the English-language schools operated by Singapore International Teaching Consultancy (SITC) nationwide. If the centre is unable to re-open classes, SITC will have to offer compensation for its students, teachers and workers according to Viet Nam’s laws, and the investors will face

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1139297679358737082006-02-04T17:30:00.000+10:002006-02-07T17:42:26.580+10:00

Here's a montage of some pictures from the Annual Sportsfest.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1138610539492650132006-01-30T17:58:00.000+10:002006-01-30T18:42:19.506+10:00

Run, jump, shout, play, laugh, sing… but do not sin (do no harm to anyone).These famous words of St. John Bosco continue to remain valid in these times of ours.In all my life and all the places I’ve been, I’ve never seen a Don Bosco School without any playground. Don Bosco always believed in training the mind and spirit by training the body. Mens sana in corpore sano! So here in DB SHV we prepare

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1139034291769974752006-01-28T16:11:00.000+10:002006-02-04T23:35:04.036+10:00

I was born in the year of the Dog, so I guess this description typifies and describes the "doggie" in me."Among the animal zodiac, Dog individuals are the most humanitarian. To the Chinese, Dogs represent justice and equality. These are the givers in life, prepared to sacrifice their own dreams, ambitions and desires for the sake of others, particularly for those they love. Fiercely loyal to

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1137901659075015712006-01-22T13:41:00.000+10:002006-01-22T14:05:40.153+10:00

A few days back I made some of my students and teachers cry. I’m not proud of it. In fact I feel bad about it. I had to execute a school policy. It was my duty. Unfortunately its compliance would result to painful separation for some. At first I wondered why it affected the others so much; too late did I remember these words:… the rule of conduct in (Khmer) society will be “do not behave

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1137574717485128402006-01-18T18:44:00.000+10:002006-01-18T18:58:37.503+10:00

Last Sunday in Phnom Penh, I attended the Ordination for Diaconate of a Korean Missionary named Daniel. Although it's a fact that this year Koreans outnumber the Japanese in terms of tourism here in Cambodia, I never expected to see so many Korean priests and nuns (Carmelites) joining in this beautiful solemn ceremony.The rite of ordination was done all in Khmer. No one spoke a word in Korean.

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1136706978103909272006-01-08T17:51:00.000+10:002006-01-09T18:47:01.533+10:00

I am not fond of going out to parties and attending celebrations (very unlike of me when I was younger). But yesterday I attended a “Pithi Bon Katanyu” ពីធីបុណ្យកតញ្ញូ upon the invitation of Boneth, a former student of mine. It’s a celebration of gratitude organized by the children for their parents. When I arrived some time in the afternoon I saw some Buddhist monks from Veal Renh gathered in

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1136005667783995282005-12-31T15:01:00.000+10:002005-12-31T17:09:14.280+10:00

If I had two wishes, I know what they would be. I'd wish for roots to cling to, and wings to set me free;Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree,And wings of independence to seek my destiny.(from A Child's Bedtime Song by Denis Waitley)I was reflecting on the past events. It was nice to see old faces as well as new ones gathering together once a year during the school's Christmas

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1136005215346899722005-12-26T14:57:00.000+10:002005-12-31T15:00:15.363+10:00

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1135431158031674622005-12-25T20:12:00.000+10:002006-01-09T18:49:06.256+10:00

The picture portrays the Christmas Nativity scene adapted to the Cambodian way of life. May Peace reign in us all! (photo courtesy of CCCC)រីករាយបុណ្យនូអែល​និង​សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មីMerry Christmas to all our readers:As of this Christmas Day, this blog has been visited by 771 unique visitors with 1911 hits so far. It has managed to rank 50th in Pinoy Top Blogs (page 1) and 50th in the Personal category

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1135233128176461492005-12-22T16:25:00.000+10:002005-12-22T16:32:08.186+10:00

They say that: “The best Christmas of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another.” After all these years, I still feel homesick every Christmas because I'm away from my “natural” family. But I do have my “acquired” family here at Don Bosco. Both students and teachers are so enthusiastic preparing for this day’s celebration. I do believe that even if they are not

