6th Give the Gift of Giving Project

It's BER months again and to start this yuletide season, here comes again our yearly Christmas project, the Give the Gift of Giving Project and we are on our 6th year already.

Mt. Fuji of Japan Up Close

I had never imagined that id be seeing Mt Fuji that close. In fact, in my itinerary for Japan, it was not on the list. I really had no idea that my Japan trip would be as memorable as this.

At the Summer Capital of PH

I've been travelling around the country and one place that i really wanted to visit was Baguio. Lagi nauunsyami everytime nagpaplano akong mag Baguio. And everytime im travelling for vacation, I want my parents to come with me. I want them to have a break from working so hard.

I am so happy that finally i got to see and experience Baguio city and what's more exciting, im with my mom and a friend of mine. Before heading to Baguio, we had our dinner first in MOA since both of my travel buddies were first-timer ng MOA. hahaha It was around 8:30pm when we went to the Bus station. Unfortunately, the only available trip going to Baguio was 11:30pm so we waited for more than 2 hrs .We arrived in Baguio around 6am and we went straight to the Hotel to leave our things and start touring around Baguio.

 

First halt, Burnham Park. It was not so cold actually when we arrived at Burnham Park so we enjoyed eating some dirty ice cream .

Domex World Toilet Day

Community welcomes arrival of clean toilets in “Fiesta” video

It’s a scene typically played out during fiestas: People rushing to the streets, drawn to the sound of a marching band. Everyone is smiling, eager to see the “star” of the celebration. But instead of showing the face of a movie celebrity, a beauty queen or a politician, the video reveals an unlikely, yet welcome sight—a new, clean toilet facility.

Google Training for Persons With Disabilities

Last Sept 13, 2014, 12 differently-abled persons participated in our first training for the project "Taking Advantage of Technology" (More of this project here). This project of Behind the Rolling Chair aims to help PWDs get a job or start a business online. As we all know online jobs were very convenient especially for PWDs. With the Google Tools training, PWDs were able to enhanced their skills and prepare themselves to become virtual assistants.

Experience the Pakfry King

At first, I was wondering why Pakfry? When i saw the first served plate on our table, it was not the usual simple fried tuna tail, it has paksiw sauce on it.  That moment, i therefore concluded it was cooked in two different ways. The taste was so good and not to mention the vinegar "suka" was superb, just perfect combo. A must try unique food in the city, indeed. No doubt he's the king!

The Pakfry King can be found at Palo Vince - The Pakfry King restaurant located at Dacudao Avenue, Davao city. The restaurant served also other sumptuous food like Sinuglaw, Pork BBQ, sea weeds, and many more. 

Shell V-Power Nitro+ Launch

Dubbed as the fruit basket of the Philippines, Davao boasts of an abundance in some of the tastiest tropical fruits in the Philippines, thanks to its rich and fertile volcanic soil. Being one of the top destinations in the country for diverse cultural experiences and scenic destinations, Davao, home to the Philippines’ largest city in terms of land area, has definitely a lot to offer for Filipino motorists searching for exciting drives.

 When lush natural scenery and rich culture meet a bustling metropolitan lifestyle, the possibility of discovering something unique and interesting along its vast roads makes driving in and around the city an exciting experience. Whether it’s a relaxing solo drive around the busy streets of the town proper, or a thrilling off-road drive at the foot of Mt. Apo, Pilipinas Shell calls on each and every Davaoeño motorist to discover his own formula for an exciting drive. Shell, through its performance fuels, Shell V-Power Nitro+, is on a mission to uncover the different turns, terrains and tracks that characterize the interesting sights and road trips only the Philippines can offer.

Exciting Project for the PWD Sector

Here is something to look forward in the PWD (Persons With Disability) sector. Another project of Behind the Rolling Chair that aims to help PWDs get a job or start a business online. 

Taking Advantage of Technology is a series of training intended for the PWDs focusing on the benefits that technology offers. 

