All aboard Nikki's party boat

“All aboard Nikki’s party boat"

Sun.Star Davao, March 3, 2012

You could say that Katherine Nicole Uy Calixto’s journey in her teen life has been a smooth sailing one so far.

Nikki, as she is fondly called by her family and friends, graduated as valedictorian in both her elementary and high school years at the 

Stella Maris Academy of Davao.

Living a well-balanced life, Nikki also held the important position of Girl Scout Representative and Council Member, and consistently served the Student Council all throughout high school and was in fact elected President in her graduating year. Not to lack in spiritual enhancement, Nikki was also deeply enriched by her active involvement in the 

Filipino-Chinese Catholic Youth (FCCY).

Besides these academic competitions and trainings, Nikki found fulfilment in doing other worthwhile hobbies such as being part of the swimming and basketball varsity team of her school.

Moreover, writing is also one of Nikki’s strongest passions. She joined and placed in a number of regional and national press conferences in and out of Davao and was chosen as the Editor-in-Chief of their school paper.

“I’ve always kept myself busy with activities that did not only hone my academic skills but, more importantly, made me a better person”, shares Nikki who is currently an Ateneo de Manila University freshman studying for a degree in BS Management Engineering

Nautical preppy

Nikki recently celebrated her 18^th birthday party in a very novel way—on board LCT The Venue Party Boat.

“Growing up in this beautiful city of Davao and loving and missing everything about it, I decided to spend my most significant birthday here---where my home and heart is!”, smiles Nikki.

With only two weeks to prepare, Nikki’s very supportive Davao-based family: dad, Coca-Cola executive Jiggs Calixto; businesswoman-mom Irene; and younger siblings Issa and Gian, worked doubly hard to make sure that Nikki’s coming of age party reflected a stylish nautical preppy theme.

“Issa, together with my Mama, created nautical-inspired invitations patterned after a real boarding pass. From the abaca rope down to the life preserver details, the invites truly depicted the party theme”, gushes Nikki. “I’m truly blessed to have such an artistically endowed sister!”, she exclaims.

MV Nikki

At the Samal Ferry Wharf, fire dancers, with their heart-pumping moves, thrilled the guests as they excitedly boarded the boat expecting a magical and unforgettable evening.

Donning their chic nautical preppy-themed attires, Nikki’s family and friends gamely posed at the photo booth brought on board by Davao’s top photographer Bob Mata. Blue and red Nikki lifesavers were the souvenir pictures’ background theme.

The boat’s air-conditioned first deck, which served as the main dining area, was bedecked with white, royal and aqua blue-colored balloons, table centerpiece, flower arrangements and backdrop.

The debutante’s elegant four-layer fondant cake and cupcakes carried the nautical theme as well with shell and starfish accents, and lifesavers.

“Our party host Don Gonzales took charge of the songs to be played for the 18 roses and instead of the usual waltz music, he changed it to 18 different modern songs for a more youthful vibe”, Nikki says.

Participants in the traditional 18 Roses were Darren Lester Pedronio, Kyru Cabading, Moses Cam, Jeremy John Lu, Gio Maniwan, Ray Calope, Harry Bolingot, Jann Mason Chan, James Laurence Yap, Jose Angelo Ostique, Ralph Lu, Kenn Kelvin Te, Jance Go, Aldrin Fernandez, Cedie Batu, Aleandre Racillo, Gian Carlo Calixto and Miguel Mempin. Dad Jiggs Calixto was Nikki’s final dance.

On the other hand, the 18 Candles was composed of Sandreana Laraine Chan, Alyssa Lim, Mariejan May Acosta, Mariel Baruis, Rem Almira Liu, Hannah Stephanie Tiu, Angeli Lupase, Tiara Beatriz Samson, Seline Katrina Co, Herica Samantha Tiu, Erika Joyce Rollo, Carla Manajero, Pia Isabella Bernardo, Maria Luisa Adriatico, Camila Noelle Yamas and Isabella Camille Calixto.

Good friends Katrina Robyn Bangayan and Ana Batiller who are studying in Manila, but were also part of the 18 Candles sent their birthday greetings via video for their beloved schoolmate.

