Puerto Galera Onwards TLC

    Out of curiosity, I googled the best month of the year. I found out that November topped it all among the 12 months of the year. And from the internet, there are many reasons why November is the best. For one, it is the month in which different elements are equal. For example, it is the perfect balance between autumn and winter. Moreover, fashion is high this month both for male and female fashionistas. Everyone wears hats or maybe toques and bonnets, scarves as well, sweaters or jackets, and boots in this month till winter is over. It becomes colorful this month. Take note, the colors of leaves change, and the roads seem to have carpets of maples or other kinds of leaves in countries with cold climate. In addition, several books are published in this month, and some well-loved books are turned into movies. There are more celebrations, aside from Halloween, it’s the month of Thanksgiving. Black Friday Sale is a buzz. Once Thanksgiving is over, Christmas approaches, time to decorate the house and feel the spirit of giving.

    Well, I considered November 2018 as a lucky month for me. Last November 6, I arrived all the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada to do a special mission. Upon arrival, I prepared at once my stuff for my trip to Puerto Galera with Lombosco Tea(m)chers. It was my public speaking engagement, the primary reason why I (with my team) had to cross the sea and travel from Muntinlupa City where I reside when I’m in my home country, the marvelous Philippines. My topics on that seminar were- “Storytelling and Writing 101: A Crash Course on How to Write a Book.” It took place on the 3^rd floor of Puerto Galera’s Infirmary.

    I performed as a “Witch” (the prettiest witch, eh…joke only). I thought of that to hook my audience and that was appropriate for the story that I used to jumpstart and to elicit from them the storytelling tips. Towards the end, I summarized everything on how to deliver and narrate a good story. By the way, for my props, I used a black hat, black cloak, broomsticks, and my lapel. Creepy yet funny! I laughed out loud, imitating the witch’s devilish laughter. I myself couldn't believe that I was hilariously transformed into a witch.

    What made it special and exciting? I got two brilliant guest speakers from Manila and White Rock, BC, Canada namely- the Philippines’ Happiness Guru, Jimmy Belleza and Amazon’s Best Selling Canadian Author, Juliet van Ruyven respectively who impressed the audience. The audience was composed of the local personnel and English teacher-representatives from different Puerto Galera schools. Altogether, we inspired them and motivated them to write, share and narrate their stories, be passionate, chase their dreams and be happy at all times. We had fun but there were also serious moments. In fact, almost everyone cried when we were touched by the speeches of the guest speakers.

    As the main organizer and lead speaker, I got a Certificate of Recognition from the Office of the Mayor and Sangguniang Bayan ng Puerto Galera. Besides, I received a Certificate of Appreciation for spearheading the seminar that advocated Puerto Galera Onwards TLC. I highlighted and passionately encouraged the promotion of Tourism, Literacy and Conservation in the International Market- through my authored books, to mention here- The Star of the Sea: A Boat Ride, ‘Ter and Ter’, the Turtle and the Eagle, Happiness 365 and ¼ Days (all three with Puerto Galera as their place setting). I also showed my first published book, The Peso Coin I Kept; followed by The Class Lady Bug. I’ve got five more upcoming books for 2019 and 2020. All ready to be published.

    Cheers! I want to thank Hon. Mayor Rockey D. Ilagan, Vice Mayor Lopez, Sangguniang Bayan ng Puerto Galera, Mr. Venancio Yap, Carmela, Karen, Daniel Enriquez, my guest-speakers and PG teachers and our dear Lombosco Academy teachers who were with me, giving me all the support in this big event. Truly memorable!

    With my group, together we loved every moment there in the event and our stay at White Beach Resort, owned by Mr. Francisco Magbuhos who showed his sincerest generosity to us. I personally recommend the old and young to choose White Beach Resort for their hotel accommodation. 

    Fortunately, a lot of good things happened this November. It brought blessings to me because after that, I got into seven more speaking engagements and one book launching event, maximizing my one-month visit here in my country of origin.

   I felt blessed. Not my birthday month though but indeed, November is the best. 

- Lucy Lombos

November 26, 2018
Philippines

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Over-the-Moon at Taal Maranan Farmville

    “Happiness!” Jimmy Belleza, the Philippines’ Happiness Guru would often utter that with a bright smile. That’s a one-word mantra which I learned from him. The two of us felt that there was a connection between us. Hence, we became a tandem. Once again last November 17 to 18, 2018, I saw him at Taal Maranan Farmville, located in the beautiful Taal, Batangas, southern part of Luzon in my home country, the marvelous Philippines. I tagged my brother, Engr. Noe D. Enriquez to come along with me and obviously, we had fun.