An Adventure Worth Remembering

Madami satin madalas gusto ng mga exciting adventures, yung extreme and challenging kasi mas naaalala natin. Well, kahit ako gustong gusto ang mga iyon. But i always wanted na hindi lang challenging but also fulfilling. Last May 24, 2014 i had my first ever mountain experience. You all know that im in wheelchair & kung iisipin mahirap talaga sya. Of course hindi ko na dinala ang wheelchair, what i did was sumakay sa isang motorcycle na tawag ay "habal-habal".

Nippon Paint set to color Davao City

After its successful launch in Manila to mark its entry into the Philippines architectural coatings segment, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines is now expanding its innovative coating solutions to Davao City.

“Davao is fast growing and we know for a fact that the construction and real estate industries are flourishing in this city. We are definitely looking forward to be part of this exciting growth through our extensive range of coating solutions,” said Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group. Now, Davaoeños will enjoy innovative coating solutions of unparalleled quality, together with a colour palette that runs into the thousands” she added. 

Miss Scuba Philippines 2014

The search is on for the country’s representative to be the next Miss Scuba International 2014. This year’s national search, Miss Scuba Philippines, will be held at the Pacific Cebu Resort managed by sáv Hospitality in Mactan, Cebu on the 26th of September. The winner will then represent the Philippines in this year’s international pageant to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on the 28th of November.

Finally Found An Accessible Resort in Metro Davao

This past few months, i have been looking for an accessible resort basically that has swimming pool & ramps & is nearby my place. Fortunate that i found Brokenshire Resort & Convention Center.  As you all know I am in wheelchair so i really make sure that the place is wheelchair-friendly. So, take a look at my pictures below featuring some facilities of the said resort.

The Swimming Complex opens at 6:00 AM up to 10:00 PM. The Mini-Olympic Pool measures 25 meters length by 15 meters width. It is four (4) feet deep on both ends and five (5) feet at the center. The kidney-shaped kiddie pool is about 2 feet deep. Appropriate swimming attire is required. There are Lifeguards trained in water safety and basic life support. Swimming lessons (basic and advance) are offered through an outsourced company. Floaters are available for competitions.

Kadayawan sa Davao Schedule of Activities

Celebrating bountiful harvest, wealth of culture & serenity of living. Here is the schedule of activities for this year's Kadayawan Festival 2014. 

SmartBro's Latest Innovation , The Dashboard

Are you a broadband user? How about a Smart Bro subscriber? Are you having problems looking for your SIM number & inquiring your current balance? Well, good news from Smart Communications, introducing the Smart Bro Dashboard.

Managing your broadband subscription and enjoying the best of the internet is now made easier and more convenient with the launch of Dashboard, another breakthrough innovation from Smart Bro.

With the Dashboard, Smart Bro subscribers can easily access everything related to their broadband accounts including promo subscription validity and the full list of broadband packages that they can easily subscribe to, accessible with just a simple click from the Dashboard.

JUST 1: Job Trade and Scholarship Fairs for PWD

On May 2, 2014, DOLE-NCR through the Quezon City Field Office joined in the celebration of PWD day by conducting job, trade and scholarship fairs with the following partners: Bigay Buhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Office of Congressman Alfred Vargas, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors (PALSCON), Diocese of Novaliches, SM City (SM City CARES), DepED, TESDA, DOST, SSS and Phil Health. Fourteen (14) employers participated in the job fair with two hundred thirty five (235) PWD job applicants.

Legal Rights of Persons With Disabilities

Who are Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)? How do we define PWDs? What are the scope of legal rights of Persons With Disabilities? These three questions are common especially for us in the sector. Below, is a video discussing the above questions. Listen to Mr Manuel Agcaoli (CEO of Tahanang Walang Hagdan) and Ms Carmen Zubiaga (Nat'l Council on Disability Affairs) as they expound issues that matter to the PWD community and to our society.

Persons With Disabilities includes those who have long -term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation with society on an equal basis with others.

