Summer Lessons Over

Yesterday: 50 x 5
So quiet with summer lessons over.

Today: 50 x 5 with T
Two students there - mostly chatting. That's what happens when there's no coach.

Play at the Pool

50 x 2, 75 x 2, 50 x 2 free
Wow, the students were basiclly just playing today. Most coaches were still reading the papers and chatting. At least that's what I see while I'm there. Maybe things go into high-gear wham-bam kick-ass competition-style training right after I leave.

My 7th Toastmasters Speech

50 x 5 free

Update: I've archived all my TOASTMASTERS SPEECHES in the LINKS portion at the sidebar or access all of them here.

The toastmasters session today went through with some minor hitches. First Roxy didn't make it to Kimberly-Clark (KCPI) coz she was at Customs the whole afternoon. I was a little worried that nobody would evaluate me. Fortunately Khris Albano from Diageo was there. So basically, we were the only outsiders at KCPI. There were 10 of us there and I was surprised that Khris felt that there were too few people. Too few? I've spoken to a group less than half of THAT! There was a little confusion as to who will assume what roles. Finally, after one more prepared speaker came, I became a prepared speech evaluator.

The table topics segment was funny. TM Junjun prepared pictures instead of quotes for the topics. So it was basically anything under the sun for the impromptu topics. Funny thing is the first "volunteered" (forced) speaker was from KCPI and the succeeding were also "volunteered" KCPI speakers. In other words, NOBODY freely volunteered. I could've volunteered but the way each were egging and throwing each other to speak was just too funny and I didn't want to spoil the fun.

For my role, I evaluated an icebreaker speech (my second evaluation) by Jenny (the dancer). It was a nice spontaneous speech about her passion which is dancing. I requested the TM of the Night, Jess to let me go first so that when Jenny speaks after me, I could freely and continuously do my notes even after her speech. This I could not do had I spoken after her.

The delivery of my 7th Toastmaseters Speech went remarkably well! Click here to see the text. I had some pauses and I thought I won't recall the next idea. But at the last nanosecond, the idea reappeared. There's really something about being confident when speaking - the ideas just magically reappear when you thought you've forgotten them. So yes, I didn't miss anything this time. And I was below the time limit! Yehey! The target range was 5 to 7 minutes and I made it in 6:15 mins. My evaluator was Khris Albano. Khris actually evaluated me once when I was a test speaker at the Bureau of Customs for my 3rd speech. Khris entered the Evaluator contest at that time so this is not the first time for him to hear me.

Anyway, here's some of the constructive feedback given by TM Khris on my speech:
  • Cite the resources used in the speech, e.g., wikipedia, newspaper articles, etc. (why didn't I think of that?)
  • The opening and ending could've been tied up much better and then tied together with the title. (Yup, there seems to be a hodgepodge of ideas that didn't connect well.)
Some of the nice feedback on my evaluation to TM Jenny's icebreaker speech:
  • Spoke from the heart.
  • Very thorough.
  • Be consistent in using the second person "you" when addressing the evaluatee.(Argh - I keep forgetting this, but am improving).


See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!

Speech #7 Topic

No Swim Today
I was blowing my nose a little more than usual that I felt a little strange sensation in my left ear. So I decided to skip this morning's swim just to be sure.

And I was glad I did. It gave me time to finish the script for my Toastmasters Speech Project #7. Actually, I stayed up pretty late last night. I just couldn't sleep as my mind was racing with ideas that I could incorporate in my speech. I'd turn on the night lamp, get my notebook and scribble notes while in bed. Ahhh, that's what I get for researching just a little too much on the topic which is on Mount Everest. I didn't want to miss all that was running in my head so kept turning on the light and then writing notes. Too bad the Toastmasters session didn't push through today. I'll more likely deliver the speech tomorrow at Kimberly Clark. Which may be a good thing coz I'm feeling tired and sleepy today. Hopefully I'll be in better shape to speak tomorrow. One thing's for sure though - I'm pretty much excited!

See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!

Coughs and Speech #7 Idea?

No Swim Today.
Yesterday - I was still having a bit of sinusitis and I only managed a 50 x 5 free. I was even coughing a bit at the pool.

I'm already thinking of ideas for my Toastmasters Speech Project #7 - Research Your Topic. I feel kinda bad that my 2nd speech, "The Devil's Garden" would've been THE perfect speech for this project. Any ideas for topics?

5th and 6th Toastmasters Speeches

50 x 2, TE, 50 x 2 free
Sun is up once again! Yeyhey! For a while there I thought summer was over. It's been dark and gloomy these past few days. That and my allergies that have been acting up again discouraged me from going to the pool. But today, the sun's up and my allergies going away (thnx to virlix, carbocisteine and neozep), I couldn't help not going. Yah, "couldn't help" is the operative phrase here. Somehow, my drive from the house gets just a teeny-weeny bit more exciting when I anticipate driving over to the pool first. And my, what a nice bright morning! When I got to the pool, the water was churning with lots of kids. Hmmmm, I would've thought that the past rains would have dampened their spirits, but no, apparently not.