    “What was the reason going there in Taal?” I guess you would ask me. I was thrilled when I got an invitation from Mr. Mike Maranan, Chairman of the Maranan Group of Companies to give a talk to the managers and officers of his so many businesses. The topics were- How to scale up a company to its exponential growth, Leadership, Sales, and Marketing. Indeed, it was a successful presentation. I was kinda buoyant and exultant. The seminar took place at Taal Maranan Farmville’s Ala Eh Café. With a warm ambiance, friendly people, neat and well-decorated place, strategically built at the hilly part of the farm, everything impressed me and my brother.

    What struck me most, aside from the humble and generous owners, Mr. Mike and his lovely wife, Joan was the food. Hmmm... Delicious! It gave us an over-the-moon state throughout our stay there.

    The Taal Spaghetti with banana balls (not meatballs) made the pasta superb and gave a real delight to us. It was neither salty nor sweet. It had a mild “kick” because of chili. It appeared yummy because of the garnishing. We enjoyably ate it; took it to heart especially when served in a cutie-nicey platter coupled with Guyabano or Mango juice, all freshly harvested from the farm. The Taal Pasta became the champion in the food contest in their town.

    The Taal Suman wowed us a lot. The glutinous rice apparently looked wrapped in lumpia, and we could see and taste the Macapuno with a sauce of the blended mint and jackfruit (or mango) on its top. Served on a clean, wooden chopping board, it irresistibly drew our attention.

    We also met the restaurant's chef, Nomer Maala who asked us about the food and if everything was okay. We gave him two thumbs up and told him that we were delighted and fascinated.

   

      Hey, Diddle Diddle, even the cat, residing there, named Gray made us jump over the moon and that the food offered to us seemed to have a golden spoon for each one of us.

    We went home extremely happy, and we couldn’t stop talking about our joyful experience only at Taal Maranan Farmville.

- Lucy Lombos

November 22, 2018

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Stars and Moon, Tell the Dove

Stars and Moon, Tell the Dove

Every time a dove looks up to the sky,

She asks, “Where are you, my love?”

Stars, shine on her so she won’t cry,

Right up so high, your power lit above.

... Give the light, tell the answer.

Moon so bright, must the dove give up?

She’s been searching for her love,

For many years, so give her heads-up,

Love’s in her gracious heart faithfully untold.

... Give the light, tell the answer.

How could the dove forget her love?

Young and pure, promised forever, 

The dove flies, searching far and wide,

She believes her love is just out there.

... Give the light, tell the answer.

Stars and moon, through your light

On her way home, lead this dove ...

To the "sweet memories" lane, she might

Get the key to freedom of her heart-cove.

... Give the light, tell the answer.

All through these years, swift oh dear

Bell-like, the name rings sweetly clear.

Stars and moon, illumine, tell the dove

Must the search be over? Reveal to her,

... Give the light, tell the answer.

By Lucy Lombos

#flawedbutloved

Note: This poem was written and included in my Christian-Romance Novel, 

"Rose of Calapan".

- Lucy Lombos :)

'Ter and Ter',The Turtle and the Eagle

Hi! It's this time of the year when the leaves are falling and their colors are changing; the weather is getting colder; and on Thanksgiving Day for the Canadians, the turkeys are being roasted and served on the family table. It's this time to be grateful and to feel the warmth of the family who receives blessings from Above.

There are always, always, always many things to be grateful for. In addition, there are several people, especially our loved ones whom we should be truly grateful for. I, myself, am so blessed to have a family who loves me and cares for me.

Moreover this year, I am also thankful to Lombosco Publications-Canada for publishing my children's book, 'Ter and Ter, The Turtle and the Eagle. The book tells us a delightful tale of the turtle and the eagle who became friends on their way to the big event at Mount Malasimbo. It's their chance to chase their dreams. The story is compelling because it also teaches the values of love, family, friendship, and passion for arts and music.

I'm happy to announce that this children's book will be launched on November 7, 2018, in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. If you like to have a copy, please call- 842-7992 and/or 8426519, or email me- luzenlom@gmail.com. 

Please remember: When you buy this book, you help the Filipino kids learn-to-read and read-to-learn.

Thank you, 

Lucy Lombos
October 8, 2018

My Quick Thoughts On Digital Play

            Play has been considered a child’s main activity where he learns many things about life. Seeing his parents, teachers and adults using the digital technology, he is exposed to this stuff and will also use them either at a young age or later. Hence, he and all other children become digital natives or citizens, growing up with technologies as a domesticated aspect of their modern lives in the 21st Century kind of living. 

            At the emergence of the digital age, digital play has been introduced and used as a cultural context for the growth and development of young children at home, in the school, anywhere. It all started when a transistor was invented as researchers say. 