Tugbok Davao City Students Received School Materials

Last May 24, 2014, our team together with other volunteers went to Tugbok, Davao city to distribute school supplies to more than a hundred students as part of the 4th Back to School Gift Giving Project. The said project aims to provide better education to less fortunate children especially those in remote areas. One of its project was to give necessary school materials like bags, notebooks, pencils, etc. For the first leg of the project, our beneficiaries were students who live in two different orphanages in Tugbok namely, Providence Home of St. Joseph and Padre Pio's Home for Children.

Duskin Leadership Training in Japan for PWD

For how many years now, I have been applying for the Duskin Leadership Training in Japan. To be exact, this is my 5th time to apply. The said training is designed for young Persons With Disabilities (PWD) who are living in Asia and the Pacific that wish to become leaders in their own community and work for the benefit of the PWD sector.

The latter program (the Duskin Leadership Training Program in Japan) was launched in 1999, as part of the Asia and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (1993-2002).  It recruits young people with disabilities living in Asia and the Pacific who wish to study disability issues in Japan and gain the necessary skills and knowledge to bring back home, in order to improve the situation of the disabled population in their own countries. 

Maximum of 10 trainees are accepted every year. Each country will have at least one representative who is eligible for the said training. Its going to be a 10 month long training program that participants need to adapt themselves to Japanese life and culture. This year the program starts in late August and ends in early July next year. For more details how to apply for the 17th Duskin Leadership Training, visit the official website http://www.normanet.ne.jp/~duskin/english/index.html.

TGIF - A Perfect Place for a Perfect Lunch

TGI Friday’s Davao branch (Abreeza Ayala Mall) launched its newest promo last May 12, 2014 and its called A Perfect Place for the Perfect Lunch. This includes the following: Japeno Mushroom Stuffed Chicken, Cajun Spaghetti and Meatballs, Sizzling Seafood Rice, and Grilled Chop in Shitake Cream Sauce. All of these new offer of TGIF is only for 295pesos. Available from Monday to Friday, 11am - 2pm (lunch time). 

Japeno Mushroom Stuffed Chicken - Deep-fried chicken fillet stuffed with Jalapenos and Shitake over rice pilaf with summer coleslaw.

4th Back to School Gift Giving Project

Following three successful gift giving events in the past 3 years, Behind the Rolling Chair is now on its 4^th installment of the Back to School Gift Giving Project. Through this project, we are able to help underprivileged school children by giving school supplies such as bags, notebooks, shoes, pencil, and other necessary materials for their education. To date, we have given already to over 1000 children in Davao city and Davao del Sur including our adopted 3 orphanages namely; Padre Pios Home for Children, Providence Home of St. Joseph, and Balay Pasilungan.

It was May of 2011, when the team drove to Kumasi, Santa Maria, Davao Del Sur and distributed school supplies to seventy (70) poor school kids. It drew a lot of attention that made the second leg of this project even more successful, benefiting more than 200 kids from supports coming here and abroad. Last year of May, the third installment of this project benefited 400 students from the city and the provinces of Davao. Beneficiaries include the 3 orphanages mentioned above and the victims of flash flood in Pongpong, Sta Maria Davao del Sur, Kabantian Elem School and the students with disabilities in Davao city.

Naprey the Strong-wheeled Back to Schooler

The Good Story Competition  in Singapore is a celebration of creative and compelling video storytelling of everyday people in Asia doing good to improve the lives of others.

It also provides these inspiring people the opportunity to have their stories told by passionate and talented filmmakers, and shared through Our Better World’s distribution channels and partners to encourage others to help them in their cause.

One of Davao city's digital video storyteller, Glorypearl Dy of Switotwins Digital Storytelling Philippines submitted an entry to the competition that features Behind the Rolling Chair and his advocacy project, the Back to School Gift Giving Project. The video made it to the top 20 & goes to the final judging & there will be audience voting from April 21 to May 4. To vote follow the easy steps below.