Lighting the unity candle, which symbolized lighting Nikki’s way to life and adulthood, was mom Irene. In her speech, the hands-on mom said that “she couldn’t ask for anything more but be especially proud of her daughter who has grown up to be good-hearted, beautiful and intelligent”. She wished Nikki all good things and ardently hoped that she reached her dreams.

New voyage

After the sumptuous dinner, the party guests moved to the second and third decks of the boat for a special treat on a special night with overflowing drinks and live band entertainment.

As the boat cruised along Davao Gulf, everyone marveled at the magnificent view of distant city lights while enjoying the cool and relaxing sea breeze and star-filled sky.

Nikki’s friends had a grand time serenading the darling debutante with their favorite songs while the dynamic FCCY group presented a medley of fast-paced dance moves from various eras.

Leading the well-applauded toast and speech for the celebrant was Joey Mempin, a longtime family friend of the Calixtos. Joey said that the boat venue was quite fitting for 

Nikki’s 18^th birthday as she was also embarking on “a new voyage of sorts into adulthood”.

“Now the captain or skipper of the boat will no longer be your parents but you; although, you are not in total control just yet until you’re fully independent”, reminded Joey.

In an equally touching speech, dad Jiggs advised his eldest daughter not to worry too much about what other people say. “As long as you know deep in your heart what you’re doing is right, in the end, it’s always between you and God”.

Capping the enchanting night was the send-off of 50 multi-hued floating lanterns, an Asian tradition commemorating milestones as well as “hopes for a peaceful and harmonious future”.

With Nikki starting to chart her own course and the constant support of family and friends, the future undoubtedly looks bright and promising for this young achiever.

Bon voyage, Nikki!

My sincerest thanks to Bob Mata for the fabulous party photos.

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

Wonder kid writes for a cause

“Wonder kid writes for a cause”

Sun. Star Davao, Feb. 18, 2012

At thirteen year of age, Scott Lee Chua is such an admirable model kid.

A Grade Seven student at Xavier School in Greenhills (Manila), Scott is a consistent first honor student who loves a cornucopia of subjects from math, science, literature, arts, history, music, travel and even magic.

Like his multi-hyphenated mom, Dr. Queena Lee-Chua who is an award-winning author, Phil. Daily Inquirer columnist, psychologist, and Ateneo de Manila Ph.D. professor, Scott is fascinated with complicated mathematical concepts and has the extraordinary ability to explain them in simpler and more understandable terms.

Because of this amazing gift, Scott has been invited to do Math Magic shows and Math Singapore model approach lectures for students, parents and teachers and has represented his school in national and international math competitions, reaping various awards and medals.

Not only does Scott adore numbers, he is a voracious reader and gifted writer as well whose latest achievement is being one of the two youngest winners in the history of the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Junior adventurer

Scott’s passion for writing started when he was in Prep. The professed Dr. Seuss fan would creatively draw and write his own superhero comic books, which his proud parents would print and give to close friends and relatives as personalized Christmas gifts. By Grade 1, his poem, “Freedom”, was published in the “Junior Inquirer”. His travel articles have also appeared in the “Philippine Daily Inquirer” and “Working Mom” magazine.

His innate writing ability did not go unnoticed by Karina Bolasco, the head of Anvil Publishing. In 2006, Karina asked Scott to do children’s books after seeing his travel diaries. He was invited repeatedly to write for the respected publishing house in 2007 and 2008.

But, it was only in 2009, at the time that his grandfather, Dr. William Lee, passed away, that Scott decided to accept the offer. In 2010, he launched his children’s travels books, “Top Ten Travels in Tokyo; Kuala Lumpur; and New Zealand” in honor of his beloved grandfather.

In his book, he writes, “I started traveling when I was six years old, and I have not stopped since. Mom and Dad love to visit spots and learn about other cultures, and I have inherited this from them”.

However, Scott and his parents do not travel the way other people do. They refrain from joining package tours unless necessary, because they dislike hurrying through wonderful places.

“We want to set our own pace, and linger in spots that we love. We also don’t like to shop, because we prefer to eat new foods, learn new skills, and try out new activities. These are what make travels memorable”, Scott enthuses.

