In my previous blogs, I shared the preparations leading up to the recent Barangay and SK Election held on October 30, 2023. Specifically, I served as a Poll Clerk for the Commission on Elections during this election. From attending seminars and workshops to the actual election day, I highlighted our preparation process for the event. The Commission on Election offers different honoraria for various roles, and distribution of these payments occurred on Saturday. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to work obligations, so I made a trip on Monday to claim my honorarium. The journey involved a three to four-hour ride on a public utility vehicle from Cebu City to Tabogon.
The fare is two hundred pesos and I opted to ride a van rather than a bus because it is faster and more convenient for me because I had time to catch. I went here right after my shift at work and I have to go back here again in Cebu City right after some important errand : to get my honorarium at the Comelec on Election - Tabogon.
I will walk you through my way heading home.
Caduawan,Tabogon,Northern Cebu, Philippines (6009)
I stopped by at Caduawan Brgy. Hall, Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu where my hometown is. I have to get my motorcycle as it is what my means of transportation going to Tabogon. This is the old barangay court that we used to have before it was renovated.
This is the Caduawan Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel. This is where the Holy masses here in our barangay are held.
This is the Caduawan Covered Court. It has a basketball court inside, the barangay health center and the barangay day care center. Our barangay by the way is secured by cctv cameras, which makes it more safer.
Now this is the new Caduawan Multi-Purpose Building where the barangay and the session hall is. This is also where the office of the barangay captain, barangay Secretary and barangay treasurer is located. The building is well designed and well maintained. There are CCTV Cameras all over and the building is fully air-conditioned.
This is our garage. It is where my motorcycle and my helmets are. The building was previously a Sari store, but now it's used as a garage. Originally, it was a small convenience store, but it eventually closed due to the our busy schedules. After acquiring a motorcycle, we converted the space into a garage, which is now secured with a lock on the main gate. The garage is equipped with electricity and a faucet for cleaning my motorcycle and storing all necessary equipment including helmets.
Welcome to my humble abode! This is our home and I was greeted by my pet on my way heading towards home. He was so happy to see me just as I was so happy as well to see him. One thing I love about owning a pet is getting home from wherever and your pet welcomes you with so many kisses and cuddles. It is indeed a stress reliever. It was a fine sunny day and the weather was so fine. Just look at those clouds. Nothing feels better than coming home after a very stressful week. Regardless if I am here just for a day, it still makes me so happy. Let's not deny the fact that the province's life is much better than the city's life. A lot of trees and plants surround you, and you will hear the chirping of the birds, and everything is just so peaceful and relaxing. This is my hometown, Caduawan, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines.
I went home to get my motorcycle and some forms I needed to fill out to claim my BSKE2023 honorarium. I then headed to Tabogon.
Motorcycle and helmet ready. Time to head to Tabogon. As a responsible driver, I make sure to have my driver's license with me, my updated registration for my motorcycle, and always wear a helmet when riding. Even when going to rural areas without checkpoints, I prioritize my safety by wearing the helmet.
Look at the scorching heat of the sun! I had to stop to wear my sun glasses and jacket. It’s gonna be a twenty to thirty-minute motorcycle ride so I have to secure a sunglass and a jacket.
Mesmerizing Tabogon!♡
One of my favorite ways to relieve stress is to hit the road on my motorcycle. The best part about having a motorcycle is that you can pull over wherever you want to capture the beauty of your surroundings. On my way to the Tabogon Commission On Election Office, I snapped some photos of the stunning views surrounding the beautiful Tabogon, a charming small town in the northern Cebu, Philippines. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves - Tabogon, truly is a gorgeous place, don't you think?
Commission On Election Office - Tabogon, Northern Cebu, Philippines
I received my honorarium as a poll clerk during the BSKE2023 (Barangay and SK Election 2023 held last October 30,2023) today at the Commission on Election Tabogon Office. Some public school teachers were also there to claim theirs. The honoraria was originally released last Saturday, but I couldn't make it due to work. I guess the other teachers had their own errands to attend to which is why they couldn't make it on the original release date as well. Finally getting paid made me happy and I felt like my hard work paid off.
Being a poll clerk during the barangay and SK election was quite challenging. We had to report to the polling station early in the morning and stayed there until the next morning. Our primary responsibility was to ensure that every vote counted and was secure. It's a tough job that demands dedication and attention to detail. Therefore, the Commission On Election indeed considered providing adequate compensation to the electoral board for the hard work. We feel appreciated indeed!
I had so many realizations while I was waiting for my honoraria. I came out from work, did not have any sleep, and came straight here to Tabogon just to get my pay. After I get my pay, I will go back to the city and work later right after I travel; did I get enough rest? No! Am I hustling double? Yes indeed!
It's true that adulting can hit hard when money becomes a challenge. With the rising prices of everything due to inflation, it's important to find extra sources of income. While sustaining your needs and wants is crucial, having a side hustle can provide that extra cushion. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to become a poll clerk for the upcoming elections. Not only will I be able to contribute to the community, but I'll also receive good compensation for my efforts. And once that paycheck arrives, all the stress and fatigue will be worth it. It's all about valuing every drop of water you carry and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
I then headed back home after I got my honorarium. I passed by a local gasoline station and had my motorcycle filled up with gasoline. Every motorcycle owner’s happiness is always getting a full tank of gas. It is my happiness as well.
After returning my motorcycle in our garage, I then waited for the bus and headed back to Cebu City. Just another three to four-hour travel. I have work later at 5:00 pm. Time to take a nap. Ciao!☺︎♡