Bucket Shrimps Davao as to Accessibility

Bucket Shrimps Davao is the newest restaurant in Metrolifestyle Complex, located at F. Torres St. Davao city. It is a Filipino seafood restaurant that serves crabs, that can be cook in different styles, scallops, and the signature Bucket Shrimps.

Dampa Davao Seafoods and Grill

Dampa Davao, the newest fresh seafood restaurant. It is situated at Tionko Avenue, Corner Arellano St. (at the back of Central Bank). Dampa Davao is serving the best and delicious seafood that is cooked the way you want it. 

Last week, Davao Bloggers were invited for a food tasting, trying the best of Dampa Davao. Below you can see some of the photos I took at that night.

The New Jollibee Kit Kat Mix-ins

Summer is coming right? Are you looking for some goodness in every scoop? How about trying the new Jollibee Kit Kat Mix-ins, the latest delightful dessert from the country's leading fast-food chain. 

Yes, you heard it right, KitKat -the crunchy chocolate that also gives us a more irresistible reason to look forward to break times in school or at work. I know most of us remember how we enjoy having our breaks with friends, classmate and colleagues. This time, Kit Kat is perfectly combine with Jollibee's own vanilla soft serve ice cream. This is to give us a much deserve break. 

Sun Life Financial Invest and Travel Promo

Invest today and enjoy exciting getaways. That's the objective of Sun Life Financial Invest and Travel promo. This is also to further encourage investors to grow their money with SLAMCI (Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc.). 

This year, the SLAMCI offers "Invest and Travel" promo wherein qualified investors are rewarded with vacation treats and travel packages to destinations such as Sydney, LA and San Francisco. All the packages are good for two persons so investor can share the experience with a loved one.

Invest and Travel promo will run until December 29, 2014. 

Activities and Events on the 77th Araw Ng Davao

Seems like everywhere you go in the city you can smell Durian. Yes, you heard it right and that is because of the 77th Araw ng Davao. Dabawenyos will be expecting big number of tourists visiting the city this month. Because it is not only the founding anniversary of the city but also the start of the BIG DAVAO FUN SALE. With that, here's the schedule of activities in the city and events in some shopping malls.

A Mind-Blowing Experience

It was August 17-18, 2008 when I joined the Youth Leadership Training for Person's With Disability held at Hope Mountain, Ulas Davao city. It was a 2 days seminar funded by the Liliane Fonds Philippines in cooperation of the Maharlika Charity Foundation. Attended by 15 differently-abled persons and it aimed to boast the self-esteem and the leadership of each PWD in their own communities. The 15 PWDs comes from the different regions in the country.

It was actually my first seminar together with my fellow PWDs.  Way back high school days, I am not really at ease and comfortable to be with this group of people (as if i'm not one of them).  Yes, that's true. I didn't even want to be of friends of them 'coz I feel pity for myself and I feel so insignificant. Seeing their situations also really makes me feel sorry and it really breaks my heart. And I realized that it was just part of the pride inside in me that it was just part of the denial phase of any person struggling. In short, di ko pa tanggap ang sitwasyon na merun ako (at that time). I believed it's really in us (PWDs). I mean, we really encounter this stage of ours and its tough.

Chicco Di Caffe Celebrates Five Years

Since college, I have been a loyal customer of Chicco Di Caffe because aside from the fact that its nearby my school, they also offer high quality of products and services. I remember when they first opened the Roxas branch in 2009 and I was doing my thesis at that time. I need a place to stay in order to work on with my papers and I found Chicco Di Caffe a perfect place for a student like me. No doubt even up to now, most of their customers are students from nearby schools like Ateneo de Davao, University of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Child School of Davao, and others. It's perfect for wheelchair person like me also because they have ramp. Indeed, i'm a Chiccoholic!

