Ikebana Davao's Floral Harmony exhibit

“Ikebana Davao’s Floral Harmony exhibit”
SunStar Davao, April 13, 2024

In honor of Women's Month, the Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 recently delighted visitors with a charming mini exhibit entitled “Floral Harmony” at the Ayala Malls Abreeza.

With a rich history spanning 55 years, the chapter's members share a profound bond centered around their love for the exquisite art of ikebana.

        

Ikebana, the cherished Japanese tradition of floral arrangement, takes on a unique dimension under the skilled hands of these enthusiasts. Unlike conventional flower arranging, ikebana is guided by specific principles of construction, allowing for boundless creativity within defined parameters. Using organic materials such as branches, leaves, grasses, and flowers, the members craft stunning compositions reflecting the harmonious union of nature and human expression.

                  

        

            

The exhibit showcased not only the members' artistic talents but also their deep appreciation for the natural world. Through their meticulous arrangements, they invite viewers to pause and reflect on the intricate beauty found in every leaf and petal.

                 

For the members, ikebana is more than just a hobby—it is a source of endless fascination and joy. Whether they are meticulously arranging branches or delicately placing blossoms, they find solace and fulfillment in the creative process. Each arrangement becomes a testament of their passion and dedication, a labor of love that brings them closer together as a community.

                    

       

Through this devotion to ikebana, the members of the Davao Chapter have not only celebrated Women's Month but also forged enduring bonds of friendship and creativity.

          

    

It continues to uphold the art’s principles and fundamentals through workshops, demonstrations, monthly meetings, and public exhibits.

Cheers to 55 years of friendship through flowers, and to many more to come! 

The Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 will be having a Basic Practice this coming April 20, 2024, that will also be open for non-Ikebana members who are interested to learn Basic Ikebana Arrangements. For slot reservations, please contact Clarice Lu at cellphone number 09177150991.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.

Ayn needs to practice

Ayn Needs to Practice

SunStar Davao, December 9, 2023 

In a world full of digital distractions, where children often find solace in screens, Kaley Ayn Tan, an 11-year-old homeschooler has not only embraced the magic of words but has also woven a literary masterpiece at such a tender age.

The fifth grader is a voracious reader, a talented musician, a graceful ballet dancer, and an aspiring swimmer. With her nose perpetually buried in books, Kaley's journey into the world of literature has been nothing short of inspiring. 

Her literary venture began when she encountered personal challenges while learning to play the violin.  “I was having a hard time practicing so I wanted to write about a girl in my shoes,” says the young author.

Kaley then embarked on a two-week journey of penning her first book, a poignant narrative that speaks to the hearts of those who have faced the uphill battle of mastering an art.

The process was not without its challenges. While the story unfolded in just weeks, the intricate illustrations that breathed life into the story demanded a dedicated year of Kaley's artistic commitment. Her art teacher, Emman Mariategue, played a pivotal role in refining and perfecting the visual elements of her book, “Ayn Needs to Practice”.

                  

Sky’s the limit for books

Kaley's love for literature was nurtured from her earliest days.

“We read to Kaley since she was a newborn even if she did not understand. When she started crawling and walking, every night at bedtime she would bring us her board books and make us read them,” recalls mom Keryl.

               

As she grew, Keryl and her husband Wayne got tired of reading long books so they introduced listening to podcasts. Their bedtime book reads slowly turned into listening to stories from Spotify.

“Ever since our kids were little, our standing rule when we go to malls is ‘no buying of toys’ but ‘sky’s the limit for books’. We also have a no TV on a weekday rule, so our kids would have to look elsewhere to entertain themselves. Kaley gravitated towards books,” shares Keryl.

                  

Kaley’s literary influences are as diverse as her interests. From the timeless charm of "Goodnight Moon" to the empowering tales of "Omar Rising" and the classic brilliance of "Little Women," Kaley's bookshelf is a testament to her varied tastes and profound appreciation for the written word. She also enjoys the world of comics such as “Archie”, “Big Nate”, and the delightful escapades of “Phoebe and her Unicorn”.