The bummer was when I jumped into the pool. Yikes! the water was not of the usual nice and comfy temp that I got used to. Nope, it was cold! That's the bummer, I should've known better that with the past continuous rains, the water would turn cool. That surprised me. Well, too late. I did think of getting out and getting my swim cap but, what the heck. I wasn't up for a great workout today. Just for me to get "the feel" back again is enough.

Last Wednesday, I delivered my 5th Toastmasters Speech (Your Body Speaks) to a very small group at the office's clinic area. Doc Noy was the evaluator. I realized the speech can feel so personal when speaking to a small group. I contrast that with a bigger group where there's so many faces to glance and "converse" to.

Some of the constructive feedback.
  • Minimize gestures that are not purposeful. Avoid gestures just for the sake of gesturing. If unecessary, just put the arms by your side. (Yah, this is getting to be a habit of mine )
  • Minimize examples (or scenarios) to just 1 or 2. Three might be an overkill.
Some of the nice feedback.

  • "Smile on his face" throughout the speech made it very effective. (Somehow, it's easier to smile when speaking to a small group)
  • Attention-getting opening. (Yah, the word "sex" is always attention-getting )
  • Simple, easy-to-understand and "down-to-earth".
  • Good outline, good delivery.
Naturally I was happy, but I was happier when I was invited to speak at Kimberly-Clark Phils. (the makers of tissues, diapers and cotton products) for my 6th Toastmasters Speech (Vocal Variety). And not only that, I was asked to be a prepared speech evaluator also (my first!). Without much thought, I readily agreed.

The folks at Kimberly-Clark Phils. were an enthusiastic bunch with all of them delivering their Icebreaker speeches. They were very hospitable.

Some of the constructive feedback for my 6th Toastmasters Speech:

  • The speech could've been better demonstrated with a "direct discourse" between 2 people. (Agreed).
Some of the constructive feedback for my 1st evaluation:

  • Better to address the evaluatee in the 2nd person rather than the "impersonal" 3rd person. (Agreed. What can I do, I'm from a technical background and we speak and write in the impersonal 3rd person.)
  • Look at the person being evaluated and not so much at the audience for added sincerity.
I'm happy. Just 4 more speeches and I'd be getting my CTM certification. Overall, I had a great time speaking and evaluating at Kimberly-Clark. I certainly hope it won't be the last time. See all my Toastmasters Speeches online here!

Colds from Sore Throat

No Swim Today
The sore throat I had last Thursday from orienting the Process Tech on a new process plus getting wet from last Friday's morning rains made me vulnerable to colds. Typhoon Caloy gave us a beating too. I was just lazying at home practically the whole weekend with the sniffles. I did manage to merge and convert some of the old crappy Casio video clips into wmvs using Moviemaker and vcds using Nero.

Renz was all bright and perky yesterday and greeted me with a thunderous "Happy Mother's Day, Papa!!!" Hmm, thanx son.

Overheard last night after the kids attended a birthday party at Jollibee:
Renz: Tita, bakit may pakpak si Jollibee?
Tita: Siyempre, bee kasi siya.
Renz: Bee? Eh bakit may sungay?
Tita: (snickering) Hindi sungay iyon, antennae yon.
Renz: Parang... parang TV?

First Showers of May

50 x 3 free, 50 side
Wow, it rained today. First rains for the year. Is summer finally over? Everybody's in a playful mood today at the pool. Either it's the rains or maybe it's Friday. No scolding, no shouting. The kids are playing, resting lots and the coach is reading his paper. Yup, everybody's happy.

Yesterday a kid approached me in the pool to tell me that my wristwatch (which I always wear in the pool) is getting wet. I didn't know what to do whether to thank him or smack him.

No Shower and a Cool Video

50 x 6 free
Still sore at the front of my hips. Probly the desk job. The swim kept it away for a while.

I don't understand these hired helps at the pool. They somehow want to shower all at the same time. They even want to do their laundry there. There aren't many stalls at the shower and they just keep out other patrons at the meantime. I didn't have time for wait for these jerks so I proceeded to change at the waterpump room. So, no showers today.

The coach's wards didn't seem to be keen on practicing today. They started later than I did. After I got out of the pool, others got out as well complaining how tired they were. I was tired too, corz I wasn't in it for the competition. Anyway , just to blow your fatigue away, here's a really cool video. Kudos if you can do what the funny dog does. Enjoy!



Half-Assed Coaching

Today: 50, 50, 75, 75, 100 frees
A couple of the coach's better students were at the pool today. Ya gotta love these coaches with the way they bark out their orders - 200m, 500m free! Go! - and then proceed to read the morning paper.

The kids know it so they put out this half-assed practice, rarely completing the required set and mostly resting. Peering over his paper, the coach guesses that they're slacking so barks out another 200m and then goes back to his paper or chats with another. It's half-assed coaching resulting in half-assed practice.