Top Ten Pinoy Travels

“My travel books on Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and New Zealand inspired many kids to visit these thrilling destinations”, the young writer shares.

Despite his foreign travels, Scott heartily shares that he believes that the Philippines is still one of the most beautiful countries with numerous sites waiting for him to tell the whole world. So, for his next writing project, he decided to focus on travels in his homeland. Thus, the “Top Ten Pinoy Travels” featuring Davao, Cebu and Manila was launched in September 2011.

Scott and his supportive parents have a special and soft spot for Davao. Dr. Queena’s best friend since grade school, Julie Tiu (who also happens to be Scott’s godmother) married a Dabawenyo and is currently based here.

With the same enjoyable format as his previous travel series, Scott’s new set of books is perfect for junior adventurers. The amusing and easy-to-read descriptions (both in English and Filipino) highlight the author’s recommended must-see local places. It is also colorfully presented with playful illustrations by graphic artist Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao. Oftentimes, Scott is portrayed in the artwork with his signature blue umbrella.

Writing for a cause

During Scott’s talk and book signing with mom, Dr. Queena, recently at the National Book Store Abreeza, he discussed the topic, “How I Wrote a Book: If I Could Do It, So Could You!”. His mom, on the other hand, engaged the audience with her extensive knowledge on “How to Raise Star Students”.

The day before, Scott was also invited by the Davao Christian High School (DCHS) to give a talk on “Writing for Life” to selected students.

He encouraged the DCHS students to keep on reading. “Read lots of books of all sorts, especially award-winning books. They are only boring if you don’t understand them”, the only child explains.

In the same manner, Scott advises budding writers to “write as much as you can”. He reminds them not to be afraid to be cold as ice towards their story. Learn how to “edit, edit, edit!”.

Scott emphasizes that the youth has a powerful voice; and that they can effectively express themselves by being “entertaining, humorous and witty”. This was how he wrote his piece, “Of Pixels and Power”, which won 2^nd place in the Kabataan Essay Division of the Palanca Awards.

This early, Scott utilizes his voice for a worthy purpose opting to donate both his P5,000 Palanca prize money and proceeds of his published books to the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Technical and Vocational High School. It is a Manila-based school for disadvantaged youth which Xavier School adopted two years ago. His generous donation will help the needy students to purchase food, supplies and other necessities.

A wonder kid with a big heart, Scott indeed lives by his favorite line from the Spiderman movie, “With great power comes great responsibility”.

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

(Photo of Scott in Grade 1 courtesy of Xavier School's website)

Cais wins gold at int'l. math tilt

“Cais wins gold at int’l. math tilt”
Sun.Star Davao, Aug. 20, 2011

Twelve-year old Azriel Cais Tan Baluyut made Dabawenyos proud when he recently grabbed a gold medal at the Seventh International Mathematics Contest (SIMC) held in Singapore.

Cais, an outstanding Grade 6 student of the Davao Christian High School (DCHS), was among the 13 Filipino students who won gold at the prestigious math competition.

The Philippines won 82 medals (including 25 silver and 44 bronze medals) earning third place in the overall ranking of the said contest. This is, by far, the “highest medal haul by the country in an international math competition this year”, a national newspaper reported. 

Ranking first in the overall medal tally was China, followed by South Korea. The Philippines had 123 participants while China sent the biggest delegation at 467.

A total of 865 elementary and high school students competed in the contest, which was participated by 10 countries, namely: China, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Fascinated with Math

While other students automatically pick out Math as their least favorite subject, it is an interestingly different case with Cais. He is absolutely fascinated with Math.

“I enjoy Math because of the challenge”, declares Cais with a boyish grin. One of his mentors, Oscar Honorario of the Rigid Math Program and a well-respected Math teacher at the DCHS, observes that the one thing that really stands out with Cais is that “if he is faced with a difficult problem, he will not quit until he solves it”.

Noticing their son’s keen interest in Math, Cais’ ever supportive parents, Angel and Charmaine, sought out possible activities to further enhance his Math skills. They let him train at the highly acclaimed Mathematics Trainers’ Guild.