Follow your child’s lead

Homeschooled since the age of seven under the Tech Bju Program of Homeschool Global, Kaley's education has been a combination of creativity and academics. With an English curriculum that seamlessly integrates writing into every other chapter, Kaley has had the opportunity to explore various writing styles and literary forms.

                   

For parents aspiring to nurture the same creative flame, Keryl offers a golden nugget of advice: “Follow your child's lead. Recognize and encourage the inherent passion within them.”

“No matter how much we push, if the child has no interest, then nothing will come out of it. In our case, Kaley loved reading and has always “published” books by stapling bond papers together and selling them to us. We saw the fire in her and we wanted to keep that fire burning that’s why we really helped her get her first book published. Be ready to shell out a bit of money as we did,” says Keryl.

                   

Recently, Kaley had a successful book launch at the Poblacion Market Central. Aside from her family and friends, her special guests included students of Anytime Music and her Homeschool Global Davao community.

Kaley’s book was published through the Publish on Demand self-publishing platform of Central Books Publishing. Her books are available at Rooke and Reese and Fruits and Trees. A limited number of books will also be available for order through Kaley Ayn Tan’s Facebook page.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.

SMADAA Family Fund Run 2023

"SMADAA Family Fund Run 2023"
SunStar Davao, November 18, 2023

The Stella Maris Academy of Davao Alumni Association (SMADAA) recently geared up for a spectacular event that was more than just a run. It was a celebration of 70 glorious years of their beloved alma mater.

The SMADAA Family Fund Run 2023 was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of friendly competition, all in the name of supporting Tahanan Candida Maria de Jesus and the SMAD Shepherd Community in Sitio Elian.

                           

                        

                 

                   

                  

“The theme is clear: we run for fun, but more importantly, we run to make a difference. As Marisians, it is not just about completing the race; it is about coming together as a community to support those in need. The spirit of giving back is alive and well, and the Family Fund Run is the perfect embodiment of this commitment,” says SMADAA president Sharmila Barretto-Ong.

                 

                            

                         

                       

                       

                      

                     

                       

She shares that the Family Fund Run is not just a race; it's a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and relive the cherished memories of their school days.

The event offered a variety of race categories to suit every fitness level. Whether one was a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely run with family, there was a perfect category for them. The 3K Family Run, 5K Fun Run, and 10K Fun Run promised not only a physical challenge but also a great time for participants of all ages.

The top finishers for the 3K male were 1^st place: Eliezer Carinosa; 2^nd place: Mark James Agudo; and 3^rd place: Fritz Cabanig. For the 3K female category, 1^st place: Mary Cabunce; 2^nd place: Nickaela Bartolo; and 3^rd place: Grace Cabunoc.

On the other hand, for the 5K male category, 1^st place: Kyle Cayog; 2^nd place: Roberto Cain; and 3^rd place: Abraham Cabanig. Meanwhile, the 5k female top finishers included 1^st place: Diana Mae Memoracion; 2^nd place: Hazel Paspe; and 3^rd place Joana Gonzales.

Finally, the 10K finishers for the male were 1^st place: Fritz Lantaco; 2^nd place: Elmer Bartolo; and 3^rd place  Lloyd Malinao. For the female category, 1^st place: Madelyn Carter; 2^nd place: Virginia Tumapon; and 3^rd place: Reschel Ko.

“Among are many proud sponsors are Marisians and their families, demonstrating that the Marisian spirit endures long after graduation. Their contribution exemplifies the commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the values instilled by our alma mater,” says Sharmila.

                    

                          

SMADAA wishes to thank their gold sponsors: Kar Asia, Inc., Standard Insurance Co., Inc., and Kore Development Corporation; silver sponsors: Davao Partsman Sales Corporation, Sonic Gameworkx, SMAD 1996, Diversion Surplus Center, SMAD 2001, and SMAD 2003; and bronze sponsors: Karpentrade, Inc., Oceanpro, SMAD 1998, Panadero, Sunfresh Agricultural Ventures, Davao Farms, Mahayag Farms, Unifrutti Philippines, Inc., Eurobaker, Davao City Water District, and 8Telcom, Inc.

We share photos by DB Photography and Design.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.