            There have been a lot of viewpoints regarding the exact nature and purpose of play. Research targets the direction of theorizing digital play and understanding the convergence of traditional play with the technological activity as a form of digital play. Early childhood education is directed towards digital citizenship. Now in this regard, I am thinking my place or status- Am I a digital native or a digital immigrant? Whatever. I just like to recommend that the use of digital technology, internet, games, apps, and other mobile devices won't hinder and hamper- social interaction, focus in the school, reading books, going to church and/or fellowships and family life, most especially in helping and doing the household chores. And by the way, may I just add something? I am a literacy advocate. In this connection, my upcoming book, "The Joys of Junior" is all about the natural and traditional play of the child. The boy, the main character here, is not much on digital technology that commonly dominates children's lives nowadays. Anyway, the boy is open to get tech-savvy very soon. Technology, after all, is here to stay. He will be into it pretty good and he'll engage himself in it, and do well at the right time and place. I recommend that parents and educators should guide and monitor the child's activity especially when he and other children out there play, getting the right combination of traditional and digital play at home and in the school and wherever they go.

- Lucy Lombos,

Children's books author, Memoirist, Novelist and Academy Directress/Teacher

The Benefits of a Small Class Size

By Lucy Lombos

May 24, 2018

Stars twinkle brightly each day, not only up in the sky but also inside Lombosco Academy’s classrooms. Have you ever wondered why? Do you wanna know a secret?

Voila! Lombosco Academy, shortened as L.A., lets the children shine because it offers quality education foremost by having a low pupil-teacher ratio. The low pupil-teacher ratio expresses the relationship between the small number of students enrolled in the school and the number of full-time equivalent teachers employed by the school. In other words, it means small class size, handled not only by one but by two or more teachers per class, most especially in the pre-school department, and in the case of classes with children who have special needs; all entrusted to L.A.

Small class size gives advantages to the pupil...Well, a lot of children benefit from this strength of Lombosco Academy primarily because there is more one-on-one or individualized instruction. 

At L.A., there is a nurturing and caring school environment that gives the right stimulation and motivation to its pupil to strive to learn. Consequently, it results to the child’s higher success and satisfying school life.

Aside from that, belonging to a small class size, a child feels secured and establishes a stronger closeness with his/her friends, classmates, teachers and school staff.

In a small class size, the parents as well become more united and supportive of their child (or children) and to the teachers of their child. They are active and they do get involved in all school projects and events.

For the teachers, a small class size makes their job a lot easier. It allows them to manage their advisory class effectively, and that all of their classes are well-attended. They can prepare the lessons, make their visual aids, write their tests and compute the grades efficiently. They can promptly address and solve behavioural problems which are normally manifested by their pupils.

Once more, the school is proud to drum beat the benefits of a small class size. In a star-like manner and position, this strength illumines, making the school a happy and bright kiddie world. Its Incorporators, teachers and stakeholders feel great in regards with its topmost power and spirit.  Come and entrust your child to L.A.. Let the child’s starry potential shine forth everyday.

My Bio

It's 2018! Time to change my personal, brand bio for social media. Here it goes- 

Children. Creativity. Connections. 

And a Cup of Coffee.

Did you like it? :)

Why Children? I always think and feel like them. I see the world of children, most especially when I am at our school as Academy Directress. The school's name is Lombosco Academy (Well, distance doesn't matter. Online management is in). The Academy is known as "The Threshold of Academic Excellence and Growth in God's Love." It has a low pupil-teacher ratio; hence, it is literally a "small" but "terrible" school, providing quality education. We are like "David" against all the "Goliaths". We teach not only all the content areas but also we form the children with our time-tested, golden values. We perpetuate the good Filipino ways of raising children but open to cultural shifts.

Creativity comes in. When I'm with children, I'm always fascinated with their bright ideas and remarkable ways to create things. At play, kids produce amazing thoughts and lovely impressions. Their imagination is rich and unlimited. Their spirit is contagious that when I do think of them, and when I interact with them, I also get inspired. Then, I can write a story for them. This is really awesome! Thank God, I'm also a children's book writer. I've already published four books, mostly "easy-reader". Moreover, I have four upcoming books for this year, ending in 8. It's funny to believe that 8 is lucky!

Connections approach me as in heaven-sent appearances in the form of people, things, images, abstraction, perception; and believing they are also ways of enlightenment. This word links the twain notions- children and creativity. The result is building a relationship. It is associating and influencing one another. It is networking. But the bottom line is sharing with the children and their parents, teachers, and guardians value-laden stories. It is creating and impacting changes.

Well, exceptional ideas like these stuff here that I'm writing at the moment pop up when I sip a cup of coffee. How I love its taste... and the aroma! When I smell it, immediately I'd like to begin my day. My thoughts become different and freely flow after having myself a cuppa. I'm fully awake now!

- Lucy Lombos