According to its website, “The Mathematics Trainers’ Guild (MTG)-Philippines was organized in 1995 to help the Philippine Government particularly the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (now Department of Education) uplift the standard of mathematics education and training in the country”.

Among the MTG’s objectives are to: “search for, encourage and challenge mathematically gifted pupils and students to reach their fullest potential; develop, initiate, direct and supervise an intensive and comprehensive training program to supplement and enrich the existing mathematics curriculum and programs; assist public and private schools in identifying, sponsoring and assisting gifted students and their trainers to participate in regional and international competitions, among others”.

Preparation is the key

When Cais qualified for the MTG’s initial training in Naga City for the SIMC, Angel and Charmaine were quite hesitant, at first, to let him join. “Other parents were telling us that the training was really gruelling and tough. Aside from the initial training in Naga, Cais also had six weeks of training in Manila during the summer break where he trained from 9am-4pm, Monday to Saturday”, Charmaine narrates.

After much reflection, the family finally allowed Cais to attend the intensive out-of-town training. Since it was their son’s first time to be away from his family and home, he was expectedly homesick. Thankfully, this went away as he started to focus and enjoy the training and even met more new friends. He later became known as the funny kid of the group for his constant jokes.“Upon his return to Davao, MTG would send reviewers over the internet since he couldn't attend the reviewer classes held on weekends in Manila. So, we sought out the help of DCHS English Principal Ma'am Franelli Pableo who immediately informed his Math teacher, Ma'am May Salang, to assist him after class hours”, Charmaine discloses.

“We really appreciate and are grateful for the help and support of his school, Ma'am Frane, Ma'am May, and Sir Oca”, the mompreneur acknowledges.

Charmaine recalls that when Cais came out from the SIMC, he was not very confident that he will get gold. His parents assured him though to just do his very best and pray.

“During the SIMC’s closing ceremony, Cais even felt sleepy and told his dad that he will take a nap. But, when his name was called, his dad got surprised and woke him up. Cais stood up, half-dazed, not knowing what to do or where to go. It was when he went to the stage when he realized that he got gold. He was all smiles, of course, and oh so happy of his accomplishment!”, Charmaine beams with pride.

Well-rounded kid

Apart from Math, Cais’ favorite subjects are Science and Computer Technology. He has always been taught to study first before playing. “This holds true also on weekends, study before play”, Charmaine emphasizes.

But before one gets the impression that it is all work and no play for Cais, Charmaine is quick to point out that she and her husband consciously let Cais and his younger sister, six-year old Amaris Caitlin, do physical activities like swimming and biking so they don’t turn out to become “all geeky”.

Just recently, Amaris was the most bemedalled in her age group (6 years and below) during the 8^th Languyan sa Kadayawan Interschool Swim Competition held at the Ladislawa Garden Village Clubhouse. Amaris won 3 gold medals for butterfly, breast stroke and freestyle as well as 1 silver medal for backstroke in her age category.

Aside from swimming and biking, Cais’ myriad of hobbies and interests include fishing, playing electronic games and making web pages and PowerPoint slide presentations. He also plays the drums, piano, flute and violin.

After being personally tutored by Charmaine for up to the 5^th grade, Cais now studies by himself at school and at home before going to his swim training. “Soon enough, his homeschool curriculum with Christian Liberty Academy will arrive and he will have to deal with that as well”, reveals Charmaine.

Conquering math phobia

Cais’ advice for students who fear Math is to let them try to solve the math problems first. “If you still don’t understand them, consult a teacher, parent or friend”, he encourages.

Charmaine adds that it is really difficult when a child has established a fear of math as a foundation. “It really takes a good math teacher to reverse this. However, early on, parents should encourage their children by example and get them to join activities and programs that would help them know more about the subject matter. This also goes with other subjects such as English or Science. Preparation is really the key”, advises Charmaine, an 

Ateneo de Manila University graduate.

Cais learned an essential lesson during his SIMC experience and that is “if you try and try, you will surely be rewarded”.

The well-rounded kid has joined several local math competitions before and placed 3^rd or 4^th and, sometimes, none at all. But, these did not deter him from joining even more challenging contests.

