Presenting for Apple as an Apple Distinguished Educator

The past 10 days have been a whirlwind of activity. I presented on behalf of Apple Asia as an “Apple Distinguished Educator” at the Shangri-La to a diverse audience of educators, superintendents, principals, and owners of universities throughout the Philippines. It went very well, and was a fantastic experience for personal growth. I became an ADE in December, 2007 – in the first group in Asia. What is ADE? “The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) program is a relationship program focusedRead more

2009: A year of change, travel, and adventure

One of my greatest interests in life is to travel, experience, and learn more about other cultures. There’s nothing like soaking up all that a new country has to offer. I feel immensely thankful that my career allows us to travel extensively (always wish it could be more but don’t want to be greedy). 2009 was a year of drastic, yet positive changes with our move from Indonesia to Philippines. Change is what defined this year. 2010 should be moreRead more

Massive fire north of Makati, Manila – November 16, 2009

I looked out my living room window to see this massive blaze north of Makati, Manila. I searched the news and Twitter but didn’t see any reports at all. I took photos and video with the Canon 5D mk II and a 70-200mm + 1.4x teleconverter *Update* – I found the following news article this morning: MANILA – A fire hit a slum area in Mandaluyong City Monday evening and burned an estimated 1,000 homes affecting about 5,000 families. TheRead more

Flying through Typhoon Mirinae (aka Santi)

We’re scheduled to fly from Boracay to Manila tomorrow – exactly when Typhoon Mirinae (known locally as Santi) is scheduled to hit Manila directly. Being new to the whole typhoon thing, we’re unsure as to how dangerous it actually is to fly through one, but it’s not an experience I feel I need to check off my list of things to do. Philippine Airlines has cancelled over 50 domestic and international flights into and out of Manila beginning tonight. OurRead more

In Boracay for a week!

We’re on the stunning island of Boracy, Philippines for the next week, soaking up the sun and enjoying sand as white and powdery as baking flour. Having survived a frantic, fast-paced 3 months in Manila, it was time for a much needed break. After a dozen or more trips to my beloved Bali, it’s tough not to make comparisons to such a magical place. However, with only 8 hours of experience in Boracay, I can confidently admit the beaches hereRead more

Super Typhoon Parma threatens the Philippines – Category 4 could turn to 5

Super Typhoon Parma threatens the Philippines. Less than one week ago, typhoon Ketsana (or Ondoy) devastated Manila and Luzon. Relief work is struggling with the carnage caused by Ketsana. Here’s a fact for you: “At one point, 80% of Manila was under water after experiencing the heaviest rainfall in 40 years.” So when I came across this information, it seems the prospect of another tragedy is increasing. “Super Typhoon Parma intensified dramatically early this morning, forming a tiny “pinhole” eyeRead more