Why Swim?

50, 50, 75, 75, 100 free, 25 back.
This was an interesting workout today. I think I'll do it for the next few days.

After the swim, I went over to LaCo to get Karen's report card. We left it there last Saturday to have it signed by the principal and directresss. Karen's new school, MunSci, requires it. I saw Sandra's picture in the Smart LCCians bulletin board for Model Pupils! Just the other night Sandra asked me "Papa, paano niyo po nakahiligan ang swimming?" and I thought to myself what a simple yet profound question coming from a 9-year old. It took a while to complete my answer. My answer went back to the time when I was in grade school and my dad tried to teach me to swim and I found out how good and graceful he was at swimming to the time when I sprained my back in 2004.

Confirmation and Swimming at Alfredo's Resort

No swim today.

We attended the Confirmation rites for Che and Karen and Tita Gay was the Ninang. This was in the morning. There were close to 100 kids who were confirmed at the St. Peregrine's Church. Mayor Fresnedi and several government officials were there. The mayor didn't stay long though. According to Renz, Ate Karen looks worried in the picture below:


After the rites were over, we took a quick change at home and motored to Pampanga to go swimming at Alfredo's. This is a new place (for us anyway) to visit. We got there at 3pm. The place is quite big. There were 4 pools and a jacuzzi. Only 2 pools were for adults though. The place was swarming! There was a queue at the entrance too as many wanted to get in. Divine's officemate got a cottage near the entrance. Here's a shot at the cottage.


This is the first time that we spent an overnight at the new Pampanga house. Here's a shot at the dining room with us having breakfast. Renz is playing hide-and-seek.





To see more pictures of the Confirmation and Alfredo's Resort, click here.

Finally a 100!

Yesterday was another milestone for me. I believe it was the first time that I did a 100m or 2 laps in the pool in one go. I did an ascending set 50, 50, 75 and finally a 100. I'm still building endurance. My end goal for endurance is to be able to swim freestyle for an hour. I also found 4 one-peso coins to add to the Blackdove Treasure Trove.

Today, I attempted the same ascending set. Somehow, my triceps gave up on me on the last 100m of the 100m. My arms just felt tired. There weren't many kids today. Instead, there were adults who entered in the guise of getting the free lessons.

Magic at Enchanted Kingdom

Last May 1 was the company's Summer Family Funday at Enchanted Kingdom. Except for Che, Karen and Tita Gay, nobody among us has ever been to this amusement park despite the fact that we pass by this place many times. The 3 second-time visitors had very limited time during their first time which was on a school field trip. So all of us were very excited to finally spend the whole day at the rides!

We got there before 8am and here's a shot of some of the characters there. These characters virtually welcomed everybody coming in. Behind the gang is the Kingdom's mascot - the Wizard.


Boulderville - Renz would spend so much of his time here coz of the kiddie rides. Unlike everybody else, Renz didn't get the ride-all-you-can wrist tag which in hindsight may not have been a great idea. But anyway, he did enjoy himself here and in the arcade!


DH and Renz enjoying the slides at Boulderville.


A shot at the huge Anito face (sorry, don't know what the name is - but it looks like an Inca statue of some sort)


Our first ride - the Space Shuttle - the MOST FEARED ride at Enchanted Kingdom. Yup, that's me with both arms waving. DH is right beside me, nervously praying I guess. Everybody else chickened out. This ride is very steep, very high and VERY FAST!


Our second ride - the Swan Lake. That's Karen and Che waving. Don't let those pretty swans fool you though. Pedalling these beasts around the lake is tough, especially under the summer sun!


Here's a shot of the kids at the Flying Fiesta.


Little Renz and DH at the brightly colored Grand Carousel - with band music on the background of course.


Here's DH still soaking and dripping wet after that Rio Grande Rapids ride with me.


Little Renz with that sweet "Closeup" smile at Bumbling Boulders - another free kiddie ride.


After the Jungle Log Jam Ride, here's Dada pinching her nose after it hit a wooden railing. Poor Dada. Karen seems amused while Che's shirt got wet.


The sun is setting and it's time to say bye-bye to Enchanted Kingdom. It's 6pm and we're all just too tired.


A last bite just before heading on home.


I took tons of pics and videos and these are just a few.


Feel free to look at some nice pics featuring the rides of Enchanted Kingdom here.

Mango Sawing Weekend

Had another incredible workout just this weekend. Our hardy axe is slowly dying and so I could no longer chop and split the firewood that we had left to dry. This wood is from the mango tree of a neighbor and the branches are big. They've been at the garage for quite sometime now and I felt it's time to cut them up so that they could be piled up neatly. And so, I had no other recourse but to use the handsaw. It wasn't easy but I cut them up so that could fit easily inside our superstove (superkalan). Here's a typical size of a block that I cut up:


Here's the pile of those blocks.


Here's a block in action - inside the superstove, that is - in a long slow burn.