“We kept on encouraging Cais to keep on trying. It is not the winning that is important (although it makes the effort worth it), but it is the process of how you get there”, Charmaine imparts.

As parents, Angel and Charmaine believe that they are very much responsible for the further development and enhancement of the talents of their children. “It is the very purpose why has God entrusted to us their individual lives and assigned them to a unique pair of parents”, Charmaine reflects.

Cais, the award-winning Math whiz, is indeed blessed to have hands-on parents who show their ‘incalculable’ love and ‘immeasurable’ support in ‘countless’ ways!

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

Solar-power + youthful energy = Sikat

"Solar power + youthful energy = Sikat"

Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 6, 2010

They dreamed, believed and dared.

The impressive performance of the Philippines’ first ever solar-powered car, “Sinag” (Rays of the Sun), inspired the De La Salle University (DLSU)-Manila engineering students and teachers to design and create its ‘faster and more furious’ successor, “Sikat” (Sunrise).

Sinag finished 12^th among 20 competing teams during the 2007 World Solar Car Challenge in Australia, beating cars from other first world countries like Canada and France.

Recently, the 10-member delegation of the Sikat team visited the city as part of its momentous 50-day tour across the Philippines. Sikat had an exhibit at the SM City Davao’s atrium. Afterwards, it had a campus tour at Ateneo De Davao University and University of Mindanao.

The road show’s objective is to make Filipinos aware of the important use of solar energy. In addition, it was a good avenue to prepare the dynamic team for the 2011 World Solar Car Challenge in Australia.

I was privileged to have dinner with the Sikat team during our get-together with fellow De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA)-Davao chapter members last week.

The Manila-based group was headed by DLSU engineering faculty members Engr. Jack Catalan (assistant project leader), Martin Kalaw, Ingko Marfori and Byron Omboy with DLSU engineering students Anna Liza Mauhay, Carl Mamawal, Jeffrey Yu, Danver Panganiban, Jonathan Go and Sidney Quinia.

Touted as the “improved version of Sinag”, it took thirty one students and teachers of DLSU’s Mechanical and Electronics and Communications Engineering Departments six months to finish Sikat, in partnership with the Philippine Solar Car Society Inc.

The ground-breaking project is strongly supported by De La Salle University-Manila, Sunpower Corp., Ford Philippines, Pilipinas Shell, Motolite, First Gen, Adphoto, Air21, Alternergy, MTV Philippines, SM Supermalls, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, U-Freight, and WWF.

“The smaller and sleeker Sikat features intensified power, higher level of performance and new aerodynamic properties. Sikat shows what the youth can do and points out that there is much to do in the academe in creating more clean energy sources”, shared Dean Dr. Pag-asa Gaspillo of the DLSU College of Engineering in a previous interview.

After our intimate dinner, the DLSAA members excitedly dropped by the University of Mindanao to see Sikat for ourselves.

The sight of the actual masterpiece made our jaws drop. I’ve read a review that described Sikat’s design as comparable to a “flat jet aircraft”.

We were informed by the team that “Sikat’s body is made of lightweight carbon fiber which is utilized by F1 car models”. Compared to its predecessor, Sikat weighs 100 kilograms lighter and can outrun Sinag’s highest speed of 112 kph.

New generation sun power cells encapsulated the car’s top surface. The solar cells were supplied by “Sunpower, a company that provides the highest efficiency solar cells in the world. The solar cells are manufactured in Laguna where hundreds of thousands of cells are exported to other countries”.

Sikat’s components and materials cost P5 million. It has been made to harness the power of the sun and convert it into energy. Solar panels on the car’s surface recharge energy when exposed to sunlight thereby eliminating the need for fossil fuels.

No doubt, Sikat is a testament to the Filipinos’ ingenuity, concern for the environment and global competitiveness.

Although it may take decades before such a solar-powered car will be available in the market, Sikat is literally a shining example of what the Filipino youth can do if they dreamed, believed and dared.

Solar power + youthful energy = SIKAT...ANIMO LA SALLE!

Special thanks to Diana Debbie Liu and Bong Canete for the photos.

E-mail mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.