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1134696048895098442005-12-16T11:14:00.000+10:002005-12-16T11:51:16.746+10:00

This semester I'm enrolled at the University of the Philippines (Open University) via distance learning for a subject elective called "Computer Ethics" (IS 201). Besides the usual moral and ethical discussions on the uses and abuses of the computer today in cyberspace, resources and links are also given for us to read and further our worldview of what's happening globally and how ethical

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1134272929387105002005-12-11T13:39:00.000+10:002005-12-11T13:48:49.403+10:00

"I'll be home for Christmas," so goes the song...I met some Filipinas in Church this morning, two of them have finished their contracts with their garments company and will be back home for Christmas.Meanwhile, the others (like me) will have to finish our Christmas song with "... if only in my dreams!"Plinius once wrote: "Your home is where your heart is." This morning all of us were at home here

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1133084307556085332005-11-27T19:08:00.000+10:002005-11-27T20:41:30.416+10:00

A few years ago I was at the market in Phnom Penh with my two friends. They were our tall fair-complexioned male volunteers, one Dutch and the other French. Strangely some people accosted us and got interested talking to my two friends (whose first language was not English). And the Cambodian fellow said to them: "Oh you are Europeans, you MUST be very good in English. Would you like to teach in

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1130140093341990222005-11-16T14:41:00.000+10:002005-11-23T02:01:07.856+10:00

Today, I've updated "Sounds & Sights of Journeying" - my videoblog. Last time I showed you Don Bosco Poipet. Now you'll see a bit of Don Bosco Sihanoukville.Click on the sidebar or you can click below:Sounds & Sights of Journeyingand you must have Quicktime on your computer to view this:Download Quicktime 7.0 for windows (32MB)

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1131275143416301132005-11-06T20:34:00.000+10:002005-11-27T19:39:17.926+10:00

After some experimental blogs and a freebie website, I felt its high time that our organization should have its own web presence. They say the best things in life are free! So I tried to negotiate with some people in the other end of the world who agreed to register us a domain name as well as host the site (yes, they're paying and with no banner ads attached). After a week of haggling for the

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1130378722926407822005-10-27T11:47:00.000+10:002005-11-27T19:39:58.640+10:00

We opened our schoolyear two weeks ago. A very unique incident (for DB Cambodian schools) happened. One of the students accepted for the girl's sewing department passed off for a girl (looks like a girl, dresses like a girl, but really a boy- check out the picture!). She/he even got a place in the girl's dormitory until the girl's found out that she/he was not of their kind.So the rector searched

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1129628028784168422005-10-18T19:20:00.000+10:002005-11-27T19:40:37.423+10:00

Normally in many countries, the policeman stops the traffic or the motorists stop by themselves whenever they see children crossing the street after school.Today I saw two parallel lines of children, hand in hand, literally blocking the vehicles coming from both sides of the road, so that other school children could cross the street safely after class hours. It was like Moses parting the red sea

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1129447104523492182005-10-16T16:31:00.000+10:002005-11-27T19:41:12.603+10:00

Captured these moments this morning:(1) Little girl: Oh, goody, goody, here's the ice cream man! (2) Little girl: Now, how do I get past these big guys...(3) Little girl: See, small doesn't mean weak if you really want something bad enough! After Sunday Mass at the Sihanoukville parish, children would run towards the ice cream man. Their excitement tells me that it's something that they've been

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10436472.post-1129214567074296582005-10-14T00:24:00.000+10:002005-11-27T20:45:42.113+10:00

Yesterday I met Albeiro again in Phnom Penh. Last time I saw him was when we gave him a send off some four years ago to proceed with his theology studies in Israel. Now he's back and at present is working in Don Bosco Streetchildren Center Poipet (that's at the Khmer-Thai border). More pictures of the streetchildren work can be found in his spanish site: http://tinyurl.com/c37pfWe both arrived in

GGRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912100262477711645noreply@blogger.com