Photo by: DavaoFoodTrip.com

Last Feb 28, 2014 exactly five years after, i had the chance to celebrate their anniversary with the other Chiccoholics and some bloggers. This time they're celebrating it with the other branches like in Abreeza, NCCC, SM city Davao, Gmall, Robinsons, and Gmall-Tagum. Launching new products and upcoming promos, the General Manager Ruel Morales shared it with us. He also shared the history of the company and we got to try the best of Chicco Di Caffe. Offering the taste of real Italian Coffee specially prepared by a Certified USA-Trained Barista. They're now also offering meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Elements: The Sonic Escalation Party 2014

Even person with disability (PWD) like me likes music and partying. Music is a therapeutic tool for everyone. As PWD i have found music to be invaluable as it gives relaxation therapy. 

Just recently, SM Lanang Premier with Manic Productions organized a techno theme electronic music party called Elements: The Sonic Escalation Party 2014. 

Extra Special Valentine's Day

With the kids of hope, enjoying the face painting

Love is an act of your will, the will to spread happiness. Once a year, we have this so called Valentine's Day where in everything is filled with heart shaped objects, chocolates, and of course flowers. 

Whatever status you have like married, in a relationship, or even if you are single, there are many reasons to celebrate Love day. And if you think, love day is for couples only then you are wrong. Here is my way of celebrating Valentine's Day with good friends and little cute angels that heaven sent. 

Big Davao Fun Sale

Another reason to visit Davao city is this year's "The Big Davao Fun Sale". This is a month long celebration from March 14 to April 16, 2014 and it is said to be the country's biggest shopping festival. Joining the festival are Abreeza Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao and Toril, NCCC Mall Davao, Robinson’s, SM City Davao, and SM Lanang Premier which will offer up to 80% discounts on its widest range of products. 

The festival aims to increase the number of tourists in Davao City so as to increase the sales of shopping malls in the city. Other hotels, restaurants and resorts will also be participating in this month long sale. It is also supported by some airlines like Cebu Pacific, Silk Air and Singapore Airlines, which offers special air fare promos. 

Dinagyang 2014

“Bringing more fun to the world. Growing together in faith through Señor Santo Niño” is this year's theme for Dinagyang Festival. Dinagyang is Iloilo city’s version of the Ati-Atihan festival widely celebrated in other parts of the country. 

This was my first Dinagyang experience and definitely not the last. I am really impressed of how astonishing Dinagyang was in terms of the various attires worn by participating tribes in Kasadyahan and Ati contest. This only reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.

From the airport, tourists are welcomed by Ati warriors and with the drum beat exhibition, a typical Ati-atihan way of welcoming visitors.

Speak Out: Striking Out Against Injustice

Batas Pambansa 344 also known as Accessibility Law is an act to enhance the mobility of Persons With Disability by requiring certain building, institution, establishments, and other public utilities to install facilities and other devices. This includes; public and private buildings and related structures for public use and which shall be constructed, repaired or renovated, streets and highways and public utilities, and public transport terminals including those of LRTA.

Last Dec. 22, 2013, an incident happened involving me and a security personnel of a certain shopping mall in the city. Below i posted the details of what happened just please bear with my dialect. 

First in 2014: Rain or Shine Street Feeding and Tutorial

Last year (2013), it was such a big blessing for all of us volunteers of Mission Partners of Mary for we were able to successfully made a street feeding and tutorial for the street kids of Davao city. This year, we're excited to see and meet again the kids. It's been 3 weeks since we had not conducted a feeding and tutorial with them.

Last January 11, a rainy Saturday evening we had our first street feeding and tutorial for the year 2014. Only few kids attended because they have no idea that we're coming and rain was hardly pouring.

The Kids and some of the volunteers

The Declaration of 2013-2022 as Philippine Decade for Persons with Disabilities

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the period of 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of “Make the Right Real” for persons with disabilities (PWDs), in support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities.

During the regular press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Aquino issued the directive by virtue of Proclamation No. 688 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last November 22.

The Proclamation No. 125 (series 1993) and Proclamation No. 240 (series 2002) declared the nationwide observance in the Philippines of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities in 1993-2002 and 2003-2012, respectively.